This time, I will be trying something new. I will be reflecting on The Road as opposed to summarizing and reviewing it.
The Road is Cormac McCarthy's post-apocalyptic novel about a man and his son. They are walking through the wasteland that is the world in search of the coast, although they do not know what they will find there. It's sad, it's bleak, and it paints a very gray picture. However, I couldn't put it down and it made me think.
The whole time I was reading it, I pictured Dave and Archer. Granted, Archer would have to be a little older because I was picturing a boy around 8 or 10, but I still couldn't get my mind away from my own husband and son. If the world were ever to come to that point, my only hope would be that my children would survive. I would love to survive as well, but mostly I want my children to lead full lives. If I couldn't make it, I would hope that Dave would so that there would be a caretaker present.
I could picture Dave and Archer every step of the way through The Road , I could picture Dave protecting Archer the way "The Man" protected "The Boy." I could feel the love and commitment between the two characters the way I feel the bond between my husband and our son. It was a profoundly moving experience for me because through the sadness and the bleak picture the book provided, I was able to experience the joy created by that kind of bond.
To have two people, regardless of the relationship, feel that level of love and trust is a beautiful thing, despite the sadness of the circumstances. It made me feel like there was a light at the end of the tunnel. It gives me hope that if the time came that there was very little (and maybe nothing) for most people to live for, some people could still find love and manage to live as good people.
I could not believe that I felt hope and happiness when reading such a grim tale. I would venture to guess that that was Cormac McCarthy's goal. I was thinking, as I finished the book, that it takes a gifted storyteller to accomplish doom and gloom so well, while at the same time creating such beauty.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
2010, Book 14: Sarah's Key
Until last night, it had been about two weeks since I picked up a book to read for my own enjoyment. I had picked up several things in that time, however I couldn't get into anything and I was on vacation and didn't really have time to read. We got home from our trip last night and magic happened. I was waiting on my husband to go and get our dog from the friends who had been watching him and I picked up Sarah's Key. It only took me one or two short chapters to be completely sucked in to Tatiana de Rosnay's haunting Holocaust drama.
Sarah's Key takes place both in 1942 and in 2002. The story is about Sarah, who is awakened in the night by pounding at the door of her apartment. She, her mother, and her father are dragged off in the night by the French police. The police are acting under Nazi orders to round up French Jews. In her fear and desperation, Sarah locks her little brother in a hidden cupboard to protect him. She thinks that she and her parents will be gone for only a short time and she promises to come back for him.
In 2002, in Paris, an American named Julia Jarmond is assigned to write a story about the 1942 French round-up of Jewish citizens. She is an American who has lived in Paris for most of her life. Julia knows nothing about the events and circumstances in 1942 Paris, but as she begins her research she finds that she is connected to Sarah. She also decides that it is her duty to find out what became of Sarah and her family.
I could not put Sarah's Key down. Tatiana de Rosnay crafted a story in which both Sarah and Julia are characters in whom the reader becomes personally invested. As a reader, I cared about what was to become of both women and I was not willing to wait to find out. The story is also a wonderful blend of historical fact and fiction. Tatiana de Rosnay was factual in her treatment of the events of 1942, however all of the characters in the novel are fictitious. It is my belief that it takes a talented writer to treat history with the respect that it deserves while simultaneously creating a story that is both believable and imaginary.
This was an amazing book to bring me out of my reading slump and back into my dedication to books. I would recommend it to anyone however I feel that history lovers and lovers of historical fiction would take the most joy from reading it. I also feel that it is geared toward a female audience however, the right man would enjoy it as well.
Sarah's Key takes place both in 1942 and in 2002. The story is about Sarah, who is awakened in the night by pounding at the door of her apartment. She, her mother, and her father are dragged off in the night by the French police. The police are acting under Nazi orders to round up French Jews. In her fear and desperation, Sarah locks her little brother in a hidden cupboard to protect him. She thinks that she and her parents will be gone for only a short time and she promises to come back for him.
In 2002, in Paris, an American named Julia Jarmond is assigned to write a story about the 1942 French round-up of Jewish citizens. She is an American who has lived in Paris for most of her life. Julia knows nothing about the events and circumstances in 1942 Paris, but as she begins her research she finds that she is connected to Sarah. She also decides that it is her duty to find out what became of Sarah and her family.
I could not put Sarah's Key down. Tatiana de Rosnay crafted a story in which both Sarah and Julia are characters in whom the reader becomes personally invested. As a reader, I cared about what was to become of both women and I was not willing to wait to find out. The story is also a wonderful blend of historical fact and fiction. Tatiana de Rosnay was factual in her treatment of the events of 1942, however all of the characters in the novel are fictitious. It is my belief that it takes a talented writer to treat history with the respect that it deserves while simultaneously creating a story that is both believable and imaginary.
This was an amazing book to bring me out of my reading slump and back into my dedication to books. I would recommend it to anyone however I feel that history lovers and lovers of historical fiction would take the most joy from reading it. I also feel that it is geared toward a female audience however, the right man would enjoy it as well.
Friday, April 23, 2010
2010, Book 13: The Heretic's Daughter
I think that it goes without saying that I have a thing for history and a big thing for historical fiction. The Heretic's Daughter was the perfect book for me because it fed into those two tastes. In fact, it painted an extremely vivid picture of one of the darkest chapters of U.S. history, the Salem witch trials.
The characters in The Heretic's Daughter are based on real people who lived in that time. Martha Carrier was one of the first women to be executed as a witch during the trials. The story is told from the perspective of Sarah Carrier, who is Martha's oldest daughter. Sarah and her brothers were all eventually accused of practicing witchcraft as well, so in addition to telling her tale as an observer she tells her tale as a participant as well.
This novel was amazing to me on many levels. First of all, I loved exploring the relationship between a mother and a daughter. Two people who were so alike that they sometimes had trouble getting along. It was very familiar to me and I am sure that most women would be able to relate to it. Secondly, Sarah Carrier's family are outcasts. They do not fit in with the society of the day and the story makes it clear that a person can be an outcast and be different and still be a good person. It is also illustrated that just because a person seems to fit in with society they are not necessarily a good person.
