Normal: One Kid's Extraordinary Journey (Young Reader's Edition)

by Magdalena & Nathaniel Newman, with Hilary Liftin

Illustrated by Neil Swaab

Libby eBook 500 "pages" . . . 

Published: 2020

Genre: Non-fiction, Memoir

I saw this title working at Mackin this summer and was intrigued, so snapped a photo. (No reading books at work - darn!) I'm really glad I followed through and got a copy, though I didn't realize it was a "young reader's edition" until I started this blog entry. No matter, it's a worthwhile read!

Alternating between the mom (Magda) and the teen (Nathaniel), his life as a baby then child then teen with Treacher Collins Syndrome is chronicled in a very accessible way. Swaab's cartoons at the start of sections are a nice complement to the mother and son "voices" in their writing.

 

I hadn't realized that part of the reason R.J. Palacio wrote Wonder (an amazing book!) is because she was upset over her reaction to seeing a child with Treacher Collins. She wanted better of herself, so she did some research and wrote her novel. The fact that she connected with the Newman family and met with Nathaniel is so cool. The author inviting Nathaniel to come with her on some author talks is even more cool! I love that Nathaniel can see why people call him the "real life Wonder kid" while he insists that he is very, very different from Auggie - that is just the icing on the cool cake.

 

Part of what I loved about this book was learning about Magda. She is from Poland and shares "flashbacks" of her own childhood memories and experiences. She's authentic about her fears and struggles, but is clearly an amazing mom. I had to look up the entire family online to learn more about her and her husband Russel, as well as Nathaniel and his little brother Jacob. Wow. What a family!

 

I also liked Nathaniel's openness about his thoughts and feelings. Going through dozens of surgeries as a child sounds horrific, but he has a no-nonsense attitude about it all. He sounds like an incredible person. This book is a good reminder that "normal" is such a bizarre notion. Are any of us normal?

 

In the section "Draconian Does Not Mean Fun,"  Magda writes:

Normal. When you take what is most common and call it normal, you are suggesting that there is something abnormal, something wrong, something bad, about not being like most other people. There is judgement in the word. When I yearned for normal, I wanted Nathaniel to have the comfort and opportunities that any other kid would take for granted. I also wanted him to be free from that judgment.

Normal was our goal, but for us normal meant seeing, eating, hearing, breathing. Normal was a happy carefree childhood.

It's astounding to me that despite all the challenges (feeding tube, breathing trach, etc.), she and her husband truly worked to let him have a happy carefree childhood. Wow!

In the section "Soup," Nathaniel writes:

It helped me understand, from the time I was really little, that there are many different ways to experience the world. I had my experience, she had hers, and all over the world children are having their own. There is no one way that is the right or normal way to grow up.

He's referring to his mom's stories about growing up in Poland. Coming from a different country (and a different decade), her childhood was of course going to be different from his. I love that he grew up with such a healthy perspective. I think most Americans (myself included) have a hard time thinking about any other perspective culturally than our own. Of course, there is diversity in the United States! But I don't think many of us contemplate what it's like to grow up in a completely different culture. The notion of what "normal" is continues throughout this book.

In the section "A 'Real-Life' Auggie," Magda writes:

How silly and embarrassing this is, but I admit it. I admit it because it is important for all of us to acknowledge that, no matter how kind and fair we want to be, sometimes we still have reactions that we can't control. Even me.

She is talking about her conversation with author Palacio, who said she had rushed her children out of an ice cream parlor when they saw a child with a face very seriously impacted by Treacher Collins. Newman knew that child and had also had a very strong reaction upon meeting her! Sometimes when I most think I am "above" rudeness or meanness, my human nature proves me wrong. I want very much to be kind and compassionate, demonstrating the love of Christ in my life. But I fall short every day. There's that grace of God that I need so badly!

In the same section of the book, Magda says about Palacio:

She was humble, honest, and pure. She herself wanted to change, and by writing Wonder she did something to help millions of people change. It was beautiful.

 

To think that by writing a book, Palacio changed the way people who read it responded to people with visible differences is so powerful! Think about the kids who've read Wonder and have then thought differently about how to interact with other children who are different. Certainly, bullying is still a problem (and always will be with humanity), but to make a significant difference in people's perceptions and behavior is an amazing feat. (And if you haven't read Wonder, make the time to do so!) I haven't seen the movie yet, and am not sure I want to.

In the section "Frustrations," Nathaniel writes about being at the Ronald McDonald House to recover from a major surgery. I'm not going to replicate all the text here, but I love that his favorite part was the presence of service dogs!

All the dogs were calm and collected, the way normal service dogs are supposed to be. But there was one . . . that acted completely unlike a service dog with me. When he saw me in my cage, he did not sit quietly. He came over to me and acted worried. He tried to lick me through the cage. . . . The other dogs sat quietly, waiting to be petted, but that dog wanted to be in my lap . . . 

The "cage" was a metal contraption that was attached to Nathaniel's skull and body. Again, I love Magda's mom perspective on everything, but I also love Nathaniel's kid perspective! Dogs are a favorite part of his life.

In the section "The First Lightning Strike," Magda shares about getting a cancer diagnosis:

Crying hysterically, I grabbed his shoulders and said, 'Thank you.' I know it sounds funny that hearing I had cancer was good news, but it meant I wasn't crazy.

Ugh! She could probably write another book just about her experiences with health care in America! I love that her husband apologized profusely for doubting that there was anything really wrong with her when her symptoms got so bad, but I can't believe she had to deal with so many doctors before her diagnosis!

In "Wonder Comes to Life," Nathaniel writes about meeting the cast of the movie, including young Jacob Tremblay who plays Auggie. Being on set and watching the work involved convinced Nathaniel that he would not have been able to do it!

The final movie is only two hours long. But making it takes months. What I learned from meeting Jacob was that it's not as easy as people think. Those actors are endurance athletes.

That was an interesting perspective! I don't think of actors as working hard . . . because I only see the finished result!

In "Made Whole Again," Nathaniel writes:

Before, I had three ways of breathing - through my nose, my mouth, and my trach. Now I only had two, like everyone else. If felt like a loss. How could I feel comfortable eating and sleeping without an open trach?

When the trach was all he had known since infancy, the surgery to allow him to breathe "normally" felt abnormal. I love how his mom handled his request to have the trach put back in. 

