tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67335082481656966802024-03-13T05:47:39.958-07:00The Reading ListNataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-36696735528180843592015-03-21T12:39:00.003-07:002015-03-21T12:48:16.350-07:00New blog!Thank you for visiting, but these posts have moved. Check out my recent reads at my <a href="https://nataliecziemba.wordpress.com/category/reading/">new blog</a>!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-13243744856883822772015-03-01T14:29:00.003-08:002015-03-01T14:30:30.042-08:00Conquest<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide –Andrea
Smith</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In her book, Smith draws attention to a multitude of
hegemonic practices that contribute to the destruction of Native communities.
She frames these practices from the perspective of rape culture, demonstrating
how colonialism, patriarchy, capitalism, and other oppressive structures
facilitate sexual violence against Native communities in general and Native
women in particular. Starting with the history of violence against Native
populations, Smith goes on to describe boarding school abuses, environmental
degradation, negligent healthcare practices, cultural appropriation, and other
devastating structural practices that have marginalized, minimized, and
maligned Native populations. For each case of misconduct, Smith provides specific,
often graphic, examples detailing the horrific practices. She also suggests
alternatives by profiling individuals, groups or communities that have discovered
entirely innovative approaches for addressing the intersectional impact of
sexual violence, or offering her own recommendations on how communities can
resist and restructure systems of oppression. Despite the grim reality she
reveals, she does so from the firm conviction that the situation can and will
change.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I say that Smith frames her writing from the perspective
of rape culture because certainly not every example she provides falls within
the definition of “sexual assault.” Rape of the land is not the same thing as
rape of another person, though both exist and reinforce the other in systems of
colonial, patriarchal oppression. Reading from this perspective also helped my
own understanding of the book because even though it was easy to follow her
arguments into minutia, stepping back and reframing it as part of rape culture
provided broader context for the details. Parts of her writing are hard to
stomach, and I sometimes found myself in disbelief at the accounts of violence
she shared. Despite the violence, and also because of it, Smith’s book is
shocking, revelatory, and all the more important to read because of the history
and interconnections she elucidates.</span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-68429007941229404722015-02-21T08:10:00.002-08:002015-02-21T08:10:46.900-08:00Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief –
Rick Riordan</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Percy Jackson doesn’t quite fit in at school. ADHD,
dyslexia, and a record of being kicked out have him certain that his future
holds more of the same. All of that changes in the summer after 6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
grade. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After losing his mother during encounter with a Minotaur,
Percy finds himself at Camp Half-Blood, the residential camp for children with
one mortal parent and one Olympian parent. Shortly after arriving, Poseidon
claims Percy as his son and sends him on a quest. Storms, and the possibility
of war, have been brewing over the past several months because Zeus’ master
lightning bolt had been stolen, and time is running out. In a matter of days,
Percy sets out on a cross-country adventure to find and return the master bolt
with help from his friends Grover, a satyr, and Annabeth, daughter of Athena
and rival of Poseidon. Together, they defeat monsters and assist gods while traveling
from New York to Los Angeles to uncover the mystery of the missing bolt. With
no time to spare, Percy returns the master bolt to Olympus, but uncovers a much
more sinister and powerful conspiracy to upset the temporary calm.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” is
the first in a young-adult fantasy series by Rick Riordan chronicling the adventures
of half-blood children. Perhaps the strongest aspect of Riordan’s writing is
how he aptly matches his characters with his target audience. Riordan creates
in Percy a flawed and relatable hero, bringing together the contradictions in
human behavior, ability, and relationships with others. Percy does not excel in
school, but that doesn’t mean he can’t learn. He struggles to come to terms
with his relationship with his father, but still seeks to make peace with the
arrangement. Riordan also pays tribute to the desire to bring fictional world
to life. Early in the first chapter, Riordan acknowledges Percy’s belief that
he had been normal, ostensibly suggesting that other young adult readers might
one day find themselves at Camp Half-Blood as well. Contained within the boundaries
of the camp and the time frame of the summer, the alternate reality of Camp
Half-Blood invites adventure, danger, and excitement. Everything about the
story seems to be perfectly feasible, and a perfect escape.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First, kudos to Riordan for conveying such a thorough
knowledge of Greek gods and goddesses in such an exciting story. The
combination of education and entertainment sets the book apart from others in
the young adult fantasy genre. However, in his quest to thrill readers, I felt
that the plot moved along so quickly nothing else mattered. It jumped from one
adventure to the next with minimal reflection and integration into a deeper
story line. This called for an unavoidable comparison with Harry Potter. I
remember certain big events in the first Harry Potter, but don’t recall the
entire first novel being a continuous series of life-threatening situations. Overall,
though, it was a very enjoyable novel. I’ll probably read the second one.
Eventually.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-78774054085161782702015-02-08T17:45:00.004-08:002015-02-08T17:45:40.116-08:00One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – Ken Kesey</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After years of watching patients come and go, though most
come and stay, Chief Bromden understands and relies on the routines of the psychiatric
hospital that also serves as his home. He keeps to himself, sweeping the
hallways and struggling constantly against the Combine, the machinery that
Nurse Ratched uses to run the psychiatric ward and slowly turn patients into
automatons. This steady system is suddenly and irreversibly upset with the
appearance of McMurphy, a man who lives excessively and earned his spot in the
psychiatric ward for fighting in a prison work camp. McMurphy immediately sets
to disrupting the hospital routines, intentionally provoking Nurse Ratched, and
imbuing the patients with an unexpected vitality. After years of constant
struggle against the Combine, Chief Bromden finds himself more engaged with the
world than even he thought possible. However, McMurphy’s behavior lands him locked
in a power struggle with Nurse Ratched. Although he is aware of the extent of
her power, he continues to try to thwart the system, threatening her carefully
procured routines, systems, and appearances. While Nurse Ratched holds ultimate
authority on the ward, McMurphy’s raucous approach to life proves insidious and
pervasive, undermining Nurse Ratched even as she seems to have won.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Ken Kesey is a
powerful, challenging, and all-around disruptive story of life on a psychiatric
ward. Kesey’s choice of Chief Bromden as the narrator provides a dual
perspective of life on the ward because he speaks as both an observer and a
participant. Throughout most of the novel, as in most of Bromden’s life, the
reader loses awareness of Bromden as a primary character, only to be surprised
by his independence during lucid moments in which he is free from the influence
of the Combine. Bromden’s schizophrenic reality offers an exaggerated yet incisive
critique of society, which can be both safely condoned and safely discarded
because he is a patient on a psychiatric ward. In the character of McMurphy,
Kesey creates neither a hero nor an anti-hero, but an opposition to Nurse
Ratched and everything good and bad in the system of the psychiatric ward. For
every bold play by McMurphy, Nurse Ratched exerts her authority with an equally
powerful yet restrained response. The novel is imbued with complexities,
nuances, and strong yet subtle challenges to conventional thinking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love this story. Well, I love parts of this story. “One
Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is uncomfortable and unsettling because it
operates in shades of grey. No single character or plotline in the book is
entirely good or right, and neither is there anything that is entirely bad or
wrong. Kesey brings in countless significant themes that require thorough
contemplation before coming to any kind of conclusion, which, at best, results
in more shades of grey. Mental illness, institutionalization,
self-determination, stigma, violence. This novel has a lot of heavy stuff to
wrestle with, which makes for fabulous reading. I feel like I could analyze
this book for days.</span><br />
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-42767035050549685852015-02-06T17:09:00.001-08:002015-02-06T17:09:04.852-08:00The Continual Condition
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Continual Condition – Charles Bukowski</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to add poetry to the short (and apparently
growing) list of writing that I don’t know how to review so I’m not even going
to try. So I’ll keep this short. In this collection of poems, Bukowski writes
with a cynical realism, reflecting on his excesses with gambling, drinking, and
sex. He seems to have a distaste for life, but finds satisfaction among the
problems, hardships, and frustrations. Less appealing than the world, though,
are the people that inhabit it. Whatever his interactions indicate, his
thoughts reveal an impatient apathy for how other people try to participate in
his life. Again, he offers this up for reflection and scrutiny, accepting it
for what it is without passing judgment, dwelling, or disregarding the
unfavorable aspects. Take that with a grain of salt, though. The bigger reason why
I don’t know how to review poetry is because I’m not quite sure how to read poetry.
