Bibliography
Michener, Anna J. Becoming Anna: The Autobiography of a Sixteen-Year-Old. Chicago: University of Chicago, 1998.
My Thoughts
I didn't know if I'd be able to read this book. Once I finished Chapter 1, I had to really think if I wanted to go down this dark road. The writing is beautiful, full of vivid imagery--the content is horrific.
Young Tiffany Blake is admitted to a mental institution by her family. Her grandmother, a PhD in child psychology, inflicts verbal abuse on Tiffany, blaming her for all of the family's problems, including Tiffany's mother's diabetes. The first sentence of the book reads, "My grandmother says I destroyed my mother before I was even born" (Michener 1). Thanks, Grams!
In fact, from the outside her family looks "normal." "People who knew my grandmother and my parents casually, liked them. All three were intelligent, well educated, and knew how to hold interesting conversations. They could be friendly when they wanted to be" (Michener 9). They are nice when it is convenient or looks good to the outside world.
She spends 47 days at a private institution. She returns home only to be shipped off to a worse (if possible!) place called Wilson State Hospital. There, Tiffany does try to get along with others and make friends until finally, she snaps a little and begins to stand up for herself and others. She sees the injustice and unfairness inflicted upon her and her ward mates. She's had enough. Of course, in a perfect catch-22, her outbursts further "prove" to others that she is crazy.
I flagged so many pages in this book. The descriptions are vivid. Tiffany's encounters with adults are heartbreaking. She is believed when she tells lies and not believed when she's telling the truth. "If my only friend's parents, one of them a victim of abuse herself, couldn't help me, then I could think of nothing short of suicide to save me from years of endless, steadily worsening misery" (Michener 17). She does try to overdose on pills right in front of her family. "They just laughed" (Michener 32.). HOW CAN THEY BE SO CRUEL?
Tiffany writes, "I can describe in this book all the horrible things that were said and done to me, but I can never even begin to describe the true horror of mental institutions, the never-ending, sanity-stripping monotony, the subliminal implications of this endless routine and always having some hateful stranger watching you endure it, or perhaps be driven mad by it, whichever the case might be" (Michener 38).
There are so many examples.
While reading, I kept thinking about a kid I worked with when I was a teenager. Kyle had been to rehab (something my naive world didn't know about), and I wondered as I read Tiffany's story if Kyle's experiences at rehab were similar to Tiffany's at the mental institution. I don't know why I kept thinking of Kyle, but if he is still alive, I hope he's doing well.
Becoming Anna was a book that was hard to read, but I think I needed to read it. I was so happy when I read page 249! This made the entire book worth reading. Surprisingly, it is in the epilogue that I learned how Tiffany became Anna. Yet, I had to travel down her road because I wouldn't have understood (and appreciated) Anna's story any other way.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Shiver
Bibliography
Stiefvater, Maggie. Shiver. New York: Scholastic, 2009. Print.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed this "werewolf" book very much and look forward to finishing the trilogy. Book one, Shiver, is the love story of Sam Roth and Grace Brisbane.
When Grace was a child, she was mauled by wolves near her backyard. There was one wolf who protected her, and she remembered his yellow eyes. She looked for her yellow-eyed wolf every year until one day, he appeared--in human form!
The love story was the basic plot line and enjoyable. The first kiss was on page 87. There was a sexual encounter between the two, but it was treated respectfully (and late in the book). There are several other characters that interact and serve a purpose. As I know there are two more books, I speculated that some things mentioned were foreshadowing for the other books. Can't wait to see if I'm correct.
I enjoyed the story even though I questioned some parts. For example, can her parents be so detached that they don't realize a boy is basically living at their home? (I find it interesting that I don't question the aspect of human changing into wolf during the cold months--seems reasonable to me).
Is it common knowledge that wolves have a "wordless language" (Stiefvater 54) or did Stephenie Meyer create the "do's and don'ts" of contemporary literary werewolves?
Could Isabel really have access to the medical clinic, and why weren't there any security cameras to be concerned with when the teens visit?
Will Benadryl work on wolves? I once heard that it didn't affect dogs.
The title is referenced multiple times in the book, as well as the titles of the next two in the trilogy. As Sam "shivers" to stay warm and remain human and Grace "shivers" as her beliefs are challenged, the title fits the book.
There were moments, descriptions, that Stiefvater created that moved me. This is not your typical "werewolf" book. It's a story of relationships, sacrifices, obsession, heartache, friendships, loyalty and surprise.