But, above all of the amazing elements of the story, the thing that I liked the best was that Martha and Sarah Carrier were strong, determined females. They were heroes in their own right. They were also examples that a woman can be a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a sister and still have principles. Woman can still have a voice and can still stand for what they believe in even if they chose to take on a "traditional" woman's role in life. I absolutely loved the fact that this book was centered around strong female characters.
While I was reading The Heretic's Daughter I felt compelled to laugh, cry, and cheer (I actually did cry). It is, doubtless, one of the best books I have ever had the privilege of reading. It had factual history, historical fiction, and kick ass women. I believe that any history buff and all women should read it at some point.
The characters in The Heretic's Daughter are based on real people who lived in that time. Martha Carrier was one of the first women to be executed as a witch during the trials. The story is told from the perspective of Sarah Carrier, who is Martha's oldest daughter. Sarah and her brothers were all eventually accused of practicing witchcraft as well, so in addition to telling her tale as an observer she tells her tale as a participant as well.
This novel was amazing to me on many levels. First of all, I loved exploring the relationship between a mother and a daughter. Two people who were so alike that they sometimes had trouble getting along. It was very familiar to me and I am sure that most women would be able to relate to it. Secondly, Sarah Carrier's family are outcasts. They do not fit in with the society of the day and the story makes it clear that a person can be an outcast and be different and still be a good person. It is also illustrated that just because a person seems to fit in with society they are not necessarily a good person.
But, above all of the amazing elements of the story, the thing that I liked the best was that Martha and Sarah Carrier were strong, determined females. They were heroes in their own right. They were also examples that a woman can be a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a sister and still have principles. Woman can still have a voice and can still stand for what they believe in even if they chose to take on a "traditional" woman's role in life. I absolutely loved the fact that this book was centered around strong female characters.
While I was reading The Heretic's Daughter I felt compelled to laugh, cry, and cheer (I actually did cry). It is, doubtless, one of the best books I have ever had the privilege of reading. It had factual history, historical fiction, and kick ass women. I believe that any history buff and all women should read it at some point.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
2010, Book 12: Whiskey's Children
I think the best way to start an explanation and review of this book is to start by saying that I absolutely loved reading it. I have said before, and I will likely say again, that I truly enjoy reading books about addiction. I particularly enjoy memoirs written by addicts. It makes sense considering that I am the child of two addicts that I would be able to relate to addiction themed works so easily.
Whiskey's Children is the story of Jack Erdmann (one o f the co-authors) who is a recovering alcoholic. It starts out when he is a young child,in the early 1930s, with his recollections of his life with his father who was an alcoholic as well. He talks about being afraid of his father and trying to gauge his moods based on his behaviors. He also talks about the fact that both his father's father and his father's grandfather were alcoholics.
Young Jack starts drinking alcohol very early in life and his descent into alcoholism occurs fairly quickly. He remains an alcoholic for a great many years and he recounts his experiences with booze vividly and honestly. He never really delves into reasoning or theories about alcoholism, he merely tells his story. He doesn't spare the reader the details of what kind of a person he became amidst his addiction.
Jack Erdmann was a salesman, a husband, a pilot, a son, a brother, and a father. But above all else, Jack Erdmann was an alcoholic. He recounts his life story with detail, honesty, and a very respectable sense of openness. As the product of an addicted home, I felt a very strong connection to his story. Some of the events were very familiar and I found myself understanding him very well. I think that this book would make for an excellent read for any addict, child of an addict, or really anyone looking to get some insight into the mind of an addict.
I cannot praise and recommend this book enough. I can hardly think of anyone who would not enjoy reading it and who would not gain something from the experience.
Whiskey's Children is the story of Jack Erdmann (one o f the co-authors) who is a recovering alcoholic. It starts out when he is a young child,in the early 1930s, with his recollections of his life with his father who was an alcoholic as well. He talks about being afraid of his father and trying to gauge his moods based on his behaviors. He also talks about the fact that both his father's father and his father's grandfather were alcoholics.
Young Jack starts drinking alcohol very early in life and his descent into alcoholism occurs fairly quickly. He remains an alcoholic for a great many years and he recounts his experiences with booze vividly and honestly. He never really delves into reasoning or theories about alcoholism, he merely tells his story. He doesn't spare the reader the details of what kind of a person he became amidst his addiction.
Jack Erdmann was a salesman, a husband, a pilot, a son, a brother, and a father. But above all else, Jack Erdmann was an alcoholic. He recounts his life story with detail, honesty, and a very respectable sense of openness. As the product of an addicted home, I felt a very strong connection to his story. Some of the events were very familiar and I found myself understanding him very well. I think that this book would make for an excellent read for any addict, child of an addict, or really anyone looking to get some insight into the mind of an addict.
I cannot praise and recommend this book enough. I can hardly think of anyone who would not enjoy reading it and who would not gain something from the experience.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
2010, Book 11: The Turn of the Screw
I am generally a huge fan of the classics. However, Henry James' The Turn of the Screw was simply not my cup of tea. It was only 122 pages long, yet it took me almost 2 weeks to read. It was a ghost story, yet it was so tedious to read that I kept dozing off after a page or two of reading. I haven't been so bored while reading a book since I read Moby Dick my senior year of high school.
I'm not sure whether it was the fact that it was the most boring ghost story I have ever read or whether it was the fact that the mere 122 pages could have been cut in half if the book were less verbose. But something about it just did not suit my reading tastes. I picked it up expecting a haunting tale and instead I was just plain bored for two weeks.
The Turn of the Screw is the story of a young governess whose job is to oversee the care of a young girl in an isolated country home. She is given strict orders to never contact her boss, their uncle, for any reason because he cannot be bothered with them. She is also to care for the girl's older brother during his breaks from school. Very soon after arriving to her job she discovers that the children are being haunted by the spirits of the former governess and the former valet.
The governess, who is the narrator and who is also never named, begins experiencing the presences of these spirits and also realizes that the children are drawn to them and are not afraid. She is faced with the challenge of how to deal with both the presence of seemingly malicious spirits, as well as how to deal with the fondness her charges seem to have for them.
I know that all of that seems very exciting, however Henry James managed to make it exceedingly boring. The governess comes off as a simpleton when she is supposed to be the heroine. The children come off as flat characters where, in my opinion, they would have made excellent round characters. All in all, it is one of the most boring books I have ever read.
