Linda C. Wright's Blog, page 16
August 8, 2015
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
I have to say it took me a long time to read this book, not because it was poorly written or uninteresting, but because I was living everything that was inside of it. My step mother, June passed away in March at the age of 93. I've spent the past two years managing her care and taking care of her finances all while watching her move into the final days of her life.
What I learned from Being Mortal is that our doctors are trained to save lives. There is little in their extensive education about how to help people die peacefully. When I read Dr. Gawande's words, I finally knew I was not alone. I'd spent a lot of time questioning each and every decision I had to make for her. Conversations with doctors, nurses and nursing home administrators left me frustrated and exhausted. The road is bumpy to say the least.
First I moved June to an assisted living facility. It took several months but finally she'd settled in nicely and seemed happy. Then she fell and broke her hip. I had to decide whether or not she should have a hip replacement or allow the bone to heal naturally, confining her to bed and risking bedsores. She had the surgery but was never able to recover from it. On top of all that she also had dementia. June didn't want any more physical therapy, I felt helpless trying to get it to stop. She didn't want to eat, and yet my instructions that she didn't have to eat if she didn't want to, went unheeded. I was the only voice she had, and I knew she was ready to go. We had talked about it many times over the 50 years I had known her.
Being Mortal gave me tools to work with and helped me to understand how our system for caring for the elderly is set up. The knowledge I got from it gave me with some small victories over time. This is a book that should be read if you are caring for an elderly loved one, or if you want to prepare for your own old age. We should all be able to live out the end of our days in a way that is best for us. This is a powerful and moving book. Thank you, Dr. Gawande for your compassion and showing us that we have a choice.
I have to say it took me a long time to read this book, not because it was poorly written or uninteresting, but because I was living everything that was inside of it. My step mother, June passed away in March at the age of 93. I've spent the past two years managing her care and taking care of her finances all while watching her move into the final days of her life.
What I learned from Being Mortal is that our doctors are trained to save lives. There is little in their extensive education about how to help people die peacefully. When I read Dr. Gawande's words, I finally knew I was not alone. I'd spent a lot of time questioning each and every decision I had to make for her. Conversations with doctors, nurses and nursing home administrators left me frustrated and exhausted. The road is bumpy to say the least.
First I moved June to an assisted living facility. It took several months but finally she'd settled in nicely and seemed happy. Then she fell and broke her hip. I had to decide whether or not she should have a hip replacement or allow the bone to heal naturally, confining her to bed and risking bedsores. She had the surgery but was never able to recover from it. On top of all that she also had dementia. June didn't want any more physical therapy, I felt helpless trying to get it to stop. She didn't want to eat, and yet my instructions that she didn't have to eat if she didn't want to, went unheeded. I was the only voice she had, and I knew she was ready to go. We had talked about it many times over the 50 years I had known her.
Being Mortal gave me tools to work with and helped me to understand how our system for caring for the elderly is set up. The knowledge I got from it gave me with some small victories over time. This is a book that should be read if you are caring for an elderly loved one, or if you want to prepare for your own old age. We should all be able to live out the end of our days in a way that is best for us. This is a powerful and moving book. Thank you, Dr. Gawande for your compassion and showing us that we have a choice.
August 2, 2015
Our Town by Thornton Wilder
Our Town by Thornton Wilder
Every high school student in America has probably seen this play or acted in it, since it's a staple in every drama program. Unfortunately, its message is probably lost on a sixteen year old, I know it was lost on me. But something about it has stuck in my head all these years. A book I'm currently reading made reference to Our Town and at the same time it had popped up as part of a storyline in my own writing. I thought I'd better revisit this Pulitzer Prize winner.
Our Town is a play in three acts and tells the story of two families, the Gibbs and the Webbs in Grover's Corners, New Hampshire. We watch George, the doctor's son and Emily, the daughter of the newspaper editor, grow up, fall in love and face the end of life while the townspeople go about their business every day.
Life hasn't changed much over the years. We get out of bed, go to work, hustle the kids out the door to school. The children grow up, get married, and build a life starting a new family. And for all of us it ends the same way, in death, leaving the living behind. We may want to think that our fancy cars, computers and smart phones have changed our lives but if we take the time to look deep into the our core, they have not. Life remains the same with or without modern conveniences.