Stiefvater, Maggie. Shiver. New York: Scholastic, 2009. Print.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed this "werewolf" book very much and look forward to finishing the trilogy. Book one, Shiver, is the love story of Sam Roth and Grace Brisbane.
When Grace was a child, she was mauled by wolves near her backyard. There was one wolf who protected her, and she remembered his yellow eyes. She looked for her yellow-eyed wolf every year until one day, he appeared--in human form!
The love story was the basic plot line and enjoyable. The first kiss was on page 87. There was a sexual encounter between the two, but it was treated respectfully (and late in the book). There are several other characters that interact and serve a purpose. As I know there are two more books, I speculated that some things mentioned were foreshadowing for the other books. Can't wait to see if I'm correct.
I enjoyed the story even though I questioned some parts. For example, can her parents be so detached that they don't realize a boy is basically living at their home? (I find it interesting that I don't question the aspect of human changing into wolf during the cold months--seems reasonable to me).
Is it common knowledge that wolves have a "wordless language" (Stiefvater 54) or did Stephenie Meyer create the "do's and don'ts" of contemporary literary werewolves?
Could Isabel really have access to the medical clinic, and why weren't there any security cameras to be concerned with when the teens visit?
Will Benadryl work on wolves? I once heard that it didn't affect dogs.
The title is referenced multiple times in the book, as well as the titles of the next two in the trilogy. As Sam "shivers" to stay warm and remain human and Grace "shivers" as her beliefs are challenged, the title fits the book.
There were moments, descriptions, that Stiefvater created that moved me. This is not your typical "werewolf" book. It's a story of relationships, sacrifices, obsession, heartache, friendships, loyalty and surprise.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Hot Topics: Hoarding
Bibliography
MacKay, Jenny. Hot Topics: Hoarding. Detroit: Lucent Books, 2012. Print.
My Thoughts
I ordered several books in this Hot Topics series. I was a little disappointed in the depth of coverage (there are only 5 chapters and less than 100 pages). However, I did learn some things about hoarding. This is a very broad mental illness (the specialists can't agree on what umbrella is even falls under), and that it can be genetically passed down from one generation to another. WHAT!? I assumed it was an environmental passing down having nothing to do with a DNA gene pool.
The shows about hoarding obviously are seeking out the most horrifying examples and try to "fix" everything within a program. This is not realistic. The book explains that there are varying degrees of hoarding. Some hoarders are actually very neat and tidy people, but they cannot get rid of things. Extreme hoarders live in houses filled to the top, even blocking exits.
One question asked is whether or not hoarding is a crime. When is having too much stuff a hindrance or illegal? Is it the government's role to intervene when a home becomes unlivable? What about when the hoarder has animals instead of just stuff?
One chapter is devoted to explain the many reasons why people hoard. It is interesting to me that sometimes it is a traumatic event that leads to hoarding behavior, but it is not the only reason. Some hoarders are very detail oriented. "Many hoarders are crafty or artistic" and collect things to use later (MacKay 46). Some hoarders collect information and are in "a constant need to feel prepared" (MacKay 47). I was startled by these examples. I don't think of myself as a hoarder because of my connotation with this word. However, with these reasons, I saw myself.
There was an entire chapter devoted to the treatment for hoarding, even though it really is a case by case treatment plan. "The problem is must more complicated than merely being untidy or disorganized" (MacKay 76). This is why the 40 minute shows are misleading. The treatment often needs to be slower and take more time than just cleaning out a space.
This book was a quick, informative read.
MacKay, Jenny. Hot Topics: Hoarding. Detroit: Lucent Books, 2012. Print.
My Thoughts
I ordered several books in this Hot Topics series. I was a little disappointed in the depth of coverage (there are only 5 chapters and less than 100 pages). However, I did learn some things about hoarding. This is a very broad mental illness (the specialists can't agree on what umbrella is even falls under), and that it can be genetically passed down from one generation to another. WHAT!? I assumed it was an environmental passing down having nothing to do with a DNA gene pool.
The shows about hoarding obviously are seeking out the most horrifying examples and try to "fix" everything within a program. This is not realistic. The book explains that there are varying degrees of hoarding. Some hoarders are actually very neat and tidy people, but they cannot get rid of things. Extreme hoarders live in houses filled to the top, even blocking exits.
One question asked is whether or not hoarding is a crime. When is having too much stuff a hindrance or illegal? Is it the government's role to intervene when a home becomes unlivable? What about when the hoarder has animals instead of just stuff?