In "Gratitude," Magda again shares her honest perspective:

Meanwhile, we ended up living in a basement because Russel's income wasn't low enough to qualify for Medicaid, and we still couldn't afford the medical bills. It didn't seem right to me that Russel would work so hard and this family would get a 'free ride."

She acknowledges that she doesn't want the poorer family to NOT get care for their child, but the injustice still stands. I am personally horrified that the United States has not yet figured out how to have health care for all Americans without bankruptcy being a reality for so many people. We spend more per capita on health care than any other country but have much poorer health care than most industrialized nations! It's awful! (See The Commonwealth Fund)

 

Just because I don't know how long that link will last and I am passionate about this topic, here's a snip:

 

Also in "Gratitude," Magda writes:

Why shouldn't someone else move from country to country? Who am I to judge who is worthy to thrive in America? After all these years, thankfully, I want everyone to get help. 

She acknowledges that marrying an American and having opportunities here is something she appreciates and wouldn't want to deny to others.

In "Gratitude," Nathaniel writes:

Treacher Collins doesn't define me. What defines us all is how we face the world we've been given. I'm Nathaniel. I'm not normal, and neither are you.

What a great guy!

This is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it!

Murder in an English Village

by Jessica Ellicott

Libby audiobook 9 hours

read by: Barbara Rosenblat

Published: 2017

Genre: historical murder mystery

I liked this! It was reminiscent of Miss Marple, Mrs. Pollifax, and a bit of . . . je ne sais quoi! I'm just going to copy the Libby summary because it's perfect.

"As friends, the boisterous and brash American Beryl couldn’t be less alike than the prim and proper British Edwina. But as sleuths in an England recovering from the Great War, they’re the perfect match.
 
1920: Flying in the face of convention, legendary American adventuress Beryl Helliwell never fails to surprise and shock. The last thing her adoring public would expect is that she craves some peace and quiet. The humdrum hamlet of Walmsley Parva in the English countryside seems just the ticket. And, honestly, until America comes to its senses and repeals Prohibition, Beryl has no intention of returning stateside and subjecting herself to bathtub gin.
 
For over three decades, Edwina Davenport has lived comfortably in Walmsley Parva, but the post–World War I bust has left her in dire financial straits and forced her to advertise for a lodger. When her long-lost school chum Beryl arrives on her doorstep—actually crashes into it in her red motorcar—Edwina welcomes her old friend as her new roommate.
 
But her idyllic hometown has a hidden sinister side, and when the two friends are drawn in, they decide to set up shop as private inquiry agents, helping Edwina to make ends meet and satisfying Beryl’s thirst for adventure. Now this odd couple will need to put their heads together to catch a killer—before this sleepy English village becomes their final resting place."

 

 Looking for this online led me to find that this is book #1 in a series! I'll definitely look for #2.

I liked their friendship and Edwina's insistence that she was not a dithering old lady. I liked the clues and the many suspects. (My list had 8. My top suspect was guilty . . . but not of the murder!) I liked the gardener. I liked the unexpected twists. It really kept me listening and thinking.

Constable Gibbs was a complete jerk. I didn't like her at all! I briefly suspected her of being the murderer, but she didn't seem likely or worth the effort.

It was funny how often I thought that the war being referred to was WWII. But whenever they talked about the influenza and its impact on the community, I realized that we were talking about WWI. Interesting that the story dealt with PTSD (without calling it that), British vs. American ways of life, and sexual predators (without getting graphic).

Edwina was hands down my favorite character. I had to park my car and hit rewind a bunch of times to get this quote:

"If I didn't want to be involved, I would have said so. I'm a grown woman with a mind of my own. One needn't go cavorting around the globe in men's trousers to develop opinions and the moral strength to express them."

Since most people had clear ideas about mousy Edwina and her dynamic American friend, it was nice to hear Edwina stick up for herself! (She said this to Beryl who was apologizing for getting her involved in the investigation.)

I did NOT like the gossips. Yuk, They were poisonous. The postmistress was the worst, but others were also awful.

The fate of Agnes surprised me. The true identity of Walter Bennett (projectionist) and his relationship to other people in town was a bit surprising. The true ending of Polly was incredibly sad.

Nora (or Michael) Blackburn - mechanics

Hortense

Mr. Mumford (and his cinematography group . . . )

This is a well-written story and Rosenblat did an excellent job with the vocal work! (British vs. American, male and female, etc.)

The Pilgrim's Progress

by John Bunyan (published 1678)

"faithfully" retold by: Cheryl V. Ford

Libby eBook

Published: 2016

Genre: theological fiction

This is one of those books that I've heard ABOUT for decades, but had not personally read. Doing a little reading on Wikipedia, I'm glad I found this version. It was a bit of a challenge for me to get through, but to learn that Bunyan simple wrote a narrative in two parts (no chapters) . . . I don't think I could read his original version.

Ford did a nice job. The font size on my reader had the book at 1,024 pages with the main narrative ending on page 889. The remaining 100+ pages were a general index, a Scripture index, discussion questions, and notes. I did NOT read past page 889. Part one was chapters 1 - 17, then "The Author's Way of Sending Forth His Second Part of the Pilgrim," then part two was chapters 18 - 36. It has taken me several months (read a chunk, have to return it and wait, get it again, etc. . . . )

 

Preface: "After doing a comparative study of several versions of the book, however, I concluded that there was a real need for a modern version that would be complete and faithful to the  original, without taking great liberties to embellish the story on the one hand and without subtracting from it on the other. It would also need to communicate with our generation while still sounding like John Bunyan."

She did a pretty incredible job. I'm glad I read it, but I don't think I'll re-read it! If you are curious about The Pilgrim's Progress like I was, I highly recommend this version! (Or the two-volume graphic novel version from Kingstone Media. I haven't read it yet, but I put it on my wish list.)

Chapter 5: "I cannot commend my life, for I am conscious of my many failings. I know that a man's own actions can quickly overpower whatever persuasive ability he may have to convince others for their own good. Yet I can honestly say that I tried to be very careful not to be a negative example in any way so that they would have no reason for not joining me on the pilgrimage."

This is when Christian was talking with Charity. This is something that has been on my mind - I cannot make others' spiritual decisions for them, but I can consider my own words and example.

Chapter 6: " . . . to tell you the truth, I like His service, His wages, His servants, His government, His company, and His Country better than yours. So forget about trying to persuade me further. I am His servant, and I will follow Him."

