Dearest Friend A Life of Abigail Adams by Lynne Withey

   What an engaging book! It was nonfiction that read like fiction; a good story well told, richly woven and easily read. Lynne Withey was far from stingy in telling Abigail Adams' story in her own words, readily taking from Mrs. Adams' own correspondence to tell her story in her own words as much as possible. The book was very insightful and drew me into the time.
   Abigail Adams fascinated me. Her responsibility for her family, her sense of duty and willingness to sacrifice what she wanted most for what was necessary spoke to me personally; her words were some that I spoke myself when my husband deployed, repeatedly. The way she sought to improve herself, to enhance her education and saw it as an extension of her role as a wife and mother, her willingness to be in the fight for her husband and children were opinions and feelings that I share.
   And then there was the Abigail Adams whose rigidity and unwillingness to recognize any opinion that differed from hers as anything other than selfish or naive or detrimental or just simply wrong, wrong, wrong. I have to admit I also recognized her moral certainty, though I believe not entirely her rigidity. (I hope my "Venture Books That Impacted Me" proves that for me.)
   I felt like I should pray to be both more and less like Abigail Adams by turn. She was a paradox to me, someone by turns that I admired and would have liked to know and whose company I would not have sought and thought her more than a bit dishonest with herself in the bargain. As I said. A paradox.


Favorite Quotes:

Regarding the raising and education of children: "These first principal[s] which grow with their growth and strengthen with their strength neither time nor custom can totally eradicate."

&

"What strang Ideas they have ours is the task to fix them right, that they may surpass thire mothers in every [thing]."

John Adams in a letter to Abigail describing the Congress at the moment: "There is scarcely animation enough in either house, to excite attention. One may sleep in the midst of a Debate. I have not yet tried however."


Overall Opinion:

In two words: Read it!


Rating:

An I Would Read It Again Book


Links to: John Adams by John Patrick Diggins  

The Wit & Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln by Anthony Gross

"Die when I may, I want it said of me by those who knew me best that I plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow."  -Abraham Lincoln 

 Divided into parts, this title is composed of anecdotes and quotes from the life of Abraham Lincoln. They are snapshots into his life that encourage the reader to learn more about our sixteenth president. While I enjoyed the stories and smiled, laughed and cried by turn, it is not a sit through and read book.
   For me, at least, I enjoy more a continuous narrative as opposed to anecdotal starts and stops. This is a companion book; one you pick up and read for a bit in between activities or other books.


Favorite Quotes:

Speaking of a lawyer: "He can compress the most words into the smallest ideas of any man I ever met."

In response to a letter: "Dear Madam, 'When you ask a stranger for that which is of interest only to yourself, always inclose [sic] a stamp.' "

Regarding himself and General McClellan: "...well, I'm the longest, but he's better-looking."

In response to a temperance committee's belief that the curse of the Lord was being visited upon the Union for the Army's drinking: "he said it was rather unfair on the part of the aforesaid curse, as the other side drank more and worse whiskey than ours did." (Lincoln himself did not drink.)



Overall Opinion:

Take your time with it the more better to enjoy the anecdotes rather than trying to get through them.


Rating:

8

Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

   Meet Kambili and Jaja, a Nigerian sister and brother of privilege. Their father is the publisher of The Standard, the only newspaper that speaks boldly and truthfully, a factory owner and the sponsor of their church and many of the families in their towns. Their privilege is false.
   Meet Kambili and Jaja, a Nigerian sister and brother who speak in whispers, who live by their schedules, who have no friends and whose lives are unknown. Their story is...
  

Favorite Quotes:

"My hair was too thick; it always tightened back into a dense bunch right after she ran a comb through it. Trying to comb it now would enrage the monsters already in my head."

"The chickens rushed at the pieces of bread Sisi threw to them, disorderly and enthusiastic. My cousins rushed at Father Amadi's words in the same way."


Overall Opinion:

Complex, richly woven, beautifully and wonderingly told Purple Hibiscus is a gem on the library shelves.


Rating:

Must Read

Fourteenth Week Wrap

When it tastes as good as this looks, you take a picture.

   We have officially seen summer! Whoo hoo hoo!!! Clickity clack, clickity clack. I could dance a jig right now; it feels so good to say summer!!!

