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Conquest

Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide –Andrea Smith

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.

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.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan

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^th grade. 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.

“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.

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.

 

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – Ken Kesey

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.

“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.

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.

The Continual Condition

The Continual Condition – Charles Bukowski

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.

Walking on Water: Reading, Writing, and Revolution

Walking on Water: Reading, Writing, and Revolution – Derrick Jensen

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.  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.

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.

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.  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.

The Pianoplayers

The Pianoplayers – Anthony Burgess

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.

“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.

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.

Musicophilia

Musicophilia – Oliver Sacks

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.

“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.

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.

I am Subject Stories: Women Awakening

I am Subject Stories: Women Awakening – edited by Diane DeBella

 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 “I am Subject,” 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.

Thirteen Reasons Why

Thirteen Reasons Why – Jay Asher

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.

“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.

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.

The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger

 
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.

“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.

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.

Hyperbole and a Half

Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened – Allie Brosh

 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.

The Gift

The Gift – Hafiz

 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.

Wherever You Go, There You Are

Wherever You Go, There You Are – Jon Kabat-Zinn

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.

Beloved

Beloved – Toni Morrison

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.

 “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.

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.

Veronika Decides to Die

Veronika Decides to Die – Paulo Coelho

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.

“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.

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.

The Salmon of Doubt

The Salmon of Doubt – Douglas Adams

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.

 “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.

Aleph

Aleph – Paulo Coelho

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.

“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.

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.

The Best American Travel Writing 2013

The Best American Travel Writing 2013

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.

“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.

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.

Ready Player One

Ready Player One – Ernest Cline

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.

“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.

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.