This may be the most important, life-changing book I read this year. Perhaps, ever. Summer reading is coming to an end. The students return next week and I'll return to reading what they're reading or might want to read. And I'll love every minute of it, but first I have some personal work to do.
This too, is an adult book. Nonfiction. Self-help. Spiritual. I've completed several Beth Moore Bible Studies at church and on my own at home. I've seen this book several times at LifeWay and almost bought it each time. But I wasn't ready. In May, as I was purchasing graduation Bibles for our church, I noticed this book on the endcap. I picked it up. Determined to finally purchase it for myself. To my surprise, this book qualified for BOGO and although I could have chosen a different title, I chose to pick up another copy of Get Out of That Pit in hopes that one of my book buddies hadn't already read it. I could give it as a gift because I KNOW that we have all been in a pit or that we all will eventually find ourselves in one. Happily, I discovered that LT hadn't read it but had heard positive reviews. Tonight, we started reading it together. Now, I'm not saying that LT is in a pit. But I am and have been for the past 3 years. Yes, I'm admitting that for the past 3 years I have battled depression and anxiety and have lost the battle on many occasions. Where did it come from? Why did I fall into a pit? I don't know YET. And I'll not blog about it because it's personal. But I did want to post a blog entry about the book in hopes that perhaps someone out there finds themselves stuck. Lethargic. Without purpose. Without focus. Without future. Without dreams. Sounds pathetic for a Christian, right? Exactly. And I'm tired of it. Exhausted. Tonight, I found an amazing quote on page 34...
"Nothing demands more elbow grease than thrusting your arms forward and giving God the solitary right to vengeance."
Are there people in my life I need to forgive? Yes. Are there people in my life who have used me and hurt me? Yes. Is it my fight? No. That's the first thought I'm pondering. It's very liberating.
Happy Reading!
RC
Currently reading another recommended book...it's the perfect end of summer read. Hawaii, dolphins, mystery, grace, forgiveness. Just what a girl needs before the students return in one week. :) This would be a great beach read. I'm a couple of chapters in and am enjoying the author's laid back writing style...feels very much like she wrote this while sitting on the beach! Not too many details, likeable characters, beautiful setting. I can feel the mystery building. There's a tourist boat that's been destroyed by one of our government missiles during a trial and although it's being recorded as a malfunction, there is suspicion that someone caused the missile to veer off course.
The main character, Kaia, works at the Seaworthy Labs and Aquariums and has a close relationship with one of the dolphins rescued and returned to the ocean. Jesse, a lieutenant, has asked for their help detecting future missiles and I predict many adventures for both Kaia and Nani, the dolphin. This christian romance was not only recommended, but purchased for me by one of my fellow teachers. And, the icing on the cake is that it's the first in a trilogy! So I can always continue Kaia's and Jesse's story! (Hopefully! I'm worried that the dolphin might die! Doesn't that always seem to happen when there's an animal in the story?! Let's hope not this time!)
Happy end of summer Reading!!
RC
The Book of Ruth. Wow. No wonder this won the Hemingway Award for best debut novel in 1989...this narrative was not only a challenging read emotionally and literally, but it has found a permanent place in my heart. It made Oprah's Book Club as well and if you've ever read one of those books, you know she (or her staff) chooses only the most controversial, though-provoking, discussion-inspiring books to read. Not an easy summer read. Definitely NOT a beach read! Ha! It's a narrative. Told by Ruth. And if you've ever lived or worked in a rural setting, you've met a "Ruth" and her family before. Hamilton's words and Ruth's story haunt me. I often shut the book in exasperation because I felt as if I were being given too much detail...taken down a road that wouldn't produce much of a branch on the story tree. It took me a much longer time to read this novel than usual. I would find myself going through my reading ritual (getting the house in good enough order, pouring a cup of coffee or preparing a smoothie, raising the umbrella or pulling out the comfy chair and ottoman...) only to find myself more entertained (distracted really) by Facebook or Instagram or Pinterest. But really, if I'm honest with myself, I believe I was intimidated by Ruth's story. I knew there was a day in Ruth's life she was preparing the reader to accept. And I knew it wouldn't be pretty. I can't even begin to describe Ruth or her mother other than to say she grew up in Wisconsin, poor, to a mother who was emotionally abusive. May stunted Ruth and I'm not sure all of Ruth's problems were environmental. Ruth was slow. She was destined to live at home forever with her mother. In her shadow. And May resented Ruth. And then along comes Ruby...older, into drugs, but madly in love with Ruth.
I can't spoil this book for you. I can only suggest you read it. Only the most advanced young adults would be able to follow Ruth's story. It's fragmented, fantastical plot. So, once again, this adult novel would be best read by adults. There are just too many subtleties. I can see how this book would fit nicely into a senior or college class studying social class in America.
Ruth's story is timeless. I know, and have known, girls like Ruth and mothers like May. Even boys and men like Ruby. After reading Hamilton's novel, I don't understand them any better, but I do feel more informed. Acquainted.
