Thanks to goodreads for this review copy What a strange book. I get that it’s about what ma kes a family, the book’s structure was certainly unique, IThanks to goodreads for this review copy What a strange book. I get that it’s about what ma kes a family, the book’s structure was certainly unique, I appreciate the effort it took to plot this all out, but wow, it sure was different!! I almost gave up about a third of the way through, but I persisted. I honestly don’t know how I feel about it, i just know that I didn’t laugh once while reading, in spite of the “it’s hilarious� descriptors i’d read. i’m just glad it’s finished! ...more
I'm not entirely sure what I think of this book, a book that I won on a goodreads giveaway (thank you again for another thought provoking read).
I hadI'm not entirely sure what I think of this book, a book that I won on a goodreads giveaway (thank you again for another thought provoking read).
I had a very hard time getting into the book, as the writing style seemed a bit disjointed (multi-comma'd and very long sentences) to me. As a result, it was a bit more challenging to stay focused. I ended up reading then re-reading many of the passages, in order to get the gist of what was being said.
The book was intriguing though, the narrator has recently been diagnosed with a life-threatening aortic dilation and his best friend wants him to make her a mother (co-parenting fully encouraged). As this premise is laid out for us, we're taken on a journey of reflection and pondering. I'm still not entirely sure who the narrator was meant to be talking to exactly (did I miss that somewhere?), but the thoughts were definitely relatable for many people: am I worthy; what is my purpose; can/will I measure up the responsibility before me.
Had I not received this book through a goodreads giveaway, I likely would have given up on it early on. I didn't though and I'm glad I kept at it. I may (once I polish off a few more of my ever growing "to read" stack) take a crack at Mr. Lerner's other novel....more
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway (thank you goodreads!) and am glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
Keeping with the theme of the title,I won this book in a goodreads giveaway (thank you goodreads!) and am glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
Keeping with the theme of the title, there were two striking notes to this "song" book. The first, was the fallout in a family, when a young child dies. The second is the constraints of a highly controlling, highly misogynistic religion, particularly when one family member is new to the faith (Claire became Mormon after meeting Ian, who'd grown up in the church) and one is highly involved as a "bishop" (Ian is the equivalent of a minister/priest). When these two notes form to make a chord, well, let's just say there can be some serious discordant "music"!!
I've read "dealing with life after loss" books. They often focus on finding a way back to some sense of normalcy. This books is along those lines but I found the backdrop of a strict Mormon faith to add a fascinating element. I am not a huge fan of organized religion, particularly those religions that seem to oppress and "punish" (and by punish I include the threat of eternal damnation) as this most devout aspect of this faith seems to do. I really dislike religions that make women out to be baby-makers and servants more than fully equal human beings (wasn't Eve created from Adam's rib to not be above or below him?)!! I often wonder what it must be like for children to grow up in such a devout, unwavering environment, especially when they go to secular schools. This book really deals with these issues well, I think.
Rants and personal beliefs aside, I loved this book. It will be one I think about for a long time to come. I'm not sure I'm any wiser as to why people choose to follow certain faiths so blindly, but I'm left feeling hopeful that sometimes blinder angles can be shifted, even if only slightly!...more
Holy smokes, this is a gut-punch of a book!! I found it disturbing, compelling, heart-wrenching and redemptive. This book tackles some serious darknesHoly smokes, this is a gut-punch of a book!! I found it disturbing, compelling, heart-wrenching and redemptive. This book tackles some serious darkness but is also infused with unconditional love. I would strongly advise caution going in though, there are some very graphic scenes of horrific abuse that makes me really wonder what the author has been through in her own life.
I was expecting this book to address the abuse more from a racism aspect. While that was partially the case, racism played a small part in this story. It was more about how abuse within a community can far exceed the abuses outsiders might inflict.
Through all the abuse though, there is a humanity in the main protagonists. The writing is vivid and gripping and keeps you hooked, as you need to know where Ruby and Ephram land and if they land together.
Thank you Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ for the giveaway. This is a book that will stick with me for a long time. ...more
I almost gave up on this book after about 50 pages (a friend once told me that if a book doesn't grab you by the time you reach the same page as your I almost gave up on this book after about 50 pages (a friend once told me that if a book doesn't grab you by the time you reach the same page as your age, it's okay to pitch it!), but decided to persevere, since I received a free copy through a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ giveaway (THANK YOU!!!). I'm so glad I did.