However, I don't mean to imply that it is not well written. It is very well written and I can see why The Turn of the Screw is a classic, it just happened to be one of two of the classics that I dislike. I'm hoping that number stays at two, as it breaks my heart to give a negative review to a book held in such high literary regard.
I'm not sure whether it was the fact that it was the most boring ghost story I have ever read or whether it was the fact that the mere 122 pages could have been cut in half if the book were less verbose. But something about it just did not suit my reading tastes. I picked it up expecting a haunting tale and instead I was just plain bored for two weeks.
The Turn of the Screw is the story of a young governess whose job is to oversee the care of a young girl in an isolated country home. She is given strict orders to never contact her boss, their uncle, for any reason because he cannot be bothered with them. She is also to care for the girl's older brother during his breaks from school. Very soon after arriving to her job she discovers that the children are being haunted by the spirits of the former governess and the former valet.
The governess, who is the narrator and who is also never named, begins experiencing the presences of these spirits and also realizes that the children are drawn to them and are not afraid. She is faced with the challenge of how to deal with both the presence of seemingly malicious spirits, as well as how to deal with the fondness her charges seem to have for them.
I know that all of that seems very exciting, however Henry James managed to make it exceedingly boring. The governess comes off as a simpleton when she is supposed to be the heroine. The children come off as flat characters where, in my opinion, they would have made excellent round characters. All in all, it is one of the most boring books I have ever read.
However, I don't mean to imply that it is not well written. It is very well written and I can see why The Turn of the Screw is a classic, it just happened to be one of two of the classics that I dislike. I'm hoping that number stays at two, as it breaks my heart to give a negative review to a book held in such high literary regard.
Monday, April 5, 2010
2010, Book 10: The Cider House Rules
I read so much that I think that sometimes it takes an awful lot to impress me. I love a lot of books, but very few stick with me in a way that they run through my mind after I have finished reading them. However, The Cider House Rules absolutely took my breath away. I borrowed it from a friend who loves John Irving. I thought that I had never heard of him before and she swore to me that I had to read some of his work because I would absolutely love him. When I received the book and started examining it, I realized that previously I had read his novel The World According to Garp and had really enjoyed it. This discovery amplified my excitement and helped to placate my concerns about trying out and unknown author.
However, upon beginning to read I got a lot more excited for a very different reason. The Cider House Rules is simply amazing. The story follows a young, orphan by the name of Homer Wells through his life. It also follows the people close to him including the director of the orphanage, Dr. Larch and his childhood friend, Melony. Irving takes great pains to keep these characters important throughout the story, because they are important to Homer Wells and he is important to them.
Aside from being a story, The Cider House Rules is largely a novel about abortion. It takes place in a time when abortion was illegal and many women were obtaining them illegally. Dr. Larch, being the director of an orphanage and the man who delivers most of the orphans sees some of the worst cases of this and makes the decision to become an abortionist. As time goes on, Dr. Larch continually finds himself evaluating his decision to perform abortions as well as defending himself to his associates. The Cider House Rules is about that decision and how personal it is for both the people obtaining them and the people performing them.
The abortion aspect of the story is one of my favorite aspects. Being pro-choice myself, I feel that John Irving has created a wonderful defense for the procedure. He also manages to do it in a rational and non-offensive manner which, let's face it, is hard to come by nowadays in the media. I also enjoy the fact that he takes us through the entire life of Homer Wells without leaving any loose ends and without losing momentum. Homer could never be describes as a character who has adventures and yet his life is still interesting and remarkable from start to finish.
I would definitely recommend this book to any and everyone. I don't think it is light reading, however, and if you are not the type to take interest in heavier, more somber reading materials then it definitely would not be a good fit. I definitely think that every pro-lifer in the world should read it. It's an all around amazing book. It is interesting from start to finish, has a purpose and a meaning, and it is a well written literary work. It's a great book and I think you all should check it out.
However, upon beginning to read I got a lot more excited for a very different reason. The Cider House Rules is simply amazing. The story follows a young, orphan by the name of Homer Wells through his life. It also follows the people close to him including the director of the orphanage, Dr. Larch and his childhood friend, Melony. Irving takes great pains to keep these characters important throughout the story, because they are important to Homer Wells and he is important to them.
Aside from being a story, The Cider House Rules is largely a novel about abortion. It takes place in a time when abortion was illegal and many women were obtaining them illegally. Dr. Larch, being the director of an orphanage and the man who delivers most of the orphans sees some of the worst cases of this and makes the decision to become an abortionist. As time goes on, Dr. Larch continually finds himself evaluating his decision to perform abortions as well as defending himself to his associates. The Cider House Rules is about that decision and how personal it is for both the people obtaining them and the people performing them.
The abortion aspect of the story is one of my favorite aspects. Being pro-choice myself, I feel that John Irving has created a wonderful defense for the procedure. He also manages to do it in a rational and non-offensive manner which, let's face it, is hard to come by nowadays in the media. I also enjoy the fact that he takes us through the entire life of Homer Wells without leaving any loose ends and without losing momentum. Homer could never be describes as a character who has adventures and yet his life is still interesting and remarkable from start to finish.
I would definitely recommend this book to any and everyone. I don't think it is light reading, however, and if you are not the type to take interest in heavier, more somber reading materials then it definitely would not be a good fit. I definitely think that every pro-lifer in the world should read it. It's an all around amazing book. It is interesting from start to finish, has a purpose and a meaning, and it is a well written literary work. It's a great book and I think you all should check it out.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
2010, Book 9: The Stranger
Let me start out by saying that the fact that it took me 11 days to read this book should not, in any way, be a reflection of the book. I have been out of sorts lately, as far as reading goes, and not reading as much as I normally do.
That being said, The Stranger is a wonderful, short read. However, it is not a light read. It is just as heavy as any book three times its size. This Camus novel is about a man who goes to the beach with some friends and gets intertwined with some goings on and ultimately pulled into a murder.