   This week we had sixth grade promotion,

 basketball awards,

a girl's slumber party,

Maverick's Scout Night,

a boy's sleep over, Oak Glen,

nature trailing

 and a do nothing Sunday. Ahhh, what a wonderful week; very glad the busyness is ovah!
   Now to look forward to some leisurely chores, the occasional outing, laying about and slow prep work for next year. Oh yes. And some books.
   Speaking of books. I did manage to get some reading done. Nothing too spectacular, but some things that made for fun reading. The cat books were so lightly spun that I was able to wrack up two more books than I anticipated this week. I'm thinking I might be all about the fiction for a short bit when I make my new pick ups. I am definitely feeling the itch to mark one shelf done, and the end of that particular shelf is very much in sight. (Well, the end as much as a library shelf can end. It will be exciting to see a new book finding its way there. I resolutely stay away from the new book shelf in the library.)
   We shall see, we shall see. I'm mulling and pondering and thinking some more. After I finish the ones I currently have and am ready to check out more I'll know which route I'll be taking. At least for that check out. :)
   Well, I am off. Must needs break our fast so we can get on with our day. Things to do, errands to run, sitting to be sat.


Singing "summertiiiime in the city" as I wrap The Wrap, but nothing beyond that because I can't remember the rest of the words to save my life. 

Contest Alert

   Alright, Folks! First new comment on a book that sounds interesting or on a review opinion you disagree with gets a free book. Winner gets to choose from Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher, Fault Line by Laurie Adams, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers or a Stephanie Plum book by Janet Evanovich.

   Batter up!!

A Cat on Stage Left by Lydia Adamson

   Being prepared for Alice Nestleton made A Cat on Stage Left much more palatable (follow the link for elaboration). Good mystery and I liked Sam Tully much more than any of the other characters, including Alice. Something about her keeps me at a distance, she's likeable enough to read, but not one of those characters you feel you'd like to actually meet.


Favorite Quotes:

"It was crowded, as usual, and the many intense low conversations created a carpet of buzz, punctuated occasionally by a raucous laugh."

"The place was so seedy I felt that unseen forces were about to steal my shoes."


Overall Opinion:

Eh. If there's another one on the shelf, well, things could be worse.


Rating:

Take It Or Leave It

A Cat Under the Mistletoe by Lydia Adamson

   Mystery time! This was odd; the mystery was good, the writing was done well enough, the characters were mostly enjoyable, except for the niggling trouble I had with the protagonist, Alice Nestleton. Alice is an out of work actress and a cat-sitter. I couldn't figure out where the crime solving fit in.
   Once I got past the first chapter or two and realized there wasn't going to be an explanation or reason for her to stick her beak in people's business (not to mention why the police would tolerate/ignore it), the question was like a neon sign flashing on and off throughout the book. If she was Stephanie Plum, Jim Quilleran, Kinsey Millhone, or even Father Tim, I would get it.
    I don't know, this is apparently the 13th book in the series so perhaps the issue, along with her equally apparent ability to live with no real discernable income or need to pay rent, were addressed earlier on.


Overall Opinion:

The mystery itself was good. There's another book on the shelf/in my borrowed possession. Qualms will make no never mind until the shelf picks are exhausted.


Rating:

6-Would have been higher if not for the questions. And the disturbing lack of actual police involvement in a murder.

Tales from Watership Down by Richard Adams

   My only acquaintance with Watership Down is the movie...which I saw maybe 26, 27 years ago. (Gasp! Could I have made myself feel older?)  Even so Tales from Watership Down was easily understood and enjoyed. Part I of Tales is composed of stories told around the warren by different rabbits and Parts II and III are stories that pick up where the last left off. Part II is the continuing story of El-ahrairah and Part III are stories about the Watership Down rabbits after their settlement.
  

Favorite Quotes:

"You don't need to impress your people with more great struggles and journeys. You've done enough. They already love and admire you as much as is good for them or for you."

" ...'that pestilential fellow with a face as long as a rook's beak...' "


Overall Opinion:

The Part I stories were nice enough, but the book got better when it felt like there was a continuity to the stories and a flow that you could follow.


Rating:

7

The Alexander Cipher by Will Adams

   If I had more free time this week, I would have happily gobbled up this book the first day. Intelligent, well-spun and well-wrapped, The Alexander Cipher is a good read. Daniel Knox, archeologist, finds that doing the right thing comes with a definite price, especially when the right thing runs counter to the wrong person. Both a thriller and an archeological dig, this book meets this reader's reading expectations.
  

Favorite Quotes:

"He scowled to put himself in the right frame of mind for delivering a proper tongue-lashing..."

"The place was coming to life like a gigantic yawn."


Overall Opinion:

The characters are fleshed out, three dimensional and realistic. The plot has enough twists and turns to satisfy thriller seekers. The ending doesn't disappoint. The parallel stories blend well.