Chapter 6: "'All this is true,' answered Christian, 'and much more that you have left out. But the Prince whom I serve and honor is merciful and ready to forgive.'" 

When Apollyon confronted Christian about his past and his path, Christian spoke boldly of his desire to follow Jesus. He acknowledged his past weakness and sin but was steadfast in his determination to serve the Lord. Yay! 

 

Chapter 7: ". . . but who can thwart the inevitable consequences of one's own foolish choices?"

Faithful responds to Christian's observation that "a dog returns to its vomit" in discussing people who struggle to follow the pilgrim's way. It reminds me that I can care about people. I can try to give sound advice and assistance. But each of us is responsible for our own actions. I can't make anyone do what I think is right, nor should I try!

Chapter 8: "You did well to talk so openly with him. There is not enough of this kind of faithful dealing with people nowadays. It is no wonder that religion stinks in the nostrils of so many. Three are so many fools who like to hear themselves talk, and whose religion is reduced to words alone, while their life-styles reflect only corruption and worthlessness. The fact that such people are welcomed into the fellowship of the godly is a confusing mystery to those in the world; it produces a dark blemish upon the name of Christianity and a deep grief in the hearts of sincere believers."

Christian encourages Faithful that he has said and done as much as he could to Talkative. (The telling names for the characters is directly from Bunyan - Pliable, Pious, Charity, Mr. Sagacity, etc.) The idea that "religion stinks in the nostrils of so many" makes me sad. I know of too many people who reject God because of what they have seen, heard, or experienced from the church. I was personally horrified during President Trump's campaign to hear that evangelical Christians "overwhelmingly" supported him. Not me! He was and is so rude, arrogant, greedy, and just generally awful. I think it was a horrible mistake for Christians to identify with him.

Chapter 10: "As for me, I like that religion best that will favor the security of God's good blessings to us."

Mr. Hold-the-world is agreeing with Mr. By-ends about the value of faith when it is connected with blessings. They are also talking with Mr. Money-love. The three think of themselves as faithful Christians, but they are clearly just in it for what they can get. Why did I highlight this line? Honestly, I most often feel fond of my faith when things in life are going well. Of course I love God's blessings! I know that I need to build up my faith in ALL circumstances, but I'd be a liar if I said that I enjoy hardship and strife. And truly, the religion that will favor the security of God . . . is to die to self and live fully for Him.

Chapter 18: "'Hear of him!' exclaimed Mr. Sagacity. 'Yes, and I also heard about all the abuse, troubles, battles, captivities, cries, moans, terrors, and fears that he encountered on his journey.' . . . 'I can say that his hazardous journey won many admirers.'"

In the second part of the story, Christiana and her sons are both saddened and gratified to learn that Christian is so well-known and well-admired throughout the places he traveled on his pilgrimage. This part reminded me of Casting Crowns' song "Only Jesus." I hope my "legacy" is that Jesus Saves.

Chapter 27: "'It is my duty to distrust my own ability,' replied Great-heart, 'so that I might have full reliance on Him who is stronger than all.'"

Great-heart was the guide for Christiana and group. He is brave, but also humble. This makes me think of FROG - Fully Rely On God. It's a good reminder!

Chapter 27: "He said he would die if he didn't reach the Celestial City, and, yet, he was dejected at every difficulty. He stumbled at every straw that anyone cast his way."

Mr. Honest is talking about Mr. Fearing to Great-heart. I know people like this, stumbling at every straw. How does one encourage and build up people who are so easily dejected?

Chapter 28: "'He believed that he could follow the vices as well as the virtues of pilgrims and that, in so doing, he would not jeopardize his salvation.'"

Mr. Honest is talking to Great-heart about Mr. Self-will. "He did what his own mind prompted him to do, and nothing else could sway him." I also know people like this! And I have struggled with doing whatever I like, confident that God's forgiveness and love will wash away my sin. I don't want to deceive myself, though, and set up any barriers in my heart. Taking up my cross daily . . . it's never one and done for repentance!

Chapter 28: "If that same person were given a week to run twenty miles in order to save his life, he wouldn't wait until the last hour to do it."

I love this analogy by Great-heart! Christiana had observed that she knew someone who "said that he was certain he would have enough time to repent when it was his time to die." I love that people CAN receive repentance and eternal life on their deathbeds. I think of the thief on the cross next to Jesus. What encouragement! But to purposely avoid repentance so one can live however they want and just count on wiping the slate clean right before they die . . . that's so short-sighted. None of us know when we will die. And there's so much to gain by living for Christ during this life!

Chapter 33: "This is to show you that he who has a heart to help the poor will never run out of resources. For 'he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.' And the flour that the widow used to make bread for the prophet did not cause her to have any less in her barrel."

 

Chapter 33: "A fool will attempt to change a person to make him like himself, not realizing that God is the originator of our differences. True righteousness has nothing to do with the outward appearance but is of the heart. Every effort to effect change in a person that disregards the need for change in the inner nature of the heart results in frustration and even greater unrighteousness. So it was with the Pharisees, and so it continues to be with all hypocrites."

The Shepherds are telling stories to help instruct Christiana and her group. They are Bible stories, but with more detail and context. The first story is about a Generous Man who made coats and garments for the poor. The pile of cloth in front of him was huge! The second story is about Fool and Want-wit trying to wash the blackness off an Ethiopian man. I like the way Bunyan wove Scripture and Jesus' teachings into his story.

Chapter 34: "Some question whether or not we will know one another when we get there."

 

Valiant-for-truth and Great-heart talk about Heaven and if Christian will rejoice to be with his wife and children when they get there. Their entire conversation is interesting and worth digging into Scripture to learn more. I'm not sure I agree with Great-heart's assertion that "since our relatives are so near to us, like an extension of ourselves" and that we will be more glad to see them in Heaven rather than left out. But the Bible says that there is no more weeping, pain, sadness, etc. in Heaven. It stands to reason that if our earthly attachments matter more than glorifying God, something's out of whack.

The end of the story has lots and lots of characters being "called home." Overall, I'm glad I read it. I'm a tiny bit curious if anyone's made a movie of it and if it's any good.

The K Team

by David Rosenfelt

Libby audiobook 6 hours

Read by: Fred Berman

Published: 2020

Genre: mystery, detective

 

I checked this out because of the dog! I saw a different book in the series and wanted to begin with #1. I had hoped it would be something like the Chet and Bernie mysteries. (Side note - it's "A new mystery series from the author of the Andy Carpenter novels" - do I want to see what those are about?)