Bukowski certainly has some gems throughout the collection, and certain pieces
made me stop and think twice (or three or four times), but I often found myself
asking “what was the point?” The good thing about his poetry is that it comes
in bite-sized pieces, so the length, if not always the content, is accessible. </span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-89081322399977556132015-01-08T12:19:00.004-08:002015-01-08T12:20:05.681-08:00Walking on Water: Reading, Writing, and Revolution<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walking on Water: Reading, Writing, and Revolution –
Derrick Jensen</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the right perspective, education happens everywhere
all the time, but in this book Derrick Jensen takes the opportunity to focus on
formal education in the school setting, and in particular the intersection of
education, teaching, and writing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We as
the reader are guided through his rules for writing (primarily, don’t bore the
reader) and allowed vicarious participation in standard classroom activities
like lengthy philosophical questioning and discussion, expressing and
addressing intense emotions, and high-stakes games of capture the flag and
hide-and-seek. What Jensen emphasizes in each of these stories/chapters/essays
is the connection between education and culture. In a society that values
standardized production, schools provide “industrial education” that, rather
than contributing substantive value to the individual receiving the education,
leads the student away from him or herself at the steep cost of personal hopes
and dreams. Jensen rejects this system of education and instead offers his
approach, cultivated in years of classroom trial and error, of using education
as a tool to guide students to discover who they are, what they love, and how
they can use that in the future. All of which turns into a writing exercise, of
course.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In “Walking on Water,” Jensen challenges conventional
thinking on the method, impact, and purpose of education. Though most of the
book recalls his experiences teaching in a university classroom, he also draws
on his time teaching writing at a prison to compare and contrast the settings,
pupils, and lessons. Despite mixing examples from the classroom with the
prison, and connecting each with personal experiences and nuanced musings, the
whole book flows smoothly so that by the end, it hardly feels like a learning
experience. To be sure, he teaches several lessons in this book, the most basic
of which being his rules for writing. Although his statements, questions, and
examples are often provocative, they evoke serious consideration and
reconsideration of often fundamentally held beliefs. Sometimes this process
leads to new conclusions, and sometimes it reinforces those same ideas, now
strengthened after having been held up for scrutiny. In his teaching and his
writing, Jensen respects the student (and the reader) as a person, encouraging
full expression and understanding of varied opinions. Even as the reader, the
process is fun and interesting, and leaves a one with a greater sense of
certainty in what you know to be true and curiosity as to whether that is
really case.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Needless to say, I absolutely love this book. This is
partly because I generally enjoy anything that goes against the grain, but more
so because the book is so engaging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jensen very clearly models his teaching style in the way he writes this
book, and though I don’t get to participate in all the activities as a reader,
I still reap the rewards of critical thought and examination. Even, or
especially, when I disagree with his points. He references violence more
frequently than I remembered from my first reading, which I don’t appreciate, but
I feel good about reading the book having questioned the validity and necessity
of such statements. This is a must read.</span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-56968767902003504722015-01-03T15:52:00.001-08:002015-01-03T15:52:19.480-08:00The Pianoplayers
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Pianoplayers – Anthony Burgess</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ellen Henshaw, now entering the later years of her life
in a stately fashion, decides to share the story of her father as a way to
recognize and remember his accomplishments in life. Ellen’s father was not a
pianist or a piano player, but a pianoplayer. Early in his artistic years, he
accompanied silent films at local pubs, offering musical interpretations and
embellishments to the action on the screen. However, he frequently patronizes
local pubs as well, and his penchant for beer consumption tends to interfere
with his good judgment. Due to unfortunate circumstances, often of his own
creation, he loses a string of jobs and finds himself in a unique position to
play piano for a “marathon” of 30 days straight, which also comes to an abrupt
end. While he carouses, Ellen finds her own form of expression. Dropping out of
school at the earliest opportunity, Ellen finds herself in a special school
that trains exceptional ladies in the skills of Entertainment. After several
years entertaining for several years, she then becomes a Madam, opening her own
schools across the globe. As she looks back on her life and the life of her
father, she focuses on the moments that epitomize the accomplishment of grand
dreams, finding satisfaction with everything that brought her to where she is
today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The Pianoplayers” by Anthony Burgess is written as if
narrated, which is part of the premise of the story (Hellen speaks her story
into a tape player to be transcribed by a wandering author). The result is an
entirely accessible story with quirky and intentional misspellings,
colloquialisms, and verbal tics. While this is somewhat confusing until it
becomes apparent that the story is a “verbal transcription,” it also allows for
unique understandings that cannot be fully conveyed in a typical literary
vocabulary. It also brings in wry humor, particularly when Helen lists the name
of songs her father performs as a pianoplayer according to phonic spelling
rather than proper spelling. Burgess displays musical knowledge both by appropriately
referencing musical terms and also intentionally mixing up musical references.
