C.A.K.E Club

Today is a perfectly miserable day in Western Washington. The kind of day where the rain and wind beat against the windows and there is just enough of a chill in the air to make you crave a giant mug of tea. In other words it is the perfect day to make some updates! I've been holding out on you. Well sort of. I have three books to update! There are a couple of reasons for my lack of writing. The first is because last week I had jury duty.

I knew the instant the letter came to me in mid-January that I would be placed on a jury. When the letter told me the dates of my service would be over my birthday week, I sent it back with a more convenient date. After rescheduling once again, the week had final arrived last Monday. I called in Sunday and was lucky my number hadn't been called... or so I thought. On Tuesday when my number was up I journeyed the 24 miles one way to Port Orchard. Of course I was exactly what they wanted and had to serve on the jury for the rest of the week. What I had hoped would be a day of reading at the county court house turned into three days of listening to testimony.

The second reason I haven't updated is because I wanted to have our book club meeting before I blogged about March's book! Yesterday was the first meeting of The C.A.K.E Club (named for its founding members: Carly, Ashley, Katy, Elisa. And yes it was the pregnant one who thought of the acronym!) None of us had been a part of a book club before so we just sort of winged it. I made Red Velvet Cake and served tea because the main character loved the color red and it took place in England. We also decided on books for the next four months.

April's C.A.K.E Club Selection is: Bloodroot by Amy Greene

Update Book 25: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

I got this book off of a '50 books to read before you die' book mark. The first thing I would like to say is that I like lists people make about their favorite things and recommendations. The second thing I would like to say is that you kind of have to take these lists with a grain of salt. I highly doubt two people could agree on the items on this type of list.

This book is about Christopher. Christopher is Autistic. Christopher Narrates the Book.

I have never read anything like "The Curious Incident." I think that is why it ranks so highly on book bucket lists. This book creates a window into a completely different way of thinking and acting. To give an example Christopher tells us the reason he can not tell a lie:

A lie is when you say something happened which didn't happen. But there is only ever one thing which happened at a particular time and a particular place. And there are an infinite number of things which didn't happen at that time and that place. And if I think about something which didn't happen I start thinking about all the other things which didn't happen.

The way Christopher explains things make you wonder why we use metaphors, tell lies, and say things we don't mean. Everyone in C.A.K.E Club enjoyed this book and a general rating on 3.5 out of 5 was given. "The Curious Incident" was an easy read but it is also a book that will make you stop and think.

Bloomability.

Update Book 24: Bloomability by Sharon Creech

There are certain moment in your life when you notice something change within your personality. Sometimes it is little and only you notice it. Other times it is a large change. In books character go on big adventures often mysterious and confusing. On these adventures not only is the mystery solved by the end of the book, but the character also solves the mystery of finding out who they really are. This is a common theme in young adult novels. The target audience is usually teenagers who are trying to find their way in life.

The first time that I read "Bloomability" by Sharon Creech, I was exactly the same age as the main character Dinnie. She is the youngest of a family who has never lived in one place for more than a year. After several things happen, her aunt and uncle take her to live with them at an American school in Switzerland. Her uncle will be the headmaster and Dinnie will attend the school. Here she meets people from around the world and has experiences she could never have dreamed about.

I read through several comments made about this book on its Amazon site. One of the biggest complaints that people had was that there didn't seem to be a plot. I think this is why as a thirteen year old I loved it so much. Life often doesn't have a plot. Life is about the journey. In the book, bloomability is actually a word used incorrectly by one of the students who's native language is not English. Bloomable means possible. What a beautiful way of putting it. This book is about possibilities, discovering that everything is bloomable.

"Bloomability" opened up inside of me an awareness of the rest of the world and a desire to see every inch of it. There are certain books that grab you and never let go. "Bloomability" captured me at the age of thirteen and once again at twenty-four.

An Irish Blessing.

Today I tore off yesterday's Italian phrase of the day to Find this: Possa la strada venirti incontro. In English this means: May the road rise to meet you. I figured there must be some sort of meaning for this phrase. I was not disappointed! It is actually the first line of an Irish blessing. The entire blessing is meant for those going on a journey and is actually quite beautiful. So on St. Patrick's Day I thought it only fitting to pass this blessing along. Happy St. Patty's Day, I hope you remembered to wear green. Enjoy!

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand. May God be with you and bless you: May you see your children's children. May you be poor in misfortune, Rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness From this day forward. May the road rise up to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home And may the hand of a friend always be near. May green be the grass you walk on, May blue be the skies above you, May pure be the joys that surround you, May true be the hearts that love you.

My Side of the Mountain.