Rating:

Cause it's thriller, thriller yeah!

Thirteenth Week Wrap

   Slow reading week due to busy household week; yeah, I'll take it! Cub Scout Crossover, Father's Day weekend, PTSA/SITE Council stuff (whew!) all leading up to an exciting new week and new school and Cub Scout year. I'm thinking I'll need to cram in some summer reading lazy days for fortitude stockpiling. :)


Crossing Over



   Cub Scout Crossover means my baby Scout is now a Webelos Scout (still my baby) and I'll be his Webelos Den Leader (pretty excited/anxious). I can't wait for him and the rest of the boys to have a knockout time!


Getting his Webelos neckerchief

    Father's Day weekend meant A.J. Bariles' Chicago Pizza in Yucaipa (go there, read this later) the drive in for The Green Lantern and X Men First Class (thumbs up for both) and a lazy Sunday with what seemed like an awful lot of eating (always a good time).


Not Father's Day, but I like the picture

  PTSA shopping for end of year events, meetings, prepping and more prepping capped off the week. I did manage to sneak in three books. One I enjoyed, one I thought was pretentious, man bashing tripe (oh, was that too obvious a review?) and one I thought was terrific. So where does that leave us you ask? It leaves us with The Book of the Week (you have to say it in a loud, deep game show voice, though I am hearing the iCarly announcer voice, which I totally and completely blame my children for).

Favorite Book of the Week:

Fault Line by Laurie Alberts

Fault Line by Laurie Alberts

   It's been a slow reading week so far, but this book was worth the time. Fault Line is a stark, uncompromising view of Laurie Albert's life and her relationship with Kim Janik. It is unapologetic, grim and doesn't hesitate in its revelations.
   Laurie is sixteen when she meets Kim, a junior at Harvard. They quickly form a relationship that is fragile, broken and unyielding from the beginning. Both Laurie and Kim are broken vessels and spend their on and off relationship of fifteen years trying to seal the leaks with pieces of each other, other men (in Laurie's case) and a quest for greater knowledge (Kim's case).
   Laurie Albert's writes the book in response to Kim's death, an event that shakes her core despite the fact that she has been a wife and mother for more than seven years and has not had any contact with Kim in about ten. Her writing is beautiful in its honesty. She spares herself no criticism, whether her own or the reader's. She bares herself in the process and tries to be equally honest about Kim, though I think in her love she spare's him a little.


Overall Opinion:

Fault Line is a haunting story that demands that its readers look at themselves and ask their own hard questions.


Rating:

Yes!

The Garden by Elsie V. Aidinoff

   Hmmm. I have to think about this one, need to seperate what I think of the book as a book and what I just think.  I'll be coming back. In the meantime it's been read.

   The Garden is Ms. Aidinoff's story of Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden. The story and characters are told from a decidedly different perspective than the reader might be familiar with. Eve is caring, intelligent, curious, talented  and just plain lovely. Adam is good with his hands, slightly vacant, and almost incapable of introspection. God is an exaggerated version of Adam with the difference that Adam's puppy-like likeability is absent in God. God also has the added characteristics of cruelty, shallowness, empathy stripping ego and virtually no redeeming qualities. The Serpent is wisdom, justice and knowledge. He is everything God is not. (Guess who raises whom in the garden.)
   My problem with the book (setting aside my personal beliefs) is my problem with most sitcoms of the day. There seems to the need to make the male character as dim and bumbling as possible, short of making him an actual monkey, in order to highlight the strength of the woman. I don't see the necessity. It's insulting to the man and, frankly, makes the woman more than a little stupid for picking such an obviously inept and buffoonish man.
   The story goes to such pains to make God the bad guy and the Serpent the good guy that it gets a bit tiresome. Not to mention the unforgiveable thing that God does, but that somehow becomes okay when the Serpent does it. Apparently the ends do justify the means.
   I like strong characters, male and female alike. Characters of either sex that can only be strong at the expense of the opposite sex are not strongly written characters they are naggingly told perspectives. I prefer strongly written.


Overall Opinion:

Since we're taking a page from the book and going with obvious overtelling, I didn't like the book.


