by Adam Silvera
Scott County Library hardcover 368 pages
genre: YA dystopian
I saw a student at NPMS reading this and made note of it. I don't read as much YA (Young Adolescent) lit as I used to . . . but this one was distressing. The premise is that an entity (DeathCast) knows what day people will die and they receive a call informing them of their death day. There's an entire industry that caters to the "Deckers" who have less than 24 hours to live.
Though this premise is never really explained, the focus on one's last day and how to spend it was really sad to me. Obviously, they conclude that relationships are more important than the things we spend most of our lives doing and thinking about. But I still thought the characters' journey made this a depressing and empty book.
The jacket blurb calls it "Uplifting and devastating, charming and haunting," but I think it's bleak and awful. I don't think I could recommend it to any teen readers I know and care about. I may need to go back and read my review of Daniel Ehrenhaft's 10 Things to Do Before I Die . . . because it had a similar premise (without the omnipotent entity that actually told you your death day) and I have a more positive memory of that book.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
One More River to Cross
by Jane Kirkpatrick
Scott County Library paperback 330 pages, plus author's notes
genre: Christian historical fiction
Kirkpatrick does an amazing job of researching an historical event and writing a fascinating story around its players. In this one, a group of California-bound pioneers try crossing the Sierra Nevada and encounter difficulties galore. This group made the attempt the year before the doomed Donner Party. (In fact, some of the Donners used a cabin built by the Stephens-Murphy-Townsend company.)
I hadn't read the book before book club, so didn't have much to add to the conversation. Below are the plethora of pages I tagged with some thoughts and observations. Overall, this was a very engaging read. There are a LOT of different characters. Right when I started it and saw the listing of names, relationships, etc. I realized it would be a challenge to keep everyone straight. She did an excellent job of differentiating, but I generally prefer stories where I identify strongly with characters and don't have to work as hard to remember who's who! The text below may contain *SPOILERS* and / or be boring to those who've not read the book. :-)
Flyleaf - She has this quote from Mary Anne Radmacher: "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is that little voice that at the end of the day says 'I'll try again tomorrow.'"I love this!
Page 35 - "It was at the evening camp and Capt took out his journal from his saddlebages. He always reread what he'd written." This isn't especially profound, but I am a huge fan of journaling! I don't write as often as I used to, but it is wonderful to read the thoughts and feelings one experienced in a different point in life. Some of the most amazing "stories" throughout history have been recorded by someone and now we can appreciate them. This made me wonder if we would get to read some of Capt's journal later in the story.
Page 49 - "'I'm the mother of five. Fun isn't necessarily in my basket of essentials.'" - This reply by Ailbe to the comment that "She needs a little fun" made me laugh! Mothers can be so very down-to-earth.
Page 63 - "We should have joined them. She shook her head. What's done is done. Sometimes she thought of her life as a thin, scratchy book held between the bookends of fear and regret and fear. She needed to rewrite that book, make it sturdier. And find new bookends for sure." Mary Sullivan is a strong and determined young woman. The language in this description of her life (or her perception of her life) doesn't match with how I imagined her, but I liked it just the same.
Page 79 - "She hated it that he only seemed to pay attention to what she was feeling when she lost control and cried. Crying made her weak in his eyes so he could 'lift her up' rather than speak to her as another adult to come to some grown-up resolution." Sarah did get on my nerves at times, but her newlywed husband Allen was a total jerk.
Page 89 - "'Something haunts your brother,' Beth said. 'He carries anger, swallows it, licks his lips without knowing he is eating himself. He is in need of laughter. He doesn't know what wealth lies within it. Be patient with him.'" Beth is one of the most lovely and loving characters. The relationship between Ellen and her brother Daniel is one that develops throughout the story. I appreciate it!
Page 92 -"She nodded, acceptance settling like a threadbare cloak over her shoulders: it offered comfort but without the warmth. The real treasure was this moment when she felt loved and cared for more than she had since the day they'd married. She guessed it would be her anniversary gift." I really liked that first sentence. Again, Allen is not a very impressive husband. Poor Sarah!
Page 98 - I love when Mary grabs the ox and just goes! Capt wants her brother John to lead, but she's ready to GO. I can relate. I see a lot of myself in Mary.
Page 116 - When the women are sharing their stories, Mary has a new perspective. "Maybe carrying on despite grief was a hidden gift." Sometimes our perception of "gifts" misses some things out of the ordinary.
Page 139 - "It was the least she could do to honor the being that gave them nourishment." This made me think of Mari's mom Rita and her prayers over meals.
Page 140 - "Don't tell me what I've done or not correctly." This made me laugh! Husbands should handle pregnant wives with kid gloves! I was as contrary as can be when I was pregnant.
Page 165 - "He'd gotten crankier on this journey, while Mr. Hitchcock - in his late sixties - had gotten more jovial. Maybe it didn't matter how many years you had but how well you carried them." Such truth in this! When my dad was so negative and complained about everything, I made myself think about the choices I was making in terms of my attitude and communication. I want to carry my years well . . .
Page 172 - "If not, I trust God is with us whatever choice we make. . . . . Truth is, I'd rather be happy than right." I love Ailbe! She has a good attitude and recognizes that God is in control.
Page 181 - When Ellen talks to Daniel about how the fire in the mercantile got started, I was a bit taken aback . . . She saw cowardice in herself; I see complicity.
Page 192-3 - I love how Daniel and Ellen come to understand one another better and develop a much stronger and healthier brother / sister relationship. This was one of my favorite aspects of the story. The "Horseback Party" was a smaller group and had a more engaging storyline.
Page 205 - When Capt sweet talks Dr. Townsend into pushing on . . . pure genius. It does highlight Townsend's ego,t hough.
Page 218 - "Land is free in Oregon. We just take it from the Indians." Ugh. It's a fictionalized version of a real person saying this (Allen talking to his wife Sarah.) . . . but knowing that it represents some people's true opinions AND actions historically . . . just makes me mad / sad.
Page 220 - "We're having to remake ourselves." Sarah says this to Mary as they talk about taking apart a wool sweater to re-knit it and how it's like they are remaking themselves due to the hardships they're experiencing. It's wonderful that we can transform and don't have to get into a rut.
Page 241 - "It must be made American, taken for Americans, held by Americans." Sutter is trying to convince the men to ride to war instead of going back to rescue the rest of their party. Historically, there were battles to "hold" the West . . . but this reminded me of current-day "America First" rhetoric. I prefer to look at humanity more globally.
Page 260 - "Guess when you find success in something, all the pain getting there gets washed away." This is often true. Hardship mellows (if not goes away completely) when you've achieved your goal.
Page 290 - "Com once meant 'the exchange of burdens.' And union means 'together.' I guess when we are joined together in a gathering, we share our troubles. Or should." I love that definition for communion! And Sarah and Mary also talk about it in terms of marriage. The exchange of burdens together.
Page 296 - "Why was it that the food of goodness was often seasoned with guilt?" It's an interesting metaphor. I like words that make me think.
Page 332 - In the author's notes, she included this line that surprised me. "The decision by the men to become conscripted before sending rescue continues to baffle historians and others, including me. I'm hopeful that my explanation rings true." It was one of those odd moments while reading the book - why on earth would the men be persuaded to ride to war instead of rescuing their wives and children??? But as an author, she was being true to the history! That's what they did.
Page 337 - Also author notes - "A room in the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum in Sunnyvale, California, is devoted to the Murphy family." Cool! I need to visit museums more. I love this stuff!
Page 339 - "Their feats are overshadowed by the Donner Party disaster. It's my hope that this story might celebrate the honor of self-sacrifice, the wisdom of working together, and the power of persevering through community and faith." This is one of the big reasons I appreciate Jean Kirkpatrick. I've heard of the Donner party and their cannibalism. I'd never before heard of this group that made the same trip successfully the year before them.
Scott County Library paperback 330 pages, plus author's notes
genre: Christian historical fiction
Kirkpatrick does an amazing job of researching an historical event and writing a fascinating story around its players. In this one, a group of California-bound pioneers try crossing the Sierra Nevada and encounter difficulties galore. This group made the attempt the year before the doomed Donner Party. (In fact, some of the Donners used a cabin built by the Stephens-Murphy-Townsend company.)
I hadn't read the book before book club, so didn't have much to add to the conversation. Below are the plethora of pages I tagged with some thoughts and observations. Overall, this was a very engaging read. There are a LOT of different characters. Right when I started it and saw the listing of names, relationships, etc. I realized it would be a challenge to keep everyone straight. She did an excellent job of differentiating, but I generally prefer stories where I identify strongly with characters and don't have to work as hard to remember who's who! The text below may contain *SPOILERS* and / or be boring to those who've not read the book. :-)
Flyleaf - She has this quote from Mary Anne Radmacher: "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is that little voice that at the end of the day says 'I'll try again tomorrow.'"I love this!
Page 35 - "It was at the evening camp and Capt took out his journal from his saddlebages. He always reread what he'd written." This isn't especially profound, but I am a huge fan of journaling! I don't write as often as I used to, but it is wonderful to read the thoughts and feelings one experienced in a different point in life. Some of the most amazing "stories" throughout history have been recorded by someone and now we can appreciate them. This made me wonder if we would get to read some of Capt's journal later in the story.