One chapter is devoted to explain the many reasons why people hoard. It is interesting to me that sometimes it is a traumatic event that leads to hoarding behavior, but it is not the only reason. Some hoarders are very detail oriented. "Many hoarders are crafty or artistic" and collect things to use later (MacKay 46). Some hoarders collect information and are in "a constant need to feel prepared" (MacKay 47). I was startled by these examples. I don't think of myself as a hoarder because of my connotation with this word. However, with these reasons, I saw myself.
There was an entire chapter devoted to the treatment for hoarding, even though it really is a case by case treatment plan. "The problem is must more complicated than merely being untidy or disorganized" (MacKay 76). This is why the 40 minute shows are misleading. The treatment often needs to be slower and take more time than just cleaning out a space.
This book was a quick, informative read.
Friday, February 1, 2013
I Am Second: Real Stories, Changing Lives
Bibliography
Bender, Doug and Dave Sterrett. I Am Second: Real Stories, Changing Lives. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 2012. Print.
My Thoughts
Included are 20 profiles of people from all walks of life, backgrounds, situations, and stories telling how once they put God first, their lives changed. The stories are very interesting and even though I can't relate to all of the situations, I enjoyed reading them. A bonus to this book is after each person's profile, there are other people's stories that you can use the QR scanner and watch. I was just as intereseted in these stories as the ones printed in the book.
One common theme that all of these stories share is that fact that God can fill any hole, gap, longing we have. Once we surrender and let Him, we will feel free.
Bender, Doug and Dave Sterrett. I Am Second: Real Stories, Changing Lives. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 2012. Print.
My Thoughts
Included are 20 profiles of people from all walks of life, backgrounds, situations, and stories telling how once they put God first, their lives changed. The stories are very interesting and even though I can't relate to all of the situations, I enjoyed reading them. A bonus to this book is after each person's profile, there are other people's stories that you can use the QR scanner and watch. I was just as intereseted in these stories as the ones printed in the book.
One common theme that all of these stories share is that fact that God can fill any hole, gap, longing we have. Once we surrender and let Him, we will feel free.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The Round House
Bibliography
Erdrich, Louise. The Round House. New York: Harper, 2012. Kindle file.
My Thoughts
My book club met last night to discuss this book. We pretty much were in agreement that Erdrich creates memorable characters (Cappy, Sonja, Linda Wishkob, Father Travis). There were some questions about whether or not the age of the narrator was appropriate and would it change the story having an older narrator. However, I think the narrator has to be 13--it's the age that our young, innocent eyes are often shown the reality of situations. This is Joe's coming of age story.
The plot line involves Joe's mother being raped, and Joe and his friends trying to find and capture the rapist. There are humorous parts of the story (the Grandparents provide some comic relief) to balance the seriousness of the story. As the reader learns what happened to Joe's mother & Mayla, the comic relief is welcomed.
I like the way Erdrich tells the story and infuses cultural cues within the story. She includes the mysticism of the culture with revealing facts about the law. She has the "insider" knowledge. Her writing is clear--I felt like I was following Joe and experiencing everything he was.
Erdrich is commenting on very serious issues: who has jurisdiction and what is justice? Reading this book made me more aware of the plight of women on reservations. Erdrich also made me think about how justice is many things and is interpretive.
I hadn't read any of Erdrich's writing before this book, but I think I will pick up another of her books. Some critics compare this story to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. For me, both the story and writing were good, but it it not Scout's story nor Lee's narrative voice.
Erdrich, Louise. The Round House. New York: Harper, 2012. Kindle file.
My Thoughts
My book club met last night to discuss this book. We pretty much were in agreement that Erdrich creates memorable characters (Cappy, Sonja, Linda Wishkob, Father Travis). There were some questions about whether or not the age of the narrator was appropriate and would it change the story having an older narrator. However, I think the narrator has to be 13--it's the age that our young, innocent eyes are often shown the reality of situations. This is Joe's coming of age story.
The plot line involves Joe's mother being raped, and Joe and his friends trying to find and capture the rapist. There are humorous parts of the story (the Grandparents provide some comic relief) to balance the seriousness of the story. As the reader learns what happened to Joe's mother & Mayla, the comic relief is welcomed.
I like the way Erdrich tells the story and infuses cultural cues within the story. She includes the mysticism of the culture with revealing facts about the law. She has the "insider" knowledge. Her writing is clear--I felt like I was following Joe and experiencing everything he was.
Erdrich is commenting on very serious issues: who has jurisdiction and what is justice? Reading this book made me more aware of the plight of women on reservations. Erdrich also made me think about how justice is many things and is interpretive.
