"Miracles had a way of happening when people need them most. Kings were born in mangers; angels serenaded shepherds. Not everyone saw miracles when they happened, but that didn't make them any less real." -Kiley's thoughts, from the novel
This was the second of three short Christmas novels I picked up at the library about a week ago. I thought it was going to be a fluffy romance but it surprised me with a bit more substance.
The story begins with Kiley Gray, a young woman suffering from a broken engagement, browsing an antique store. She spots a beautiful snow globe and the shop owner tells her its story, how it can influence the future. Kiley is compelled to buy the globe and, sure enough, it soon changes her outlook. I thought that might be the whole plot but then Kiley passes the globe on to her friend, Suzanne, who eventually presents it to mutual friend, Allison. The snow globe seems to bring to each what she needs most. Pretty far-fetched, right? Right, but a little holiday magic can't hurt!
I will rate this one a 3---a gift of light and pleasant reading for Christmas.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Christmas in Harmony by Philip Gullay
"In this unsettled world, it is good to have this steadiness---the Christmas Eve service, the peal of the bell, the star atop the Peacocks' silo, the saints burdened with concern. There is holiness to memory, a sense of God's presence in these mangers of the mind. Which might explain why it is that the occasions that change the least are often the very occasions that change us the most."
-Pastor Gardner, from the novel
I found this novel along with two other holiday-themed ones on a special display at the public library. Having just finished Hidden Figures which was a little tedious with all its technical details I needed some light reading. This one was perfect---not only light but delightful! I will give it a 5 for enjoyment. At only 84 pages, I finished in only a couple of hours though not at one sitting; it read more like a short story.
Sam Gardner is the pastor of the Harmony Friends Meeting House in Harmony, Indiana. Elder Dale Hinshaw is his "cross to bear," an outspoken church member who comes up with some wacky ideas including the progressive nativity featured in this Christmas story. It made me laugh out loud several times, always the sign of good entertainment.
I was struck by Sam's mention of "It's a Wonderful Life" as a favorite of his wife. My husband and I just viewed the movie for the first time several days ago. We had also seen it done as a live radio play on stage recently. It certainly is a memorable story!
My impression of Quakerism was shaken up by this reading. I must know very little about the religion because in the book Christmas Eve service didn't sound so different from our Presbyterian church. Turns out the author is a Quaker minister so I figure the novel offers an accurate picture.
-Pastor Gardner, from the novel
I found this novel along with two other holiday-themed ones on a special display at the public library. Having just finished Hidden Figures which was a little tedious with all its technical details I needed some light reading. This one was perfect---not only light but delightful! I will give it a 5 for enjoyment. At only 84 pages, I finished in only a couple of hours though not at one sitting; it read more like a short story.
Sam Gardner is the pastor of the Harmony Friends Meeting House in Harmony, Indiana. Elder Dale Hinshaw is his "cross to bear," an outspoken church member who comes up with some wacky ideas including the progressive nativity featured in this Christmas story. It made me laugh out loud several times, always the sign of good entertainment.
I was struck by Sam's mention of "It's a Wonderful Life" as a favorite of his wife. My husband and I just viewed the movie for the first time several days ago. We had also seen it done as a live radio play on stage recently. It certainly is a memorable story!
My impression of Quakerism was shaken up by this reading. I must know very little about the religion because in the book Christmas Eve service didn't sound so different from our Presbyterian church. Turns out the author is a Quaker minister so I figure the novel offers an accurate picture.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
"Even as a professional in an integrated world, I had been the only black woman in enough drawing rooms and boardrooms to have an inkling of the chutzpah it took for an African American woman in a segregated southern workplace to tell her bosses she was sure her calculations would put a man on the Moon. These women's paths set the stage for mine; immersing myself in their stories helped me understand my own."
-the author from the Prologue
At first I thought I wouldn't like this book, in fact had it not been a book club selection I might have given up on it. However I did finish and found much to like although I could not call it a page turner. I would rate it a 2 for enjoyment: I'm not that fond of nonfiction to start with plus this book includes much technical jargon and description that is over my head---reminded me of The Martian in that way. My rating for the sheer talent of the writer is a 4. I was awed by the amount of research, time and energy that the writing must have taken! So my average is 3.
I think the subtitle of the book, "The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race," is a down and dirty summary of the book's theme. It encompasses the stories of mainly four women: Dorothy Vaughn, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Christine Darden though a number of other women are secondary characters. The setting is Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, Hampton ,VA, beginning near the end of WWII and continuing through the Cold War, the civil rights movement and into the Space Race.
-the author from the Prologue
At first I thought I wouldn't like this book, in fact had it not been a book club selection I might have given up on it. However I did finish and found much to like although I could not call it a page turner. I would rate it a 2 for enjoyment: I'm not that fond of nonfiction to start with plus this book includes much technical jargon and description that is over my head---reminded me of The Martian in that way. My rating for the sheer talent of the writer is a 4. I was awed by the amount of research, time and energy that the writing must have taken! So my average is 3.
I think the subtitle of the book, "The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race," is a down and dirty summary of the book's theme. It encompasses the stories of mainly four women: Dorothy Vaughn, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Christine Darden though a number of other women are secondary characters. The setting is Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, Hampton ,VA, beginning near the end of WWII and continuing through the Cold War, the civil rights movement and into the Space Race.
I found it interesting when the Marshall Space Flight Center was mentioned; it is in Huntsville, AL which I consider my hometown. Both my father and my father-in-law were involved in the space industry there. We grew up hearing about Werner Von Braun whose name appears a few times. Also Huntsville has long been called Rocket City while the author gives Hampton, VA, the nickname of Spacetown USA.
I learned a lot about the civil rights movement from a different perspective. First, the idea of a "double victory" originated from James Thompson in a letter to the Pittsburgh Courier: "Let colored Americans adopt the double VV for a double victory; the first V for victory over our enemies from without, the second V for victory over our enemies within. For surely those who perpetrate these ugly prejudices here are seeking to destroy our democratic form of government just as surely as the Axis forces." The author mentions Double V frequently. Another notable quote is "the Negro theorem: the need to be twice as good to get half as far." Also it is suggested that for a woman featured in the book to succeed she'd have to "think like a man, work like a dog and act like a lady." I wonder if some professional women today think it is still the same! I grew up in the south---Tennessee, Texas and Alabama---and lived through a lot of the civil rights movement but never realized what a hard line Virginia took against integration.
All in all, I am glad I read Hidden Figures. At the very least it was informative and inspiring. These women must have been very brilliant, determined and resilient---unsung heroes until Shetterly's book and the motion picture made the scene! I REALLY want to see the movie now!
More after the Page Turners meeting...
Our group had a wonderful meeting, a special one commemorating our 10th anniversary! We met in a member's lovely home, discussed the book, Hidden Figures, had a pot luck luncheon and then had the opportunity to watch the video based on the book. We had an interesting discussion, with some of our women members who retired from technological fields relating personal experiences they had facing and/or overcoming gender bias. The group's average rating was 3.4 with most agreeing it was not an easy read but giving much credit to the author for her amazing research and efforts to bring the work of these heroic women to light. I believe we were all highly impressed with the accomplishments of these "Hidden Figures." The majority of participants had seen the movie before reading the book and thought it made the reading easier.
The movie was delightful---much more enjoyable than the book. It greatly abbreviated the story----perhaps a third of the book was depicted. Certain episodes were played up and many left out altogether. For examples, the journey made to find a "colored" restroom was repeated but most of the book up to Yuri Gregarin's space flight was omitted. The film included a good bit of humor and even some romance---made us laugh, perhaps cry a little, and much of the obvious stereotyping and prejudice made us sigh or seethe. Only three of the four women were featured in the film and were portrayed very well by the actresses who made Dorothy, Katherine and Mary come alive. Kevin Costner's character was very interesting, changing for the better during the course of the film.
I would strongly recommend seeing the movie. After that, MAYBE you would want to read the book. Our group agreed that the movie would surely reach a much greater audience, uncovering some history of which many are unaware, particularly younger folks. But it is important to note: Without Shetterly's book there would have been no movie and likely the amazing contributions of these women would still be obscured.
Our group had a wonderful meeting, a special one commemorating our 10th anniversary! We met in a member's lovely home, discussed the book, Hidden Figures, had a pot luck luncheon and then had the opportunity to watch the video based on the book. We had an interesting discussion, with some of our women members who retired from technological fields relating personal experiences they had facing and/or overcoming gender bias. The group's average rating was 3.4 with most agreeing it was not an easy read but giving much credit to the author for her amazing research and efforts to bring the work of these heroic women to light. I believe we were all highly impressed with the accomplishments of these "Hidden Figures." The majority of participants had seen the movie before reading the book and thought it made the reading easier.
The movie was delightful---much more enjoyable than the book. It greatly abbreviated the story----perhaps a third of the book was depicted. Certain episodes were played up and many left out altogether. For examples, the journey made to find a "colored" restroom was repeated but most of the book up to Yuri Gregarin's space flight was omitted. The film included a good bit of humor and even some romance---made us laugh, perhaps cry a little, and much of the obvious stereotyping and prejudice made us sigh or seethe. Only three of the four women were featured in the film and were portrayed very well by the actresses who made Dorothy, Katherine and Mary come alive. Kevin Costner's character was very interesting, changing for the better during the course of the film.
I would strongly recommend seeing the movie. After that, MAYBE you would want to read the book. Our group agreed that the movie would surely reach a much greater audience, uncovering some history of which many are unaware, particularly younger folks. But it is important to note: Without Shetterly's book there would have been no movie and likely the amazing contributions of these women would still be obscured.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
The Honest Spy by Andreas Kollen
"...he recalled for the first time in years the words his father had told him to take with him on his life's journey: Do what is right and have no fear."
-Fritz Kolbe, from the novel
Over the years I have read numerous historical fictions set during World War II. I have learned from all and have been entertained, intrigued and/or horrified at times by some. The Honest Spy, a story of an anti-Nazi German diplomat, was no different. It was based on the biography of an actual hero, A Spy at the Heart of the Third Reich, The Extraordinary Story of Fritz Kolbe, America's Most Important Spy in World War II by Lucas Delattre, 2005.
The plot advances as Fritz Kolbe, a few years after the war, relates his story to journalists Martin Wegner and Veronika Hugel, who are interviewing him. Their queries are interspersed with Kolbe's longer narratives. I am rating the book a "3" because these transitions were not always smooth or even very clear.
In 1939, widower Fritz Kolbe is working in the German foreign ministry in Cape Town, South Africa, when he is ordered back to Berlin. Already fearing what is happening in Germany, he sadly leaves his 14-year-old daughter behind for her own safety. His hatred of Hitler and Nazism leads him into a dangerous double life, a trusted underling of Joachim von Ribbentrop in the Berlin Foreign Office who smuggles secret documents to Allen Dulles of the American Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) in Bern, Switzerland. When Fritz becomes romantically involved with Marlene Wiese, a surgeon's assistant at Charite' Hospital, the risk increases as he tries to both share his work with her and keep her safe. At one point, Fritz says, "There is a price to pay for doing what's right." (Note the beginning quote.) You will have to read the book to know "the price" he paid.
You might guess the story is intense and suspenseful but graphic description of violence is kept to a minimum. There is even a bit of humor here and there, for example Fritz remembers his father told him "as soon as someone abuses his position, even for a second, imagine him in pink underwear...whether a king, a general or anyone else: pink underwear." (I am borrowing this as my new look for President Trump!)
-Fritz Kolbe, from the novel
Over the years I have read numerous historical fictions set during World War II. I have learned from all and have been entertained, intrigued and/or horrified at times by some. The Honest Spy, a story of an anti-Nazi German diplomat, was no different. It was based on the biography of an actual hero, A Spy at the Heart of the Third Reich, The Extraordinary Story of Fritz Kolbe, America's Most Important Spy in World War II by Lucas Delattre, 2005.
The plot advances as Fritz Kolbe, a few years after the war, relates his story to journalists Martin Wegner and Veronika Hugel, who are interviewing him. Their queries are interspersed with Kolbe's longer narratives. I am rating the book a "3" because these transitions were not always smooth or even very clear.
In 1939, widower Fritz Kolbe is working in the German foreign ministry in Cape Town, South Africa, when he is ordered back to Berlin. Already fearing what is happening in Germany, he sadly leaves his 14-year-old daughter behind for her own safety. His hatred of Hitler and Nazism leads him into a dangerous double life, a trusted underling of Joachim von Ribbentrop in the Berlin Foreign Office who smuggles secret documents to Allen Dulles of the American Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) in Bern, Switzerland. When Fritz becomes romantically involved with Marlene Wiese, a surgeon's assistant at Charite' Hospital, the risk increases as he tries to both share his work with her and keep her safe. At one point, Fritz says, "There is a price to pay for doing what's right." (Note the beginning quote.) You will have to read the book to know "the price" he paid.
You might guess the story is intense and suspenseful but graphic description of violence is kept to a minimum. There is even a bit of humor here and there, for example Fritz remembers his father told him "as soon as someone abuses his position, even for a second, imagine him in pink underwear...whether a king, a general or anyone else: pink underwear." (I am borrowing this as my new look for President Trump!)
Saturday, December 2, 2017
The Gods of Newport by John Jakes
"He believed the First Commandment. Thank heaven he never saw this place---how many false gods are worshipped. Money, never earned the way you earned yours, by hard work, and risk. Fashion is a god. Another is reputation, which means exactly nothing in the grave."
-Jenny Driver, speaking to her father of Grandfather Penny, from the novel
I have read no fewer than 14 novels by John Jakes. He is a master of historical fiction, my favorite genre, as you probably know. This is, by far, my least favorite. I actually thought of giving it up several chapters in. I will give it a 2.5 since I did become more involved as a romantic triangle and a plan of revenge developed.
The setting of The Gods of Newport, as one might expect, is Newport, R.I., in the 1890's, known as the Gilded Age. Main character Samuel Stephen Driver, millionaire railroad baron, is from "new money," looked down on by such elites as the Rockefellers, Astors, Vanderbilts and Goulds. Sam's attempts to make the "A-list" and have his daughter enjoy all its benefits is the basis of the plot. William "Bill" Brady tries to foil his efforts at every turn. And predictably daughter Jenny falls for a poor Irish immigrant, much to Sam's consternation!