The story is told from the perspective of Monsieur Meursault, who is the main character. It begins with him attending the funeral of his mother. He initially appears to be somewhat aloof. The reader can tell that he cares but may be shocked at the types of feelings that he has. I, as a reader, found his feelings easy to relate to because I have a tendency to set the difficult thoughts aside and think of other things. I think that every one's minds work differently and for some reason, mine works similarly to that of the main character in The Stranger.
As the story progresses the Monsieur reveals his relationship with a woman, forms a new friendship with another man who is a tenant in his building, and discusses his relationships with the people he encounters daily and with his job. This is all done in order to help the reader better understand the man and to lead up to the mess that he gets himself into.
Camus forges a tale that leaves the reader guessing and thinking. On one hand, as a reader, there is a bond with the main character and a desire to fight for him and to be on his side. On the other hand, there are doubt and character flaws that may lead the reader to be tempted to side with (what I will call) the opposition. Either way, The Stranger is the type of novel that leads its readers to question their own morals.
I found myself wondering what I would have done. I wondered how I would have reacted and what would have been going through my head. I wondered what other people that I know, who have gone through what Monsieur Meursault went through were thinking. I believe that Camus had this purpose in mind when he crafted this novel. It is truly a masterpiece of modern literature and one that I am proud to have read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something short but not light. It is not at all a light read. I would also recommend it to anyone who was looking to read the type of book that can generate a discussion, and not the light, casual type.
That being said, The Stranger is a wonderful, short read. However, it is not a light read. It is just as heavy as any book three times its size. This Camus novel is about a man who goes to the beach with some friends and gets intertwined with some goings on and ultimately pulled into a murder.
The story is told from the perspective of Monsieur Meursault, who is the main character. It begins with him attending the funeral of his mother. He initially appears to be somewhat aloof. The reader can tell that he cares but may be shocked at the types of feelings that he has. I, as a reader, found his feelings easy to relate to because I have a tendency to set the difficult thoughts aside and think of other things. I think that every one's minds work differently and for some reason, mine works similarly to that of the main character in The Stranger.
As the story progresses the Monsieur reveals his relationship with a woman, forms a new friendship with another man who is a tenant in his building, and discusses his relationships with the people he encounters daily and with his job. This is all done in order to help the reader better understand the man and to lead up to the mess that he gets himself into.
Camus forges a tale that leaves the reader guessing and thinking. On one hand, as a reader, there is a bond with the main character and a desire to fight for him and to be on his side. On the other hand, there are doubt and character flaws that may lead the reader to be tempted to side with (what I will call) the opposition. Either way, The Stranger is the type of novel that leads its readers to question their own morals.
I found myself wondering what I would have done. I wondered how I would have reacted and what would have been going through my head. I wondered what other people that I know, who have gone through what Monsieur Meursault went through were thinking. I believe that Camus had this purpose in mind when he crafted this novel. It is truly a masterpiece of modern literature and one that I am proud to have read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something short but not light. It is not at all a light read. I would also recommend it to anyone who was looking to read the type of book that can generate a discussion, and not the light, casual type.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
2010, Book 8: Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang
If you have followed my blog previously, you know that this was not my first walk with Chelsea Handler. I've read her other two books and I was very excited to open up her third novel. I even had it on pre-order before it was actually available. I watch "Chelsea Lately," and I am seeing her live this coming weekend. So, I guess it is safe to say that I am a fan of Chelsea Handler. And now I can say with certainty that I am a fan of her third book as well.
Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang did not disappoint in the slightest. It was hilarious from beginning to end. In fact, I read it this weekend while on vacation with my sister. I used nap time as my own personal time to read and unwind and I think my sister was getting a little annoyed with my laughing constantly while she tried to nap.
I think that one of the things that makes Chelsea Handler's books so appealing is that, if you have watched her show, you can practically hear her and see her telling these stories. It is not hard at all to visualize her doing the things she does in her book and to imagine what it must have been like when all of the hilarity actually went down.
Whether she is telling her boyfriend some outrageous lie and actually getting him to believe it or convincing her friend that he caused her a serious injury, reading about Chelsea's life is a lot of fun. I would imagine that it is more fun to live but since reading it is a close second, I truly hope that this is not the last opportunity that she gives us to experience her escapades.
I would recommend Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang to anyone looking for a fun, light read with a lot of personality. It is by no means tough to read or follow and unless you have a very G-rated sense of humor, you will definitely find it hilarious. I cannot think of a single person that I would not recommend this book to. It's great and it is 100% worth the small amount of time it will take you to read.
Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang did not disappoint in the slightest. It was hilarious from beginning to end. In fact, I read it this weekend while on vacation with my sister. I used nap time as my own personal time to read and unwind and I think my sister was getting a little annoyed with my laughing constantly while she tried to nap.
I think that one of the things that makes Chelsea Handler's books so appealing is that, if you have watched her show, you can practically hear her and see her telling these stories. It is not hard at all to visualize her doing the things she does in her book and to imagine what it must have been like when all of the hilarity actually went down.
Whether she is telling her boyfriend some outrageous lie and actually getting him to believe it or convincing her friend that he caused her a serious injury, reading about Chelsea's life is a lot of fun. I would imagine that it is more fun to live but since reading it is a close second, I truly hope that this is not the last opportunity that she gives us to experience her escapades.
I would recommend Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang to anyone looking for a fun, light read with a lot of personality. It is by no means tough to read or follow and unless you have a very G-rated sense of humor, you will definitely find it hilarious. I cannot think of a single person that I would not recommend this book to. It's great and it is 100% worth the small amount of time it will take you to read.
Monday, February 22, 2010
2010, Book 7: Typical American
What is a typical American? Is it possible that an American would answer that question differently than an immigrant? Is it possible for an immigrant to become a typical American? Is there such a thing as a typical American? I was thinking that some of these questions would be answered by Gish Jen in her novel Typical American. Some of them were and some of them weren't, but it was an enjoyable, albeit laborious, experience all the same.
This was the second book that was assigned to me for class and I enjoyed it much more than the first. It should be noted to anyone who thinks that they may want to read it that it is a bit surreal at times, so if that is not your thing then this would not be the book for you.
Gish Jen weaves a superb tale about a Chinese immigrant named Ralph who comes to the U.S. as a young man to complete graduate school. His initial intention is to finish school and then return to China, but life had different plans for Ralph and he stays. He is eventually joined by his sister and he also eventually marries another Chinese immigrant named Helen.