He also builds a concrete and intricate setting, skillfully reconstructing
English pub life in the 1920s and 30s and bringing to life the context of the
story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although I really appreciated certain aspects of this
story, which includes pretty much anything relating to music, Burgess lost me
at the ending. Helen makes a clear connection for herself about generational
transmission of talent from her father to her son, and somehow brings her own
story into it, but the majority of the book focuses on her father, which causes
the section about her son feels tagged onto the end and does not seem to fit clearly
with the rest of the book. The narrative tone of the story was fun once I
figured out how the author/narrator used the word “like.” The book has its
moments, but overall, I have a “take it or leave it” feeling about it.</span><br />
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-25284059864840378742014-12-28T07:44:00.001-08:002014-12-28T07:44:44.957-08:00Musicophilia
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Musicophilia – Oliver Sacks</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Music seems to be a universal cultural phenomenon, but as
with all things in life, it impacts each individual differently. Sacks, a
neurologist who has spent several years working in a hospital for people with
chronic illnesses, looks at a multitude of ways music impacts the individual,
usually focusing on the abnormal, exceptional, and pathological. Although he
focuses on abnormal musical conditions, that does not mean that all situations
are negative. Such instances include the appearance of musical talent and
intuition after a lifetime of only superficial appreciation, mysterious
degenerative muscle conditions that derail professional performance careers,
people born with prodigious musical talent but not the ability count, and many,
many others. Sacks combines personal experience, case studies of patients,
correspondence with others, and extensive scientific research into a study on
how the brain processes music and what happens when that processing goes awry.
Infused throughout is a deep appreciation of music, revealed in occasional side
notes detailing a nuanced and thorough knowledge of composers and how their lives
reflect those of Sack’s current study. The end result is not so much a book
that addresses music, but one that looks at the wide variety of musical
expression, impact, and understanding.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Musicophilia” by Oliver Sacks offers an unexpected
perspective on music because it focuses on everything beyond the realm of
typical musical expression and appreciation. Sacks displays his expertise both
as a neurologist and one who listens to music through incredibly thorough
scientific research on the history of how musical abnormalities were first
recognized and how treatment has progressed over the decades. As a neurologist,
his writing centers on the neural processing of music, and he frequently
references brain structures, neural and mental processes, and physiological and
organic roots of the conditions he describes. He contextualizes these
conditions at a personal level by sharing his personal experience and discussing
case studies of unique conditions that reflect a range of severity and daily
impairment. Sacks broadens the understanding of music beyond listening to songs
by addressing atypical musical abilities and detailing a multitude of experiences,
talents, and disorders to create an appreciation of music that encompasses
basic and complex processing.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although I learned a lot from this book and was often surprised
by the conditions Sacks describes, I was generally less than enthralled while
reading it. Sacks’ history as a neurologist shows through in his writing, and I
felt that the book is almost inaccessible. His emphasis on brain structures
recalled my days in psychology class, and while I distinctly remember Broca’s
and Wernicke’s areas, I no longer remember the function of the basil ganglia or
the temporal lobes, much less how a stroke impacts the neural abilities in
those different sections. Additionally, his continual references to case
studies and correspondence resulted in a mass of names that meant nothing to me
as the reader and became one more detail to skim. Interesting, but not highly
readable.</span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-53707853541200717122014-12-10T13:15:00.000-08:002014-12-10T13:15:29.088-08:00I am Subject Stories: Women Awakening<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am Subject Stories: Women Awakening – edited by Diane DeBella</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ll start with my usual preface that anthologies are somewhat tricky to review due to the variety of authors, topics, and writing styles. That being said, “I am Subject Stories: Women Awakening” is a very impressive anthology. Diane DeBella, author of the collective memoir “<a href="http://natalieziemba2.blogspot.com/2014/04/i-am-subject.html">I am Subject</a>,” compiles stories from women on the topic of finding or claiming agency in their own lives. DeBella organizes the pieces into four sections, adding flow throughout the book and cohesion within the sections. The individual pieces are astonishing, boldly offered stories of endurance, triumph, and making meaning in less than ideal circumstances. Some essays describe the joy and happiness found in the pursuit of previously suppressed passions or new perspectives on old relationships. Others share harrowing tragedies that irreversibly alter life trajectories or personal struggles against internally or externally imposed limits. No matter the details, all the stories convey unyielding fortitude and optimism, humbly offering inspiration along with fallibility, vulnerability, and hope.</span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-33099730578519474012014-11-23T17:54:00.005-08:002014-11-23T17:55:30.329-08:00Thirteen Reasons Why<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thirteen Reasons Why – Jay Asher</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Following the suicide of his classmate and crush, Hannah
Baker, Clay finds himself reeling but coping with this new absence in school.
Then one day he comes home to find a package on his doorstep with no return
address. The package holds seven tapes labeled on each side with a number up
to the number 13. Mystified, he plays the first tape in the stereo and is
immediately knocked off guard when he hears the voice of Hannah. She explains
that each side represents one of the reasons why she decided to kill herself,
and the people listening to the tapes all have one side dedicated to their
impact on her life. The listeners are instructed to follow her story along with
a map they had each received a few weeks earlier, then mail the tapes to the
next person in the narrative. Captivated by confusion, pain, and intrigue, Clay
follows the instructions, and the map, all over town in the course of one
night. He learns of the disingenuous pretense that hides devastating secrets
for his classmates, and though his understanding of his peers is irreversibly
altered, he also discovers an opportunity to rise above the secrets, rumors, and
assumptions that determine social interactions in his high school.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher is astonishing,
insightful, and unbelievably original in such a dense young adult genre. Asher
intertwines two narratives, Hannah’s tapes and Clay’s evening adventures, into
one story, leaving just enough information unsaid to build an underlying suspense
as the reader grows more and more invested in the events of Hannah’s life and
death. By incorporating the map as part of the narrative, Asher also creates a sense
of location, belonging, and movement. These are all relevant themes for the
transition from adolescence into young adulthood, and add depth to the story by
bringing in the element of place. The content of the novel itself is highly
charged. Asher discusses suicide, alcohol, sex, and the insidious power of
rumors in high school student life. He skillfully navigates issues of
self-blame, victim blaming, and bystander ambivalence, challenging readers to
confront their own assumptions and beliefs on these topics. Fortunately, Asher
does not strand the reader with these topics and emotions. He offers
resolution, both positive and negative, through the actions of the characters,
and infuses the story with the possibility of redemption.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I found myself both very impressed and very annoyed with
this book. After reading about the inspiration for his novel, an audio tour at
an art museum, the tapes and map felt somewhat contrived. The map especially. I
also felt disgruntled that a male author focused on sexual rumors as the
primary contributing factor for a female character’s decision to kill herself.