Part of my problem with the book was the lack of likeable characters. Sam is prejudiced, ruthless and a shameless manipulator. Even Jenny seems to accept the "social climbing" attempts of her father. It was when Jenny started to stand up for herself that I became more interested in the story.
This novel reminded me a bit of The Great Gatsby with all of its glitz, glamor, superficiality and questionable morals. Another strike against it, since I didn't care much for Fitzgerald's classic
either. We visited The Breakers a few years ago, a Vanderbilt "cottage." I learned that cottage comes from a European term for a home lived in for only part of the year. In the Afterword, author John Jakes says that his former publisher and friend had said of this novel that she saw many parallels in America today, starting with grasping CEOs and a rush to build "McMansions" by pretentious people with more cash than taste or brains. (I love that last part!) Jakes says he prefers to call these ostentatious homes "Museums of Me."
-Jenny Driver, speaking to her father of Grandfather Penny, from the novel
I have read no fewer than 14 novels by John Jakes. He is a master of historical fiction, my favorite genre, as you probably know. This is, by far, my least favorite. I actually thought of giving it up several chapters in. I will give it a 2.5 since I did become more involved as a romantic triangle and a plan of revenge developed.
The setting of The Gods of Newport, as one might expect, is Newport, R.I., in the 1890's, known as the Gilded Age. Main character Samuel Stephen Driver, millionaire railroad baron, is from "new money," looked down on by such elites as the Rockefellers, Astors, Vanderbilts and Goulds. Sam's attempts to make the "A-list" and have his daughter enjoy all its benefits is the basis of the plot. William "Bill" Brady tries to foil his efforts at every turn. And predictably daughter Jenny falls for a poor Irish immigrant, much to Sam's consternation!
Part of my problem with the book was the lack of likeable characters. Sam is prejudiced, ruthless and a shameless manipulator. Even Jenny seems to accept the "social climbing" attempts of her father. It was when Jenny started to stand up for herself that I became more interested in the story.
This novel reminded me a bit of The Great Gatsby with all of its glitz, glamor, superficiality and questionable morals. Another strike against it, since I didn't care much for Fitzgerald's classic
either. We visited The Breakers a few years ago, a Vanderbilt "cottage." I learned that cottage comes from a European term for a home lived in for only part of the year. In the Afterword, author John Jakes says that his former publisher and friend had said of this novel that she saw many parallels in America today, starting with grasping CEOs and a rush to build "McMansions" by pretentious people with more cash than taste or brains. (I love that last part!) Jakes says he prefers to call these ostentatious homes "Museums of Me."
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Page Turners' Books 2017
2017 Books by Rating
1 The Nightingale 4.7
2 A Man Called Ove 4.5
3 Me Before You 4.4
4 The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion 4.3
5 Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café 4.1
5 The Boys in the Boat 4.1
6 The Book of Joy 4.0
7 Camino Island 3.9
8 A Reluctant Queen 3.7
9 A Piece of the World 3.5
Because of the Sun Unrated
A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline
"'Some memories are realities and are better than anything that can ever happen to one again.' Maybe so, I think. Maybe my memories of sweeter times are vivid enough, and present enough, to overcome the disappointments that followed. And to sustain me through the rest."
-first line: Willa Cather from My Antonia, second part: Christina Olson, from this novel
I probably read this book at the wrong time. I had just finished galloping through a suspense thriller by Tami Hoag when I started A Piece of the World so it seemed quite dull by comparison. Too many words, too little action!
This blend of history and fiction is about Christina Olson who lives with her brother Al on the coast of Maine. She has a debilitating disease and that affliction and her circumstances hold her captive there in a very real way. Her world brightens when artist Andrew Wyeth comes to call and is inspired by the setting and by Christina herself. She becomes his muse. The story moves back and forth between the early 1900s and the 1940s fleshing out Christina's life before Wyeth, a sad story to be sure.
Wyeth's famous painting called Christina's World is inspired by Christina Olson. The art work is thought-provoking although I can't say I would buy a print to hang in my house. I certainly will never see it the same way after reading this book.
-first line: Willa Cather from My Antonia, second part: Christina Olson, from this novel
I probably read this book at the wrong time. I had just finished galloping through a suspense thriller by Tami Hoag when I started A Piece of the World so it seemed quite dull by comparison. Too many words, too little action!
This blend of history and fiction is about Christina Olson who lives with her brother Al on the coast of Maine. She has a debilitating disease and that affliction and her circumstances hold her captive there in a very real way. Her world brightens when artist Andrew Wyeth comes to call and is inspired by the setting and by Christina herself. She becomes his muse. The story moves back and forth between the early 1900s and the 1940s fleshing out Christina's life before Wyeth, a sad story to be sure.
Wyeth's famous painting called Christina's World is inspired by Christina Olson. The art work is thought-provoking although I can't say I would buy a print to hang in my house. I certainly will never see it the same way after reading this book.
I felt Christina was more pitiable than likeable. The family relationships were interesting and likely an effect of the time and place. Being a part of the Olson family came with both burdens and blessings.
I was most impressed with the author's note where she shared her inspiration for the book and her extensive research and preparation. Because of that and the beauty of expression, I rate the book a 3. I didn't find it exciting or uplifting, surely not a page-turner but it was enlightening. I would guess that fans of Andrew Wyeth's work might really love the book.
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Our Page Turners group rated A Piece of the World a 3.5. There were only 2 votes of "5," so many agreed with me that the book was worthwhile reading by a skilled author but didn't draw us in as we would like. I had checked out a very large book called Christina's World which I passed around. It included text, photographs, drawings and prints of Wyeth's paintings from this period, a helpful and interesting companion for this novel.
Monday, November 6, 2017
The 9th Girl by Tami Hoag
"I lose my balance on these eggshells
You tell me to tread, I'd rather be a wild one instead
Don't wanna hang around the in-crowd
The cool kids aren't cool to me
They're not cooler than we are
You tell me to tread, I'd rather be a wild one instead
Don't wanna hang around the in-crowd
The cool kids aren't cool to me
They're not cooler than we are
So hey, we brought our drum and this is how we dance
No mistakin', we make our breaks, if you don't like our 808s
Then leave us alone, cause we don't need your policies
We have no apologies for being
Then leave us alone, cause we don't need your policies
We have no apologies for being
Find me where the wild things are (oh my, we'll be alright, don't mind us)
Find me where the wild things are (oh my, we'll be just fine, don't mind us, yeah)"
Find me where the wild things are (oh my, we'll be just fine, don't mind us, yeah)"
-excerpt from "Wild Things," songwriters Tillman, Wuihun Ho, Caracciolo; sung by Alessia Cara
This was another page-turner by Tami Hoag, called "one of the hottest names in the suspense game" by People magazine. After several literary works, it's fund to read a good old murder mystery. My rating? A five for likeable characters, an intriguing, fast-paced plot and easy readability.
The story has detective partners Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska investigating the death of "Zombie Doe," a New Years Eve murder victim thought to be the 9th girl in a series of killings. The perp has earned the nickname Doc Holiday because the bodies have all been found on holidays.
When the story led to a group of troubled teens, including Liska's son, I wasn't sure if I'd really like the book. After learning their stories I couldn't help but sympathize with the kids. Is that the former 5th grade teacher in me? Absolutely.
It was surprising when the villain introduced himself in chapter 12 and announced his plans! I didn't expect to know the murderer so soon in the story but there's a reason for that....
About the quote above: The song "Wild Things" was used in a Jazzercise routine and when I listened to the lyrics, I couldn't help thinking of character Penny Gray and her poetry. I was also reminded of Jodi Picoult's novel Nineteen Minutes with its teen characters.
I was surprised by the ending with its unexpected twist. If you like crime novels, I think you'll enjoy The 9th Girl.
This was another page-turner by Tami Hoag, called "one of the hottest names in the suspense game" by People magazine. After several literary works, it's fund to read a good old murder mystery. My rating? A five for likeable characters, an intriguing, fast-paced plot and easy readability.
The story has detective partners Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska investigating the death of "Zombie Doe," a New Years Eve murder victim thought to be the 9th girl in a series of killings. The perp has earned the nickname Doc Holiday because the bodies have all been found on holidays.
When the story led to a group of troubled teens, including Liska's son, I wasn't sure if I'd really like the book. After learning their stories I couldn't help but sympathize with the kids. Is that the former 5th grade teacher in me? Absolutely.
It was surprising when the villain introduced himself in chapter 12 and announced his plans! I didn't expect to know the murderer so soon in the story but there's a reason for that....
About the quote above: The song "Wild Things" was used in a Jazzercise routine and when I listened to the lyrics, I couldn't help thinking of character Penny Gray and her poetry. I was also reminded of Jodi Picoult's novel Nineteen Minutes with its teen characters.
I was surprised by the ending with its unexpected twist. If you like crime novels, I think you'll enjoy The 9th Girl.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Camino Island by John Grisham
"When I came back from the East last autumn I felt that I wanted the world to be in uniform and at a sort of moral attention forever; I wanted no more riotous excursions with privileged glimpses into the human heart. Only Gatsby, the man who gives his name to this book, was exempt from my reaction - Gatsby, who represented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn."
-Nick Carraway, from The Great Gatsby
I guess I chose this book for our Page Turners to read in October because I have long been a fan of John Grisham, our group has not read any of his work and Camino Island was on the Best Seller list for quite a while. I am rating it a 3; I liked it but didn't love it. It is not the usual legal thriller that has earned Grisham an elite reputation as a novelist---not a courtroom in the story although there are a few lawyers, rather obscure characters. I have really enjoyed many of those earlier works especially A Time to Kill (his first?) and The Client. Perhaps I just didn't find any really likeable characters and for that matter, no insightful quotes, thus the quote from Gatsby.
To begin this novel 5 thieves plan an elaborate heist of original manuscripts by F. Scott Fitzgerald which are securely stored in the Firestone Library at Princeton University. It was interesting that our book club read The Great Gatsby, one of the stolen works, a few years ago and most of us didn't like it. Rather ironic since in this story the original is greatly valued.
There are stories of the thieves, a book store owner who collects and deals in rare books and a young woman author with severe writer's block interwoven into an interesting plot. Bruce Cable is the owner of Bay Books---New and Rare on Camino Island. Mercer Mann is the author reluctantly recruited to work undercover for the company who has insured the Fitzgerald masterpieces to help recover them.
Camino Island has been a big part of Mercer's past as she spent a great deal of time with her late grandmother, Tessa. They had been lovingly involved with Turtle Watch. The references to sea turtle protection reminded me of another book I read recently, Beach Music by Pat Conroy.
I'm guessing that Camino Island is a fictionalized version of Amelia Island, Florida, since it is described as a small barrier strip just north of Jacksonville. As a Floridian, I enjoyed the references to familiar places. I am not sure how I feel about main character Bruce Cable having attended Auburn University, where I studied for two years and became a fan. I really didn't like Bruce much.
In teaching students to write I often advised them to write about things they know and are passionate about. I believe Grisham should go back to his courtroom drama!
----------------------------------
Page Turners met today and voted an average 3.9 for Camino Island, votes between 5 and 3. Most agreed the plot made it a page-turner. It was interesting that some liked the characters even though they weren't examples of moral behavior, by any means. I was surprised that one member compared Bruce Cable to Gatsby in Fitzgerald's masterpiece. Even though I had chosen a quote from that classic which refers to Gatsby, I hadn't thought of any similarity to Cable.
Part of our discussion centered around the ending---some were satisfied while others thought it was too hastily "wrapped up." Most members have read other Grisham novels and a few agreed with me that this one was disappointing.
To begin this novel 5 thieves plan an elaborate heist of original manuscripts by F. Scott Fitzgerald which are securely stored in the Firestone Library at Princeton University. It was interesting that our book club read The Great Gatsby, one of the stolen works, a few years ago and most of us didn't like it. Rather ironic since in this story the original is greatly valued.
There are stories of the thieves, a book store owner who collects and deals in rare books and a young woman author with severe writer's block interwoven into an interesting plot. Bruce Cable is the owner of Bay Books---New and Rare on Camino Island. Mercer Mann is the author reluctantly recruited to work undercover for the company who has insured the Fitzgerald masterpieces to help recover them.
Camino Island has been a big part of Mercer's past as she spent a great deal of time with her late grandmother, Tessa. They had been lovingly involved with Turtle Watch. The references to sea turtle protection reminded me of another book I read recently, Beach Music by Pat Conroy.
I'm guessing that Camino Island is a fictionalized version of Amelia Island, Florida, since it is described as a small barrier strip just north of Jacksonville. As a Floridian, I enjoyed the references to familiar places. I am not sure how I feel about main character Bruce Cable having attended Auburn University, where I studied for two years and became a fan. I really didn't like Bruce much.
In teaching students to write I often advised them to write about things they know and are passionate about. I believe Grisham should go back to his courtroom drama!
----------------------------------
Page Turners met today and voted an average 3.9 for Camino Island, votes between 5 and 3. Most agreed the plot made it a page-turner. It was interesting that some liked the characters even though they weren't examples of moral behavior, by any means. I was surprised that one member compared Bruce Cable to Gatsby in Fitzgerald's masterpiece. Even though I had chosen a quote from that classic which refers to Gatsby, I hadn't thought of any similarity to Cable.
Part of our discussion centered around the ending---some were satisfied while others thought it was too hastily "wrapped up." Most members have read other Grisham novels and a few agreed with me that this one was disappointing.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
"Faith, I tell them, is a mystery, elusive to many, and never easy to explain. Now, with the publication of this autobiography, my enemies will no doubt suspect my motives....Simply, I wish to expose the tragic state of polygamy's women, who must live in bondage not seen in this country since the abolishment of slavery a decade ago; and to reveal the lamentable situation of its children, lonely as they are."
-Ann Eliza Young, 1874, from the novel
Anticipating a trip to Utah I searched our library for Utah fiction and The 19th Wife popped up. The description intrigued me so I checked out the e-version for my Kindle to read during our journey. I didn't realize it was 500+ pages but I did finish it by the end of our 10-day tour of the Utah national parks.