*This was recommended to me but I cannot remember by whom! Found it in the book basket by my bed and knew it would be my next read regardless. So I sent out a Facebook post asking for endorsements before I read even one word. A couple of my coworkers read the book and offered their feedback before I read it. They both stated that they "loved it". Can't wait to talk to them about it.
Happy Reading...
RC
It's the end of July and for me that means it's time to go back to work! Started back yesterday at the library and spent most of the day rearranging from summer floor waxing and carpet shampooing. There was a mountain of mail and a stack of boxes to go through. Today, I had the pleasure of cataloging some of the new books...
including new additions to the restricted collection. I needed to complete the Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard and I am happy to say we have books #1-13 now. The Kelley Armstrong romantic fantasy series is complete and I've purchased the next two in the followup series, The Gathering and The Calling. Book #4 in the Hex Hall series is here- School Spirits as well as the second book in the Dust Lands series, Rebel Heart. And finally, our Sarah Dessen collection is complete with the purchase of her book, Along for the Ride.
The Kentucky Bluegrass Collection is now updated with the 2013-2014 nominees. I've blogged about most of these books already, but I'm excited to introduce them to my students soon. I still need to read Unstoppable (realistic sports fiction) and The Lions of Little Rock (historical fiction).
I'm excited about a new collection by Anne Scraff. These urban stories will appeal to reluctant readers who have an especially hard time connecting to characters. This collection is similar to the Bluford High Series and the Orca collection that so many of our students rely on.
To make the sting of work less painful, this is also the time of year that I purchase a literary shirt or two to add to my wardrobe. So happy to be able to add Paula Quinn to my repertoire of tees! Ordered her new "Quinn Nation" shirt today. Cannot wait to wear it! I love her historical romance novels. LOVE!
Happy (early morning and late night) reading!
RC
While on an extended weekend excursion with the family, I neglected to take along enough reading material. I finished an older novel, Pop Goes the Weasel by James Patterson on the drive to Cincinnati and I knew that I would not be able to stand going 3 days without a proper book. I don't really have that much to say about the Patterson novel, other than it was my first of his adult novels and I found many typical "Pattersonisms" found within his young adult series, such as dialogue patterns, character development, short chapters and an abundance of gruesome detail. Not all bad...just typical. Alex Cross is a familiar character to me; I'd seen two movies based on his character already, so I had a mental model to base this character upon. I found the serial killer's methodology to be unique and give credit to Patterson for an original idea. I probably won't read anymore of Patterson's adult novels, just because it's not my "thing". But I would recommend them to other adults who enjoy a good murder mystery and action. This book would make an amazing movie. The villain is pure evil and I'm sure movie-goers would be fascinated with how he's "caught". No spoilers here!
Once I finished that novel, I felt desperate and so I used my social networking connections to garner an additional recommendation to continue on with my summer of suggested adult novels. An acquaintance recommend anything by Dorothea Benton Frank because she said, "I consider her books good beach reads." I hadn't really read anything like that this summer, so I found a Target and headed straight for the book section. The Last Original Wife was the only title they had available. And it was a fine choice, since it wasn't part of a series. I enjoyed the author's setting, Charleston, and her homage to Josephine Pinkney, one of Charleston's most rebellious daughters. The story revolves around Leslie, a 59 year old middle class woman whose husband and adult children take her for granted. She finds herself to be surrounded by her husband's country club friends and their new "Barbie" wives. She takes a step back and analyzes her current situation and decides to leave. The story is sandwiched in between therapy sessions and the chapters bounce between her voice and that of her husband's, Wes. You'll love her and hate him! There are plenty of laughs, if you're adult enough to pick up on them...they're subtle. And, I suppose, you have to be able to connect with Leslie to understand some of the decisions she makes. If you're a married woman, with children, who has ever stopped to wonder how you "got here", then you'll get it. :)
So glad to be introduced to two "new" authors. I'll definitely read another Frank novel.
Happy Reading! And try something new! You might be surprised at how much you like it!
RC
I feel like such a grown up reader this summer! I actually have accomplished to (almost) work my way through an entire basket of adult novels that had been recommended to me by my reading friends. I'm always recommending books to kids...trying to match the "just right" book to the "just right" reader. It's refreshing to read something someone else thinks I'll like for a change. And the recommendations are so interesting...they reflect what you've revealed to them. Interesting and deep...won't go there this time. But seriously, I've read everything from psychological thrillers and murder mysteries to sweet historical fiction to christian fiction this summer! Whew! And I love it! But what does that say about me? I think it just shows that I'm a well-rounded reader. :) Even though the summer's not over, it's time to blog about a few of these books before I forget what it was that I loved about each and every one! So here we go...
