I will admit to being a HUGE fan of the Twilight books. I read the first book, Twilight, with intense skepticism but was hooked very quickly. I devoured the subsequent books and happily watched them all come to life as movies. I am eagerly anticipating Breaking Dawn, Part 2. After reading all four of those books, it comes as no surprise that I am no strager to werewolves and vampire stories. I, quite honestly, preferred the wolves in Twilight to the rather creepy bloody-thirsty vampires. Maybe it's the animal lover in me, who knows? As a result, I happily downloaded Shiver onto my Nook, eagering awaiting another story about the wolves I had grown to love so much.
I feel compelled to let readers of my blog know that Maggie Stiefvater is a graduate of Mary Washington College, my alma mater. While I did not know her, because she is WAY younger than me, I am proud that she is having such huges success as a writer and I don't want my blog, which is just my opinion as well all know, to impact her future sales in any way. With that being said, here goes...Shiver is no Twilight. If you are into the very exciting action packed scenes where vampires battle it out with werewolves, reading Shiver will surely disappoint you. Now, if you are totally into the love story side of Twilight and can handle a more emotional, get inside your head kind of story, by all means, buy and read Shiver.
The love story Stiefvater creates between Sam and Grace is beyond words. If you are a believer that you have found your soulmate, Sam and Grace's story might make you question your ideals and reconsider what a true soulmate is. It is intense. In fact, some reviewers of the book on BN.com criticized Shiver for portraying a teenage boy in an unrealistic light. What 17/18 year old boy would act like Sam? We can believe Edward in Twilight because we all know that he's not really 17, he's really over 100. His wisdom and maturity are founded. Sam's story is different for sure, but I found him believable and found myself envious of the intense love he had for Grace, who certainly reciprocated.
I will leave the book to spill out the details but I will say I re-read the last chapter twice as it left me hanging on a cliff, with my mouth wide open, asking my family, "Did that really happen?" Of course, they had no idea what I was talking about and just looked at me with a funny look and went back to whatever they were doing before I spoke out. The issue I am currently dealing with now is, do I download the next book in the trilogy, Linger, and read it, or do I patiently wait until Tuesday for Richard Paul Evans' new book in The Walk series to come out? Well, as I typed that sentence, I downloaded Linger. I just have to find out what happened and get the heck off this cliff!
Happy reading everyone!
:) Dodie
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
#19 The Tampa Connection by Russ Tomlin
I am thrilled beyond words to be able to blog about The Tampa Connection because it was written by a good friend of mine and former Rivers Edge Elementary teacher, Russ Tomlin. I met Russ when I transferred schools six years ago and had known him for almost three years before I discovered that he had written a book called The Twisted Rose. He allowed me to read the manuscript and I devoured it in three nights, staying up well past my bedtime in order to do so. I just couldn't put it down and needed to know how it all turned out. Those three nights turned into three mornings of book talks between Russ and myself as we chatted about the plot, the characters, and our favorite parts. It was at that time that he mentioned that he was about to (or maybe already had...I can't quite recall) go to Tampa to do research for his next book. Eager to know what happens next, as I always am, I mentioned to Russ that if he ever needed or wanted someone to read his next book, I would happily volunteer. Well...this summer, he took me up on his offer and sent me The Tampa Connection.
As I sit here and type this blog post, I can tell you readers that I have now read The Tampa Connection two times (so technically this post should be for books #19 and #20). The first time around, I read it in the sections that Russ sent to me. It took about 5 months to finish reading all 600+ pages and it made me crazy to read it in pieces! Russ intentionally (I think it was intentional, anyway) sent me cliff-hanger sections and then I had to wait for the next section to arrive via email to find out what had happened. The second read has been a straight-through read, thank goodness! Russ hand delivered a box with the entire book inside so that I could read it on paper (even though I love my Nook, I still LOVE a book on paper) and I could read it at my own pace, stopping when I needed to and not when the sections ran out. It goes without saying that I enjoyed the straight through read better and am so glad that I did not live back when serial books were in fashion. They would have driven me mad!
I finished the book for the second time today and Russ gave me permission to blog, so here I sit typing away. I promised him, however, that I was not going to give any details about The Tampa Connection as it is not yet published. Russ is in the process of finding a publisher, so if anyone out there who reads this blog happens to have any publisher connections, please let me know.
Here's the good news for my blog readers...Russ self-published The Twisted Rose so it is available for you to read (through Amazon, I believe) and you'd have to read it first anyway, as The Tampa Connection is a sequel. I have my own autographed copy of The Twisted Rose on the bookshelf in our family room and while I am usually all for loaning out my books, I am not going to be so free this time. Obviously, if I loan you my copy then you are not buying a copy from Russ (which you should do to support this retired teacher who is an amazing author). And, I don't want anything to happen to my autographed copy. It's very special!
So, go get a copy of The Twisted Rose and read it. You won't be sorry--it is a powerful story. And, by the time you finish it, with a little luck, The Tampa Connection will be in the works so you can find out the rest of the story!
Best of luck to my friend Russ! Thanks for sharing your stories, your writing, and your friendship with me. It has been an honor to read your creation! My fingers are crossed that a publisher will pick this book up soon!
Happy reading everyone!