Ralph and his family begin their assimilation into American culture by making fun of and laughing over what they believe to be "typical American" qualities and traits. As the story plays out, Ralph and family gradually come to realize that they are becoming typical Americans in some ways and already are typical Americans in others. They start out experiencing life as immigrants and eventually land up having genuinely American experiences. Some of the experiences are joyous and some of them are sad. Throughout the novel they are sometimes subject to typical American treatment and even toward the end, they are sometimes still treated as immigrants.
The story of Ralph and his family is not light reading, even though Typical American is not a very long book. It is a wonderful portrayal of how a family of immigrants can become typical Americans but still never truly shed their identity as immigrants (especially in the eyes of American natives). It also gives a wonderful portrayal of how an extremely intelligent immigrant can be undervalued in American society simply because he or she is an immigrant.
As a whole, I think Typical American is a great novel that most readers would enjoy. However, the style Gish Jen uses to write can be difficult to follow and the story does get a bit surreal, as stated previously. If those are not things that hinder you as a read, I would recommend picking up a copy of Typical American. It is anything but typical as a novel, and that's the truth.
This was the second book that was assigned to me for class and I enjoyed it much more than the first. It should be noted to anyone who thinks that they may want to read it that it is a bit surreal at times, so if that is not your thing then this would not be the book for you.
Gish Jen weaves a superb tale about a Chinese immigrant named Ralph who comes to the U.S. as a young man to complete graduate school. His initial intention is to finish school and then return to China, but life had different plans for Ralph and he stays. He is eventually joined by his sister and he also eventually marries another Chinese immigrant named Helen.
Ralph and his family begin their assimilation into American culture by making fun of and laughing over what they believe to be "typical American" qualities and traits. As the story plays out, Ralph and family gradually come to realize that they are becoming typical Americans in some ways and already are typical Americans in others. They start out experiencing life as immigrants and eventually land up having genuinely American experiences. Some of the experiences are joyous and some of them are sad. Throughout the novel they are sometimes subject to typical American treatment and even toward the end, they are sometimes still treated as immigrants.
The story of Ralph and his family is not light reading, even though Typical American is not a very long book. It is a wonderful portrayal of how a family of immigrants can become typical Americans but still never truly shed their identity as immigrants (especially in the eyes of American natives). It also gives a wonderful portrayal of how an extremely intelligent immigrant can be undervalued in American society simply because he or she is an immigrant.
As a whole, I think Typical American is a great novel that most readers would enjoy. However, the style Gish Jen uses to write can be difficult to follow and the story does get a bit surreal, as stated previously. If those are not things that hinder you as a read, I would recommend picking up a copy of Typical American. It is anything but typical as a novel, and that's the truth.
Monday, February 8, 2010
2010, Book 6: Cat's Cradle
"See the Cat? See the cradle?" I didn't and I am pretty sure that was the point of Kurt Vonnegut's well written, clever, and funny satire about the human race, religion, and the end of the world. One of the main character makes his points by asking, "See the cat? See the cradle?" and by the end of the book, I realized that that was really the point. We as people, when it comes to politics, religion, and relationships frequently cannot see the cat or the cradle. We weave such tangled webs and much of it is illusory or leads to no real, visible end.
This was my first experience with Kurt Vonnegut's writing although I have always heard wonderful things about him and I always knew that some day out paths would cross. I am really happy that they finally have. Vonnegut writes the novel from the perspective of a character who remains unnamed throughout the entire novel. The character is a writer who initially embarks on a mission to write a non-fiction book about the day that the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. He asks for people associated with the creation of the bomb to share their memories of what happened on that day.
One of the "fathers" of the bomb was a man named Dr. Hoenikker. He is now deceased so the author writes to his youngest son to ask about his recollections of that day and of his father. During the course of his research, he winds up heavily intertwined with Dr. Hoenikker's family, one of his last and most dangerous inventions, and the religion and government of a small nation run by a dictator. He also sees himself and the new circle in which he is so heavily intertwined bring about the end of the world.
Vonnegut weaves a very elaborate story. He also creates a religion and he manages to gracefully intertwine historical facts with his fictional story. This serves to make the story extremely believeable and helps to make it feel true from beginning to end. The reader begins to want to learn more about this fictional country, fictional religion, and the fictional science that brings about the apocalypse. It's also unbelieveably easy to read for a story with such an elaborate plot and concept. The chapters are short and th language is simple. Kurt Vonnegut writes like a real person and he also manages to keep his characters very real. This book is a must read for any person who sees themself as a "reader." I truly believe that every well rounded reader should pick of this work of art.
This was my first experience with Kurt Vonnegut's writing although I have always heard wonderful things about him and I always knew that some day out paths would cross. I am really happy that they finally have. Vonnegut writes the novel from the perspective of a character who remains unnamed throughout the entire novel. The character is a writer who initially embarks on a mission to write a non-fiction book about the day that the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. He asks for people associated with the creation of the bomb to share their memories of what happened on that day.
One of the "fathers" of the bomb was a man named Dr. Hoenikker. He is now deceased so the author writes to his youngest son to ask about his recollections of that day and of his father. During the course of his research, he winds up heavily intertwined with Dr. Hoenikker's family, one of his last and most dangerous inventions, and the religion and government of a small nation run by a dictator. He also sees himself and the new circle in which he is so heavily intertwined bring about the end of the world.
Vonnegut weaves a very elaborate story. He also creates a religion and he manages to gracefully intertwine historical facts with his fictional story. This serves to make the story extremely believeable and helps to make it feel true from beginning to end. The reader begins to want to learn more about this fictional country, fictional religion, and the fictional science that brings about the apocalypse. It's also unbelieveably easy to read for a story with such an elaborate plot and concept. The chapters are short and th language is simple. Kurt Vonnegut writes like a real person and he also manages to keep his characters very real. This book is a must read for any person who sees themself as a "reader." I truly believe that every well rounded reader should pick of this work of art.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
2010, Book 5: Funny in Farsi
Funny in Farsi was assigned to me for a class that I am currently taking. Since I generally enjoy almost everything that I read, I decided that for my purpose of reading 100 books in the year 2010, I would include any assigned reading (excepting short stories and text book reading) that is given to me.
