Author: Will Schwalbe
Published: 2012
Genre: Non-fiction
Rating: 4.5
Summary
“What are you reading?”
That’s the question Will Schwalbe asks his mother, Mary Anne, as they sit in the waiting room of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In 2007, Mary Anne returned from a humanitarian trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan suffering from what her doctors believed was a rare type of hepatitis. Months later she was diagnosed with a form of advanced pancreatic cancer, which is almost always fatal, often in six months or less.
This is the inspiring true story of a son and his mother, who start a “book club” that brings them together as her life comes to a close. Over the next two years, Will and Mary Anne carry on conversations that are both wide-ranging and deeply personal, prompted by an eclectic array of books and a shared passion for reading. Their list jumps from classic to popular, from poetry to mysteries, from fantastic to spiritual. The issues they discuss include questions of faith and courage as well as everyday topics such as expressing gratitude and learning to listen. Throughout, they are constantly reminded of the power of books to comfort us, astonish us, teach us, and tell us what we need to do with our lives and in the world. Reading isn’t the opposite of doing; it’s the opposite of dying.
Review
A compelling, thought-provoking memoir of the on-going book-reading discussions between the author and his mother in the last two years of her life. The author beautifully describes his mother's personality and characteristics by sharing experiences and stories. I finished the book feeling as though I was better for having vicariously known her.
Notes
This book was close to life-changing for me. It lead me to ponder what type of legacy I want to leave behind when I die? And--unfortunately--it also left me with a whole list of books to add to my "to read" list....
Monday, October 29, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The Shoemaker's Wife
Author: Adriana Trigiani
Published: 2012
Genre: Fictionalized Memoir/Biography
Rating: 4
Summary
The majestic and haunting beauty of the Italian Alps is the setting of the first meeting of Enza, a practical beauty, and Ciro, a strapping mountain boy, who meet as teenagers, despite growing up in villages just a few miles apart. At the turn of the last century, when Ciro catches the local priest in a scandal, he is banished from his village and sent to hide in America as an apprentice to a shoemaker in Little Italy. Without explanation, he leaves a bereft Enza behind. Soon, Enza's family faces disaster and she, too, is forced to go to America with her father to secure their future.
Unbeknownst to one another, they both build fledgling lives in America; Ciro masters shoemaking and Enza takes a factory job in Hoboken until fate intervenes and reunites them. But it is too late: Ciro has volunteered to serve in World War I and Enza, determined to forge a life without him, begins her impressive career as a seamstress at the Metropolitan Opera House that will sweep her into the glamorous salons of Manhattan and into the life of the international singing sensation, Enrico Caruso.
From the stately mansions of Carnegie Hill, to the cobblestone streets of Little Italy, over the perilous cliffs of northern Italy, to the white-capped lakes of northern Minnesota, these star-crossed lovers meet and separate, until, finally, the power of their love changes both of their lives forever.
Review
A well-written fictionalized version of the author's grandparent's love story. The settings (Italy, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota) were interesting and the characters were fully developed and engaging. My only complaint is that it was a little long.
Published: 2012
Genre: Fictionalized Memoir/Biography
Rating: 4
Summary
The majestic and haunting beauty of the Italian Alps is the setting of the first meeting of Enza, a practical beauty, and Ciro, a strapping mountain boy, who meet as teenagers, despite growing up in villages just a few miles apart. At the turn of the last century, when Ciro catches the local priest in a scandal, he is banished from his village and sent to hide in America as an apprentice to a shoemaker in Little Italy. Without explanation, he leaves a bereft Enza behind. Soon, Enza's family faces disaster and she, too, is forced to go to America with her father to secure their future.
Unbeknownst to one another, they both build fledgling lives in America; Ciro masters shoemaking and Enza takes a factory job in Hoboken until fate intervenes and reunites them. But it is too late: Ciro has volunteered to serve in World War I and Enza, determined to forge a life without him, begins her impressive career as a seamstress at the Metropolitan Opera House that will sweep her into the glamorous salons of Manhattan and into the life of the international singing sensation, Enrico Caruso.
From the stately mansions of Carnegie Hill, to the cobblestone streets of Little Italy, over the perilous cliffs of northern Italy, to the white-capped lakes of northern Minnesota, these star-crossed lovers meet and separate, until, finally, the power of their love changes both of their lives forever.
Review
A well-written fictionalized version of the author's grandparent's love story. The settings (Italy, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota) were interesting and the characters were fully developed and engaging. My only complaint is that it was a little long.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Wonderland Creek
Author: Lynn Austin
Published: 2011
Genre: Christian Fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
Alice Grace Ripley lives in a dream world, her nose stuck in a book. But the happily-ever-after life she's planned on suddenly falls apart when her boyfriend, Gordon, breaks up with her, accusing her of living in a world of fiction instead of the real world. Then to top it off, Alice loses her beloved job at the library because of cutbacks due to the Great Depression.
Fleeing small-town gossip, Alice heads to the mountains of eastern Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to a library in the tiny coal-mining village of Acorn. Dropped off by her relatives, Alice volunteers to stay for two weeks to help the librarian, Leslie McDougal.
