Linda C. Wright's Blog, page 24
August 27, 2013
A Place Called Canterbury by Dudley Clendinen
A Place Called Canterbury by Dudley Clendinen
While in Maine, I struck up a conversation with a man getting out of a car with Florida license plates. I was, after all in Maine, a very long way from my home in Florida and he was too. We were probably neighbors.
The man said he lived in Tampa and we exchanged niceties. How we got to the subject of moving our elderly relatives into assisted living, I'm not sure. My vacation in Maine hadn't yet relieved the migraine headache of moving my 92 year old step mother, June, into a place she didn't want to have anything to do with. I'd had a very stressful summer. He was in the midst of the same scenario with his elderly mother. We told each other our war stories. He mentioned A Place Called Canterbury since it's about a place in Tampa and his mother had recently moved there. I was still looking for the magic wand that would make this stage of life calm and wonderful for my step mother, so I downloaded the book as soon as I got back home.
The first paragraph started by saying that Dudley's mother had relented and agreed to sell her home and move to Canterbury. June on the other hand, went kicking and screaming. My sister and I employed all kinds of tricks and told oodles of white lies during the time it took to extract her from her apartment. We never knew we were even capable of saying such things, especially to someone we loved and respected. While she wasn't our mother, we'd known her for over 50 years. The word "relented" shut me down from the start. This whole process would have been easy if June had only chosen to accept that she needed more care.
A Place Called Canterbury did have some bits of brilliance. I laughed out loud in some parts and cried in others. I understood Mr. Clendinen's pain at watching his mother hang on to life even when time after time, the doctor or nurse had told him the end was near. And I especially enjoyed Sweetso, who continued to smoke even when she was told not to. June loved to say she never had a cigarette she didn't enjoy. If 70 years of smoking hadn't killed her yet, I doubt that it would. Sweetso felt the same way.
Mainly however, I found this story very disconnected. The backstory became long and laborious, taking me away from the real story of people who have lost their purpose in the later years of their lives. I skimmed alot. I couldn't find the magic wand I'd so desperately been searching for. I know in my heart that there's no simple answer. But if A Placed Called Canterbury can help anyone else in this situation, then that is magic enough for me.
While in Maine, I struck up a conversation with a man getting out of a car with Florida license plates. I was, after all in Maine, a very long way from my home in Florida and he was too. We were probably neighbors.
The man said he lived in Tampa and we exchanged niceties. How we got to the subject of moving our elderly relatives into assisted living, I'm not sure. My vacation in Maine hadn't yet relieved the migraine headache of moving my 92 year old step mother, June, into a place she didn't want to have anything to do with. I'd had a very stressful summer. He was in the midst of the same scenario with his elderly mother. We told each other our war stories. He mentioned A Place Called Canterbury since it's about a place in Tampa and his mother had recently moved there. I was still looking for the magic wand that would make this stage of life calm and wonderful for my step mother, so I downloaded the book as soon as I got back home.
The first paragraph started by saying that Dudley's mother had relented and agreed to sell her home and move to Canterbury. June on the other hand, went kicking and screaming. My sister and I employed all kinds of tricks and told oodles of white lies during the time it took to extract her from her apartment. We never knew we were even capable of saying such things, especially to someone we loved and respected. While she wasn't our mother, we'd known her for over 50 years. The word "relented" shut me down from the start. This whole process would have been easy if June had only chosen to accept that she needed more care.
A Place Called Canterbury did have some bits of brilliance. I laughed out loud in some parts and cried in others. I understood Mr. Clendinen's pain at watching his mother hang on to life even when time after time, the doctor or nurse had told him the end was near. And I especially enjoyed Sweetso, who continued to smoke even when she was told not to. June loved to say she never had a cigarette she didn't enjoy. If 70 years of smoking hadn't killed her yet, I doubt that it would. Sweetso felt the same way.
Mainly however, I found this story very disconnected. The backstory became long and laborious, taking me away from the real story of people who have lost their purpose in the later years of their lives. I skimmed alot. I couldn't find the magic wand I'd so desperately been searching for. I know in my heart that there's no simple answer. But if A Placed Called Canterbury can help anyone else in this situation, then that is magic enough for me.