Our Road Scholar tour began in St. George, UT which was founded by Mormons, a fact I didn't know before we arrived. The first day and a half of our program involved some local history which made the book even more interesting since it is set in SW Utah and St. George is even one of the settings of the story.
The author weaves two stories---of nineteenth century Ann Eliza Young, one of many wives of Brigham Young who becomes an apostate of the Mormon church and a fervent crusader against polygamy. She is an actual historic figure and in fact, wrote 2 autobiographies called Wife No.19 (1875) and Life in Mormon Bondage (1908). (I refer you to the quote above). Though she refers to herself as the 19th wife, there is much confusion as to her actual position.
The second story, set in the 21st century, involves Jordan Scott, a young man who was excommunicated by the LDS church and kicked out by his mother at the age of 13. When Jordan discovers that his mother has been arrested for murdering his father, he is compelled to return to SW Utah and gets caught up in trying to prove her innocence. One would expect Ann Eliza's and Jordan's stories to eventually connect and they do in an interesting way.
The author includes "documents"---sermons, letters, research pieces, news articles, etc. that move Ann Eliza's story forward, sometimes informative but often slowing the pace of the plot. (Some are apparently based on fact or may be actual documents.) I found the interview with the author quite fascinating---how he came to write this novel and why he chose the story-in-a-story format.
Before reading the novel, I knew little about the Mormon faith or history. Mostly I knew members are required to do mission work and many have large families. What I learned from the novel didn't shed a very positive light on the subject. In spite of the controversy of celestial marriage the author admits Brigham Young had a huge impact on the settling of the West. I can't help but wonder how a person of the Mormon faith would react to The 19th Wife. I will rate it a 3.5. I'm glad I read it, it served my purpose and it was informative. Some parts I found engaging and others, a bit tedious. Probably not for everyone!
-Ann Eliza Young, 1874, from the novel
Anticipating a trip to Utah I searched our library for Utah fiction and The 19th Wife popped up. The description intrigued me so I checked out the e-version for my Kindle to read during our journey. I didn't realize it was 500+ pages but I did finish it by the end of our 10-day tour of the Utah national parks.
Our Road Scholar tour began in St. George, UT which was founded by Mormons, a fact I didn't know before we arrived. The first day and a half of our program involved some local history which made the book even more interesting since it is set in SW Utah and St. George is even one of the settings of the story.
The author weaves two stories---of nineteenth century Ann Eliza Young, one of many wives of Brigham Young who becomes an apostate of the Mormon church and a fervent crusader against polygamy. She is an actual historic figure and in fact, wrote 2 autobiographies called Wife No.19 (1875) and Life in Mormon Bondage (1908). (I refer you to the quote above). Though she refers to herself as the 19th wife, there is much confusion as to her actual position.
The second story, set in the 21st century, involves Jordan Scott, a young man who was excommunicated by the LDS church and kicked out by his mother at the age of 13. When Jordan discovers that his mother has been arrested for murdering his father, he is compelled to return to SW Utah and gets caught up in trying to prove her innocence. One would expect Ann Eliza's and Jordan's stories to eventually connect and they do in an interesting way.
The author includes "documents"---sermons, letters, research pieces, news articles, etc. that move Ann Eliza's story forward, sometimes informative but often slowing the pace of the plot. (Some are apparently based on fact or may be actual documents.) I found the interview with the author quite fascinating---how he came to write this novel and why he chose the story-in-a-story format.
Before reading the novel, I knew little about the Mormon faith or history. Mostly I knew members are required to do mission work and many have large families. What I learned from the novel didn't shed a very positive light on the subject. In spite of the controversy of celestial marriage the author admits Brigham Young had a huge impact on the settling of the West. I can't help but wonder how a person of the Mormon faith would react to The 19th Wife. I will rate it a 3.5. I'm glad I read it, it served my purpose and it was informative. Some parts I found engaging and others, a bit tedious. Probably not for everyone!
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
"'Heavenly Father, for the blessings of this food and these friends and our families, we thank you. In Jesus's name, amen.'
That was it. That was all of it. A grace so ordinary there was no reason at all to remember it. Yet I have never across the forty years since it was spoken forgotten a single word."
-Jake Drum's prayer and brother Frank's reaction, from the novel
Someone had given me this paperback edition some time ago. Wish I remembered who---I'd thank him/her. I enjoyed it very much; I'll rate it a 5. Short chapters and frequent foreshadowing make it a true page-turner.
Young Frank Drum and younger brother Jake are the sons of an itinerant rural preacher in Minnesota. Frank is 13 years old the summer of 1961 when there is a series of mysterious deaths, including one of traumatic consequence to the family. The plot takes a number of twists and turns until finally a killer is revealed and it surely took ME by surprise!
The time setting was nostalgic for me since I was a teenager in 1961. There were mentions of such cultural memories as drive-in movies and TV shows like "Have Gun, Will Travel," "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color," "The Ed Sullivan Show" and others.
The relationship between Frank and Jake was realistic and quite touching, I thought. Gus was a very likeable character, as well---though a heavy drinker and not a relative, he seemed to hold the Drum family together in many ways. Frank is telling this story from his youth 40 years later which makes for an interesting perspective. I definitely recommend Ordinary Grace.
That was it. That was all of it. A grace so ordinary there was no reason at all to remember it. Yet I have never across the forty years since it was spoken forgotten a single word."
-Jake Drum's prayer and brother Frank's reaction, from the novel
Someone had given me this paperback edition some time ago. Wish I remembered who---I'd thank him/her. I enjoyed it very much; I'll rate it a 5. Short chapters and frequent foreshadowing make it a true page-turner.
Young Frank Drum and younger brother Jake are the sons of an itinerant rural preacher in Minnesota. Frank is 13 years old the summer of 1961 when there is a series of mysterious deaths, including one of traumatic consequence to the family. The plot takes a number of twists and turns until finally a killer is revealed and it surely took ME by surprise!
The time setting was nostalgic for me since I was a teenager in 1961. There were mentions of such cultural memories as drive-in movies and TV shows like "Have Gun, Will Travel," "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color," "The Ed Sullivan Show" and others.
The relationship between Frank and Jake was realistic and quite touching, I thought. Gus was a very likeable character, as well---though a heavy drinker and not a relative, he seemed to hold the Drum family together in many ways. Frank is telling this story from his youth 40 years later which makes for an interesting perspective. I definitely recommend Ordinary Grace.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
The Book of Joy: Finding Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama XIV, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams
"Joy is much bigger than happiness. While happiness is often seen as being dependent on external circumstances, joy is not."
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Wow! This book is a treasure of insight and inspiration, chock full of profound thoughts and pithy statements. I have read it electronically, borrowed from the library, and now have to give it up. I will be buying a copy to "have and hold" because I have a feeling I should read it at least once a year. Such beautiful life lessons!
The meeting of these two ultimate religious and moral leaders took place in Dharamsala, India on the occasion of the Dalai Lama's 80th birthday. Author Douglas Abrams facilitated a weeklong discussion of joy---essentially how to find it and keep it. Both of these holy men have won the Nobel Prize and are respected and loved by most of the world. Both are extremely wise and have had to overcome great adversity in their lives.
At the beginning of the book, there is discussion of the obstacles to joy such as sadness, fear, anger and frustration. Later much of the conversation between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu centers around "The Eight Pillars of Joy": perspective, humility, humor, acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, compassion and generosity. The two friends are excellent examples of all these traits. Each has a wonderful sense of humor and they love to tease each other and laugh together.
I learned the term Ubuntu from the Archbishop. It means humanness or "I am what I am because of who we all are." The necessity of connections with others is stressed numerous times. There are also many Buddhist terms explained along the way.
I chose a brief quote to begin this post, one I think points to a major theme and one of the first I highlighted. However, I marked something deeply significant on almost every page!
I am rating this book a 5. There is a good chance it is already changing my life! I can't wait to hear what the group thinks tomorrow.
--------
Page Turners met today to discuss The Book of Joy. We enjoyed lovely refreshments specially themed to the book by two of our members. One friend who belongs to 3 other book clubs (How DOES she do it?) had already read the book. She was able to supply discussion questions specific to the book where I had only found generic ones. Turns out we didn't really need a printed list since everyone had things they wanted to talk about! Our conversation lasted about an hour but could have gone much longer.
The group gave an average rating of 4 with more than half voting 5's. Some said they really did not want to read the book and only did because it was the September selection. Most thought it was so much more than they expected and very worthwhile. The lowest ratings were given by a member who found it repetitive and another who said the content was important but she didn't find it compelling.
Our discussion was very enjoyable as folks shared opinions of the Dalai Lama and the Archbishop, favorite parts of The Book of Joy, personal experiences, related books and ideas about applying some of the Eight Pillars of Joy. I wasn't the only one who is determined to buy a hard copy.
By the way if you search YouTube with the book title you can find several interesting ones, a few including dialogue between these two great leaders.
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Wow! This book is a treasure of insight and inspiration, chock full of profound thoughts and pithy statements. I have read it electronically, borrowed from the library, and now have to give it up. I will be buying a copy to "have and hold" because I have a feeling I should read it at least once a year. Such beautiful life lessons!
The meeting of these two ultimate religious and moral leaders took place in Dharamsala, India on the occasion of the Dalai Lama's 80th birthday. Author Douglas Abrams facilitated a weeklong discussion of joy---essentially how to find it and keep it. Both of these holy men have won the Nobel Prize and are respected and loved by most of the world. Both are extremely wise and have had to overcome great adversity in their lives.
At the beginning of the book, there is discussion of the obstacles to joy such as sadness, fear, anger and frustration. Later much of the conversation between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu centers around "The Eight Pillars of Joy": perspective, humility, humor, acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, compassion and generosity. The two friends are excellent examples of all these traits. Each has a wonderful sense of humor and they love to tease each other and laugh together.
I learned the term Ubuntu from the Archbishop. It means humanness or "I am what I am because of who we all are." The necessity of connections with others is stressed numerous times. There are also many Buddhist terms explained along the way.
I chose a brief quote to begin this post, one I think points to a major theme and one of the first I highlighted. However, I marked something deeply significant on almost every page!
I am rating this book a 5. There is a good chance it is already changing my life! I can't wait to hear what the group thinks tomorrow.
--------
Page Turners met today to discuss The Book of Joy. We enjoyed lovely refreshments specially themed to the book by two of our members. One friend who belongs to 3 other book clubs (How DOES she do it?) had already read the book. She was able to supply discussion questions specific to the book where I had only found generic ones. Turns out we didn't really need a printed list since everyone had things they wanted to talk about! Our conversation lasted about an hour but could have gone much longer.
The group gave an average rating of 4 with more than half voting 5's. Some said they really did not want to read the book and only did because it was the September selection. Most thought it was so much more than they expected and very worthwhile. The lowest ratings were given by a member who found it repetitive and another who said the content was important but she didn't find it compelling.
Our discussion was very enjoyable as folks shared opinions of the Dalai Lama and the Archbishop, favorite parts of The Book of Joy, personal experiences, related books and ideas about applying some of the Eight Pillars of Joy. I wasn't the only one who is determined to buy a hard copy.
By the way if you search YouTube with the book title you can find several interesting ones, a few including dialogue between these two great leaders.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
"I wish this story were different. I wish it were more civilized. I wish it showed me in a better light, if not happier, then at least more active, less hesitant, less distracted by trivia. I wish it had more shape. I wish it were about love, or about sudden realizations important to one's life, or even about sunsets, birds, rainstorms, or snow."
-Offred's thoughts from the novel
When my husband and I see a play that he thinks is confusing or pointless, he describes it as
STEE-range (strange)! Well, in my opinion this book is truly STEE-range! The next time I see the word dystopian in the description of a novel, I will not even begin. I must admit I started this one because it was free on my Kindle and then continued because I became morbidly curious about the outcome. In reading The Handmaid's Tale, one can't help but be reminded of George Orwell's novels 1984 and Animal Farm.
At the outset, it is obvious that the Republic of Gilead has taken over what was the United States and life for the protagonist and narrator, Offred, has changed tremendously from "the time before." The Gileadean regime is totalitarian and supposedly theocratic though I could not see Godliness anywhere. As a matter of fact, it seemed more satanic. The reader is kept guessing as to how this revolution came about but through Offred's flashbacks it becomes a little clearer.
The plot reveals the evils of this government's total control and subjugation of people, especially women who have become valued only for their abilities to reproduce. (There is a very low birth rate and diminishing population.) There is so much violence with practices such as salvaging and particicution. (You'll have to read the book to figure those out.) Those in authority, like Offred's Commander, are extremely hypocritical since they secretly drink, smoke and even visit a Playboy-type club (All are illegal for the masses). Since many do not approve of the new regime, there are underground organizations---the group called Mayday, a word I learned comes from the French m'aidez, or help me, and the Underground Femaleroad. Sound familiar?
There is a bit of a mystery when Offred finds the words Nolite te bastardes carborundorum carved in her closet by her predecessor. Who was she? What happened to her? What does it mean?
The author's style is mostly stream of consciousness with numerous sentence fragments, not a favorite of mine, but at times she is almost poetic. I must surely give her credit for a vivid imagination and creativity. I will rate the book a 3 and though the story is dark and disturbing, I guess I am glad I read it. At least I learned to steer clear of dystopian fiction!
-Offred's thoughts from the novel
When my husband and I see a play that he thinks is confusing or pointless, he describes it as
STEE-range (strange)! Well, in my opinion this book is truly STEE-range! The next time I see the word dystopian in the description of a novel, I will not even begin. I must admit I started this one because it was free on my Kindle and then continued because I became morbidly curious about the outcome. In reading The Handmaid's Tale, one can't help but be reminded of George Orwell's novels 1984 and Animal Farm.
At the outset, it is obvious that the Republic of Gilead has taken over what was the United States and life for the protagonist and narrator, Offred, has changed tremendously from "the time before." The Gileadean regime is totalitarian and supposedly theocratic though I could not see Godliness anywhere. As a matter of fact, it seemed more satanic. The reader is kept guessing as to how this revolution came about but through Offred's flashbacks it becomes a little clearer.
