A dearth as of late . . .

I have been without a book to read for too long, so I researched some top seller lists, best recommendations for summer, etc, and find myself with too many now! : )  Ah well, too many books is a good thing!  So here's the latest:

First book:

Some Things That Stay, by Sarah Willis

Easy, Juvi/Fic, about a girl whose family moves every spring for her father's work (he is a landscape painter and needs a "new view" to continue stimulating his creativity).  The story follows Tamara (think "tomorrow" with an "a" ending) who, at age 15, decides to never move again, no matter what.  It's a kind of coming of age novel, and I thought it was pretty accurate from her viewpoint.  It's pretty infantile, but was a fun easy read, and I'm not sure I'd ever read it again, . . . nor recommend it.  Just not that good.  I did cry, but it doesn't take much to get me to cry : ) and there is a scarily detailed scene of when Tamara first . . . gets involved with a boy . . . for lack of better description.  I guess this is one of those risks when you take other people's advice about books they loved!

**

Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks

With the movie that just came out, I find I really like to read the book first, then see the movie.  I don't think I've ever done it the other way, because it spoils my idea of what the characters look like, the setting, etc etc etc.  I loved the story line, and I loved the ending, and yes, I did cry . . . again . . . but isn't that almost a requirement with a Nic Sparks book?  I think so.  I loved John's character, and Savannah's too, although there were times when I felt Nic was getting a little too caught up in his own descriptions--get on with it already!  I appreciated the descriptions of army life, though--I really felt like I understood that a little better after reading this.  The description of John's father was awesome too, and his realization about their relationship after Savannah's "diagnosis" was eye-opening and I loved being in his shoes during that time.  I really liked their "tradition," although it was a little/lot sappy, I did enjoy this book!

This was a perfect "beach book" and I definitely would recommend it for a fun, easy read. : )

***

On to the next book in the pile!

The Pact, by Jodi Picoult

Having just finished a Picoult book (see my review below for My Sister's Keeper), I was pretty reluctant to start another one.  However, being spurred on by another book club, I decided to give it a go.  This one is still disturbing me, I won't lie.  I can't get the McDonald's bathroom scene out of my head, and it makes me really question the experience--if she was only nine, and had that relationship with her mother, let alone Chris, why didn't she tell anyone?  I can kind of understand it being scary enough that a scream gets trapped in your throat, but why not tell anyone?  Was it really because she thought she'd get in trouble for accepting a dare?  Or doing something stupid in the first place?  Did she really think she'd be the one in the wrong here?  I have a nine-year old daughter, and it scares me to death to think that she would EVER encounter something like this.  I'm pretty sure she'd come to me, since she tells me every other detail of her life with unequivocal descriptions.  But seriously?  Every single sexual abuse story I've heard has the victim withholding the information because of fear that she'll be the one in the wrong, that she's at fault for "bringing it on" or whatever.  I don't get it.  I'll admit, this book was a page-turner, and when I finally finished it (late at night, of course!) I was still bothered.  I like the epilogues and notes from the author at the end, especially when she has stories of readers who have decided against committing suicide because they read this book--hurray for her!  Hurray for them!  I think she broached this uber-sensitive topic with care, compelling characters as well as a gripping story line, so as far as that goes, well-done, Jodi.  But still . . . disturbing.  Makes me grateful to be as naive as I am. : )

I think I'm going to leave Picoult books for a while--I've had my fair share for a loooooonnnnnnggggg time!

***

Fablehaven Books 1 & 2

One of my new favorite things is to read books with my kids--not the picture ones before naps or bedtime, but the big series-chapter-type that we read at the same time, just not out loud or sitting next to each other.  That still sounds pretty vague . . . let me try to explain : )  Daniel and I got caught up in the whirlwind of the 39 Clues Series.  SO FUN!!!  While we were waiting for Book 7, we found Percy Jackson and The Olympians.  LOVE IT!  So now that we're done with Percy (Daniel actually read the entire series three times in less than four months--it is THAT GOOD!), Daniel talked me into starting Fablehaven.  I am NOT a fantasy fan, but he is, so for his sake I decided to give it a go.  I was pleasantly surprised at how much I like the characters, even though the plot seems extremely predictable and I get frustrated at the juvenile-ity of it sometimes.  (it is, after all, Juvenile Fiction!)  I have really enjoyed soaring through them, nice easy reads with interesting and creative monsters, fairies, creatures of all sorts, etc.  (Especially after the deep dark unanswered-question-posing that was The Pact!)  All I can say is thank goodness the entire series is out at once!

