Something special

Apparently, I'm posting about once a month now. Yikes! I really have read, and some have been worth the discussion, I just haven't gotten around to writing anything. But the other day, I finished a book that was just one of those books that for some reason, get into your heart. I'm not sure what it was about it, because it really doesn't seem like anything extraordinary but there is that book magic about it--a story well told that makes you want to read more and sad when it ends.

The book was Nation, by Terry Pratchett. I know, I know, I have been on a huge TP kick and you are sick of hearing about him. Well, this book is NOT in the Discworld series and has a distinct flavor from those. I mean, it is still Pratchett and has the Pratchett mark, but it's got a different feel, too. The plot would fall into the Jungle Book category - civilization meets primitiveness. And here I should mention I haven't ever read The Jungle Book, but thematically as a broad category, I guess I'd link the two. Although only in the broad category sense. 

I really liked the characters. I liked his choice to use young people who still have that open-mindedness that hasn't been assaulted by ingrained centuries-old cultural beliefs. Although, they are both right on the cusp of that, so not completely naive, but at the point where they know what society says, but are still bold enough to question that. (Which is not to say that this is a trait only youth possess, it is just the concept and it works well here. Not quite symbolism, but I can't think of the right phrase or description. Sophomore English was a long time ago). 

The whole time you are reading the book, you know that at some point adults are going to come in and ruin everything. And you find that you are hoping it will take a long time for them to get there and do that, because it will change everything. Of course it does happen, and it does change everything, in good and bad and strange and kind of sad and different ways. But it leads to one of those bittersweet endings that is right.

I enjoy all of Pratchett's books, but this was one of the ones I definitely recommend, which is saying something.

I'm in the book

A week ago I finally finished The Phone Book: The Curious History of the Book That Everyone Uses But No One Reads, by Ammon Shea. This is one of those books that I read the title and description and was intrigued, and found a copy on the cheap. I picked it up and actually got pretty far into it, but then got sidetracked by other books. It was looking pretty silly to have it on my "currently reading" list on goodreads.com for so long, so I decided enough was enough and finished it.

I know it sounds like a super geeky book, but it was actually really good. Mostly because Shea has a very readable style, so that something that could become tedious is pretty interesting. And you would be surprised at how much there is to know about the history of the phone book. But Shea doesn't just retell the history. He tells about how people have used it and for what, people who collect them, people who tear them in half, and what the future is looking like for the poor phone book. The book is chock full of information (and by the book, I was thinking of Shea's, but the phone book is, too, really). Shea does a great job covering a topic no one would usually think to explore because most people don't care, and while you read, you find you do care. I don't think I will ever look at a phone book the same way again.

Anyway, if you are looking for a good non-fiction read about a random topic, this one fits the bill. Seriously, it was a good book, and I'm glad I read it. And, in honor of this fine piece of work, check out this link: http://ur.umich.edu/9899/Jun21_99/3.htm

Lo, the power of the phone book.

Birds birds everywhere

As promised, more on Birdology, by Sy Mongomery. First off, I feel that this book deserves it's full title, which is (are you ready?): BIRDOLOGY: ADVENTURES WITH A PACK OF HENS, A PECK OF PIGEONS, CANTANKEROUS CROWS, FIERCE FALCONS, HIP HOP PARROTS, BABY HUMMINGBIRDS, AND ONE MURDEROUSLY BIG LIVING DINOSAUR. (Yes, I had to copy and paste that. How else was I ever going to get it all in their correctly?) I had no idea what this book was even about, but my brother put it on his Goodreads list, and I'll be honest, I found the title so intriguing, I figured how could it not be good and decided I had to read it. (Which goes to show the power of a good title). 

My brother is a birder, and while I'm not one, I have nothing against birds. I probably would never pick up a book about birds if it didn't have such a beckoning title, although having read this book, that might change. It was a really interesting book. I learned a lot about birds in general, and several types of birds specifically. And I now know that I will never be a hummingbird rehabber. Also, despite how much Sy loves chickens, I am not going to become a chicken lover. Except for dinner. And lunch. (I have no problem eating chicken. In fact, I feel pretty good about it.) I have a huge respect and admiration for cassowaries now. 