Rating:

Doesn't Even Make the Scale

Twelfth Week Wrap

   Milemark week! Finished my 50th, yup that's right, 50th, book!! School is almost out for summer. Scout's are almost on summer vacation. Did I mention that it's almost time for summer?!
   This week saw my 50th book, followed in swift succesion by the 51st, 52nd and 53rd, exciting/disconcerting news, my 50th book, yes, I know, I'm bragging, and going on and on and on, but I finished my 50th book! In twelve weeks!! How cool is that?!!
   I can't wait to see what happens this week! Aside from all the year end closing activities and business (sigh). Sometimes exciting, worthwhile and happy = exhausting. Anywho, can't wait!

Dreams That Won't Let Go by Stacy Hawkins Adams

   Written with the deftness for words and downhome wisdom displayed in Worth a Thousand Words, Dreams That Won't Let Go is the next chapter in Indigo Burns' life. Back to back I still enjoyed Stacy Hawkins Adams and her tale of a good family who has enough love to realize that they are still a work in progress.
  

Overall Opinion:

I liked the book. Worth a Thousand Words shares more of my opinion on this author.


Rating:

8

names will never hurt me by Jaime Adoff

Teen Fiction Pick

   Written like a form of poetry, names will never hurt me is filled with tension and keeps you wondering how it will end. It follows four different students during a day at school. Each character is written in the first person with intersecting stories.

   The day is the one year anniversary of another student's death on campus. None of the four really knew the student, but the import of the day nevertheless has an impact. Kurt, Tisha, Mark and Ryan range in the pecking order from greatest to least and don't appear to have anything in common. Except for the day.

   names will never hurt me builds to a taut crescendo, its foundation is bullying, worship, rascism, invisibility, attention and desire. The end is as satisfying as the beginning and the middle. Bonus? Yup. A question that doesn't get answered.

Favorite Quotes:

"My words warming up on the sidelines, ready for the play."

"Sandwiches and confessions fall out of backpacks, crashing to the floor, waiting to be swept up and thrown away."

Overall Opinion:

From the writing style to the story itself, it was fantastic!

Rating:

              !

           P

        U

   Thumbs

Two

Worth a Thousand Words by Stacy Hawkins Adams

   I looked at the cover when I picked it up to read it and I thought to myself that it looked a lot like some of the Christian romance I've been known to read. And you know what? It was. And at the right time too! Not so much the romance, but the Christian.
   Sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed by the "adult" language and situations that I come across every day, everywhere. It's nice to turn some of that off and indulge in just the story.
   Worth a Thousand Words features Indigo Burns who is at the beginning of her career. She has just graduated with her bachelor's and is a summer away from beginning her master degree as a photographer. Her boyfriend Brian, soon to leave for Officer Candidate School with the Navy, has proposed and she has hesitatingly said yes. On top of her own personal dilemma, her family encounters crises that must be met with courage and grace.
   Ms. Adams infuses her novel with a faith that is practical and beautiful. Her characters realistically approach their problems and, though it is a light book (it is a romance, after all) she does an excellent of not dismissing her character's problems in fluffy protestations of faith.


Favorite Quote:

"God can bind anyone in sisterhood, you know."


Overall Opinion:

This is a novel that knows what it is. It tackles romance, life and faith and does justice to all three.


Rating:

8

The Salmon of Doubt by Douglas Adams

   Published upon his death The Salmon of Doubt is Douglas Adams' final work. It is composed of various interviews, speeches, observations, short stories and the beginning of a new Dirk Gently novel. It is a combination of technology, science, fiction and humor. (It is also the title I assumed would be my fiftieth.)
   I liked the book, but think I would have liked it more had I heeded the advice on the back cover and not read it straight through. There's not enough continuity to make it that kind of book. (Apparently the fact that it's a compilation of items rather than a story was not a big enough clue for me.)


Favorite Quotes:

"I only knew that the Beatles were the most exciting thing in the universe. It wasn't always an easy view to live with. First you had to fight the Stones fans, which was tricky because they fought dirty and had their knuckles nearer to the ground."

"Obviously the Sub Bug wins some points for being portable up to a point. You can take it on a plane, which you wouldn't do with a manta ray, or at least not with a manta ray you liked, and I think that we probably like all manta rays on principle really, don't we?"

"He moved his horse slowly forward and surveyed the small group of peasant huts that stood huddled together in the centre of the clearing, trying very hard at short notice to look deserted."

"There is a particular disdain with which Siamese cats regard you. Anyone who has accidentally walked in on the Queen cleaning her teeth will be familiar with this feeling."


Overall Opinion:

Unless you're an Adams' fanatic and looking to read everything he ever wrote on any subject then take it slowly. Read something else at the same time and you'll enjoy The Salmon of Doubt more than I did.


Rating:

6
  

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

   Number 50!!!