:) Dodie
As I sit here and type this blog post, I can tell you readers that I have now read The Tampa Connection two times (so technically this post should be for books #19 and #20). The first time around, I read it in the sections that Russ sent to me. It took about 5 months to finish reading all 600+ pages and it made me crazy to read it in pieces! Russ intentionally (I think it was intentional, anyway) sent me cliff-hanger sections and then I had to wait for the next section to arrive via email to find out what had happened. The second read has been a straight-through read, thank goodness! Russ hand delivered a box with the entire book inside so that I could read it on paper (even though I love my Nook, I still LOVE a book on paper) and I could read it at my own pace, stopping when I needed to and not when the sections ran out. It goes without saying that I enjoyed the straight through read better and am so glad that I did not live back when serial books were in fashion. They would have driven me mad!
I finished the book for the second time today and Russ gave me permission to blog, so here I sit typing away. I promised him, however, that I was not going to give any details about The Tampa Connection as it is not yet published. Russ is in the process of finding a publisher, so if anyone out there who reads this blog happens to have any publisher connections, please let me know.
Here's the good news for my blog readers...Russ self-published The Twisted Rose so it is available for you to read (through Amazon, I believe) and you'd have to read it first anyway, as The Tampa Connection is a sequel. I have my own autographed copy of The Twisted Rose on the bookshelf in our family room and while I am usually all for loaning out my books, I am not going to be so free this time. Obviously, if I loan you my copy then you are not buying a copy from Russ (which you should do to support this retired teacher who is an amazing author). And, I don't want anything to happen to my autographed copy. It's very special!
So, go get a copy of The Twisted Rose and read it. You won't be sorry--it is a powerful story. And, by the time you finish it, with a little luck, The Tampa Connection will be in the works so you can find out the rest of the story!
Best of luck to my friend Russ! Thanks for sharing your stories, your writing, and your friendship with me. It has been an honor to read your creation! My fingers are crossed that a publisher will pick this book up soon!
Happy reading everyone!
:) Dodie
Monday, March 19, 2012
#18 The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard
The Scent of Rain and Lightning was one of those books that's going to stick with me for a while. Its themes were overwhelming, and it's storyline powerful, yet I can't blog about much of it because if I do, the book will be ruined for any potential readers. It is a bit of a drama and a hard-hitting mystery all rolled into one. I truly think it's worth the read and am grateful for Heidi for telling me about it.
Set in Kansas, Jody is the first character we meet. She is in her late twenties and has returned to the home town of her youth to work as a high school teacher. She is the child of parents who were murdered in their own home when she was three. She has spent her entire life wondering about her parents while being raised by her grandparents. After a little more background about Jody, the present day story flashes back to the year her parents died. During this story we meet the entire Linden crew: Hugh Senior, Annabelle, Belle, Hugh-Jay, Chase, Bobby, Meryl, and Jody as a three year old. We also meet some folks who work on the cattle ranch--Red and Billy-- as well as Billy's wife Val and his son Collin. The story is set in a small town and you get to meet the owners of the local tavern and grocery store and you quickly realize that this is a town where people look out for one another, but it is also one where the Linden's rule. They are rich, they are well-respected, and they are very interesting people. Honestly, there were times when I was reading this book thinking that it would make the most awesome night-time soap opera, like a modern day Dallas, just set in Kansas.
So, while I'd love to keep going and to completely ruin it for you, I am going to maintain some self-control and not do exactly that. What I will do instead is tell you what this book made me ponder.
First of all, it made me think about forgiveness. Could I forgive someone who hurt my family? Could I put aside blame and move beyond? Could I do it for the sake of a child who might be involved, as an example of the right way to handle tragedy or would I be spiteful and vengeful? As I have said before in blogs, may I never really have to find out, but I can only hope that I would take the high road, especially if and when children were watching. Nothing good comes from spite.
Second of all, I thought of revenge, the natural enemy of forgiveness. There are characters in this book who forgive and there are those who seek revenge. The ending of the book lets you know what the author thinks. It sure made me think about my own beliefs.
Third of all, I thought about family. As a current watcher, and new fan, of ABC's new Sunday night drama GCB, I have done some thinking about marriages of convenience, as one such marriage exists in this hilarious new show. In other words, marriages where each party consents to be married not because of love and adoration for the other but because the marriage will give each partner something they couldn't get otherwise. There is such a marriage in The Scent of Rain and Lightning and while I guess I should've suspected it all along, I didn't see it coming. Just like I would've never predicted the ending of the book nor the solution to the mystery. I would make a terrible detective! Anyway, marriages of convenience...I can't imagine anything worse than being married to someone and having to pretend for an entire lifetime. How exhausting that must be. Perhaps that's why one character (you'll have to read to find out) was so exhausted all of the time and just needed a break. Living a lie must be really hard work. I can't even imagine. This marriage of convenience is neatly juxtaposed with another relationship that is based on love, faith, trust, and hope...a relationship that was built over time...a relationship that the two partners fought for and felt was worth fighting for. I loved the comparison, while not a blatant one, and feel certain that this new generation of lovers will get it right and that the revenge will be laid to rest.
I am off to find a new book. May you find one that opens your mind and your heart, and maybe entertains you a little along the way, too.
Happy reading!
