I read this one years ago, and now I am bringing my review to Goodreads.
I confess, before streaming, and when Opra“I see you! I am here!”
Catching up…
I read this one years ago, and now I am bringing my review to Goodreads.
I confess, before streaming, and when Oprah had her television show, I use to DVR it and would love to watch it when I got home from work. And I remember when she featured the author and his book. So, who didn’t run out and buy this book when Oprah mentioned it? It was a birthday gift to her, and now she made him and his book famous.
Well, if you were too young when this happened, let’s just say that is what occurred with a whole generation at one time. And it wouldn’t have been a bad decision.
Even if it was one of Oprah’s all-time Favorite Things, his collection of reflections were truly gentle wake-up calls for anyone needing positive reminders for the life they wanted to live each day.
As a poet and philosopher, and cancer survivor, Nepo devoted his work to wholeness of mind, body and spirit. He shared that this daybook should be seen as a “spiritual sonnet of our age, a sturdy container for small doses of what matters.”
This daybook which covers the whole year, is an intimacy to all things. It is filled with an appreciation for tears, the art of letting go, friendship, the broken heart, healing, patience, and all the connections that link people with each other.
Also, for each day of the year there is an opportunity to read a daily inspiration, practice a breathing or meditation exercise and/or appreciate a suggestion on what you can do to just contemplate the day.
This book helps readers in a way that speaks directly to the heart about the beauty, bounty and blessings of life. And sometimes it is nice to have that daily reminder....more
Having read this when it first came out, I am now re-visiting this book and bringing my review to Goodreads.
This story starts with a senseCatching Up…
Having read this when it first came out, I am now re-visiting this book and bringing my review to Goodreads.
This story starts with a sense of menace.
It is a dark, snowy morning when Gamache comes upon an old broken-down farmhouse in an isolated area in the village of Three Pines.
The scene is so well-written, it is as if we need to put on a warm jacket, knowing that within moments we are going to feel the approaching blizzard, and we too need to get warm.
Apparently, Gamache and 2 others have been purposely summoned to this place because they are the designated executors of the will of the recently deceased person who once lived there.
What is going on here?
We are also dealing with some loose ends from what occurred in “Glass Houses.” So, if readers did not read Penny’s previous book in the series, don’t even begin this book without having read that book, first.
There is much to decompress within this story – to finish what occurred from the last book, as well as solve the mystery of what Gamache has just walked into at this farmhouse.
So, is it possible that the darkness surrounding our beloved characters, isn’t just weather?
Penny has a deep love for her ongoing characters. In this story, we find our characters navigating their way through a complicated world. She creates situations with emotional depth, and for any reader who has patience, the love can be contagious. Although sometimes finding the patience can be difficult for some.
This is a character driven story with a couple of storylines to follow and several twists. And as a mystery reader who loves this series, what more could we ask for?
Well, maybe a little more patience. But that would be asking that of me, wouldn’t it?!...more
Dolly Alderton’s day job is as a Sunday Times columnist. This was her fiction debut. Her chosen topic is her fictional protagonist, Nina Dean, a wittyDolly Alderton’s day job is as a Sunday Times columnist. This was her fiction debut. Her chosen topic is her fictional protagonist, Nina Dean, a witty, British, food columnist cookbook author who owns a charming apartment in Archway who is ready for a meet-cute.
The reason for the title, Ghosts, is because this is a story about dating, and being ghosted after signing up on a dating app looking for love. Instead of love she gets 27 conversations with 27 different suitors. And when she thinks she finds the “one” with Max, “poof” he disappears. Thus, the universal “I’ve been ghosted” moves occur.
So, what does that mean exactly?
Is he alive? ✔ Is he posting on social media? ✔ Can she come to terms with it and move on? ✔
But what happens when Max chooses to return?
Alderton does a good job of showing what single life looks like for a woman of 30+ against a married woman with babies comfortably tucked away in the suburbs.
The message of ghosting is more than a dating metaphor. It also plays into the story of an aging parent as they are losing their mind and becoming a ghost. What happens with the father character is probably the saddest ‘ghosting’ that occurs in this story.
Alderton tells her story with humor and grace. She gives us the highs and lows and pitfalls of online dating. Singles vs marrieds. The difficulties of caregiving. The sadness of loss of mind and the impact on families. And, makes us truly wonder if our person is really find-able on that app....more
“Home wasn’t a place, it was a person. For me it was a whole family.”