   Whoo hoo! Fifty books since my venture began almost twelve weeks ago! Very excited which, when translated, means lots of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a bit surprised that it was Tuck Everlasting actually. I usually read my children's pick when I am at the gym since they are paperback and I can hold them comfortably with one hand and read while I run on the treadmill (a definite timekiller!). I thought my fiftieth book was going to be... you didn't really think I was going to say did you? But, as I was at the gym tonight it was Ms. Babbitt's book instead.
   On to the book!
   I was surprised by the story, having seen the movie, I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover and never!, ever!, evereverever!!!, (think Smokey from Friday when you say that) think you know a book because you have seen the movie. Ugh! Quelle horreur!! I must be part philistine to have done that (and more than once too, eek)!
   Back to the book! (That sentence didn't really call for emphasis; I just feel a bit obliged now, especially after my translated statement. See above.)
   Good golly! I think I might be rambling now just because I can't think of much of anything to say about the book. Which after all this time is Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. In case, like me, you've practically forgotten by now.
   Yes! The book!
   It was okay. Gently written. Gently read. Sheltered Winnie Foster happens upon the Tucks who have been blessed and or cursed (they're not sure which) with immortality. The secret must be kept and, in order to impress the importance of that, they keep her overnight in their hidden home to explain all the where's and whyfor's (those esses might have need apostrophes, not quite sure). Yes, they look better now that they have them. While Winnie is with the Tucks she comes to love them (it's a long day) howsomever at this point the villian (as there must be) enters the picture.
   As I said, it's a gentle story. Winnie learns a lesson and develops character and perhaps makes some friends (different from the Tucks).


Favorite Quotes:

"The house was so proud of itself that you wanted to make a lot of noise as you passed, and maybe even throw a rock or two."

"Outside in the ring of trees around the pond, the birds were celebrating, giving the new day a brass band's worth of greeting."


Overall Opinion:

I think a third or fourth grade girl would find the story lovely. I would probably like it more if it was packaged with the nostalgia that comes from reading a book from your childhood.


Rating:

7

Can It Be True?

   I went to the library today to return some books including my current nemesis, California's Stately Hall of Fame, and found to both my delight and consternation that there are currently twenty-four (after the ones I took) books on the first shelf.
   Since my discovery I have been all atwitter trying to decide how to proceed. I am currently midway through my 50th, that's right, I said it, 50th (whoo hoo) book since my venture commenced. While I am THRILLED with the progress, and looking forward to the library's adult summer reading program, by the by, I am feeling distinctly itchy about feeling as though I am progressing.
   Thus, my library/reading dilemma. Finish off the shelf? Continue with the multi-picks??? Hmmm. Where is the Patron Saint of Library Patrons, whose appearance I would appreciate right about now, in case you're listening (hint, hint...listening), when you need one?
   Well, we shall see...

Maybe I shouldn't say (type) this out loud (in silence, except for the clacking)...

but after watching the Mad TV (Cartoon Network with the kids) spoof of Twilight, I am feeling a strong desire to reimmerse (is that a word?) myself in the Twilight saga. I'm sure I like the books (have read them at least 4 times...in a two month span) more than I should, but darned if I can make myself feel any regret over it.
   Yes! I love the Twilight series!! I am over 30 and not ashamed to admit it! (My love for the series, not my age. Though come to think of it, I'm not ashamed of my age either.)


Just found this picture. Had to add it to my entry. Couldn't resist!

    I have to add this caveat upon further reflection. I love the series. I do not love the actors. Specifically, I do not drool over the male actors. C'mon ladies!, the kid who plays Jacob is young enough to be your son. Kind of creepy to see women my age and older walking through the mall with a boy on their chests. If you're not 18 or younger you have no business imagining yourself with the kid. Just because you're a woman and he's a boy doesn't make it less gross than a grown man thinking of a young girl. Just sayin'.
   Alright, enough of my cradle robber rant.

Lesson:

  Apparently, for me, Twilight doesn't get old. And Mad TV cartoons = Twilight nolstagia.

The $66 Summer by John Armistead

  Children's Selection

   It was beautiful. It made me cry.


Overall Opinion:

   Have your children read this book.