One of the many lessons of Our Town is that life is precious. We should try to make each and every day the best day of our lives. Maybe we can only learn that through the wisdom that comes with age. Our Town's story may be lost on the young, but I never forgot it. And I bet you haven't either. It's well worth reading again as an adult. Thornton Wilder's play is classic and timeless and even more meaningful when wisdom is on your side.
Every high school student in America has probably seen this play or acted in it, since it's a staple in every drama program. Unfortunately, its message is probably lost on a sixteen year old, I know it was lost on me. But something about it has stuck in my head all these years. A book I'm currently reading made reference to Our Town and at the same time it had popped up as part of a storyline in my own writing. I thought I'd better revisit this Pulitzer Prize winner.
Our Town is a play in three acts and tells the story of two families, the Gibbs and the Webbs in Grover's Corners, New Hampshire. We watch George, the doctor's son and Emily, the daughter of the newspaper editor, grow up, fall in love and face the end of life while the townspeople go about their business every day.
Life hasn't changed much over the years. We get out of bed, go to work, hustle the kids out the door to school. The children grow up, get married, and build a life starting a new family. And for all of us it ends the same way, in death, leaving the living behind. We may want to think that our fancy cars, computers and smart phones have changed our lives but if we take the time to look deep into the our core, they have not. Life remains the same with or without modern conveniences.
One of the many lessons of Our Town is that life is precious. We should try to make each and every day the best day of our lives. Maybe we can only learn that through the wisdom that comes with age. Our Town's story may be lost on the young, but I never forgot it. And I bet you haven't either. It's well worth reading again as an adult. Thornton Wilder's play is classic and timeless and even more meaningful when wisdom is on your side.
July 25, 2015
Vanessa and Her Sister by Priya Parmar
Vanessa and Her Sister by Priya Parmar
OK. I'm going to fess up right off the bat. I didn't finish this book. The counter on my Kindle said 51%. For me not to finish a book, even if I dislike it, is an extremely rare occurrence. I like to see things through to the end no matter the cost. But in this case I just couldn't.
Vanessa and Her Sister is the story of Vanessa Bell and her sister, Virginia Woolf. These are two creative and talented women who lived at the turn of the twentieth century. One paints, the other writes. They were part of a larger creative group called the Bloomsbury Set who all believed in the importance of the arts. People after my own heart, don't you think?
I should have liked these people. I'm fascinated by creative types of all kinds. However, this book was written in a diary format. Pretty much Vanessa wrote about trying to paint during the day, getting ready for the Thursday night group to arrive, never being able to tell the housekeeper how many might be coming, and flopping into bed around 3 am. The same routine became documented over and over. Then she came up with the Friday night gathering. Nothing much happened on Thursday and Friday was more of the same. I tired of it.
I gave Vanessa and Her Sister my best shot. But it just wasn't for me. I had to let it go and move on.
OK. I'm going to fess up right off the bat. I didn't finish this book. The counter on my Kindle said 51%. For me not to finish a book, even if I dislike it, is an extremely rare occurrence. I like to see things through to the end no matter the cost. But in this case I just couldn't.
Vanessa and Her Sister is the story of Vanessa Bell and her sister, Virginia Woolf. These are two creative and talented women who lived at the turn of the twentieth century. One paints, the other writes. They were part of a larger creative group called the Bloomsbury Set who all believed in the importance of the arts. People after my own heart, don't you think?
I should have liked these people. I'm fascinated by creative types of all kinds. However, this book was written in a diary format. Pretty much Vanessa wrote about trying to paint during the day, getting ready for the Thursday night group to arrive, never being able to tell the housekeeper how many might be coming, and flopping into bed around 3 am. The same routine became documented over and over. Then she came up with the Friday night gathering. Nothing much happened on Thursday and Friday was more of the same. I tired of it.
I gave Vanessa and Her Sister my best shot. But it just wasn't for me. I had to let it go and move on.
July 22, 2015
Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee
Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee
With so much hype about Go Set A Watchman, I'm going to get right to the point. It's been years since I read To Kill a Mockingbird, and I remember it fondly. But please forgive me if I don't recall every minute detail of the story. For that reason I can read Go Set A Watchman how it was intended, as the first novel.
Jean Louise Finch has left Maycomb County and moved to New York City. She returns home to visit her aging and arthritic father, Atticus. What she finds is a slow, Southern way of life, so different from what she's become used to. Scout always loved home but this time she sees it without the benefit of rose colored glasses.
