by Erin Bartels
Dakota County library paperback 355 pages
genre: Christian realistic fiction
Super excited to go to book club tomorrow night! Erin Bartels is a wonderful storyteller. I really enjoyed this story about Robin Windsor / Dickinson and her journey from a wealthy life to striving to hide her family connections to running a bookstore by herself. The author uses "then" and "now" at the start of each chapter as we alternate between present time and Robin's teenage to young adult days. Beautifully written!
Pg. 46 - "I want to be alone. I'm best alone. But sometimes you do things you don't want to do in order to please your friends. People think that once you're an adult, stuff like that stops. It doesn't. It just changes."
As Robin concedes to Sarah's and Dawt Pi's insistence that she needs to get out of the bookstore, she recognizes that maturity doesn't always bring what one expects of life.
Page 83 - "Beneath it all ran the ragged sound of something else - that thing that all dead things are missing - leaving that dog's body. At the moment of impact, Farley looked me in the eye where I sat on the front lawn, and I could swear it wasn't a dog at all looking at me. It was whatever left that dog. It was there, Then it wasn't."
Throughout the book, the author describes death and life and that intangible essence of life in many different scenes and situations. This one just seemed to capture that moment of transition between life and death particularly well.
Page 141 - "I don't want to tell you what to do, Robin, but most people don't know what kind of time they have left with someone. You might." The "then" Peter was trying to convince Robin to visit her parents in prison, especially her dad before he was executed.
Life is precious! Reconcile differences. Hug the people you care about the most. Spend time with loved ones.
Page 178 - "Most of these books are not alive. They have not stood the passage of time. They do not still burn in the hearts of those who have read them. . . . They are merely inert paper and ink, and I doubt very much they could live again."
Comparing the books that were used to build their giant dinosaur (Dreadnoughtus) with great literature, Robin alludes to the physical life and death she has already talked about.
Page 252 - "Too much time has passed. Too much unspoken grief. All the letters I never wrote. But I can't go home with nothing to show for the miles this time. I can't keep going on this way, swept along by the winds of rumor and regret. Time moves in only one direction. I can't get back the time I've squandered. I can only move forward."
This is probably the absolute best "message" in the book!
Page 297 - "I'm looking for Dawt Pi. Because of all the people I know, she's the only one who has ever made me wonder if perhaps GOd must be real despite everything."
This gave me chills! People recognize when we truly live our lives for the Lord. I want to be like Dawt Pi, faithfully being "real" to the people around me, ready to share my faith.
This is a book I would consider purchasing, re-reading, highlighting, sharing, . . . it is a great book for book lovers.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Friday, November 22, 2019
Boom!
by Mark Haddon
Scott County Library audiobook 3 CDs
read by Julian Rhind-Tutt
genre: YA SciFi (initially, I thought it was realistic fiction . . . ha!)
This surprised me in a delightful way! First off, I'm a sucker for a British accent. Rhind-Tutt did a great job with the vocal work. (I had to look up "spanner" in British slang - it's a wrench.) This book had me wondering what was next - there were plenty of surprises. In a lot of ways, it's just silly. But I enjoyed it nonetheless!
Jimbo and his best friend Charlie are mediocre students. Jim's sister Becky is dating Terry (aka "Craterface") and there's no love lost between these siblings. Dad is in an unemployed funk, questioning his worth as a man, flying remote controlled planes and helicopters until they crash.
The two boys plant a walkie-talkie to eavesdrop on their teachers and something they hear starts them on a crazy investigation that gets more and more bizarre. I don't want to spoil the story for other readers, but I do want to include a line that made me laugh out loud. (Stop here if you're averse to spoilers.) "They want to repopulate their planet with SciFi fans? Is that wise?" (I'm paraphrasing, but that was the gist of it. So funny!) The cafeteria scene also made me laugh, thinking of a cliched romance - "Charlie!" "Jimbo!" as they ran toward one another.
I loved Becky by the end of the story. What a hero! I found this book to be surprising, unexpected, amusing, and suspenseful. I may have to see if Haddon has written other YA books.
Scott County Library audiobook 3 CDs
read by Julian Rhind-Tutt
genre: YA SciFi (initially, I thought it was realistic fiction . . . ha!)
This surprised me in a delightful way! First off, I'm a sucker for a British accent. Rhind-Tutt did a great job with the vocal work. (I had to look up "spanner" in British slang - it's a wrench.) This book had me wondering what was next - there were plenty of surprises. In a lot of ways, it's just silly. But I enjoyed it nonetheless!
Jimbo and his best friend Charlie are mediocre students. Jim's sister Becky is dating Terry (aka "Craterface") and there's no love lost between these siblings. Dad is in an unemployed funk, questioning his worth as a man, flying remote controlled planes and helicopters until they crash.
The two boys plant a walkie-talkie to eavesdrop on their teachers and something they hear starts them on a crazy investigation that gets more and more bizarre. I don't want to spoil the story for other readers, but I do want to include a line that made me laugh out loud. (Stop here if you're averse to spoilers.) "They want to repopulate their planet with SciFi fans? Is that wise?" (I'm paraphrasing, but that was the gist of it. So funny!) The cafeteria scene also made me laugh, thinking of a cliched romance - "Charlie!" "Jimbo!" as they ran toward one another.
I loved Becky by the end of the story. What a hero! I found this book to be surprising, unexpected, amusing, and suspenseful. I may have to see if Haddon has written other YA books.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Simply Clean: The Proven Method for Keeping Your Home Organized, Clean, and Beautiful in Just 10 Minutes a Day
by Becky Rapinchuk (founder of Clean Mama)
Hennepin County Library paperback 247 pages
genre: non-fiction, self-help of a sort
I love this book! I'm seriously considering buying it! (and tabbing, highlighting, underlining, etc.)
Positives:
Hennepin County Library paperback 247 pages
genre: non-fiction, self-help of a sort
I love this book! I'm seriously considering buying it! (and tabbing, highlighting, underlining, etc.)
Positives:
- she has a very positive, encouraging tone
- she emphasizes that you need to do what works best for you
- short, regular bursts of cleaning time (use a timer) - this is like my "clean quickly and clean often"
- sort and organize a space (like a closet, drawer, etc.) by emptying it out 100% and then dealing with everything! Yes! This strategy works really well.
- checklists, charts, etc. - very helpful
- like Heloise Helpful Hints, there are some really great tips, recipes for cleaning products, etc.
- I'm too cheap to buy a book on cleaning, especially since I don't like cleaning. I've renewed this from the library the maximum number of times, so it needs to go back. Perhaps I will end up buying it. . . I'm going to scan some of the charts and checklists that I liked so much, but won't post them here. I don't expect to ever actually like cleaning, but I do like having a clean house.