Rating:

8

Lose Your Ass and Regain Your Life by Kirstie Alley

   Let us say that I was not impressed and that I didn't walk away from the book with an understanding of how you were supposed to "lose your ass and regain your life".  I think there were supposed to be lessons in each of the chapters. (Shrug) There were definitely stories in each of the chapters. Each chapter is prefaced by current diary entries which are followed by stories from the past. Neither the entries nor the stories appear to have much in common.
   I didn't understand her assertion that she was a no one when, by her own telling, she had cute boyfriends that everyone wanted and/or popular, rich friends. I also just didn't like her very much; there was just something about her that seemed crass and profane. (It wasn't really the language either, though I'm not much of a swearer myself. I think "Friday" is hilarious, never get tired of it. "Pulp Fiction" is still a good movie. I don't know. Sometimes cussing just hurts my ears; I think it's all in the delivery.)
   There is one moment in Chapter 15 that felt like the almost only unguarded moment in the book. I liked her there. I also liked her when she spoke about her children. The majority of the book feels defensive and "on" and I think that's why it was so hard for me to like it. On the flipside, it's so speedily written that reading it is done in a matter of a couple of hours.


Favorite Quotes:

None.


Overall Opinion:

It was confusing. I wasn't sure where the title, diary entries and chapter stories were supposed to meet to tell one story.


Rating:

5

The Rainaldi Quartet by Paul Adam

   The Rainaldi Quartet is a thriller that follows Gianni Castiglione and policeman Antonio Guastafeste as they attempt to solve the murder of their friend. Set in Italy, the case can only be solved by following their friend Rainaldi's mysterious search for "The Messiah's Sister", a lost violin made, they believe, by Stadivari himself.
   How intriguing can a story of luthiers, violins and grandfathers be, you ask? Very, I answer.
   Mr. Adam weaves a tale of history, mystery and myth that adds up to a satisfying story. I liked the characters, the descriptions of places and the use of historical personages and violin history the author blended so well. As a bonus, Mr. Adam used foreign spelling and word usage to enhance the feeling of foreign people in foreign places. (Think "tyre", "kerb" and "windscreen".)


Favorite Quotes:

"That is the romantic view, of course, a guidebook description of St. Mark's. In fact, when you get to the square you find it brimming over with braying foreigners, unscrupulous street sellers and overfed pigeons which spatter droppings on your head as you fight your way through the throng."

"There was a flurry among the cooing carpet of pigeons in the centre of the Piazza."

"She was caked in orange make-up and around her shoulders-despite the warm evening- she was wearing what appeared to be the last surviving North American buffalo."

"...I am aware that the years are ticking away. In my more morbid moments I feel the darkness drawing nearer. Perhaps He does not have me in his sights just yet, but I am acutely conscious that I am within range."

"...insignificant settlements that are almost too small to be flattered with the title "village"- a one-horse town where the nag has long since keeled over and been consigned to the dogmeat factory."


Overall Opinion:

I hope there are more Paul Adam books on the shelves.


Rating:

A Thrilla You Don't Want To Milla (Alright, I know it makes no sense, but "miss" doesn't rhyme with "thrilla")

Hard Call Great Decisions and the Extraordinary People Who Made Them by John McCain with Mark Salter

   Compiled of portraits of a wide array of people across the world and throughout modern history, Hard Call is a book that inspires the reader to expand their reading list and to learn more about themselves. The book is divided into six chapters that highlight the qualities necessary to good decision making by profiling different people and their characters within the chapters.
   Winston Churchill, King Camp Gillette (don't you think the invention of the razor should have been obvious to someone named Gillette?), Anwar Sadat, Reinhold Niebuhr and Robert Gould Shaw are just a handful of the personages the reader meets. Mr. McCain does a fabulous job of bringing his pages to life. You are drawn into the profiles, learn new things and relearn some you may have forgotten. The profiles are fleshed out and give enough background to allow the reader the sense that they have read something worth reading.
   I do have two cons, however. The first is the introductory piece for each chapter; I found them to be a little "lecturey". The second is the surprising number of missing "the's", "is's", "and's" and other small grammatical absences. It is a bit perplexing to me that there are so many. It was also a bit distracting.
   I almost forgot. There are connections to two other "Venture" books thus far, A Useful Woman and The Last Hero. One of the connections is thin, but it's there. The other is a little stronger. I'll leave you to determine which is which.  :) Finding the connections was definitely a fun aspect of reading the book! I am (Warning: Excessive synonym usage follows!) liking, fancying and enjoying finding these connections and feeling the dots in my brain connect!!


Favorite Quotes:

Attributed to Winston Churchill: "One might as well breed slow race horses."

"In the end, self-confidence is only a virtue when it is premised on the author's certainty that he has prepared himself, in the past and in the present situation, to make the best decision he can. All else is vanity, perhaps the worst attribute that anyone who is responsible for making important decisions could possess...Once the decision is made, and its execution ordered, confidence should become fortitude."

