At the time I initially read this book, I was passionate in it's message. AS all of Ray Bradbury's work, the novel is extremely well written and a page turner. Of course, I have reread this book numerable times. I still find the book excellent, but with time and many "copied" versions of the story, the novel does not evoke the same fervor for me that it once did. I do believe that Farenheit 451 is just as meaningful as ever. I just believe that I am not as focused on generating change with the same passion as when I was young.
Today, I feel passionate about updating my review of Bradbury's novel where books are burned, and a fireman who does the burning rethinks his perspective, developing an independent philosophy regarding the value of books. How could I have ever lost my passion for this subject. After all, this is a Ray Bradbury. His language is always rich and engaging, his message true. Perhaps this summer, I have reconnected with my own fervor for literature, my mind has again become alive and dimensions added to my imagination. When I consider that Ray Bradbury wrote Fahrenheit 451 in response to memories of images of books being burned in Hitler's Germany when he was 15 years old (A quote from Bradbury: "It killed my heart and killed my soul and the memory of Hitler burning the books caused me to sit down and write Fahrenheit 451."), I am appalled at myself for ever rating this book a "4," and allowing redundant media to "water down" my reaction. Books are the essence of free speech, thought out contributions to frame thinking.
I thank my summer of reading for reinitiating my fervor. I hope that as I enter the new school year, I maintain my passion for all that makes life glorious, including celebration of books!!!
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I was definitely not impressed. Rafe Esquith provides some funny stories and memorable quotes, but he represents himself with arrogance and appears totally self-absorbed. It seems that the author feels that he is the magic for the children who he has in his class for one year. All their later successes are due to his influence... no other factors made a difference. I know he is a highly effective teacher and that he truly gives of himself for the sake of his students, but in "There are No Shortcuts," Rafe Esquith represents himself with a highly immature attitude. Criticism of other teachers and schools, which is the content of most of this memoir, only adds fodder to those who disrespect public education.
I consider this memoir more and more as the school year approaches. Rafe Esquith is to be appreciated, despite that fact that I personally feel that he could have demonstrated his experiences in a different manner. He clearly made his point that teaching is worth the struggles and that the classroom is where miracles can and do occur. I can see that he wants to share that within multiple educational systems, a teacher must be dissident and/or nonconformist on behalf of their learners if they are to make a difference. He is trying to add his voice on "Civil Disobedience." Let's hope we can change systems rather than "one "classroom" at a time." That we can develop an educational system where teachers have support rather than blockades of red tape, legislation, and meaningless tests to administer to their students. It is amazing with the climate of today's society, that there are still so many teachers, like Rafe, who live and breathe their teaching, who make the impossible happen everyday in classrooms throughout our nation.
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bookshelves: currently-reading
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Reading this novel was in itself a memorable experience. There are books that I must hug when I finish reading. I hugged Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet often when reading, emotion taking over throughout, needing pauses to appreciate and feel rather than continuing to read. In that way, the novel is not a page turner. The warmth and honesty is just too much. I think that after a lifetime of reading, I have found a new treasure.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is a modern Romeo and Juliet, with intelligent Asian adolescents who make responsible choices. This update does not dream of the promise of "a place for us... somewhere, someplace, somehow," but indeed beautifully fulfills the promise and dream. The novel does not leave the reader anguished, instead life's wonders are illuminated. Throughout, the reader feels connections to the characters.
For those who want, The Hotel on the Bitter and Sweet is so wonderfully written that it can be a page turner and a fast read. I pray, however, that readers take the time to live in this novel, to experience it, often taking the time to feel. The experience of this read is glorious and has the capacity to change those who appreciate. ]]>
Bobby
took the never-ending book quiz.
| questions answered: | 4 |
| correct: | 3 (75.0%) |
| skipped: | 0 |
| best streak: | 3 |
| questions added: | 0 |
The complicated mixture of story elements and structures are intriguing in this novel. I personally enjoyed the journey, interwoven glimpses of past and present, newspaper clippings, excerpts of science fiction, and a novel within a novel, however most of my book club did not. Yes, it was my choice.
The science fiction excerpts were puzzling to me, and while I understood their purpose to the story, I had difficulty comprehending some and remaining engaged with others. On the other hand, the exceprts were definitely part of the adventurous trip as a whole. Sound complex? Indeed, this read is, but well worth every minute. Escapism fiction? Absolutely NOT!!!
I must say that I was very engaged with all the characters, and cared deeply for the protagonist and her sister. I also must say that this novel is successful on many levels, and can definitely be categorized in many genres: historical fiction, mystery, love story, and fantasy. My only concern was personal... the love story was so sad, and as it revealed itself, became even more tragic. I maintained hope, I read with anticipation and assurance that there would be a twist, where the protagonist found, I don't know... some pleasure, joy, hope, personal growth. My assurance was not fully rewarded... and while the novel heroes resilience and perseverance, to which I can definitely relate, my need for an encouraging conclusion was not exactly fulfilled.
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Bobby
added a quote:
"It is very difficult to live among people you love and hold back from offering them advice." — Anne Tyler
"It is very difficult to live among people you love and hold back from offering them advice." — Anne Tyler
I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes. I do not know why, as I am not necessarily a mystery fan. Like most Americans, I love to catch an old movie based on an Agatha Christie mystery, whether Poirot, Miss Marple or another, yet I have never sought to read any of her books. I also have read a mystery or two in my time, but again do not seek mystery as a genre when choosing novels. Nonetheless, I have read all of Sir Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. I love the language, the descriptive nature, the thorough exploration of character. May I say again, I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes.
Just a few pages into The Beekeeper's Apprentice, I must confess that I also became a fan of Laurie King! The language alone already had me hooked, thoroughly ready to enjoy the pages ahead. There is something to be said for the language of a Sherlock Holmes mystery that Laurie King was able to emulate, yet ingeniously create her own language, unique and definitely filled with charm and grace. I felt she fully captured her characters and the time and place of her story. Her character, Mary Russell, is an utter delight, a strong willed independent female, whose ability wins over the strongest of traditional males and his private world. She opens in a closeted middle aged man, feelings that it would appear he has never truly known... appreciation of another, including both caring and respect. I, for one, am anxious to immerse myself in the Russell- Holmes series that this amazing author has so graciously created for our pure pleasure. Thank Laurie King ]]>
This is a great resource book, full of information and resources. Definitely an important woman's guide to health. I think that if I had gotten this book when my daughter was younger, I may not have had to worry so much. I love the whole person approach that Dr. Northrup presents. I went to the bookstore to buy Northrup's book on menopause, then saw this book and bought it also. I read it first and found sections enlightening, definitely applicable to my current daily existence. I am now anxious to read the book on menopause that I purchased for myself.
I had to add to my review as I continue to consider this book as the days pass following my reading. It certainly opened many considerations of the relationship I have with my daughter, the joy, the support, the utter specialness of our connection. She may now be an adult, but I, still, maintain a vital and unique role as her mother. I validate her feelings and she, in turn, validates mine. We comprehend one another in a deeply satisfying and complete manner, although many of the facets of her personality are more akin to her father or clearly her own. In my perspective, Christianne Northrup is not only successful in providing rich information about health and relationship, but allows appreciation of woman's roles as females and delight in our bond with our daughters. ]]>