Blindsided
by Priscilla Cummings
Scott County Library hardcover 226 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
A student loaned me her library copy of this book one day when I was subbing. I got to page 53 before the video (and class) ended, so I returned it to her. I was curious about how it turned out, so I got it from the county library.
Natalie O'Reilly is 14 years old and losing her sight. She has a rare condition that causes her to not have irises, so her eyes are extremely sensitive to light. When her doctor recommends that she go to a school for the blind so she can learn helpful skills "in case" she completely loses her sight, she and her father are both opposed.
Take all the normal issues and anxieties for a teen girl and add the loss of vision. The book surprised me as it went from Natalie's self-focused sadness to a more balanced outlook on her life options. The Bree storyline added a lot. I'm glad I read this book.
Scott County Library hardcover 226 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
A student loaned me her library copy of this book one day when I was subbing. I got to page 53 before the video (and class) ended, so I returned it to her. I was curious about how it turned out, so I got it from the county library.
Natalie O'Reilly is 14 years old and losing her sight. She has a rare condition that causes her to not have irises, so her eyes are extremely sensitive to light. When her doctor recommends that she go to a school for the blind so she can learn helpful skills "in case" she completely loses her sight, she and her father are both opposed.
Take all the normal issues and anxieties for a teen girl and add the loss of vision. The book surprised me as it went from Natalie's self-focused sadness to a more balanced outlook on her life options. The Bree storyline added a lot. I'm glad I read this book.
O Pioneers!
by Willa Cather
Scott County Library audiobook 5 CDs
read by Betsy Bronson
genre: realistic fiction (Cather lived 1873-1947, so it seems to be Historical Fiction)
I loved this! Cather is amazing. It makes me want to re-read My Antonia. From the back of the case: "Alexandra Bergsons, the daughter of Swedish immigrants, inherits her family's ailing farm in Hanover, Nebraska, upon the death of her father. Over the years, she turns the farm into a successful enterprise. However, success has not brought peace, as passion and love intervene."
Alexandra is an admirable main character. The story opens with her baby brother Emil mournfully trying to get his kitten back. Alexandra, Emil, Carl, Marie, . . . I was drawn into these characters' lives. What a powerful, heartachingly good story.
The reader's voice bothered me. The accents seemed fakey, especially on the deeper male voices. Swedish? Norwegian? Alien? It was hard to tell. It made me wonder if Cather wrote the story in a foreign language and had it translated. . .
When their dad died, Alexandra was the oldest. Her brothers Lew and Oscar were 19 and 17. Emil was much younger. Their mother didn't play an important role in the story.
I loved Evar! He was fascinating, albeit odd. The part about why he went around barefoot made me smile!
Alexandra's wisdom, wise investment, and willingness to try new ideas made me admire and respect her. "Puissant" is the word Cather used. Right now, Blogger is indicating that I've misspelled it. I double-checked. Puissant means "having great power or influence."
The Marie and Frank portion of the story was so frustrating! How could she be so clueless about Emil's true feelings?!?! Then when she opens her eyes, how can she be so stupid and selfish?!
Carl was another favorite character for me. What a wonderful man!
I wasn't sure about "The Divide." Why was the land called this? Did I not listen carefully enough? Probably. One of the hazards of audiobooks.
Scott County Library audiobook 5 CDs
read by Betsy Bronson
genre: realistic fiction (Cather lived 1873-1947, so it seems to be Historical Fiction)
I loved this! Cather is amazing. It makes me want to re-read My Antonia. From the back of the case: "Alexandra Bergsons, the daughter of Swedish immigrants, inherits her family's ailing farm in Hanover, Nebraska, upon the death of her father. Over the years, she turns the farm into a successful enterprise. However, success has not brought peace, as passion and love intervene."
Alexandra is an admirable main character. The story opens with her baby brother Emil mournfully trying to get his kitten back. Alexandra, Emil, Carl, Marie, . . . I was drawn into these characters' lives. What a powerful, heartachingly good story.
The reader's voice bothered me. The accents seemed fakey, especially on the deeper male voices. Swedish? Norwegian? Alien? It was hard to tell. It made me wonder if Cather wrote the story in a foreign language and had it translated. . .
When their dad died, Alexandra was the oldest. Her brothers Lew and Oscar were 19 and 17. Emil was much younger. Their mother didn't play an important role in the story.
I loved Evar! He was fascinating, albeit odd. The part about why he went around barefoot made me smile!
Alexandra's wisdom, wise investment, and willingness to try new ideas made me admire and respect her. "Puissant" is the word Cather used. Right now, Blogger is indicating that I've misspelled it. I double-checked. Puissant means "having great power or influence."
The Marie and Frank portion of the story was so frustrating! How could she be so clueless about Emil's true feelings?!?! Then when she opens her eyes, how can she be so stupid and selfish?!
Carl was another favorite character for me. What a wonderful man!
I wasn't sure about "The Divide." Why was the land called this? Did I not listen carefully enough? Probably. One of the hazards of audiobooks.
Under a Wing: A Memoir
by Reeve Lindbergh
Hennepin County Library hardcover 222 pages
genre: non-fiction, memoir
This wasn't as captivating as The Aviator's Wife, which is frustrating since that was fiction and Lindbergh's book is about her life and memories. I loved the photos and the way the remembrances made me want to write my own stories. I appreciate that she neither tried to demonize nor sugarcoat her parents' lives. This seems very honest and observant.
Page 58 - "I had no interest in my father's flying or his writing career, but I thought that surely my mother did not really want to be shut away for a whole afternoon with a pen and a pad of paper, without seeing my face, hearing my thoughts, inspecting my bruises, or in some other way affirming for both of us the extraordinary importance of my presence in her life."
This made me smile! As the youngest child, I'm sure Reeve (like most small children) really DO think they're the center of the universe.
Page 81 - I made a note of her comment about the movie The Fisher King (with Robin Williams). Apparently there's a scene where they actually make fun of Anne Morrow Lindbergh wondering where her baby is. I've never heard of this movie, and I'm horrified that someone would joke about a personal tragedy this way. Here's what I found: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmfGLfWqlzA
Page 117 - The whole scene where she talks about being at her grandma's house and offered malted milk tablets! What a hoot! She expected something nasty. "I made a vow to myself, too, that no matter how terrible the next few seconds might be, I would not choke or vomit. Thus stoically prepared, I selected one of the clay-colored capsules, thrust it quickly back toward my molars, and bit down into one of the great surprises of my life. Malted milk tablets were delicious. The taste that touched my tongue and spread everywhere through my mouth was as rich and deep and delightful as chocolate, which I adored. I was mesmerized, astonished, completely seduced. I chewed, sucked, and drizzled malted milk into the greedy moistness of my inner cheeks while I stared at my father and my grandmother, and I felt an unsuspected melting pleasure of belonging draw itself gently over me."