There's a line in the novel about Atticus, and I'm paraphrasing, that he made everyone feel like his friend. He's a highly respected man, living in the south where the roots of segregation run deep. He knew how to play the game. Jean Louise uncovered a side of him, he'd never chosen to reveal to his children. It's called growing up.
I loved this book. Harper Lee's prose glides across the page effortlessly. I could feel the hot humid days, snicker at Aunt Alexandra's disgust at Scout's modern ways and sit uncomfortably on the hard church pew. Jean Louise and Atticus are both strong, vivid characters with or without To Kill a Mockingbird. The world has waited for more from Miss Lee for decades. Here it is and in my mind, it was worth waiting for.
With so much hype about Go Set A Watchman, I'm going to get right to the point. It's been years since I read To Kill a Mockingbird, and I remember it fondly. But please forgive me if I don't recall every minute detail of the story. For that reason I can read Go Set A Watchman how it was intended, as the first novel.
Jean Louise Finch has left Maycomb County and moved to New York City. She returns home to visit her aging and arthritic father, Atticus. What she finds is a slow, Southern way of life, so different from what she's become used to. Scout always loved home but this time she sees it without the benefit of rose colored glasses.
There's a line in the novel about Atticus, and I'm paraphrasing, that he made everyone feel like his friend. He's a highly respected man, living in the south where the roots of segregation run deep. He knew how to play the game. Jean Louise uncovered a side of him, he'd never chosen to reveal to his children. It's called growing up.
I loved this book. Harper Lee's prose glides across the page effortlessly. I could feel the hot humid days, snicker at Aunt Alexandra's disgust at Scout's modern ways and sit uncomfortably on the hard church pew. Jean Louise and Atticus are both strong, vivid characters with or without To Kill a Mockingbird. The world has waited for more from Miss Lee for decades. Here it is and in my mind, it was worth waiting for.
July 21, 2015
The Tears of Dark Water by Corban Addison
The Tears of Dark Water by Corban Addison
Daniel Parker sets in motion a long standing dream to sail around the world, in an attempt to bond with his troubled son, Quentin. He leaves his wife, Vanessa and their failing marriage at home, hoping somehow the journey will lead them both toward mending their differences.
After a rest in the Seychelles, Daniel and Quentin discuss sailing into the vast Indian Ocean, a playground for Somali pirates. Quentin, who in Daniel's eyes has grown so much while at sea, refuses to give in to fear. Daniel feels proud of the man his son has become and agrees to set sail into the unknown. During the night, Ismail and his band of pirates board The Renaissance, taking Daniel and Quentin hostage.
Paul, the government's top negotiator is called into action. From an aircraft carrier, the communication to save the Americans begins. Each chapter of this novel is told from the point of view of a different character, Daniel, Vanessa, and Paul. As the story progresses, we hear from Ismail, his sister Yazmin, and Paul's sister Megan, a high powered lawyer who defends Ismail in the American courts.
The Tears of Dark Water is a beautifully and expertly constructed story. This is not the kind of book I would normally have selected on my own, so I am grateful for the ARC I received. I could not put this book down. It has everything I look for in a good book, suspense, tension, and emotion. The Tears of Dark Water is intense to say the least. It's not an easy beach read. It requires an investment of heart and commitment. The pages turn quickly as the novel taps into all that makes us human, grabs our hearts and refuses to let go. I loved it.
Daniel Parker sets in motion a long standing dream to sail around the world, in an attempt to bond with his troubled son, Quentin. He leaves his wife, Vanessa and their failing marriage at home, hoping somehow the journey will lead them both toward mending their differences.
After a rest in the Seychelles, Daniel and Quentin discuss sailing into the vast Indian Ocean, a playground for Somali pirates. Quentin, who in Daniel's eyes has grown so much while at sea, refuses to give in to fear. Daniel feels proud of the man his son has become and agrees to set sail into the unknown. During the night, Ismail and his band of pirates board The Renaissance, taking Daniel and Quentin hostage.
Paul, the government's top negotiator is called into action. From an aircraft carrier, the communication to save the Americans begins. Each chapter of this novel is told from the point of view of a different character, Daniel, Vanessa, and Paul. As the story progresses, we hear from Ismail, his sister Yazmin, and Paul's sister Megan, a high powered lawyer who defends Ismail in the American courts.