Page 49 - "'I'm the mother of five. Fun isn't necessarily in my basket of essentials.'" - This reply by Ailbe to the comment that "She needs a little fun" made me laugh! Mothers can be so very down-to-earth.
Page 63 - "We should have joined them. She shook her head. What's done is done. Sometimes she thought of her life as a thin, scratchy book held between the bookends of fear and regret and fear. She needed to rewrite that book, make it sturdier. And find new bookends for sure." Mary Sullivan is a strong and determined young woman. The language in this description of her life (or her perception of her life) doesn't match with how I imagined her, but I liked it just the same.
Page 79 - "She hated it that he only seemed to pay attention to what she was feeling when she lost control and cried. Crying made her weak in his eyes so he could 'lift her up' rather than speak to her as another adult to come to some grown-up resolution." Sarah did get on my nerves at times, but her newlywed husband Allen was a total jerk.
Page 89 - "'Something haunts your brother,' Beth said. 'He carries anger, swallows it, licks his lips without knowing he is eating himself. He is in need of laughter. He doesn't know what wealth lies within it. Be patient with him.'" Beth is one of the most lovely and loving characters. The relationship between Ellen and her brother Daniel is one that develops throughout the story. I appreciate it!
Page 92 -"She nodded, acceptance settling like a threadbare cloak over her shoulders: it offered comfort but without the warmth. The real treasure was this moment when she felt loved and cared for more than she had since the day they'd married. She guessed it would be her anniversary gift." I really liked that first sentence. Again, Allen is not a very impressive husband. Poor Sarah!
Page 98 - I love when Mary grabs the ox and just goes! Capt wants her brother John to lead, but she's ready to GO. I can relate. I see a lot of myself in Mary.
Page 116 - When the women are sharing their stories, Mary has a new perspective. "Maybe carrying on despite grief was a hidden gift." Sometimes our perception of "gifts" misses some things out of the ordinary.
Page 139 - "It was the least she could do to honor the being that gave them nourishment." This made me think of Mari's mom Rita and her prayers over meals.
Page 140 - "Don't tell me what I've done or not correctly." This made me laugh! Husbands should handle pregnant wives with kid gloves! I was as contrary as can be when I was pregnant.
Page 165 - "He'd gotten crankier on this journey, while Mr. Hitchcock - in his late sixties - had gotten more jovial. Maybe it didn't matter how many years you had but how well you carried them." Such truth in this! When my dad was so negative and complained about everything, I made myself think about the choices I was making in terms of my attitude and communication. I want to carry my years well . . .
Page 172 - "If not, I trust God is with us whatever choice we make. . . . . Truth is, I'd rather be happy than right." I love Ailbe! She has a good attitude and recognizes that God is in control.
Page 181 - When Ellen talks to Daniel about how the fire in the mercantile got started, I was a bit taken aback . . . She saw cowardice in herself; I see complicity.
Page 192-3 - I love how Daniel and Ellen come to understand one another better and develop a much stronger and healthier brother / sister relationship. This was one of my favorite aspects of the story. The "Horseback Party" was a smaller group and had a more engaging storyline.
Page 205 - When Capt sweet talks Dr. Townsend into pushing on . . . pure genius. It does highlight Townsend's ego,t hough.
Page 218 - "Land is free in Oregon. We just take it from the Indians." Ugh. It's a fictionalized version of a real person saying this (Allen talking to his wife Sarah.) . . . but knowing that it represents some people's true opinions AND actions historically . . . just makes me mad / sad.
Page 220 - "We're having to remake ourselves." Sarah says this to Mary as they talk about taking apart a wool sweater to re-knit it and how it's like they are remaking themselves due to the hardships they're experiencing. It's wonderful that we can transform and don't have to get into a rut.
Page 241 - "It must be made American, taken for Americans, held by Americans." Sutter is trying to convince the men to ride to war instead of going back to rescue the rest of their party. Historically, there were battles to "hold" the West . . . but this reminded me of current-day "America First" rhetoric. I prefer to look at humanity more globally.
Page 260 - "Guess when you find success in something, all the pain getting there gets washed away." This is often true. Hardship mellows (if not goes away completely) when you've achieved your goal.
Page 290 - "Com once meant 'the exchange of burdens.' And union means 'together.' I guess when we are joined together in a gathering, we share our troubles. Or should." I love that definition for communion! And Sarah and Mary also talk about it in terms of marriage. The exchange of burdens together.
Page 296 - "Why was it that the food of goodness was often seasoned with guilt?" It's an interesting metaphor. I like words that make me think.
Page 332 - In the author's notes, she included this line that surprised me. "The decision by the men to become conscripted before sending rescue continues to baffle historians and others, including me. I'm hopeful that my explanation rings true." It was one of those odd moments while reading the book - why on earth would the men be persuaded to ride to war instead of rescuing their wives and children??? But as an author, she was being true to the history! That's what they did.
Page 337 - Also author notes - "A room in the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum in Sunnyvale, California, is devoted to the Murphy family." Cool! I need to visit museums more. I love this stuff!
Page 339 - "Their feats are overshadowed by the Donner Party disaster. It's my hope that this story might celebrate the honor of self-sacrifice, the wisdom of working together, and the power of persevering through community and faith." This is one of the big reasons I appreciate Jean Kirkpatrick. I've heard of the Donner party and their cannibalism. I'd never before heard of this group that made the same trip successfully the year before them.
Friday, May 01, 2020
The Toll
by Neal Shusterman
Hennepin County Library hardcover 625 pages
genre: YA dystopian
(Book 3 of the Scythe series)
I should have blogged this promptly after reading it . . . but life is strange right now.
Shusterman crafts incredible stories and this is no exception. I had to wait a while to get it and really wanted to know what happened after Endura sank. I found out!
One interesting aspect of this story was the inclusion of a gender fluid character. On page 28 the character explains:
"I feel like a woman beneath the sun and the stars. I feel like a man under the cover of clouds," Jericho had explained to the crew when assuming command. "A simple glance at the skies will let you know how to address me at any given time."
On page 286, Anastasia is talking with Jeri about her identity.
"I've often wondered what it would have been like to have been born in the Madagascan region . . . Not that I'm really interested in being a man - but I wonder what it would have been like to explore both sides when I was too young to know the difference."
There was quite a bit more exposition about this topic and it came up several more times in the book.
I wonder why this was so important to Shusterman to include and emphasize. It almost seems . . . like a cause.
I'm not sure why I put a post-it note in this spot, but perhaps because it also seems to be a sign of our times:
Page 301 - "Anastasia supposed it was because there was very little private about Tenkamenin. He lived his life like he were in a window display."
A lot of people do seem to live their lives very, very publicly nowadays.
This book also had a lot of religious overtones, mostly to do with the Toll.
On page 361, "As for Astrid, she had her work cut out for her keeping them all on the proper spiritual path. She stayed with the Toll because deep down, she believed that Greyson Tolliver was the real thing. That he was divinely moved by the Tone, and that his humility about it was understandable. A humble nature was, after all, the hallmark of a true holy man. It made perfect sense that he would refuse to believe he was part of the Holy Triad, but just because he didn't believe it himself, didn't make it any less true."
And at the end of a chapter on page 417 - "Because, as it would turn out, he'd need to lead them into darkness before he could lead them into light."
There was also a lot about forgiveness, awe, reverence, godlike qualities, etc.
There were definite twists and turns in the story! I was almost yelling when the harbormaster used the tracking beacon and contacted Goddard.
On page 587, I was surprised to find sympathy for Sykora who had been such a detestable character to me . . . "Allow me to be useful, Loriana. Please." His humility was surprising and timely. (But I was a tiny bit suspicious, too . . . I was honestly not sure how this would end.)
Overall, I enjoyed this entire series. It's pretty violent, though, and has some complex themes. I would have loved doing this with my eighth grade book club! (Back when I HAD a student book club.)
Hennepin County Library hardcover 625 pages
genre: YA dystopian
(Book 3 of the Scythe series)
I should have blogged this promptly after reading it . . . but life is strange right now.
Shusterman crafts incredible stories and this is no exception. I had to wait a while to get it and really wanted to know what happened after Endura sank. I found out!
One interesting aspect of this story was the inclusion of a gender fluid character. On page 28 the character explains:
"I feel like a woman beneath the sun and the stars. I feel like a man under the cover of clouds," Jericho had explained to the crew when assuming command. "A simple glance at the skies will let you know how to address me at any given time."
On page 286, Anastasia is talking with Jeri about her identity.
"I've often wondered what it would have been like to have been born in the Madagascan region . . . Not that I'm really interested in being a man - but I wonder what it would have been like to explore both sides when I was too young to know the difference."
There was quite a bit more exposition about this topic and it came up several more times in the book.
I wonder why this was so important to Shusterman to include and emphasize. It almost seems . . . like a cause.
I'm not sure why I put a post-it note in this spot, but perhaps because it also seems to be a sign of our times:
Page 301 - "Anastasia supposed it was because there was very little private about Tenkamenin. He lived his life like he were in a window display."
A lot of people do seem to live their lives very, very publicly nowadays.
This book also had a lot of religious overtones, mostly to do with the Toll.