The plot reveals the evils of this government's total control and subjugation of people, especially women who have become valued only for their abilities to reproduce. (There is a very low birth rate and diminishing population.) There is so much violence with practices such as salvaging and particicution. (You'll have to read the book to figure those out.) Those in authority, like Offred's Commander, are extremely hypocritical since they secretly drink, smoke and even visit a Playboy-type club (All are illegal for the masses). Since many do not approve of the new regime, there are underground organizations---the group called Mayday, a word I learned comes from the French m'aidez, or help me, and the Underground Femaleroad. Sound familiar?
There is a bit of a mystery when Offred finds the words Nolite te bastardes carborundorum carved in her closet by her predecessor. Who was she? What happened to her? What does it mean?
The author's style is mostly stream of consciousness with numerous sentence fragments, not a favorite of mine, but at times she is almost poetic. I must surely give her credit for a vivid imagination and creativity. I will rate the book a 3 and though the story is dark and disturbing, I guess I am glad I read it. At least I learned to steer clear of dystopian fiction!
Saturday, September 2, 2017
P.S. From Paris by Marc Levy
"Perhaps that's what it means, in the end, to truly love someone. Forgiveness, without reservations and above all without regrets. Hitting the delete key and erasing the gray pages so that you can rewrite them in full color. Better still, maybe love is fighting tooth and nail to make sure the story has a happy ending."
-Mia, from the novel
Why did I end up reading this novel? Two reasons: it was one of six offered free from Amazon Prime and the title indicated the story setting is Paris. It made enjoyable reading but is not memorable. Some would call it "chick lit" but then I AM a chick, after all. It was a fluffy romance so not very satisfying in the long run. I will rate it a 3+.
Marc Levy, according to Goodreads, is the "most-read French author alive today." This book is actually translated by Sam Taylor, an author in his own right. I noticed some reviews on Goodreads were in French. Interesting.
Paul, an author from California, moves to Paris hoping to kick-start his writing career. He is baffled that his books are selling well in Korea but not in Europe or the U.S. About the same time, popular British actress Melissa, aka Mia----visits her friend in Paris to escape publicity and a troubled marriage. A dating website instigates the plot which, with its secret identities, almost reminded me of some Shakespeare comedies. The budding romance was certainly predictable but one disclosure toward the end did actually surprise me.
Having visited Paris last year, I loved the references to landmarks in the City of Lights. What a perfect setting for a love story!
-Mia, from the novel
Why did I end up reading this novel? Two reasons: it was one of six offered free from Amazon Prime and the title indicated the story setting is Paris. It made enjoyable reading but is not memorable. Some would call it "chick lit" but then I AM a chick, after all. It was a fluffy romance so not very satisfying in the long run. I will rate it a 3+.
Marc Levy, according to Goodreads, is the "most-read French author alive today." This book is actually translated by Sam Taylor, an author in his own right. I noticed some reviews on Goodreads were in French. Interesting.
Paul, an author from California, moves to Paris hoping to kick-start his writing career. He is baffled that his books are selling well in Korea but not in Europe or the U.S. About the same time, popular British actress Melissa, aka Mia----visits her friend in Paris to escape publicity and a troubled marriage. A dating website instigates the plot which, with its secret identities, almost reminded me of some Shakespeare comedies. The budding romance was certainly predictable but one disclosure toward the end did actually surprise me.
Having visited Paris last year, I loved the references to landmarks in the City of Lights. What a perfect setting for a love story!
Friday, August 25, 2017
Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man by Fannie Flagg
"Sometimes in the middle of the night, I wake up and remember that I am going to have to die and it scares me so bad that I break out in a cold sweat and I go get in the bed with Momma and Daddy. Maybe by the time I grow up, they will find a cure for dying and I won't have to worry."
-Daisy Fay Harper, age 11, from the novel
You may already know I am a fan of Fannie Flagg (pun intended) and I discovered recently this, her debut novel, which I had not read. I enjoyed it very much although I would admit it is not as polished as her later work. Narrator Daisy Fay begins her story in 1952 when she is 11 years old and, in her words, "not doing much except sitting around waiting for the sixth grade." I taught 5th grade for 20 years so I know kids of that age quite well. Daisy is quite a character, a sassy but loveable girl. The author uses a diary format in this novel giving the reader a pretty intimate look into Daisy's psyche. She continues her story for 7+ years, to high school graduation and just beyond.
Since my own formative years coincided with Daisy's I found her references to pop culture interesting---mentions of Davy Crockett, Nancy Drew, "Beat the Clock," "This Is Your Life" and the Burma Shave road signs we got such a hoot out of when we were traveling back in the day. I was also reminded of the polio scare, the Communist phobia and problems with ringworm in the schools which might be the equivalent of head lice in more recent times.
There was hardly a page without some humor. A fishing contest which was pretty "fishy," a contrived "miracle" and Daisy feeling she is being stalked by a murderer. Her malapropisms are hilarious. When she calls her most-hated peer, Kay Bob Benson, an "incinerator child" after learning her mother may have had artificial insemination, it cracked me up! I will rate this one a 5 for sheer entertainment value!
-Daisy Fay Harper, age 11, from the novel
You may already know I am a fan of Fannie Flagg (pun intended) and I discovered recently this, her debut novel, which I had not read. I enjoyed it very much although I would admit it is not as polished as her later work. Narrator Daisy Fay begins her story in 1952 when she is 11 years old and, in her words, "not doing much except sitting around waiting for the sixth grade." I taught 5th grade for 20 years so I know kids of that age quite well. Daisy is quite a character, a sassy but loveable girl. The author uses a diary format in this novel giving the reader a pretty intimate look into Daisy's psyche. She continues her story for 7+ years, to high school graduation and just beyond.
Since my own formative years coincided with Daisy's I found her references to pop culture interesting---mentions of Davy Crockett, Nancy Drew, "Beat the Clock," "This Is Your Life" and the Burma Shave road signs we got such a hoot out of when we were traveling back in the day. I was also reminded of the polio scare, the Communist phobia and problems with ringworm in the schools which might be the equivalent of head lice in more recent times.
There was hardly a page without some humor. A fishing contest which was pretty "fishy," a contrived "miracle" and Daisy feeling she is being stalked by a murderer. Her malapropisms are hilarious. When she calls her most-hated peer, Kay Bob Benson, an "incinerator child" after learning her mother may have had artificial insemination, it cracked me up! I will rate this one a 5 for sheer entertainment value!
Thursday, August 17, 2017
The Two Henrys, Henry Plant and Henry Flagler and Their Railroads by Sandra Wallus Sammons
 |
| Henry Bradley Plant |
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| Tampa Bay Hotel |
"I regard work as on [of] the essential principles of my success---my personal supervision of every detail of my business. I believe in never leaving to others what I can do myself."
-Henry Bradley Plant
I read this duel biography for the same reason I mentioned in the post about Henry Ford. Another juvenile biography, it gave me a "down and dirty" summary of two Henrys who were so significant in opening up the Florida peninsula and contributing greatly to tourism, just as Ford did with his
Model T automobile.
Here are some fascinating parallels between the two:
Both were born in the North.
Both dropped out of school after 8th grade.
Each one experienced Florida for the first time due to wives who were ill and needed a warmer climate (and interestingly both wives died young).
Both became very wealthy in their lifetimes.
They knew each other and were "friendly competitors."
From the title of the book, you realize both Plant and Flagler were railroad magnates but you might not know Plant built railroads and then the elaborate Tampa Bay Hotel (now housing a part of Tampa University and the Henry Bradley Plant Museum) for people who arrived in Tampa by train. Flagler, on the other hand, began the magnificent Ponce de Leon Hotel (now part of Flagler College) in St. Augustine only to discover he needed railroads to get required building materials.
Flagler was a member of the Plant Investment Company established by Henry Plant in 1882, as was the 4th Henry, Henry Sanford. Plant was already building railroads in north, central and southwest Florida before Flagler began his work along the east coast but Flagler made up for lost time by extending rail service all the way to Key West, eventually, and by building several beautiful hotels.
"I have however, one ailment (old age) which is incurable, and that I am submitting to as gracefully as possible. I am quite sure, however, that I possess as much vitality and can do as much work as the average man of forty-five."
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Henry Morrison Flagler
 |
 |
| Ponce de Leon Hotel |
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Three Biographies of Henry Ford
"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently."
-Henry Ford
Driven, A Photobiography of Henry Ford by Don Mitchell
Who Was Henry Ford by Michael Burgan
Wheels of Time, A Biography of Henry Ford by Catherine Gourley
I often read juvenile biographies or nonfictions for quick knowledge about a person or place. In this case I am planning an adult class called Florida's Four Henrys. Of course Henry Ford is one of the four.
I learned a great deal about Ford by the time I read all three books:
-Henry Ford
Driven, A Photobiography of Henry Ford by Don Mitchell
Who Was Henry Ford by Michael Burgan
Wheels of Time, A Biography of Henry Ford by Catherine Gourley
I often read juvenile biographies or nonfictions for quick knowledge about a person or place. In this case I am planning an adult class called Florida's Four Henrys. Of course Henry Ford is one of the four.
I learned a great deal about Ford by the time I read all three books:
- He worked for Edison for a while and Edison became his mentor and friend.
- His first car was a buggy called the Quadricyle.
- He was involved in racing cars early in his career.
- The Model T, 1908, became the most popular car in the world. and made tourism more affordable.
- His mass production assembly line was called an "industrial marvel."
- Ford was not really in it for the money.
- " To do more for the world than the world does for you---that is success."
Beach Music by Pat Conroy
"Once I was a wide-eyed captive of those times and there was no twelve-point program to wean me off the addiction to drivel I succumbed to during that dreary era of the Vietnam War. The greatest tragedy of that war was not the senseless death of young men on strangely named battlefields, but that it turned the whole country stupid overnight. It also made enemies of the closest group of friends I had ever known."
-Jack McCall, from the novel
At 700+ pages, I thought I would never finish this one but I was determined to get to the end! I believe it actually could have been about 3 novels. I am a huge fan of Conroy and this one did not disappoint. It definitely rates a 5 from me.
The protagonist is Jack McCall, a young father, who suffers the tragic loss of his wife to suicide and takes his daughter to Rome to live. He feels he is justified in leaving his home of Waterford, South Carolina, and the rest of his family behind. He seems to be trying to escape from the pain and hide from the past. When he receives word that his mother is dying of leukemia, he makes his way home where he must come to grips with many emotions he has tried to stifle.
Conroy is a storyteller extraordinaire and captivates with horrifying narratives of the Holocaust told by secondary characters of his parents' generation and descriptions of the 1960s and how the Vietnam War affected him and his peers. (See quote above) Even the flashback story of a fishing trip with his high school buddies---a trip gone very wrong---is quite intense.
Conroy is a gifted writer. I am in awe of his sometimes poetic descriptions of the Low Country that is so familiar to him personally. The chapters were long which I don't always like but it was a true page-turner, just the same. The abusive fathers of this story are reminiscent of characters in other Conroy novels and touch on autobiographical details of his own father (The Great Santini). Also the main character, Jack McCall, is a food critic and cookbook author and loves to cook. Conroy has also written a cookbook, The Pat Conroy Cookbook, and in South of Broad, protagonist Leo enjoys being chef for his friends just as Jack does in this novel.
I have yet to read all Conroy's work but I am getting there!
-Jack McCall, from the novel
At 700+ pages, I thought I would never finish this one but I was determined to get to the end! I believe it actually could have been about 3 novels. I am a huge fan of Conroy and this one did not disappoint. It definitely rates a 5 from me.
The protagonist is Jack McCall, a young father, who suffers the tragic loss of his wife to suicide and takes his daughter to Rome to live. He feels he is justified in leaving his home of Waterford, South Carolina, and the rest of his family behind. He seems to be trying to escape from the pain and hide from the past. When he receives word that his mother is dying of leukemia, he makes his way home where he must come to grips with many emotions he has tried to stifle.
Conroy is a storyteller extraordinaire and captivates with horrifying narratives of the Holocaust told by secondary characters of his parents' generation and descriptions of the 1960s and how the Vietnam War affected him and his peers. (See quote above) Even the flashback story of a fishing trip with his high school buddies---a trip gone very wrong---is quite intense.
Conroy is a gifted writer. I am in awe of his sometimes poetic descriptions of the Low Country that is so familiar to him personally. The chapters were long which I don't always like but it was a true page-turner, just the same. The abusive fathers of this story are reminiscent of characters in other Conroy novels and touch on autobiographical details of his own father (The Great Santini). Also the main character, Jack McCall, is a food critic and cookbook author and loves to cook. Conroy has also written a cookbook, The Pat Conroy Cookbook, and in South of Broad, protagonist Leo enjoys being chef for his friends just as Jack does in this novel.
I have yet to read all Conroy's work but I am getting there!
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
"Oh honey, it does no good to hate. It'll do nothing but turn your heart into a bitter root. People can't help being what they are any more than a skunk can help being a skunk. Don't you think if they had their choice they would rather be something else?"
-Mrs. Threadgoode's advice to Evelyn
I am rating this one 5+---loved, loved, loved it! In chatting with a few book club members, we agreed we like Fannie Flagg and should read another of her novels. Some of us fondly remembered the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" but couldn't recall if we'd read the book. That's how it came to be our August selection.
The novel centers on 2 sets of women and their relationships. In 1985 Evelyn Couch is a woman in full-fledged mid-life crisis when she meets Virginia "Ninny" Threadgoode in a Birmingham nursing home. Eighty-six-year-old Mrs. Threadgoode saves Evelyn's sanity, perhaps even her life, with her beautiful philosophy of life and her stories of Idgie Threadgoode and Ruth Jamison in Whistle Stop, Alabama, dating back to 1929. With a primary themes of friendship and personal growth, the novel also touches on racism, wars, domestic violence, Lesbianism (?) and even a murder. Of course there is much humor to relieve the intensity. Towanda the Avenger, Evelyn's alter-ego, is especially amusing.