On to Book 3!

****

The Wednesday Letters

This was such a fun, easy read.  A lovely fluff book, but with good messages and a fun epilogue at the end.  I really liked the characters, I loved the concept of weekly letter-writing, and it left me wanting to do something similar.  Maybe just in my journal, but the idea of doing it is the important part.  I have found many times in my life that strong emotions, particularly angry frustrating ones, are best expressed on paper. Then, once it's out of your system, if it continues to be a problem, it can be expressed verbally and in a much better manner than the original outpouring of emotion that probably wasn't organized or thought out or logical at all.  Chances are, however, that once it's out on paper, it's easy to let go of, and both parties involved are better off for never having had the emotional outburst in the first place!

Overall, I'd recommend this book because it made me want to be better for having read it!

****

My Sister's Keeper--PLEASE comment if you've read this one!

I've been avoiding this book for over a year now, but when it landed in my lap as part of a book club I'm in, I decided to give it a shot.  (the second book club I'm in to read it.  Maybe that's why I gave in and read the stupid thing!)  I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed reading it, given my serious doubts and what I had heard about it.  I did have some serious problems, though, which is why I'm begging for comments if you've read it!  I'd love to hear what you think!

I liked how Jodi Picoult had each character speak from their own point of view (3rd person omniscient is always my favorite--I like knowing what everyone is thinking).  I liked that Sara's story started earlier than the others.  I liked the depth of Brian's views on his job, the peace he finds in the stars.  I will admit to not getting all of his metaphors, but oh well.  I appreciate his "rescuing" Anna--when he says that in a fire, "the safety of the rescuer is a higher priority than the safety of the victim.  Always."  I was glad someone stood up for her, finally.  I think it allowed Anna to feel important enough for someone to take action, and it allowed Brian to quietly but effectively show Sara that the situation was not to be swept under the rug.  I like that it made me think--is there a justification for "designer babies?"  What would I sacrifice to save one of my children?  Hard, tough questions with a tough life scenario.

Sara was my biggest beef.  I really had a hard time with her!  There's now way I can understand or even pretend to, what she was going through trying to save Kate.  However, she talks about being a mom almost every page of her chapters.  She says how she would never trade that occupation for her previous one, how this is so much more fulfilling and difficult and gives her the depth and happiness she could never find elsewhere.  SO, why does she stop mothering Jesse and Anna?  Why do their needs fall completely off the spectrum?  Yes, I get that her entire consciousness was focused on saving Kate, but when Jesse talks about the failed promises of his parents--really, would it be that hard to take him rollerblading?  Even for an hour?  I just don't get it.  If mothering is that important to you, why would you dismiss your other children like that?  Anna's hockey camp, ANYTHING Jesse was interested in, anything either of them wanted, for that matter!  Is it really that impossible to take a break from Kate, let her be stable for a little bit (you can't say she wasn't ever stable for a little bit)--long enough to show her other children that they were still as important to her.  No wonder Jesse started acting out, and doing everything he could to get attention.  No wonder Anna had serious questions about whether her parents really wanted her for her or for Kate.  If I was in that situation, knowing that my daughter is dying, I get that I would want to be with her every waking moment.  What if it was her last?  She has already beat the expiration date given her by many years, so every second would be priceless.  However, what's the price you pay with the other children?  Do you risk not being at her bedside if she needs you by being with one of them?  By making them feel as loved as they know you love her?  That's tricky, I get it, but I think it's a juggling act you HAVE to make.  You HAVE to try!  You're the MOM!