:) Dodie
Set in Kansas, Jody is the first character we meet. She is in her late twenties and has returned to the home town of her youth to work as a high school teacher. She is the child of parents who were murdered in their own home when she was three. She has spent her entire life wondering about her parents while being raised by her grandparents. After a little more background about Jody, the present day story flashes back to the year her parents died. During this story we meet the entire Linden crew: Hugh Senior, Annabelle, Belle, Hugh-Jay, Chase, Bobby, Meryl, and Jody as a three year old. We also meet some folks who work on the cattle ranch--Red and Billy-- as well as Billy's wife Val and his son Collin. The story is set in a small town and you get to meet the owners of the local tavern and grocery store and you quickly realize that this is a town where people look out for one another, but it is also one where the Linden's rule. They are rich, they are well-respected, and they are very interesting people. Honestly, there were times when I was reading this book thinking that it would make the most awesome night-time soap opera, like a modern day Dallas, just set in Kansas.
So, while I'd love to keep going and to completely ruin it for you, I am going to maintain some self-control and not do exactly that. What I will do instead is tell you what this book made me ponder.
First of all, it made me think about forgiveness. Could I forgive someone who hurt my family? Could I put aside blame and move beyond? Could I do it for the sake of a child who might be involved, as an example of the right way to handle tragedy or would I be spiteful and vengeful? As I have said before in blogs, may I never really have to find out, but I can only hope that I would take the high road, especially if and when children were watching. Nothing good comes from spite.
Second of all, I thought of revenge, the natural enemy of forgiveness. There are characters in this book who forgive and there are those who seek revenge. The ending of the book lets you know what the author thinks. It sure made me think about my own beliefs.
Third of all, I thought about family. As a current watcher, and new fan, of ABC's new Sunday night drama GCB, I have done some thinking about marriages of convenience, as one such marriage exists in this hilarious new show. In other words, marriages where each party consents to be married not because of love and adoration for the other but because the marriage will give each partner something they couldn't get otherwise. There is such a marriage in The Scent of Rain and Lightning and while I guess I should've suspected it all along, I didn't see it coming. Just like I would've never predicted the ending of the book nor the solution to the mystery. I would make a terrible detective! Anyway, marriages of convenience...I can't imagine anything worse than being married to someone and having to pretend for an entire lifetime. How exhausting that must be. Perhaps that's why one character (you'll have to read to find out) was so exhausted all of the time and just needed a break. Living a lie must be really hard work. I can't even imagine. This marriage of convenience is neatly juxtaposed with another relationship that is based on love, faith, trust, and hope...a relationship that was built over time...a relationship that the two partners fought for and felt was worth fighting for. I loved the comparison, while not a blatant one, and feel certain that this new generation of lovers will get it right and that the revenge will be laid to rest.
I am off to find a new book. May you find one that opens your mind and your heart, and maybe entertains you a little along the way, too.
Happy reading!
:) Dodie
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
#17 Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent
A dear friend of mine suggested Fireflies in December to me last year. I had bookmarked it on my Nook but just decided last week, when she recommended the same book to me again, to actually download it and read it.
Jennifer Erin Valent is a Richmonder and I liked knowing that I was reading a book by someone local. Fireflies is the first in a trilogy of books centered around the same small town and the same main characters, namely, Gemma and Jessilyn. I have bookmarked the second book Cottonwood Whispers and will eventually bring myself to read what happens next to this town and these people. I just don't feel compelled to read on right now.
Because, I am sad to say, this book was good and I did like meeting the characters and hearing about the events in their lives during that rather hard summer, but this book didn't move me. It didn't leave me with a profound thought, it didn't cause me to stop and reflect upon my life, it didn't change me in any way. Now, does that make Fireflies a bad book? Absolutely not. In fact, I think it would be a great book for Abigail to read, to introduce her to literature about the black/white conflict that tore our country apart for so many years, when she begins to learn about this in her social studies class. The book is actually built around the friendship of two teenage girls--Jessilyn is white, Gemma is black--at a time when blacks and whites were not friends, much less living in the same house, as these two girls end up doing. Sadly, we read about the KKK, cross burnings, and murder based on race. We are exposed to neighbors disrespecting neighbors because of their beliefs. It's all very sad and I did not turn a single page without thinking about how relieved I am that we no longer have to live in a society like this. But, aside from that thankfulness, that's about all I took away from this book. Well, that and one reminder from the text: "Ain't no way to change the world for the better of you can't stand up for what's right when everyone else is wrong." (pg. 169) Amen to that.
Please don't misunderstand, I did very much enjoy Fireflies in December and I will love reading more about Jessilyn and Gemma in the coming two books, especially to see what happens with Jessie and Luke. I just didn't take much from the book beyond it being a great story (and the reminder to stand up for what's right). I just have lukewarm feelings about the book as it seemed more of a book directed to young adults than grown adults. Everything presented was realistic, but not shocking. It didn't present the race relations issue in a new way, but in the same old way and in a light that seems most appropriate for middle and highschoolers. This was not John Grisham's A Time to Kill. Now that book moved me to tears and made me think.
Happy reading, everyone!
:) Dodie
Jennifer Erin Valent is a Richmonder and I liked knowing that I was reading a book by someone local. Fireflies is the first in a trilogy of books centered around the same small town and the same main characters, namely, Gemma and Jessilyn. I have bookmarked the second book Cottonwood Whispers and will eventually bring myself to read what happens next to this town and these people. I just don't feel compelled to read on right now.