Can you keep a secret? Most importantly, not tell my husband? I have fallen head“Home wasn’t a place, it was a person. For me it was a whole family.”
Can you keep a secret? Most importantly, not tell my husband? I have fallen head over heels in love with another man. His name is Justin. How could I not? He sends surveys before dates to determine exactly what we would like to have happen. He is incredibly handsome, smart and takes care of his younger siblings. When sick, he is there in a nano second with everything needed to be sure we are well-taken care of. And most importantly, he has a dog named Brad.
So, what’s the problem?
He’s cursed. Or so he believes. And so is Emma. Or so she believes. Each one thinks that everyone else that they fall for only can last with them a few dates, but then when they break up with them, those persons will find their soulmates. Because that seems to be what always happens.
This is not what Justin wants for himself. Emma, seems to gravitate to a short-term life. Her abandonment since childhood makes it difficult for her to create any roots, except her long-term commitment to her career as a travelling nurse, and her very best friend Maddy.
So, what will happen with Justin and Emma? Will she give herself a chance to find her roots in Minnesota?
“Sometimes the best way to show love or be kind to someone is to meet them where they are.”
What will happen to me? (Just kidding!) I love my husband, madly.
There is so much between these pages, that I found myself noticing that, this is not a typical rom-com. There is real here. There is sad here. There are characters that we want to be truly upset with and not forgive, but know intuitively, that forgiveness is always the gift we give ourselves.
So, as readers, let us pay attention to what happens with everyone, because there is a complex and compelling plot, we need to be patient with, too.
But we can still be charmed with the wit and humor amidst the tragic family dynamics.
So, as we turn the pages, we learn so much because the story is rich with heart and soul and we are truly hopeful that maybe just maybe, Justin and Emma will find their HEA with each other. Because if anybody deserves it, they do....more
Although it appears that I am reading books backwards, having recently read and reviewed “A Better Man,” I actually did read this one whenCatching up…
Although it appears that I am reading books backwards, having recently read and reviewed “A Better Man,” I actually did read this one when it first came out. It was “A Better Man” that I hadn’t read until recently. I am now finally re-visiting this one and posting my reviews for Goodreads.
Glass Houses starts in an unusual place. With Gamache in the role as Chief Superintendent of the Surete du Quebec and in the witness box being questioned about a murder that took place in Three Pines a few months back.
And while he is being questioned on the stand, readers are being taken back to earlier when the story supposedly took place. Because, at this point, as readers, we have no idea who was murdered. Or who was the murderer.
We just know that there is something dark happening.
Penny has a way of creating a scene with short sentences and paragraphs and stylistic characters that keep readers entranced. What exactly happened? We need to know.
And before long we do. And everything is changed. And nothing would be the same again.
If readers are up for the slow burn, they will appreciate the clear focus of the explosive ending.
This is another book that I read a while ago, and I finally have the opportunity to bring my review to Goodreads.
This author isn’t afraid Catching up…
This is another book that I read a while ago, and I finally have the opportunity to bring my review to Goodreads.
This author isn’t afraid to take up sensitive and difficult issues. And possibly even remind the reader that sometimes right versus wrong is often more complicated than a simple answer.
And even though this was written at a time when abortion was legal (Roe v Wade - US), or even presuming that a family wants a child no matter what the intended disability, there is still much to consider here.
So, what happens when it is revealed that a prenatal diagnosis is osteogenesis imperfacta, i.e.,“brittle bone disease,” a very rare severe genetic disorder that primarily affects bone development and strength.
Which means that the child with this condition will suffer fractures from mild or even no trauma. Not only is this a physical and emotional burden on the child, the disability will affect everyone – emotionally and financially.
The question becomes…
Should this child be born?
In this circumstance, Charlotte has her child, Willow. She says…
“I had a beautiful baby girl, who was as fragile as a soap bubble. As your mother, I was supposed to protect you. But what if I tried and only wound up doing harm?”
And this is the struggle we read throughout these pages – an emotional tug-of-war for Charlotte’s character who fiercely loves Willow.
As readers, we can see poor Willow’s pain and suffering, with multiple broken bones. She can’t play like regular kids. She can only be an observer of life. Will Willow ever be able to achieve independence? And even if she does, at what cost?