However, I can say that Funny in Farsi took me much longer to read than it should have. It is supposed to be a very light, easy read however it just wasn't my kind of book and it was really hard for me to get into reading. For one thing, I thought that the stories started to get a little bit redundant. She poked fun at basically the same things throughout the entire novel. Her mother and father, their accents, the silly things that they did because they were not familiar with American culture, etc. It got boring and it got predictable about halfway through. I also didn't like that her memoir talked mostly about her father and mother. As a reader, I did not get to know very much about Firoozeh Dumas. I couldn't tell you a thing about her personality, aside from the fact that she is somewhat condescending to her parents.
There is also a positive side to Funny in Farsi, despite the fact that it was not my favorite read so far this year. The immigrant experience detailed by Firoozeh Dumas is unique. She was young enough to assimilate well to the culture, while her parents were not able to do so as easily. She therefore offers a view of two different immigrant experiences. She also did not come from a family that was very poor or that was persecuted. Her family simply immigrated because her father, who was an educated man, had a good job offer and though that it would be nice to live the American dream. Firoozeh also married a French immigrant, which adds some spice and makes her story even more unique. She is witty and sharp and comes off as being a genuinely nice person.
In short, just because Funny in Farsi was not the kind of book that I generally love, does not mean that I am going to give it a bad review. It was a good book and I anticipate that a great many people will very much enjoy it. It is unique, funny, and well written. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighter, more simplistic reading experience.
However, I can say that Funny in Farsi took me much longer to read than it should have. It is supposed to be a very light, easy read however it just wasn't my kind of book and it was really hard for me to get into reading. For one thing, I thought that the stories started to get a little bit redundant. She poked fun at basically the same things throughout the entire novel. Her mother and father, their accents, the silly things that they did because they were not familiar with American culture, etc. It got boring and it got predictable about halfway through. I also didn't like that her memoir talked mostly about her father and mother. As a reader, I did not get to know very much about Firoozeh Dumas. I couldn't tell you a thing about her personality, aside from the fact that she is somewhat condescending to her parents.
There is also a positive side to Funny in Farsi, despite the fact that it was not my favorite read so far this year. The immigrant experience detailed by Firoozeh Dumas is unique. She was young enough to assimilate well to the culture, while her parents were not able to do so as easily. She therefore offers a view of two different immigrant experiences. She also did not come from a family that was very poor or that was persecuted. Her family simply immigrated because her father, who was an educated man, had a good job offer and though that it would be nice to live the American dream. Firoozeh also married a French immigrant, which adds some spice and makes her story even more unique. She is witty and sharp and comes off as being a genuinely nice person.
In short, just because Funny in Farsi was not the kind of book that I generally love, does not mean that I am going to give it a bad review. It was a good book and I anticipate that a great many people will very much enjoy it. It is unique, funny, and well written. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighter, more simplistic reading experience.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
2010, Book 4: Tweak
I absolutely love reading about addiction. My mother is a recovering addict who got clean when I was about twelve and ever since then, I have just really enjoyed reading both fiction and non fiction about addiction. I can say, with ease, that Tweak has just moved into the spot of being my favorite memoir about addiction. I have never been able to relate so well to the author as I was to Nic Sheff. He likes the same music and movies as I do, has the same interests, enjoys the same past times and he happens to be pretty close to my age.
I'm not an addict. But I have a very addictive personality and over the years have had to take a step back (more than once) from drinking, partying, and drugging. However, I have been reading about addiction since I was a very young teen and I always liked it because I could relate to the children or loved ones of the addicts but I was never really able to relate to the addicts themselves, unless I related them to my mother. Reading Nic Sheff's perspective was a breath of fresh air to me.
I think that because my mother was an addict when I was young I have this kind of misconception that addicts and drunks have to be older than me. I still see it as an adult disease, because my mom was the adult. I haven't quite wrapped my brain around the fact that now I am an adult too. I have friends that are addicts, I have experimented with drugs, and I even know people that have died as a result of drug abuse. However, when I was reading Tweak and learning about how Nic Sheff felt, how he saw himself, and what actually drove him to abuse drugs, it was like peering into my own mind.
Nic was always plagued by insecurity, undiagnosed mental illness, doubt, confusion about his parents and step parents, fear of his step parents, a sense that he didn't belong, and a confused desire to imitate the lives of the people he idolized. These are common reasons why addicts use, but for me to read about an addict of a similar age using for the same reasons that I have in the past was completely eye opening. To understand his need for numbness and to understand his need to hurt himself was to gain a better understanding of myself.
I would recommend that any and every one who has been touched by addiction or who has an interest in addiction pick this book up and read it. Walking a mile with Nic Sheff could be invaluable in helping any reader to understand either themselves or their loved ones. I wish Nic the best in his continued battle toward full recovery and I genuinely thank him for sharing his story with me.
I'm not an addict. But I have a very addictive personality and over the years have had to take a step back (more than once) from drinking, partying, and drugging. However, I have been reading about addiction since I was a very young teen and I always liked it because I could relate to the children or loved ones of the addicts but I was never really able to relate to the addicts themselves, unless I related them to my mother. Reading Nic Sheff's perspective was a breath of fresh air to me.
I think that because my mother was an addict when I was young I have this kind of misconception that addicts and drunks have to be older than me. I still see it as an adult disease, because my mom was the adult. I haven't quite wrapped my brain around the fact that now I am an adult too. I have friends that are addicts, I have experimented with drugs, and I even know people that have died as a result of drug abuse. However, when I was reading Tweak and learning about how Nic Sheff felt, how he saw himself, and what actually drove him to abuse drugs, it was like peering into my own mind.
Nic was always plagued by insecurity, undiagnosed mental illness, doubt, confusion about his parents and step parents, fear of his step parents, a sense that he didn't belong, and a confused desire to imitate the lives of the people he idolized. These are common reasons why addicts use, but for me to read about an addict of a similar age using for the same reasons that I have in the past was completely eye opening. To understand his need for numbness and to understand his need to hurt himself was to gain a better understanding of myself.