Page 181 - "She will carefully mark special places in these diaries as she reads, sometimes leaving as many as fifty markers in one book. She will mark her place, or her places, with scraps of paper, envelopes, napkins, pieces of ribbon, whatever comes to hand."
Reeve is referring to her mother, but I loved that image and I also love to "mark" up books . . . usually with Post-it notes.
Page 216 - "She said that it had been his hbvit for so long, growing up so alone, to listen only to himself. He had learned to rely on his own judgment, and this had been critical for him, because his survival often depended upon following his instincts."
This is Anne ML referring to Charles, but it just made me think of Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding . . . "
Hennepin County Library hardcover 222 pages
genre: non-fiction, memoir
This wasn't as captivating as The Aviator's Wife, which is frustrating since that was fiction and Lindbergh's book is about her life and memories. I loved the photos and the way the remembrances made me want to write my own stories. I appreciate that she neither tried to demonize nor sugarcoat her parents' lives. This seems very honest and observant.
Page 58 - "I had no interest in my father's flying or his writing career, but I thought that surely my mother did not really want to be shut away for a whole afternoon with a pen and a pad of paper, without seeing my face, hearing my thoughts, inspecting my bruises, or in some other way affirming for both of us the extraordinary importance of my presence in her life."
This made me smile! As the youngest child, I'm sure Reeve (like most small children) really DO think they're the center of the universe.
Page 81 - I made a note of her comment about the movie The Fisher King (with Robin Williams). Apparently there's a scene where they actually make fun of Anne Morrow Lindbergh wondering where her baby is. I've never heard of this movie, and I'm horrified that someone would joke about a personal tragedy this way. Here's what I found: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmfGLfWqlzA
Page 117 - The whole scene where she talks about being at her grandma's house and offered malted milk tablets! What a hoot! She expected something nasty. "I made a vow to myself, too, that no matter how terrible the next few seconds might be, I would not choke or vomit. Thus stoically prepared, I selected one of the clay-colored capsules, thrust it quickly back toward my molars, and bit down into one of the great surprises of my life. Malted milk tablets were delicious. The taste that touched my tongue and spread everywhere through my mouth was as rich and deep and delightful as chocolate, which I adored. I was mesmerized, astonished, completely seduced. I chewed, sucked, and drizzled malted milk into the greedy moistness of my inner cheeks while I stared at my father and my grandmother, and I felt an unsuspected melting pleasure of belonging draw itself gently over me."
Page 181 - "She will carefully mark special places in these diaries as she reads, sometimes leaving as many as fifty markers in one book. She will mark her place, or her places, with scraps of paper, envelopes, napkins, pieces of ribbon, whatever comes to hand."
Reeve is referring to her mother, but I loved that image and I also love to "mark" up books . . . usually with Post-it notes.
Page 216 - "She said that it had been his hbvit for so long, growing up so alone, to listen only to himself. He had learned to rely on his own judgment, and this had been critical for him, because his survival often depended upon following his instincts."
This is Anne ML referring to Charles, but it just made me think of Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding . . . "
Sunday, November 03, 2019
The Lost Mother
by Mary McGarry Morris
Scott County Library audiobook 6CDs
genre: historical fiction
This book was heart breaking! Set during the 1930s, Thomas (age 12) and Margaret (age 8) are living in a tent with their father. Their mother has gone to the big city to try to find work. Poverty and the lack of work, money, and housing plague Henry Talcott as he tries to raise his children alone. His own mom died when he was 15 and crotchety neighbor Mr. Beebow took him in.
As the story went along, I was horrified by the adults who chose to be selfish and cruel instead of extending kindness to these children. Even Mrs. Farley, who lavished food and gifts on them, was cruel in her deceptions. I got really frustrated with the story as these poor children had one difficult scenario after another. The author did an excellent job of crafting this story!
Gladys Beebow was one of the few bright spots, but her duty to her father outweighed her desire to care for Thomas and his sister. Otis extended kindness to Thomas, but ultimately kowtowed to Mr. Farley so he wouldn't lose his job. The sweet, quiet nun who listened to Thomas offered some relief from the troubles he experienced.
This book made me think, care, and cry. It was powerful and sad. The ending surprised me a bit, but I love how it resolved. I'd love to do this book as a club discussion!
Scott County Library audiobook 6CDs
genre: historical fiction
This book was heart breaking! Set during the 1930s, Thomas (age 12) and Margaret (age 8) are living in a tent with their father. Their mother has gone to the big city to try to find work. Poverty and the lack of work, money, and housing plague Henry Talcott as he tries to raise his children alone. His own mom died when he was 15 and crotchety neighbor Mr. Beebow took him in.
As the story went along, I was horrified by the adults who chose to be selfish and cruel instead of extending kindness to these children. Even Mrs. Farley, who lavished food and gifts on them, was cruel in her deceptions. I got really frustrated with the story as these poor children had one difficult scenario after another. The author did an excellent job of crafting this story!
Gladys Beebow was one of the few bright spots, but her duty to her father outweighed her desire to care for Thomas and his sister. Otis extended kindness to Thomas, but ultimately kowtowed to Mr. Farley so he wouldn't lose his job. The sweet, quiet nun who listened to Thomas offered some relief from the troubles he experienced.
This book made me think, care, and cry. It was powerful and sad. The ending surprised me a bit, but I love how it resolved. I'd love to do this book as a club discussion!
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Memories of Glass
by Melanie Dobson
Carver County Library hardcover 397 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Set in Amsterdam during WWII and also in modern day times, this story followed the Kingston family and their connections through the Holocaust and beyond. There were things I really liked about the story (mostly Ava's modern-day journey to help the Kingston Foundation and find out her family history) and things I disliked.
I'll start with disliked: my confusion over all the characters and how they were connected! I understand why the author didn't provide a "who's who" type of list, as that would have spoiled some plotlines. I ought to have made my own, since this proved a challenge for me to follow some aspects of the story line (and judging by our book club discussion, a barrier for others, too).
Landon and Ava/ coffee and compassion / Uganda and Seattle - definitely my favorite aspect of the book. Here are some other spots I noted:
Page 52 - "God, she suspected, would want the theology she'd spent a lifetime learning to siphon down into her hands and feet. Share His love with those who needed a glimpse of it during this dark season." (Josie, May 1942)
Page 85 - "Books, she once said, are the best legacy. They outlast one's life and shed light on the past when truth is hard to find." (Ava, in Uganda)
Page 115 - "Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for a future that only He can see." (Quotation from Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place.)
Page 242 - "I sit on a bench and retrieve her Bible out of my handbag to find the verses where Jesus speaks about the truth of His teaching, truth that could set people free. The father of lies wants to conceal the truth, He said, enslave people in their sin. Their shame. God sent His Son to set them - to set me - free." (Ava, in Seattle, after meeting Mrs. West)
Page 308 - "A glimpse of heaven, that is the terroir I need right now, a place where evil can no longer hide, the supreme light of Christ blasting away the shadows." (Ava, in Amsterdam)
Page 313 - Yes! I suspected this but was pumped when Paul answered what his father's name was!