On page 361, "As for Astrid, she had her work cut out for her keeping them all on the proper spiritual path. She stayed with the Toll because deep down, she believed that Greyson Tolliver was the real thing. That he was divinely moved by the Tone, and that his humility about it was understandable. A humble nature was, after all, the hallmark of a true holy man. It made perfect sense that he would refuse to believe he was part of the Holy Triad, but just because he didn't believe it himself, didn't make it any less true."
And at the end of a chapter on page 417 - "Because, as it would turn out, he'd need to lead them into darkness before he could lead them into light."
There was also a lot about forgiveness, awe, reverence, godlike qualities, etc.
There were definite twists and turns in the story! I was almost yelling when the harbormaster used the tracking beacon and contacted Goddard.
On page 587, I was surprised to find sympathy for Sykora who had been such a detestable character to me . . . "Allow me to be useful, Loriana. Please." His humility was surprising and timely. (But I was a tiny bit suspicious, too . . . I was honestly not sure how this would end.)
Overall, I enjoyed this entire series. It's pretty violent, though, and has some complex themes. I would have loved doing this with my eighth grade book club! (Back when I HAD a student book club.)
Sunday, March 22, 2020
If Walls Could Talk
by Juliet Blackwell
Hennepin County Library audiobook 6 CDs
read by Xe Sands
genre: paranormal murder mystery
Overall, this was an interesting murder mystery. Mel(anie) Turner runs her father's construction business for rich people in the San Francisco bay area. She gets drawn into investigating who killed Kenneth C (and how it was done).
The occult, seance, ouija boards, etc. bothered me more than the actual ghost(s) who communicated with Mel. I'm not a big fan of messing with paranormal phenomenon . . . unless you're talking about God's moving things miraculously!
There were a lot of characters - Mel, her dad, Stan (family friend in wheelchair), Caleb (Mel's ex's son), Dylan (Caleb's friend, Matt's son), Matt Addix (faded rock star, house flipper wannabe), Grahame (former beau of Mel's, now an OSHA dude), Kenneth (the victim), Jason (the architect), Rory (restauranteur), Bryce (investigator), . . .
Since libraries are closed because of Covid-19, I think I'll give this to my sister Louise. She'll probably enjoy it more than I did!
Hennepin County Library audiobook 6 CDs
read by Xe Sands
genre: paranormal murder mystery
Overall, this was an interesting murder mystery. Mel(anie) Turner runs her father's construction business for rich people in the San Francisco bay area. She gets drawn into investigating who killed Kenneth C (and how it was done).
The occult, seance, ouija boards, etc. bothered me more than the actual ghost(s) who communicated with Mel. I'm not a big fan of messing with paranormal phenomenon . . . unless you're talking about God's moving things miraculously!
There were a lot of characters - Mel, her dad, Stan (family friend in wheelchair), Caleb (Mel's ex's son), Dylan (Caleb's friend, Matt's son), Matt Addix (faded rock star, house flipper wannabe), Grahame (former beau of Mel's, now an OSHA dude), Kenneth (the victim), Jason (the architect), Rory (restauranteur), Bryce (investigator), . . .
Since libraries are closed because of Covid-19, I think I'll give this to my sister Louise. She'll probably enjoy it more than I did!
Almost Home
by Valerie Fraser Luesse
Hennepin County Library paperback 318 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
This is our March book club title. I really enjoyed it a lot! The characters were wonderfully written, though there were a lot of them and I didn't remember them all.
Book blurb: "With America's entrance into World War II, the town of Blackberry Springs, Alabama, has exploded virtually overnight. Workers from all over are coming south for jobs in Uncle Sam's munitions plants - and they're bringing their pasts with them, right into Dolly Chandler's grand but fading family home turned boardinghouse."
Page 41 - "Nobody knows. Presbyterians keep things close to the vest. They're not like us Baptists. If we know it, we've told it." This made me laugh! I don't know a lot about the different denominations, but I would be a Baptist if this were the only criteria! Actually, I can keep quiet about things; it just takes effort.
Page 47 - "She would much rather have one close friend than twenty casual acquaintances, and she tended to move slowly in forging those bonds." Said about Anna, it makes a lot of sense that some people are more deliberate and prefer a smaller, tighter circle of people around them. I'm not that way in general.
Page 57 - "Leaves are at the mercy of the current, Anna, but you and Jesse are not. You can choose whether to float wherever it takes you or swim against it. And you can choose whether to travel together or let the rocks divide you. That's a decision you must make together. Otherwise you could land on opposite sides of the river." I love Lillian's gentle, loving way of prodding people's minds and hearts.
Page 66 - "Tell him you're done with this nonsense. You're his wife and you mean to have a husband again. Just give it to him straight. Men can't decipher hints and moods, so you gotta put what you're feelin' in a cast-iron skillet and hit 'em over the head with it." Amen, Daisy! These two women were so good for one another. Daisy's advice to Anna was what she needed to hear. Men definitely are not fabulous (in general) about picking up on subtle hints.
Page 157 - "He had not lost his faith, but he had lost the ability to cope with the powerful emotions it stirred. Church seemed to demand that he contain but not extinguish the fires it stoked. Reed just wasn't up to it." I loved the story of Reed's journey through this book.
Page 261 - "We've been throwin' time away, Reed. And time's a gift. We oughta be usin' every minute we've got." Yes, Daisy! You're absolutely right. Time is an incredible gift.
This book was fairly predictable but definitely interesting enough to keep my interest. I want to read more by this author! I enjoyed this and look forward to the book club discussion.
Dolly and Si
Anna and Jesse
Daisy
Reed
Miss Lillian
Catherine and Andre
Hennepin County Library paperback 318 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
This is our March book club title. I really enjoyed it a lot! The characters were wonderfully written, though there were a lot of them and I didn't remember them all.
Book blurb: "With America's entrance into World War II, the town of Blackberry Springs, Alabama, has exploded virtually overnight. Workers from all over are coming south for jobs in Uncle Sam's munitions plants - and they're bringing their pasts with them, right into Dolly Chandler's grand but fading family home turned boardinghouse."
Page 41 - "Nobody knows. Presbyterians keep things close to the vest. They're not like us Baptists. If we know it, we've told it." This made me laugh! I don't know a lot about the different denominations, but I would be a Baptist if this were the only criteria! Actually, I can keep quiet about things; it just takes effort.
Page 47 - "She would much rather have one close friend than twenty casual acquaintances, and she tended to move slowly in forging those bonds." Said about Anna, it makes a lot of sense that some people are more deliberate and prefer a smaller, tighter circle of people around them. I'm not that way in general.
Page 57 - "Leaves are at the mercy of the current, Anna, but you and Jesse are not. You can choose whether to float wherever it takes you or swim against it. And you can choose whether to travel together or let the rocks divide you. That's a decision you must make together. Otherwise you could land on opposite sides of the river." I love Lillian's gentle, loving way of prodding people's minds and hearts.
Page 66 - "Tell him you're done with this nonsense. You're his wife and you mean to have a husband again. Just give it to him straight. Men can't decipher hints and moods, so you gotta put what you're feelin' in a cast-iron skillet and hit 'em over the head with it." Amen, Daisy! These two women were so good for one another. Daisy's advice to Anna was what she needed to hear. Men definitely are not fabulous (in general) about picking up on subtle hints.
Page 157 - "He had not lost his faith, but he had lost the ability to cope with the powerful emotions it stirred. Church seemed to demand that he contain but not extinguish the fires it stoked. Reed just wasn't up to it." I loved the story of Reed's journey through this book.
Page 261 - "We've been throwin' time away, Reed. And time's a gift. We oughta be usin' every minute we've got." Yes, Daisy! You're absolutely right. Time is an incredible gift.
This book was fairly predictable but definitely interesting enough to keep my interest. I want to read more by this author! I enjoyed this and look forward to the book club discussion.
Dolly and Si
Anna and Jesse
Daisy
Reed
Miss Lillian
Catherine and Andre
R My Name Is Rachel
by Patricia Reilly Giff
Scott County Library audiobook 3 CDs
read by Cynthia Holloway
genre: YA historical fiction
I mostly enjoyed this book set during the Great Depression. Rachel and her two younger siblings lost their mom when the youngest child was born. Now their dad has lost his job and they're moving to a small town in the country so he can find new work.
Rachel is 12 and loves to read. Joey is 11 and very good-natured. Cassie is 10 and likes things neat.
Two things that bugged me that I kept hoping the author would rectify: Rachel and Miss Mitzi love to write letters. Toward the start of the book, they were writing to Admiral Byrd to ask about the South Pole and the polar bears there. What?! I kept waiting for Miss Mitzi to point out the error to Rachel. Did people not know in the 1930s that polar bears live at the North Pole and penguins at the South Pole? The other irritation was my error - Rachel tries to think of the mice as friendly, like Mickey and Minnie. I didn't think the characters were known at that time. But I just checked and both were featured in films in the very late 1920s and the 1930s. My mistake!
Some of the situations got on my nerves, like Rachel capitulating to Cassie about the money their dad left. I loved Rachel's love of books and reading. I loved the artist and the drawings. Miss Mitzi was a hero.