Bottom line, this is a really good book. It's informative but narrative. So not a bunch of facts poured out at length, but a very personal account with facts thrown in to give insight into the narrator's feelings. The book did not convert me into an avian adorer, but I have a new/different appreciation for them and the mild random interest I had in them out of experience with my brother has grown to a more educated interest for their own sake. And mine. The title did not betray the book--it is definitely worth reading. 

Aaaand, I'm back

It occurred that I haven't written in ages, and you probably all wondered what happened. Well, nothing. I just didn't blog anything. Not that I haven't been reading, I have just been reading a lot of Wodehouse and Pratchett, so there isn't anything really to blog about. But, I did just finally finish a series that is not by either of those authors, and that posed some interesting questions, so I actually have something to post about.

I recently finished the Montmoray series by Michelle Cooper. This is a really interesting series for me, because I can't give it a blanket recommendation. I would recommend it, but I'd have to give a caveat first. Primarily because this book deals with various issues of sexuality, and I'd want anyone I recommended it to to know that. And since it is written for a teen audience, I'd want to make sure that there was an adult apprised and ready to address the issues with them. Fiction is great, but I think there needs to be some real world context in some cases.

Anyway, what I did like about this series was that it gave a unique look at what WWII was like for those living in Europe, particularly England. There is a really great feel for the climate in Europe leading up to the War. I really liked the historical aspect of the novels, (although I was a little bit disappointed that there wasn't more detail about the historical authenticity in the author's note at the end).

And now for the issues. Not all of these were bad. For example, questions about puberty and the birds and the bees. I must admit, I do wonder sometimes how that knowledge was passed on in times when it was a more taboo topic, and that is one of the things that comes up in the book and was addressed quite tactfully. The author also has a character that is gay, and while it's not the main theme of the book, it was a running sub theme, you could say. Now, I have mixed feelings about throwing sexual orientation into historical-based plots, because so often, people try to reflect modern attitudes. In this case, the author did a good job of reflecting attitudes of the time--it was not socially acceptable, although people knew it happened, and it was kind of hushed up. And I think that the author did a good job of not interjecting her opinion on the matter, but just showing what the attitudes of the time were.

The author did the same thing with topics like couples living together and having affairs. Now, part of me says, "seriously, how prominent was all this? I mean it happened, but the odds of one family, one person, encountering all of these issues?" And then I say, "Well, how prominent was it? People didn't talk about it, so maybe it was as common. Maybe it wasn't. I don't know." But I think in this case, I think the author was just trying to show the culture of the time--in terms of the war, women's rights, politics, marriage, and these issues. So it works.

The one part I didn't like was the main character had a one night stand with someone (even weirder, it was her half cousin who also had a relationship with her brother, and it was all just weird). It was just a disappointment, because it seemed kind of out of character for her. That is the one thing that would really hold me back from giving it a blanket recommendation. Because it throws that "romance novel" scene in there. So, I'd want to be sure I knew who I was recommending it to, and how they would be affected/how they would react to that. Which, doesn't happen til the third book, but once you've read the first two, you have to know how the war ends for the characters (since we obviously know how the war ended for the world generally).

Anyway, the series did present me with some interesting things to think about. Currently I'm reading Birdology, so look forward to a bit on that. More about birds than you thought you wanted to know. (Still can't say I get the appeal of chickens).

Odds and Ends

I have been incredibly delinquent and haven't even really noticed. I suppose that means I've been keeping busy, but I'm not sure what I've been doing. Although in the last couple of days, I can say I've been enjoying the sunshine.

I have been reading, though. And listening to books. It seems like they have mostly been frivolous fantasy, nothing too serious. Definitely not anything that will rank among the classics. But among all that frivolity, there was one book that really stood out.

I read The Princess Curse, by Merrie Haskell. I'm not going to go into a lot of detail, because that would ruin it for you, but what I really enjoyed about this book was it's really unique plot twist. It starts out as the story of the 12 dancing princesses, and ends with a nice little Beauty and the Beast plot, tailored perfectly for a sequel (which I sincerely hope is in the works, because otherwise, I'll be a bit disappointed). I've read quite a few 12 dancing princesses stories, and Jessica Day George, for example, creates sequels that use the characters from her version to incorporate other fairy tales, but I think this one is unique in how it transitions from one to the other in the same story line, with the same characters. And, I feel a certain kinship with the author--we have a few things in common.