Update Book 23: My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

I'm convinced every adult was once a child who thought about running away. Some packed their backpack and headed out into the world. That is the story Jean Craighead George weaves of Sam in the Newberry Honor book, "My Side of the Mountain." Sam decides he has had enough of his life in New York and heads into the wilderness to live. This book was originally published in 1959 and has remained a classic. You can see how this would be a compelling novel for a sixth grader. That was the last time I read this novel, for a sixth grade book report. It has remained on my shelf as a favorite since.

(Interesting note: When I opened it up I found my sixth grade Vinland Elementary school student ID card. On the back it had some helpful hints for dealing with conflict that I think adults sometimes forget!)

Problem Solving-It’s My Choice!

1. Stop...Calm down...Take deep breaths...

Count backwards

2. Think

3. Try at least three ways to resolve the problem.

(Solutions are safe, fair, and people feel good)

At Vinland, I can choose to:

1. Ignore it

2. Walk away

3. Talk it over, listen

4. Apologize “I’m sorry”

5. Share, take turns, do something else

6. Make a plan

7. Ask for help

I was nervous about reading a book I had loved as a child now, through the eyes of an adult. What if I didn't like it at all now? I had such a warm spot in my heart for "My Side of the Mountain." So after reading it, I have good news! I still enjoyed it. If I would have read it for the first time yesterday I'm not sure I would have loved it as much as that first time, but I was so relieved to not find it boring and completely childish. So on to the next favorite!

*I also wanted to share a quote from the author's preface that I think is pretty magical*

"Be you writer or reader, it is very pleasant to run away in a book."

-George

Kid Lit.

Most people quit their new year's resolutions by the middle of February. I think this is because most people create resolutions about fitness. I was very careful that my resolutions be attainable goals that I knew I would have the willpower to maintain. So far so good with the four big resolutions! Water intake high, travels planned, books read, fearless moments occurring! So this isn't a resolution so much as one of my happiness commandments in action!

#18: Eat healthy, sleep more, get moving!

I wanted to wait at least a few weeks before I even mentioned it, but I have been "getting moving"! Exercising that is! And I feel so good! I'm sleeping deeper and my body feels stronger! Even my 'drink more water' resolution is helping! Less diet dr. pepper has really helped my endurance! I always hated running with other people, but now I'm using it as a motivator. My cousin and I have been planning weekend runs. Since I know she runs during the week without me, it has pushed me to do the same so I can keep up when we run together! We have even started talking about running in some races this summer! Starting with a 5k but our ultimate goal being a half-marathon! (Want to be mutual motivators?! Maybe a running group needs to get started?! hmmm well for right now I'll stick to trying to get my book club up and organized!)

Update book 22: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

This is the second book of the Percy Jackson series, the first I completed right before the new year. Harry Potter it is not, but it is still entertaining. I've always enjoyed Greek Mythology so hearing a new twist on old classics is very fun. These books are easy to read....because they are written for 5th graders, but they were recommended to me by several friends who are more than ten years older than that.

This has started me on another part of my reading challenge that I spoke about in a previous post---my favorite books of all time. So I'm going back and reading a few books that I've loved in my life. I'm starting with the kid lit and working my way up. I'm kind of nervous that I will reread a book that I had previous loved only to find it boring or uninspired. I'll let you know how it goes!

Dreams.

When you read book after book you begin to notice a lot of details such as themes, ideas, and writing styles. A friend recently told me that she is reading a book called, "How to Read Literature Like a Professor." I've added it to my wishlist and look forward to finding deeper meaning in the books I read.

Something I've noticed in the last few books I've read involves dreams. In book dreams can change an entire plot. In mystery novels a character can go to sleep, begin dreaming of the mystery, wake up and have figured out the answer. Many times the author describes how the character has dreamed minute for minute about something that happened in the past. This is something I don't believe happens in real life. I've never dreamt of something that has actually happened in my past. I might return to my elementary school in a dream, but the events are never things that have literally happened. Does anyone actually dream like this in real life?? Or is it a clever way to resolve a conflict in a story??

Update Book 21: Eden Close by Anita Shreve

"Eden Close" is about Andrew, a man who returns to his small hometown after years of being away. He has come home for his mother's funeral and is tasked with packing up his childhood home so it can be sold. He has built his own life in New York City, and being back where he grew up brings back memories he soon becomes obsessed with. The first half of the book has very little dialogue, instead it is filled with the thoughts and memories of Andrew. Which in another novel I might not have enjoyed, but here it seems appropriate, and creates a bond between you and the main character.

"Eden Close" was written in 1989 and was Shreve's first published work. It was interesting to read because I have read one of her more recent novels "Body Surfing." It is unusual for me to like multiple books by the same author. I tend to love the first book then read another and end up disappointed. Since "Eden Close," Shreve has become a more mature novelist, but "Eden Close" has moments of brilliance. I look forward to reading more of Shreve's work.