I would recommend that any and every one who has been touched by addiction or who has an interest in addiction pick this book up and read it. Walking a mile with Nic Sheff could be invaluable in helping any reader to understand either themselves or their loved ones. I wish Nic the best in his continued battle toward full recovery and I genuinely thank him for sharing his story with me.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
2010, Book 3: Assuming the Position
Someone should remind me to take all of Dave's book recommendations and Google them before I actually read them. He's not always recommending bad reads, but this time he really missed the mark. Assuming the Position is a memoir written by a man who was a homosexual prostitute in the 90s.
While it isn't a terrible book, it just was really not my thing. I am a huge supporter of gay rights and I have more than a few gay friends, however I don't even want to read a heterosexual book with that many lewd descriptions. It was definitely overkill. However, I will credit the author with one thing: he didn't glamorize prostitution at all. He made it sound raunchy and disgusting and he was very clear about the fact that he was a prostitute because he was a sex and drug addict.
One of the things that I liked least about this book was the way that the author spoke of his addictions. He clearly has not fully addressed his issues although he seemed to think himself well and recovered enough to write an effective memoir. I personally don't believe that his messages were positive and would be concerned if an addict looking for solitude picked up his novel to read it because I don't think that it passes on a healthy message.
This is probably not a book I would recommend to anyone, unless they were needing something like it for school.
While it isn't a terrible book, it just was really not my thing. I am a huge supporter of gay rights and I have more than a few gay friends, however I don't even want to read a heterosexual book with that many lewd descriptions. It was definitely overkill. However, I will credit the author with one thing: he didn't glamorize prostitution at all. He made it sound raunchy and disgusting and he was very clear about the fact that he was a prostitute because he was a sex and drug addict.
One of the things that I liked least about this book was the way that the author spoke of his addictions. He clearly has not fully addressed his issues although he seemed to think himself well and recovered enough to write an effective memoir. I personally don't believe that his messages were positive and would be concerned if an addict looking for solitude picked up his novel to read it because I don't think that it passes on a healthy message.
This is probably not a book I would recommend to anyone, unless they were needing something like it for school.
Monday, January 11, 2010
2010, Book 2: Fight Club
I'm normally the type of person who reads the book before watching the movie. I actually have a tendency to be kind of obsessive about making sure I read the book first. However, I have owned the movie Fight Club for years now and for some reason the book Fight Club barely made it's way into my home about a year ago. I finished reading Beautiful Boy and needed something to read while I waited for Tweak (the companion book) to come in the mail. So, I picked up Fight Club, since I figured I need to read 100 books this year and it was moderately slim.
I have read two other novels by Chuck Palahniuk and although his novels are not insanely long, his writing style generally still makes them a little bit more intense to read. Maybe, in this case, it was due to how many times I have watched the film version of this novel but I found Fight Club to be immensely easy reading and as a result, I finished it in less than 24 hours. I was shocked at both how quickly I finished it and by how true the movie was to the book.
Fight Club is really a very good read, even for someone who has not seen the movie. Story is about a man who is very unhappy with his life. He has trouble sleeping and he feels very empty. In order to feel more complete, he attends support group meetings every night of the week. He is not ill with anything, so he lies and says that he is so that he can feel accepted in the support groups. This is working for him until he realizes that there is another faker attending groups. Just knowing that she knows he is faking makes it impossible for him to get the satisfaction that he needs from the groups. It is around this time that he meets Tyler Durden.
Shortly after meeting Tyler, his apartment explodes and he ends up moving in with Tyler. Then, the two men decide to start fight club. They meet in a basement. Anyone can come. "The first rule of fight club is that you do not talk about fight club." These clubs become very popular. New ones form and the people in it all look to Tyler and the narrator as heroes for bringing them fight club. However, Tyler has bigger ideas and eventually starts using fight club to enact them. The narrator must decide whether or not he wants to be a part of it and he also must figure out, if he doesn't, how he is going to cut ties with Tyler.
Anyone who has ever read Palahniuk knows that he likes to always add a twist at the end of his novels and that he is very good at it. Fight Club is no different and if the reader has never seen the movie, they will find themselves very shocked at the way that things unfold. I also do not believe that Palahniuk's work is for everyone. He is very dark, has a tendency to be abstract, and can be a little bit hard to read. However, I think that most people would enjoy Fight Club as long as they aren't the type of people who require a happy ending in every story and a straight through, easy to follow storyline. It was definitely a book that I enjoyed reading and would read again.
I have read two other novels by Chuck Palahniuk and although his novels are not insanely long, his writing style generally still makes them a little bit more intense to read. Maybe, in this case, it was due to how many times I have watched the film version of this novel but I found Fight Club to be immensely easy reading and as a result, I finished it in less than 24 hours. I was shocked at both how quickly I finished it and by how true the movie was to the book.
Fight Club is really a very good read, even for someone who has not seen the movie. Story is about a man who is very unhappy with his life. He has trouble sleeping and he feels very empty. In order to feel more complete, he attends support group meetings every night of the week. He is not ill with anything, so he lies and says that he is so that he can feel accepted in the support groups. This is working for him until he realizes that there is another faker attending groups. Just knowing that she knows he is faking makes it impossible for him to get the satisfaction that he needs from the groups. It is around this time that he meets Tyler Durden.
Shortly after meeting Tyler, his apartment explodes and he ends up moving in with Tyler. Then, the two men decide to start fight club. They meet in a basement. Anyone can come. "The first rule of fight club is that you do not talk about fight club." These clubs become very popular. New ones form and the people in it all look to Tyler and the narrator as heroes for bringing them fight club. However, Tyler has bigger ideas and eventually starts using fight club to enact them. The narrator must decide whether or not he wants to be a part of it and he also must figure out, if he doesn't, how he is going to cut ties with Tyler.