Currently, I am reading a book called The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, by Francis Collins. I was reading it while waiting for the bus the other day, and a girl who was also waiting commented on how much she had enjoyed it. I admit that sometimes, the science takes a minute for me to figure out, but I too am enjoying it. I find myself wanting to have a discussion with the author about the things I believe and how they tie in with his science, but I'm content to carry it on in my head. I'm only about halfway through, but it is very enlightening, and it fits.

So that is what I've been up to in terms of literary pursuits lately. And now, as I close, I leave you with a delightful little quote from Carpe Jugulum, by Terry Pratchett:

"She sang in harmony. Not, of course, with her reflection in the glass, because that kind of heroine will sooner or later end up singing a duet with Mr. Bluebird and other forest creatures and then there's nothing for it but a flamethrower."

Ciao!

"Have you read" and other odds and ends

This week, my Google reader had a BBC story on the 100 books teachers recommend, which linked to this article that gives the actual 100 books: 100 Favourite Books (yeah, it's British). I will copy the list at the bottom, with my commentary, and you can read it if you want.

I know last week, I mentioned that article, about guns and Swiss gun culture. It's an article I really do want to discuss, but I don't want this to get so long that I lose your attention. But, if you'll notice, it is also a BBC article. So, yes, I'm going to confess: I prefer to get my news from the UK. I follow the BBC in Google Reader, and if I ever subscribe to a magazine, it's going to be The Economist. Why do I like British news so much? 1) They have a much better global perspective. They give worldwide coverage with a global perspective, if you know what I mean. 2) their coverage of American events is unbiased by political partyism, so even their American news is, in many ways, better, because you don't have to cut through the rhetoric. Just my opinions, though.

What all that has to do with reading, I don't know. Maybe, "expand your horizons" and "It's important to read a variety of materials, not just literature." But, I did read some literature, too. I've been enjoying P.G. Wodehouse of late. Today, I finished listening to Jeeves and the Mating Season, and I'm just going to say, delightful. My siblings and I used to play a game called "Doctor, Doctor," where one person would be the doctor and leave the room. The rest of us joined hands in a circle and tangled ourselves up as much as possible (step over linked hands, crawl underneath). Then we called "Doctor, doctor, we need help!" and the doctor had to come untangle us without anyone ever letting go of anyone else's hand. The goal was to have us in the original circle, holding hands. That basically describes the plot of this book. Read it and enjoy.

So, now, if you aren't interested in my opinionated commentary, you may depart and get on with your life. But, you are welcome to see the list of 100 and what I have to say, if you like.

TEACHERS’ TOP 100 BOOKS

1. Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen

The first time I tried to read it, I got bored and quit. Picked it up later, and was so glad I did. It is excellent, and I particularly enjoy that it's not (at least to me) promoting one gender over another. In the end, they both make mistakes, and both are good enough to admit it. 

2. To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee

Love love LOVE this book! Atticus Finch is my hero. 

3. Harry Potter (series) J.K. Rowling

I take great pride in the fact that I started these before the big fanatic frenzy broke loose. I do enjoy these books. They are really fun reading. I don't rate the characters on the level of Atticus Finch--in some ways, they are flawed, but I still love the books.

4. Wuthering Heights Emily Bronte

Haven't read it

5. Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte

I read it in high school, and haven't picked it up since. But I should probably read it again.

6. Nineteen Eighty-Four George Orwell

Haven't read it, but it's on my list

7. The Lord of the Rings (series) J.R.R. Tolkien

LOVE this trilogy. In my opinion, in terms of character, it is way better than Harry Potter. It is an incredible piece of literature.

8. The Book Thief Markus Zusak

I really like this book--I find the narrator to be an interesting and fascinating choice.

9. The Hobbit J.R.R. Tolkien

Love it--excellent use of language, terrific plot, super fun.

10. The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald

I've read it twice, and I want to read it again. I still remember the fake books.

11. The Kite Runner Khaled Hosseini

Haven't read it

12. The Hunger Games (series) Suzanne Collins

Took me a while to break down and read it--it seemed so gory. But, I really enjoyed the series, even the third book. 

13. The Time Traveller’s Wife Audrey Niffenegger

Haven't read it, but I'm intrigued

14. The Chronicles of Narnia (series) C.S. Lewis

Excellent series, definitely one that deserves to be on the list

15. Of Mice and Men John Steinbeck

Haven't read it, but I feel like I should read some Steinbeck (I've never read anything by him).