Charlotte’s role – protector – carer. And who will suffer because all of her attention is going to just this child? Her other older adopted child? Her husband?
And when Willow’s broken bones are thought to be caused by child abuse, and the family wants to sue, an attorney suggests instead to sue for wrongful birth. Will this allow the family to give Willow a better life?
While all these issues percolate for readers, Picoult challenges readers with questions about moral beliefs. What would have been the best decisions for Charlotte to have made?
This story is told through multiple points of views, which questions medical ethics, personal choice, and the emotional complications on the family.
There was much to unravel here, and sometimes it felt soap opera-ish. But there were some important talk-able issues that would make this story book discussion relevant.
And…It truly seems like there is much to be felt here. What will it be for each reader?
Living is one thing, certainly quality of life is precious and fleeting and something to appreciate....more
Oh, how I love my neighbors and their generosity to my Little Free Library Shed. And, it just so happens that this one is going to be a diCatching up…
Oh, how I love my neighbors and their generosity to my Little Free Library Shed. And, it just so happens that this one is going to be a discussion book for the Mobile Public Library in August which I have been invited to attend via Zoom. So, I am looking forward to the discussion. It was nice to re-visit this book again and catch up with all the characters.
Of course, this is not the typical Grisham. I love Grisham for his courtroom dramas. But he has been known to write other stories that have tugged at the heartstrings, and garnering readers attention.
So, if this isn’t courtroom drama, or a legal thriller, what is it?
Well. It is one of Grisham’s favorite pastimes, baseball. And even though baseball may not be a favorite type of story for me to read, it was something I enjoyed watching as a spectator in my younger days living in Southern California. (I was a Dodgers and Angels fan.)
And, this turned out to be quite a compelling and heart-felt story. So, I am grateful to have let myself be open to a different kind of reading experience.
This is a sweet, simple story. A story with a moral. Most importantly, a story about the importance of forgiveness.
“It’s known as the restorative powers of forgiveness.”
Joe Castle is a 21-year-old rather talented rookie first baseman for the Chicago Cubs. His nickname is the name of the book, Calico Joe. His nickname comes from his hometown of Calico Rock, Arkansas. His talent is all those homeruns he seems to hit every time he comes to bat!
Unfortunately, there is a pitcher, Warren Tracey who doesn’t play fair, and his intentions are to challenge batters which sometimes include throwing balls directly at batter’s heads. Will he do this to Joe?
And then there is the pitcher’s son, Paul, the narrator of the story, who knows that ball is coming but, stands silent as he watches the pitch.
What is going to happen next will leave readers spellbound. But it doesn’t happen right away. Grisham builds to that moment. And when it finally does…many lives will be changed, including Paul’s.
And that is what keeps readers turning pages in this captivating, easy-to-read, beautifully written story.
What will happen years later is what brings this story to its amazing climax. Including the emotions of its readers.
Is redemption possible? Perhaps Kleenex might be welcome in this moment.
But that isn’t the only moment. There is more. Keep reading to its very satisfying end. You’ll need the Kleenex again....more
Sometimes families can mean well and expect you to follow along in their rich footsteps – the successf“I refuse to live in a world without you in it.”
Sometimes families can mean well and expect you to follow along in their rich footsteps – the successful family funeral business.
But then there are those, like Ricki who have their own creative, talented spirit that needs to follow their own destiny, despite what the family expects of them.
“She was all hope and light and captivating artistic vulnerability, as luminous and colorful as sunlight refracted through a stained-glass window.”
Would Della who walks in the door seeking support for her recently departed husband at Ricki’s family funeral business, be the right angel that sees what her own family can’t in her?
“She just remembered knowing, with certainty, that she’d randomly met her real-life fairy godmother and that she’d felt as dazed and dazzled as if she’d been touched by a magic wand.”
Off Ricki goes to Harlem, New York to set her destiny in motion.
Starting her own business and living in the basement building owned by Della who lives in the top 3 stories of the same building, what new life is in store for Ricki?
Especially when she runs into the tall, dark, rude and secretive Ezra.
And speaking of secrets…
What is that secret that is holding Ezra back?
Will Ricki be what Ezra needs to ultimately save him from himself – or is he an ultimate danger to her?