August 26, 2013
My Virtual Birthday
Happy birthday to me!! I love to write on my birthday because I believe it means I will be writing all year. Starting out each new year on the right foot is important.
Today I went to the mailbox and low and behold, not a single piece of mail had been addressed to me. Not one birthday card in the pile! Not any junk mail or even a bill had been delivered just for me. I remember the days I couldn't wait for the mail to come on my birthday, anxious to find the funny and colorful cards that hid inside. But am I disappointed?
No!!!
Today I received more birthday wishes than could ever fit inside a black metal mailbox. A text arrived on my cellphone at 6:28 am from my childhood friend, Georgia. Since we've grown up and moved apart, she's never been much for sending a real card. Her text was a wonderful treat. After breakfast I checked my email. My sister, Martha sent one wishing me a happy day and asking me to believe that her card was in the mail. I can always count on a silly, one of a kind, original card from Martha. The card, when it arrives later in the week, will help stretch out my celebration. I like being pampered for more than just one day.
Next I opened my Facebook page. Let the party begin! Friends I moved away from, people I once worked with, family who live close and those far away, nieces, nephews, young and old, all took the time to send me a message. Fellow writers posted pictures. Distance co workers, whose voices I've heard yet faces I have never seen, took time out of their day to honor me.
My other sister, Susan, who had become my FB friend only last week, decided to use my birthday to jump head first into the world of social media. She was pretty good at sending birthday cards via snail mail but usually they'd come the end of July instead of the end of August for some reason. With the help of Facebook, now she has the day exactly right. Woo! Hoo! I'm glad I was at the right place at the right time for her initiation into this new realm. It'll be fun reading her posts from now on.
Thank you to all my friends and family for all your heartfelt birthday wishes. I feel so incredibly special. My soul is grateful. My heart feels all warm and fuzzy. I often think I'd like things to remain old school, slow and steady but I know that's not the way life is anymore. I love technology but sometimes I don't understand all the ins and outs of the virtual world. It moves too fast.
But on my birthday, it's fabulous, fantastic, awesome and amazing!!!!!!
Today I went to the mailbox and low and behold, not a single piece of mail had been addressed to me. Not one birthday card in the pile! Not any junk mail or even a bill had been delivered just for me. I remember the days I couldn't wait for the mail to come on my birthday, anxious to find the funny and colorful cards that hid inside. But am I disappointed?
No!!!
Today I received more birthday wishes than could ever fit inside a black metal mailbox. A text arrived on my cellphone at 6:28 am from my childhood friend, Georgia. Since we've grown up and moved apart, she's never been much for sending a real card. Her text was a wonderful treat. After breakfast I checked my email. My sister, Martha sent one wishing me a happy day and asking me to believe that her card was in the mail. I can always count on a silly, one of a kind, original card from Martha. The card, when it arrives later in the week, will help stretch out my celebration. I like being pampered for more than just one day.
Next I opened my Facebook page. Let the party begin! Friends I moved away from, people I once worked with, family who live close and those far away, nieces, nephews, young and old, all took the time to send me a message. Fellow writers posted pictures. Distance co workers, whose voices I've heard yet faces I have never seen, took time out of their day to honor me.
My other sister, Susan, who had become my FB friend only last week, decided to use my birthday to jump head first into the world of social media. She was pretty good at sending birthday cards via snail mail but usually they'd come the end of July instead of the end of August for some reason. With the help of Facebook, now she has the day exactly right. Woo! Hoo! I'm glad I was at the right place at the right time for her initiation into this new realm. It'll be fun reading her posts from now on.
Thank you to all my friends and family for all your heartfelt birthday wishes. I feel so incredibly special. My soul is grateful. My heart feels all warm and fuzzy. I often think I'd like things to remain old school, slow and steady but I know that's not the way life is anymore. I love technology but sometimes I don't understand all the ins and outs of the virtual world. It moves too fast.
But on my birthday, it's fabulous, fantastic, awesome and amazing!!!!!!
August 22, 2013
The Ghost Trap by K. Stephens
The Ghost Trap by K. Stephens
I have recently returned from a wonderful vacation in Maine. Maine had been on my list of places to visit for a very long time. It's not a place that you can simply pass through on your way to somewhere else. Maine is kind of the end of the line, so to speak. But trust me, this state is worth the extra effort it takes to get there.