Because, I am sad to say, this book was good and I did like meeting the characters and hearing about the events in their lives during that rather hard summer, but this book didn't move me. It didn't leave me with a profound thought, it didn't cause me to stop and reflect upon my life, it didn't change me in any way. Now, does that make Fireflies a bad book? Absolutely not. In fact, I think it would be a great book for Abigail to read, to introduce her to literature about the black/white conflict that tore our country apart for so many years, when she begins to learn about this in her social studies class. The book is actually built around the friendship of two teenage girls--Jessilyn is white, Gemma is black--at a time when blacks and whites were not friends, much less living in the same house, as these two girls end up doing. Sadly, we read about the KKK, cross burnings, and murder based on race. We are exposed to neighbors disrespecting neighbors because of their beliefs. It's all very sad and I did not turn a single page without thinking about how relieved I am that we no longer have to live in a society like this. But, aside from that thankfulness, that's about all I took away from this book. Well, that and one reminder from the text: "Ain't no way to change the world for the better of you can't stand up for what's right when everyone else is wrong." (pg. 169) Amen to that.
Please don't misunderstand, I did very much enjoy Fireflies in December and I will love reading more about Jessilyn and Gemma in the coming two books, especially to see what happens with Jessie and Luke. I just didn't take much from the book beyond it being a great story (and the reminder to stand up for what's right). I just have lukewarm feelings about the book as it seemed more of a book directed to young adults than grown adults. Everything presented was realistic, but not shocking. It didn't present the race relations issue in a new way, but in the same old way and in a light that seems most appropriate for middle and highschoolers. This was not John Grisham's A Time to Kill. Now that book moved me to tears and made me think.
Happy reading, everyone!
:) Dodie
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
#16 Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
Last night, as I was busy blogging about The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Rob came into the computer room and handed me another mammoth book. On the front cover of the book was a yellow sticky note. It read, "Read Me PLEASE." A note from my daughter, Emily, who was convinced that if I loved Hugo, I would truly adore Wonderstruck. I had previously explained to her (literally about 10 minutes before the note was written and attached) that I didn't like to read too many of the same sorts of books back to back. I get bored. So, I was not ready to read another children's book, nor another 600 page book, nor a book crafted from words and pictures. Hence, the note. So, I did what any other self-respecting mother would do. I gave in and read the book. All I can say is, Emily was right. I adored Wonderstruck. (btw...it only took me about 2 hours to read the entire book)
Selznick's genuis from Hugo has multiplied in Wonderstruck. It is told with words and pictures, like Hugo, but this time he tells two separate stories. One, the story of Ben, is told through words. The second, Rose's story, is told in pictures and the stories alternate. We get a little from Ben, then a little from Rose, and back and forth. I have my ideas about why this is, but if I told you, I'd ruin some of the plot so for now I will keep my ideas inside my head where they belong. Eventually, the two stories merge into one story told with both words and pictures. Truly genius, truly amazing, and truly captivating...even for this almost 40 year old adult. No wonder Emily loved it, too.
As Hugo centered around film, Wonderstruck is about museums and collectors and curators. The main idea, I think, behind this is to remind us that we are all curators and collectors (again, I can't say anymore than that or I am going to give away essential parts of the story). The most compelling passage for me from the book is this:
Ben remembered reading about curators in Wonderstruck, and thought about what it meant to curate your own life, as his dad had done here. What would it be like to pick and choose the objects and stories that would go into your own cabinet? How would Ben curate his own life? And then, thinking about his museum box, and his house, and his books, and the secret room, he realized he'd already been doing it. Maybe, thought Ben, we are all cabinets of wonders. (574)
We are all cabinets of wonders. I think so. How about you?
This passage made me start thinking about my own cabinet. If I could pick and choose the objects to put in my own cabinet, what would they be? Here's my list so far: an airplane pillow, a container full of gravel, Hello Kitty erasers, a pencil, a copy of Wuthering Heights, a Phil Collins CD, dried pink roses, an MWC t-shirt, Mickey ears, sand from Hilton Head, a Vera Bradley bag, an apple, my car keys and my house keys, my diamond tennis bracelet, and my Nook. There it is. My cabinet of wonders. I hope that I get the time to add more things to it, but for now, there I am. Some of those wonders people will recognize. Some will make you think and wonder about me. That's the beauty of a museum, don't you think? Isn't that what makes them fun? Trying to solve the mystery of why certain objects are included. Have fun trying to figure out mine. :)
Wonderstruck--another addition to the top ten list of 2012. Yes, it was that amazing. It makes me want to go to our school's library and put a yellow stciky note on it that says "Read Me PLEASE." Don't worry, Kathleen...I won't!
Happy reading everyone!
:) Dodie
Selznick's genuis from Hugo has multiplied in Wonderstruck. It is told with words and pictures, like Hugo, but this time he tells two separate stories. One, the story of Ben, is told through words. The second, Rose's story, is told in pictures and the stories alternate. We get a little from Ben, then a little from Rose, and back and forth. I have my ideas about why this is, but if I told you, I'd ruin some of the plot so for now I will keep my ideas inside my head where they belong. Eventually, the two stories merge into one story told with both words and pictures. Truly genius, truly amazing, and truly captivating...even for this almost 40 year old adult. No wonder Emily loved it, too.
As Hugo centered around film, Wonderstruck is about museums and collectors and curators. The main idea, I think, behind this is to remind us that we are all curators and collectors (again, I can't say anymore than that or I am going to give away essential parts of the story). The most compelling passage for me from the book is this:
Ben remembered reading about curators in Wonderstruck, and thought about what it meant to curate your own life, as his dad had done here. What would it be like to pick and choose the objects and stories that would go into your own cabinet? How would Ben curate his own life? And then, thinking about his museum box, and his house, and his books, and the secret room, he realized he'd already been doing it. Maybe, thought Ben, we are all cabinets of wonders. (574)
We are all cabinets of wonders. I think so. How about you?