16. Birdsong Sebastian Faulks

Haven't read it--is it incriminating to say I've never even heard of it?

17. His Dark Materials (series) Philip Pullman

Haven't read it. I did read his series about Sally whoever, his mystery series. I really enjoyed those books, and maybe at some point I'll read this series.

18. The Gruffalo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Lots of fun. Just so you know, it's a picture book series, but I really enjoy these books. Also, if you are a Whovian, in season 5, "The Hungry Earth."

19. The Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger

Haven't read it

20. Life of Pi Yann Martel

Haven't read it, but I want to. 

21. Tess of the d’Urbervilles Thomas Hardy

Read it, and it was super depressing. I don't even remember the plot details, I just know that it was one of those endings where everyone ends up miserable.

22. Rebecca Daphne du Maurier

I really liked this one. I seem to recall that I felt like I shouldn't like it, or like the lead male, but I did. 

23. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Mark Haddon

Haven't read it

24. Lord of the Flies William Golding

Read it, in high school, it is kind of gory. Has parallels to The Hunger Games. 

25. Matilda Roald Dahl

Read it, it's a good one. 

26. Catch-22 Joseph Heller

Haven't read it. I started it, but got halfway through and was tired of all the trash in it.

27. Millennium (series) Stieg Larsson

Haven't read it

28. Animal Farm George Orwell

Read it, I recall enjoying it, but it's been a while. It's one to read.

29. The Handmaid’s Tale Margaret Atwood

Read it, and I wrote about it I think. It's one that I liked, but I don't know that I'll read it again, and I'd be cautious who I recommend it to.

30. Persuasion Jane Austen

Another really good one. 

31. One Hundred Years of Solitude Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Haven't read it. I started it, because every Spanish major should read it right? But, again--there was so much garbage in it (or else I really didn't understand my Spanish, but the dictionary was really expanding my do-not-use vocab) I tossed it. 

32. Kensuke’s Kingdom Michael Morpurgo

Haven't read it

33. Goodnight Mister Tom Michelle Magorian

I really liked this book. It takes place during WWII, but is less about WWII and more about abuse and love.

34. The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck

Haven't read it

35. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl

I've read it. Not my favorite, but it is a classic and a good read.

36. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas John Boyne

Haven't read it. I watched the movie, and I don't know--if the book is like the movie, it is too tragic to read.

37. Little Women Louisa May Alcott

Classic. I do feel like it is very much fiction for females. Not because it's soap opera-ish. It is just one of those art-imitating-life stories.

38. One Day David Nicholls

Haven't read it (never heard of it!)

39. We Need to Talk About Kevin Lionel Shriver

Haven't read it, or even heard of it

40. The Twits Roald Dahl

Read it, not sure I'd put it on a must read list, but it's been a while, and so who knows.

41. Wolf Hall Hilary Mantel

Haven't read it or heard of it

42. A Thousand Splendid Suns Khaled Hosseini

Read it, and it was interesting, but in terms of gaining an understanding of what it's like to be a woman in the middle east, I'd recommend The Bookseller of Kabul. 

43. The Wind in the Willows Kenneth Grahame

Haven't read it

44. Frankenstein Mary Shelley

Haven't read it

45. Great Expectations Charles Dickens

Haven't read it

46. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin Louis de Bernieres

Haven't read it

47. George’s Marvellous Medicine Roald Dahl

I read it, but I really don't remember it. It was one that I read decades ago (not many decades ago, but still).

48. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Douglas Adams

Really enjoyed this book. Whimsy, that's all I can say. 

49. Room Emma Donoghue

Haven't read it, or heard of it

50. Anna Karenina Leo Tolstoy

Haven't read it

51. Atonement Ian McEwan

Haven't read it.

52. Emma Jane Austen

One of my favorite Jane Austen books. Maybe my favorite. I don't really keep track.

53. Middlemarch George Eliot

Haven't read it

54. The Shadow of the Wind Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Haven't read it

55. The Color Purple Alice Walker

Haven't read it

56. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eric Carle

I have read it, and even had to read it from the Chinese version. I gained a better appreciation of it when I translated from the Chinese version.

57. Brave New World Aldous Huxley

I enjoyed this book, unexpectedly.

58. Sense and Sensibility Jane Austen

My least favorite Jane Austen book. Marianne drives me CRAZY.