Scott County Library audiobook 3 CDs
read by Cynthia Holloway
genre: YA historical fiction
I mostly enjoyed this book set during the Great Depression. Rachel and her two younger siblings lost their mom when the youngest child was born. Now their dad has lost his job and they're moving to a small town in the country so he can find new work.
Rachel is 12 and loves to read. Joey is 11 and very good-natured. Cassie is 10 and likes things neat.
Two things that bugged me that I kept hoping the author would rectify: Rachel and Miss Mitzi love to write letters. Toward the start of the book, they were writing to Admiral Byrd to ask about the South Pole and the polar bears there. What?! I kept waiting for Miss Mitzi to point out the error to Rachel. Did people not know in the 1930s that polar bears live at the North Pole and penguins at the South Pole? The other irritation was my error - Rachel tries to think of the mice as friendly, like Mickey and Minnie. I didn't think the characters were known at that time. But I just checked and both were featured in films in the very late 1920s and the 1930s. My mistake!
Some of the situations got on my nerves, like Rachel capitulating to Cassie about the money their dad left. I loved Rachel's love of books and reading. I loved the artist and the drawings. Miss Mitzi was a hero.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership
by James Comey
Scott County Library audiobook 8 CDs
read by the author
genre: politics
I'm glad I listened to this because I have a better understanding of some of the events of the past five or so years. It was a bit disconcerting, though, because I don't have a lot of confidence in Comey. He says that integrity and truth are important to him, but he also comes across as someone who lacks spine.
Even in the story about his teen years when they had the intruder in their home, I thought he was such a wimp. I would love to hear his brother's version of what happened that night!
Comey really emphasized his dogged focus on truth and that lying should be punished severely. He seemed a bit myopic. I made a note that he stressed that people SHOULD FEAR - God, jail, . . . since he read his own book, his emphasis was strong.
He had some really nice storytelling. I especially liked the personal stories about his childhood and his family. Patrice (his wife) added so much more dimension to Comey's identity. The conversations he relayed helped make him seem more personable.
Some parts of the book were just boring. It reminded me of the Joe Biden book I read. Those of us who aren't necessarily fascinated by politics don't care as much about the nitty gritty or the who's who.
Comey seemed like a coward at times, wanting to say he stood up for truth, the FBI, whatever . . . but it seemed like some hindsight perspective altering . . . when he related the part about Dick Cheney and the Abu Ghraib torturing, it sounded as though he was trying to make himself the hero, but he seemed to just be a bit pathetic.
When he talked about leadership and how a mix of confidence and humility are necessary for a good sense of humor, I liked that he added the part about his family teasing him about "Seacresting" a news briefing. It seems to have more than a kernel of truth, though. His ambition seems to get the best of his intent to be modest. Ego can be challenging.
I found myself really wanting to hear about events from other people's perspectives - Robert Mueller, Anthony Wiener, Mrs. Comey, Hillary Clinton, Obama, FBI staffers, . . . . I'll just have to keep reading books by different people.
Overall, I don't have a really high impression of Comey, but I do believe he sees himself as a person of high integrity. I believe he was genuinely trying to do the right thing in the investigation of Clinton's emails and in communicating with Donald Trump. I am horrified at our current commander in chief and his wheeling and dealing attitude toward the Oval Office and our country.
Comey says he's a spotlight denier, yet his ego seems to give him plenty of opportunities to be front and center. Someone accused him of being proud of his own righteousness . . . I wonder how much truth is actually in that.
Hindsight . . . he says he wouldn't have done anything differently. With Clinton's emails. With the Steele dossier. In communicating with Trump.
His mafia and honor comparisons were fascinating. He's painting a picture for us in hindsight . . . it makes me wonder what really happened. Trump asking him for loyalty - yuk. The way Trump fired him - appalling.
His wife Patrice saying, "It's not about you, dear." I love that woman!
Scott County Library audiobook 8 CDs
read by the author
genre: politics
I'm glad I listened to this because I have a better understanding of some of the events of the past five or so years. It was a bit disconcerting, though, because I don't have a lot of confidence in Comey. He says that integrity and truth are important to him, but he also comes across as someone who lacks spine.
Even in the story about his teen years when they had the intruder in their home, I thought he was such a wimp. I would love to hear his brother's version of what happened that night!
Comey really emphasized his dogged focus on truth and that lying should be punished severely. He seemed a bit myopic. I made a note that he stressed that people SHOULD FEAR - God, jail, . . . since he read his own book, his emphasis was strong.
He had some really nice storytelling. I especially liked the personal stories about his childhood and his family. Patrice (his wife) added so much more dimension to Comey's identity. The conversations he relayed helped make him seem more personable.
Some parts of the book were just boring. It reminded me of the Joe Biden book I read. Those of us who aren't necessarily fascinated by politics don't care as much about the nitty gritty or the who's who.
Comey seemed like a coward at times, wanting to say he stood up for truth, the FBI, whatever . . . but it seemed like some hindsight perspective altering . . . when he related the part about Dick Cheney and the Abu Ghraib torturing, it sounded as though he was trying to make himself the hero, but he seemed to just be a bit pathetic.
When he talked about leadership and how a mix of confidence and humility are necessary for a good sense of humor, I liked that he added the part about his family teasing him about "Seacresting" a news briefing. It seems to have more than a kernel of truth, though. His ambition seems to get the best of his intent to be modest. Ego can be challenging.
I found myself really wanting to hear about events from other people's perspectives - Robert Mueller, Anthony Wiener, Mrs. Comey, Hillary Clinton, Obama, FBI staffers, . . . . I'll just have to keep reading books by different people.
Overall, I don't have a really high impression of Comey, but I do believe he sees himself as a person of high integrity. I believe he was genuinely trying to do the right thing in the investigation of Clinton's emails and in communicating with Donald Trump. I am horrified at our current commander in chief and his wheeling and dealing attitude toward the Oval Office and our country.
Comey says he's a spotlight denier, yet his ego seems to give him plenty of opportunities to be front and center. Someone accused him of being proud of his own righteousness . . . I wonder how much truth is actually in that.
Hindsight . . . he says he wouldn't have done anything differently. With Clinton's emails. With the Steele dossier. In communicating with Trump.
His mafia and honor comparisons were fascinating. He's painting a picture for us in hindsight . . . it makes me wonder what really happened. Trump asking him for loyalty - yuk. The way Trump fired him - appalling.
His wife Patrice saying, "It's not about you, dear." I love that woman!
Saturday, March 07, 2020
Gift from the Sea: An answer to the conflicts in our lives
by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
my mother's copy, hardcover, 128 pages
genre: philosophy? personal essay?
I was so excited to see this as I helped my sister with clearing out some of our mother's books. Ever since reading The Aviator's Wife, I've been curious about reading some of her work. Perfect!
I don't want to write about this the way I usually do, but rather in impressions.
Parts of it read like poetry, a gorgeous love of words and how they can evoke places, ideas, and feelings. I could savor, re-read, and contemplate the text.
I wish I could talk with my mom about what this book meant to her. There is something innately lonely and companionable about motherhood and its demands on a person.
At times, I thought it was overwrought and dramatic (more reflective of my mood at the moment than Lindbergh's writing?).
Page 42 - "Now instead of planting our solitude with our own dream blossoms, we choke the space with continuous music, chatter, and companionship to which we do not even listen. It is simply there to fill the vacuum. When the noise stops there is no inner music to take its place. We must re-learn to be alone."
Imagine what she would think of modern day smart phones and instant access to nearly anything!
Page 49 - "By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class."
Amen, sister! I'm not in that stage of life anymore, but there were days I just wanted to be all by myself. I remember telling my mom that if I were locked up in solitary confinement, that would be so relaxing . . . and she just laughed at me.
Page 50 - "What a commentary on our civilization, when being alone is considered suspect; when one has to apologize for it, make excuses, hide the fact that one practices it - like a secret vice!"
Page 100 - "We run bare-legged to the beach, which lies smooth, flat, and glistening with fresh wet shells after the night's tides. the morning swim has the nature of a blessing to me, a baptism, a rebirth to the beauty and wonder of the world."
She and her sister have this wonderful beach retreat. Lovely!
Page 124 - "The inter-relatedness of the world links us constantly with more people than our hearts can hold. Or rather - for I believe the heart is infinite - modern communication loads us with more problems than the human frame can carry. It is good, I think, for our hearts, our minds, our imaginations to be stretched; but body, nerve, endurance, and life are not as elastic."
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed about all the people and issues to care about and pray about. I'm glad that God is infinite and infinitely able!
my mother's copy, hardcover, 128 pages
genre: philosophy? personal essay?
I was so excited to see this as I helped my sister with clearing out some of our mother's books. Ever since reading The Aviator's Wife, I've been curious about reading some of her work. Perfect!
I don't want to write about this the way I usually do, but rather in impressions.
Parts of it read like poetry, a gorgeous love of words and how they can evoke places, ideas, and feelings. I could savor, re-read, and contemplate the text.
I wish I could talk with my mom about what this book meant to her. There is something innately lonely and companionable about motherhood and its demands on a person.
At times, I thought it was overwrought and dramatic (more reflective of my mood at the moment than Lindbergh's writing?).