Attributed to Karl Bonhoeffer: "Who stands firm?...Only the one for whom the final standard is not his reason, his principles, his conscience, his freedom, his virtue, but who is ready to sacrifice all these, when in faith and sole allegiance to God he is called to obedient and responsible action: the responsible person, whose life will be nothing but an answer to God's question and call."

"We must establish and defend strictures on our own conduct that will protect justice from the demands of our egos. And we must have the humility to accept the guilt we share in by the actions we might be required to take to do justice."

Attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr: "Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible; but man's inclination to injustice make democracy necessary." & "Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we are saved by love. No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as it is from our standpoint. Therefore we must be saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness."

"We may not know the full answer in our time. To history, in its poor imitation of God's timeless judgement, one man's life lasts no longer than the spark of a struck flint. But the flame it kindles lasts a bit longer, and thus the full achievement awaits a later, posthumous judgement."


Overall Opinion:

An excellent book overall. Great synopses of men and women who contributed to their day and our time. 


Rating:

9


Links to: A Useful Woman The Early Life of Jane Addams by Gioia Diliberto & The Last Hero A Life of Henry Aaron by Howard Bryant

Daily Poetry Courtesy of the Victorville City Library

   Earlier in the blog I mentioned the lack of classics and its accompanying vocabulary and thought in the daily lives of me and the young 'uns. We have looked to the library to assist us and added among other expanded reading selections for the kids, poetry readings. (I actually started a poem a day notebook with them over the summer; sadly, we discontinued it.) I read to the kids and then they take turns reading to us. It's been a lot of fun.
   Added to the fun of reading Shel Silverstein is the practice they get reading aloud as they stand before an audience. My number four has instinctively added drama to his reading, my number three starts and stops as she walks over to ask for assistance and then walks back to recommence. Numbers two and three intermittently crack themselves up over what they're reading.
   I decided to add some pictures (mostly because I like to brag about my kids).

     My Sixth Grader, Sensitive and Earnest

                                                

My Fifth Grader, The Natural Ham

                                                      

My Third Grader, Our Precocious Boy

                                                   

My Baby, The Second Grader

                                                

Eleventh Week Wrap

   Another week, another book. Well, books actually. This week saw...almost what last week saw. This week also puts us that much closer to summer (thumbs up). Hmmm. I think this wrap is done. It feels done. It feels overdone.
   Well, off to the library. I have seven books to return and seven new books to check out. Can't wait to see what's waiting!

Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander

Children's Fiction Pick

   Jason is sent to his room for misbehavior and, with the assistance of his cat Gareth, goes on an adventure through time. Jason learns different lessons when he encounters problems faced by the people he meets that need solving.
   The story is a perfect fit for someone in the third or fourth grades, perhaps a high level second grader. I think fifth graders might find the story a bit juvenile. Some of the characters and times might be familiar to the readers. If you elect to use it as a read aloud the historical aspects of the story can be great jumping off points for interesting discussions.


Favorite Quotes:

None


Overall Opinion:

Boys especially will like Jason and Gareth. If you add some nonfiction elements to introduce the chapters (things like pictures of the Forbidden City, the pyramids, St. Patrick, etc.) the book can be even more exciting.


Rating:

7

Jailbait Zombie by Mario Acevedo

Teen Fiction Pick

(A Note to Parents: If you're looking for a book for your young preteen/early teen you might want to consider that Mr. Acevedo's other Felix Gomez character titles include The Nymphos of Rocky Flats and X-Rated Bloodsuckers.)

   I like a vampire/zombie/supernatural thriller as much as the next person, unless the next person really liked Jailbait Zombie. Then, not so much. Some of it was that I expect vampires to be a little more impervious to pain; running on bare feet shouldn't hurt so much if you're a vampire.
   The rest of it was simply the writing. There was way, way, way too much description and not enough just getting to the point already!! Did that sound a little emphatic and frustrated? That's okay, because, "Whew!" I think I needed to get that off my chest.
   (A little more calmly said.) I didn't find the characters very personable (they were supposed to be), I found the antagonist ridiculously caricatured (he was not supposed to be) and the rest was simply flat. I would say insipid, but the use of vocabulary might actually elevate the story.
   One other thing. Felix (the main character) is in his twenties, but comes across as a teenager. I can't put my finger on why he does, it's just something about him. I would have preferred a twenty-something who seemed like a twenty-something or a teenager who seemed like a teenager. Just a thought.