59. The Bell Jar Sylvia Plath

Haven't read it

60. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Lewis Carroll

Haven't read it

61. Charlotte’s Web E.B. White

I've read it. Can't say it's my favorite book, but I'm also not 8, so it probably shouldn't be.

62. Dracula Bram Stoker

Haven't read it

63. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury

Haven't read it, I don't think.

64. A Prayer for Owen Meany John Irving

Haven't read it

65. The Secret History Donna Tartt

Haven't read it

66. The Little Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupery

This is one of those books that I wonder if I really got the story at all. I like it, but it's one I need to keep reading it over and over.

67. Crime and Punishment Fyodor Dostoevsky

Haven't read it

68. The Poisonwood Bible Barbara Kingsolver

Haven't read it

69. Jude the Obscure Thomas Hardy

Haven't read it. Haven't been too interested in Hardy since Tess of the D'Urbervilles.

70. Skellig David Almond

Haven't read it

71. The Woman in White Wilkie Collins

Haven't read it

72. Gone with the Wind Margaret Mitchell

Haven't read it

73. Game of Thrones (series) George R.R. Martin

Haven't read it. Probably won't. I think he's basically trying to sex up fantasy, and I don't really need that in my life. 

74. David Copperfield Charles Dickens

Haven't read it

75. Never Let Me Go Kazuo Ishiguro

Haven't read it

76. Where the Wild Things Are Maurice Sendak

Read it, own it in Spanish.

77. Twilight (series) Stephenie Meyer

Haven't read it. I will NEVER read it. On principle.

78. Beloved Toni Morrison

Haven't read it

79. The Help Kathryn Stockett

I really liked this book. The pie story was a bit disgusting, but the book was fantastic. A really interesting perspective.

80. Sherlock Holmes (series) Arthur Conan Doyle

Haven't read it. Somehow, Sherlock Holmes has never been my thing. I love the new series, though. 

81. Half of a Yellow Sun Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Haven't read it

82. Moneyball Michael Lewis

Haven't read it

83. My Family and Other Animals Gerald Durrell

Haven't read it. I started it, but was having a hard time getting into it. Not because it wasn't good, it just wasn't reeling me in.

84. Memoirs of a Geisha Arthur Golden

Haven't read it

85. On the Road Jack Kerouac

Haven't read it

86. Cloud Atlas David Mitchell

Haven't read it. Started it, then got into the George, Nicholas, and Wilhelm book. Cloud Atlas wasn't drawing me in. It was so slow. I may pick it up again eventually, but it's not on the top ten list.

87. Wild Swans Jung Chang

Haven't read it

88. Anne of Green Gables L.M. Montgomery

This is a good book. It isn't my favorite LM Montgomery book, and it isn't even my favorite Anne Shirley book. But, you have to read it to get the rest. (Just learn what parts of the poetic prose you can skim).

89. Les Miserables Victor Hugo

Haven't read it, but I really need to.

90. Room on the Broom Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Haven't read it

91. Private Peaceful Michael Morpurgo

Haven't read it

92. Noughts and Crosses Malorie Blackman

Haven't read it

93. Cider with Rosie Laurie Lee

Haven't read it

94. Danny the Champion of the World Roald Dahl

Read this one, during my Roald Dahl reading kick, years ago. If memory serves, this was one of my favorites from Dahl.

95. Down and Out in Paris and London George Orwell

Haven't read it

96. The Magic Faraway Tree Enid Blyton

Haven't read it

97. The Witches Roald Dahl

One of his creepier books. Good, but a little unnerving.

98. The God of Small Things Arundhati Roy

Haven't read it

99. Holes Louis Sachar

Terrific book. It's so cool how everything fits together at the end.

100. The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde.

Haven't read it. I should at some point, just haven't yet.

Family Feud

This week, I finished reading George, Nicholas and Wilhelm: Three Royal Cousins and the Road to War, by Miranda Carter. (This is the book that was the one that had all appearance of being utterly dull). It was amazing. Book review over.

Alright, fine. I'll go a bit more in depth. I'm not going to go into the details of WWI and history and such, but I do want to give the impressions this book left, that you don't get if you just read the tragically uninsightful history books of K-12. So, if you don't know much about the world at the time, you are going to have to do some background reading.