I finished off The Southern Vampire Mysteries with the final book, Dead Ever After. Oh me...what can I say other than... "I'm glad it's over." I LOVED the first five books. Absorbed them happily! They are NOTHING like the HBO series and I say that proudly, because True Blood has a rotten reputation at my house. The show has ruined the book for so many people. First of all, the book is not filled with vulgarity like the show. Secondly, the producers have taken the plot in a horrible direction. Charlaine Harris's original plot is fine. There's nothing wrong with it at first...it gets a bit watered down in my opinion after book five, but to keep characters alive that were killed in book 1? C'mon, people! How about making readers happy every once in a while? I wasn't happy with how the series ended. I wished Sookie had ended up with a different love interest, but that's my opinion and my prerogative. I'm sure there are some readers who are thrilled with her choice. Oh well, can't love em all! But I am happy with myself for reading the entire series (13 books in all) and sticking with it. Abandoning was awful tempting after book 7.
The Night Circus...now this is the perfect book for me! Different enough to keep me interested, a
romance I can get into, history I can learn from...and I love books that I can see Tim Burton directing right away. This debut novel blew my mind! I cannot imagine how the author wrote this book...did she see the story unwind chronologically and then she decided to take the reader on a series of flashbacks? Or did the story evolve as she wrote? Organic? However the process, I was intrigued. Two children, chosen to play a "game". Bound together. Forced to compete against one another...with magic. I won't post any spoilers, but there are surprises waiting around every corner in this fantasy. Brilliantly written. Bravo! And...I haven't been able to see black and white stripes and not think of this book since reading it... Amazingly haunted by it! Would make an excellent film.
Dark Places took me by surprise. I had just finished Flynn's two other novels and was expecting
the same style. I was surprised by the Satanic cult topic woven throughout this story of a It's not your typical "Who done it?"; none of the Flynn books are typical. Instead, Flynn writes about "real" people with "real" problems and typically, none of them are attractive. But there was one character that I absolutely DESPISED and could not find any redeeming qualities for at all! I'm betting that's Flynn's point...to elicit any emotional response from the reader. The main character, Libby Day, being the sole survivor of her family as they were massacred by her brother Ben (or so everyone thinks!) is likeable and easy to relate. However, with Flynn's books, I'm always afraid to trust any of her characters. It's a short read and worth it!
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter What a sweet, sweet story. It's one of those "feel good" books. Took me back to the 70s. Such an awesome author. So many accurate details. Felt immediately connected to the story. Which was about Larry and Silas, childhood friends. One
white. One black. Connected in a rare way. Larry is a man who has lived his entire
life in a town that despises him. They literally rejected him based
upon the assumption he had committed murder. Because he couldn't prove
that he didn't do it, he lived most of his life as if he did. Alone.
Humbled. Shunned. Although never incarcerated for the crime, he did
his "time" in the real world. Silas is a deputy sheriff who investigates and has answers to many of the townspeople's questions. I loved the connection between the two men. And it was very different for me to read a story with so many men as characters. Racism and prejudice play a huge part of this story, as do the themes of friendship, loyalty and character.
The Other Side of the Bridge was a tough book to get into, but once I read about half, I was
convinced that this author truly does have a gift. As reviewed on the back cover, "Like the great 19th century novelists of provincial life, Lawson is fluent in the desperate intensity of the small, individual dramas of respectable people and she paints an eloquent picture."- Sunday Telegraph I so totally agree! It was like reading Madame Bovary all over again, which is one of my personal favorites. In this book, which bounces between 1920s and 1950s Canada, we watch as two brothers, Arthur and Jake, navigate time and their relationship. They are as different as light and dark but are held together by one ribbon...Laura. One of my favorite quotes from the book, "He hadn't exactly cheated on her, unless you counted loving Laura from afar, but he had allowed her to think he loved her when he didn't, which amounted to the same thing." I actually cried at the end. This author knows how to tell a story. It's beautiful and tragic.
And finally, I read The Almost Moon. It's a book we keep on our adult shelf in my library office. One of the teachers donated it, but not before saying that it was an unforgettable story and one
she was soooooo glad to have read. As soon as I saw the author's name, I knew that I would have to try it. I had tried to read one of Alice Sebold's other novels, The Lovely Bones, and couldn't make it past the first chapter due to the horrific details of a young girls' abduction and rape. Since I'm always asking tweens to give author's another chance, I decided to put this one at the bottom of the pile. I'm kinda glad I did. It was troubling to read. The plot revolves around a middle-aged woman who kills her mother. Mercilessly, however she does kill her. I'm not spoiling anything for you, it's declared in the first line. The story spans only 24 hours of this woman's life and the events following the murder. Mental illness is a huge theme in this book. The scenes were raw. The main character acted out of desperation. You could feel it. I couldn't put the book down! I don't know if it was because I think it was good, or the fact that I knew the faster I read, the sooner I could be finished! LOL There were times when I gave it the old cliche... "Oh no she did not!" Oh...yes she most certainly did. Here's a good quote from the book: "My brain had divided in half, half focused on the tasks of normalcy--picking up my daughter from the train--and half focused on escape." Haven't we all felt that divided before? I know I have.
Well, I'm all caught up on blogging now! It's a beautiful day outside...the sun is setting and I'm here at work. Trying to get another summer day in. What I'd really rather be doing is sitting on my back patio, drinking a cup of coffee and reading a few chapters in the awesome detective mystery a coworker recommended! I'll give you a hint--- Rizolli! :)
Happy Summer Reading!
RC
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