This magical, sexy, rich racial consciousness undertone poetic story had me going from page one. I was mesmerized by Ricki’s desire for independence just as much as I was curious by Ezra’s mysteriousness.
Still there were so many questions that passed through me as I flew through the pages…
Would Ricki succeed without her family? What was the pull and tug between Ricki and Ezra? Would they overcome whatever it was that presented such tension between them? Could they ever have a chance as a couple? Will these two be able to find what they needed for a truly happy life? And, will it include each other?
And then there was Della – what key did she hold?
This unique page-turner with some magical elements was captivating and emotionally charged throughout. It kept me extremely engaged wanting more.
With an endearing (and sometimes quirky fascinating) supporting cast of characters, this story stayed with me up to the last page.
One last thought…this truly is an epic love story on so many levels. Maybe, one of the best ones I have read this year! Could this possibly be my favorite of 2024?...more
“The streets were dark with something more than night.” – Raymond Chandler, Author, 1950
Carching up…
I am re-visiting an old novel I read quite some ti“The streets were dark with something more than night.” – Raymond Chandler, Author, 1950
Carching up…
I am re-visiting an old novel I read quite some time ago of Connelly’s and now bringing my review to Goodreads.
It is 2001. A dark case calls for the return of profiler, Terry McCaleb, first seen in Blood Work, who has created a new life for himself. We will also see LA Homicide Detective Harry Bosch. McCaleb and Bosch have been good friends for about 12 years.
This case is complicated and intriguing to McCaleb, and in many ways, it appears to implicate Bosch. Especially since the victim and Bosch had an antagonistic past relationship.
Could Bosch have been responsible for his death?
In the meantime, Bosch, is currently involved in a high-profile murder trial. He is a principal witness under attack. When he realizes that he is being suspected of murder by McCaleb, in the case he has been working, Bosch challenges him with the statement, “you missed something.” But what?
Does someone have something against Bosch? And why?
“Bosch didn’t smile. He didn’t blink. He didn’t do anything but hold the stare.”
In true fashion it typically comes down to the Bosch stare. Connelly provides an excellent police procedural and courtroom drama that keeps pages turning at a classic thrilling pace. Reminding readers not only of early Bosch but of earlier characters we have come to appreciate, too....more
This is the Teddy Fay series. The first book in the series. Because I messed up so badly, by reading this series out of order, I am back again with thThis is the Teddy Fay series. The first book in the series. Because I messed up so badly, by reading this series out of order, I am back again with this one. For anyone following me, I read the 6th book first – Obsession. And in that review, I mentioned I would go ahead and read the first book. So, here I am. Doing what I promised to do.
The question is, was the experience worth it?
Well, this book answered the back story on Teddy Fay. And for anyone interested in following any series, in which this person is the star of the series, this is always important to know who that person truly is. Always read the first book first.
And, in Woods/Parnell Hall typical fashion, the story moved at a quick, fast pace with short chapters and action-packed suspense.
But it didn’t take long for me to be stopped in my tracks when the reason that Teddy Fay was brought on scene was the same reason in the book, Obsession. A kidnapping. What? You couldn’t come up with something more creative?
Now granted this was the first book. And this was a different co-author than the one who wrote Obsession. So now having read both, who was at fault here? I would say that Mr. Battles the author for Book 6 wasn’t paying attention.
Now, in all fairness, if I hadn’t read this book out-of-order, would this have been an issue for me? Let’s pack this thought away for a moment and move on.
The difference I am feeling about this book is the political intrigue. And this is where this first novel shines and sparkles.
Published in 2016 when civility was once the central language of Washington DC and bipartisanship was a goal, the question for readers might be about the central theme of a kidnapping plot.
Why did it happen to an important government figure’s family member? Did the kidnappers believe it would spark government officials to be reminded that this was what was needed to make government work effectively, especially on behalf of veterans? And why this veteran’s aid bill specifically? And, who was behind this kidnapping? Will this be easy for readers to figure out?
So many questions. So many twists.
And even if readers are getting a glimpse of who might be doing this – is the why they are doing it, really all that obvious? Just know this…
Nothing is as it seems.
And that is what makes this page-turner so compelling.
Teddy Fay. Quite the smooth operator, indeed....more
On April 2 this debut novel can be available for all readers to read. I just happened to be one of the early ones to be provided a complimentary copy On April 2 this debut novel can be available for all readers to read. I just happened to be one of the early ones to be provided a complimentary copy by Avid Reader Press for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
“Here! We’ll help you.” And that seems to be what follows Aubry Tourvel throughout her endless travels.