Page 347 - "He started buying antique bottles in their memory, and for years we would watch the light pour into each one, filling what had been broken, their legacy living on in both of us." (Mrs. West, talking to Ava, Landon, and Kendall) This scene is so gorgeous in my mind that it makes me want to start collecting colorful glass containers to put in a sunny window!
We had a good discussion, but I was only halfway done reading it so I couldn't fully participate. I need to get the book club book more quickly and hunker down to read it!
Carver County Library hardcover 397 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Set in Amsterdam during WWII and also in modern day times, this story followed the Kingston family and their connections through the Holocaust and beyond. There were things I really liked about the story (mostly Ava's modern-day journey to help the Kingston Foundation and find out her family history) and things I disliked.
I'll start with disliked: my confusion over all the characters and how they were connected! I understand why the author didn't provide a "who's who" type of list, as that would have spoiled some plotlines. I ought to have made my own, since this proved a challenge for me to follow some aspects of the story line (and judging by our book club discussion, a barrier for others, too).
Landon and Ava/ coffee and compassion / Uganda and Seattle - definitely my favorite aspect of the book. Here are some other spots I noted:
Page 52 - "God, she suspected, would want the theology she'd spent a lifetime learning to siphon down into her hands and feet. Share His love with those who needed a glimpse of it during this dark season." (Josie, May 1942)
Page 85 - "Books, she once said, are the best legacy. They outlast one's life and shed light on the past when truth is hard to find." (Ava, in Uganda)
Page 115 - "Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for a future that only He can see." (Quotation from Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place.)
Page 242 - "I sit on a bench and retrieve her Bible out of my handbag to find the verses where Jesus speaks about the truth of His teaching, truth that could set people free. The father of lies wants to conceal the truth, He said, enslave people in their sin. Their shame. God sent His Son to set them - to set me - free." (Ava, in Seattle, after meeting Mrs. West)
Page 308 - "A glimpse of heaven, that is the terroir I need right now, a place where evil can no longer hide, the supreme light of Christ blasting away the shadows." (Ava, in Amsterdam)
Page 313 - Yes! I suspected this but was pumped when Paul answered what his father's name was!
Page 347 - "He started buying antique bottles in their memory, and for years we would watch the light pour into each one, filling what had been broken, their legacy living on in both of us." (Mrs. West, talking to Ava, Landon, and Kendall) This scene is so gorgeous in my mind that it makes me want to start collecting colorful glass containers to put in a sunny window!
We had a good discussion, but I was only halfway done reading it so I couldn't fully participate. I need to get the book club book more quickly and hunker down to read it!
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Of Sound Mind
by Jean Ferris
NPMS library hardcover 215 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
This is a more serious title from Ferris, who often writes with humor. Theo is a senior in high school. As the only hearing member of his family, his ability to hear and speak English as well as use ASL means that he does a lot of interpreting for his parents and little brother Jeremy. He also takes on a large share of responsibility for the household.
Theo as a character was a delightful young man, but it didn't seem realistic that he was so innocent about so many things. Perhaps I'm too jaded. That said, his friendship with Ivy and the conflicts with his mother made this very readable. I'm not sure how easy a "sell" it would be to middle schoolers. Unlike most realistic fiction, this book has clean language and no sexual content. The kiss scene (pages 134-5) is super sweet!
I loved Jeremy and Theo's care for his family. There was actually a climax to the story that I did NOT anticipate. This was worthwhile. The signing, frustrations, and challenges for deaf people and their family members was enlightening.
NPMS library hardcover 215 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
This is a more serious title from Ferris, who often writes with humor. Theo is a senior in high school. As the only hearing member of his family, his ability to hear and speak English as well as use ASL means that he does a lot of interpreting for his parents and little brother Jeremy. He also takes on a large share of responsibility for the household.
Theo as a character was a delightful young man, but it didn't seem realistic that he was so innocent about so many things. Perhaps I'm too jaded. That said, his friendship with Ivy and the conflicts with his mother made this very readable. I'm not sure how easy a "sell" it would be to middle schoolers. Unlike most realistic fiction, this book has clean language and no sexual content. The kiss scene (pages 134-5) is super sweet!
I loved Jeremy and Theo's care for his family. There was actually a climax to the story that I did NOT anticipate. This was worthwhile. The signing, frustrations, and challenges for deaf people and their family members was enlightening.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
The Bees
by Laline Paull
Scott County Library audiobook 9CDs
read by Orlagh Cassidy
genre: fiction, bees, unusual
Other than a prologue and epilogue that bookend the story, the entire book is told from the bees' point of view. Specifically, a worker bee named Flora 717. I don't think I can do justice to a description of the book . . . so I'll grab one off Amazon.
"The Handmaid’s Tale meets The Hunger Games in this brilliantly imagined debut set in an ancient culture where only the queen may breed and deformity means death. Flora 717 is a sanitation worker, a member of the lowest caste in her orchard hive where work and sacrifice are the highest virtues and worship of the beloved Queen the only religion. But Flora is not like other bees. With circumstances threatening the hive’s survival, her curiosity is regarded as a dangerous flaw but her courage and strength are an asset. She is allowed to feed the newborns in the royal nursery and then to become a forager, flying alone and free to collect pollen. She also finds her way into the Queen’s inner sanctum, where she discovers mysteries about the hive that are both profound and ominous. But when Flora breaks the most sacred law of all—daring to challenge the Queen’s fertility—enemies abound, from the fearsome fertility police who enforce the strict social hierarchy to the high priestesses jealously wedded to power. Her deepest instincts to serve and sacrifice are now overshadowed by an even deeper desire, a fierce maternal love that will bring her into conflict with her conscience, her heart, her society—and lead her to unthinkable deeds. Thrilling, suspenseful and spectacularly imaginative, The Bees gives us a dazzling young heroine and will change forever the way you look at the world outside your window."
I didn't think I'd like it, but I ended up wanting to know what would happen to Flora and wanting her to succeed. I was very curious what a bee keeper would think of this book. (Yes, I could look up other people's reviews . . . but I'm tired and want to go to bed.)
I was surprised by passages in the book that had strong religious themes and language and others that were extremely sexual in nature. It was a very strange book, but interesting, too. I liked Flora's trip to the greenhouse, her fight with the wasp, and her courage in "reading" the queen's library and becoming a forager. I also liked Sir Linden, the drone. Odd but fun book! The vocal work was excellent.
Scott County Library audiobook 9CDs
read by Orlagh Cassidy
genre: fiction, bees, unusual
Other than a prologue and epilogue that bookend the story, the entire book is told from the bees' point of view. Specifically, a worker bee named Flora 717. I don't think I can do justice to a description of the book . . . so I'll grab one off Amazon.