This passage made me start thinking about my own cabinet. If I could pick and choose the objects to put in my own cabinet, what would they be? Here's my list so far: an airplane pillow, a container full of gravel, Hello Kitty erasers, a pencil, a copy of Wuthering Heights, a Phil Collins CD, dried pink roses, an MWC t-shirt, Mickey ears, sand from Hilton Head, a Vera Bradley bag, an apple, my car keys and my house keys, my diamond tennis bracelet, and my Nook. There it is. My cabinet of wonders. I hope that I get the time to add more things to it, but for now, there I am. Some of those wonders people will recognize. Some will make you think and wonder about me. That's the beauty of a museum, don't you think? Isn't that what makes them fun? Trying to solve the mystery of why certain objects are included. Have fun trying to figure out mine. :)
Wonderstruck--another addition to the top ten list of 2012. Yes, it was that amazing. It makes me want to go to our school's library and put a yellow stciky note on it that says "Read Me PLEASE." Don't worry, Kathleen...I won't!
Happy reading everyone!
:) Dodie
Monday, March 5, 2012
#15 The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
The Invention of Hugo Cabret has been on our bookshelf for two years. It was trendy, when Emily was in Third Grade, to own a copy of this mammoth book. Apparently, when you are 8 and 9 years old, your intelligence is viewed by others as directly proportional to the thicknesses of the books you carry. Thick books = smart kids. So, for a while, every kid at our school either carried around a Harry Potter book or they carried around Hugo. Emily never read it. She just carried it around. Evetually, though, both of my girls read it. It is a quick read, as much of the story is told through pictures, and both liked it. I added Hugo to my list of books to read this year, and it was pushed up recently when it won so many Oscars. Unfortunately, as seems to be a current trend, I watched the movie this weekend with my family and thought that the book would be lost for me, that there would be no point in reading the book once I had watched the movie. Boy was I wrong. The book reemphasized the amazing story told through the movie, and gave me another chance to hear and see the incredible story of Georges Melies, the filmmaker.
I think what I liked most about the book, compared to the movie which obviously is all pictures, is that the book uses pictures to tell parts of the story. What a great way to get kids interested in longer stories-- present them with pictures and let their minds imagine the words. Most of the pictures used are drawings, but some are real photographs and some are even shots from some of Melies' movies. The contrast between the pictures and the printed word was fascinating, and was, I am sure, partially responsible for why The Invention of Hugo Cabret won the 2008 Caldecott Award for Children's Literature. It was cleverly written and cleverly combined two artistic approaches to tell a story. I'm not quite sure what I expected when I first began to experience this story. I knew it had something to do with clocks and an invention, but had no idea that it would end up functioning as a tribute to one of the world's first movie makers. Again, the juxtaposition between real and make-believe makes this book (and movie ) a true one of a kind.
It took me a mere two hours to devour this 525 page book. It was a treat and an artistic pleasure. Find some time and endulge. And, if you want to read the book, my advice is (I can't believe that I am advocating this, but I am) see the movie first. Read the book second. It will be so much better that way.
Happy reading!
:) Dodie
I think what I liked most about the book, compared to the movie which obviously is all pictures, is that the book uses pictures to tell parts of the story. What a great way to get kids interested in longer stories-- present them with pictures and let their minds imagine the words. Most of the pictures used are drawings, but some are real photographs and some are even shots from some of Melies' movies. The contrast between the pictures and the printed word was fascinating, and was, I am sure, partially responsible for why The Invention of Hugo Cabret won the 2008 Caldecott Award for Children's Literature. It was cleverly written and cleverly combined two artistic approaches to tell a story. I'm not quite sure what I expected when I first began to experience this story. I knew it had something to do with clocks and an invention, but had no idea that it would end up functioning as a tribute to one of the world's first movie makers. Again, the juxtaposition between real and make-believe makes this book (and movie ) a true one of a kind.
It took me a mere two hours to devour this 525 page book. It was a treat and an artistic pleasure. Find some time and endulge. And, if you want to read the book, my advice is (I can't believe that I am advocating this, but I am) see the movie first. Read the book second. It will be so much better that way.
Happy reading!
:) Dodie
#14 Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult
When I heard that Jodi Picoult had a new book out, I was overjoyed! Rob was not so thrilled. He knows that her books are the sort of books I am unable to read independently. I have to talk about them and I have to talk them through. Reading one of her books means work for him. He has to listen. I think I did OK this time, though. I only subjected him to the 5 minute synopsis of the book (or where I was in the book at the time of the 5 minute talk) last night before dinner, with a few updates as I kept reading later. I finished the book this morning, during the last few peaceful moments while the girls slept in on this surprise of a snow day. So, Rob's not here to hear my final thoughts about the book and to discuss all of the "what would you dos" that often accompany a Jodi Picoult novel. Too bad for him. It would've been a good conversation.