Maine is gorgeous, full of friendly people with a variety of things to do and explore. Oh, and did I mention the lobster? Lobster is on the menu everyday while in Maine. It's cheap, plentiful and delicious. Lobster can be served steamed, baked, on a roll, in soup, you name it. So no lack of culinary choices when it comes to this bright red crustacean.
My trip had been planned to include the annual Maine Lobster Festival. While there I met the author of The Ghost Trap, K. Stephens. We had a lively conversation about writing, which fellow writers always do when together. I couldn't wait to read this book.
The Ghost Trap paints a vivid picture of the life of a lobsterman in coastal Maine. It's a hand to mouth existence dependent on the fruits of the sea. And it's physically demanding. The lobsterman has to constantly push the threat of danger out of his mind. Otherwise it would overwhelm him.
Jamie Eugley ignored the lobsterman's superstition to never to allow a woman on his boat when it came to Anja, the love of his life. The pair were joined at the hip, so when Anja wanted to help him pull traps, he was glad for her company. That decision set him on a collision course with disaster when a trap pulls Anja into the water. She survives but will never be the same. The Ghost Trap follows Jamie through his struggle to earn a living, care for Anja, and fall in love again, all while a trap war threatens to destroy his family and their way of life.
Ms. Stephens has done a wonderful job of setting the scene in Coastal Maine. I loved reading about all the places I visited during my vacation. The language of the rough and tumble fisherman is on point. I became totally immersed in the world of lobster. I have to admit, in a story about a losterman's life, alot of backstory is necessary to bring these colorful characters to life. The backstory however, bogged down the novel too much. It could have been better placed throughout the book, sparingly sprinkled in, not in large chunks that consumed entire chapters.
The Ghost Trap is a great story about a lifestyle most of us will never know. And if you are nuts about Maine lobster, like me, you will enjoy The Ghost Trap.
I have recently returned from a wonderful vacation in Maine. Maine had been on my list of places to visit for a very long time. It's not a place that you can simply pass through on your way to somewhere else. Maine is kind of the end of the line, so to speak. But trust me, this state is worth the extra effort it takes to get there.
Maine is gorgeous, full of friendly people with a variety of things to do and explore. Oh, and did I mention the lobster? Lobster is on the menu everyday while in Maine. It's cheap, plentiful and delicious. Lobster can be served steamed, baked, on a roll, in soup, you name it. So no lack of culinary choices when it comes to this bright red crustacean.
My trip had been planned to include the annual Maine Lobster Festival. While there I met the author of The Ghost Trap, K. Stephens. We had a lively conversation about writing, which fellow writers always do when together. I couldn't wait to read this book.
The Ghost Trap paints a vivid picture of the life of a lobsterman in coastal Maine. It's a hand to mouth existence dependent on the fruits of the sea. And it's physically demanding. The lobsterman has to constantly push the threat of danger out of his mind. Otherwise it would overwhelm him.
Jamie Eugley ignored the lobsterman's superstition to never to allow a woman on his boat when it came to Anja, the love of his life. The pair were joined at the hip, so when Anja wanted to help him pull traps, he was glad for her company. That decision set him on a collision course with disaster when a trap pulls Anja into the water. She survives but will never be the same. The Ghost Trap follows Jamie through his struggle to earn a living, care for Anja, and fall in love again, all while a trap war threatens to destroy his family and their way of life.
Ms. Stephens has done a wonderful job of setting the scene in Coastal Maine. I loved reading about all the places I visited during my vacation. The language of the rough and tumble fisherman is on point. I became totally immersed in the world of lobster. I have to admit, in a story about a losterman's life, alot of backstory is necessary to bring these colorful characters to life. The backstory however, bogged down the novel too much. It could have been better placed throughout the book, sparingly sprinkled in, not in large chunks that consumed entire chapters.
The Ghost Trap is a great story about a lifestyle most of us will never know. And if you are nuts about Maine lobster, like me, you will enjoy The Ghost Trap.
August 14, 2013
The Cukoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
The Cukoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
Even I can't resist a good headline. When I heard that The Cukoo's Calling had been written by J.K. Rowling under a pseudonym, I had to read it. I am not usually drawn to what is on the top of the New York Times Bestseller list, instead choosing to indulge my own eclectic tastes, but I adore Harry Potter. I figured I might as well get in on the action to see what all the fuss is about.