 

This "review" WILL have spoilers, so stop here if you want to discover this for yourself. 

 

I'm not looking up character name spellings. 

Cory is the narrator. His dog Simon Garfunkel was his K-9 partner before they both retired from the police force.

Laurie is also a retired police officer and the linchpin of the group (IMO).

Andy is a lawyer, married to Laurie. (The Andy Carpenter of this author's other big series.)

Marcus is the muscle. He mostly grunts.

What I liked:

• The main character's insistence that his girlfriend Dani was too perfect and he would soon find a fault so he could break up with her. It sounds obnoxious, but it was actually pretty funny. He clearly really appreciated her as a person and she could put up with his commitment phobia.
• Yay! When Simon attacked the hired killer and protected Cory.
• The reader's vocal work was nicely done.
  

 

What I didn't like:

• not enough of Simon in the story! I thought he'd be key, but he was such a tiny part of it.
• the judge's death and disgrace. Even though he was vindicated after the fact, he was murdered and slandered. Yuk.
• the attempt to kill Simon with an arsenic laced steak. So glad Dani got to it first!
• So. many. Deaths. This was an incredibly disheartening look at the evil people will commit for money.

 

Basically, a group of very rich investors find someone who can "time" stock sales (within milliseconds) to game the system so they make lots of money. Extortion, blackmail, murder, etc. all draw the attention of the K Team as they try to solve a mystery. Not a series I will continue reading.
 

Nine Months: Before a Baby Is Born

by Miranda Paul

Illustrations by Jason Chin

Scott County Library hardcover picture book

Published: 2019

Genre: non-fiction, human development

 

I saw this over the summer while I was working at Mackin. I was curious and am glad I read it. 

 

It's sweet and informative. I don't have anyone I'd buy it for right now, though it would have been lovely to share with Joshua when his mom was pregnant with Benjamin. 

Stone Maidens

by Lloyd Devereux Richards

Hennepin County Library paperback 311 pages

Published: 2012

Genre: murder mystery, thriller

This first-time novel didn't sell well when initially published. But when the author's daughter made a TikTok about it, it went viral and shot to #1 on Amazon's book list. I read a story about all this and requested it from the library.

Overall, it was a well-written thriller. This isn't my favorite genre, but I like the "whodunit" aspect of it. I won't get the sequel that he is writing, though. 

My main issue is the protagonist, forensic anthropologist Christine Prusik. Her panic attacks and coping methods were troublesome to me. Then when she did something incredibly risky and unethical (and illegal) - page 244 - when she calls the prosecuting attorney Preston Gray and LIES . . . I was frustrated. It was such a dumb move, and it didn't seem as though it fit with her character. 

I put in three other post-it notes when she did other stupid stuff. Dude. Seriously. There's a serial killer loose AND he has made it clear he's after you, so when the cab dies, you get out and walk?!?!?! Let the girl scout troop be disappointed that you missed a speaking engagement! Ever hear of rescheduling due to circumstances beyond your control?

Then climbing into a field to go after the killer BY YOURSELF after he tried to kill you AND there are police officers nearby? I was too frustrated with her. But too close to the end to stop.

Later when she's talking to Joe about her experience in Papua, New Guinea, it seems as though she's not really learned anything in the decade-plus since that horrifying time. "I knew the Ga-Bong clan was treacherous. But I went down that forest path alone anyway, knowing full well the danger."

And the whole business with mirror twins . . . there are some uncanny things we've learned about identical twins from studies, but I don't think the degree of interconnection is remotely realistic.

It sounds as though I'm just bashing this book. Actually, it was a more interesting book to read than the last Kathy Reichs / Temperance Brennan book I read. And good on this author's daughter for giving him a boost. This book has some merits to it.

The Moving Finger

by Agatha Christie

Libby audiobook 6 hours

Read by: Joan Hickson

Published: 1942 (this version 2012)

Genre: mystery

I couldn't listen to it! I tried multiple times, but reader Hickson sounds as though she has had a few sherries and has a mouth full of pebbles. It was so painful that I just had to stop. But I've never read this Agatha Christie book AND it's a Miss Marple! I love Miss Marple! Alas, I don't usually blog about books I've not finished, but I just wanted to remind myself not to get this version of this book.

The Castle Corona

by Sharon Creech

Libby audiobook 5 hours

Read by: Jennifer Wiltsie

Published: 2007

Genre: YA historical fiction

I really like Creech as an author, but I prefer Karen Cushman for this type of book. Since I listened to it, I may have name spellings wrong! (And I don't want to search the correct ones.)

Siblings Pia and Enzio are poor peasants who serve a harsh master. The king and queen have three horrible (IMO) children: Gianni (a vapid, languid, wanna-be poet who doesn't read or learn), Fabritzia (a spoiled, selfish, "foolish," "frail," vain girl), and Vito (a violent boy). 

The peasant children are lovely enough, with their dreaming of possibilities and hoping for a better future. The "hermit," storyteller, and old woman add interesting elements.

It was enjoyable but not amazing. I prefer Creech's realistic fiction.

Just for fun, I read a few reviews on Goodreads. This one from user Mir sums it up well:

"Creech sets the stage well enough: there is a castle, with a royal family of five useless, discontent, and rather stupid individuals. In a nearby village there are a poor, orphaned brother and sister. And there are a couple of hermits. The problem is that nothing happens. The book is like a "fairy tale twist" short story that was somehow dragged out from 35 pages to 300, but without any additional action or character development. The whole thing was just... boring."

A Shadow in Moscow

By Katherine Reay

Dakota County Library paperback 359 pages plus author's note

Published: 2023

Genre: Christian historical fiction 

 

 

Anya (Russian in U.S.) in 1980s

Ingrid (German anti-Nazi in Germany) in 1940s through 1980s

 

There IS a *spoiler* toward the end, so if you haven't read this book and want to, stop halfway or so through this blog entry.

I wasn't able to go to our book club discussion because I was prepping for a trip into the BWCA. Too bad, because I really like this author but struggled at times to keep the two womens' story lines and ancillary characters straight. Talking about it with other readers would have been nice!