This is a great love story, free of schmaltz, full of introspection and great wisdom for life, for all! It's about getting real with yourself, peeling off the layers and getting to the centre of the onion!! It's also about that once in a lifetime kind of love we all dream about, and have hopefully found for ourselves.
The book is infused with music and food as well, I loved that part. I've also discovered that all of the lyrics written by the characters of the book, are set to music on the author's soundcloud page ().
I got some great ideas for my own life from this book, in particular, don't just live in the middle between life and death. Live, really live your life! This book will remain with me for a very long time. I highly recommend the read!...more
This book is the first of a planned trilogy. I'll be interested to see how the story continues.
In this part of the story, we are introduced to Elena aThis book is the first of a planned trilogy. I'll be interested to see how the story continues.
In this part of the story, we are introduced to Elena and Lila, best friends to the core. Lila is brash and brilliant and the idol of Elena. Elena is inspired to achieve great academic heights in order to live up to her "Brilliant Friend" Lila. It is soon evident though that Elena moves past Lila and that the pedestal that Elena has place Lila on may not be appropriate. This book though, is also about breaking free from the bonds of societal expectations. Elena and Lila are poor and it is very difficult to be so different in such a tight, humble community.
It was also interesting reading this book from a verbage perspective. I found the translation (from the original Italian) to be quite formal and, at times, hard to follows. There was one sentence towards the end (last sentence on pg 312) that spanned 14 lines of print and had 22 commas and 1 semi-colon!!
All in all though, it was an interesting read. I really got the sense that this was the author's own story!...more
Review take II... I wrote a great one on my iPhone, but accidentally deleted it when trying to correct my typos; now I struggle...
I received this bookReview take II... I wrote a great one on my iPhone, but accidentally deleted it when trying to correct my typos; now I struggle...
I received this book through a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ giveaway -- thank you Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ -- and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Garth Hellyer, a researcher for the Longevity Project discovers a woman, Marged Brice, who claims to be 134 years old. When he visits her, he finds that she has remarkable eyes and the appearance of someone much younger, but he is highly skeptical of her claim to be so old. Marged just wants to die. Marged convinces Garth to read her journals in hopes that this will convince him that she is as old as she claims and also that through his help, she may finally be able to leave this earthly existence. So begins the story of Perdita.
The story is told in the present through the voice of Garth and in the past through Marged's journals. Marged's voice, through her journals, seems so genuine and historically real, that on more than one ocassion I found myself checking my Wiki app to see if these people really existed! The writing of the journals section painted vivid pictures both in the description of Marged's surroundings, wherever she was, as well as of the artwork she was seeing and/or creating. It was done in such a seemingly true Victorian voice that it's hard to believe they were written recently!
The middle section of the book was a wee bit draggy and I found myself wishing there was more written in the present. However, these were very minor complaints as overall, the book kept me enthralled and turning pages. I particularly enjoyed the references to the classics and the story of Perdita from Greek Mythology.
I highly recommend this book, when it is released on April 16th, 2013. I also share the sentiment that a follow-up book that continues the story, would be welcomed!!
So, what does freedom really mean? This book seems to examine this question from a few different angles.
First, the obvious, slaves bought and sold. SlSo, what does freedom really mean? This book seems to examine this question from a few different angles.
First, the obvious, slaves bought and sold. Slaves in any capacity, past or present, are the least "free" beings on earth. However, is there some recompense if the slave is actually as much a friend and colleague as they are an indentured servant? Do they have any capcacity for freedom in this instance?
Second, the bounds of religion and the limited, sometimes twisted beliefs thrust upon blind followers of the faith in question. Whether they've grown up in the faith or adopt it along the way, these strict followers seem to be unable to change away from the "rules of the religious road" and think for themselves. Are they free? Truly free?
Last, the bounds of marriage and relationships, perhaps society in general. Are we free as participants in society?
I have never for a second understood how rational people could force others into slavery. I liked how Ms. Spalding handled the slavery aspect of the book and I was reminded of The Book of Negroes a bit in the strength of Bett. However, the religion aspect was a different matter. I was very intrigued by Daniel's character. He seemed to be very conflicted, yet dedicated to his beliefs, if only because he felt he had not other choice. That does not seem to be very free to me. Societal freedoms, well, that's one for the philosopher's, pundits and politicians among us to debate ad nauseum!
All in all, I really enjoyed the book and am glad that it has been short-listed for the GGs. Thank you Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ for the freebie (my first!). It was a really good book!!!...more
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