BUT. Annoyances aside, I am truly amazed with his presentation of challenging
topics. I frequently had to stop reading to sort through my own reactions to
some of the behaviors and statements from the characters. Incredibly
thought-provoking and well worth the read.</span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-23723128678662443432014-10-27T17:43:00.000-07:002014-10-27T17:43:02.755-07:00The Catcher in the Rye
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holden Caulfield is being expelled yet again from another
school, so rather than finish out the last few days of the term he decides to
head home early for the holidays. However, he does not want to break the news
of his expulsion earlier than necessary to his parents, so he decides to wander
around New York City for those few days before returning home. With his illicit
freedom, he pursues life with reckless abandon, following impulses rather than
a plan. From meeting up with old friends to getting drunk at a popular bar and
even sneaking into his own home to visit his sister while his parents are out,
Holden’s days are full of adventures. The one thing that is missing, though, is
his little brother, Allie, who died a few years ago. Despite all his carousing,
Holden finds himself fed up with all the phonies in New York. His friends from
childhood, the actors in the show, and everyone from every school he has ever
been kicked out of. Rather than put up with it, Holden resolves to leave town
without notice and make a new life for himself. His sister convinces him to
stay, and instead Holden finds himself in another hospital similar to the one
he stayed at after his brother died so many years ago.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The Catcher in the Rye” is a compelling story of teen
angst, overpowering loss, and all-encompassing frustration at the state of the
world and the people in it. Salinger narrates Holden’s adventures in a highly
conversational tone and it is easy to become caught up in a world of phonies
where everything is either depressing as hell or so ridiculous that you end up
laughing like a madman. Salinger seamlessly transitions between adventures so
that Holden’s somewhat less-than-logical decisions show smooth connection and
believable reasoning. As a reader, you only receive quick glimpses into Holden’s
past; Salinger remains focused on Holden’s present life and decisions. He
offers an interesting perspective on the world, simultaneously sorrowful and resigned
yet almost objective in his universal rejection of others. By creating such a
melancholic world, Salinger evokes sympathy, pity, and also a keen eye for the
positives, however slight or fleeting they may be.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I remember reading this book for the first time in high
school, but I cannot for the life of me remember my reaction to it. Whatever it
was then, I’m sure my response is drastically different now. I want to “social
work” everything these days, so I spent the entire story tracking Holden’s
behavior, making note of duration, severity, and frequency of depressive
symptoms. I also found myself questioning his perception of the world because
it was so pervasively negative. As a result, I was highly engaged with the
story throughout the entire book, and it was a notably different reading
experience. Diagnoses aside, I like this book but I don’t love it. It would be
good to read if you have time, but not necessary if you don’t.</span><br />
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-14538699081584257752014-10-05T15:30:00.004-07:002014-10-05T15:30:33.437-07:00Hyperbole and a Half
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed
Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened – Allie Brosh</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And yet another atypical book and book review. “Hyperbole
and a Half” is a collection of some of the more spectacular and hilarious blog
posts from Allie Brosh. Brosh chronicles everything from childhood escapades in
the name of cake, to failed attempts to raise adequately well-behaved dogs, to
the sheer terror of finding yourself suddenly trapped in your own home by a
goose. She also addresses some weightier concerns like one too many adult
responsibilities, learning how to cope with life when it refuses to follow your
expectations, and admitting that you might have suicidal ideation. That last
one was more serious that most, but equally deserving of attention and written
with the same tone as her other stories. Brosh approaches all of these situations
with a cavalier attitude while sharing her vulnerabilities, frustrations, and
random thought processes. And did I mention that there are pictures? Yes,
pictures! Not only is this book evocative and relatable, but also endlessly
entertaining! I frequently found myself laughing out loud, and so had to
restrict myself to reading this book in private but not right before bed
because it was too funny. Well worth the read.</span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-3082495673791942192014-10-05T15:30:00.002-07:002014-10-05T15:30:13.066-07:00The Gift
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Gift – Hafiz</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is another atypical book, so it also will not
receive my typical book review. ”The Gift” by Hafiz is a collection of poems
that have endured several centuries and been translated into numerous languages
throughout that time. Most poems in the book are not explicitly religious, but
all of them have some degree of spiritual undertone. Through clever metaphors
and hilarious tangents, Hafiz accurately and often painfully captures the
fundamental contradictions of being human and trying to make meaning out of
life. I cannot make it clear enough how much I love this book. I love this book
so much that I can’t hold onto it. I regularly give away my copy because it is
so urgent to me that someone else read it RIGHT NOW. Since I first read this
book, I think I have purchased 5 copies for myself that have ended up in other
hands, and 3 more intentionally as gifts for someone else. I finally gave in a
bought a copy of it on my kindle, but even that wasn’t good enough, so I went
and bought another paperback copy and I already have plans for who will receive
this one. READ IT. If you don’t, then it is entirely reasonable that you should
expect to receive my own dog-eared copy one day.</span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-75749202597241350462014-10-05T15:29:00.002-07:002014-10-05T15:29:45.553-07:00Wherever You Go, There You Are
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wherever You Go, There You Are – Jon Kabat-Zinn</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This isn’t exactly a typical book, so it will not receive
my typical review. “Wherever you go, there you are” is more or less an
instructional book for practicing mindfulness and meditation. In short chapters
no more than 3 or 4 pages long, Kabat-Zinn describes various steps in the
process of sitting back, observing, and letting go. Illuminated with “tips for
practice” and personal stories from his own experience with mindfulness, this
book is understandable, relevant, and not at all intimidating as an
introduction to mindfulness practice. When I first began this book, I undertook
reading it as I would any other book, which turned out to be a mistake. Because
the substance of this book invites reflection and deep thinking, I quickly
found myself losing track of what was covered in each section. After that, I
decided to read no more than one or two sections at a time so I could fully
process what Kabat-Zinn offers in each of his suggestions for practice, and the
book made much more sense. I highly recommend this book because it is simple
yet profound. And also because I’m neurotic and I find it helpful to incorporate
many of his suggested strategies into my life.</span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-14236271652986795062014-09-22T18:41:00.001-07:002014-09-22T18:42:43.842-07:00Beloved<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beloved – Toni Morrison</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sethe, a former slave, lives alone with her grown
daughter, Denver, her two sons having run away years ago. Although their house
once served as a way-station for escaped slaves, they now live in isolation
except for the haunting presence of the ghost of Sethe’s dead daughter. One
day, an old friend, Paul D, arrives at the house. His presence drives out the
ghost, and although Denver is reticent about the arrangement, Sethe hesitantly
welcomes the possibility of creating a family. Shortly after, another girl
mysteriously appears at the house who claims not to have any people or place.