All I wanted to do the entire book was to just take Jesse in my arms and tell him he was still loved.  I cried when Brian finally did that.  Interesting that Picoult prefaced him doing that by saying that he didn't do any of the things Jesse would have expected, but instead did the one thing he knew would break Jesse apart.  He hugged him.  When was the last time that happened?  Over and over both Brian and Sara say that it seemed like they blinked and their children were grown.  They blinked and all of a sudden Kate's dying and their lives are changed.  How could they not know Anna played hockey?  How could they not see that Jesse needed them?  ARG.  It really made me very frustrated.  Even trying to give them the benefit of the doubt didn't work for me.  I don't know what I would do in that situation.  I try hard in my life (and granted, it is a child-with-cancer free lifestyle) to make sure that I hug and smile at and talk to each of my children every day.  I try to snuggle with them and let them know how special they are to me.  Some days this is even hard for me to do, but it doesn't mean I stop trying!  I feel like Sara just shut down.  She and Brian also both comment on how much they have changed individually, like Kate's illness put them both in survival mode.

Maybe that's it.  Maybe they simply just couldn't handle anything else.  Maybe that's where you ask for help and hope your other children get love from their aunt, or neighbor, or whoever else is helping you survive the daily rigors of everything-not-associated-with-your-sick-child.  I don't know, and I definitely don't presume to have all the answers.  I did cry at the ending.  A lot.  An embarrassingly large amount, in fact.  I do think it wrapped up a little too nicely though.  I'm glad Julia finally beat through Campbell's crap, even though that seemed too convenient.  And I have hesitations about seeing the movie, even though that ending is supposedly different.  I think Picoult ended the book in a way to make all of us feel better, weirdly, but better.  Poetic justice?  There is one line that bugged me, said by Kate, about how one of the sisters had to die and one of them made the choice to go first.  To save the other.  Annoying.  Of course she did.  She'd spent her entire life making that choice.  Also, while we're talking about things that annoy:  Where in the world is there a BMW without a front passenger air bag?  Seriously?  That was crapola.

***

Remembering Isaac by Ben Behunin

I read this one a little while ago, finishing it in a few days.  It was a refreshing read, following Jake's journey of self-discovery and learning.  It really made me want to learn how to throw pottery . . . maybe I'll take that night course someday!  We are actually having the author come to our book club to discuss his work, and he's bringing his pottery too!  Let me know if you're interested and I'll send you the info.

I just finished book two of this series, Discovering Isaac, and found it to be quite enjoyable as well.  While it took me a little longer to finish, I did find myself longing to return to Jake and Amy and their adventures in Niederbipp.  Their world is one I'd love to visit--too bad it's fictional!  I really enjoyed and appreciated the quotes, the scriptural references, and the truths Jake and Amy are discovering about themselves and each other.  I love their relationship--it's so grounded, so real.  I really want them to just tie the knot and start having kids so I can follow that story too, but I guess they have the tourism committee to run first . . . hahaha

****

--POSTSCRIPT:  I actually got up the gumption to visit Ben at his studio.  It was so fun to see his workshop, the pieces drying on the shelf, the finished ones for sale, . . . he was actually working on book 3 when I came to his door! : )  He came to our book club, and talk about the "story behind the story"--how he came to write the book, his relationship with the characters, his "discovering" of truths in writing . . . it was so powerful, and brought out many truths and insights that I hadn't noticed on my initial read.  We spent about two hours talking to him--it was fantastic!!!  Afterwards, I feel like I have an "insider's view" into the book, and am that much more anxious to read #3!  I volunteered to be an editor for him, or just a sounding board as book 3 is starting to take shape.  He laughed but I don't think he knows how serious I am . . . ; )  I am now also in the running for the title: "Largest Collection of Ben Behunin Pottery," currently held by world-title winner, Ben Behunin.