Page 26: "...Americans are generally horrible about accents and languages,  by the way. "

 

I loved this aside. I'm always impressed by Europeans (or others) who have mastered two or three languages at a minimum . . . and it's completely normal for them! I really wish I'd been more diligent in studying and using the French I learned. Americans just don't seem to care much about communicating in anyone else's language.

Page 48: "Until I landed in America,  I had no idea that papers could publish differing opinions - and so many of them.  At home Pravda gets delivered daily,  and within it,  the Party tells us the facts and what our opinion regarding those facts should be. "

That really struck me - not just the skewing of "facts," but being told how one should think about them. Even though media in America is a bit crazy, I love that we have free press!

Page 49: "Our conformity gives an illusion of power and peace as we are raised to believe our way of life is superior and virtuous.  Illusions are powerful things.  If you believe them hard enough,  they can become one's reality. "

 

"Raised to believe our way of life is superior and virtuous" - I think most of us can agree that this is not a uniquely Russian issue. I think most Americans think their way of life is superior as well. It is important to be a lifelong learner and be willing to consider others' perspectives! Also, people are really good at believing what they want to believe and / or convince themselves to believe.

Page 137: "There's a word for this,  Anya, this living two truths - one deep in your heart and one you act on every day.  Ketman. It comes from Persia. It translates to doublethink. You divide your soul as you deceive others in order to stay safe,  but you deceive yourself in the end. " (Dmitri  to Anya, 1983)

 

 I would be a terrible spy! I'm much too blatant and speak my mind without thinking!

Page 146: "She's been making my favorite dish.  I can smell the sour cherries cooking along with the veal, and it brings me back to my childhood when all was all because I didn't know any better."

 

Oh, the evocative power of smells! And I was so oblivious as a child! I love the idea of childhood innocence. Who wants children to have to grapple with evil? Let them believe all is well.

 

Page  202: "It's those everyday details that hold the greatest power over me. I remember one of them and I'm lost in the past, walking with him hand in hand, laughing at something he's just said. Something for my ears only. I wish I'd comprehended the sway of those ordinary moments each and every second I lived within them."

Those ordinary moments are powerful, indeed. Live in the moment! Be grateful for the people in your life.

Page 228: "Yet whenever I feel I've almost given up, something roars to life inside me. Call it fight, call it dissent, call it anger. Whatever it is, it rebels against capitulation. Those years in the US were mine . . . I grew through learning the philosophies and ideals of dignity and freedom; I grew within the pleasure of open debate and discussion. . . . They were real and tangible, and I lived in and among them four whole years."

 

I love this! As messy and flawed as things are in the United States, people have so many opportunities to think and wrestle with ideas without fear of penalty. (Okay, unless you're blatantly a danger to others.)

 

Page  293: "We Soviets have never been the title character of our stories. We toil, suffer, work, hurt, sacrifice, and give everything to the State; we call each other 'comrade' in the belief that the moniker makes us equal. It doesn't and never has. Ours is another's story - the tsars', the Bolsheviks', the Party's, whatever dictator rules our day. The best that can be said of us is that we endure."

This is so sad! So many people in a country where they're not able to be truly free.

Page 329: "But true choice, sacrificial choice, and the ability to think and determine what to do with those choices, will not come easy to the Soviet psyche. True choice is hard-won. It resides in faith and must be cultivated over time. We don't think along those lines. We've been trained not to."

I don't know if Reay was trying to keep the reader guessing about the Ingrid/Anya mother/daughter relationship, but it was apparent to me from the get-go. By the time THEY figure it out, I was glad they finally got to talk openly about their spy lives. Also, I was a bit disappointed that Christian faith played barely any role in the story. Dmitri going to an underground church and trying to get Anya to go was such a tiny part of the story.

Page 334: "I love music. Always have. I truly believe it captures the best essence of a culture. It helps you grasp massive ideas in a compressed time frame. Music seeps into your soul and molds you."

When Anya asks her mother if she enjoys music, it's kind of sad that they've spent over twenty years together and don't really know one another. I love this description of music and how it impacts us.

Page 353 (and elsewhere): "'The only words that left her mouth at the beginning of every 'session' were duc in altum.' At my blank stare he explained, 'It's Latin for 'push into the deep.' I knew what it meant. I just couldn't believe she had said it. It was her code phrase for me when I was young and doing the right thing was going to be hard and it was going to hurt."

I love the idea of having meaningful phrases that are repeated to a child so that they become ingrained in their thinking. Not necessarily in Latin! And this particular phrase doesn't resonate for me, but it's a great concept to help build virtues in children.

 

I need to get the September book club book, but I think I'm going to miss that discussion, too!

Moo

by Sharon Creech

Libby audiobook 2 hours

Read by: Brittany Pressley

Published: 2016

Genre: children's realistic fiction

This one kind of bugged me, but I focused more on my work than on the story. 

Reena's parents make her and her brother Luke go help neighbor Mrs. Falala, even though she seems like a crabby and scary old woman to them. They help take care of her cow Zora, even learning to groom her and show her.

The end of the story is gratifying, though sad.

Saving Winslow

by Sharon Creech

Libby audiobook 2 hours

Read by: Kirby Heyborne

Published: 2018

Genre: children's realistic fiction

Little grey donkey! He is not expected to survive, but Louie (the protagonist boy) is determined to keep him alive. What a sweet little story! 

Winslow "helps Louie feel closer to his brother Gus, who is far, far away in the army."

Nora is a quirky little girl who is afraid to become attached and experience loss.

Half a Chance

by Cynthia Lord

Libby audiobook 5 hours

read by: Maria Cabezas

Published: 2014

Genre: YA realistic fiction

 

I hadn't realized that the narrator is the same person who read Handful of Stars. She does a great job!

 

Lucy's dad is a professional photographer who has the family moving frequently. She loves to take photos, too, but her dad is more critical than encouraging.

She is new to a quiet New England lake when she meets Nate, a nice kid whose grandmother is succumbing to dementia. They go on "loon patrol" and report back to her. I love loons, so I instantly connected with that part of the story! 

I liked the story and the characters (except the dad - he bugged me). I liked the descriptions of the photographs and the contest. I love the loons!

A Handful of Stars

by Cynthia Lord

Libby audiobook 4 hours

Read by: Maria Cabezas

Published: 2015 

Genre: YA realistic fiction

 

This may be more "children's" than "young adult" . . . which is part of my review. Friendship, fitting in, etc. Lily (Tiger Lily) is being raised by her grandparents because her mom died when she was little. Maine is known for its blueberries and the annual festival crowns a Blueberry Queen each year. Lily's mom won it three years in a row - a record!