Lone Wolf, like Picoult's other books, touches on the hard-hitting subject of life support. Luke, Edward and Cara's father, is in a coma after a car accident. Edward wants to end life support; Cara does not. Here begins the story and the drama and, usually in my house, the discussions over the controversial issues. But, because it is Jodi Picoult who is crafting this story, there's so much more to it that than. Let's throw in two additional characters...Georgie (Luke's ex-wife) and Joe (Georgie's new husband, who happens to be a lawyer) and some interesting plot twists and turns (I counted 3 instances while reading when I said, "No!" outloud while reading this book because something happened that I did not see coming AT ALL) and you have the making of an extraordinary story, which Lone Wolf is in my opinion.
In addition to crafting an amazing story, Picoult uses a literary technique in Lone Wolf that I find to be most enjoyable when reading a book, and it's a technique she uses often (which probably explains why I love to read her books). Each chapter is dedicated to a different character and the story progresses through their words and thoughts. While it doesn't repeat in a certain order, we hear from Luke, Cara, Edward, Georgie, and Joe in separate and repeated chapters (they also are each given their own font, which is super cool as the font seems to give more information about their character). At the end of the book, a few other characters appear to add their thoughts and ideas to the story. Since Luke, the dad, is in a coma, his chapters focus on telling the readers everything they ever wanted to know about wolves and wolf packs. Now, if you are not a fan of wolves, don't dispair. It's actually quite interesting to read as you discover quite quickly that the life of the wolf pack that you are learning about directly parallels the human lives in the story. I was fascinated. Honestly.
Had Rob been home to talk about this with me, we would've talked not so much about comas and life support (although I did remind him that we had to get a will made before our trip to Vegas this summer) because there are certain things that he knows about me (probably learned after our discussion's surrounding Picoult's other book Mercy). He knows that it is my wish to never be placed on life support and that I want all of my viable organs donated (although I think I do need to follow up on this one, as the books hints that just checking the box on your driver's license is not enough, you also have to register). Furthermore, he knows that I am not to be buried (a claustrophobic's nightmmare), but am to be cremated. So, we wouldn't have talked about any of that stuff. That's old news.
Instead, I think I would've wanted to talk with him about the parallel story of the wolves and the humans. How each person in a family, or a wolf in a pack, has a distinct role and function and without that one person, a family, or pack, can't function and cries out for the missing one. It makes me wonder what my role is, and if I was in the wolf pack, who I would be. I have to be honest and admit that I lost track of all of the different wolf roles and jobs and instead focused on how the wolves were foreshadowing the events with Edward, Cara, and Luke. But, I do know that in my house, I am the order restorer-- I am the one that shuffles through the papers, throws things away, puts things away, and makes things run smoothly. I am not sure that there's a wolf equivalent for what I do, but I do know that in my house, when I am not here to do my job, the piles build up, nothing ever gets thrown away or put away, and order becomes chaos. Lunches aren't made, homework doesn't get done, and my family runs the risk of going naked to school and work. I guess this is important work, but in the grand scheme of things, it seems a little mundane. Especially when you compare it to Rob's function--the leader of the Whitt wolf pack, who makes things safe for all of us, who makes sure we have what we need when we need it, who provides for us, and who watches over us all. I guess I did birth two little wolves, that accounts for something, right?
In addition to roles performed in a family, Picoult also tosses in, for us to ponder further, the question of what makes a family a family. I love Cara's thought: "I wonder if what makes a family a family isn't doing everything right all the time but, instead, giving a second chance to the people you love who do things wrong." (p.312) I can only speak for my family, but there's not a whole lot of perfection coming from any one of us (even Abigail who likes to think she's perfect, but oh-so is not!). How nice to think, though, that even we do something wrong, family is there to forgive and to love you anyway. I think Cara is on to something here.
Finally, the book forces us to think about how the roles of the family and the definition of family changes as a member leaves, in this case by death. Who takes over the missing role? How does the family react to this? On page 347, Luke reminds us that, "You have to reach the point of utter chaos before a new leader can emerge." Isn't this what death is? Utter chaos for a family? A time to regroup, to restructure roles, and to appoint a new leader? All while trying to say good-bye. Sadly, I think my family has perfected this chaos. I know when it will be my time to be the alpha female and I am not looking forward to it at all.
Which leads me to my final thought, and my final quote. Another issue this book touches on, in light of the life support issue, is the age of majority. Cara is not yet a legal adult; Edward is. So, who gets to decide about Luke's life and when it should be over? What does it means to be an adult? What responsibilities come with the job of being an adult? As this issue is fought and as each person truly fights for what they think is right and best, and as Cara discovers that being an adult isn't all that it's cracked up to be, Cara discovers that, "being a grown-up doesn't mean you're fearless. It just means you fear different things." (p. 350) Amen. As a child, I knew I was fearful. My mother knew I was fearful. I think everyone who knew me knew that I was fearful. And, I think they all hoped that I would one day become a confident, fearless adult. Wrong. I went to college and feared not getting a job. Once I had one, I feared losing it (and still do). I got married and worried that he'd leave me. I had kids and am fearful for them every waking moment. If I could release some of these fears, I think I might live longer. But, perhaps, in the Whitt wolf pack, my job is to fear. It keeps me on high alert and it helps me to keep my family safe.
Family is everything. In a wolf pack and in the human world. Read Lone Wolf and allow yourself to be reminded.
Happy reading!