"The Handmaid’s Tale meets The Hunger Games in this brilliantly imagined debut set in an ancient culture where only the queen may breed and deformity means death. Flora 717 is a sanitation worker, a member of the lowest caste in her orchard hive where work and sacrifice are the highest virtues and worship of the beloved Queen the only religion. But Flora is not like other bees. With circumstances threatening the hive’s survival, her curiosity is regarded as a dangerous flaw but her courage and strength are an asset. She is allowed to feed the newborns in the royal nursery and then to become a forager, flying alone and free to collect pollen. She also finds her way into the Queen’s inner sanctum, where she discovers mysteries about the hive that are both profound and ominous. But when Flora breaks the most sacred law of all—daring to challenge the Queen’s fertility—enemies abound, from the fearsome fertility police who enforce the strict social hierarchy to the high priestesses jealously wedded to power. Her deepest instincts to serve and sacrifice are now overshadowed by an even deeper desire, a fierce maternal love that will bring her into conflict with her conscience, her heart, her society—and lead her to unthinkable deeds. Thrilling, suspenseful and spectacularly imaginative, The Bees gives us a dazzling young heroine and will change forever the way you look at the world outside your window."
I didn't think I'd like it, but I ended up wanting to know what would happen to Flora and wanting her to succeed. I was very curious what a bee keeper would think of this book. (Yes, I could look up other people's reviews . . . but I'm tired and want to go to bed.)
I was surprised by passages in the book that had strong religious themes and language and others that were extremely sexual in nature. It was a very strange book, but interesting, too. I liked Flora's trip to the greenhouse, her fight with the wasp, and her courage in "reading" the queen's library and becoming a forager. I also liked Sir Linden, the drone. Odd but fun book! The vocal work was excellent.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
The Aviator's Wife
by Melanie Benjamin
Scott County Library audiobook 13 CDs
read by Lorna Raver
genre: historical fiction
This book told from the perspective of Anne Morrow Lindbergh has been fascinating and frustrating. I've already gone online to look up some info . . . so far, it seems very historically accurate. I want to read something actually written by AML now - perhaps Gift from the Sea.
Charles Lindbergh comes across as an arrogant jerk. Anne at times seems pathetic and other times powerful. The best parts (to me) are her early years as an ambassador's daughter (including their courtship) and the section on the "baby's" kidnapping. To me, a twenty-month old is a toddler, but that's quibbling. How incredibly awful for them to go through such a horrific event. (Side note - I hate that there are still so many questions about Hauptman and if others were involved but went free . . . )
I wondered a lot about Dwight Jr. since the author barely mentions him after Anne marries Charles. There's not a lot about him online . . . not that I've dug deeply. I loved when he and Anne were joking around when Lindbergh called her. Sibling fun!
When they had their first baby, I was horrified by "the Watson method" for raising children! To suppress the maternal instinct belies the way we are designed to care for our young! This part made me wonder a lot more about Lindbergh's own mom and dad and how they raised him. Later, when he told Anne to forget about their murdered child and move on, it was like another death blow. How does a marriage survive something like this?
The fact that he admired Hitler and was of like mind . . . I'm pretty sure that's historically accurate. "Lucky Lindy" allied himself with the Germans prior to WWII. I don't understand how he could be such good friends with Harry Guggenheim yet subscribe to Hitler's attitude toward Jewish people and the dangers they posed. This section also made me think about the "America First" attitude again prevalent in America . . .
The descriptor on the back of the case includes this: "The Aviator's Wife is a vividly imagined novel of a complicated marriage - revealing both its dizzying highs and its devastating lows." I found it interesting that the storyline moved from 1974 back to the 1920s, 30s, etc. Large chunks of their shared life were summarized in a few paragraphs. I think the author made some good choices, but ultimately I found myself frustrated with Anne for caving in to Charles so often, then choosing her own life, and denying him forgiveness on his death bed. Not sure how realistic this is, or what the Lindbergh children would think of it. It feels very autobiographical . . . but is fiction.
The vocal work was excellent.
Oh! The author's note was informative at the end of the book. And I can appreciate Anne's interest in moving to Germany prior to WWII, since they were hounded by the media everywhere else. The author described it as the worst paparazzi situation along with what Princess Diana experienced. Horrid!
Also, the fact that Anne's diary - her diary! - was heavily edited by Charles before his death makes me NOT want to read it. He tried to sanitize his image even via his wife's personal recollections!
I am interested in reading their daughter Reeve's book Under a Wing. . .
Scott County Library audiobook 13 CDs
read by Lorna Raver
genre: historical fiction
This book told from the perspective of Anne Morrow Lindbergh has been fascinating and frustrating. I've already gone online to look up some info . . . so far, it seems very historically accurate. I want to read something actually written by AML now - perhaps Gift from the Sea.
Charles Lindbergh comes across as an arrogant jerk. Anne at times seems pathetic and other times powerful. The best parts (to me) are her early years as an ambassador's daughter (including their courtship) and the section on the "baby's" kidnapping. To me, a twenty-month old is a toddler, but that's quibbling. How incredibly awful for them to go through such a horrific event. (Side note - I hate that there are still so many questions about Hauptman and if others were involved but went free . . . )
I wondered a lot about Dwight Jr. since the author barely mentions him after Anne marries Charles. There's not a lot about him online . . . not that I've dug deeply. I loved when he and Anne were joking around when Lindbergh called her. Sibling fun!
When they had their first baby, I was horrified by "the Watson method" for raising children! To suppress the maternal instinct belies the way we are designed to care for our young! This part made me wonder a lot more about Lindbergh's own mom and dad and how they raised him. Later, when he told Anne to forget about their murdered child and move on, it was like another death blow. How does a marriage survive something like this?
The fact that he admired Hitler and was of like mind . . . I'm pretty sure that's historically accurate. "Lucky Lindy" allied himself with the Germans prior to WWII. I don't understand how he could be such good friends with Harry Guggenheim yet subscribe to Hitler's attitude toward Jewish people and the dangers they posed. This section also made me think about the "America First" attitude again prevalent in America . . .
The descriptor on the back of the case includes this: "The Aviator's Wife is a vividly imagined novel of a complicated marriage - revealing both its dizzying highs and its devastating lows." I found it interesting that the storyline moved from 1974 back to the 1920s, 30s, etc. Large chunks of their shared life were summarized in a few paragraphs. I think the author made some good choices, but ultimately I found myself frustrated with Anne for caving in to Charles so often, then choosing her own life, and denying him forgiveness on his death bed. Not sure how realistic this is, or what the Lindbergh children would think of it. It feels very autobiographical . . . but is fiction.
The vocal work was excellent.