The Tears of Dark Water is a beautifully and expertly constructed story. This is not the kind of book I would normally have selected on my own, so I am grateful for the ARC I received. I could not put this book down. It has everything I look for in a good book, suspense, tension, and emotion. The Tears of Dark Water is intense to say the least. It's not an easy beach read. It requires an investment of heart and commitment. The pages turn quickly as the novel taps into all that makes us human, grabs our hearts and refuses to let go. I loved it.
July 18, 2015
The Beans of Egypt, Maine by Carolyn Chute
The Beans of Egypt, Maine by Carolyn Chute
Somewhere, a long time ago, a writing instructor spoke of this book as a lesson in characterization. It stuck in the back of my mind and was only recently resurrected by my desire to write a great novel and of course my love of Maine. I must have been missing eating a lobster roll by the waterfall in Camden, Maine when the title came back to me.
The Beans of Egypt, Maine tells the story of a mismatched and dysfunctional family living in rural Maine far from the rocky coast of the state I love. Reuben is an alcoholic who spends most of his time in jail, Roberta is tall and perpetually pregnant, and Beal is a gentle man with a large beard that seems to have a life all its own. Beal marries Earlene, the pious neighbor next door. They manage to have two equally unusual children.
The Beals are poor, yet taking any government assistance would say to the world that they had failed. How they live is given to the reader in such poignant detail, it's impossible to turn away. Ms. Chute's use of her toolbox of literary devices is extraordinary. I became totally immersed in a way of life I do not know, yet I felt each character's view of the world as if I saw it through my own eyes.
The Beans of Egypt, Maine is sometimes difficult and repulsive to read. But it's real and it's filled with emotion. I can't remember the teacher who told me about them, but the Beans will now remain in the back of my mind because the author did a brilliant job of creating them. And they are from Maine. A perfect combination.
Somewhere, a long time ago, a writing instructor spoke of this book as a lesson in characterization. It stuck in the back of my mind and was only recently resurrected by my desire to write a great novel and of course my love of Maine. I must have been missing eating a lobster roll by the waterfall in Camden, Maine when the title came back to me.
The Beans of Egypt, Maine tells the story of a mismatched and dysfunctional family living in rural Maine far from the rocky coast of the state I love. Reuben is an alcoholic who spends most of his time in jail, Roberta is tall and perpetually pregnant, and Beal is a gentle man with a large beard that seems to have a life all its own. Beal marries Earlene, the pious neighbor next door. They manage to have two equally unusual children.
The Beals are poor, yet taking any government assistance would say to the world that they had failed. How they live is given to the reader in such poignant detail, it's impossible to turn away. Ms. Chute's use of her toolbox of literary devices is extraordinary. I became totally immersed in a way of life I do not know, yet I felt each character's view of the world as if I saw it through my own eyes.
The Beans of Egypt, Maine is sometimes difficult and repulsive to read. But it's real and it's filled with emotion. I can't remember the teacher who told me about them, but the Beans will now remain in the back of my mind because the author did a brilliant job of creating them. And they are from Maine. A perfect combination.
July 6, 2015
China Dolls by Lisa See
China Dolls by Lisa See
Helen, Ruby and Grace are Chinese American women who meet in a pre-WWII San Francisco. They immediately become fast friends in spite of their differences. Helen is from a traditional Chinese family, who all live together in a compound. Her brother must escort her everywhere she goes. Grace has run away from a small Ohio town and an abusive father, in search of her dream as a dancer. Ruby keeps the details of her background a secret.
I'm a huge fan of Lisa See. Peony in Love and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan are two of my absolute favorites. Shanghai Girls and Dreams of Joy are right up there too. I'm fascinated by See's stories of the Chinese way of life. But I have to say China Dolls fell far short.
I felt as if the author rushed through. The pacing was way off and writing, choppy and juvenile in parts. At first I wondered if See had even written this. I checked the publication date, thinking possibly it was something she'd written long ago before perfecting her craft. It was released in 2015. So much for that theory.
Lisa See is a wonderful writer, China Dolls however was not her best effort. I'd skip this one in favor of her other works which are far more enjoyable.
Helen, Ruby and Grace are Chinese American women who meet in a pre-WWII San Francisco. They immediately become fast friends in spite of their differences. Helen is from a traditional Chinese family, who all live together in a compound. Her brother must escort her everywhere she goes. Grace has run away from a small Ohio town and an abusive father, in search of her dream as a dancer. Ruby keeps the details of her background a secret.