There are so many who are willing to help her. Because her fate has been to keep moving since she was 9 years old in 1885 when a puzzle ball found its way to her.
The problem is, now she is sick with a “disease.” And, the only way to get ahead of the “disease” is to keep moving. And because she keeps moving, she belongs to no one. And supposedly the constant movement to various unknown places is what keeps her alive.
And as readers we are baffled by this, just as those who are within her “world” struggle and strive to help or “cure” her or worse, so that perhaps she can stop moving and stay for once.
And as Aubry tells her story to the many who are willing to sit captivated and listen, as readers we wait patiently (and sometimes impatiently) to understand what this story truly is.
Is the disease a curse or is there a simpler answer? Is it curable? Can she stop moving? And possibly live in one place? And, is there some special significance to the puzzle ball?
Wandering these pages, I can’t help but feel her loneliness. As well as her deep yearning for knowledge…especially as she finds herself attracted to libraries throughout the world.
But I also have to be honest. This was one of the most unusual reading experiences I have had in recent history. Still, I kept on reading, because I had a strong desire for understanding of what I was reading.
So, as I write this review, I come back to find myself asking, will we as readers ever find the answer to Aubry Tourvel?
Or will it always be about the puzzle…ball?
Or maybe the answer isn’t about reaching a destination…it is about the journey.
Thank you, Avid Reader Press for the opportunity to read this compelling debut novel!...more
“Because according to the way Whittles told the story, what he saw in that cave as a kid haunted him the rest of his life.”
This historical fiction sto“Because according to the way Whittles told the story, what he saw in that cave as a kid haunted him the rest of his life.”
This historical fiction story is told from two timelines, 1909 and 1990, based on true historical events.
Valerie is beginning her job as a Park Law Enforcement Ranger in Oklahoma. On her first day at the Ranger Station one of the tribal officers says to her…
“They tell you about the bones yet?”
“Bones?”
“Figures,” he grumbles, and then he’s gone.
We soon learn that bones are buried in the caves and there is a story here. But there is also someone trying to keep the Rangers out. Why? Does it have to do with the past? Or is there something going on now in the forest that needs protecting?
What is the story of the bones? What happened?
This is a complex story. Painful at times because it involved the rights and lives of children. And the corruption. Especially to the Natives, their land and their children. And…what the people of the past did and why.
Readers will want to unravel the mystery along with Valerie. To bring peace to the bones. To those who were left behind.
But there is also a mystery happening now – what is it and why?
So, Valerie working alongside Curtis, head of the Chocktaw Tribal Police, also have a job to protect and bring justice to the land from those who would want to take from it.
This story took me a while to get in to it. Especially with the dual timelines. I am not always a fan of dual timelines. Part of the reason is just as I am getting in to what is happening in one period, the author ends the chapter and takes us to a different timeline with the next chapter, breaking the momentum…for me.
Still, there was much to appreciate with this story.
When reading a heart-wrenching story of this nature, readers are reminded of a time not learned in our history books. But one that must now, not be forgotten.
I want to thank the publisher, Penguin Random House for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I have provided an honest review.
Please note: This is an Advanced Readers Edition. The book will be released on June 4, 2024!...more
As I was working in my Little Free Library Shed, my neighbor literally handed me this book as her latest donation. She said, “this is her first in theAs I was working in my Little Free Library Shed, my neighbor literally handed me this book as her latest donation. She said, “this is her first in the series, you’ll love it.”
Well, of course, I loved knowing it was the first in the series. I have already learned my lesson reading books out of order! So, I was happy to read this Emmy Award Winning Journalist��s first in the series book.
The author, Tamron Hall has experience being in the limelight as a journalist. She knows what it is like when there are stories that make the news. A white woman goes missing and it is all over the 24-hour news cycle. But what happens when Black girls go missing? This story brings a vulnerability and systemic neglect to the victims of that violent crime into the forefront. Also, how quick are people ready to accuse the Black boys as the perpetrators? How does the media react? And how does the public respond?
So, is this really just a case of a potential runaway when a 15-year-old Black girl who is the pride of her family vanishes in Chicago? Local TV Reporter, Jordan Manning, the star of this series, is upset that nobody seems to be all that concerned, other than the family.