I have found myself comparing Fried Green...to Stealing Lumby which I read right before it. Both are set mostly in small towns, with colorful characters, inserted newspaper articles---The Lumby Lines and The Weems Weekly, and recipes included at the end along with interviews with the authors. I especially enjoyed the interview with Fannie Flagg, known as a Southern writer. As a GRITS (Girl Raised in the South) I am partial to settings in the South. Flagg even notes Marjorie Rawlings as an inspiration. You may or may not know I am a big fan of Rawlings. I am also reminded of Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns, an old favorite of mine.
I read the book in three days---sort of inhaled it---and the meeting of our book club is in a few weeks. I hope I don't forget too much of the plot. Look for an update then...
----------------------------
The Page Turners liked this one voting a rating of 4.1. We snacked on yummy southern fare---pimiento cheese, homemade sweets and country ham with Sipsey's biscuits from the recipe at the end of the book. Oh, and sweet tea, of course. All provided by our creative members. We had 26 questions from the publisher to consider and didn't get through them all but touched on most.
We agreed the format, with alternating past and present and different points of view, was easier to follow because each chapter was labeled with the setting. One former English teacher said she thought the book would just be "fluff" but changed her mind while reading. She noted that there was much food for thought and some emotional intensity along the lines of racial relations, domestic abuse, self-esteem and aging issues, among others. We were all curious about how Ninnie became a part of the Threadgoode family since she doesn't include herself in the stories she tells to Evelyn. I believe we all found characters to love, whether the 2 sets of women friends or others of the Whistle Stop community, both white and black.
Those who had seen the movie discussed a few of the differences but noted the film follows the book closely. One member mentioned that Fannie Flagg co-wrote the screenplay so that is explanation enough. I mentioned that the episode of Frank's disappearance reminded me of the Dixie Chicks' tune of several years ago, "Good Bye, Earl." If you're interested, here's the link.
https://youtu.be/Gw7gNf_9njs
-Mrs. Threadgoode's advice to Evelyn
I am rating this one 5+---loved, loved, loved it! In chatting with a few book club members, we agreed we like Fannie Flagg and should read another of her novels. Some of us fondly remembered the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" but couldn't recall if we'd read the book. That's how it came to be our August selection.
The novel centers on 2 sets of women and their relationships. In 1985 Evelyn Couch is a woman in full-fledged mid-life crisis when she meets Virginia "Ninny" Threadgoode in a Birmingham nursing home. Eighty-six-year-old Mrs. Threadgoode saves Evelyn's sanity, perhaps even her life, with her beautiful philosophy of life and her stories of Idgie Threadgoode and Ruth Jamison in Whistle Stop, Alabama, dating back to 1929. With a primary themes of friendship and personal growth, the novel also touches on racism, wars, domestic violence, Lesbianism (?) and even a murder. Of course there is much humor to relieve the intensity. Towanda the Avenger, Evelyn's alter-ego, is especially amusing.
I have found myself comparing Fried Green...to Stealing Lumby which I read right before it. Both are set mostly in small towns, with colorful characters, inserted newspaper articles---The Lumby Lines and The Weems Weekly, and recipes included at the end along with interviews with the authors. I especially enjoyed the interview with Fannie Flagg, known as a Southern writer. As a GRITS (Girl Raised in the South) I am partial to settings in the South. Flagg even notes Marjorie Rawlings as an inspiration. You may or may not know I am a big fan of Rawlings. I am also reminded of Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns, an old favorite of mine.
I read the book in three days---sort of inhaled it---and the meeting of our book club is in a few weeks. I hope I don't forget too much of the plot. Look for an update then...
----------------------------
The Page Turners liked this one voting a rating of 4.1. We snacked on yummy southern fare---pimiento cheese, homemade sweets and country ham with Sipsey's biscuits from the recipe at the end of the book. Oh, and sweet tea, of course. All provided by our creative members. We had 26 questions from the publisher to consider and didn't get through them all but touched on most.
We agreed the format, with alternating past and present and different points of view, was easier to follow because each chapter was labeled with the setting. One former English teacher said she thought the book would just be "fluff" but changed her mind while reading. She noted that there was much food for thought and some emotional intensity along the lines of racial relations, domestic abuse, self-esteem and aging issues, among others. We were all curious about how Ninnie became a part of the Threadgoode family since she doesn't include herself in the stories she tells to Evelyn. I believe we all found characters to love, whether the 2 sets of women friends or others of the Whistle Stop community, both white and black.
Those who had seen the movie discussed a few of the differences but noted the film follows the book closely. One member mentioned that Fannie Flagg co-wrote the screenplay so that is explanation enough. I mentioned that the episode of Frank's disappearance reminded me of the Dixie Chicks' tune of several years ago, "Good Bye, Earl." If you're interested, here's the link.
https://youtu.be/Gw7gNf_9njs
More Than Petticoats: Remarkable Florida Women by E. Lynne Wright
"I hope this book will help to bring at least a few of the remarkable Florida women out of the shadows, into public consciousness and perhaps the history books, where they belong. We thank them for allowing us to stand on their shoulders."
-E. Lynne Wright, from the book's introduction
Wow! This one was more enlightening and enjoyable than I ever thought. I first saw the book in the gift shop at the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando. I made a note of it and later tried to order it on Amazon but was informed it was out of stock. The public library came through with a copy which arrived by mail. I hadn't wanted to spend much on the book without knowing if it was worthwhile. After finishing it, I'll definitely be purchasing it next time I'm at the History Center. And do I have a plan for it! More on that later....
Ms. Wright has written short biographies of 14 women who made significant impacts on Florida. In her subtitle she describes them as remarkable. Let me just add more adjectives: courageous, smart, compassionate, strong---physically and otherwise, visionary and inspiring. A few of the women I was quite familiar with----Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and Zora Neale Hurston, and to a lesser degree in my studies of Florida history---Mary McLeod Bethune, Julia Tuttle and Ruth Bryan Owen. The other 8 I had never even heard of---women who helped the natives, promoted education and care of the environment, provided medical care and broke gender barriers---all women ahead of their times!
Wright (an appropriate name for an author!) has a very readable style and keeps her bios concise while adding human interest quotes and anecdotes from her subjects.
I am so impressed by the stories of these women I am determined to develop a new class for the Rollins College Lifelong Learning program, in which I have participated for 3 years as an instructor. I will title it something similar to the book's title and teach it in March, Women's History Month. Great idea, huh? With 4 classes I may have to narrow the focus to 3 women per week but I will hate having to choose two to omit.
This one gets a 5 rating from me and I'd recommend it to history buffs and Florida lovers!
------------------------
I have now purchased the copy of the book I originally noticed. Lo and behold, there are now 15 women featured! And the title and subtitle are reversed. Obviously a newer edition. Can't wait to reread AND be able to highlight to my heart's content!
-E. Lynne Wright, from the book's introduction
Wow! This one was more enlightening and enjoyable than I ever thought. I first saw the book in the gift shop at the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando. I made a note of it and later tried to order it on Amazon but was informed it was out of stock. The public library came through with a copy which arrived by mail. I hadn't wanted to spend much on the book without knowing if it was worthwhile. After finishing it, I'll definitely be purchasing it next time I'm at the History Center. And do I have a plan for it! More on that later....
Ms. Wright has written short biographies of 14 women who made significant impacts on Florida. In her subtitle she describes them as remarkable. Let me just add more adjectives: courageous, smart, compassionate, strong---physically and otherwise, visionary and inspiring. A few of the women I was quite familiar with----Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and Zora Neale Hurston, and to a lesser degree in my studies of Florida history---Mary McLeod Bethune, Julia Tuttle and Ruth Bryan Owen. The other 8 I had never even heard of---women who helped the natives, promoted education and care of the environment, provided medical care and broke gender barriers---all women ahead of their times!
Wright (an appropriate name for an author!) has a very readable style and keeps her bios concise while adding human interest quotes and anecdotes from her subjects.
I am so impressed by the stories of these women I am determined to develop a new class for the Rollins College Lifelong Learning program, in which I have participated for 3 years as an instructor. I will title it something similar to the book's title and teach it in March, Women's History Month. Great idea, huh? With 4 classes I may have to narrow the focus to 3 women per week but I will hate having to choose two to omit.
This one gets a 5 rating from me and I'd recommend it to history buffs and Florida lovers!
------------------------
I have now purchased the copy of the book I originally noticed. Lo and behold, there are now 15 women featured! And the title and subtitle are reversed. Obviously a newer edition. Can't wait to reread AND be able to highlight to my heart's content!
Stealing Lumby by Gail Fraser
"Our country needs [art]---we're such a torn nation, and art is one of the few things that unites us despite our politics or religion or race."
-Charlotte Ross, from the novel
This novel was recommended and loaned by a friend. At first I didn't like it much---just too slow developing after the page-turners I've read recently. Also there were so many characters to keep up with, complicated by the fact that I had not read The Lumby Lines, the first book in the series. As I got familiar with the primary characters I enjoyed it more.
The story is set in a small town---somewhat hard for a city girl like me to identify with. As in most small towns, everybody seems to know and accept everybody. When a priceless painting, The Barns of Lumby, goes missing, not only is the New York artist, Dana Porter, upset but the townfolk of Lumby are up in arms, especially town pillar Charlotte Ross who has a personal connection to the artist and Katie Banks who owns the property with the famous barns. Later one of the actual barns is stolen and the plot thickens.
When Journalist Adam Massey arrives in Lumby from New York to do research for a biography of Dana Porter, residents are suspicious but there are hints of a possible romance. Humor is added frequently with the interspersing of issues of The Lumby Lines, the town newspaper. The description of the Moo Doo Iditarod is particularly amusing.
I found About the Author interesting as it provided insight into the author's personal background used in the novel---her own farm life and friends at a nearby monastery.
Fraser even includes recipes, supplied by the fictional inn, café and abbey in Lumby. There's also a conversation with the author and several of her primary characters which I found unique and clever.
I will rate Stealing Lumby 3.5 and I might read another Lumby episode one of these days.
-Charlotte Ross, from the novel
This novel was recommended and loaned by a friend. At first I didn't like it much---just too slow developing after the page-turners I've read recently. Also there were so many characters to keep up with, complicated by the fact that I had not read The Lumby Lines, the first book in the series. As I got familiar with the primary characters I enjoyed it more.
The story is set in a small town---somewhat hard for a city girl like me to identify with. As in most small towns, everybody seems to know and accept everybody. When a priceless painting, The Barns of Lumby, goes missing, not only is the New York artist, Dana Porter, upset but the townfolk of Lumby are up in arms, especially town pillar Charlotte Ross who has a personal connection to the artist and Katie Banks who owns the property with the famous barns. Later one of the actual barns is stolen and the plot thickens.
When Journalist Adam Massey arrives in Lumby from New York to do research for a biography of Dana Porter, residents are suspicious but there are hints of a possible romance. Humor is added frequently with the interspersing of issues of The Lumby Lines, the town newspaper. The description of the Moo Doo Iditarod is particularly amusing.
I found About the Author interesting as it provided insight into the author's personal background used in the novel---her own farm life and friends at a nearby monastery.
Fraser even includes recipes, supplied by the fictional inn, café and abbey in Lumby. There's also a conversation with the author and several of her primary characters which I found unique and clever.
I will rate Stealing Lumby 3.5 and I might read another Lumby episode one of these days.
Friday, July 21, 2017
The Stranger by Albert Camus
"Of course, I had to own that he was right; I didn't feel much regret for what I'd done. Still, to my mind he overdid it, and I'd have liked to have a chance of explaining to him, in a quite friendly, almost affectionate way, that I have never been able really to regret anything in all my life."
-Meursault's reaction to the prosecuting attorney
This novel, written by an Algerian author in 1942 and translated in this version by Daniel Ortega, is one I likely would never have read except for Jenny Torres Sanchez's Because of the Sun. I'll explain:
The May Page Turners book was Because of the Sun and YA fiction writer Sanchez attended our meeting to discuss her latest novel. (Several of us know her personally.) In her book, protagonist Dani, after the death of her mother, is reading The Stranger from her school summer reading list and coincidentally finds herself a stranger to herself much as Meursault experiences at the death of his mother at the beginning of The Stranger. At our book club meeting Ms. Sanchez shared that she had read the Camus novel in high school and it had left an impression on her. (Interestingly my 22-year-old granddaughter saw the book at my house and said she had read it in high school, as well.) So from mentions of The Stranger throughout Because of the Sun and Ms. Sanchez's reflections, I became curious enough to borrow a copy and read the classic (?).
I would rate The Stranger a 3.5. I did not expect to like it at all and I did---a little. I don't care much for stream of consciousness writing and both these novels use it as a narrative device, Camus even more extensively than Sanchez. Both protagonists, Mssr. Meursault and Dani Falls, are difficult-to-like characters at first. Further into the novel the reader becomes more simpatico with Dani, not so much with Meursault. At least one secondary character describes him as "being devoid of the least spark of human feeling." The quote I began with somewhat reflects his lack of compassion.
There are some fairly interesting secondary characters introduced, keeping my attention, and one must finish The Stranger to see what M's fate will be (no spoiler here!) but it IS a short book, only 132 pages.
I now find myself wanting to reread Because of the Sun to see if it will have more meaning after having read The Stranger.
-Meursault's reaction to the prosecuting attorney
This novel, written by an Algerian author in 1942 and translated in this version by Daniel Ortega, is one I likely would never have read except for Jenny Torres Sanchez's Because of the Sun. I'll explain:
The May Page Turners book was Because of the Sun and YA fiction writer Sanchez attended our meeting to discuss her latest novel. (Several of us know her personally.) In her book, protagonist Dani, after the death of her mother, is reading The Stranger from her school summer reading list and coincidentally finds herself a stranger to herself much as Meursault experiences at the death of his mother at the beginning of The Stranger. At our book club meeting Ms. Sanchez shared that she had read the Camus novel in high school and it had left an impression on her. (Interestingly my 22-year-old granddaughter saw the book at my house and said she had read it in high school, as well.) So from mentions of The Stranger throughout Because of the Sun and Ms. Sanchez's reflections, I became curious enough to borrow a copy and read the classic (?).