She merely calls herself Beloved, the same name of the ghost daughter that had
been haunting the house since the time of her death. Sethe, Denver, and Paul D
are at first drawn to the daughter, sister, or lover that has entered their
lives, but as Beloved’s presence grows stronger and more vital, their individual
lives begin to unravel. With no other option than to confront the horrific past
that Beloved brings with her physical presence, the individuals and
relationships contained within the house start to crumble as they struggle to
relate to this familiar stranger.</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Beloved,” by Toni Morrison, tells the story of
heart-wrenching loss and desperate attempts to avoid further pain, further
loss, or, if possible, both. Morrison alternates narration between characters,
focusing on different histories and relationships and how they intersect. She
also jumps between the current situation, past events, and memories, showing
how the past leads precisely to the present. The variety of perspectives and
timelines contributes a degree of uncertainty to the story, emphasizing how
individual perceptions are limited by their singular understanding, but also legitimizing
multiple interpretations of the same situation. At the center of the story, the
characters each struggle to reconcile their own histories with their present
circumstances. Morrison’s characters suffer unfathomable pain and loss,
resulting in actions and reactions that can only be deemed understandable
considering the circumstances. Blunted emotions, distant relationships, and fierce
independence are all means by which the characters protect themselves because suffering
is always hiding just around the corner. “Beloved” offers a view of human
strength and perseverance in the face of insurmountable obstacles that is
simultaneously devastating and inspirational.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This book was difficult for me to get into at first
because I was confused by the story. I almost felt as though Morrison was
making assumptions about my prior knowledge of the characters and their
histories, and so I seemed to be missing crucial aspects of the story in the
first few chapters. Eventually I realized this was not the case and that those
crucial points would be revealed later in the novel. I would recommend reading
this book when you have ample time to make progress (like a cross-country plane
flight) so that the various timelines and perspectives come together to form a
cohesive whole. Confusion aside, I loved this book. Yes, it was violent and
depressing, but it gives voice to a part of history that often goes
unacknowledged. Highly recommended.</span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-80353737016602174012014-08-15T19:50:00.003-07:002014-08-17T02:55:09.539-07:00Veronika Decides to Die<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Veronika Decides to Die – Paulo Coelho</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">24-year-old Veronika leads a predictable life. She works
in a library, rents a room in a convent, and goes to the same bars and meets
the same type of people. Nothing has ever changed, nor is there any indication
that it will change, so she decides to commit suicide because she has already
experienced everything she can possibly experience in life. However, she
realizes her plan didn’t go as expected when she awakes in an ICU, then again a
few days later in a notorious mental hospital. The doctors inform her that she
has less than a week to live because her suicide attempt caused irreversible
damage to her heart, so rather than the immediate death she planned for, she
resigns herself to a few more days of not feeling, not experiencing, and not
living. She quickly stops building barriers, though, as she learns that the
world of the insane is one that offers liberation, freedom, and life. With no
reason to do what others expect them to, the people she meets in the mental
hospital pursue their impulses and passions without inhibition. Even as she
faces her death sentence, or perhaps because she faces her death sentence,
Veronika finally learns what it means to live.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Veronika Decides to Die” is another masterpiece from the
ever-inspiring Paulo Coelho. Before addressing the “human condition” discussed
in this novel, it is worth noting that Coelho explores several important tangible
themes, including the stigma and stereotypes of mental illness, ethical
concerns of treatment, and the politics of money. Discussing concrete examples
of the impacts of injustice gives weight to Coelho’s discourse on mental health
by providing very real illustrations of how people live with the consequences
of societal norms. Social justice aside, the novel explores the philosophical
meaning of being “insane” or “crazy.” As always, Coelho writes with validation,
forgiveness, and liberation, offering reassurance that everyone has value in
their individuality and hope that a better future is possible through the
pursuit of passions and dreams. This book is fodder for hours of contemplation about
why society acts the way it does and what that means for the individual within
society.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although I find Paulo Coelho’s books to be hit or miss, I
absolutely loved this one. Mental health is a very prominent aspect of social
work, so this book was very relevant to what I am learning in school. Several
times I had to stop reading to consider the implication of something Coelho had
just written, which is one of the highest compliments I can give to a book.
There were a few times where I couldn’t quite follow his reasoning and the
argument was a bit murky, but overall, I think I would be able to describe his
main points, and I agreed with them all. I also thought of several people who
might gain something from reading this book, so I already have my
recommendations lined up. If I’m already planning for someone else to read it,
that should be reason enough for anyone to read it.</span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-11241871143819986152014-08-12T11:37:00.002-07:002014-08-12T11:39:09.139-07:00The Salmon of Doubt<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Salmon of Doubt – Douglas Adams</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This posthumous collection of essays, articles,
interviews, and sundry quips and excerpts is a sampling of Douglas Adams’ work
from across his lifetime. In fact, it starts out with what is believed to be
his first published piece of writing: a letter to the editor expressing anticipation
and gratitude for his favorite magazine when he was 12 years old. Many pieces
in the collection are articles or columns propagating his absurd yet astute
philosophy and observations on how the world works. Others are essays or quick
little thoughts, calling attention to the irritations of technology or the
slight but significant difference between things like “fried eggs” and “Fridays.”