Oh! The author's note was informative at the end of the book. And I can appreciate Anne's interest in moving to Germany prior to WWII, since they were hounded by the media everywhere else. The author described it as the worst paparazzi situation along with what Princess Diana experienced. Horrid!
Also, the fact that Anne's diary - her diary! - was heavily edited by Charles before his death makes me NOT want to read it. He tried to sanitize his image even via his wife's personal recollections!
I am interested in reading their daughter Reeve's book Under a Wing. . .
Tuesday, October 08, 2019
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
by Marjane Satrapi
Scott County Library paperback 153 pages
genre: graphic novel, memoir
This was intense! I'm so glad for the author's note at the start, but I still struggle to understand the complexities of Iran's history and politics. At the end of the book, I wanted to know what happened to her parents. I did a little looking online, but almost everything is about her. I am surprised that she returned to Iran! I want to read Persepolis II. In terms of graphic novels, not one that I adore. In terms of graphic non-fiction (I'm assuming she is telling her story as it happened, to the best of her memory), it's fabulous. I'm glad I read this! I'm also curious to check out some of her children's books to get a better sense of her voice.
(Okay, part of my brain is super irritated that I'm labeling this as both graphic *novel* and *memoir* . . . if you are particular about specific designations like that, please leave a comment for me! I welcome a little sharpening of my lazy intellect.)
Scott County Library paperback 153 pages
genre: graphic novel, memoir
This was intense! I'm so glad for the author's note at the start, but I still struggle to understand the complexities of Iran's history and politics. At the end of the book, I wanted to know what happened to her parents. I did a little looking online, but almost everything is about her. I am surprised that she returned to Iran! I want to read Persepolis II. In terms of graphic novels, not one that I adore. In terms of graphic non-fiction (I'm assuming she is telling her story as it happened, to the best of her memory), it's fabulous. I'm glad I read this! I'm also curious to check out some of her children's books to get a better sense of her voice.
(Okay, part of my brain is super irritated that I'm labeling this as both graphic *novel* and *memoir* . . . if you are particular about specific designations like that, please leave a comment for me! I welcome a little sharpening of my lazy intellect.)
The Winter Bees
by Jill Kalz
New Prague Community Read, paperback, 181 pages
short stories, realistic
I got this book so I could participate in the New Prague community read, but I may now be out of town on Sunday so may miss the gathering with the author. This collection of ten short stories would be great to discuss with other readers and the author. Here's my quick reaction to each story:
Last Call
Schultz
New Prague Community Read, paperback, 181 pages
short stories, realistic
I got this book so I could participate in the New Prague community read, but I may now be out of town on Sunday so may miss the gathering with the author. This collection of ten short stories would be great to discuss with other readers and the author. Here's my quick reaction to each story:
Last Call
- German phrases - frustrating to not understand them and me too lazy to look them up
- Lloyd no-show . . . what's his story?
- Ana! killing the squirrel / brother Johnny / lonely
- Loved this! bookstore . . .
- so sad - for Shirley and health and loneliness . . .
- for Joe - the jar of honey - poignant!
- beautiful use of language
- Oh! Beautiful and sad.
- Science. Luther, forlorn.
- Minnie 1969
- Frozen pond.
- WingDings! Drone flying club
- bachelor farmer
- Doc - cheap, bad hips,
- Lila (his wife) - cleaning
- weird / short / bus driver / garter
- Greta's funeral
- so sad!
- her sister Eleanor . . . not really knowing how to deal with her sister's unusualness . . .
- Adeline singing at funerals, whether anyone appreciates her or not.
Schultz
- Don't understand
- is HE the arsonist?
- loneliness again . . . such a recurrent theme
- Molly, eating too much
- trying to weight herself down so her heart doesn't fly
- sad again . . . more ethereal
- sad, loss
- mom's death (dad's suicide in 1961)
- lover's ability to hear sights
- is she planning to leave him? or is it just that he is older and will die first?
- So sad!
- Ana dies alone . . .
- story of Johnny's life and death intertwined
Tuesday, October 01, 2019
All Manner of Things
by Susie Finkbeiner
Hennepin County Library paperback 436 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Oh my. I loved this book. I need to find more by this author, because she crafts a story with well-developed characters and a wonderful plot. Set primarily in the late 1960s, the book focuses on Annie Jacobson and her family.
I most especially loved the letters - from Mike to his family, from Annie to Frank, from Walt to Annie . . . these were insightful, heart-rending, and I would have liked even more!
The characters were amazing - my favorites are Annie, Bernie, Mike, David, Joel, mom, Oma, Joceyln, . . . I even ended up appreciating Rose, Frank, Grandma, and Walt!
*** There are some spoilers below.***
Page 83 - "Mom pursed her lips in irritation and made her way to the door. I followed after her, thinking how exhausting it must be to hold so tightly to conflict." The way she expresses this is so very true. Holding tightly to conflict can indeed be exhausting.
Page 150 - "Forgiveness would take time." This resonated especially after the Thrive conference and the emphasis on forgiveness.
Page 248 - "But underneath that crusty attitude and gruff grimace was a tenderhearted man who had made it his business to take Mike and me under his wing. And he'd taught us more about what a godly man was than any sermon could have." Yes! I loved Bernie! And the way he lived his life was truly a sermon of love.
Page 257 - "Of all the things in the world that Mom had in plenteous supply, it was opinions. She held to them stringently, never wavering from them even if they were proved to be wrong. One such strongly adhered to opinion was that, under no circumstances, should Christmas decorations be put up before Thanksgiving. And, if she'd had her druthers, never before December first." This made me think of Jodi!!! Times of year and types of food or decorations are a big deal for some people.
Page 316 - When Annie and her mom are having a conversation about Walt and mom says, "What does a boy like him want with a girl like you?" After misunderstanding her mom's meaning, Annie and her mom have a great conversation about Annie and her worth. "There's depth to you. The soul inside you is startlingly beautiful. . . . don't let him make you forget who you are."
Page 350 - Mike's letter to Annie is so incredible. I love when he describes the war and says, "We weren't made for this. I can't believe that God created us for all this death and destruction. War wasn't his idea. I'll be he hates it more than I do even." Yes, I agree. God must hate war.
Page 388 - Another letter from Mike to Annie. "I've been reading my Bible a lot more lately. On days that are especially hard, it just seems to help me breathe again. Did you know Oma sent me a pocket-sized one a couple of months ago? It's been a real life saver the past few weeks."
Page 417 - This was the scene that made me cry the most. When Aunt Rose tells Annie, "I know how much you loved him." (Loved - past tense.) Annie is upset and talks with her Oma. Their conversation was meaningful:
"Is it wrong if I still love him?" I asked.
"Well, I don't think so." She took my hand. "Are we not made for eternity?"
I nodded.
"Then Mike still is," she said. "Even if he isn't here in this house or riding a helicopter over the jungle or doing who knows what, he still is."