But the librarian turns out to be far different than she anticipated--not to mention the four lady librarians who travel to the remote homes to deliver the much-desired books. When Alice is trapped in Acorn against her will, she soon finds that real-life adventure and mystery--and especially romance--are far better than her humble dreams could have imagined.
Review
A fun journey. Although the character development is predictable, some of the plot events are not. Recommended for anyone who loves books and reading.
Published: 2011
Genre: Christian Fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
Alice Grace Ripley lives in a dream world, her nose stuck in a book. But the happily-ever-after life she's planned on suddenly falls apart when her boyfriend, Gordon, breaks up with her, accusing her of living in a world of fiction instead of the real world. Then to top it off, Alice loses her beloved job at the library because of cutbacks due to the Great Depression.
Fleeing small-town gossip, Alice heads to the mountains of eastern Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to a library in the tiny coal-mining village of Acorn. Dropped off by her relatives, Alice volunteers to stay for two weeks to help the librarian, Leslie McDougal.
But the librarian turns out to be far different than she anticipated--not to mention the four lady librarians who travel to the remote homes to deliver the much-desired books. When Alice is trapped in Acorn against her will, she soon finds that real-life adventure and mystery--and especially romance--are far better than her humble dreams could have imagined.
Review
A fun journey. Although the character development is predictable, some of the plot events are not. Recommended for anyone who loves books and reading.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men
Author: Leonard Sax
Published: 2007
Genre: Non-fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
Something scary is happening to boys today. From kindergarten to college, they are less resilient and less ambitious than they were a mere twenty years ago. As for young men, it turns out the film Failure to Launch is not far from the truth. Fully one-third of men ages 22-34 are still living at home with their parents--about a 100 percent increase in the past twenty years. Boys nationwide are increasingly dropping out of school; fewer are going to college; and for the first time in American history, women are outnumbering men at undergraduate institutions three to two.
Parents, teachers, and mental health professionals are worried about boys. But until now, no one has come up with good reasons for their decline--and, more important, with workable solutions to reverse this troubling trend. Now, family physician and research psychologist Dr. Leonard Sax delves into the scientific literature and draws on his vast clinical experience to propose an entirely original view of why boys and young men are failing in school and at home. He argues that a combination of social, cultural, and biological factors is creating an environment that is literally toxic to boys, ranging from environmental estrogens to the over-prescription of ADHD drugs. And he presents practical solutions--from new ways of controlling boys’ use of video games to innovative (and workable) education reforms.
Review
A must-read for anyone raising boys in our society...or who knows any young man who falls into the category of "drifting." Well-written and easily understandable. I couldn't put it down.
My one complaint is with the "solutions." While Sax offers some good ideas of what to do to help younger boys and teenagers avoid falling into the "drifting" category, there was very little direction on what to do to help the 20-somethings who have already "drifted" find motivation and drive.
Published: 2007
Genre: Non-fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
Something scary is happening to boys today. From kindergarten to college, they are less resilient and less ambitious than they were a mere twenty years ago. As for young men, it turns out the film Failure to Launch is not far from the truth. Fully one-third of men ages 22-34 are still living at home with their parents--about a 100 percent increase in the past twenty years. Boys nationwide are increasingly dropping out of school; fewer are going to college; and for the first time in American history, women are outnumbering men at undergraduate institutions three to two.
Parents, teachers, and mental health professionals are worried about boys. But until now, no one has come up with good reasons for their decline--and, more important, with workable solutions to reverse this troubling trend. Now, family physician and research psychologist Dr. Leonard Sax delves into the scientific literature and draws on his vast clinical experience to propose an entirely original view of why boys and young men are failing in school and at home. He argues that a combination of social, cultural, and biological factors is creating an environment that is literally toxic to boys, ranging from environmental estrogens to the over-prescription of ADHD drugs. And he presents practical solutions--from new ways of controlling boys’ use of video games to innovative (and workable) education reforms.
Review
A must-read for anyone raising boys in our society...or who knows any young man who falls into the category of "drifting." Well-written and easily understandable. I couldn't put it down.
My one complaint is with the "solutions." While Sax offers some good ideas of what to do to help younger boys and teenagers avoid falling into the "drifting" category, there was very little direction on what to do to help the 20-somethings who have already "drifted" find motivation and drive.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Let's Roll!: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage
Author: Lisa Beamer, Ken Abraham
Published: 2002
Genre: Narrative nonfiction
Rating: 2.5
Summary
A moving, behind-the-scenes story of United Flight 93 hero Todd Beamer as told by his wife Lisa. A message of character, courage, and undeniable faith in the face of horrifying tragedy. This work encourages anyone who reads it to live "real" life "right now" . . . and to have confidence and hope for the future.
Reivew
This really is about ordinary people, which sometimes didn't make for compelling reading. But their devotion and religious foundation was inspiring. And the actions of ordinary people in an extremely extraordinary situation were an amazing reminder of what a difference just a few people can make.