 

But . . . who has elementary aged kids do this? Most festivals have teens or young women as their "royalty." The idea of doing this with little kids just seems weird.

 

Lily's best friend is now interested in boys. Lily wants to earn enough money selling bee houses to get an operation for her dog so he can regain his vision. She connects with migrant worker Salma Santiago and together they want to help Lucky.

 

My faves: Salma's creativity and honesty! The vet and her kindness toward Lily. This line about summer:

 

"Enough afternoons to do every single thing you wanted to do, and even some days left over to do nothing at all. But somehow summer fills up and flies by." 

Too true! (As I'm writing this on August 24, 2023 . . . )

A sweet book, but geared to younger readers.

The Personal Librarian

by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

Louise's copy paperback 324 pages plus historical note and authors' notes

Published: 2021

Genre: historical fiction

 

Interesting that I like historical fiction and I love libraries, but I didn't care much for this book. I definitely learned some new things, though! Belle Marion Greener was raised by Richard Greener (first Black graduate of Harvard and an activist for equal rights) and Genevieve Ida Fleet ( a member of a prominent Black DC family). Her parents separated when Belle was a teen and her mother chose to raise the family as white, since they were light-skinned enough and she saw the horrors of racial discrimination. Thus, the young lady became "Belle da Costa Greene" and her skin tone was attributed to fictional Portugese ancestors. She became J.P. Morgan's personal librarian and built a renowned collection of books and artifacts.

 

Page 19: "But the time for hope is past; things are only going to get worse. There is only black and white - nothing in between - and they will always be separate, but never equal. Segregation will take care of that."

 

This is part of a fight between Belle's parents before they split. They had huge ideological differences on how to best navigate life in America in 1905. I learned that the Supreme Court overturned the Civil Rights Act in 1890 . . . it's sad to think of what could have happened (in a positive way) if the politicians of the day hadn't fought to protect the status quo. 

Page 121: But I could not have guessed London's greatest gift. Here, as I walk the streets, I don't feel the same assessment of my color that I routinely experience, and constantly anticipate, in America. Perhaps London's citizens don't have the same need to categorize us by race as they do in America.

I thought that was a very interesting observation. Also the next one.

Page 133: His eyebrows furrow. 'Because he's a Jew,' he spits in a tone that I've heard from him before. 'Or is rumored to be one anyway, though that is not what Berenson claims.' Inside, I sigh. Anti-Semitism is as rampant as racism against the colored in this country.

This makes me sad. People hating people because of skin color, religion, etc. makes our world more difficult.

Page 139: . . . a glimmering shade almost like grisaille . . . 

 

 A word I've never seen before! I knew it was a color, but I had to look it up. Dictionary.com says:

a method of painting in gray monochrome, typically to imitate sculpture.

"trompe l'oeil elevations painted in grisaille"

 

So it's more of a painting technique than a color. The guy had gray eyes that looked like sculpture? Okay.

 

 

 

Page 176: "Not that I'm concerned, of course. Because no matter who you see or what you do, you are my personal librarian. You must always remember that you belong to me."

 

 

It's historical fiction, but I can imagine someone like J.P. Morgan saying something like this!  How awful for a black woman passing as white to hear her boss say that he OWNS her. Yuk.

 

Page 207 broke my heart. I didn't like her romance with the older, married Bernard Berenson. But when she got pregnant and he urged an abortion and then wasn't there with her! That was too much. She was physically, mentally, and emotionally broken. (This may or may not have happened in real life. Greene destroyed all her personal papers before she died.)

 

Page 288: We shared an insatiable curiosity. The deeper we each read, the more we would understand about this world we live in, and the more questions we had.

 

This resonated for me. I love reading. I love learning. I'm a tiny bit curious to learn more about J.P. Morgan, but that can wait for another day. I'm glad I read about this woman - a real librarian, a strong woman, a person who made a difference. (I looked up the Morgan Library. That would be an amazing place to visit!)

 

Theodore Roosevelt, Hero to His Valet

by James E. Amos

University of Minnesota Library hardcover 162 pages

Published: 1927

Genre: non-fiction biography

Oh. my. word. Where to start?!

I read about this somewhere else (don't remember!) and was curious. Teddy Roosevelt is one of the U.S. presidents I really like. I appreciate that he set aside National Parks for us! Especially since the railroad and timber barons were so powerful at the time.

This book was published the year my mom was born! There's a nameplate inside the front cover saying it was donated from the collection of O.M. Leland (dean emeritus) of the Institute of Technology (1921-1944) and his signature from July 1931! It's just a cool piece of history.

For the book itself, of course Amos is going to have an incredibly positive view of TR. As he tells of how he came to work for the president, he seems to be a wonderful man himself. He was only in his young twenties when he was hired to look after the Roosevelt children. Through his service to the family, he was proximal to President Roosevelt and worked for him for many years. 

Page 8-9: Mr. Roosevelt was not only my employer, but he was until his death my dear friend to whom I could go always with my most personal and private troubles. I loved him deeply and served him, I hope, faithfully. And I have always liked to believe that he rather took a fancy to me at that very first meeting. That would be his way. Mr. Roosevelt's disposition was to like people. He never approached men with suspicion in his mind. He was always disposed to believe that people were all right and he liked those he met if they gave him half a chance.

I love the way Amos tells his stories; it's almost as though he and the reader are just chatting. It was also bizarre to picture what the White House was like just over 100 years ago . . . I'm guessing that in the last few decades, there are hundreds (if not thousands?) more employees!

Page 10: At first people used to swarm into the White House. The President's working quarters were there and altogether the little privacy the home part of the building enjoyed was subject to many interruptions. Under Mr. Roosevelt this was all changed. No President was as approachable as he was. He saw more people, probably, than any Chief Executive in our history. But he drew a line around that portion of the mansion which was called home, and he managed to keep his boys and girls living in a perfectly natural atmosphere in spite of the turbulent and stormy official life that swarmed all around them.

There are some fantastic photographs in the book. The picture of the author doesn't appear to show a black man, but later he refers to "his race." I looked him up online and found that yes, Amos was African American. The picture of the Roosevelt family shows the four boys and one daughter with the President, his wife, and their dog Skip. 

