This book had me from the first page. It starts in Ireland in the 1700s and takes us on a fantastic journey ending in New York in 2001. Through the pr...moreThis book had me from the first page. It starts in Ireland in the 1700s and takes us on a fantastic journey ending in New York in 2001. Through the protagonist's eyes we see the humble beginnings of New York City in its infancy and watch as it transforms over the centuries to the mighty metropolis it is today. Saying anything else would be spoiling. I certainly recommend this book if you are a New Yorker like me. It has been said that we are the most forgetful when it comes to our own history and this is an easy to read refresher on some of the major events that helped shape this place. I also feel any fan of the historical novel would appreciate this work. Just one warning however. There was, toward the end, a very vivid description of the events of 9/11 that actually made me feel like I was back in that awful day. The author really captures that "present" feeling throughout the book. You get a feeling that you are there walking through the different ages of the city as you read. This particular portion of the book was no exception. I liked it all the more for the author's ability to pull me back to that time and to truly remember. It is all we can do in the end. (less)
This book was an incredible read. From the first word, the exquisite narration draws you into the lives of the characters. It was thought provoking,...more This book was an incredible read. From the first word, the exquisite narration draws you into the lives of the characters. It was thought provoking, inviting the reader to examine his/her own sense of identity and how this changes over time often due to circumstances greater than us. The accidents of life are what shape us into who we are. The Namesake is a tale of conflict between the past and the present, the old world and the new. It gives a clear picture of the concessions that become necessary for immigrants coming to our shores. Many of the old country traditions either do not exist at all or must be modified within a community of others of your particular background. In this particular case, the family is of Indian background, but one can easily see their struggle as one most immigrants would face. There is a desire to preserve as much as can be saved of the traditions and norms with which one has been raised and often a battle to prevent excessive Americanization particularly in the next generation. The story of the Ganguli family illustrates this conflict through the theme of names. Even at the outset, we learn that names have a special significance in Bengali culture. The wife has not ever spoken her husband's name. It is as a sacred word that is not to be uttered. The name they are to give their son, born in this new country far from the large family that should be present at such a momentous event, is also important. We learn of the existence of two names that are traditionally given; one a pet name, used only by family, and the other a good name for identification in the outside world. Several accidents of fate lead to the naming of their first born son and becomes known by this temporary, pet name. His further assimilation and break from tradition is also illustrated through his name as he decides to legally change it. Even so, the old name is still used at home, tethering him to the old ways. As often happens in reality, it takes a loss or other catastrophic event to make one look back and examine their roots more closely. I don't wish to give away any more details so I will simply state that this book is at its core about identity. It is always a struggle in life to decide who you are and what you represent. This book gives us an intimate portrait of how that struggle is magnified for immigrants as they try to hold on to the past while living in the present. (less)
I really enjoy stories set in the place I love best, New York. Having lived here for all but 2 months of my life and having lived in every borough I a...moreI really enjoy stories set in the place I love best, New York. Having lived here for all but 2 months of my life and having lived in every borough I always love to see my city through others' eyes. This is a terrific collection of stories that has something for everyone. There are a few that are worthy of specific mention. The two post 9/11 tales are as different as they could be. One is entitled "I Can Still Smell It", the other, "That Horrid Thing". Both explore the very different coping mechanisms people employed to try and move forward from the horror of that day. Some can't, others want to make sure we don't forget the harsh lessons we learned that day. Both were very well done and written believably. One of the first stories, "The Mean Mrs Dickstein" had me laughing out loud. All I can say is it involves a confrontation between the title character and one of the many New Yorkers with no cell phone etiquette. "Dog Story" was another favorite, animal lover that I am. The rest cover a variety of issues including anti-Semitism, growing old, being a parent, being a neighbor and just being and surviving in New York. Many stories also take us back to a New York of old, that hardly exists anymore except in the minds of those who were there. Even I often stop and wonder, especially in regard to the Bronx, just how many icons of my childhood have gone forever.... I only have one critique of this collection and that is its tendency to be Manhattan-centric. I would love to see another collection by this author that allows the other four boroughs more time in the spotlight. (Yes, even Staten Island.) Otherwise, it is a well written collection that's almost as good as being here. (less)
This was an exciting page turner that had elements that reminded me of The Lottery. It's about a murder everyone knew would happen but no one stepped...moreThis was an exciting page turner that had elements that reminded me of The Lottery. It's about a murder everyone knew would happen but no one stepped in to prevent because the murderers felt they were honor bound to perform this deed. Any more detail would be spoiling it, but what called to mind The Lottery was the notion of an entire community being on trial for what most would consider an act of brutality. Here's some food for thought. Is an action correct simply because it is mandated by tradition, religion, honor, etc.? My answer would be not necessarily but we must be our own judges and make peace with the decisions we make in life as best we can. So, that's what I took away from this work. I hope many others will read Chronicle. I intend to get around to his other works in the future. (less)
This is a charming little book and it was so wonderful to have the opportunity to hear Mr. Frank McCourt himself read a good part of it. It's a story...moreThis is a charming little book and it was so wonderful to have the opportunity to hear Mr. Frank McCourt himself read a good part of it. It's a story his mother used to tell and it's not just for the faithful. It's actually quite an amusing tal. Little Angela frets over the figure of the baby Jesus in front of the church not being covered in something warm. Obviously a quick read as it is primarily marketed to a juvenile audience, but it's worth it if you're a grown up in need of a little holiday cheer. You'll smile and, at one point, laugh out loud. Also, is it a great lil stocking stuffer? 'Tis.(less)
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