Anyone who has ever read Palahniuk knows that he likes to always add a twist at the end of his novels and that he is very good at it. Fight Club is no different and if the reader has never seen the movie, they will find themselves very shocked at the way that things unfold. I also do not believe that Palahniuk's work is for everyone. He is very dark, has a tendency to be abstract, and can be a little bit hard to read. However, I think that most people would enjoy Fight Club as long as they aren't the type of people who require a happy ending in every story and a straight through, easy to follow storyline. It was definitely a book that I enjoyed reading and would read again.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
2010, Book 1: Beautiful Boy
I absolutely tore through David Sheff's Beautiful Boy. It was an absolutely wonderful read. I love to read about addiction. I am the product of two addicted parent. I lived 11 years alone with my severely addicted mother. After she got clean, I was right in the middle of her new sobriety and her AA life. I have met all of her friends, who have both stayed clean and relapsed. And now, as an adult, I have experienced my own peers becoming addicts. Reading about addiction always hits home for me. This time, however, was a little different. This was the first time that I have read about addiction from the perspective of the addict's parent or loved one.
Beautiful Boy is about a man named David and his son, Nic. Nic begins using drugs in his early teens and by the time he goes to college, he is a full blown meth addict. David Sheff tells his story in an amazing way. He includes his own experiences and feelings as well as including research based facts on addiction and crystal meth. In reading this book I learned a lot about meth addiction, which I found very frightening as I have never known much about meth except for street facts.
From hearing about Nic as a child to hearing about him as he wrestles with the meth monster, I began to feel like a member of the family. I began to feel like Nic was my friend and that I was experiencing his addiction first hand. I recognized his behaviors as things I have experienced with other friends and family. I recognized his story as one that I have heard before a thousand times. I recognized Nic as someone I loved and cared about. But most of all I recognized David Sheff as myself.
I remember, as a child, wanting to help my mom. I remember thinking that certain things might cause her to change. And now, as an adult, I know that it would not have helped. I know that letting go was the best thing anyone could have done for her. However, I had to struggle with all of the emotions just like David Sheff did. I had to wrestle with guilt, anger, and sadness. Every addict's family has to find their own path to recovery and healing and reading about David's path in Beautiful Boy was exhilarating and enlightening. By the time I was done I was wishing his family the best and feeling significantly invested in Nic's success in recovery. This is a great book, I would recommend it to almost anyone.
Beautiful Boy is about a man named David and his son, Nic. Nic begins using drugs in his early teens and by the time he goes to college, he is a full blown meth addict. David Sheff tells his story in an amazing way. He includes his own experiences and feelings as well as including research based facts on addiction and crystal meth. In reading this book I learned a lot about meth addiction, which I found very frightening as I have never known much about meth except for street facts.
From hearing about Nic as a child to hearing about him as he wrestles with the meth monster, I began to feel like a member of the family. I began to feel like Nic was my friend and that I was experiencing his addiction first hand. I recognized his behaviors as things I have experienced with other friends and family. I recognized his story as one that I have heard before a thousand times. I recognized Nic as someone I loved and cared about. But most of all I recognized David Sheff as myself.
I remember, as a child, wanting to help my mom. I remember thinking that certain things might cause her to change. And now, as an adult, I know that it would not have helped. I know that letting go was the best thing anyone could have done for her. However, I had to struggle with all of the emotions just like David Sheff did. I had to wrestle with guilt, anger, and sadness. Every addict's family has to find their own path to recovery and healing and reading about David's path in Beautiful Boy was exhilarating and enlightening. By the time I was done I was wishing his family the best and feeling significantly invested in Nic's success in recovery. This is a great book, I would recommend it to almost anyone.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
#19: The Shack
I have a tendency to be very private and shy about my Faith and my spirituality. For one thing, I have yet to actually define it and for another, my beliefs are wholly unique compared to any that I have heard of as yet and I don't wish to debate them. However, recently I have begun to delve a little deeper and I have even been attending church in an effort to make better sense of my relationship with God. During a conversation with a friend about my new efforts, she recommended that I read The Shack and although I kind of brushed the suggestion to the side at first, I eventually saw a copy on sale at Walmart. Since I have a very difficult time controlling my urge to buy books, I went ahead and purchased it. I finally read it this past weekend and I have to say that I have mixed feelings.
First of all, it was kind of slow going for me at points because it is such a mellow, paced type of story. It also delves into things of which I am uncertain, so it did cause me to stop and do some thinking. I was impressed because on most levels The Shack totally reinforced my way of thinking and my confidence in my beliefs. However, on the other hand, I wonder what made the author so confident as to define God the way that he did in his novel. What makes him "know" when so many have to use church to follow? I do agree with him, but if I take a step back from sharing the opinion, I have to wonder if he is being a little presumptuous.
I think it is perfectly fine to have beliefs that have been defined through whatever process the believer has been through. As previously stated, my beliefs are 100% unique. If I ever meet anyone with the same set, I will pass out. However, I am not going to publish a book about my definition of God. For one thing, because this book has influenced so many people and brought insight to so many. What if he is wrong? If I am, at least the only person I have slighted is myself. If this author is wrong, he has slighted a lot of people. The Shack was published as a work of fiction, however that doesn't change the fact that even works of fiction can change or sway people. And I have a hard time just taking this novel, written by an ordinary man, and not finding it a little bit arrogant of him to define God in such a way. Even if I do think he paints a great picture, makes valid points, and reinforces my own opinion.
First of all, it was kind of slow going for me at points because it is such a mellow, paced type of story. It also delves into things of which I am uncertain, so it did cause me to stop and do some thinking. I was impressed because on most levels The Shack totally reinforced my way of thinking and my confidence in my beliefs. However, on the other hand, I wonder what made the author so confident as to define God the way that he did in his novel. What makes him "know" when so many have to use church to follow? I do agree with him, but if I take a step back from sharing the opinion, I have to wonder if he is being a little presumptuous.
I think it is perfectly fine to have beliefs that have been defined through whatever process the believer has been through. As previously stated, my beliefs are 100% unique. If I ever meet anyone with the same set, I will pass out. However, I am not going to publish a book about my definition of God. For one thing, because this book has influenced so many people and brought insight to so many. What if he is wrong? If I am, at least the only person I have slighted is myself. If this author is wrong, he has slighted a lot of people. The Shack was published as a work of fiction, however that doesn't change the fact that even works of fiction can change or sway people. And I have a hard time just taking this novel, written by an ordinary man, and not finding it a little bit arrogant of him to define God in such a way. Even if I do think he paints a great picture, makes valid points, and reinforces my own opinion.
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