Page 15: Public men are subject to all sorts of bitter criticism and if they filed suits against all the people who libeled them they would spend all their days in court. . . . 

He had an "Ananias Club" to assign people who lied about him! It's one of those Bible stories that makes me stop and think about God's message about lying. I'm not surprised that part of being in the public eye is dealing with what people say about you, but I think it's interesting that there were two times Roosevelt charged people with libel. And that he started his "Ananias Club!"

Page 25: It was orders from home - from Mrs. Roosevelt - that whenever Mr. Roosevelt was traveling he must have one hour of absolute quiet during the day. He was a man of such tremendous energy that he would keep going forever if there was not someone around to slow him down. That was part of my job on all trips. . . . He preached the 'strenuous life.' But he also knew the value of the 'quiet hour.'

Reading this makes me curious to learn more about Mrs. Roosevelt! It is wise indeed to have some quiet time each day. In another chapter, Amos talks about some of the leading figures of the day and Mr. Roosevelt's relationship with them. I was surprised in this part about Booker T. Washington. (This is what I love about reading books like this - I learn new things!)

Page 56: . . . it is sometimes the little things that mar the effects of a man's work. And the fact that he preached to his race to send their children to manual training schools to learn to be good servants and workers, and then sent his son to England and his daughter to Wellesley to be educated, brought a good deal of criticism down on him from his own people.

 

Amos reprints a "wall motto" that was hanging at President Roosevelt's desk before he left the White House. It is "Opportunity" by John James Ingalls.

Master of human destinies am I;
Fame, love and fortune on my footsteps wait.
Cities and fields I walk. I penetrate
Deserts and seas remote, and, passing by
Hovel and mart and palace, soon or late,
I knock unbidden once at every gate.

If sleeping, wake; if feasting, rise, before
I turn away. It is the hour of fate,
And they who follow me reach every state
Mortals desire, and conquer every foe
Save death; but those who hesitate
Condemned to failure, penury and woe,
Seek me in vain, and uselessly implore.
I answer not, and I return no more.

I don't really like this poem, but the fact that it was meaningful to Roosevelt is interesting to me. It was most sad to me that Roosevelt grieved deeply for his youngest son, Quentin, who was shot down in France in July 1918. Theodore died six months later.

Page 158-159: But there was one disaster that I have always felt was too much even for his brave heart - that was the death of his son Quentin, whom we all loved. Quentin was shot down in an aeroplane while flying over the German lines.

Amos goes on to share about the change in Mr. Roosevelt's demeanor and his deep sadness. This is a lovely little book and I'm glad I read it!

Because of the Rabbit

by: Cynthia Lord

Libby audiobook 3 hours

Read by: Kate Reinders

Published: 2019

Genre: childen's realistic fiction

This was sweet, but clearly for an elementary age reader (interesting that I enjoy middle grades fiction so much!). Emma helps her game warden dad rescue a rabbit one evening. This is no wild animal; it's a pet! Holding it overnight to take to the shelter in the morning, Emma falls in love. 

 

Oh, and Emma is going to public school for the first time after having been home schooled.

This is a story about fitting in and standing out. It's about kids and relationships and meanness and friendship. It's sweet but not terribly memorable.

Murder in the Mystery Suite

by: Ellery Adams

Libby audiobook 9 hours

Read by: Johanna Parker

Published: 2014

Genre: murder mystery

When I "opened" this book to listen, it was on chapter 3. Apparently, I tried this once before and returned it unread and unblogged. This time I listened to the end. There were things I liked and things I disliked.

Here's the description that caught my attention (twice):

Tucked away in the rolling hills of rural western Virginia is the storybook resort of Storyton Hall, catering to book lovers who want to get away from it all. To increase her number of bookings, resort manager Jane Steward has decided to host a Murder and Mayhem week so that fans of the mystery genre can gather together for some role-playing and fantasy crime solving.

But when the winner of the scavenger hunt, Felix Hampden, is found dead in the Mystery Suite, and the valuable book he won as his prize is missing, Jane realizes one of her guests is an actual murderer. Amid a resort full of fake detectives, Jane is bound and determined to find a real-life killer. There’s no room for error as Jane tries to unlock this mystery before another vacancy opens up…

 

I liked the literary allusions! There were lots and lots and lots of references and some I didn't know. I liked that there were so many clues and twists.

Jane's twin sons were named Fitzgerald and Hemingway. Fun!

 

I like that so many of the guests thoroughly enjoyed the Murder and Mayhem activities and it benefited other businesses in the small town. It was fun to think that Jane would plan other theme weeks for Storyton Hall.

I didn't like "Mrs. Pratt" - she was probably why I stopped reading it the first time. She just seemed creepy. I'm not sure what her age was, but she came across as a middle aged sex-starved pervert. Yuk.

 

Aunt Octavia is sickening with her disregard for her own health (overeating and not exercising), especially considering her extreme concern for the big family secret.

 

Also, Aunt Octavia is spending money on extravagant clothes when Storyton is falling into disrepair and money is needed to take care of the building? What the heck!

 

The bend-over-backwards-to-appease the guests by Jane is absolutely mind-boggling. This was clearly written before the era of shaming Karen behaviors.

I didn't like how extreme the story got - they have a secret, hidden library that has untold treasures (like the fabled library at Alexandria). The Stewards are literal stewards of this treasure and Jane is now going to train to be a superhero of sorts. It just got to be a bit much.

I Am the Messenger

by Markus Zusak

Libby audiobook 9 hours

Read by: Marc Aden Gray

Published: 2002 (this version 2006)

Genre: YA realistic fiction with fantasy elements

Wow. This was both bizarre and incredible. I think I remember getting this for PRMS, based purely on the popularity of The Book Thief. Well this book is NOT really for a typical middle school reader. It isn't just the swearing, violence, drinking, etc. that make it for an older reader; it's the deeply philosophical look at the meaning of life. 

I just googled the author because the book (and the reader's accent) most definitely indicated Australia as the location of the story. Yes. 