  
Favorite Quotes:

"If wisdom comes from making stupid mistakes, then someday I'm going to be a genius."

"I sipped the warm brew and it comforted me like a hug from a chubby hooker."

"Her right eyelid blinked repeatedly, semaphoring her anxiety."


Overall Opinion:

Eh.


Rating:

On a scale of Take It or Leave It, I would Leave It.

Mostly Harmless by Douglas Adams

   Written with a charming disregard for anything approaching pithy speech, Mostly Harmless is the fifth book in the Hitchhiker's Trilogy, but the first and only book in the series that I found on the shelf. Having a teenager I have seen the "Hitchhiker" movie (several times), howsomever it has been several years leaving me with just the memory of its quirkiness.
   Mostly Harmless is definitely quirky. Mr. Adams employs the longest, most circular way to say the shortest things without managing to drone. His writing is enchanting which is funny in that his story is in no way a fairy tale. He is also able to tell a fifth story in a series without having to return to the previous four. This is a stand alone book, though I think it would be even better had I read the first four before it.
   To number four. Arthur Dent is traveling, rather lacklusterly (not sure if I can say that with an -ly, but since I just did, I guess I can) through the universe looking for something like home. Ford Prefect is battling Infinidum, the new corporate owners of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Trillian pops up to bestow Arthur with responsibility.
   I think that was it in a nutshell. The nut took much longer to write and was much more amusing to read. Try it yourself (reading the book, not writing the review) and let me know what you think (in the comments as a short review).  :)


Favorite Quotes:

"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof was to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools."

"The last thing he wanted after a hellish night like this one was some blasted day coming along and barging about the place."


Overall Opinion:

I haven't spent a more pleasant time taking forever to get to the point of a sentence.


Rating:

If there was a rating system for increasingly wordy books with ever expanding sentences that went in everlastingly magnified circles then the rating would exponentially mount in number until the person saying it would run out of breath in a steadily decreasing gasp so that the person patiently, or impatiently as the case may be, would only hear an almost inaudible "hhhhh".

Going Through the Gate by Janet S. Anderson

Children's Fiction

   Going Through the Gate looks like any other children's book does; unremarkable and uninteresting to most past the fourth grade. It is neither of those things. Instead it is a well written story of the county's last one-room schoolhouse's sixth grade graduating class.
   Hmm. I have been sitting here trying to think of a way to describe the book without giving anything away. Perhaps a few short words will suffice.
   Everyone in the town participates in the ceremony as graduating sixth graders.
   No one talks about what happens.
   Something happened twenty-five years ago.


Favorite Quote:

"...maybe nothing hurts you more than going against what God meant for you. Trying to escape what you are."


Overall Opinion:

Is it fantastic literature that will become a classic for the ages? No. It is, however, a good book.


Rating:

7

Baby Girl by Lenora Adams

  Teen Fiction Pick: I wouldn't recommend it for someone under the 7th grade. The story is one that you could chew over with your child.

    I initially thought this would be another Abbott book and was chagrined to see that I would have to write it. I decided to just read it and get it over with. It was not the chore I thought it would be.
   Sheree is a tough, street-wise seventeen year old who knows the game and how to play it. Her mother has taught her all she needs to know; how to recognize weed (everything else is bad for you), how to run the game so you get what you need from men (they're just looking to use you), to always be honest with her mother (listening to how her mother's male companions were in bed).
   Sheree's story is told in a letter to her mother after she runs away from home. She tells about the men coming in and out of the house, her first time with a boy (she was twelve), her desire for her dad (absent), her friend Ange and her boyfriend Damon (22 and a drug dealer). Sheree is looking for a mother and father, struggling for love and too wise to open her eyes.
   I liked Sheree. I wanted her to succeed. I wanted her to use what she saw and knew was wrong to make the changes she wasn't brave enough to make.
   My only qualm with the book was the author's writing style. Sheree speaks a mix of slang and English; Ms. Adams wasn't able to quite tie them together. It seemed that she wanted Sheree to authentically speak like a teenage tough girl while illustrating her intelligence. I think it can be done (I've heard people transition between the two); Ms. Adams either wasn't well versed enough in speaking slang herself or just couldn't make the blend. This is my only complaint; it made for a bit of jarring reading. However, Sheree was a compelling enough character that she carried me through the bumpiness.


Favorite Quote:

"Aunt Carlita is taller than Uncle Louie by a bouffant."


Overall Opinion:

Sheree made you like her and hope for the best for her. She saw the mistakes of those around her and her own and works to change them.


Rating:

7