This story is told through the eyes of a reporter, where her probing is done deeper than the police, who don’t seem to be taking this disappearance as seriously as Jordan feels it needs to be.
Unfortunately, Jordan’s musings sometimes slow the action, and Hall’s story and pacing can feel somewhat drawn out. But her intentions are good.
If you read any interviews with this author, you will find that the novel draws upon Hall’s own time as a reporter in Texas and Chicago about cases that have haunted her for years. Certainly these type of cases are going to have large ramifications involving many agencies – police – politicians – family – lawyers – spokespersons – community activists and justice advocates. And Hall includes them all within these pages.
If readers are interested in crime reporting investigations this story may be considered intriguing.
Full disclosure, the more and more I was reading this book, the more and more this story felt familiar. And then it occurred to me that this book was Full disclosure, the more and more I was reading this book, the more and more this story felt familiar. And then it occurred to me that this book was one of the stories that was used in “The Lincoln Lawyer” Netflix series. So, that is why I thought I had “read” it before.
But, the book and series, still have their differences, so I read on.
We find Mickey Haller (the Lincoln Lawyer) at a low point, where he truly is dispensing law (foreclosure cases) directly out of his armor-plated Lincoln. Then while finishing up with a new client, he gets a call about one of his first foreclosure clients, a pain in his ‘side,’ named Lisa Trammel, who has been arrested for murder of the banker who was trying to foreclose on her home.
Where Connelly shows off his skillful writing, is in his courtroom scenes. And that is where half the novel takes readers. And, my favorite reading adventures typically are police procedurals and/or courtroom drama, so I was truly enjoying this part of the book.
The courtroom suspense and drama and plot’s energy, was compelling. And Haller loves to game the system in the best way possible, which shows a moral dimension that is presented lightly, but can’t be ignored.
As always, be prepared for the twists. Even if Haller defends criminals, or those who are presumed innocent, and we as readers may not like the character(s), it does not always mean Mickey Haller doesn’t win in the end. (Which means, we as readers, will most likely be satisfied, too.)
Also…one thing about a Connelly story, you have to be ready to know that once you pick it up, it is hard to put down again. Even, if it seems familiar....more
What I appreciate about graphic novels is that you can sit down with it and read it cover to cover within a very short time. It is the digestion of thWhat I appreciate about graphic novels is that you can sit down with it and read it cover to cover within a very short time. It is the digestion of that short period of reading time that takes a moment. Especially a book like this one. (Its graphics are dark and angry. Easily understandable as one reads.)
This is a semi-autobiographical tale that is set in South Korea, 1983. This is the story of a teen girl’s political awakening under a repressive and brutal dictatorship. There is violence shown.
But mostly this is a message book.
A message about the fight for truth and one’s own voice. As well as, standing together openly for accessing information and literature and the discovery of truth.
This is a book targeted for the YA population, helping them understand what it takes to find their own beliefs and values, and what happens when people live under a brutal military dictatorship.
In many ways, this may make for an interesting book discussion selection considering today's political environment.
Love that dog. How can one resist such a title? Or even this book cover? Even some of the poem verses were delightful in honoring the dog.
How did I cLove that dog. How can one resist such a title? Or even this book cover? Even some of the poem verses were delightful in honoring the dog.
How did I come upon this one? My Goodreads friend, Stephen Wallace. He asked me to find him a dog book to read. So, I went searching on my local library database. And I found this one. I was so excited when the search brought this one forward. And then I couldn’t wait to tell Steve about it. The problem was, as soon as I was ready to tell him, I noticed he had already read and reviewed it. Oh well.
The book is actually about the power of poetry to a child. Where kids can express their thoughts and feelings in free verse form.
In this particular story, Jack gets to share the story of the importance of his late dog, Sky. Through his writing. There is much to appreciate about the emotional connection and intellectual attachment between the boy’s feelings and thoughts about how he sees his life and what his dog meant to him.
Especially facing how his dog died. Which may be an important trigger for parents to address with their kids. As well as, how one can process feelings of grief.
“…and especially I liked the dog In the dog poem Because that’s just how My yellow dog Used to lie down, With his tongue all limp And his chin Between his paws And how he’d sometimes Chomp at a fly And then sleep In his loose skin, Just like that poet, Miss Valerie Worth, Says, In her small Dog poem.”