Here's Wikipedia's intro to the book: "The protagonist is Ed Kennedy, an uninspired 19-year old Australian taxi driver. Ed laments his mediocre life and strained relationship with his mother, as his father died recently and left Ed with only his dog, the Doorman, but does nothing to improve his situation, instead preferring to continue living alone and playing cards every week with his friends: Ritchie, who is unemployed and generally apathetic about life; Marv, a stingy carpenter; and Audrey, a fellow taxi driver whom Ed is in love with, although she does not reciprocate. After accidentally foiling a robbery he is proclaimed a hero by the public, though the robber leaves him a warning that he sees "a dead man" when he looks at Ed before being taken away by police. One night, he receives a small unmarked envelope, inside of which is an Ace of Diamonds with three addresses and times of day written on them. His friends deny involvement, so Ed investigates the three addresses."

 

 "Beautiful women are the torment of my existence." - Ed, such a genuine, honest character.

Audrey, Marv, Ritchie, . . . Mila, Sophie, so many others . . . why the violence? 

Playing cards - hearts last. Diamonds - 3 addresses. Clubs - names on rocks. (Beatings to start and finish.) Spades - authors / street names / family with Christmas lights. Hearts - friends.

The Doorman! Stinky dog, sweet friend. Conversations! Sharing coffee.

Conversation with his mom. Loss of his dad.

"Sometimes I wish I was a dog." - me, too, Ed. Me, too.

 

 

Code Name Edelweiss

by Stephanie Landsem

Dakota County Library paperback 398 pages plus author's note

Published: 2023

Genre: Christian historical fiction

 

I didn't even wait until I finished the book to see how much of this was historically accurate! I also went online to read about the movie Mad Dog of Europe. I can't believe it was never finished! I'd love to see what was filmed in the 1930s. Fascinating stuff. Finding out that Landsem is a Minnesota author took me to her webpage. It would be so cool to talk with her about her book! Book Club meets in two days, so . . . probably not going to happen.

Liesl Weiss is a German woman raising her two children with her mother's help ever since her husband simply didn't come home from work one day two years previously. She is abruptly let go from her job as a secretary at MGM Studios and desperate to find a job to support the family. She is hired by Leon Lewis to spy on the German nationalists in Los Angeles. I'm not doing the story justice! It is so incredibly well-written. I'll just start with my post-it notes.

Page 37 - "With a pang of guilt, I caught the trolley and turned my mind to finding work instead of the unrelenting questions of motherhood."

Liesl is trying to be a 1930s supermom. She's working to support the family, trying to establish limits and discipline, be nurturing and supportive, and hope earnestly that her husband will show up. The "unrelenting questions" of motherhood have plagued many women!

Page 79 - "I pulled the covers up to her chin and kissed her brow, wondering how to talk to a child about people like the Grundbachers."

Liesl's daughter Tess has been told by her Aryan classmates that she should not play with Frieda because she's Jewish and "Jews are dirty and have germs." Sadly, parents teaching their children prejudice, hatred, and racism is an evil that still happens today. It can be hard as a parent to figure out how to teach your children to respond to this. Liesl's answer was pretty lame, in my opinion. "Jesus did not have germs. Go to sleep now." Waiting until she's older isn't sufficient!

Page 85 - "Somebody needed to tell those kids the real enemies weren't the Jews or the Catholics or Negroes, like the Klan and the National Socialists wanted them to believe. The real enemies were poverty and injustice and ignorance - and hate."

 

Wilhelm was my favorite character! I love that he really cared about the young men being recruited by the Nazis.

Page 103 - "Vati had taught me that being German was something to be proud of - a culture that valued work and orderliness, love for family and duty to country."

I love how the author made Liesl such a relatable character. She took the job with Leon Lewis just to have some income. She was convinced that working at the German American headquarters will not lead to any spy-worthy information. After being given a copy of Mein Kampf, her reading leads her to question her assumptions. 

Page 178 - "'But it is easier to turn a blind eye.' He tipped his head to the crowd of men hoping for a day's work. 'Especially when you have troubles of your own.'"

During this era in history, people were more concerned about economics, jobs, etc. They were past the "Great War" and not thinking so much about geopolitical events.

Page 192 - "'You don't have nothing to be sorry for,' she said. 'It's the way of the world.'"

A black woman with her two children says this to Liesl after Liesl apologizes that the woman was refused service at a restaurant. Her resignation that this is just the way of the world is so sad to me.

Page 210 - "He looked back at me and for a moment, I saw a flash of the boy I'd known. 'I love you too.'"

Oh! I love this scene between Liesl and her brother Fritz! She has been so frustrated by his choices in life and his becoming a Nazi. When she talks with him and reminds him that she loves him, I think it's a turning point for him.

Page 301 - "He was just a kid and kids shouldn't die. When they did, your heart died with them. And then you lived the rest of your life with a big hole in your chest."

I can't imagine losing a child! The fear that Liesl and Miriam feel for their children is palpable. Evil people doing evil things . . . and the innocent suffer.

Page 387 - "Our lives had been a mixture of struggles and joy but Tomas had loved me through the quarrels and our differences. I knew that now. I had not been abandoned. Not by Tomas and not by God."

It was so awful to find out what really happened to Tomas! I can't imagine the guilt of thinking he'd left her because he didn't even love her. As she explains to Tess and little Steffen, she recognizes that she has grown in her faith.

Author's Note - "Then there was what was happening in our own time in the United States. The years between 2016 and 2020 were ones of increasing division in our country. Families split along political lines. Our partisan government bickered instead of leading. The media lost credibility. Starting in 2020, a global pandemic created fear, peaceful protests turned violent, and mob mentality destroyed cities. Every part of our society struggled with isolation, distrust, and division. I began to see more clearly what might have happened during the privations of the Great Depression, the tragedy of the Dust Bowl, and the heightened racial tensions of the 1930s."

She is so eloquent! I really like this author.

Historical Note - "This is what I hope you gain from Liesl and Wilhelm's story: the truth about courage, conviction, and love that both encompasses and transcends the historical record."

Yes and amen. I loved that the theme of "If not me, who? If not now, when?" ran throughout the book. I also liked that the idea of love overcoming fear and hate is an idea that we can put into practice.

I look forward to this book discussion on Monday!

Enola Holmes and the Boy in Buttons (Enola Holmes #8)

by Nancy Springer

Libby audiobook 32 minutes

Read by: Tamaryn Payne

Published: 2021

Genre: YA historical detective mystery

 

I've read several Enola Holmes mysteries. This novella is delightful. Enola's helper (the boy in buttons) is sick one day and so his little brother comes in his stead. The younger brother doesn't come back home and Enola goes to find him. 

 

Short and satisfying. I enjoyed it and may get back into reading this series.