Page 42 - "Now instead of planting our solitude with our own dream blossoms, we choke the space with continuous music, chatter, and companionship to which we do not even listen. It is simply there to fill the vacuum. When the noise stops there is no inner music to take its place. We must re-learn to be alone."
Imagine what she would think of modern day smart phones and instant access to nearly anything!
Page 49 - "By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class."
Amen, sister! I'm not in that stage of life anymore, but there were days I just wanted to be all by myself. I remember telling my mom that if I were locked up in solitary confinement, that would be so relaxing . . . and she just laughed at me.
Page 50 - "What a commentary on our civilization, when being alone is considered suspect; when one has to apologize for it, make excuses, hide the fact that one practices it - like a secret vice!"
Page 100 - "We run bare-legged to the beach, which lies smooth, flat, and glistening with fresh wet shells after the night's tides. the morning swim has the nature of a blessing to me, a baptism, a rebirth to the beauty and wonder of the world."
She and her sister have this wonderful beach retreat. Lovely!
Page 124 - "The inter-relatedness of the world links us constantly with more people than our hearts can hold. Or rather - for I believe the heart is infinite - modern communication loads us with more problems than the human frame can carry. It is good, I think, for our hearts, our minds, our imaginations to be stretched; but body, nerve, endurance, and life are not as elastic."
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed about all the people and issues to care about and pray about. I'm glad that God is infinite and infinitely able!
Red's Planet: Friends and Foes
book two in the series
by Eddie Pittman
County Library hardcover
Genre: YA graphic novel
I read this and then loaned it to some young friends, so I don't have all the details at my fingertips.
Red remains stranded on an alien planet with a variety of life forms. She is egged on to compete with Goose (a tiger-type macho man) for leadership on the planet.
A quick read, some good adventure, I'm already looking forward to book 3 which should be out in a few months.
by Eddie Pittman
County Library hardcover
Genre: YA graphic novel
I read this and then loaned it to some young friends, so I don't have all the details at my fingertips.
Red remains stranded on an alien planet with a variety of life forms. She is egged on to compete with Goose (a tiger-type macho man) for leadership on the planet.
A quick read, some good adventure, I'm already looking forward to book 3 which should be out in a few months.
Friday, February 28, 2020
Mockingbird
by Kathryn Erskine
NPMS paperback 235 pages
genre: realistic fiction
Oh my! Initially, I started reading this to be ready as a sub with some sixth graders. I wasn't thrilled with the pov - Caitlin, a fifth grader with Aspberger's. As I read, though, I wanted to know how it turned out. I finished it before the end of the day and had tears rolling down my face before the end!
Page 8 - Caitlin's "My Manners" chart and stickers . . . stress until she remembers to say "You're Welcome" in response to someone's "Thank You." Success! This manners chart and her references to it and her conversation with Michael all made the story richer.
Page 42 - "That's why emotions are evil and I hate them! Especially crying. I don't Get It." The portrayal of someone who struggles to understand people's emotions was very realistically portrayed. Empathy was a huge theme of this book.
Page 163 - closure. the chest. Dad. Oh my! "Maybe we can make something good and strong and beautiful come out of this." This was one of the parts where I cried. Too powerful.
Page 180 - "'Class!' Mr. Mason shouts. He always shouts. It's just what PE teachers do." This made me smile and think of Gaz for some reason . . .
Page 183 - "I try to remind her but Emma's voice takes up all the room. When she grows up she should be one of those TV interviewers on Fox Five News who doesn't let anyone else talk even if they try." This also made me laugh, but not in a nice way.
One of my favorite scenes was on the playground with Caitlin, Josh, and Michael when she thinks Josh is bullying Michael. Powerful!
The Author's Note was very interesting. I'd like to read more of her work.
Eagle Scout / TKaM - Jem and Scout (and Atticus) / school shooting / bullying / empathy / . . . so much woven into this quick read. I loved it!
NPMS paperback 235 pages
genre: realistic fiction
Oh my! Initially, I started reading this to be ready as a sub with some sixth graders. I wasn't thrilled with the pov - Caitlin, a fifth grader with Aspberger's. As I read, though, I wanted to know how it turned out. I finished it before the end of the day and had tears rolling down my face before the end!
Page 8 - Caitlin's "My Manners" chart and stickers . . . stress until she remembers to say "You're Welcome" in response to someone's "Thank You." Success! This manners chart and her references to it and her conversation with Michael all made the story richer.
Page 42 - "That's why emotions are evil and I hate them! Especially crying. I don't Get It." The portrayal of someone who struggles to understand people's emotions was very realistically portrayed. Empathy was a huge theme of this book.
Page 163 - closure. the chest. Dad. Oh my! "Maybe we can make something good and strong and beautiful come out of this." This was one of the parts where I cried. Too powerful.
Page 180 - "'Class!' Mr. Mason shouts. He always shouts. It's just what PE teachers do." This made me smile and think of Gaz for some reason . . .
Page 183 - "I try to remind her but Emma's voice takes up all the room. When she grows up she should be one of those TV interviewers on Fox Five News who doesn't let anyone else talk even if they try." This also made me laugh, but not in a nice way.
One of my favorite scenes was on the playground with Caitlin, Josh, and Michael when she thinks Josh is bullying Michael. Powerful!
The Author's Note was very interesting. I'd like to read more of her work.
Eagle Scout / TKaM - Jem and Scout (and Atticus) / school shooting / bullying / empathy / . . . so much woven into this quick read. I loved it!
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Not sure where I heard these . . .
I wrote down fragments of quotations, presumably while listening to an audiobook. But I don't know which one! It would have been in the last month or two. I want to get rid of this scrap of paper, so I guess I'll play detective later.
The first one I thought was Tolstoy, but when I looked it up, it was apparently said by Arthur Schopenhauer. "Wealth is like sea-water; the more we drink, the thirstier we become; and the same is true of fame." I also had the words a bit different . . . ugh! I hate inaccuracies. Research forthcoming . . .
I also made a note to read Leo Tolstoy's The Confession. As I looked that one up, I see that it is called "A Confession." My notes say "search for meaning, purpose." Wikipedia says "a brief autobiographical story of the author's struggle with a mid-life existential crisis. It describes his search for the answer to the ultimate philosophical question: "If God does not exist, since death is inevitable, what is the meaning of life?." Without the answer to this, for him, life had become "impossible"." I'm intrigued, but not adding it to my list right now.
The first one I thought was Tolstoy, but when I looked it up, it was apparently said by Arthur Schopenhauer. "Wealth is like sea-water; the more we drink, the thirstier we become; and the same is true of fame." I also had the words a bit different . . . ugh! I hate inaccuracies. Research forthcoming . . .
I also made a note to read Leo Tolstoy's The Confession. As I looked that one up, I see that it is called "A Confession." My notes say "search for meaning, purpose." Wikipedia says "a brief autobiographical story of the author's struggle with a mid-life existential crisis. It describes his search for the answer to the ultimate philosophical question: "If God does not exist, since death is inevitable, what is the meaning of life?." Without the answer to this, for him, life had become "impossible"." I'm intrigued, but not adding it to my list right now.
“I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.” - Jim Carrey. This one struck me because so many people think that rich and famous people "have it all" and don't understand how they can give up on life. There's a different answer, people! Jesus is the answer.
"You can have everything in the world and still be the loneliest man. And
that is the most bitter type of loneliness, success has brought me
world idolisation and millions of pounds. But it's prevented me from
having the one thing we all need: A loving, ongoing relationship." Freddie Mercury. So very sad.
I want to move on with my day, and now I can get rid of this scrap of paper. Looking at this entry, I want to take more time to read and ponder poetry, philosophy, Scripture, life. I'm in a slo-mo mood today (the day after I started this entry!) and yet I need to go-go-go.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Red's Planet
by Eddie Pittman
Hennepin County Library hardcover 192 pages
genre: YA fantasy graphic novel
I got this for some young friends (one of whom already read it) and gave it a look-see. "Red" (who has red hair but hates being called that) wants to get out of her newest foster home. While sitting in a vintage police car, she is beamed up by aliens. Quirky interesting story. I almost want to get volume 2 . . . the little blue frog-like things were pretty entertaining.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 192 pages
genre: YA fantasy graphic novel
I got this for some young friends (one of whom already read it) and gave it a look-see. "Red" (who has red hair but hates being called that) wants to get out of her newest foster home. While sitting in a vintage police car, she is beamed up by aliens. Quirky interesting story. I almost want to get volume 2 . . . the little blue frog-like things were pretty entertaining.
Cut the Clutter: A Simple Organization Plan for a Clean and Tidy Home
by Cynthia Townley Ewer
Hennepin County Library paperback 231 pages plus resources
genre: non-fiction, organization
This DK book is very appealing to look at, but I found it less helpful than Simply Clean. It ended up being a skim-read for sections not relevant to me. It also seemed repetitive.
The pages on "clutter personality" were interesting . . . but mostly in terms of other people I know.
Hennepin County Library paperback 231 pages plus resources
genre: non-fiction, organization
This DK book is very appealing to look at, but I found it less helpful than Simply Clean. It ended up being a skim-read for sections not relevant to me. It also seemed repetitive.
The pages on "clutter personality" were interesting . . . but mostly in terms of other people I know.
- The hoarder - "This might come in handy someday."