So it goes.

One of the things I love most about books is that they bring people together. The best part of this challenge has been talking to people about books. People really do love to read, whether or not they commit to reading one book a year or a hundred. Everyone has an opinion on books and I've had some amazing conversations with people about things like their favorite books, my book challenge, book clubs, authors, writing styles, and just about everything in between. Talking about books is sort of like talking about your kids, people get excited. There is a sort of pride in mutual book appreciation.

Yesterday my aunt told me she has been in a book club for about 30 years. Some of the people have changed, but she said that there has been a nucleus of about 15 women who have been coming together the entire time. I hope my own book club someday evolves into something similar. So far I have four friends committed, but someday I hope more people will join in. (If you want to join let me know!)

This months read is: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Update Book 19: Witch and Wizard by James Patterson

Note to authors everywhere!!! When writing a teen fiction you don't have to dumb it down. Some of the smartest most interesting books I've read have been geared towards teens. "Witch and Wizard" is not worthy of sitting next to any of these books. There was no value to reading any of the pages. No new thoughts, plots, or characters were revealed. What makes me the maddest is that this is another series! Talk about jumping on the bandwagon!

This is the first time I've read Patterson and I might just be disgusted enough to never read him again. Famous for writing the "Alex Cross" novels, Patterson apparently wrote this in his sleep. He writes "Witch and Wizard," like a 60 year old man attempting to be hip. I cringed whenever "WTH" (What the hell) was included in conversations. I could go on and on about how terrible this book was, but I have a much better book I'd like to talk about.

Update Book 20: Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Originally published in 1969 "Slaughterhouse Five" is often cited as one of the best novels written about WWII. This book is uniquely written, it is often schizophrenic--jumping through time, events, and planets. Then back again. But it is never confusing. Within the first chapter Vonnegut describes that this is an anti-war novel. He also explains how futile writing an anti-war novel is:

"You know what I say to people when I hear they're writing anti-war books?"

"No. What do you say, Harrison Star?"

"I say, 'Why don't you write an anti-glacier book instead?'"

What he meant of course, was that there would always be wars, that they were as easy to stop as glaciers. I believe that too.

A book about any war is filled with death, but this isn't a book that makes you cry. This is a book that makes you understand the harsh reality of war. Vonnegut is honest and at times funny... but not in a way that will make you laugh. I enjoyed this book. Some of the concepts of time and reality were inspiring. Would I call it a favorite? No. But I would say that I learned from it and that you should put it on your book list behind the "Book Thief".

Favorite Book. Book Club. Book Thief.

Now I'm a scientist. Ha! Joking. But I did conduct a survey. A small very unscientific survey. There was no control group and the sampling of people was pretty biased. The survey went a little something like this: What is your favorite book? The question was put forth in two forms; Facebook status and general conversation. Here is a look at a few of the answers I received:

I was told that the question was impossible to answer by two people.

I didn't hear one book repeated. The thing that really struck me is how completely different each of these books are from each other.

Another thing that I found fascinating was that several of the people who answered the favorite book question had recommended books to me when I begun the challenge. Not one of those people had recommended their favorite book . Which I completely understand, a favorite book is a very personal thing.

I should follow up my survey question with another: " What makes it your favorite?"

Is it: Something you can read several times and it always feels new? A book that you can't put down? Characters you can see yourself in? A book that makes you think in a new way?

Well here is what I can tell you, I don't have a favorite book. I have several (pretty lame answer, I know, I was disappointed when I received it in my survey). I feel like every time I finish a book that I loved it becomes my favorite, so what I want to do is return to some of those books to see if the attachment is still there.

On another note, I've started a book club. March's book will be: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Further book club discussions will be included in future posts.

Update Book 18: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

"The Book Thief" has been added to my list of favorites (joining two others from this year). Off the top of my head I can think several reasons why I enjoyed this book.

I love the way it is written. It seems accurate for a book that takes place in WWII to be narrated by Death. He is sarcastic, funny, and captivating. Mostly, he just tells a great story.

I loved all of the characters. Actually it was more like FELL in love with them. The characters were believable, lovable, and decent. From the foster mother who cusses like a sailor, to the best friend with a heart of gold, the list goes on and on but the little girl who is our protagonist became my favorite. She is the book thief.

Disclaimer: I cried and cried and cried at the end.

The first page of this book is filled a list of literary awards it has won and critical praise like, "Brilliant and hugely ambitious... It's the kind of book that can be life changing," "Exquisitely written... a tour de force to be not just read but inhabited," and "A haunting tale that will steal your heart." All I can say is "Agreed."