My personal favorite is an ode to Bach’s Fifth Brandenburg Concerto, in which
he eloquently attempts to describe the sheer inadequacy of words to capture the
essence and art of music. Brilliant and beautiful, this is undoubtedly Adams at
his finest, funniest, and most insightful.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The Salmon of Doubt” by Douglas Adams is a little tricky
to review because the pieces included in the book are so varied, so instead I
will just tell you why you should read it. Adams has long been one of my
favorite authors because he is sarcastic without being cynical, and his jokes
are incredibly clever. I was reading this book over a lunch break and although
there were other people in the room, I was almost constantly chuckling with occasional
bursts of outright laughter. His writing is characterized by his intelligent,
bizarre, and profound observations that always manage to draw attention to
things most often taken for granted (especially gravity). His ideas are so far
out of the box that the box probably doesn’t even exist in another universe,
which makes his stories and characters unique in every way. Have I convinced
you yet that you need to read everything he has ever written? Because you need
to.</span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-11573914821509716502014-07-22T13:33:00.000-07:002014-07-22T13:33:05.283-07:00AlephAleph – Paulo Coelho<br />
<br />
Upon finding himself stuck on his spiritual journey, a famous Brazilian writer, knowing that his soul connects with movement, fills his life with a lengthy and erratic schedule of publicity events around Europe. The biggest of these commitments is traveling the 9,288 kilometers along the trans-Siberian railway in Russia, a trip of numerous stops and even more weeks that will test the patience, endurance, and stability of everyone in his traveling party. Shortly before leaving, his group of companions is joined by a strange woman, Hilal, who insists that she must travel with them because his soul is calling to hers. Without understanding what she means, the writer agrees to have her join the party. As they spend increasingly more time together, the writer begins to realize that she is a direct connection to one of his past lives, and to an event in particular that has haunted him through all his incarnations since it happened. Although some answers only lead to more questions, it seems as though his soul has finally found the impetus needed to overcome the obstacles in his spiritual path as he seeks to discover his past while also protecting Hilal in the present.<br />
<br />
“Aleph” by Paulo Coelho is a story of magic, time travel, reincarnation, and the patterns of behavior, choice, and life that persist through subsequent incarnations. Although not advertised as such, “Aleph” is a roughly autobiographical account of Coelho’s travels during the same time period in which the story is set. This indistinction allows the story to be read as real without logic entirely taking over and denying certain aspects of the account as impossible. As always, Coelho finds a way to describe in simple yet stunning language the complexities of both spiritual disillusionment and awakening, giving voice to those feelings that evade expression due to an inability to capture and convey the essence of it. The physical journey of traveling through Russia by train takes on a secondary importance in the story, serving as more of a metaphor for spiritual growth than as the main element around which the story is told. The multifaceted experience of travel validates the various struggles and accomplishments that often come with encountering the unfamiliar, humbly offering hope and guidance for other travelers.<br />
<br />
I was more inclined to interpret “Aleph” as a work of fiction rather than an actual recounting of his travel experiences, but it was still a classic Coelho novel. In terms of his other work, I would say it falls somewhere between the best stories I’ve read by him and the somewhat-less-than-inspiring stories I’ve read by him. I can always find something to relate to in his stories, and I appreciate his emphasis on the journey – life is constantly changing and we need to grow with it rather than strive for perfection. Classic Coelho. If you’re only going to read one book by him, then I probably wouldn’t recommend this one, but if you’re going to read multiple of his works, then this one could certainly be included.Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-63246059805035582014-07-15T06:30:00.001-07:002014-07-15T06:30:07.895-07:00The Best American Travel Writing 2013The Best American Travel Writing 2013<br />
<br />
In this collection of essays, authors share their experiences of travel, which range from putting their lives in danger to literally following their dreams, and encompasses all the bliss, serenity, chaos, and awe that results from putting oneself in unfamiliar places. Often, all of these experiences happen on the same trip. Through adventures ranging from bushwhacking up the precarious mountains of Papua New Guinea, to an unfortunately authentic recreation of Dickensian London, to staying in exactly the same location with all the familiar surroundings, the learning and growth that comes from travel contributes to a deeper understanding of self, others, and the world. Whether describing in hilarious detail a trip to the dentist, respectfully observing generations-old traditions, or offering commentary on wild dogs running rampant in the city, this collection of essays provides enough variety in travel experiences to suit those who are comfortable with staying home and those with insatiable wanderlust.<br />
<br />
“The Best American Travel Writing 2013” was a compilation of pieces chosen by guest editor Elizabeth Gilbert. Her main criteria for inclusion was finishing a piece and not feeling a desire to travel to whatever place had been described, but feeling as if she had already been there. Reading these pieces with that perspective in mind certainly brought that experience to the fore. Each author write with their unique style and voice, and the collection of pieces offered a fairly balanced mix of observation of other cultures and traditions and personal reflection on what is gained, or lost, through travel. Not every piece appeals to every audience, though, which is bound to happen with an anthology. <br />
<br />
I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but anthologies are somewhat tricky to review because they cover such a wide variety of stories, styles, and purposes. Unfortunately, the amalgamation of travel experiences was not as immediately enthralling as I was expecting. The thing I forgot about travel writing is that it often includes nuances in language and geography that must be described in a roundabout way rather than directly translated, so I found myself caught up in details more than I would have liked, which meant losing perspective on the big picture of whatever essay I was reading. On top of doing this with individual essays, it happened in piece after piece after piece, making the anthology somewhat of a chore to get through. In fact, when I misplaced my bookmark and skipped 60 pages of the book, I continued reading without realizing this discrepancy until I finished and had to go back to the pieces I had missed. Individual essays about travel are certainly captivating and worth reading, but I may not read another whole book of individual travel experiences pieced together. <br />
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-28803854356880225672014-06-26T17:22:00.003-07:002014-06-26T17:22:46.415-07:00Ready Player OneReady Player One – Ernest Cline<br />
<br />
Wade Watts is in one of millions of people who live their lives through OASIS, the massive multi-player online reality. Through OASIS, Wade uses an avatar to attend school, make friends, and, along with thousands of others, search for the “Easter egg” hidden in the system’s code. The founder of OASIS left a secret egg hidden somewhere in the OASIS virtual world that, once discovered, will grant full authority of OASIS to the person whose avatar accomplishes a series of mysterious tasks. To locate the egg, OASIS users must decipher clues, seek out hidden gates, and accomplish unknown tasks, all somehow related to 80s pop culture, the pet passion of the founder of OASIS. Working as his avatar, Parzival, Wade and his friends, Aech, Art3mis, and Shoto, compete and cooperate to discover the egg before it falls into the hands of the enemy, the Sixers. The Sixers are a fleet of corporate-sponsored avatars that have real and virtual advantages including cheats, backdoors, and money to support their efforts in reaching the egg. To maintain the integrity of OASIS, Parzival and his companions must outsmart and outmaneuver the Sixers in the most astounding battle ever to occur in OASIS.<br />
<br />
“Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline is an engaging and surprisingly, and pleasantly, thought-provoking novel. Perhaps most important to the success of this story is that Cline makes the world of virtual reality accessible (helpful for the non-technologically inclined) by explaining terms and repeating them throughout the story so the words become familiar and also have context within the world of OASIS. Constant references to iconic 80s movies, games and songs contribute to the sense of reality within a fictional world, and also allows readers to nerd out about special interests without any shame or embarrassment. The most interesting aspect of the novel is the interplay between the virtual world of OASIS and the real world in which Wade physically exists. Although Cline could spend more time philosophizing on the connections and disconnections between the two worlds, he does comment on what is gained and lost in each reality. Altogether, Cline crafts a captivating world within a world that encourages critical reflection on what aspects are most important and most essential to what it actually means to exist.<br />
<br />
Being unfamiliar with video games, this book was new to me in most ways, but still relatable and entertaining. I didn’t feel left behind when Cline talked about systems and codes, and I recognized more 80s references than I thought I would. A few parts of the book felt somewhat contrived, but in general I appreciated his effort to recognize issues like race, gender, and sexual orientation and the different impact it has in the real world and the virtual world of OASIS. With enough action, nerdy references, and thought-provoking moments to keep a variety of audiences engaged, I would say this is a pretty good book. Worth the read.<br />
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-35601201055460235382014-06-21T06:58:00.002-07:002014-06-21T06:58:24.640-07:00Behind the Beautiful ForeversBehind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity – Katherine Boo<br />
<br />
Mumbai is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the world, heralding globalization, international interest, and the promise of a better future. Unfortunately, many of the people drawn in by hope and possibility instead find self-interested corruption that disparages communities, families, and dreams. Beyond the gleaming airport and shiny advertisements selling a “beautiful forever,” thousands of people live on pavement or in ramshackle huts in the slum of Annawadi, struggling to survive in an “earn-to-eat” lifestyle. Abdul, as the eldest son and primary wage-earner in his family of eleven, first seeks meaning then settles for any small profit in his business of sorting and recycling trash. Manju, the first female slumdweller to attend university, strives to improve the lives of children in her neighborhood and also defy her mother by providing the free education promised by the corrupt slumlords with whom her mother associates. United, the potential political power of everyone living in poverty could possibly have an impact on Indian policy, but larger political decisions are more likely to be forgotten amid personal concerns and neighborly disputes. Life in the slums stands in stark contrast to the hope promised by the city; sometimes that hope survives, and sometimes it is overwhelmed, like everything else, by the sheer reality of life in the slums.<br />
<br />
“Behind the Beautiful Forevers” by Katherine Boo is a thoroughly documented accounted of life in poverty in Mumbai. Boo focuses on a small group of community members, and knows when to bring in other players to emphasize friendship, family ties, corruption, hope, or whatever other aspect of slum life to which she wants to draw attention. The story of Abdul, Manju, their families and the community unfolds over several years, which Boo condenses into a logical and uninterrupted series of events. Her narrative poignantly captures the sense of hope, desperation, and futility that accompanies life in the slums. Her reporting humanizes life in poverty as a series of daily occurrences and difficult decisions rather than an unfortunate and overwhelming set of circumstances. The overall effect of her narrative reporting results in an intimate portrayal of vulnerability without being overly intrusive, creating a story full of compassion, hardship, and the indomitable human spirit.<br />
<br />
This book is fabulous. However, the author’s note comes at the end of the book and I would have preferred some kind of foreword to clarify the context. Boo’s narrative style of reporting confused me early in the book because it easily reads as a work of fiction instead of a nonfiction account of life in poverty (Boo admits to paraphrasing and summarizing when recounting the internal monologue of people in the book). Which also makes for great reading. Her descriptions are vivid and detailed, sometimes graphically so, the people in her book have understandable and relatable motivations, and the storyline progresses clearly with no extraneous points. Easy to read, compelling, and fascinating. <br />
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-62285400656663887662014-06-17T09:29:00.002-07:002014-06-17T09:29:29.811-07:00The Language of FlowersThe Language of Flowers – Vanessa Diffenbaugh<br />
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After a childhood full of unsuccessful foster placements, Victoria ages out of the foster care system to become emancipated, unemployed, and homeless. She lacks job skills, experience, and even a resume, but she does know the language of flowers. One of her foster mothers taught her that each flower conveys a specific message, giving Victoria a secret language with which to communicate when words don’t work. Through a chance encounter, Victoria earns a job as an assistant at a small flower shop, arranging bouquets and centerpieces full of meaning in addition to aesthetic beauty. Her work with flowers also brings an unexpected connection to her past when she runs into Grant, someone she knew from her last foster placement when she was 10 years old. Grant’s persistent presence dredges up memories full of regret, guilt, and shame about how her foster placement ended, and Victoria struggles to address her troubled past while also learning to trust people in the present. Her new reliance on and responsibility to other people threaten to overwhelm her, and she reverts to her old habit of isolating herself from everyone. Gradually, she learns forgiveness and trust, and starts over yet again with a life that has more stability, more direction, and more hope for the future.<br />
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“The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh immediately establishes an emotional connection that remains unrelenting throughout the story. Looking objectively at the story, it is easy to feel protective and compassionate for Victoria, considering her life circumstances, but also easy to see how her actions hurt both herself and others. Diffenbaugh’s characters encompass the full range of human emotion and response, and all her characters are continuously loveable and relatable despite that. Or perhaps because of that. Although the plot is somewhat formulaic and the ending is fairly easily surmised from early on in the book, there are so many aspects of the story that make this book unique. With such a strong emphasis on flowers, Diffenbaugh crafts her story with a language beyond words, adding dimension to her characters and enhancing the magic of her novel by perfectly capturing the clumsy inadequacy of words. The story is beautiful – emotionally, aesthetically, and poetically.<br />
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I generally love reading books that have been specifically recommended to me for one reason or another, and this book absolutely follows that trend. Although the story was not complex, the characters were, and Victoria’s development throughout the book was amazing and inspiring to follow. I did have some issues with timing (whole days and weeks just magically disappeared, or were repeated!), but that only matters if I’m being really picky about it. The whole concept of the language of flowers was new to me, and I loved learning the meaning of each flower throughout the story (and there’s an appendix in back, so don’t worry if they’re not all defined in the text). Educational, emotionally gripping, and unique – what else could you want from a story?<br />
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-50075028913050571292014-06-11T18:09:00.001-07:002014-06-11T18:09:38.425-07:00Born to RunBorn to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen – Christopher McDougall<br />
