Nowhere But Home in Around the World in 80 Books

Apr 24, 2013 Tanya rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2013

I like the character of Queenie. I can relate to small town prejudices, but I like how Queenie questions the behavior of the queen bees and wannabes. Her sister and nephew are also wonderful characters. I love how she found such passion and connection in the prison kitchen, the first kitchen she could claim as her own. An enjoyable read, even if predictable (title even gives it away)!

I was teary-eyed as I read about Queenie cooking her last last meal and handling that difficult day. All the loo I like the character of Queenie. I can relate to small town prejudices, but I like how Queenie questions the behavior of the queen bees and wannabes. Her sister and nephew are also wonderful characters. I love how she found such passion and connection in the prison kitchen, the first kitchen she could claim as her own. An enjoyable read, even if predictable (title even gives it away)!

I was teary-eyed as I read about Queenie cooking her last last meal and handling that difficult day. All the loose ends were tied up in the book and that was okay with me even though I would never expect that in real life. The author wanted this book to reflect her thoughts on "what's it all about, why are we here, and what it is I'm searching for." And she answers those questions through her characters and the situations presented in her book. She clearly shows that "this life is about connectivity. People. Love." And she gives us all hope.

If my daughter were older, I would want her to read this book. I think she would see that we all do fit in somewhere even though it may take us years of questioning and seeking to discover how and where.

I had lots of favorite quotes:

(99) "I know what they think of me, but hat doesn't mean they get to think they broke me. Broke us. 'Cause they didn't. They can't. We won't let them."

(189) "I've lived my life based on what 'they' think. Who are they? They don't love me. They don't know me. And they sure as sh*t don't care about what happens to me. Yet every decision involves thinking about what the judgmental and anonymous "they" would think. What would they do if I stopped caring what they think?"

(241) "...I find myself in a new kind of limbo between understanding the new way of things and beginning to understand what this means for me going forward. I now have information I didn't have before...these are the facts. The hard part is switching these facts for the myths and rumors that I've based my entire life upon. I was lied to by people I thought knew better. But I gathered my own information and sifted it through a filter of self-hatred and doubt. What happens if I switch my old filter for a new one?"

(251) "...I'm happy. I had a good time today, against all odds. It started out a bit rough, took an unexpected turn, but leveled out rather nicely. They can't get to me if I don't let them. If I'm sitting here laughing and having fun, claiming my space; they can't huff and puff and blow my house down."

(320) As I sit in church that Sunday, I think about what's real...What's...real is that none of them has urged me to get on my way or leave them be. They've made sure I knew I was family. What's not real are the gossiping ladies and whispering townspeople who snicker behind gloved hands...what's finally sinking in is the knowledge that their opinions are only reflections of themselves and how unhappy they are in their own lives. I should know. I've spent years snarling at people because of how lonely I am. Angry. Sad. Angry is just sad's bodyguard."

(329) what happens if I switch the paradigm?...how did I not see that these patterns repeat themselves?...so here I am. Staring down the same street I did when I was a kid. Who am I waiting for now? Who am I trying to look busy for? Who do I think is going to shove me aside and tell me I'm doing it wrong?...The quiet settles around me once again. I choose to go forward."

These quotes all deal with taking control back that one gave away to others and instead choosing your own path. I can see myself sharing these messages with my kid as she continues to navigate her little world and find meaningful relationships.
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