- The deferrer - "I'll think about that tomorrow."
- The rebel - "I don't wanna and you can't make me!"
- The perfectionist - "Next week, I'll organize everything . . . perfectly."
- The sentimentalist - "Oh, the little darling!"
The Bright Unknown
by Elizabeth Byler Younts
Hennepin County Library paperback 351 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
This is our February book club title. I was trying to read it quickly so I could share it with someone else. I finished it fairly quickly, but have had an overbooked schedule.
Set in the past (1923-1941) and the more recent past (1990), this book follows the life story of Brighton / Nell Friedrich. She was born in an insane asylum to a mother who was never really able to mother her. Young nurse Joann ("Nursey") stepped in to give her as normal a childhood as possible.
The time jumps were confusing to me at first, but at least they were all told from Brighton's point of view. If she's 67 in 1990, then she was born in 1923. Then we go to 1937 and she's 14. Then we're in 1928 with five-year-old Brighton. My brain was a little slow to catch on. The author did a fine job setting up the story. There were some "guesses" I was wrong about and some I just knew. Discussing this will be fun.
Page 1 - "Recently I heard a girl say the words old school, so I guess that's the new way to say what I am. There's something funny about having a new way to say old-fashioned."
This just tickled my funny bone. Yes, it is funny to have a new way to say old-fashioned!
Page 37 - "'Only through death, chica,' and then she crossed herself. It made me wonder why we cried when somebody died and they got to go to heaven. Shouldn't we cry because we have to stay?"
This was the 1933 section, and I love how that capture's a child's innocent thinking. Grief and eternal life are tough concepts for many adults! A child's thinking is often more straightforward.
Page 95 - "I stayed in bed the next morning. I couldn't get up. My body wasn't stronger than my mind."
This made me think of our last book which dealt with depression. I'm so glad that I don't struggle with it, but I want to be compassionate toward those who do struggle.
Page 147 - "Words are veils and masks, and there's always something more on the other side of them than we want to believe."
This is just after she's written about words like mentally ill, mad, insane . . . words can be used to deceive as well as to elucidate. I love words and looking at how they convey meaning!
Page 151 - "It takes gumption to live, you know, and all the grit you can muster, though there were times in the earlier days I nearly gave up."
Again, this language resonated for me even though I've not struggled with depression. Giving up is sometimes seen as the best (or only) option and that makes me sad.
I really enjoyed this story. Brighton, Angel, Grace . . . these characters as well as the photography, the societal changes, and other elements will make it a delight to discuss on Monday.
Hennepin County Library paperback 351 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
This is our February book club title. I was trying to read it quickly so I could share it with someone else. I finished it fairly quickly, but have had an overbooked schedule.
Set in the past (1923-1941) and the more recent past (1990), this book follows the life story of Brighton / Nell Friedrich. She was born in an insane asylum to a mother who was never really able to mother her. Young nurse Joann ("Nursey") stepped in to give her as normal a childhood as possible.
The time jumps were confusing to me at first, but at least they were all told from Brighton's point of view. If she's 67 in 1990, then she was born in 1923. Then we go to 1937 and she's 14. Then we're in 1928 with five-year-old Brighton. My brain was a little slow to catch on. The author did a fine job setting up the story. There were some "guesses" I was wrong about and some I just knew. Discussing this will be fun.
Page 1 - "Recently I heard a girl say the words old school, so I guess that's the new way to say what I am. There's something funny about having a new way to say old-fashioned."
This just tickled my funny bone. Yes, it is funny to have a new way to say old-fashioned!
Page 37 - "'Only through death, chica,' and then she crossed herself. It made me wonder why we cried when somebody died and they got to go to heaven. Shouldn't we cry because we have to stay?"
This was the 1933 section, and I love how that capture's a child's innocent thinking. Grief and eternal life are tough concepts for many adults! A child's thinking is often more straightforward.
Page 95 - "I stayed in bed the next morning. I couldn't get up. My body wasn't stronger than my mind."
This made me think of our last book which dealt with depression. I'm so glad that I don't struggle with it, but I want to be compassionate toward those who do struggle.
Page 147 - "Words are veils and masks, and there's always something more on the other side of them than we want to believe."
This is just after she's written about words like mentally ill, mad, insane . . . words can be used to deceive as well as to elucidate. I love words and looking at how they convey meaning!
Page 151 - "It takes gumption to live, you know, and all the grit you can muster, though there were times in the earlier days I nearly gave up."
Again, this language resonated for me even though I've not struggled with depression. Giving up is sometimes seen as the best (or only) option and that makes me sad.
I really enjoyed this story. Brighton, Angel, Grace . . . these characters as well as the photography, the societal changes, and other elements will make it a delight to discuss on Monday.
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Tyrannosaurus Ralph
by Nate Evans and Vince Evans
Hennepin County Library paperback 178 pages
genre: YA graphic novel fantasy
I really enjoyed this! Ralph is afraid of the local bully, but then gets zapped into a T-Rex body to fight for planet Earth. Goofy, action-packed, fun. I got this for a boy at our church, but read it myself first!
Hennepin County Library paperback 178 pages
genre: YA graphic novel fantasy
I really enjoyed this! Ralph is afraid of the local bully, but then gets zapped into a T-Rex body to fight for planet Earth. Goofy, action-packed, fun. I got this for a boy at our church, but read it myself first!
Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
Scott County Library hardcover 368 pages
genre: realistic fiction
Oh. My. Word. Two different people highly recommended this book to me (Brooke and Mary V). I was on the library waiting list for a while. I see why it's so popular!
I want to be careful not to write any spoilers, so I will just say that I made some guesses and was wrong. It was a page-turner! I finished it shortly after starting it. I will certainly read it again. (And this is the author's first fiction book! She has written some non-fiction.)
***Spoiler Alert! After blogging, I realized that some of the things I commented on might ruin the story for another reader. Please just read this book! It's really well-written.***
Page 111 - First place I saw the title reference. "'Well, we better hide way out there where the crawdads sing. I pity any foster parents who take you on.' Tate's whole face smiled. 'What d'ya mean, where the crawdads sing? Ma used to say that.' . . . 'Just means far in the bush where critters are wild, still behaving like critters.'"
Page 222 - This may be the first time I cried. Kya went to Jumpin's and gave him a copy of her book. "She kept on buying gas and supplies from him but never accepted a handout from them again. And each time she came to his wharf, she saw her book propped up in the tiny window for all to see. As a father would have shown it."
Page 240 - "Her mind invented pictures to go with the stories. Family scraps and shreds Kya never thought she'd have." Oh! This author crafted her story so beautifully! The two time periods / storylines are woven so well. The heartache for the little girl is leavened with some loving individuals.
Page 276 - I marked this page because after many references to the poetry of Amanda Hamilton, I thought, "I need to get a book of her poetry!" Read the book . . . just read the book!
Page 289 - Animals can be absolutely amazing! I loved the jail house cat, Sunday Justice. "Finally, he settled as though he had nested here every night of his life. He looked at her. Gently she touched his head, then scratched his neck. A loud purr erupted like a current. She closed her eyes at such easy acceptance. A deep pause in a lifetime of longing."
Page 355 - "Yesterday the cemetery moved with villagers, like constant ants, including all the fishermen and shopkeepers, who had come to bury Scupper." I went from happily relieved to incredibly sad for Tate. What a moving book!
Page 361 - By the end of the book, I was just sobbing. "Standing on the porch, Mabel rushed to Kya. They hugged, rocking back and forth, crying. 'Lawd, he loved ya like his own dawder,' Mabel said. 'I know,' Kya said, 'and he was my pa.'"
I read through this book so quickly. I'm on another waiting list for the audiobook, and I am sure I will hear and notice even more beauty on a second time through. What a fantastic book! The NYT book review says in part: "Painfully beautiful . . . At once a murder mystery, a coming-of-age narrative, and a celebration of nature." Amen!
Scott County Library hardcover 368 pages
genre: realistic fiction
Oh. My. Word. Two different people highly recommended this book to me (Brooke and Mary V). I was on the library waiting list for a while. I see why it's so popular!
I want to be careful not to write any spoilers, so I will just say that I made some guesses and was wrong. It was a page-turner! I finished it shortly after starting it. I will certainly read it again. (And this is the author's first fiction book! She has written some non-fiction.)
***Spoiler Alert! After blogging, I realized that some of the things I commented on might ruin the story for another reader. Please just read this book! It's really well-written.***
Page 111 - First place I saw the title reference. "'Well, we better hide way out there where the crawdads sing. I pity any foster parents who take you on.' Tate's whole face smiled. 'What d'ya mean, where the crawdads sing? Ma used to say that.' . . . 'Just means far in the bush where critters are wild, still behaving like critters.'"
Page 222 - This may be the first time I cried. Kya went to Jumpin's and gave him a copy of her book. "She kept on buying gas and supplies from him but never accepted a handout from them again. And each time she came to his wharf, she saw her book propped up in the tiny window for all to see. As a father would have shown it."
Page 240 - "Her mind invented pictures to go with the stories. Family scraps and shreds Kya never thought she'd have." Oh! This author crafted her story so beautifully! The two time periods / storylines are woven so well. The heartache for the little girl is leavened with some loving individuals.