My shoulders curled down but Oma caught me, her arms stronger than I ever expected them to be.
"You can love him," she whispered through my crying. "It's right to."
I let her hold me, her words stuck in my head.
Mike still is.
Hennepin County Library paperback 436 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Oh my. I loved this book. I need to find more by this author, because she crafts a story with well-developed characters and a wonderful plot. Set primarily in the late 1960s, the book focuses on Annie Jacobson and her family.
I most especially loved the letters - from Mike to his family, from Annie to Frank, from Walt to Annie . . . these were insightful, heart-rending, and I would have liked even more!
The characters were amazing - my favorites are Annie, Bernie, Mike, David, Joel, mom, Oma, Joceyln, . . . I even ended up appreciating Rose, Frank, Grandma, and Walt!
*** There are some spoilers below.***
Page 83 - "Mom pursed her lips in irritation and made her way to the door. I followed after her, thinking how exhausting it must be to hold so tightly to conflict." The way she expresses this is so very true. Holding tightly to conflict can indeed be exhausting.
Page 150 - "Forgiveness would take time." This resonated especially after the Thrive conference and the emphasis on forgiveness.
Page 248 - "But underneath that crusty attitude and gruff grimace was a tenderhearted man who had made it his business to take Mike and me under his wing. And he'd taught us more about what a godly man was than any sermon could have." Yes! I loved Bernie! And the way he lived his life was truly a sermon of love.
Page 257 - "Of all the things in the world that Mom had in plenteous supply, it was opinions. She held to them stringently, never wavering from them even if they were proved to be wrong. One such strongly adhered to opinion was that, under no circumstances, should Christmas decorations be put up before Thanksgiving. And, if she'd had her druthers, never before December first." This made me think of Jodi!!! Times of year and types of food or decorations are a big deal for some people.
Page 316 - When Annie and her mom are having a conversation about Walt and mom says, "What does a boy like him want with a girl like you?" After misunderstanding her mom's meaning, Annie and her mom have a great conversation about Annie and her worth. "There's depth to you. The soul inside you is startlingly beautiful. . . . don't let him make you forget who you are."
Page 350 - Mike's letter to Annie is so incredible. I love when he describes the war and says, "We weren't made for this. I can't believe that God created us for all this death and destruction. War wasn't his idea. I'll be he hates it more than I do even." Yes, I agree. God must hate war.
Page 388 - Another letter from Mike to Annie. "I've been reading my Bible a lot more lately. On days that are especially hard, it just seems to help me breathe again. Did you know Oma sent me a pocket-sized one a couple of months ago? It's been a real life saver the past few weeks."
Page 417 - This was the scene that made me cry the most. When Aunt Rose tells Annie, "I know how much you loved him." (Loved - past tense.) Annie is upset and talks with her Oma. Their conversation was meaningful:
"Is it wrong if I still love him?" I asked.
"Well, I don't think so." She took my hand. "Are we not made for eternity?"
I nodded.
"Then Mike still is," she said. "Even if he isn't here in this house or riding a helicopter over the jungle or doing who knows what, he still is."
My shoulders curled down but Oma caught me, her arms stronger than I ever expected them to be.
"You can love him," she whispered through my crying. "It's right to."
I let her hold me, her words stuck in my head.
Mike still is.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, not Food
by Lysa TerKeurst
Scott County Library audiobook 5 CDs
read by Jill Brennan
genre: Non-fiction self-help healthy eating
I only listened to two chapters of this book, though I really like Lysa TerKeurst a lot! It simply isn't the right book for me right now. Five years ago, this would have been perfect! I love the idea that God designed us to crave Him. I think I'll look for other audiobooks by her.
Scott County Library audiobook 5 CDs
read by Jill Brennan
genre: Non-fiction self-help healthy eating
I only listened to two chapters of this book, though I really like Lysa TerKeurst a lot! It simply isn't the right book for me right now. Five years ago, this would have been perfect! I love the idea that God designed us to crave Him. I think I'll look for other audiobooks by her.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
The Medallion
by Cathy Gohlke
Scott County Library paperback 400 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
This was our last month's book club book, but I just finished it! Part of the reason it was a slow read for me is that it is yet another book dealing with the horrors of the Holocaust. It's so difficult to read a fictional story about people and events that really happened in such an awful chapter of human history. It is a worthwhile read, but a very sad one.
Main characters:
Sophie (British, but married to a Polish fighter pilot - for the RAF - and stuck in Warsaw at the start of WWII)
Janek (her husband)
Rosa (Jewish and Polish, mother to Ania)
Itzhak (Rosa's husband, an electrician, also Jewish and Polish)
Matka (Rosa's mother)
I won't summarize much. Warsaw, Poland. WWII. Nazis. Cruelty to the point of sheer evil. Starvation. Deprivations. Death.
The medallion is a Tree of Life necklace that Itzhak gave to Rosa on their wedding day. When Rosa sends her toddler Ania away with Irena Sendler to try to save her life, she breaks the tree in half, intending to reunite the necklace along with her family after the war.
Page 357 - "I can handle this on my own. There is nothing I can't handle - just leave me alone."
"We're not meant to handle life alone, Sophie. It's too hard, too unpredictable, too messy and big. There is One who is willing and ready to help, to travel with us, if we let Him."
I love this scene! We don't get to know Carrie very well, but she has wise advice for her friend Sophie.
Page 371 - "What should I do, Lord? Not what do I want, this time, but what should I do? I can't do this alone - and I shouldn't." Finally! Sophie takes a long time to get to this point, but when she trusts the Lord, the situation changes.
Author's note, page 405 - "The Medallion is a reminder to help when help is needed, regardless of the cost to ourselves."
Scott County Library paperback 400 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
This was our last month's book club book, but I just finished it! Part of the reason it was a slow read for me is that it is yet another book dealing with the horrors of the Holocaust. It's so difficult to read a fictional story about people and events that really happened in such an awful chapter of human history. It is a worthwhile read, but a very sad one.
Main characters:
Sophie (British, but married to a Polish fighter pilot - for the RAF - and stuck in Warsaw at the start of WWII)
Janek (her husband)
Rosa (Jewish and Polish, mother to Ania)
Itzhak (Rosa's husband, an electrician, also Jewish and Polish)
Matka (Rosa's mother)
I won't summarize much. Warsaw, Poland. WWII. Nazis. Cruelty to the point of sheer evil. Starvation. Deprivations. Death.
The medallion is a Tree of Life necklace that Itzhak gave to Rosa on their wedding day. When Rosa sends her toddler Ania away with Irena Sendler to try to save her life, she breaks the tree in half, intending to reunite the necklace along with her family after the war.
Page 357 - "I can handle this on my own. There is nothing I can't handle - just leave me alone."
"We're not meant to handle life alone, Sophie. It's too hard, too unpredictable, too messy and big. There is One who is willing and ready to help, to travel with us, if we let Him."