Notes
I completed reading this on 9/11--which was a good way to personally reflect on the experiences of 11 years ago.
Published: 2002
Genre: Narrative nonfiction
Rating: 2.5
Summary
A moving, behind-the-scenes story of United Flight 93 hero Todd Beamer as told by his wife Lisa. A message of character, courage, and undeniable faith in the face of horrifying tragedy. This work encourages anyone who reads it to live "real" life "right now" . . . and to have confidence and hope for the future.
Reivew
This really is about ordinary people, which sometimes didn't make for compelling reading. But their devotion and religious foundation was inspiring. And the actions of ordinary people in an extremely extraordinary situation were an amazing reminder of what a difference just a few people can make.
Notes
I completed reading this on 9/11--which was a good way to personally reflect on the experiences of 11 years ago.
A Hundred Flowers
Author: Gail Tsukiyama
Published: 2012
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
China, 1957. Chairman Mao has declared a new openness in society: “Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend.” Many intellectuals fear it is only a trick, and Kai Ying’s husband, Sheng, a teacher, has promised not to jeopardize their safety or that of their young son, Tao. But one July morning, just before his sixth birthday, Tao watches helplessly as Sheng is dragged away for writing a letter criticizing the Communist Party and sent to a labor camp for “reeducation.”
A year later, still missing his father desperately, Tao climbs to the top of the hundred-year-old kapok tree in front of their home, wanting to see the mountain peaks in the distance. But Tao slips and tumbles thirty feet to the courtyard below, badly breaking his leg.
As Kai Ying struggles to hold her small family together in the face of this shattering reminder of her husband’s absence, other members of the household must face their own guilty secrets and strive to find peace in a world where the old sense of order is falling.
Review
A well-crafted, story about struggles during the Cultural Revolution. The characters are flawed but empathetic, and the plot is unique.
Published: 2012
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
China, 1957. Chairman Mao has declared a new openness in society: “Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend.” Many intellectuals fear it is only a trick, and Kai Ying’s husband, Sheng, a teacher, has promised not to jeopardize their safety or that of their young son, Tao. But one July morning, just before his sixth birthday, Tao watches helplessly as Sheng is dragged away for writing a letter criticizing the Communist Party and sent to a labor camp for “reeducation.”
A year later, still missing his father desperately, Tao climbs to the top of the hundred-year-old kapok tree in front of their home, wanting to see the mountain peaks in the distance. But Tao slips and tumbles thirty feet to the courtyard below, badly breaking his leg.
As Kai Ying struggles to hold her small family together in the face of this shattering reminder of her husband’s absence, other members of the household must face their own guilty secrets and strive to find peace in a world where the old sense of order is falling.
Review
A well-crafted, story about struggles during the Cultural Revolution. The characters are flawed but empathetic, and the plot is unique.
The Secret Piano: From Mao's Labor Camps to Bach's Goldberg Variations
Author: Zhu Xiao-Mei (Ellen Hinsey, Translator)
Published: 2012
Genre: Autobiography
Rating: 4
Summary
Zhu Xiao-Mei was three years old when she saw her first piano, a cherished instrument introduced into her family's Beijing home by her mother. Soon after, she began to play, developing quickly into a prodigy who immersed herself in the work of such classical masters as Bach and Brahms. Her astonishing proficiency earned her a spot at the Beijing Conservatory at the tender age of eleven, where she began laying the foundation for a promising career as a concert pianist.
But in 1966, with the onset of the Cultural Revolution, life as she knew it ended abruptly. The Communist Party's campaign against culture forced the closure of art schools and resulted in the deportation of countless Chinese, including Xiao-Mei and her entire family. She spent five years in a work camp in Inner Mongolia, suffering under abysmal living conditions and a brutal brainwashing campaign. Yet through it all, Xiao-Mei kept her dream alive, drawing on the power of music to sustain her courage.
Review
An amazing journey of clinging to and eventually developing a musical gift despite unbelievably challenging circumstances. A fascinating, educational, inspiring, and exceptionally well-translated read.
Published: 2012
Genre: Autobiography
Rating: 4
Summary
Zhu Xiao-Mei was three years old when she saw her first piano, a cherished instrument introduced into her family's Beijing home by her mother. Soon after, she began to play, developing quickly into a prodigy who immersed herself in the work of such classical masters as Bach and Brahms. Her astonishing proficiency earned her a spot at the Beijing Conservatory at the tender age of eleven, where she began laying the foundation for a promising career as a concert pianist.
But in 1966, with the onset of the Cultural Revolution, life as she knew it ended abruptly. The Communist Party's campaign against culture forced the closure of art schools and resulted in the deportation of countless Chinese, including Xiao-Mei and her entire family. She spent five years in a work camp in Inner Mongolia, suffering under abysmal living conditions and a brutal brainwashing campaign. Yet through it all, Xiao-Mei kept her dream alive, drawing on the power of music to sustain her courage.
Review
An amazing journey of clinging to and eventually developing a musical gift despite unbelievably challenging circumstances. A fascinating, educational, inspiring, and exceptionally well-translated read.
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