Page 276 - I marked this page because after many references to the poetry of Amanda Hamilton, I thought, "I need to get a book of her poetry!" Read the book . . . just read the book!
Page 289 - Animals can be absolutely amazing! I loved the jail house cat, Sunday Justice. "Finally, he settled as though he had nested here every night of his life. He looked at her. Gently she touched his head, then scratched his neck. A loud purr erupted like a current. She closed her eyes at such easy acceptance. A deep pause in a lifetime of longing."
Page 355 - "Yesterday the cemetery moved with villagers, like constant ants, including all the fishermen and shopkeepers, who had come to bury Scupper." I went from happily relieved to incredibly sad for Tate. What a moving book!
Page 361 - By the end of the book, I was just sobbing. "Standing on the porch, Mabel rushed to Kya. They hugged, rocking back and forth, crying. 'Lawd, he loved ya like his own dawder,' Mabel said. 'I know,' Kya said, 'and he was my pa.'"
I read through this book so quickly. I'm on another waiting list for the audiobook, and I am sure I will hear and notice even more beauty on a second time through. What a fantastic book! The NYT book review says in part: "Painfully beautiful . . . At once a murder mystery, a coming-of-age narrative, and a celebration of nature." Amen!
Thursday, February 13, 2020
The Murder of King Tut
by James Patterson and Martin Dugard
Scott County Library audiobook 5 CDs
read by Joe Barrett
genre: historical fiction
Ugh. This book both bugged and fascinated me. Patterson writes it as though it is a highly researched representation of how King Tut actually died, but it reads much more like fiction with some basis in history. He divides the story into present day (him as author), the 1920s and Howard Carter's work, and Ancient Egypt when Tut lived and died.
I had forgotten that Patterson is notorious for many, many very short chapters. As a middle school media specialist, I appreciated that the short chapters helped some reluctant readers to stay more focused. Listening to this, I was appalled that a few paragraphs constituted an entire chapter, especially when the next chapter had the exact same setting, time period, and characters. Just irritating.
The vocal work by Barrett was decent, but accents were not consistent. Howard Carter sometimes sounded British, sometimes American, sometimes exactly the same as the narrator voice.
It was especially irritating when Ancient Egyptians were given modern day sensibilities. Tut was so in love with his half-sister wife that he didn't want to upset her by bedding a different woman. Really?! Does that seem at all realistic, given his culture and station in life? What an incredibly kind and sensitive Pharaoh he was.
I most enjoyed the Howard Carter thread of the story. In fact, I got a children's book on Tut's tomb and read it. That author had some different information from Patterson's book. (For example, according to this book, the autopsy was very poorly done, damaging Tut's mummy. The children's book said it was very carefully handled.)
The modern day part included how much Patterson enjoys golfing at Trump's course in Palm Beach, Florida. Yuk. Why do we need this perspective?
I was disappointed, but find Ancient Egypt to be fascinating. His ruminations on how (and who) killed Tut are interesting, but I don't know that I am confident of his research and conclusions.
Scott County Library audiobook 5 CDs
read by Joe Barrett
genre: historical fiction
Ugh. This book both bugged and fascinated me. Patterson writes it as though it is a highly researched representation of how King Tut actually died, but it reads much more like fiction with some basis in history. He divides the story into present day (him as author), the 1920s and Howard Carter's work, and Ancient Egypt when Tut lived and died.
I had forgotten that Patterson is notorious for many, many very short chapters. As a middle school media specialist, I appreciated that the short chapters helped some reluctant readers to stay more focused. Listening to this, I was appalled that a few paragraphs constituted an entire chapter, especially when the next chapter had the exact same setting, time period, and characters. Just irritating.
The vocal work by Barrett was decent, but accents were not consistent. Howard Carter sometimes sounded British, sometimes American, sometimes exactly the same as the narrator voice.
It was especially irritating when Ancient Egyptians were given modern day sensibilities. Tut was so in love with his half-sister wife that he didn't want to upset her by bedding a different woman. Really?! Does that seem at all realistic, given his culture and station in life? What an incredibly kind and sensitive Pharaoh he was.
I most enjoyed the Howard Carter thread of the story. In fact, I got a children's book on Tut's tomb and read it. That author had some different information from Patterson's book. (For example, according to this book, the autopsy was very poorly done, damaging Tut's mummy. The children's book said it was very carefully handled.)
The modern day part included how much Patterson enjoys golfing at Trump's course in Palm Beach, Florida. Yuk. Why do we need this perspective?
I was disappointed, but find Ancient Egypt to be fascinating. His ruminations on how (and who) killed Tut are interesting, but I don't know that I am confident of his research and conclusions.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
The Other Queen
by Philippa Gregory
Delavon's loan, hardcover 433 pages
historical fiction
Generally, I enjoy historical fiction. My sister-in-law had loaned this to one of my daughters-in-law, who encouraged me to read it. I was struggling to force myself for several months to tackle it, but was definitely not enjoying it. Then I pushed through halfway, determined to get it done! At a family gathering, I chatted with my s-i-l who owned the book. She said she didn't finish the book! Ugh. I'm such a pain, I forced myself to finish it.
Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots make for a fascinating story . . . except in this case. Told from the POV of Mary, her jailer/protector George Talbot, and his wife Bess, the story drones on and on through the first three years of Mary's time in England after being ousted in Scotland by rebels. Then the last few chapters wrap up the next decade or so . . .
This was torturous to read. I don't remember what I thought of this author's The Other Boleyn Girl . . . or perhaps I only thought I read that one. In any case, I'm done and moving on.
Page 368 - George finally takes off the rose-colored glasses in regards to Mary and her actions. I kind of felt sorry for him, being the only honorable person in the book.
Page 394 - Seriously?! "'No,' I say as his weight comes down on me. It is what I always say to him. It is the word which means desire to me, to us. It is the word which means yes: 'No.'" What?!?!? How did the author include that? Did Mary's letters to her lover Bothwell actually include that concept? Or does the author think it's sexy when a man insults a woman and then ignores her "no" and forces himself upon her? Dude!
Page 405 - Chillingly reflected in our current political times . . . "But it is a different world now. We will use the laws against our enemies, we will find evidence against our enemies, and if there is neither law nor evidence, then we will make it fresh, specially for them." Sadler talking to Bess.
Delavon's loan, hardcover 433 pages
historical fiction
Generally, I enjoy historical fiction. My sister-in-law had loaned this to one of my daughters-in-law, who encouraged me to read it. I was struggling to force myself for several months to tackle it, but was definitely not enjoying it. Then I pushed through halfway, determined to get it done! At a family gathering, I chatted with my s-i-l who owned the book. She said she didn't finish the book! Ugh. I'm such a pain, I forced myself to finish it.
Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots make for a fascinating story . . . except in this case. Told from the POV of Mary, her jailer/protector George Talbot, and his wife Bess, the story drones on and on through the first three years of Mary's time in England after being ousted in Scotland by rebels. Then the last few chapters wrap up the next decade or so . . .
This was torturous to read. I don't remember what I thought of this author's The Other Boleyn Girl . . . or perhaps I only thought I read that one. In any case, I'm done and moving on.
Page 368 - George finally takes off the rose-colored glasses in regards to Mary and her actions. I kind of felt sorry for him, being the only honorable person in the book.
Page 394 - Seriously?! "'No,' I say as his weight comes down on me. It is what I always say to him. It is the word which means desire to me, to us. It is the word which means yes: 'No.'" What?!?!? How did the author include that? Did Mary's letters to her lover Bothwell actually include that concept? Or does the author think it's sexy when a man insults a woman and then ignores her "no" and forces himself upon her? Dude!
Page 405 - Chillingly reflected in our current political times . . . "But it is a different world now. We will use the laws against our enemies, we will find evidence against our enemies, and if there is neither law nor evidence, then we will make it fresh, specially for them." Sadler talking to Bess.
Monday, January 27, 2020
When I Close My Eyes
by Elizabeth Musser
Carver County Library paperback 338 pages
genre: Christian fiction
Not sure I feel like typing up all the pages I put post-its on . . . but I am excited for book club tonight and the chance to talk about this book. A hired assassin shoots Christian author Josephine Bourdillon in the head. But because someone called her name at the moment and she turned, the bullet wounds her gravely instead of killing her instantly. Lying in a coma, she has "flashbacks" of her childhood as her family rushes to her side to sit vigil and encourage her to pull through. The would-be killer is struggling with his own demons and comes to the hospital to finish what he started.
I read the first forty pages and then put it aside. Saturday evening, I finished the entire book! Musser is a wonderful storyteller who brings the threads of the story together as we hear from the different perspectives.
I've always kind of wondered about / struggled with the idea of a born-again Christian having problems with depression. This book helped make sense of it for me. This was a book about depression without being depressing to read. I loved Paige and her edginess. I also loved the observations about her acting a lot like Jesus even though she claimed not to believe in Him. . . .
Page 30-1: "Miss Josy, you listen to me, and you listen good. There's a whole lot of evil in this world. And you got a heart that feels it more than others. But don't you go tryin' to carry it - you give it to the good Lord, you hear me? Can't be carryin' it on your mighty thin shoulders. The Lord, now He's got big shoulders. You tell Him about it, and then you go on out and drink your ginger ale. Ain't up to you to fix the world's problems." Terrence was such a fantastic character! I loved his wisdom!