:) Dodie
Lone Wolf, like Picoult's other books, touches on the hard-hitting subject of life support. Luke, Edward and Cara's father, is in a coma after a car accident. Edward wants to end life support; Cara does not. Here begins the story and the drama and, usually in my house, the discussions over the controversial issues. But, because it is Jodi Picoult who is crafting this story, there's so much more to it that than. Let's throw in two additional characters...Georgie (Luke's ex-wife) and Joe (Georgie's new husband, who happens to be a lawyer) and some interesting plot twists and turns (I counted 3 instances while reading when I said, "No!" outloud while reading this book because something happened that I did not see coming AT ALL) and you have the making of an extraordinary story, which Lone Wolf is in my opinion.
In addition to crafting an amazing story, Picoult uses a literary technique in Lone Wolf that I find to be most enjoyable when reading a book, and it's a technique she uses often (which probably explains why I love to read her books). Each chapter is dedicated to a different character and the story progresses through their words and thoughts. While it doesn't repeat in a certain order, we hear from Luke, Cara, Edward, Georgie, and Joe in separate and repeated chapters (they also are each given their own font, which is super cool as the font seems to give more information about their character). At the end of the book, a few other characters appear to add their thoughts and ideas to the story. Since Luke, the dad, is in a coma, his chapters focus on telling the readers everything they ever wanted to know about wolves and wolf packs. Now, if you are not a fan of wolves, don't dispair. It's actually quite interesting to read as you discover quite quickly that the life of the wolf pack that you are learning about directly parallels the human lives in the story. I was fascinated. Honestly.
Had Rob been home to talk about this with me, we would've talked not so much about comas and life support (although I did remind him that we had to get a will made before our trip to Vegas this summer) because there are certain things that he knows about me (probably learned after our discussion's surrounding Picoult's other book Mercy). He knows that it is my wish to never be placed on life support and that I want all of my viable organs donated (although I think I do need to follow up on this one, as the books hints that just checking the box on your driver's license is not enough, you also have to register). Furthermore, he knows that I am not to be buried (a claustrophobic's nightmmare), but am to be cremated. So, we wouldn't have talked about any of that stuff. That's old news.
Instead, I think I would've wanted to talk with him about the parallel story of the wolves and the humans. How each person in a family, or a wolf in a pack, has a distinct role and function and without that one person, a family, or pack, can't function and cries out for the missing one. It makes me wonder what my role is, and if I was in the wolf pack, who I would be. I have to be honest and admit that I lost track of all of the different wolf roles and jobs and instead focused on how the wolves were foreshadowing the events with Edward, Cara, and Luke. But, I do know that in my house, I am the order restorer-- I am the one that shuffles through the papers, throws things away, puts things away, and makes things run smoothly. I am not sure that there's a wolf equivalent for what I do, but I do know that in my house, when I am not here to do my job, the piles build up, nothing ever gets thrown away or put away, and order becomes chaos. Lunches aren't made, homework doesn't get done, and my family runs the risk of going naked to school and work. I guess this is important work, but in the grand scheme of things, it seems a little mundane. Especially when you compare it to Rob's function--the leader of the Whitt wolf pack, who makes things safe for all of us, who makes sure we have what we need when we need it, who provides for us, and who watches over us all. I guess I did birth two little wolves, that accounts for something, right?
In addition to roles performed in a family, Picoult also tosses in, for us to ponder further, the question of what makes a family a family. I love Cara's thought: "I wonder if what makes a family a family isn't doing everything right all the time but, instead, giving a second chance to the people you love who do things wrong." (p.312) I can only speak for my family, but there's not a whole lot of perfection coming from any one of us (even Abigail who likes to think she's perfect, but oh-so is not!). How nice to think, though, that even we do something wrong, family is there to forgive and to love you anyway. I think Cara is on to something here.
Finally, the book forces us to think about how the roles of the family and the definition of family changes as a member leaves, in this case by death. Who takes over the missing role? How does the family react to this? On page 347, Luke reminds us that, "You have to reach the point of utter chaos before a new leader can emerge." Isn't this what death is? Utter chaos for a family? A time to regroup, to restructure roles, and to appoint a new leader? All while trying to say good-bye. Sadly, I think my family has perfected this chaos. I know when it will be my time to be the alpha female and I am not looking forward to it at all.
Which leads me to my final thought, and my final quote. Another issue this book touches on, in light of the life support issue, is the age of majority. Cara is not yet a legal adult; Edward is. So, who gets to decide about Luke's life and when it should be over? What does it means to be an adult? What responsibilities come with the job of being an adult? As this issue is fought and as each person truly fights for what they think is right and best, and as Cara discovers that being an adult isn't all that it's cracked up to be, Cara discovers that, "being a grown-up doesn't mean you're fearless. It just means you fear different things." (p. 350) Amen. As a child, I knew I was fearful. My mother knew I was fearful. I think everyone who knew me knew that I was fearful. And, I think they all hoped that I would one day become a confident, fearless adult. Wrong. I went to college and feared not getting a job. Once I had one, I feared losing it (and still do). I got married and worried that he'd leave me. I had kids and am fearful for them every waking moment. If I could release some of these fears, I think I might live longer. But, perhaps, in the Whitt wolf pack, my job is to fear. It keeps me on high alert and it helps me to keep my family safe.
Family is everything. In a wolf pack and in the human world. Read Lone Wolf and allow yourself to be reminded.
Happy reading!