Pass the Kleenex please.
Again…The beauty of a book like this in reading it with a child is to guide them in two ways.
One: To show them that writing – can be done in free form. Journal writing. As an example.
Or, two: Talking about their feelings. Because, if they have lost an important pet to them, just as Jack lost his Sky, this would be an opportunity to talk about their feelings about that loss....more
“There once was a girl who became invisible so that her words might not be.”
Who really wrote Shakespeare’s plays, if not him?
“History is written by “There once was a girl who became invisible so that her words might not be.”
Who really wrote Shakespeare’s plays, if not him?
“History is written by those in power.”
So, if history tells us that only men can write, what becomes of the true writers?
The story is told from 2 points of view. Melina, past-present - future time, 2013 – 2027, and Emilia, 1581 – 1645.
“Being a playwright was not a prestigious career, but regardless fame was not the point. It was the work that mattered. Male playwrights who wrote women – didn’t give them the nuance she could. She believed words written by a woman about women might allow audiences to see them more fully, to realize that they had thoughts and dreams and worth.”
How do these two women playwright characters connect – Modern – vs. past?
“I cannot imagine not recognizing you, because you are unforgettable.”
What do we learn about these two women that makes readers want to hope that their talents may be recognized, that they are worthy of being unforgettable?
“Envy is part of being human. You can be jealous of someone without taking that win away from them. It doesn’t have to be an or. It can be an end.”
Will the hardness of Emilia’s life ever give her what she wants? Will the desires of Melina’s life ever give her what she wants? Is it recognition, fulfilment, or a life worthy of talent acknowledged?
“What do you say when you know your words will be your last? I was here. I mattered.”
What will become of Melina’s play, “By any other name?” as she shares Emilia’s story where parts of the play are included after each chapter?
“The Heavens can shift and alter. The world itself can change.”
When women’s stories aren’t told, it suggests that women’s lives don’t matter. You know what does matter. Women lifting up other women.”
Maybe it will come down to one thing.
“There once was a girl, who was seen.”
This semi-historical fiction is so much different than what Picoult has typically written. Although she is always driven by a cause, and this is certainly a cause with an important theme – about unforgettable women. And, a controversy about Shakespeare, that may be more well-known or discussed than most consider.
Picoult does this story with heart, thoughtfulness, harsh realities and a spit and fire that makes readers want to turn pages (and there are a lot of them – 483, plus the author’s note to page 498). But she does it in a way that makes readers want to feel the fight and stand up for women of history and present time.
Be sure to read the extensive author’s note, her Shakespearean references, and Sources and Resources, at the end.
Whenever I write a post on my Facebook page, I always end my posts this way – Hand Over Heart ♥️Breathe.
I do this as an opHand Over Heart ♥️Breathe.
Whenever I write a post on my Facebook page, I always end my posts this way – Hand Over Heart ♥️Breathe.
I do this as an opportunity to breathe in the moment I am experiencing/reading. As I consider this book, I just want to take it in. Pause. Reflect. To take it in…Because this book experience was truly achingly beautiful. The story gives readers so much…Beauty. Heartache. Tragedy. Pain. Sweetness. Sadness. Gladness. Shock. Readers even feel…Enraged. Helpless. And eventually…Hopeful.
This is a story about what happens when a Black man (Chris) falls in love with a White woman (Sidonie) and they form a relationship and choose to live together. He is a sound engineer. She is the manager of the club where he works.
And then, one day as he heads to his job, he is stopped, and questioned by the police, arrested, and chaos ensues.
And then something else, comes up which creates a fracture in their relationship. Will they be able to overcome these stresses? Will she believe in him?
As readers we are immersed in the emotional depth that the author takes us. And when the characters are pushed to extremes, we can’t help but feel the strain.
The letter that Sidonie writes to Chris calls to all of us to embrace her feelings of concern…(partial shown)
“It’s not that I’m naïve or unaware. Events shock me. I’m outraged about people being treated differently, by the statistics and stories that prove that everything about life in this country can be, and too often is, biased and bigoted against people of color. I’m ashamed to say I wasn’t as aware that everyday people – honest, hard-working good people living their lives while existing in black skin – were just as vulnerable.”
As readers, we can’t help but root for this couple. And, in the author’s note, she shares some insights from her own personal experiences.