I would rate The Stranger a 3.5. I did not expect to like it at all and I did---a little. I don't care much for stream of consciousness writing and both these novels use it as a narrative device, Camus even more extensively than Sanchez. Both protagonists, Mssr. Meursault and Dani Falls, are difficult-to-like characters at first. Further into the novel the reader becomes more simpatico with Dani, not so much with Meursault. At least one secondary character describes him as "being devoid of the least spark of human feeling." The quote I began with somewhat reflects his lack of compassion.
There are some fairly interesting secondary characters introduced, keeping my attention, and one must finish The Stranger to see what M's fate will be (no spoiler here!) but it IS a short book, only 132 pages.
I now find myself wanting to reread Because of the Sun to see if it will have more meaning after having read The Stranger.
Monday, July 17, 2017
Kill the Messenger by Tami Hoag
" He drove Jace crazy when he asked questions like that. Why am I me, instead of someone else? Why was this his life? No mother, no father. Why was the family he knew someone else's family? Jace told him there was no sense wondering things like that, but Tyler wondered anyway. Some questions didn't have answers, Jace said. Life was what it was, and all they could do was live it the best way they could."
-Tyler's thoughts, from the novel
I have enjoyed several of Tami Hoag's murder mysteries but none recently. When I spotted this one at our condo association's mini-library, it jumped right off the shelf into my hands! It did not disappoint as a true page-turner. It starts out with a bang and hardly slows down. I rate it a 5.
The story involves two protagonists. First, we meet Jace Damon, a very young man who works as a bicycle messenger in L.A. in an effort to support himself and his 10-year-old brother. Their parents are gone and life is a struggle, to be sure, hinted at in the quote above. When Jace does a late pick-up he is chased down by a mysterious driver who is apparently trying to kill him. He survives with his street smarts but his bike---his livelihood---does not fare so well. The reader soon finds out the low-life lawyer who gave him the package to deliver has been murdered, leaving Jace to feel he will be a suspect and causing him to go on the lam.
In the meantime, detective Kevin Parker, self-professed best homicide cop in town, is involved with the murder of the "scum-sucking member of the bar" already mentioned. He is training a new cop, Renee Ruiz, who as it turns out, has questionable motives. Early in the course of his investigation, Kev learns of the bike messenger and knows he may have vital information to help solve the crime and searches for him.
Jace, his boy genius brother, Tyler, and Kevin are all likeable characters and I found myself very sympathetic. Some of the other bike messengers were described in such a way as to add some humor and there is even some romance thrown in to alleviate the intensity. The plot takes some twists and turns and in the end Kevin Parker gets a big surprise and I think you will too!
-Tyler's thoughts, from the novel
I have enjoyed several of Tami Hoag's murder mysteries but none recently. When I spotted this one at our condo association's mini-library, it jumped right off the shelf into my hands! It did not disappoint as a true page-turner. It starts out with a bang and hardly slows down. I rate it a 5.
The story involves two protagonists. First, we meet Jace Damon, a very young man who works as a bicycle messenger in L.A. in an effort to support himself and his 10-year-old brother. Their parents are gone and life is a struggle, to be sure, hinted at in the quote above. When Jace does a late pick-up he is chased down by a mysterious driver who is apparently trying to kill him. He survives with his street smarts but his bike---his livelihood---does not fare so well. The reader soon finds out the low-life lawyer who gave him the package to deliver has been murdered, leaving Jace to feel he will be a suspect and causing him to go on the lam.
In the meantime, detective Kevin Parker, self-professed best homicide cop in town, is involved with the murder of the "scum-sucking member of the bar" already mentioned. He is training a new cop, Renee Ruiz, who as it turns out, has questionable motives. Early in the course of his investigation, Kev learns of the bike messenger and knows he may have vital information to help solve the crime and searches for him.
Jace, his boy genius brother, Tyler, and Kevin are all likeable characters and I found myself very sympathetic. Some of the other bike messengers were described in such a way as to add some humor and there is even some romance thrown in to alleviate the intensity. The plot takes some twists and turns and in the end Kevin Parker gets a big surprise and I think you will too!
Friday, July 7, 2017
A Reluctant Queen The Love Story of Esther by Joan Wolf
“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
-Mordecai's advice to Queen Esther, the Book of Esther 4:13-14 (NIV)
-Mordecai's advice to Queen Esther, the Book of Esther 4:13-14 (NIV)
Several years ago my women's church circle was involved in a Bible study of the book of Esther which I found very interesting. When I saw that the library had a book bundle (multiple copies in a set) of this title, I was determined to use it as a Page Turner selection. I waited quite a while to find it available for checkout but I kept trying because I knew it would be different from anything we had read in a while and all our book club folks are people of faith. I enjoyed it---will rate it a 4---and hope they liked it, too.
In the Biblical book the quote with which I began was quite a notable scripture reference. All through the novel, I kept looking for a statement that was similar and never really found it. In the Author's Note, Ms. Wolf does admit to "tinkering a bit with the Esther story as it is presented in the Bible." After finishing the novel, I reread the Bible original and realized there was a lot of tinkering! The characters come alive with the author's fleshing out of their emotions and motivations and of course the dialogue adds even more realism. A true Biblical scholar would have problems with some changes and additions to the Esther story but if read as fiction, A Reluctant Queen is quite enjoyable, especially if the reader likes a good love story once in a while!
I look forward to meeting with our group and hearing their thoughts....more later.
------------------------------
Page Turners rate the book 3.7, with all votes either 3 or 4. I'd say we liked it. We agreed you could not read it as history and appreciate it, only as a work of fiction. One member of the group told me she had a library copy of the book that had editing marks and indignant comments written in it---obviously a reader who did not take that advice. Almost all participants said they reread the Bible book of Esther either before or after The Reluctant Queen.
I compared The Red Tent, a novel by Anita Diamant which is also Biblical fiction, a Jacob, Rachel and Leah story. I had recently seen the mini series on TV and was reminded of the "tinkering" Diamant did with the Genesis story. Many knew just what I meant.
Refreshments are always offered at our meetings, supplied by volunteers. On my way to the meeting I was thinking we should have a "Queen's feast." As it turned out, two of our members had planned just that, theming our edibles with the book. We had Haman's ears---lovely triangular shaped cookies with jam in the centers---poppy seed muffins, grapes, figs, dates, nuts and a lovely warm potato dish. Delicious! All of that plus a very stimulating discussion!
------------------------------
Page Turners rate the book 3.7, with all votes either 3 or 4. I'd say we liked it. We agreed you could not read it as history and appreciate it, only as a work of fiction. One member of the group told me she had a library copy of the book that had editing marks and indignant comments written in it---obviously a reader who did not take that advice. Almost all participants said they reread the Bible book of Esther either before or after The Reluctant Queen.
I compared The Red Tent, a novel by Anita Diamant which is also Biblical fiction, a Jacob, Rachel and Leah story. I had recently seen the mini series on TV and was reminded of the "tinkering" Diamant did with the Genesis story. Many knew just what I meant.
Refreshments are always offered at our meetings, supplied by volunteers. On my way to the meeting I was thinking we should have a "Queen's feast." As it turned out, two of our members had planned just that, theming our edibles with the book. We had Haman's ears---lovely triangular shaped cookies with jam in the centers---poppy seed muffins, grapes, figs, dates, nuts and a lovely warm potato dish. Delicious! All of that plus a very stimulating discussion!
Monday, July 3, 2017
Dead Certain by Adam Mitzner
"DEAD CERTAIN A Novel by Charlotte Broden
For my sister, Ella...because
CHAPTER ONE
Even in the beginning, I wondered about the end. I could envision only two outcomes, with nothing in between: happily-ever-after with a man I love, or my entire world blown to hell."
-from the novel-within-the-novel
I haven't read a thriller in a while and this one certainly was! Definitely a change of pace.
Ella Broden, attorney-at-law, meets her sister Charlotte for lunch in the beginning pages of the novel. Charlotte shares the good news that she has a partially-finished novel that has been accepted for publication. It just happens to be titled Dead Certain. She gives a manuscript to Ella to read. The next day, Charlotte's live-in boyfriend reports her missing. Ella enlists the help of NYPD detective and former lover Gabriel Velasquez to help her find her sister.
As it turns out Charlotte's novel is somewhat autobiographical in that the protagonist has a lawyer sister and is romantically involved with 3 men, thinly veiled representatives of the multiple lovers of Charlotte herself. When Ella realizes this, she begins trying to discern which of Charlotte's actual lovers could be implicated in her disappearance. The plot takes some twists and turns but I did predict the culprit perhaps half-way through the book. No spoilers though!
I am giving the book a 4 rating. I admit to being captured by the story. The novel-within-the-novel was an interesting technique but when another narrator is introduced, three first-person narratives get a bit confusing. There is some rather tedious repetition as the reader gets the same event from two perspectives but they sound almost the same. I thought the author did a creditable job of writing from a woman's (actually two women's) point(s) of view. I do think I would read more by this author.
For my sister, Ella...because
CHAPTER ONE
Even in the beginning, I wondered about the end. I could envision only two outcomes, with nothing in between: happily-ever-after with a man I love, or my entire world blown to hell."
-from the novel-within-the-novel
I haven't read a thriller in a while and this one certainly was! Definitely a change of pace.
Ella Broden, attorney-at-law, meets her sister Charlotte for lunch in the beginning pages of the novel. Charlotte shares the good news that she has a partially-finished novel that has been accepted for publication. It just happens to be titled Dead Certain. She gives a manuscript to Ella to read. The next day, Charlotte's live-in boyfriend reports her missing. Ella enlists the help of NYPD detective and former lover Gabriel Velasquez to help her find her sister.
As it turns out Charlotte's novel is somewhat autobiographical in that the protagonist has a lawyer sister and is romantically involved with 3 men, thinly veiled representatives of the multiple lovers of Charlotte herself. When Ella realizes this, she begins trying to discern which of Charlotte's actual lovers could be implicated in her disappearance. The plot takes some twists and turns but I did predict the culprit perhaps half-way through the book. No spoilers though!
I am giving the book a 4 rating. I admit to being captured by the story. The novel-within-the-novel was an interesting technique but when another narrator is introduced, three first-person narratives get a bit confusing. There is some rather tedious repetition as the reader gets the same event from two perspectives but they sound almost the same. I thought the author did a creditable job of writing from a woman's (actually two women's) point(s) of view. I do think I would read more by this author.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson
"I was so effing sick of other people's love stories, today in particular. Why would some higher power send me to a nun, only to have her tell me this?..........This, right here, this was my story, and love had no place in it."
-Shandi Pierce, from the novel
This novel starts out with a bang, quite literally! I could hardly put it down for the first few chapters as protagonist Shandi Pierce is held hostage in a convenience store robbery attempt. Her precocious 3-year-old is there with her along with a few others, including William Ashe who she instinctively feels will be the one to save the day. He starts out by protecting and comforting Natty, her son, immediately endearing himself to Shandi. After this frightening episode has ended, the two are understandably connected emotionally.
Shandi and William each have unresolved traumas in their recent past. Shandi's story shifts to William's and back frequently. She has a platonic friend, Walcott, on whom she greatly depends. William's equivalent is Paula, best friend of both him and his wife, Bridget. These two secondary characters provide some conflict, along with Shandi's at-odds divorced parents and a "ghost" from her past.
The author uses Southern flavor, humor and realistic dialogue to produce a good story, one with a surprise (and I would say rather abrupt) ending. I have read 4 other books by this author and I think the first two were my favorites, Gods in Alabama and Between, Georgia. This one I will rate a 3. I admit to being a bit disappointed.
-Shandi Pierce, from the novel
This novel starts out with a bang, quite literally! I could hardly put it down for the first few chapters as protagonist Shandi Pierce is held hostage in a convenience store robbery attempt. Her precocious 3-year-old is there with her along with a few others, including William Ashe who she instinctively feels will be the one to save the day. He starts out by protecting and comforting Natty, her son, immediately endearing himself to Shandi. After this frightening episode has ended, the two are understandably connected emotionally.
Shandi and William each have unresolved traumas in their recent past. Shandi's story shifts to William's and back frequently. She has a platonic friend, Walcott, on whom she greatly depends. William's equivalent is Paula, best friend of both him and his wife, Bridget. These two secondary characters provide some conflict, along with Shandi's at-odds divorced parents and a "ghost" from her past.
The author uses Southern flavor, humor and realistic dialogue to produce a good story, one with a surprise (and I would say rather abrupt) ending. I have read 4 other books by this author and I think the first two were my favorites, Gods in Alabama and Between, Georgia. This one I will rate a 3. I admit to being a bit disappointed.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Razor Girl by Carl Hiaasen
"Riled, righteous and rip-roaringly funny...Hiaasen's novels ought to bear the warning label: may be hazardous to your sides. They may split."
-from New York Newsday
This novel is a sequel of sorts to Bad Monkey which I finished listening to recently on CD. A few characters are the same but many more wacky ones are introduced. Protagonist Andrew Yancy is still trying to win back his detective badge and hang onto his girlfriend former M.E., Rosa. He gets involved in another wild and crazy case. Buck Nance of the "Bayou Brethren" reality show (think "Duck Dynasty") disappears while his agent, Lane Coolman, is the victim of a " bump and grab" car accident followed by his being kidnapped. The driver of the car and kidnapping accomplice is Merry Mansfield, the eponymous "razor girl." (You'll have to read only a few pages to find out why!) While this is going on, Yancy meets his would-be next door neighbor on Big Pine Key, Deb, who has lost her $2000 engagement ring.
Add to all this lunacy a crook who steals sand from one beach to sell to another, a lawyer of questionable integrity, a criminal who electrocutes himself via a Tesla, a Mafia boss, a rabid fan of "Bayou Brethren" who pushes a Muslim off the conch train to his death and some giant Gambian pouched rats! Talk about outlandish predicaments---one after another!
Razor Girl is set in the Florida Keys, much of it in Key West. I have been there a couple of times so I enjoyed the references to Duval Street, the La Concha hotel (where we stayed), Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point, the conch train and the countless chickens that roam everywhere. So not only was the novel good for a bunch of laughs, it brought back memories of a pretty cool place!
I will rate this one a 5 for high entertainment value! Literary value---not so much.