I'm a huge fan of Lisa See. Peony in Love and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan are two of my absolute favorites. Shanghai Girls and Dreams of Joy are right up there too. I'm fascinated by See's stories of the Chinese way of life. But I have to say China Dolls fell far short.
I felt as if the author rushed through. The pacing was way off and writing, choppy and juvenile in parts. At first I wondered if See had even written this. I checked the publication date, thinking possibly it was something she'd written long ago before perfecting her craft. It was released in 2015. So much for that theory.
Lisa See is a wonderful writer, China Dolls however was not her best effort. I'd skip this one in favor of her other works which are far more enjoyable.
July 4, 2015
The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
Addie Baum is the daughter of Jewish immigrant parents trying to adjust to life in America around the turn of the 20th century. The family settled in Boston and struggle to fit in. The premise of The Boston Girl is that Addie is telling the story of her life to her granddaughter.
She starts at the very beginning describing the tiny tenement apartment in the North End. Her father spends all his free time at shul. Her mother, who never learned to speak English, insists everything, all the way down to the potatoes, which they ate often because they were cheap, was better in the old country. Addie saw the wealth of opportunity in Boston when her parents could not, often hiding where she was going and what she was doing for fear of being told no. Addie found other mentors and friends who took her away from the stifling family life she dreaded at home. She had an adventurous spirit yet was often naive about the world. I loved Addie. She never took no for an answer.
What I didn't like about The Boston Girl was that I never felt grounded in the setting for Addie's story. I've read many books about immigrants in this same time period. Usually they are set in New York. I was excited to hear of one set in a different place and I hoped I would learn something new. But I often found myself drifting into thinking Addie was in New York and had to pull myself back into the Boston mindset. I often wished there was more of a thread between Addie and the granddaughter who was listening to the story. When it did pop in, which wasn't very often, again I had to pull myself back into that part of the storyline.
The Boston Girl has a great character in Addie Baum. She told her own story of a fascinating life. According to the title, there is a secondary character, Boston who I never felt attached to. Her story could have been taking place almost anywhere. I really wanted it to be in Boston.
Addie Baum is the daughter of Jewish immigrant parents trying to adjust to life in America around the turn of the 20th century. The family settled in Boston and struggle to fit in. The premise of The Boston Girl is that Addie is telling the story of her life to her granddaughter.
She starts at the very beginning describing the tiny tenement apartment in the North End. Her father spends all his free time at shul. Her mother, who never learned to speak English, insists everything, all the way down to the potatoes, which they ate often because they were cheap, was better in the old country. Addie saw the wealth of opportunity in Boston when her parents could not, often hiding where she was going and what she was doing for fear of being told no. Addie found other mentors and friends who took her away from the stifling family life she dreaded at home. She had an adventurous spirit yet was often naive about the world. I loved Addie. She never took no for an answer.
What I didn't like about The Boston Girl was that I never felt grounded in the setting for Addie's story. I've read many books about immigrants in this same time period. Usually they are set in New York. I was excited to hear of one set in a different place and I hoped I would learn something new. But I often found myself drifting into thinking Addie was in New York and had to pull myself back into the Boston mindset. I often wished there was more of a thread between Addie and the granddaughter who was listening to the story. When it did pop in, which wasn't very often, again I had to pull myself back into that part of the storyline.
The Boston Girl has a great character in Addie Baum. She told her own story of a fascinating life. According to the title, there is a secondary character, Boston who I never felt attached to. Her story could have been taking place almost anywhere. I really wanted it to be in Boston.
June 21, 2015
A Splendid Gift by Alyson Richman
A Splendid Gift by Alyson Richman
I first read The Little Prince in Mr. Marapodi's high school French class. At sixteen however, the story's message of life was largely lost on me. The assignment was simply a means to an end, a grade on my report card.
I'm grown up now and have read The Little Prince in English many times, loving it more each time. So when I read the blurb for A Splendid Gift, I was sure I wanted to read it. Alyson Richman chooses interesting and unusual story lines which also capture my attention.
Silvia Hamilton sets her sights on Saint Exupery at a party in New York City, setting their love affair in motion. Saint Exupery is struggling to write, to deal with his turbulent marriage and somehow win the war for France. Silvia is able to bring him a sense of calm if only for the little time they are able to spend together.