I hadn't read any of Erdrich's writing before this book, but I think I will pick up another of her books. Some critics compare this story to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. For me, both the story and writing were good, but it it not Scout's story nor Lee's narrative voice.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The Royal Family
Bibliography
Greensit, Charlotte, ed. The Royal Family. New York: Time Books, 2012. Print.
My Thoughts
This was a quick read of the current Royal Family of Great Britain. The chapters are short and divided up by topic, including a brief history of the Windsor Family Tree. As I am not a royalphile (is that a word?) like my good friend M.A., I was glad to have the history. I wish that one chapter would have included the "rules" of succession to the throne and how (or why) the royals can change their names and titles.
The photographs are stunning. Some I've seen before, many I had not. Queen Elizabeth has aged, and yet has not aged. The old photos are as crisp color as the newer ones.
A book about the Royal Family would not be complete without mentioned Princess Diana. She has an entire chapter (something Camilla didn't get).
Greensit, Charlotte, ed. The Royal Family. New York: Time Books, 2012. Print.
My Thoughts
This was a quick read of the current Royal Family of Great Britain. The chapters are short and divided up by topic, including a brief history of the Windsor Family Tree. As I am not a royalphile (is that a word?) like my good friend M.A., I was glad to have the history. I wish that one chapter would have included the "rules" of succession to the throne and how (or why) the royals can change their names and titles.
The photographs are stunning. Some I've seen before, many I had not. Queen Elizabeth has aged, and yet has not aged. The old photos are as crisp color as the newer ones.
A book about the Royal Family would not be complete without mentioned Princess Diana. She has an entire chapter (something Camilla didn't get).
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Tigerheart
Bibliography
David, Peter. Tigerheart. New York: Ballantine Books, 2008. Print.
My Thoughts
A friend of mine told me this was his favorite book, and he wanted to share it with me. I began reading it, quickly realizing that it was a Peter Pan kind of story. By this, I mean that there are references to the Peter Pan story (which I'm really not sure I remember so well), but the name Peter Pan is actually not mentioned. The author explains at the end of the book that he set out to write a Peter Pan story, but then "realized that it was really Paul Dear's story" so he created "pastiche versions of Peter and company" (David 297). This allowed him some flexibility with the characters and plot.
I thought this was a good fantasy story, especially for middle grade readers. The narrative voice allows for description, explanation and humor. The story teller dips in and out of the action to reassure us, divert us, and provide any necessary information that we might not otherwise have.
The title reference is on page 182.
As I read, I thought about how childhood should be a magical time (coincidentally, I read this between Thanksgiving and Christmas--the most magical time of year). I thought about how adults don't often allow themselves to be children or experience the same wonder and excitement of a child. We should. David explains the difference between adult and children. "When you are a child, there is joy. There is laughter. And most of all, there is trust. Trust in your fellows. When you are an adult...then comes suspicion, hatred and fear" (David 216). David further explains that adults mess things up, then claim children are the future. Very insightful, I thought.
I wrote down something that I think captures the book, "Everyone is the hero of his own personal story" (David 159). So true.
David, Peter. Tigerheart. New York: Ballantine Books, 2008. Print.
My Thoughts
A friend of mine told me this was his favorite book, and he wanted to share it with me. I began reading it, quickly realizing that it was a Peter Pan kind of story. By this, I mean that there are references to the Peter Pan story (which I'm really not sure I remember so well), but the name Peter Pan is actually not mentioned. The author explains at the end of the book that he set out to write a Peter Pan story, but then "realized that it was really Paul Dear's story" so he created "pastiche versions of Peter and company" (David 297). This allowed him some flexibility with the characters and plot.
I thought this was a good fantasy story, especially for middle grade readers. The narrative voice allows for description, explanation and humor. The story teller dips in and out of the action to reassure us, divert us, and provide any necessary information that we might not otherwise have.
The title reference is on page 182.
As I read, I thought about how childhood should be a magical time (coincidentally, I read this between Thanksgiving and Christmas--the most magical time of year). I thought about how adults don't often allow themselves to be children or experience the same wonder and excitement of a child. We should. David explains the difference between adult and children. "When you are a child, there is joy. There is laughter. And most of all, there is trust. Trust in your fellows. When you are an adult...then comes suspicion, hatred and fear" (David 216). David further explains that adults mess things up, then claim children are the future. Very insightful, I thought.
I wrote down something that I think captures the book, "Everyone is the hero of his own personal story" (David 159). So true.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)