-from New York Newsday
This novel is a sequel of sorts to Bad Monkey which I finished listening to recently on CD. A few characters are the same but many more wacky ones are introduced. Protagonist Andrew Yancy is still trying to win back his detective badge and hang onto his girlfriend former M.E., Rosa. He gets involved in another wild and crazy case. Buck Nance of the "Bayou Brethren" reality show (think "Duck Dynasty") disappears while his agent, Lane Coolman, is the victim of a " bump and grab" car accident followed by his being kidnapped. The driver of the car and kidnapping accomplice is Merry Mansfield, the eponymous "razor girl." (You'll have to read only a few pages to find out why!) While this is going on, Yancy meets his would-be next door neighbor on Big Pine Key, Deb, who has lost her $2000 engagement ring.
Add to all this lunacy a crook who steals sand from one beach to sell to another, a lawyer of questionable integrity, a criminal who electrocutes himself via a Tesla, a Mafia boss, a rabid fan of "Bayou Brethren" who pushes a Muslim off the conch train to his death and some giant Gambian pouched rats! Talk about outlandish predicaments---one after another!
Razor Girl is set in the Florida Keys, much of it in Key West. I have been there a couple of times so I enjoyed the references to Duval Street, the La Concha hotel (where we stayed), Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point, the conch train and the countless chickens that roam everywhere. So not only was the novel good for a bunch of laughs, it brought back memories of a pretty cool place!
I will rate this one a 5 for high entertainment value! Literary value---not so much.
Monday, June 12, 2017
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
"Birdsong. A nightingale. She hears it singing a sad song. Nightingales mean loss, don't they? Love that leaves or doesn't last or never existed in the first place. There's a poem about that, she thinks. An ode."
-Isabelle's hallucination, from the novel
What can I say about this novel? It is a gripping story told beautifully! Rates a 5, for sure. The plot was so compelling I could hardly put it down---read it in only a few days.
Though the beginning setting is Oregon, 1995, a flashback soon takes the reader back to 1939 and the village of Carriveau, France. Two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle Mauriac, about as different as siblings can be, must learn to deal with the ominous arrival of the Nazis. Vianne has a daughter she must protect at all costs while Isabelle is an impulsive and defiant 18-year-old, unwilling to yield to Nazi occupation. Both sisters end up involved in the French Resistance---Isabelle, quickly and wholeheartedly and Vianne, reluctantly at first, but then with great courage. Both women exemplify selflessness, resilience, determination, compassion and love.
This novel reminded me so much of Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan which I read very recently. In it Pino Lella becomes involved heart and soul with the resistance movement in Italy during Nazi occupation, beginning by leading Jews through an "underground railroad" of sorts through the Alps into Switzerland. Isabelle undertakes similar risky missions in The Nightingale with numerous treks through the Pyrenees. Though Isabelle is a fictional character and Pino is an actual person, both demonstrate great courage and show that heroes can be people you would least expect---women, before they were given much credit, and teenagers.
Both these novels are emotionally intense so maybe you'd want to read something light and humorous in-between. Just saying.....
----------------------------------------
The Nightingale was very popular with our Page Turners: average rating a 4.7, highest of 2017 to this point. We had a wonderful discussion including some personal reflections about duty, war and prejudice. In answer to questions provided by the publisher, most of us agreed that both sisters did what they had to do and we admired them both. We acknowledged that even though the Mauriac women were fictional characters, there would have been numerous real women who performed the kind of heroic deeds described in the book. Some of us did not realize the degree to which the French people suffered during this terrible time. We thought that the narrative structure of the novel, switching settings, as I described earlier, added intrigue and some relief from the intensity of the 1939 story. We were kept guessing as to the narrator almost to the end! If you like historical fiction, this one's a winner!
-Isabelle's hallucination, from the novel
What can I say about this novel? It is a gripping story told beautifully! Rates a 5, for sure. The plot was so compelling I could hardly put it down---read it in only a few days.
Though the beginning setting is Oregon, 1995, a flashback soon takes the reader back to 1939 and the village of Carriveau, France. Two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle Mauriac, about as different as siblings can be, must learn to deal with the ominous arrival of the Nazis. Vianne has a daughter she must protect at all costs while Isabelle is an impulsive and defiant 18-year-old, unwilling to yield to Nazi occupation. Both sisters end up involved in the French Resistance---Isabelle, quickly and wholeheartedly and Vianne, reluctantly at first, but then with great courage. Both women exemplify selflessness, resilience, determination, compassion and love.
This novel reminded me so much of Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan which I read very recently. In it Pino Lella becomes involved heart and soul with the resistance movement in Italy during Nazi occupation, beginning by leading Jews through an "underground railroad" of sorts through the Alps into Switzerland. Isabelle undertakes similar risky missions in The Nightingale with numerous treks through the Pyrenees. Though Isabelle is a fictional character and Pino is an actual person, both demonstrate great courage and show that heroes can be people you would least expect---women, before they were given much credit, and teenagers.
Both these novels are emotionally intense so maybe you'd want to read something light and humorous in-between. Just saying.....
----------------------------------------
The Nightingale was very popular with our Page Turners: average rating a 4.7, highest of 2017 to this point. We had a wonderful discussion including some personal reflections about duty, war and prejudice. In answer to questions provided by the publisher, most of us agreed that both sisters did what they had to do and we admired them both. We acknowledged that even though the Mauriac women were fictional characters, there would have been numerous real women who performed the kind of heroic deeds described in the book. Some of us did not realize the degree to which the French people suffered during this terrible time. We thought that the narrative structure of the novel, switching settings, as I described earlier, added intrigue and some relief from the intensity of the 1939 story. We were kept guessing as to the narrator almost to the end! If you like historical fiction, this one's a winner!
Friday, June 2, 2017
Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston
"I have known the joy and pain of deep friendship. I have served and been served. I have made some good enemies for which I am not a bit sorry. I have loved unselfishly, and I have fondled hatred with the red-hot tongs of Hell. That's a living."
-Zora Neale Hurston
I believe Zora Neale Hurston must have been an amazing woman---definitely ahead of her time. She lived and worked at a time before the Civil Rights Era when women were still pretty much second-class citizens. As a black woman she still seemed unfazed by it all. In fact she was denigrated by other black writers of her time because she did not speak out strongly enough against racism. It simply had not been her experience.
I chose to read this book in preparation for an adult class I was planning to teach on Florida Authors: Then and Now. She would be one of the "thens." Our Page Turners group had read Their Eyes Were Watching God, considered Zora's masterpiece, several years ago and most of us liked it.
Dust Tracks... is her autobiography so I chose it for my class, thinking it would allow students to learn of her life as well as her writing. I had been warned by a reliable source that it was not a typical autobiography with perhaps even some stretching of the truth. As I read other sources before starting Dust Tracks... I could see that even her place of birth was argued---Notasulga, Alabama or Eatonville, Florida. Zora says the latter but most other bios say the former. Apparently her family moved to Eatonville when she was still an infant.
Choosing a quote was a difficult task since she was quite witty and even philosophical at times. I didn't realize Hurston was an anthropologist, folklorist and playwright as well as a novelist and I learned she was the first African-American to graduate from Barnard College. But the most surprising thing about Zora Neale Hurston was that after she reached the pinnacle of her career in the late 30's to early 40's, her work fell from grace and she ended up working as a maid, a librarian and a substitute teacher in the 50's before dying of a stroke at age 69 in a county welfare home. It was not until 1973 when Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, published an article in Ms. called "In Search of Zora Neale Hurston" that interest in and respect for Zora's work was rekindled.
Biography is not a favorite genre of mine but as I said, this one isn't typical. I will rate it a 4. It has inspired me to read more of Zora's work.
-Zora Neale Hurston
I believe Zora Neale Hurston must have been an amazing woman---definitely ahead of her time. She lived and worked at a time before the Civil Rights Era when women were still pretty much second-class citizens. As a black woman she still seemed unfazed by it all. In fact she was denigrated by other black writers of her time because she did not speak out strongly enough against racism. It simply had not been her experience.
I chose to read this book in preparation for an adult class I was planning to teach on Florida Authors: Then and Now. She would be one of the "thens." Our Page Turners group had read Their Eyes Were Watching God, considered Zora's masterpiece, several years ago and most of us liked it.
Dust Tracks... is her autobiography so I chose it for my class, thinking it would allow students to learn of her life as well as her writing. I had been warned by a reliable source that it was not a typical autobiography with perhaps even some stretching of the truth. As I read other sources before starting Dust Tracks... I could see that even her place of birth was argued---Notasulga, Alabama or Eatonville, Florida. Zora says the latter but most other bios say the former. Apparently her family moved to Eatonville when she was still an infant.
Choosing a quote was a difficult task since she was quite witty and even philosophical at times. I didn't realize Hurston was an anthropologist, folklorist and playwright as well as a novelist and I learned she was the first African-American to graduate from Barnard College. But the most surprising thing about Zora Neale Hurston was that after she reached the pinnacle of her career in the late 30's to early 40's, her work fell from grace and she ended up working as a maid, a librarian and a substitute teacher in the 50's before dying of a stroke at age 69 in a county welfare home. It was not until 1973 when Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, published an article in Ms. called "In Search of Zora Neale Hurston" that interest in and respect for Zora's work was rekindled.
Biography is not a favorite genre of mine but as I said, this one isn't typical. I will rate it a 4. It has inspired me to read more of Zora's work.
Monday, May 22, 2017
Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen
"The right arm is being sent back to Miami to be buried with the left one. There's plenty of room in the coffin." -Sheriff Sonny Summers
If that quote sounds strange, you ain't seen nothing yet! I listened to the audio version of this one in my car. It made me smile, laugh aloud at times and shake my head often at the surprise twists and turns in the plot. It was read by Arte Johnson---remember him from "Laugh-In"? I doubt anyone could have done it better.
Most of the Hiaasen work I have read is juvenile literature, Hoot for example. This one is definitely NOT for kids---plenty of strong language and sexual references! A Florida author, Hiaasen sets most of his books in the Sunshine State. This one goes back and forth from South Florida to the Bahamas.
Protagonist ex-detective Andrew Yancy has been "demoted" to a restaurant inspector AKA the "roach patrol." Early in the story he acquires a severed arm reeled in by a fisherman. Rather than believe it the result of a boating accident, he finds reason to investigate it as a possible homicide. If he can solve the mystery and find the perp, maybe he can earn his badge back. The reader meets many wacky characters as the plot spins---a scam artist, an unscrupulous realtor, a voodoo witch, an ex-girlfriend who is a sexual predator on the lam and a maniacal monkey, the former animal star of "Pirates of the Caribbean," just to name a few!
You cannot really call an audio book a page-turner, now can you? All I can say is it was entertaining to the max---a 5 rating for sure! Now I really look forward to Razor Girl in which Yancy tries again to regain his place in law enforcement. It is bound to be another wickedly funny romp!
If that quote sounds strange, you ain't seen nothing yet! I listened to the audio version of this one in my car. It made me smile, laugh aloud at times and shake my head often at the surprise twists and turns in the plot. It was read by Arte Johnson---remember him from "Laugh-In"? I doubt anyone could have done it better.
Most of the Hiaasen work I have read is juvenile literature, Hoot for example. This one is definitely NOT for kids---plenty of strong language and sexual references! A Florida author, Hiaasen sets most of his books in the Sunshine State. This one goes back and forth from South Florida to the Bahamas.
Protagonist ex-detective Andrew Yancy has been "demoted" to a restaurant inspector AKA the "roach patrol." Early in the story he acquires a severed arm reeled in by a fisherman. Rather than believe it the result of a boating accident, he finds reason to investigate it as a possible homicide. If he can solve the mystery and find the perp, maybe he can earn his badge back. The reader meets many wacky characters as the plot spins---a scam artist, an unscrupulous realtor, a voodoo witch, an ex-girlfriend who is a sexual predator on the lam and a maniacal monkey, the former animal star of "Pirates of the Caribbean," just to name a few!
You cannot really call an audio book a page-turner, now can you? All I can say is it was entertaining to the max---a 5 rating for sure! Now I really look forward to Razor Girl in which Yancy tries again to regain his place in law enforcement. It is bound to be another wickedly funny romp!
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Because of the Sun by Jenny Torres Sanchez
"It was because of the sun. Because it was hot and melted your brain. Because it was an absurd ball of fire in the sky that blinded us and regulated our days and nights, our seemingly senseless lives and random fates."
-Dani's thoughts, from the novel
This young adult fiction was chosen for its author who happens to be a member of the church to which most of our Page Turners belong. This is her third published novel. A couple of years ago our group read her second---Death, Dickinson and the Demented Life of Frenchie Garcia---and I invited her to attend our meeting. It was quite a treat having the author of the current selection available to answer questions and share her inspiration and aspects of her writing process. I believe she enjoyed the feedback as well. In fact, she has agreed to join us for our discussion of Because of the Sun.
Protagonist Dani Falls is a damaged young woman even before the tragic death of her mother at the beginning of the book. Part One is mostly Dani's interior monologue as she feels her way through the loss and the displacement which results from it. When she is sent from her home in Florida to live with her aunt in New Mexico, it had to be serious culture shock. And she never even knew her mother had a sister, adding to the difficulty of the transition.
So much of this novel is steam of consciousness, far from my favorite literary technique, so I had trouble getting into the story at first. Once Dani starts to communicate and makes a few friends, it gets more interesting. When Aunt Shelley finally tells her story, the reader starts to understand much more of the dysfunctional family that made her, her sister Anna Ruby (Dani's mother) and Dani herself, the people they are.
"The truth will set you free," from John 8:32 in the Bible seems to be illustrated by the story as Dani learns dark family secrets and is able to finally forgive her mother. One has the idea that she will find love and happiness in her life as she is freed from her inner demons and begins to move forward.
The novel is divided into 3 parts but without chapters. I didn't really like that but I got used to it. In some places the transition of time or character was a bit confusing. Also a book called The Stranger by Albert Camus is mentioned frequently and I have never read or even heard of that novel so those references were lost on me.
I liked Because of the Sun but of the three Sanchez novels I have read, this would not be my favorite. Her first novel, The Downside of Being Charlie would be #1. I'm looking forward to our meeting this week. More after that.....