I love this scene! We don't get to know Carrie very well, but she has wise advice for her friend Sophie.
Page 371 - "What should I do, Lord? Not what do I want, this time, but what should I do? I can't do this alone - and I shouldn't." Finally! Sophie takes a long time to get to this point, but when she trusts the Lord, the situation changes.
Author's note, page 405 - "The Medallion is a reminder to help when help is needed, regardless of the cost to ourselves."
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend
by Katarina Bivald
Scott County Library audiobook 10CDs
read by Fiona Hardingham and Lorelei King
genre: realistic fiction
There were things I really enjoyed about this book and others I disliked a lot. Overall, I'm glad I "read" it.
Some quick observations:
I loved the literary allusions and the entire genesis of the book store. I cared most about some of the minor characters and definitely felt as though this could be a real place.
Scott County Library audiobook 10CDs
read by Fiona Hardingham and Lorelei King
genre: realistic fiction
There were things I really enjoyed about this book and others I disliked a lot. Overall, I'm glad I "read" it.
Some quick observations:
- Sara (pronounced "Saara") was such a wussy! Get a spine, girl!
- horrible accents for Iowa . . . they sounded western / Southern . . . just wrong for the Midwest
- interesting characters
- interviewing people together . . . typically police and others interview one person at a time to see if they can catch inconsistencies. I get why this worked in a literary sense, but it didn't seem realistic at all.
I loved the literary allusions and the entire genesis of the book store. I cared most about some of the minor characters and definitely felt as though this could be a real place.
Sunday, September 08, 2019
Moon Over Manifest
by Clare Vanderpool
read by Jenna Lamia, with Cassandra Campbell and Kirby Heyborne
Scott County Library audiobook, 8 CDs
genre: YA historical fiction
The historical fiction in this story went between "present day" 1930s Kansas in the grip of the Depression and WWI as depicted in letters and stories. It's placed in the small town of Manifest, Kansas, and is peopled by fascinating characters.
Abilene (made me smile, having recently finished with The Help) is a 12 year old girl who has lived the lifestyle of a hobo with her dad, Gideon, until he sends her to Manifest.
Miss Sadie
Hattie Mae
Sister Redempta
Shady
Ned
Jinx
"There is power in a story" is one line from the book that I jotted down. I think the power of this book is that very real power in stories . . . there is much that is believable and relatable in the stories of people's lives, even fictional ones.
I'm not sure how I would "sell" this book to middle schoolers. If they are fans of historical fiction, that is one easy angle. Another is the mystery of who "The Rattler" is and how the kids ferret out that information. There are also plenty of kid adventures as Abilene and her new friends explore the area around Manifest.
This is a delightful story (Ned and Jinx were my favorites) and the vocal work is excellent.
read by Jenna Lamia, with Cassandra Campbell and Kirby Heyborne
Scott County Library audiobook, 8 CDs
genre: YA historical fiction
The historical fiction in this story went between "present day" 1930s Kansas in the grip of the Depression and WWI as depicted in letters and stories. It's placed in the small town of Manifest, Kansas, and is peopled by fascinating characters.
Abilene (made me smile, having recently finished with The Help) is a 12 year old girl who has lived the lifestyle of a hobo with her dad, Gideon, until he sends her to Manifest.
Miss Sadie
Hattie Mae
Sister Redempta
Shady
Ned
Jinx
"There is power in a story" is one line from the book that I jotted down. I think the power of this book is that very real power in stories . . . there is much that is believable and relatable in the stories of people's lives, even fictional ones.
I'm not sure how I would "sell" this book to middle schoolers. If they are fans of historical fiction, that is one easy angle. Another is the mystery of who "The Rattler" is and how the kids ferret out that information. There are also plenty of kid adventures as Abilene and her new friends explore the area around Manifest.
This is a delightful story (Ned and Jinx were my favorites) and the vocal work is excellent.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
Scott County Library audiobook 15 CDs
read by: Jenna Lamia, Bahni Turpin, Octavia Spencer, and Cassandra Campbell
genre: historical fiction
I'm shocked that I don't have an entry for this book! I read it several years ago. I remember being stunned that it was written by a white woman. Then I saw the movie. Amazing! I picked up this audiobook because I spend a lot of time driving and was ready for a re-read.
Despite the controversy surrounding the money the author made without credit / money going to the woman who was the inspiration for her story, I appreciate the work Stockett put into this novel. The characters are vivid and believable. The vocal work is impeccable as Minnie, Abilene, Skeeter, and others are brought to life. This story also made me think again about the racism that still thrives in America, even though it's not like it was in the early 60s. Mississippi in the news then and now . . . with monuments to Emmett Till regularly being destroyed. So incredibly sad.
Just like when I first read the text, I wished the story had brought Minnie and her kids to live with Celia and Johnny . . .
Scott County Library audiobook 15 CDs
read by: Jenna Lamia, Bahni Turpin, Octavia Spencer, and Cassandra Campbell
genre: historical fiction
I'm shocked that I don't have an entry for this book! I read it several years ago. I remember being stunned that it was written by a white woman. Then I saw the movie. Amazing! I picked up this audiobook because I spend a lot of time driving and was ready for a re-read.
Despite the controversy surrounding the money the author made without credit / money going to the woman who was the inspiration for her story, I appreciate the work Stockett put into this novel. The characters are vivid and believable. The vocal work is impeccable as Minnie, Abilene, Skeeter, and others are brought to life. This story also made me think again about the racism that still thrives in America, even though it's not like it was in the early 60s. Mississippi in the news then and now . . . with monuments to Emmett Till regularly being destroyed. So incredibly sad.
Just like when I first read the text, I wished the story had brought Minnie and her kids to live with Celia and Johnny . . .
The DNA of Relationships: Discover How You Are Designed for Satisfying Relationships
by Dr. Gary Smalley
Scott County Library hardcover 206 pages
genre: Non-fiction, relationships, self-help
In the 90s, I loved Dr. Smalley's stuff. Reading this, I wondered if I've changed / grown or if his writing has changed. This seemed over-hyped and too elementary. I dislike books that spend the first few chapters telling me about the great stuff they're going to tell me in future chapters.
It had some great examples. It had sound info on communication (the true key to successful relationships, IMO). It was a fairly quick read.
It did not inspire or motivate me.
Scott County Library hardcover 206 pages
genre: Non-fiction, relationships, self-help
In the 90s, I loved Dr. Smalley's stuff. Reading this, I wondered if I've changed / grown or if his writing has changed. This seemed over-hyped and too elementary. I dislike books that spend the first few chapters telling me about the great stuff they're going to tell me in future chapters.
It had some great examples. It had sound info on communication (the true key to successful relationships, IMO). It was a fairly quick read.
It did not inspire or motivate me.
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