A Splendid Gift is a novella. For me, it was just not enough. This is a beautiful, intriguing story set with a backdrop of war. As a reader, I felt I was only seeing a very shallow view of the characters and their faults. I wanted more depth from this story and it ended far too soon. A Splendid Gift is written in a wonderful Richman style, but it left me wanting so much more from it.
I first read The Little Prince in Mr. Marapodi's high school French class. At sixteen however, the story's message of life was largely lost on me. The assignment was simply a means to an end, a grade on my report card.
I'm grown up now and have read The Little Prince in English many times, loving it more each time. So when I read the blurb for A Splendid Gift, I was sure I wanted to read it. Alyson Richman chooses interesting and unusual story lines which also capture my attention.
Silvia Hamilton sets her sights on Saint Exupery at a party in New York City, setting their love affair in motion. Saint Exupery is struggling to write, to deal with his turbulent marriage and somehow win the war for France. Silvia is able to bring him a sense of calm if only for the little time they are able to spend together.
A Splendid Gift is a novella. For me, it was just not enough. This is a beautiful, intriguing story set with a backdrop of war. As a reader, I felt I was only seeing a very shallow view of the characters and their faults. I wanted more depth from this story and it ended far too soon. A Splendid Gift is written in a wonderful Richman style, but it left me wanting so much more from it.
June 19, 2015
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
Cujo was the last Stephen King novel I remember reading. It came out in 1982. The story scared the holy crap out of me and I don't like being scared. I steer clear of any zombies, Freddie Kruger, or Texas Chainsaw massacres. Even though Stephen King is an American treasure, I hope reading a good book will tap into my emotions, but not have me checking the locks on all my doors and windows. I've stayed away from all things Stephen King all this time.
Deciding it was time for something new, I opened up Mr. Mercedes. Kermit William Hodges is an overweight, retired detective who suddenly only has the television and his gun for company. A cold case where a man wearing a clown mask, driving a stolen gray Mercedes plowed into a line of people waiting to enter a job fair, gnaws in Bill's gut. Several were killed, and more were maimed. Against his better judgement, he sets out to solve the case.
What I realized by page two, is that Stephen King is a brilliant writer. I was blown away by the telling of this story. King's writing is earthy, no frills and only a few big, complex words sprinkled in so they were easy to pass over. But make no mistake, Mr. Mercedes is a creepy, edge of your seat, evil thriller. I couldn't put it down. One night when I couldn't stop turning the pages, I had to force myself to put my Kindle down or be useless at work the next day. But my mind had been worked into such a frenzy, I couldn't sleep anyway. I sat up in bed and read some more.
It's good to get out of your comfort zone every now and then. Mr. Mercedes took me to places I never knew existed and where I never want to go again. The sequel is out now, Finder's Keepers, and I can't wait to find out what happens next. But I'll read it with the lights on.
Cujo was the last Stephen King novel I remember reading. It came out in 1982. The story scared the holy crap out of me and I don't like being scared. I steer clear of any zombies, Freddie Kruger, or Texas Chainsaw massacres. Even though Stephen King is an American treasure, I hope reading a good book will tap into my emotions, but not have me checking the locks on all my doors and windows. I've stayed away from all things Stephen King all this time.
Deciding it was time for something new, I opened up Mr. Mercedes. Kermit William Hodges is an overweight, retired detective who suddenly only has the television and his gun for company. A cold case where a man wearing a clown mask, driving a stolen gray Mercedes plowed into a line of people waiting to enter a job fair, gnaws in Bill's gut. Several were killed, and more were maimed. Against his better judgement, he sets out to solve the case.
What I realized by page two, is that Stephen King is a brilliant writer. I was blown away by the telling of this story. King's writing is earthy, no frills and only a few big, complex words sprinkled in so they were easy to pass over. But make no mistake, Mr. Mercedes is a creepy, edge of your seat, evil thriller. I couldn't put it down. One night when I couldn't stop turning the pages, I had to force myself to put my Kindle down or be useless at work the next day. But my mind had been worked into such a frenzy, I couldn't sleep anyway. I sat up in bed and read some more.
It's good to get out of your comfort zone every now and then. Mr. Mercedes took me to places I never knew existed and where I never want to go again. The sequel is out now, Finder's Keepers, and I can't wait to find out what happens next. But I'll read it with the lights on.