Supermodel, Lula Landry falls out the window of her London flat into the snow. Comoran Strike, a down and out private detective is hired by Lula's brother to prove she did not commit suicide as the police have ruled. Strike, anxious to have a paying customer, jumps into the investigation.
Mysteries are not usually my thing. The death happens on page one and I had to swim upstream through 400 pages to find out who did it. I tired of Strike interviewing one person and each subsequent chapter detailing the same question and answer with the next character. And so on and so on. To me as a reader I didn't feel the questioning moved the story forward. By the time I got to the end I really wasn't surprised, but I failed to understand how Strike came to his conclusion. Maybe because I was bored, I skipped over the parts I should have paid attention to.
J.K. Rowling is a masterful writer. Her descriptions and scenes come to life through her prose. The Cukoo's Calling is filled with vibrant and colorful characters. The story they were a part of, unfortunately, plodded along because of the large portions of dialogue necessary for a crime investigation.
I wasted my vacation on this novel. From now on, I'm going to select my reading material based on what appeals to me, and not rely on the newspaper's headlines. Come to think of it, I was disappointed on how Harry Potter ended too.
Even I can't resist a good headline. When I heard that The Cukoo's Calling had been written by J.K. Rowling under a pseudonym, I had to read it. I am not usually drawn to what is on the top of the New York Times Bestseller list, instead choosing to indulge my own eclectic tastes, but I adore Harry Potter. I figured I might as well get in on the action to see what all the fuss is about.
Supermodel, Lula Landry falls out the window of her London flat into the snow. Comoran Strike, a down and out private detective is hired by Lula's brother to prove she did not commit suicide as the police have ruled. Strike, anxious to have a paying customer, jumps into the investigation.
Mysteries are not usually my thing. The death happens on page one and I had to swim upstream through 400 pages to find out who did it. I tired of Strike interviewing one person and each subsequent chapter detailing the same question and answer with the next character. And so on and so on. To me as a reader I didn't feel the questioning moved the story forward. By the time I got to the end I really wasn't surprised, but I failed to understand how Strike came to his conclusion. Maybe because I was bored, I skipped over the parts I should have paid attention to.
J.K. Rowling is a masterful writer. Her descriptions and scenes come to life through her prose. The Cukoo's Calling is filled with vibrant and colorful characters. The story they were a part of, unfortunately, plodded along because of the large portions of dialogue necessary for a crime investigation.
I wasted my vacation on this novel. From now on, I'm going to select my reading material based on what appeals to me, and not rely on the newspaper's headlines. Come to think of it, I was disappointed on how Harry Potter ended too.
August 13, 2013
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
I hope that none of you will think I am not a kind and compassionate human being after you read my thoughts on this book. I couldn't wait for it to end even though I knew exactly how it would end.
The End of Your Life Book Club is a gut wrenching story of a son's struggle to come to terms with his mother's impending death from pancreatic cancer. While Mary Ann is receiving chemotherapy, Will sits with her. They read and discuss a variety of books, each delivering a message about the road the two are walking on both together and as individuals.
Will gave in depth accounts of his mother's achievements throughout her life as a working mother with a passion for charitable causes all over the world. But I didn't find Mary Ann very likeable at all. Maybe that's because she was sick, but as a reader I didn't find anything that drew me to her. Her husband, Will's father seemed almost non existent. Every now and then he would pop into the story bringing a glass of water or propping up Mary Ann's feet, as an after thought. Will's parents achieved great successes in their lives but their personalities never came across on the pages of this book.
As for Will, I have to say just because a person has made a career as an editor in the publishing business, doesn't necessarily mean that person is skilled as a writer. The characters were flat and uninteresting, the writing okay but nothing special, and the story line was incredibly sad. Maybe I didn't like the book because it was more than I could handle emotionally at the moment. But I'd rather say I didn't like it because the prose wasn't up to par.
I have to admit I'd never heard of most of the books the pair read. It takes so little to get me interested in a novel. A lost soul, a gutsy hero, a glossy cover all appeal me. The writing, the characters, the book discussions, never enticed me want to join in the club. Again I chalk that up to mediocre writing.