What really stood out was how dysfunctional the royalty of Europe was during the mid-1800's to the time of WWI. This book is less a look at the historical facts and more a look at the mentalities, the motivations that drove George, Nicholas, Wilhelm, Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, and others. Honestly, if anyone needed Dr. Phil, or Nanny 911, it was the royal family, which was pretty much everyone royal at the time, because they literally were a family. Imagine that family reunion!!! And, based on this book, the family reunions of these guys could trump just about any family reunion you've ever been to. And they make an excellent example of why politics should NOT be discussed at family get-togethers. Really, though, it was fascinating to read about these people as a family first, and government leaders second. And to see how their family relationships impacted politics and affected the entire world.

Another thing that stood out to me was how utterly pointless WWI was. Honestly, it was just someone really anxious to blow things up and shoot guns and prove that they were king of the mountain. There was no other reason for it. It wasn't about anything other than egos. It was about empire, and being the biggest world power. Which, sadly, in some ways hasn't changed much.

As I read, I found it much more difficult to sympathize with Wilhelm, but as I reflect, he probably deserves the most pity. Socially inept, all he wanted was acceptance and respect, but everything he did resulted in exactly the opposite. And yet, because of his lack of social graces, it's very hard to sympathize with him. As things progress, I felt more frustration with Nicholas, as well, and yet, pity, also. He was a good man placed in the wrong place. But the story of Russia before the revolution that overthrew Nicholas gave a lot of insight into the history of Russia after Nicholas, and even up to the present day.

In the end, all you get is a sense of tragedy. There are so many what-ifs. Of course, none of those have guarantees, and there were so many factors at play, but still. Had even one of the many major decisions been made differently, the world could have followed a completely different course.

Anyway, it really was a terrific book, and despite how huge it looked, was far less daunting than it appeared.

Now, a little bonus today, if you would like to call it that. I read an article this week that really gave some excellent perspective to the gun issue. I have read several articles that have reframed the discussion for me. I decided that I would share this one: Living with guns the Swiss way. I think this brings up a lot of relevant points for reading informational literature, which may be the topic next time. But, I hope the article is as insightful for you as it was for me.

Waiting

My sister recommended Wait: The Art and Science of Delay, by Frank Partnoy, to me. She said it was really good and so I was slightly tempted to buy it when the library didn't have a copy readily available, but then I figured that I would heed the title and wait. But, I finally did get my hands on a copy, and finished it this last week.

I really enjoyed the book. There was a lot of good insight shared and some good research and Partnoy applied his concepts to a wide variety of scenarios that can have practical implications. For example, slow and steady in investing is a wise approach.

One of the chapters I found really interesting was the one on apologies. I thought his point about waiting to apologize to allow the victim time to air their grievances was a good one, but I think he didn't highlight the benefits to the apologizer. In some circumstances, an apology right away can seem insincere because the offender hasn't really had time to realize why they seven owe an apology. In some situations, an immediate apology might signify remorse at getting caught rather than remorse for actions. I also think it was unfortunate that many of his examples were politicians apologizing, because many of those accounts seemed to be more about image than real remorse. But, that might be a bit judgmental on my part.

I also thought the chapter about hourly versus salaried positions was really interesting. I have definitely found myself calculating how many hours something would cost me. It was interesting to see how that can affect us. And there was a great chapter on procrastination and making it work for you. (Which may not have been the best thing to tell an inveterate procrastinator. Or maybe a terrific thing to tell me, if I actually apply it).

Don't think, though, that this is a book about patience. It is really a book about timing and utilizing all the time available, instead of rushing things. Which is really different from patience, in my ever-so-expert experience (ha ha). It is definitely worth reading.

Living History

I think there is a most unfortunate perception of history being nothing more than names, dates, and places. It is a real tragedy that history is seen as so dull and irrelevant, because a better understanding of history could really change the world. (Which may be illustrated better in a paragraph or two, so hold that thought). I've mentioned a few books before that I think really do history the justice it deserves: there's this one about King George VI, and this one, or this one, which admittedly is fiction. Or history in the eyes of Ford, or one that I apparently haven't mentioned, but should have, called Lies My Teacher Told Me, by James Loewen. Well, I read another book this last week that did a great job of giving history life.