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Ultrarunning (any distance beyond that of a marathon) is a somewhat unusual sport with an unbelievably dedicated cult following. Nonetheless, ultrarunning shares many traits of mainstream sports including elusive superstars like the Tarahumara. The Tarahumara are a tribe of indigenous people living in treacherous canyons in Mexico (due to both geography and sociopolitical upheaval in the region) known for their ability to endlessly and tirelessly run the trails traversing the steep canyon walls. Despite unsuccessful attempts to integrate Tarahumara talent into mainstream Western races, scientists, distance runners, and enthusiasts alike remain undeterred in efforts to learn from Tarahumara tradition. Whether analyzing gait, replicating diet, or speculating about the “heart” of running, much can be learned from the generational talent of the Tarahumara tribes. As Christopher McDougall prepares himself for the race of a lifetime – a one-off 50-mile race between a handful of elite endurance runners and the most renowned tribesmen – he tells the story and legend of the most fundamental human trait: the ability to run.<br />
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“Born to Run” is the sensational story of the peak of human ability in the most unbelievable circumstances. McDougall tells a lively story, integrating his own running triumphs and travails with legendary stories of runners suffering excruciating breakdowns and overcoming insurmountable obstacles. Although the stories often border on grandiosity (or spill over entirely), McDougall also roots his investigation in scientific endeavors and explanations. His attention to the technical aspects of training, nutrition, stride, and every other aspect of running that can possibly be analyzed is absolutely captivating for anyone with even the slightest interest in running. His tone throughout the book is that of the capable athlete who has accepted that he will never be elite, so instead he focuses on the love of the sport, infusing his descriptions with humor and sarcasm. The end result is enthralling, entertaining, and inspirational.<br />
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This book was a bit hard to get into because McDougall’s writing was a bit hard to swallow at times, but once I got about 50 pages in, it was almost impossible to put down. His approach to telling stories and overall tone were definitely the hardest parts about reading this book. He also makes some inaccurate statements. When discussing diet, he remarks that it would be best to “eat like a poor person,” by which he means that people should eat lots of fruits, veggies, and whole foods (not the store). What it actually means to “eat like a poor person” is to eat lots of cheap processed foods full of sugar and fat. When I wasn’t hung up on his writing, though, the book as fabulous. The stories about races, runners, and technique make running seem as riveting as it feels to me, and I really connected with the spirit of running that he describes throughout the book. Well worth the read, whether you run 50Ks, 5Ks, or not at all.<br />
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-22882072991193241402014-05-28T20:17:00.000-07:002014-05-28T20:17:19.915-07:00The Elegance of the HedgehogThe Elegance of the Hedgehog – Muriel Barbery<br />
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Renee Michel is the concierge for an apartment building of wealthy and oblivious tenants in France. She molds herself to the expectations the tenants, responding promptly to the smallest beck and call to run errands, complete tasks, or perform other duties befitting a concierge. What she does not reveal, however, is her reflective and satisfying inner life, stimulated by contemplating philosophy, enjoying classical music, and performing her daily tea ritual. Paloma Josse, a 12-year-old resident in the same apartment building, similarly disguises her aptitudes and interests. Before reaching adolescence, she has already discovered that life is a lie that people dedicate themselves to perpetuating. Rather than grow into an adult who is complicit in the deception of life, she has decided to commit suicide on her 13th birthday. Paloma and Renee offer commentary on the habits of others while covertly pursuing their own interests until a new tenant arrives, which causes an unexpected intersection in their parallel lives. Kakuro, a foreign entity in every way, brings a new perspective to the apartment building by disrupting tradition and creating different possibilities. As a result, Paloma and Renee both find a new reality that challenges their previous ways of thinking and, despite the vulnerability and discomfort it may cause, encourages them to live honestly, openly, and fully.<br />
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“The Elegance of the Hedgehog” by Muriel Barbery is almost as much a work of art as it is a novel. Every page is filled with exquisite prose. Barbery’s descriptions are almost (but only almost) unnecessarily eloquent and detailed, vividly bringing to life the smallest task or most mundane setting. Amazingly, she never runs out of words. Throughout the book, she maintains the expressive tone of the story and characters by incorporating an unbelievably extensive vocabulary, which makes for entertaining and engaging reading. This is a book that cannot just be read; it must also be processed.<br />
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I absolutely loved this book, though I had some difficulties with it at the start. The story is told from two alternating perspectives, and for a while I was convinced that it was the same character at different points in time, which was quite confusing. Once I figured out the characters, though, the rest of the book was heartbreakingly beautiful to read. On multiple occasions, I had to stop reading to think about what was written on the page, and I was always happy to do so. I would have been even happier to discuss it with other people. Books that spark both thought and conversation are incredibly satisfying. If nothing else, you absolutely MUST read her page-long description of drinking tea. I read it three times in a row, and that still wasn’t enough. All around fabulous. <br />
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-24750054174185428852014-05-06T06:23:00.001-07:002014-05-06T06:23:03.671-07:00Cowboys Are My WeaknessCowboys Are My Weakness – Pam Houston<br />
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In her collection of more or less autobiographical short stories, Houston shares stories about searching for adventure out West. From rafting a river at the highest recorded water level in decades, to winter camping in mind (and limb) numbingly cold temperatures, to hunting Dall sheep all across Alaska, these stories cover the entire range of the western mountain existence. Of course, stories of adventure often coincide with stories of love, and the added element of personal relationships increases both the excitement and the danger. More often than not, the stories are the same, and seeking love is as much a part of adventure as thrills are a part of intimacy. Whether caught up in the exhilaration that comes with living life to (and beyond) the limits or the whirlwind of new romance that destroys every aspect of a carefully constructed existence, these stories thoughtfully reflect on finding yourself, losing yourself, and reconstructing yourself through adventure.<br />
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“Cowboys Are My Weakness” is an entertaining collection of stories about life at the limits. Pam Houston writes with bluntly accurate and witty honesty, daring to reveal patterns of behavior that perpetuate problems rather than solve them. Her tone helps convey the lessons of her stories because gentle, vague references of losing yourself for love more often obscure the subject matter, whereas direct statements drawing attention to problems help to identify and clarify what exactly is problematic. Her stories of love and adventure are sincere because Houston writes unapologetically and authentically with no pretense about having all the answers. Despite certain niches in subject matter and terminology (particularly as it relates to hunting, rafting, and other outdoor pursuits), the stories are relatable and understandable. Houston has a knack for finding misadventure and taking the reader along for the ride.<br />
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There are a couple reasons I really loved this book. It was recommended to me by a friend who has excellent taste in books and can generally be trusted to provide quality reading material. The setting and content of the stories reminded me of my time working at camp in Colorado, biasing my reading of this book with always helpful nostalgia. And the stories themselves are engaging and entertaining retellings of adventures that are on the outer range of activities that I would consider doing (but for now, I’ll settle for living vicariously). Not to mention the painful but healing self-reflection that comes with attentively analyzing these areas of life. Overall, I found the stories in this book to be funny, exciting, relevant, and challenging; a combination of characteristics that make for high quality reading material. <br />
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289639756662225807noreply@blogger.com0