The End of Your Life Book Club is about life and death and everything that happens in between. Cancer is a horrible disease and the more we know about it the better chance we have of winning the battle. I'm sure much can be learned from this story, but it just wasn't right for where I am at the moment.
I hope that none of you will think I am not a kind and compassionate human being after you read my thoughts on this book. I couldn't wait for it to end even though I knew exactly how it would end.
The End of Your Life Book Club is a gut wrenching story of a son's struggle to come to terms with his mother's impending death from pancreatic cancer. While Mary Ann is receiving chemotherapy, Will sits with her. They read and discuss a variety of books, each delivering a message about the road the two are walking on both together and as individuals.
Will gave in depth accounts of his mother's achievements throughout her life as a working mother with a passion for charitable causes all over the world. But I didn't find Mary Ann very likeable at all. Maybe that's because she was sick, but as a reader I didn't find anything that drew me to her. Her husband, Will's father seemed almost non existent. Every now and then he would pop into the story bringing a glass of water or propping up Mary Ann's feet, as an after thought. Will's parents achieved great successes in their lives but their personalities never came across on the pages of this book.
As for Will, I have to say just because a person has made a career as an editor in the publishing business, doesn't necessarily mean that person is skilled as a writer. The characters were flat and uninteresting, the writing okay but nothing special, and the story line was incredibly sad. Maybe I didn't like the book because it was more than I could handle emotionally at the moment. But I'd rather say I didn't like it because the prose wasn't up to par.
I have to admit I'd never heard of most of the books the pair read. It takes so little to get me interested in a novel. A lost soul, a gutsy hero, a glossy cover all appeal me. The writing, the characters, the book discussions, never enticed me want to join in the club. Again I chalk that up to mediocre writing.
The End of Your Life Book Club is about life and death and everything that happens in between. Cancer is a horrible disease and the more we know about it the better chance we have of winning the battle. I'm sure much can be learned from this story, but it just wasn't right for where I am at the moment.
July 24, 2013
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
I selected this book as somewhat of a novelty. Another book by a different author with the same title was released on the same day. That's an unusual event in the publishing world. I felt it only fair if I was reading one to also read the other. I loved Life After Life by Jill McCorkle and posted a review of it earlier. I didn't enjoy Life After Life by Kate Atkinson quite so much.
Ursula Todd is born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. The midwife is stopped at the local pub due to a driving snowstorm and unable to make it to Sylvie Todd's bedside. Each time we think the worst has happened to this baby, the author rewinds the tape, leading the reader down a different path where the doctor does make it through the snow, or the servant uses the kitchen shears to cut the cord to give Ursula another chance at life.
At pivotal points in a young girl's life, Ursula's choices are simply undone and her path reset to something different. The new path didn't necessarily lead Ursula to a better place, only a different one. Each turn became more tedious than the last. As a reader I often found myself lost and confused as to where I was supposed to be in the story. There was an awful lot of rehashing of the same conversations and events. Boring!
I think this is an interesting concept for a story, however I began to feel like it was Groundhog Day, repeating itself over and over again. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if Ursula had been a likeable character, but she wasn't. Maybe if her mother, brothers and sister had been more appealing I would have enjoyed the book, but they weren't. I'm not one to stop reading once I start, but I'll admit I skipped alot of the middle hoping the end would bring redemption. Unfortunately, it didn't.
I selected this book as somewhat of a novelty. Another book by a different author with the same title was released on the same day. That's an unusual event in the publishing world. I felt it only fair if I was reading one to also read the other. I loved Life After Life by Jill McCorkle and posted a review of it earlier. I didn't enjoy Life After Life by Kate Atkinson quite so much.
Ursula Todd is born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. The midwife is stopped at the local pub due to a driving snowstorm and unable to make it to Sylvie Todd's bedside. Each time we think the worst has happened to this baby, the author rewinds the tape, leading the reader down a different path where the doctor does make it through the snow, or the servant uses the kitchen shears to cut the cord to give Ursula another chance at life.
At pivotal points in a young girl's life, Ursula's choices are simply undone and her path reset to something different. The new path didn't necessarily lead Ursula to a better place, only a different one. Each turn became more tedious than the last. As a reader I often found myself lost and confused as to where I was supposed to be in the story. There was an awful lot of rehashing of the same conversations and events. Boring!