Page 69-70: "Josephine, I'm no expert on much, but I know one thing. When I start feeling overwhelmed or angry or discouraged, I try to read what God has to say about it in the Bible. And I keep a list of Bible verses that talk about whatever is bothering me. Sometimes I even memorize those verses." Fred O., her youth pastor, showed her how to use a concordance and find Scriptures that helped her with what she most struggled with! Yes! Excellent strategy!
Page 107: "Their weekly meetings were a gift, a great gift, and gradually Marcia helped her understand how to let go of the burdens, helped her redirect her spiraling thoughts, pointed her more fully to Christ, encouraged her to meditate on Scripture, to let God's Word tape over the cruel voices that played like a cassette in her mind. The voices didn't go away completely, but she learned to recognize them sooner, to prepare herself for the mental fight. And she learned that she could not fix her family." Marcia was another person who really helped Josie when she was younger.
Page 138 - her miscarriages . . . so incredibly sad. I can't imagine that pain.
Page 152 - Henry is being changed as he reads Josie's books and opens his heart to the possibility of forgiveness. Talking to Jase, he says, "These hard times are gonna be used for good. Make you stronger, son. Make you better inside and out. They're changin' your heart."
Page 193: "When she spoke to women's groups, Josephine never shied away from the truth - her need for antidepressants to regulate her moods, her need for counseling, her need for complete rest, her need for Scripture and people. She told it all in living color, always ending with, 'God's Word brought me back from the edge of despair . . . from insanity.'" God's Word has power!
Page 240: I love the whole page because Henry is musing on how "Christians" often act instead of how Jesus says they should act - in love. "I wondered how many religious folks nowadays acted like those Pharisees. And then I wondered long and hard how Jesus would feel about them."
Page 308: "Faith and mental instability aren't mutually exclusive." When Drake says this, Paige has to repeat it and think about it. Interesting how a perspective shift can do that.
Page 328-30: When her family reads her letter, it summarizes beautifully her whole journey. This part really struck me: 'Back in 2007, I tried to take my life. Despite having a wonderful, loving family and community and a deep faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I had slipped into a terrible spiral of hopelessness. By God's grace, my attempt failed. My road back to mental and physical health came from my support group as well as mental health professionals and medication." She goes on to talk about getting help.
Carver County Library paperback 338 pages
genre: Christian fiction
Not sure I feel like typing up all the pages I put post-its on . . . but I am excited for book club tonight and the chance to talk about this book. A hired assassin shoots Christian author Josephine Bourdillon in the head. But because someone called her name at the moment and she turned, the bullet wounds her gravely instead of killing her instantly. Lying in a coma, she has "flashbacks" of her childhood as her family rushes to her side to sit vigil and encourage her to pull through. The would-be killer is struggling with his own demons and comes to the hospital to finish what he started.
I read the first forty pages and then put it aside. Saturday evening, I finished the entire book! Musser is a wonderful storyteller who brings the threads of the story together as we hear from the different perspectives.
I've always kind of wondered about / struggled with the idea of a born-again Christian having problems with depression. This book helped make sense of it for me. This was a book about depression without being depressing to read. I loved Paige and her edginess. I also loved the observations about her acting a lot like Jesus even though she claimed not to believe in Him. . . .
Page 30-1: "Miss Josy, you listen to me, and you listen good. There's a whole lot of evil in this world. And you got a heart that feels it more than others. But don't you go tryin' to carry it - you give it to the good Lord, you hear me? Can't be carryin' it on your mighty thin shoulders. The Lord, now He's got big shoulders. You tell Him about it, and then you go on out and drink your ginger ale. Ain't up to you to fix the world's problems." Terrence was such a fantastic character! I loved his wisdom!
Page 69-70: "Josephine, I'm no expert on much, but I know one thing. When I start feeling overwhelmed or angry or discouraged, I try to read what God has to say about it in the Bible. And I keep a list of Bible verses that talk about whatever is bothering me. Sometimes I even memorize those verses." Fred O., her youth pastor, showed her how to use a concordance and find Scriptures that helped her with what she most struggled with! Yes! Excellent strategy!
Page 107: "Their weekly meetings were a gift, a great gift, and gradually Marcia helped her understand how to let go of the burdens, helped her redirect her spiraling thoughts, pointed her more fully to Christ, encouraged her to meditate on Scripture, to let God's Word tape over the cruel voices that played like a cassette in her mind. The voices didn't go away completely, but she learned to recognize them sooner, to prepare herself for the mental fight. And she learned that she could not fix her family." Marcia was another person who really helped Josie when she was younger.
Page 138 - her miscarriages . . . so incredibly sad. I can't imagine that pain.
Page 152 - Henry is being changed as he reads Josie's books and opens his heart to the possibility of forgiveness. Talking to Jase, he says, "These hard times are gonna be used for good. Make you stronger, son. Make you better inside and out. They're changin' your heart."
Page 193: "When she spoke to women's groups, Josephine never shied away from the truth - her need for antidepressants to regulate her moods, her need for counseling, her need for complete rest, her need for Scripture and people. She told it all in living color, always ending with, 'God's Word brought me back from the edge of despair . . . from insanity.'" God's Word has power!
Page 240: I love the whole page because Henry is musing on how "Christians" often act instead of how Jesus says they should act - in love. "I wondered how many religious folks nowadays acted like those Pharisees. And then I wondered long and hard how Jesus would feel about them."
Page 308: "Faith and mental instability aren't mutually exclusive." When Drake says this, Paige has to repeat it and think about it. Interesting how a perspective shift can do that.
Page 328-30: When her family reads her letter, it summarizes beautifully her whole journey. This part really struck me: 'Back in 2007, I tried to take my life. Despite having a wonderful, loving family and community and a deep faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I had slipped into a terrible spiral of hopelessness. By God's grace, my attempt failed. My road back to mental and physical health came from my support group as well as mental health professionals and medication." She goes on to talk about getting help.
We Never Asked for Wings
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Scott County Library audiobook 10 CDs
read by Emma Bering and Robbie Daymond
genre: realistic fiction
I grabbed this book when I saw who the author was. The Language of Flowers absolutely blew me away. I may need to re-read it . . . Because I confess that this book underwhelmed me. This "review" probably has lots of spoilers, so please don't let me ruin your experience with the book! (It isn't a very well-written review anyhow.)
She is an amazing writer, but there were a few things that I really struggled with. First of all, the consequences of the kids' actions was draconian. I find it hard to believe that any school would handle this by immediately turning two kids (with no previous issues) over to the police, and that the police in juvey would treat them so harshly. No lawyers, no parents . . . just doesn't ring true for me. Second of all is the lame ending. It's as though the story just stops. Not at all satisfying.
Here are my random notes from while I was listening:
I love what she did with the birds and feathers. I love the relationship between Enrique and his grandson. I love how Wes and Rick stepped up as great guys. I even loved the mixology lessons. But overall, this was just not as excellent as her first book.
Scott County Library audiobook 10 CDs
read by Emma Bering and Robbie Daymond
genre: realistic fiction
I grabbed this book when I saw who the author was. The Language of Flowers absolutely blew me away. I may need to re-read it . . . Because I confess that this book underwhelmed me. This "review" probably has lots of spoilers, so please don't let me ruin your experience with the book! (It isn't a very well-written review anyhow.)
She is an amazing writer, but there were a few things that I really struggled with. First of all, the consequences of the kids' actions was draconian. I find it hard to believe that any school would handle this by immediately turning two kids (with no previous issues) over to the police, and that the police in juvey would treat them so harshly. No lawyers, no parents . . . just doesn't ring true for me. Second of all is the lame ending. It's as though the story just stops. Not at all satisfying.
Here are my random notes from while I was listening:
- geography south of San Fran? I need to look at a map! marshy area by airport?
- feather mosaics . . . I tried googling this, but I got mosaics OF feathers instead of ones made FROM feathers. I'm super curious and must look more!
- I had a hard time deciding if I was more frustrated with Letty being a pathetic non-mom or Maria Elena for enabling her all these years. And Luna was such a brat! What horrible behavior for a six year old! Alex was my favorite character from the get-go.
- They learned about the Icarus myth in sixth grade? I love it!
- mass spectrometer, feathers/wings, climate change. I loved the nerdy science stuff and the way Alex and Wes clicked.
- Loved the men! Rick, Wed, Alex, Enrique, Mr. Everett (the science teacher) - these guys were fantastic!
- No! I couldn't believe that Alex compounded the wrong he'd already done by throwing Mr. E's keys into the bay. I also couldn't believe that Yesenia told him to do it.
- Carmen's 14 year old self and experience with pregnancy vs. Letty's 18 year old experience . . . such different choices, weaknesses, and strengths in these women!
- lots of remarks on "Juvie lockup" and "really?!" and "a guard hit Alex and left a scrape on his forehead?" and "I don't think so." Letty should have been fighting that system big-time!
I love what she did with the birds and feathers. I love the relationship between Enrique and his grandson. I love how Wes and Rick stepped up as great guys. I even loved the mixology lessons. But overall, this was just not as excellent as her first book.
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