Along the lines of the Ford book, Between You and Me: A Memoir, by Mike Wallace (of 60 Minutes fame) and Gary Paul Gates gives a look at history through the eyes of people who made it. Now, to clarify. It's not a book about history. It's a book that tells about a man's experiences interacting with people who are big names in history of all kinds (entertainment history, political and international history, etc.). Wallace basically reminisces on his impressions and interactions with the people he interviewed. He tells about how his work and life intertwined, although don't expect this to be a "life of Mike Wallace" experience. You'll learn a bit about him, but this is a memoir, not an autobiography. For me, it was fascinating to read his impressions of the times he lived in.

Now, back to the whole understanding history thing. One of the most fascinating accounts to me was his account of interviewing the Shah of Iran, and the Ayatollah. I think this amazed me because he was able to trace the effects of the overthrow of the Shah in a way that no one talks about, but should. That revolution sparked events that eventually connect to 9/11 in remarkable ways. I wasn't born when the revolution started, but the events that stemmed from that (which may have happened even if the Shah hadn't been overthrown--who knows) have definitely shaped the history of my life. And it is fascinating to read this story being told by someone who was there at the beginning and had the perspective to recognize the full extent of the story.

Alright, enough of my diatribing. This is a really great book and has something for everyone. Wallace interviewed stars, artists, politicians, generals, criminals, and more, and this book is full of great stories, and as a reporter, he tells them as stories, so it's very readable. So, have fun reading.

Where's MY crayon?

Lately, my nephew has taken a great liking the the Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. Being the one who usually ends up reading them to him (somehow his mom can always finagle reading the latest library books), I can see why. There are three particular things I love about these books. And, by these books, let me specify. The ones I have been reading for the past couple of weeks are:

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Harold's Fairy Tale

Harold's Trip to the Sky

Harold's Circus

So, what is so great about these books? First, the art. I read these books and I absolutely love the simplicity. We're talking two colors, simple drawings, nothing fancy. And I love it because it is the kind of art a child would draw, and because it makes me feel like I could draw too. (Of course, if I were to try, it wouldn't go quite like my mind envisioned it, but still--it does make me feel like I could be an artist). 

Second, the stories are terrific. The plot is all about drawing things with a crayon and the adventures you can have doing so. Such a simple concept but so delightful. And again, it is so very much what a child would do. Maybe not with crayons, but with blocks or boxes or other toys. Children have a knack for taking simple, simple things and imagining great adventures with them. 

Thirds, the vocabulary. This stands out to me because Johnson isn't trying to dumb it down at all. My nephew is three and I know he doesn't understand what each and every one of those words means, but it doesn't matter. He enjoys those stories, and they are fun for me to read because they aren't dumbed down. This gives me hope for my own writing, because I love a clever turn of phrase and I always worry that I'm using words that are too big for my intended audience (which is generally younger kids). Seeing that vocab isn't a hangup for a young kid enjoying these books makes me think that my own writing could be published someday. 

So, there you have it. Three great reasons to love Harold and his wonderful purple crayon. Although, if it were my nephew with a crayon, he'd choose green. 

2012 Reading Highlights

Well, it's that time of the year when there is pretty much no year left, so we review everything that has happened since the last time there was pretty much no year left over. That lovely time when we say, "Oh, yeah! I remember that! Was that really this year?" My time flies.

In that spirit, I figured I'd make my contribution to the numerous looking-back lists that will inevitably bombard the internet. Here it is, some of my favorite reads of 2012, in no particular order:

Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George (fantastic author, by the by!)
Press Here by Herve Tullet
Receiving Answers to Our Prayers by Gene R. Cook 
The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
As Far As You Can Go Without A Passport by Tom Bodett
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Princess Ben by Katherine Gilbert Murdock

What was on your list this year? And what do you plan to read next year?

Metaliterature

So, maybe metaliterature isn't really a word, and maybe it isn't what I mean anyway, but meta seems to be the thing, so how could I pass up the chance to metafy?

This week, I finished reading The Eyre Affair, by Jasper Fforde. It's a good read. Not a "can't put it down" book, because I could put it down, but it did crowd out some other things I was reading, which I think makes it a compelling read at the very least, although I'm not sure I'd describe it as compelling in the connotative sense of the word. But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

First, the biography of this book.
Genre: novel, sci-fi/alternate history, female protagonist, bit of a love story as a secondary plot, mystery/detective fiction.
Main character: Thursday Next
Setting: England, 1985
Premise: Time travel is a given, and this has interesting consequences on history and on literature. Then someone figures out how to travel into literature, and how to bring fictional characters into reality. Villain threatens to destroy famous piece of literature, and heroine's job is to stop him.