; )

The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Laura Schlessinger

This was a VERY interesting book to read.  It saved more than one marriage in our book club!  I really appreciated Dr. Laura's advice on men, and the realistic approach to being a wife and what it entails to "take care" of your man.  I think it is good for women to recognize and remember what priorities men have that we don't, and be able to give credit to those priorities even when we might think they're crap.  It's like my favorite marriage counselor, Taylor Hartman (who wrote The Color Code) taught me.  Honor him and his feelings/priorities/desires, and he will jump over fences to honor yours.  I love that she went beyond "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" adage to some more real and finer points, and had many real-life examples.  This is a definite must-read for any wife (newly-wed or not!) along with The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.  I wish Dr. Laura or Mr. Chapman would write one on kiddos . . . : )

*****

The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin

This was as creepy a book as I'll ever read--I'm REALLY not good at the horror or scary stuff, so I balked originally at the choosing of this book.  However, every October we read something stupid scary, so this was the choice our first year (2004).  It has a very intriguing plot line, and I enjoyed it even though it was totally creepy.  I have actually seen the movie for this one, and it confirmed my opinion about movies-made-from-books--disappointing!  I liked the book better, and the characters in my head better.  So creepiness aside, this was a good read.

***

The Girl With The Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

This was another book that appealed to my humanities major.  I loved comparing the characters to the paintings, and the setting was so foreign and yet very familiar from my studies.  I fell in love with the characters, and thought Chevalier did a fabulous job of bringing them to life in a very realistic and credible manner.  I haven't seen the movie yet--they usually spoil the book for me, but I've heard good reviews about it, so maybe someday . . . : )

*****

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

ALL. TIME. FAVORITE. BOOK.    EVER!  I read this book my sophomore year in high school and LOVED it.  We read it again in our book club and I loved it even more!  I made THE COOLEST poster ever to keep track of the characters and how they were related to and interacted with each other--wish I could post a picture of it, it was THAT cool!  I love the story, the revenge, the carefully thought out and perfectly enacted characters, the flaws, the strategy, of course the romance--it is simply my all-time favorite!

********************************** : )

The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown (and Angels & Demons)

Being a humanities major, the first time I read this I pulled out my art history books so I could refer to the same paintings at the same time.  I had studied all of them, and found most of what Brown pointed out, but not to the same extent obviously and not with clues in hand.  Despite the overbearing romance I really enjoyed the plot line, the racing suspense, and of course, the art!  After I finished this book, my first thought was, I am so grateful to know the truth!  Probably not Brown's intentions, but this one non-religious fiction strengthened my testimony! : )  I read Angels and Demons some time later, and while it was much more grotesque and not for the faint-of-heart, I managed to suspend my beliefs about crazy lunatics and square yards of fabrics and enjoyed the art again.  Another moment of gratitude for the truth that I have, enjoy, and know to be the whole truth, and a moment of wondering how many questions readers of this book (and the first) would have after finishing them.  Go missionaries! : )

***** for DaVinci Code
*** for Angels and Demons

Gettysburg, a Novel of the Civil War by Newt Gringrich & William R. Forstchen

Being a historical fiction fan, this one appealed to me.  It was a "what-if" scenario at the Battle of Gettysburg, with the South winning instead of the North.  In preparation for this discussion, I did a TON of research on what actually DID happen at Gettysburg, so when I read the novel I'd know what the turning points were.  (This was back in 2004, so please forgive me for not enumerating them here!)  I found it intriguing and so so grateful that the North did win, despite the immense number of casualties.  I went to Gettysburg when I was 12 with my family, and driving around with my dad was incredibly bored.  After reading this, I would LOVE to go back and bore my own children to death. : )

*****

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

This was the first book we read as a bookclub, and we loved it!  It was an easy read, but gave us some serious discussions about other views of the afterlife.  I really liked the idea of being able to "walk" back through your life with the ones waiting for you, and having everything described and explained.  Heaven knows (haha--no pun intended there!) that there are many times and experiences in my life when I looked up and said "why?" or "what the heck was that?" or something similar.  I didn't make it completely through Albom's first book, Tuesday's With Morrie, but maybe after this I will.

*****