I think this is an interesting concept for a story, however I began to feel like it was Groundhog Day, repeating itself over and over again. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if Ursula had been a likeable character, but she wasn't. Maybe if her mother, brothers and sister had been more appealing I would have enjoyed the book, but they weren't. I'm not one to stop reading once I start, but I'll admit I skipped alot of the middle hoping the end would bring redemption. Unfortunately, it didn't.
July 16, 2013
A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home by Sue Halpern
A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home by Sue Halpern
Lately things have been difficult. My 92 year old stepmother, June, had to be moved to assisted living. She'd been living alone and it became apparent that she couldn't care for herself any longer. She thought she was doing a fine job and there in lies the problem. Navigating the world of home care aides, long term care insurance and assisted living facilities is not for the faint of heart. Throw in a senior citizen who doesn't want to budge and let the headaches begin.
We found a lovely facility for her (but don't tell June it's a facility) that has therapy dog visits on its list of activities. When I found A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home I thought maybe it would give me some insight. I am open to any and all kinds of advice because like I said earlier, I had unexpectedly entered a new place with a new set of rules.
Pransky is a therapy dog with a funny name and a huge heart. She and her master, Sue set off on the journey to become a licensed therapy dog. Sue intended to spend their time at the county nursing home. What they learn about life is fascinating and what they learn about each other is amazing. The book walks through the people they meet at County, Pransky often introducing Sue to people she might have avoided if Pransky hadn't tugged to enter a certain room, a room that wasn't on her list of those requesting a visit from a dog. Each patient had a story to tell about a life that had been well lived.
Pransky only wanted a rub behind her ear from everyone she met. Sometimes she also got a biscuit or a scrap of lunch that fell to the floor. Sue came with the preconceived notions that we all as humans, have about other people. As a team, they made a difference to people facing a time in their lives that is not usually the most pleasant. While Pransky never changed, Sue learned many life lessons she never would have without the love of a good dog.
While I struggle to decide whether A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home is the story of a dog or the story of the end of life, I did find comfort in reading it. What I did learn is that none of us knows what hand we'll be dealt in life. We should relax and feel the love of a good dog any chance we get.
Lately things have been difficult. My 92 year old stepmother, June, had to be moved to assisted living. She'd been living alone and it became apparent that she couldn't care for herself any longer. She thought she was doing a fine job and there in lies the problem. Navigating the world of home care aides, long term care insurance and assisted living facilities is not for the faint of heart. Throw in a senior citizen who doesn't want to budge and let the headaches begin.
We found a lovely facility for her (but don't tell June it's a facility) that has therapy dog visits on its list of activities. When I found A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home I thought maybe it would give me some insight. I am open to any and all kinds of advice because like I said earlier, I had unexpectedly entered a new place with a new set of rules.
Pransky is a therapy dog with a funny name and a huge heart. She and her master, Sue set off on the journey to become a licensed therapy dog. Sue intended to spend their time at the county nursing home. What they learn about life is fascinating and what they learn about each other is amazing. The book walks through the people they meet at County, Pransky often introducing Sue to people she might have avoided if Pransky hadn't tugged to enter a certain room, a room that wasn't on her list of those requesting a visit from a dog. Each patient had a story to tell about a life that had been well lived.
Pransky only wanted a rub behind her ear from everyone she met. Sometimes she also got a biscuit or a scrap of lunch that fell to the floor. Sue came with the preconceived notions that we all as humans, have about other people. As a team, they made a difference to people facing a time in their lives that is not usually the most pleasant. While Pransky never changed, Sue learned many life lessons she never would have without the love of a good dog.
While I struggle to decide whether A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home is the story of a dog or the story of the end of life, I did find comfort in reading it. What I did learn is that none of us knows what hand we'll be dealt in life. We should relax and feel the love of a good dog any chance we get.
June 28, 2013
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Besides loving to read a good book, I love finding good books to read on book lists. When I see a list in the newspaper or a magazine, I tear it out. Tucked in my file is a rag tag collection of book lists that will never be thrown away until I've read all the books from each that look interesting. The Fault in Our Stars has appeared on many of the lists in my collection so I thought I should check it off.