:) Dodie
Friday, March 2, 2012
#13: Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood
I am very much the sort of person who reads a book before watching the movie version of the book, should one exist. So far, in all my years of being a reader and a movie watcher, there have only been two exceptions to this rule. First, I saw Confessions of a Shopaholic before I read the book and I am still glad that I did because I adored the actors in the movie and I could picture their faces as I subsequently read all of the books in the series. The second exception is Charlie St. Cloud. Again, this was a very good choice. The movie made the plot clear, which can be a little confusing at times in the book, but the book filled in all of the details that the movie glossed over. And, the movie stars Zac Efron as Charlie, so who wouldn't want to watch that movie?
Charlie St. Cloud (originally published as The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud) is a story of life, death, and love. Oh...and, the occasional ghost. While I am not sure if I really believe in ghosts, they certainly made for an interesting story. They also made me wonder about death in a new way. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am rather terrified of dying. It scares me like nothing else (even more than bridges). But Ben Sherwood presented spirits in a different light. He made them in control of when they left the physical world for good. They could see their loved ones, they could still be with them if they hadn't crossed over. It was peaceful and not scary at all. I guess I won't know if that's the way life really ends until it does and I'm not too eager for that to happen, but it's calming for me to think about life ending this way. It makes me not so scared anymore.
Charlie St. Cloud is given a second chance at life early on in this book and spends most of his life feeling guilty for living. While I can only imagine that I would feel exactly the same way, you can't help but ask yourself (as someone asked of Charlie) what would you do with your life if you were given a second chance to live it? It is an interesting idea to ponder, isn't it? Would you quit working and truly live, provided that you could afford to? Would you surround yourself with the people you love, or would you move on to live life the way you want to alone? Would you realize that love was the most important thing? Or is money and fame more important? Honestly, I am not sure what I would do. I worry too much about hurting other people and how my actions impact the life of others. It's a curse my mother placed on me as a child and it's a cross that I bear even today. I'd like to be selfish sometimes, but I have a hard time talking myself into selfish behaviors. Charlie, however, finally realized that he needed to focus on making himself happy. Until he did that, he wasn't really living and he might as well have died all those years ago.
"May he live in peace." This line comes from the end of the book and is such a fantastic reminder, in my opinion, of something that we often forget. We typically wish this of people who have died: "May he/she rest in peace." But, don't we want to live in peace, too? Don't we want to live in a way that doesn't cause us to wrestle with beliefs and ideals? I want to live in peace with the choices that I make. I don't want to second guess my life later on. But, as I quickly approach 40, I find that I may not have always lived in peace, I might not currently be living in peace, and that saddens my heart a little.
My recommendation for anyone who has not yet read Charlie St. Cloud is to first watch the movie and then read the book. The movie will not ruin the book; it will only enhance it. The love story between Charlie and Tess will stay with you, as it has with me, and it's a good story to carry around in your head and in your heart as a constant reminder of what love should be. And Sam...we can't forget Sam. To have a sibiling's love like the love of Sam...well, we should all only be so lucky.
Charlie St. Cloud is a story that lingers. I am glad that I took the time to read the book and I am going to carry the lessons learned from it with me always.
May you all live in peace,
:) Dodie
Charlie St. Cloud (originally published as The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud) is a story of life, death, and love. Oh...and, the occasional ghost. While I am not sure if I really believe in ghosts, they certainly made for an interesting story. They also made me wonder about death in a new way. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am rather terrified of dying. It scares me like nothing else (even more than bridges). But Ben Sherwood presented spirits in a different light. He made them in control of when they left the physical world for good. They could see their loved ones, they could still be with them if they hadn't crossed over. It was peaceful and not scary at all. I guess I won't know if that's the way life really ends until it does and I'm not too eager for that to happen, but it's calming for me to think about life ending this way. It makes me not so scared anymore.
Charlie St. Cloud is given a second chance at life early on in this book and spends most of his life feeling guilty for living. While I can only imagine that I would feel exactly the same way, you can't help but ask yourself (as someone asked of Charlie) what would you do with your life if you were given a second chance to live it? It is an interesting idea to ponder, isn't it? Would you quit working and truly live, provided that you could afford to? Would you surround yourself with the people you love, or would you move on to live life the way you want to alone? Would you realize that love was the most important thing? Or is money and fame more important? Honestly, I am not sure what I would do. I worry too much about hurting other people and how my actions impact the life of others. It's a curse my mother placed on me as a child and it's a cross that I bear even today. I'd like to be selfish sometimes, but I have a hard time talking myself into selfish behaviors. Charlie, however, finally realized that he needed to focus on making himself happy. Until he did that, he wasn't really living and he might as well have died all those years ago.
"May he live in peace." This line comes from the end of the book and is such a fantastic reminder, in my opinion, of something that we often forget. We typically wish this of people who have died: "May he/she rest in peace." But, don't we want to live in peace, too? Don't we want to live in a way that doesn't cause us to wrestle with beliefs and ideals? I want to live in peace with the choices that I make. I don't want to second guess my life later on. But, as I quickly approach 40, I find that I may not have always lived in peace, I might not currently be living in peace, and that saddens my heart a little.
My recommendation for anyone who has not yet read Charlie St. Cloud is to first watch the movie and then read the book. The movie will not ruin the book; it will only enhance it. The love story between Charlie and Tess will stay with you, as it has with me, and it's a good story to carry around in your head and in your heart as a constant reminder of what love should be. And Sam...we can't forget Sam. To have a sibiling's love like the love of Sam...well, we should all only be so lucky.
Charlie St. Cloud is a story that lingers. I am glad that I took the time to read the book and I am going to carry the lessons learned from it with me always.
May you all live in peace,
:) Dodie
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