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Elizabeth (Alaska)'s Reviews > The Elegance of the Hedgehog
The Elegance of the Hedgehog
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by
I must admit this wasn't a 5-star read until the last 50 pages, which may actually make this a 6-star read. This book is beautiful for its underlying truth: we are all worthy of love, love that will surely be given, if we will but believe we are worthy.
My friend Rose, repeated the quote that referenced Renee Michel as being prickly like a hedgehog, but so elegant on the inside. For me, the section that spoke volumes was the Profound Thought by Paloma in defense of grammar:
Personally I think that grammar is a way to attain beauty. When you speak, or read, or write, you can tell if you've said or read or written a fine sentence. You can recognize a well-turned phrase or an elegant style. But when you are applying the rules of grammar skillfully, you ascend to another level of the beauty of language. When you use grammar you peel back the layers, to see how it is all put together, see it quite naked, in a way.
She continues, but enough here. Thank you Paloma, you reminded me of my mother. I can see her nodding her head in such agreement.
My friend Rose, repeated the quote that referenced Renee Michel as being prickly like a hedgehog, but so elegant on the inside. For me, the section that spoke volumes was the Profound Thought by Paloma in defense of grammar:
Personally I think that grammar is a way to attain beauty. When you speak, or read, or write, you can tell if you've said or read or written a fine sentence. You can recognize a well-turned phrase or an elegant style. But when you are applying the rules of grammar skillfully, you ascend to another level of the beauty of language. When you use grammar you peel back the layers, to see how it is all put together, see it quite naked, in a way.
She continues, but enough here. Thank you Paloma, you reminded me of my mother. I can see her nodding her head in such agreement.
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Reading Progress
May 11, 2009
– Shelved
May 4, 2010
–
Started Reading
May 8, 2010
– Shelved as:
5-star-reads
May 8, 2010
–
Finished Reading
June 27, 2011
– Shelved as:
1001-books
Comments Showing 1-16 of 16 (16 new)
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I had a feeling you would love this book. Another wonderful "mature" woman as the main character! Bravo, I say!
Elizabeth, this was a very good review. I really like your mother! Writing and speaking properly seems to be decaying these days. I particularly enjoyed reading your quote in reference to this. I'll have to read this book!
I totally agree. I almost put it down early on but I'm glad I didn't.
The same happened to me!
Definitely. I couldn't agree more
I absolutely agree. When my wife and I were reading it I had finished a few days before her and she was getting annoyed and wanted to just quit reading it, but having finished it I assured her that she needed to finish it to really appreciate it and after she finished she completely agreed. Incredible book.
Great review! Your quote would definitely speak to my close friend . . .I HAVE to get to this. This year.
I see I simply must move this up the TBR.
I own it. . . I started it. . . I never continued. . . but saw so many good reviews that I figured I would one day. This review and these comments have made me feel that I have to dig it out and give it a new start.
Barbara wrote: "I own it. . . I started it. . . I never continued. . . but saw so many good reviews that I figured I would one day. This review and these comments have made me feel that I have to dig it out and gi..."Do. Sometimes we pick up a book at the wrong time. I have set books aside, but wondered later if I just wasn't in the right "place" for it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the book. I was starting to feel discouraged about it, but now I am inspired to continue. 📖❤�
Aindrea wrote: "Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the book. I was starting to feel discouraged about it, but now I am inspired to continue. 📖❤�"Not every book is for everyone, but I hope you appreciate having stuck with it.
Favorite quote:"Madame Michel has the elegance of the hedgehog: on the outside she is covered in quills, a real fortress, but my gut feeling is that on the inside, she has the same simple refinement as the hedgehog: a deceptively indolent little creature, fiercely solitary--and terrible elegant. "