I was so enamored by the title, I guess I never bothered to read the short synopsis. I read the first page and realized this was a story about kids with cancer, I almost put it down and moved on. Based on personal things going on in my life at the moment, I didn't want to read something that would make me sad. Being that I have a habit of finishing a book regardless of how much I dislike it, I kept going.
I fell hook, line and sinker for Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters, two of the cutest teenagers you'd ever want to meet. They were both smart, funny, intelligent and dealt with their illness with strength and dignity. Watching two teenagers fall in love on the page, filled my heart with joy. What they found together was so special.
While Hazel and Gus were the centerpiece of the story, they were surrounded by a cast of characters equally as engaging. Their friend, Isaac loved his friend's love story even though he didn't have his own luck with girls. Hazel's doting parents circled around her in her illness but knew when to step back while their daughter lived her life. And the obnoxious author, Peter Van Houten pulled them all together when they needed it most.
No spoiler here. I love, love, love this book!! The Fault in Our Stars earned its place of honor on every list on which it found a spot.
Besides loving to read a good book, I love finding good books to read on book lists. When I see a list in the newspaper or a magazine, I tear it out. Tucked in my file is a rag tag collection of book lists that will never be thrown away until I've read all the books from each that look interesting. The Fault in Our Stars has appeared on many of the lists in my collection so I thought I should check it off.
I was so enamored by the title, I guess I never bothered to read the short synopsis. I read the first page and realized this was a story about kids with cancer, I almost put it down and moved on. Based on personal things going on in my life at the moment, I didn't want to read something that would make me sad. Being that I have a habit of finishing a book regardless of how much I dislike it, I kept going.
I fell hook, line and sinker for Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters, two of the cutest teenagers you'd ever want to meet. They were both smart, funny, intelligent and dealt with their illness with strength and dignity. Watching two teenagers fall in love on the page, filled my heart with joy. What they found together was so special.
While Hazel and Gus were the centerpiece of the story, they were surrounded by a cast of characters equally as engaging. Their friend, Isaac loved his friend's love story even though he didn't have his own luck with girls. Hazel's doting parents circled around her in her illness but knew when to step back while their daughter lived her life. And the obnoxious author, Peter Van Houten pulled them all together when they needed it most.
No spoiler here. I love, love, love this book!! The Fault in Our Stars earned its place of honor on every list on which it found a spot.
June 20, 2013
Ten Green Bottles by Vivian Jeanette Kaplan
Ten Green Bottles by Vivian Jeanette Kaplan
I picked up this book several years ago at a Toronto book store while I was visiting Canada on business. It seems to me I brought home a suitcase full of books written by Canadian authors, and Ten Green Bottles is one of my favorite books of all time.
I read it before I started writing book reviews online, but it remained on my shelf because I loved it so much. Recently I had some email correspondence with the author's agent and I decided it was time to read the book again and post a review.
Ten Green Bottles is the true story of an Austrian Jewish family who escaped from Nazi persecution in Vienna in 1939. The only country that would take them in was China. After a long ocean voyage, they land in Shanghai with nothing. Now they must learn to survive in a strange country also in the midst of a horrific war. The title Ten Green Bottles comes from a song sung by sailors in the bar Nini and Poldi run in order to support themselves. One by one the bottles fall from the wall until none are left. The song comes to represent Nini's personal struggles to adapt. She wonders when her last bottle will fall sending her into the final abyss.
I love the history of China and until I read Ten Green Bottles I knew nothing of this chapter of it. I was fascinated. The Jews escaped one horror in Europe only to find another waiting for them. The human will to survive is compelling.
Reading Ten Green Bottles again reinforced why it will stay on my list of favorites. I love it from a historic perspective and Kaplan does a beautiful job of making the story come to life on the page. With words she draws the reader into the carefree life of a child in Vienna, slowly changing the mood of the city as the Nazis take over. The shock of first impressions in Shanghai as Nini and her family disembark the ship that has brought them to what they believe is safety, crackles with electricity. I know Nini and Poldi. I laugh and cry with them. I walk alongside them through every joy and every hardship.
Ten Green Bottles is one family's story of a piece of history we should never forget. And this story is told in a way that will make sure we never do.
I picked up this book several years ago at a Toronto book store while I was visiting Canada on business. It seems to me I brought home a suitcase full of books written by Canadian authors, and Ten Green Bottles is one of my favorite books of all time.