Also, through her writing, she has brought a sensitivity and awareness to some of the issues that are key for conversation regarding race and bias.
This is a book that needs to be read and discussed.
This is a beautifully and artfully illustrated book by the author of the short story, “The Arrival.” The same story that was made into a movie in 2016This is a beautifully and artfully illustrated book by the author of the short story, “The Arrival.” The same story that was made into a movie in 2016 and starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Forest Whitaker.
But this isn’t about that short story. Although the cover of the book, gives you the same “out-there” feelings. As if someone is walking around in a space age suit, when it really is just a deep sea diver walking on dry land in your neighborhood. Still, even that may be odd trying to look rather normal.
Keeping that picture of the deep sea diver in mind as an example of just one story, this is a collection of short stories set in the Australian suburbs, about how the most outlandish things can appear normal or commonplace.
But this is more than a collection of stories.
The author’s greatest asset is his artwork. His images remind us of Japanese woodcut prints or Renaissance frescoes or sepia photographs. Whatever the vision being presented, they are stunningly beautiful.
One story has children following a map to the end of the world. Literally. They sit with their feet hanging over the edge. Who does that in storytelling? What an extraordinary image. The author allows our own imagination to take us beyond the words and visual image as the reader. Is the world really flat? Or did we just read a charming collection of imaginative art? ...more
“We should ALL want the freedom to read what we want, and have access to reading materials from a variety of viewpoints. Protecting our libraries is e“We should ALL want the freedom to read what we want, and have access to reading materials from a variety of viewpoints. Protecting our libraries is exactly how we do that. The attack on librarians and libraries is shameful and something everyone should fear.”
This is a perfect week to discuss this book. This week is ‘Banned Books Week.’ The theme this year is “Freed Between the Lines.” It reminds us how much is at stake. It has been obvious for some time now that our freedoms to explore new ideas and different perspectives is under threat, and thus, book bans don’t just restrict access to stories – they undermine our rights.
“Banning books gives us silence when we need speech. It closes our ears when we need to listen. It makes us blind when we need sight.” – Stephen Chbosky, Author
In a recent article I read, MSNBC journalist Ali Velshi, who is well aware of the struggle his parents experienced growing up in apartheid South Africa, shared…
“If you haven’t lived around other people — you don’t know queer people, you don’t know immigrants, you don’t know refugees, you don’t know people of a different race — books give you a window into those kinds of things.”
And, with this memoir it reminds me just how much I love librarians. Let me just get that out of the way. I love their commitment to reading, and education. And, in this particular case, the author takes her devotion to books one step further…she is fighting against book banning in America. How can we not be her cheerleader?
And, sadly, this wasn’t really meant to be her cause.
Jones was born and raised in the small, rural town of Watson in southern Louisiana. Watson is a place known for family, faith and conservative tradition. Where everyone knows everybody. She had been employed for more than 2 decades as a middle school librarian at the same public school she attended. She even garnered recognition when she was named the National Librarian of the Year by the School Library Journal in 2021. Reading her story, it was clearly obvious that she adored her job, her students and her standing in the community.
But what happens when one’s comfortable life is upended by a far-right citizens group that targets individuals, books and institutions it considers too liberal, permissive and/or inclusive?
For Jones, it was her life. The vicious social media campaign against her was relentless and heart-breaking especially because it was by people she had known all her life. Unfortunately, these people believed they were right about what books should or shouldn’t be allowed in the school, and they didn’t care what lies or allegations they were spreading about Jones. Especially false ones.
In an interview with the New York Times, the author shared…
“Good librarians and good activists put kids’ interests first. Everything I do is so that current kids, and kids in the future, have a better world.”
Certainly, this attack had its effect on Jones, and she shares very openly about what occurred to her in this memoir. But instead of hiding, she chose to defend herself and the principles she believed in as an educator. Which makes this a very compelling story. Of a remarkable woman, and her defense of the freedom to read, to discover oneself and the world around them, and to think. It also led her to finally realize something very important to her…
“I will never again let anyone dull my sparkle.”
The author’s story reminds us that freedom of speech is central to democracy. Reading what we want should be our choice. Which also means…
Our voice matters. Our vote matters.
One last thing…
It is recommended that readers also read the author’s 2022 speech to the Livingston Parish Library Board of Control at the end of the book....more
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