--------------
What a wonderful meeting we had with Jenny Sanchez, author of our May book selection! I had distributed generic fiction questions to use but we hardly referred to them at all since most of us already had questions in mind. Jenny shared where her ideas had originated including the second setting of a small border town in New Mexico, the actual family home of her husband. We heard how she had been influenced by her somewhat isolated youth, her reading of The Stranger in high school, the hot sun of Florida and New Mexico, bears in the news and the angst and resilience of young people. (She is a former high school English teacher.) Our Page Turners shared their reactions to portions of the book, some quite emotional. The discussion of the novel was so stimulating some of us left saying we wanted to read it again! We decided not to rate this book. We will give it an NR. With the author present, it would have been a bit awkward. Suffice it to say between author and readers there was great mutual appreciation!
-Dani's thoughts, from the novel
This young adult fiction was chosen for its author who happens to be a member of the church to which most of our Page Turners belong. This is her third published novel. A couple of years ago our group read her second---Death, Dickinson and the Demented Life of Frenchie Garcia---and I invited her to attend our meeting. It was quite a treat having the author of the current selection available to answer questions and share her inspiration and aspects of her writing process. I believe she enjoyed the feedback as well. In fact, she has agreed to join us for our discussion of Because of the Sun.
Protagonist Dani Falls is a damaged young woman even before the tragic death of her mother at the beginning of the book. Part One is mostly Dani's interior monologue as she feels her way through the loss and the displacement which results from it. When she is sent from her home in Florida to live with her aunt in New Mexico, it had to be serious culture shock. And she never even knew her mother had a sister, adding to the difficulty of the transition.
So much of this novel is steam of consciousness, far from my favorite literary technique, so I had trouble getting into the story at first. Once Dani starts to communicate and makes a few friends, it gets more interesting. When Aunt Shelley finally tells her story, the reader starts to understand much more of the dysfunctional family that made her, her sister Anna Ruby (Dani's mother) and Dani herself, the people they are.
"The truth will set you free," from John 8:32 in the Bible seems to be illustrated by the story as Dani learns dark family secrets and is able to finally forgive her mother. One has the idea that she will find love and happiness in her life as she is freed from her inner demons and begins to move forward.
The novel is divided into 3 parts but without chapters. I didn't really like that but I got used to it. In some places the transition of time or character was a bit confusing. Also a book called The Stranger by Albert Camus is mentioned frequently and I have never read or even heard of that novel so those references were lost on me.
I liked Because of the Sun but of the three Sanchez novels I have read, this would not be my favorite. Her first novel, The Downside of Being Charlie would be #1. I'm looking forward to our meeting this week. More after that.....
--------------
What a wonderful meeting we had with Jenny Sanchez, author of our May book selection! I had distributed generic fiction questions to use but we hardly referred to them at all since most of us already had questions in mind. Jenny shared where her ideas had originated including the second setting of a small border town in New Mexico, the actual family home of her husband. We heard how she had been influenced by her somewhat isolated youth, her reading of The Stranger in high school, the hot sun of Florida and New Mexico, bears in the news and the angst and resilience of young people. (She is a former high school English teacher.) Our Page Turners shared their reactions to portions of the book, some quite emotional. The discussion of the novel was so stimulating some of us left saying we wanted to read it again! We decided not to rate this book. We will give it an NR. With the author present, it would have been a bit awkward. Suffice it to say between author and readers there was great mutual appreciation!
Friday, May 5, 2017
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
"Life is change, constant change, and unless we are lucky enough to find comedy in it, change is nearly always a drama, if not a tragedy. But after everything, and even when the skies turn scarlet and threatening, I still believe that if we are lucky enough to be alive, we must give thanks for the miracle of every moment of every day, no matter how flawed. And we must have faith in God, and in the Universe, and in a better tomorrow, even if that faith is not always deserved."
-Pino Lella, looking back on his long life
Being a lover of historical fiction, I have read numerous novels set in WWII Europe, particularly involving the Holocaust and events leading up to it. However this was the first set in Italy which the author admits is known as the "Forgotten Front."
I must confess I might never have discovered this novel except that it was one of several choices for a free book for Kindle. I selected it because the description was intriguing and I am so glad. Not only was it an engrossing page-turner but I learned a great deal about the Nazi presence in Italy. All I had really known about WWII Italy was Mussolini, Fascism and that it was one of the Axis powers---the bad guys!
Beneath a Scarlet Sky tells the story of Giuseppino "Pino" Lella, an unsung hero whom the author met and spent many hours interviewing when he was in his 90's. What an incredible life Pino had led! Starting out at age 17 he was a "conductor" on an underground railroad of sorts leading Jews and downed pilots out of Italy into Switzerland---an extremely treacherous journey, to say the least, and soon after became a driver for Nazi General Hans Leyers. This put him in a position to spy for the Allies at great personal risk.
Early in the story Pino meets race car driver Alberto Ascari and agrees to teach him to ski in return for driving lessons. The driving skills Pino develops serve him well later and end up saving his life and that of others. We are told in the "Aftermath" that Ascari has become known as one of the best Formula One drivers of all time.
As I was nearing the end of the novel, I happened to see a TV documentary on Anne Frank, a graphic reminder of the horrors brought on by the Nazi regime. It is difficult to conceive of such cruelty and violence as depicted there and in Beneath a Scarlet Sky. Such a profoundly heart-breaking time!
The author describes this book as narrative nonfiction but also biographical and historical fiction. Whatever it's classification, I give it a 5. It is thoroughly researched, well-written and presents a story that needed to be told!
-Pino Lella, looking back on his long life
Being a lover of historical fiction, I have read numerous novels set in WWII Europe, particularly involving the Holocaust and events leading up to it. However this was the first set in Italy which the author admits is known as the "Forgotten Front."
I must confess I might never have discovered this novel except that it was one of several choices for a free book for Kindle. I selected it because the description was intriguing and I am so glad. Not only was it an engrossing page-turner but I learned a great deal about the Nazi presence in Italy. All I had really known about WWII Italy was Mussolini, Fascism and that it was one of the Axis powers---the bad guys!
Beneath a Scarlet Sky tells the story of Giuseppino "Pino" Lella, an unsung hero whom the author met and spent many hours interviewing when he was in his 90's. What an incredible life Pino had led! Starting out at age 17 he was a "conductor" on an underground railroad of sorts leading Jews and downed pilots out of Italy into Switzerland---an extremely treacherous journey, to say the least, and soon after became a driver for Nazi General Hans Leyers. This put him in a position to spy for the Allies at great personal risk.
Early in the story Pino meets race car driver Alberto Ascari and agrees to teach him to ski in return for driving lessons. The driving skills Pino develops serve him well later and end up saving his life and that of others. We are told in the "Aftermath" that Ascari has become known as one of the best Formula One drivers of all time.
As I was nearing the end of the novel, I happened to see a TV documentary on Anne Frank, a graphic reminder of the horrors brought on by the Nazi regime. It is difficult to conceive of such cruelty and violence as depicted there and in Beneath a Scarlet Sky. Such a profoundly heart-breaking time!
The author describes this book as narrative nonfiction but also biographical and historical fiction. Whatever it's classification, I give it a 5. It is thoroughly researched, well-written and presents a story that needed to be told!
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
"I'm just thinking of what I know about Will Traynor, what I know about men like him. And I'll say one thing to you. I'm not sure anyone in the world was ever going to persuade that man once he'd set his mind to something. He's who he is. You can't make people change who they are."
-Bernard Clark's fatherly advice to Louisa near the end of the novel
This book was selected for our Page Turners group by being strongly suggested by a couple of members. Since a film version has been out for a while, I knew a little of what to expect. I expected a tear-jerker. My readers will know I try hard not to include spoilers in my posts. It seems this novel has spoilers everywhere! I even saw a description as an answer on "Jeopardy" recently, under the heading Recent Novels, with the question being this book title; it pretty much gave away the plot.
The story centers around Louisa Clark, a young woman with a pretty unexciting, unfulfilled life, who takes a job helping quadriplegic Will Traynor. Will had been a mover and shaker before a tragic accident left him paralyzed. He has lost all zest for life and become bitter and self-pitying. Louisa is hired by his mother to hopefully cheer him up, perhaps even give him a reason for living. Although the relationship starts out rocky making Louisa want to quit, she hangs in there and the two come to care about each other. In addition, I will only say that Louisa gains as much from the connection as he does.
Moyes's writing style is easy and enjoyable. I liked the book but thought it was predictably sad so I am giving it a 4. Litlovers.com calls it a romance novel; my husband would call it chick lit. But I do think it will give us plenty to talk about when we meet this week. More then....
----------------------------------
The Page Turners met on our regular day and apparently we liked the novel---the average rating was 4.4---no votes under 4. Our discussion followed the publisher's questions. Much talk was generated by Will's outlook on life and whether we understood his feelings. There was some difference of opinion and a few people cited real-life examples of folks who have overcome serious injury to live fulfilling, even inspiring lives. I speculated that the prospect of living as a quadriplegic might be more difficult for a man to accept than a woman. As one might expect, most discussion was about the meaning of life, the right to die, assisted suicide and related topics.
There were several interpretations of the Me and You in the title. One of the best, we agreed, would have referred to both Will and Lou BEFORE they met the other. In other words each one could have said, "This story is about Me before You." Some of our members have read the sequel, After You, and have liked it as well. Others have seen the film version.
A good selection for a book club---plenty to talk about related to Me Before You!
-Bernard Clark's fatherly advice to Louisa near the end of the novel
This book was selected for our Page Turners group by being strongly suggested by a couple of members. Since a film version has been out for a while, I knew a little of what to expect. I expected a tear-jerker. My readers will know I try hard not to include spoilers in my posts. It seems this novel has spoilers everywhere! I even saw a description as an answer on "Jeopardy" recently, under the heading Recent Novels, with the question being this book title; it pretty much gave away the plot.
The story centers around Louisa Clark, a young woman with a pretty unexciting, unfulfilled life, who takes a job helping quadriplegic Will Traynor. Will had been a mover and shaker before a tragic accident left him paralyzed. He has lost all zest for life and become bitter and self-pitying. Louisa is hired by his mother to hopefully cheer him up, perhaps even give him a reason for living. Although the relationship starts out rocky making Louisa want to quit, she hangs in there and the two come to care about each other. In addition, I will only say that Louisa gains as much from the connection as he does.
Moyes's writing style is easy and enjoyable. I liked the book but thought it was predictably sad so I am giving it a 4. Litlovers.com calls it a romance novel; my husband would call it chick lit. But I do think it will give us plenty to talk about when we meet this week. More then....
----------------------------------
The Page Turners met on our regular day and apparently we liked the novel---the average rating was 4.4---no votes under 4. Our discussion followed the publisher's questions. Much talk was generated by Will's outlook on life and whether we understood his feelings. There was some difference of opinion and a few people cited real-life examples of folks who have overcome serious injury to live fulfilling, even inspiring lives. I speculated that the prospect of living as a quadriplegic might be more difficult for a man to accept than a woman. As one might expect, most discussion was about the meaning of life, the right to die, assisted suicide and related topics.
There were several interpretations of the Me and You in the title. One of the best, we agreed, would have referred to both Will and Lou BEFORE they met the other. In other words each one could have said, "This story is about Me before You." Some of our members have read the sequel, After You, and have liked it as well. Others have seen the film version.
A good selection for a book club---plenty to talk about related to Me Before You!
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Three Biographies of Zora Neale Hurston
Zora Neale Hurston, Harlem Renaissance Writer by Katie Marsico
Zora Neale Hurston "I Have Been in Sorrow's Kitchen" by Laura Baskes Litwin
Zora Neale Hurston, Author by Paul Witcover
"What waits for me in the future? I do not know. I cannot even imagine, and I am glad for that. But already, I have touched the four corners of the horizon, for from hard searching it seems to me that tears and laughter, love and hate, make up the sum of life."
-Zora Neale Hurston
All of these books are categorized as juvenile biography even though I located them in the adult biography section of the library. I knew they would be quick and easy reads to help me prepare for a lecture I will be doing this summer. I often choose "kiddy lit" when I want some boiled-down nonfiction to give me background for a class or trip. These did not disappoint: all less than 115 pages with photos, timelines and helpful indices.
In the Florida Authors class I am teaching, I will have students read Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora which is an autobiography. I had been told some time ago that it is not necessarily true to life and is suspected to have been somewhat embellished by the author. I thought by reading a few biographies before Dust Tracks... I would have facts to compare to Zora's account.
I found all the biographies very interesting---the woman had an amazingly full life, though not an easy one. She seems to have been very brilliant, creative and strong-willed with a good sense of humor. Our book club read Their Eyes Were Watching God, considered her master work, a few years ago. I enjoyed it but not everyone in the group did.
So now I am ready and looking forward to Dust Tracks on a Road.
Zora Neale Hurston "I Have Been in Sorrow's Kitchen" by Laura Baskes Litwin
Zora Neale Hurston, Author by Paul Witcover
"What waits for me in the future? I do not know. I cannot even imagine, and I am glad for that. But already, I have touched the four corners of the horizon, for from hard searching it seems to me that tears and laughter, love and hate, make up the sum of life."
-Zora Neale Hurston
All of these books are categorized as juvenile biography even though I located them in the adult biography section of the library. I knew they would be quick and easy reads to help me prepare for a lecture I will be doing this summer. I often choose "kiddy lit" when I want some boiled-down nonfiction to give me background for a class or trip. These did not disappoint: all less than 115 pages with photos, timelines and helpful indices.
In the Florida Authors class I am teaching, I will have students read Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora which is an autobiography. I had been told some time ago that it is not necessarily true to life and is suspected to have been somewhat embellished by the author. I thought by reading a few biographies before Dust Tracks... I would have facts to compare to Zora's account.
I found all the biographies very interesting---the woman had an amazingly full life, though not an easy one. She seems to have been very brilliant, creative and strong-willed with a good sense of humor. Our book club read Their Eyes Were Watching God, considered her master work, a few years ago. I enjoyed it but not everyone in the group did.
So now I am ready and looking forward to Dust Tracks on a Road.
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