I read it before I started writing book reviews online, but it remained on my shelf because I loved it so much. Recently I had some email correspondence with the author's agent and I decided it was time to read the book again and post a review.
Ten Green Bottles is the true story of an Austrian Jewish family who escaped from Nazi persecution in Vienna in 1939. The only country that would take them in was China. After a long ocean voyage, they land in Shanghai with nothing. Now they must learn to survive in a strange country also in the midst of a horrific war. The title Ten Green Bottles comes from a song sung by sailors in the bar Nini and Poldi run in order to support themselves. One by one the bottles fall from the wall until none are left. The song comes to represent Nini's personal struggles to adapt. She wonders when her last bottle will fall sending her into the final abyss.
I love the history of China and until I read Ten Green Bottles I knew nothing of this chapter of it. I was fascinated. The Jews escaped one horror in Europe only to find another waiting for them. The human will to survive is compelling.
Reading Ten Green Bottles again reinforced why it will stay on my list of favorites. I love it from a historic perspective and Kaplan does a beautiful job of making the story come to life on the page. With words she draws the reader into the carefree life of a child in Vienna, slowly changing the mood of the city as the Nazis take over. The shock of first impressions in Shanghai as Nini and her family disembark the ship that has brought them to what they believe is safety, crackles with electricity. I know Nini and Poldi. I laugh and cry with them. I walk alongside them through every joy and every hardship.
Ten Green Bottles is one family's story of a piece of history we should never forget. And this story is told in a way that will make sure we never do.
June 16, 2013
The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window... by Jonas Jonasson
The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
I found this novel one day while I was browsing at the bookstore. I like to look around the store, see what books look interesting and then download them to my Kindle. The Kindle has me so hooked that I rarely purchase a real book anymore. I've got enough reading material to keep me busy for a very long time all carefully stored on a device I can easily carry in one hand.
The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared is an absolute hoot! I'm gong to call it a cross between Forrest Gump and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It's set in Sweden after all. Allan is the 100 year old man who would rather have a drink of vodka than attend his birthday party at the Old Folk's Home. So he climbs out the window and walks to the bus station.
The bus station is where his adventure begins. Or at least this part of his adventure. The story is a wonderful blend of the past and the present. What we come to know is that this 100 year old man has had a life well lived. He has only attended three years of schooling, yet he has become a highly sought after explosives expert. Throughout his life he has hob nobbed with world leaders and traveled the world. Life in the Old Folk's Home paled in comparison even at 100 years of age.
I stopped counting how many times I laughed out loud while reading this book. It's funny and charming with a historical twist. Murder and intrigue are combined with outright silliness and the author told the story with a unique yet dry sense of humor. I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what happened next. There was an unexpected surprise around every corner.
I can only hope I live as long and have as many interesting stories to tell. The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared will lighten up any day and bring a smile to your face. Life is worth living no matter what it hands you. The 100 year old man can vouch for that.
I found this novel one day while I was browsing at the bookstore. I like to look around the store, see what books look interesting and then download them to my Kindle. The Kindle has me so hooked that I rarely purchase a real book anymore. I've got enough reading material to keep me busy for a very long time all carefully stored on a device I can easily carry in one hand.
The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared is an absolute hoot! I'm gong to call it a cross between Forrest Gump and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It's set in Sweden after all. Allan is the 100 year old man who would rather have a drink of vodka than attend his birthday party at the Old Folk's Home. So he climbs out the window and walks to the bus station.
The bus station is where his adventure begins. Or at least this part of his adventure. The story is a wonderful blend of the past and the present. What we come to know is that this 100 year old man has had a life well lived. He has only attended three years of schooling, yet he has become a highly sought after explosives expert. Throughout his life he has hob nobbed with world leaders and traveled the world. Life in the Old Folk's Home paled in comparison even at 100 years of age.
I stopped counting how many times I laughed out loud while reading this book. It's funny and charming with a historical twist. Murder and intrigue are combined with outright silliness and the author told the story with a unique yet dry sense of humor. I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what happened next. There was an unexpected surprise around every corner.
I can only hope I live as long and have as many interesting stories to tell. The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared will lighten up any day and bring a smile to your face. Life is worth living no matter what it hands you. The 100 year old man can vouch for that.