What really stands out about this book is the premise. What if we could travel into fiction and bring fictional characters into reality. The writing is good (it's not Dickens or Austen or anything, but it's good writing), the characters are likeable enough (although somehow I never feel like I really know Thursday Next. I think her dad is pretty fantastic, though. This may not be your experience though--who knows why I didn't connect with the main character). I will say that it helps to be familiar with the plot of Jane Eyre, and this may be part of why I felt a bit distant from the characters. I have read Jane Eyre, but it has been a long time, and I'm not extremely familiar with the plot or the characters. So when Rochester takes on a behind the scenes personality, I don't know how congruous it is with his character in the novel. You can get by with a vague idea of the plot, but I recommend brushing up on it. I think it would have improved the reading experience.

Like I say, though, what really snagged me was the premise. The idea behind the book is pretty original, and the author does a good job of not ruining a good plot idea. Nothing is so sad as a great plot with poor execution. (I myself am an idea person, but not necessarily an idea executioner, so I appreciate people who can take a good idea and make it the best it can be). I think it's an idea that can go a thousand directions, and I never would have predicted this particular direction, but I was intrigued and enjoyed it.

The premise also led the book to be literature about literature itself, although not in an analytical or academic way. There are continuous discussions by the characters about the true author of Shakespeare's plays and various poets and novels and so on, which possibly makes the book read like this blog--the author's opinion on various literary works. This thread is in and of itself an interesting thing to consider (and it reminds me of Don Quixote, which I should review at some point. Fantastic literature, that.) It's fairly overt metaliterature, so be warned if that kind of thing bugs you. But on the whole, it's just good light reading, and I'm planning on reading more Thursday Next novels.

And is it just me, or does Jasper Fforde kind of vaguely remind anyone else of Daniel Craig?

High expectations

This week I watched The Hunger Games with my niece. I have read the books but I'm going to say up front, it's been a while (year and a half?). Anyway, I enjoyed the series--well, enjoyed may not be the right word, but you know what I mean. However, there were some people I know who didn't really like the last book, Mockingjay, because Katniss just wasn't the strong superhero overcoming all the odds that people expect.

I will admit that the third book has a very different feel to it. And no, she doesn't come off as the stereotypical heroine who never lets life get her down. But I don't think that is a bad thing. Because how many people are like that? And how many of you that have had a very hard challenge (or challenges, which is the case for a lot of people, unfortunately) appreciate a heroine that knows that life is hard and sometimes, enduring is a heroic feat? I sometimes feel like the heroine who is never stressed or teary or worn out with all the hardship is pretty shallow. I know that I get worn out by how hard life gets sometimes, and while I try to be the kind of person who always comes out on top, I also know that it's not that easy.

So, yes, I think Mockingjay is not what we expect or even necessarily look for in our heroic protagonists. But I don't think that is bad. I think there is value in showing that there are different types of heroism.

I also think that Mockingjay highlights the clash between Katniss's personality and what circumstances have forced her to become. Katniss was never very comfortable with attention, and never signed up to be an icon, and Mockingjay is all about Katniss the icon. The other books show us Katniss the survivor, which is her strength. Now the story is about Katniss the image, not Katniss the person and that changes things.

Now I feel like I should have this brilliant and witty conclusion (my english and lit teachers ruined me for life--I still cannot write anything without including some kind of conclusion!) but really I guess the moral of this post is that comparing books is fun, but sometimes it is interesting to weigh a book in the context of its characters and plot, rather than other characters and plots and such. The end.

Split second decisions

I recently had an interview and was asked to tell about the best decision and worst decision I've made, and the process I used to make the respective decisions. After the interview, I had this introspective moment where I had to wonder whether I would have answered the question differently if I hadn't just started listening to Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. The decisions I chose were both decisions made more intuitively, rather than reasoning through them, and parts of those decisions may or may not have been based on what Gladwell would term "rapid cognition." Which just so happens to be the topic of the book.

I've read Gladwell's stuff before and I've really liked the insights he gives. There's a certain logic to them, and I've seen his conclusions ring true. So, I was pretty confident I'd like Blink, and I was right. Lots of insights, and it kind of gives me a bit of ammo for when I feel like I have to justify some of my decision making processes or past decisions. He also explores the pros and cons of rapid cognition, how it can be a good thing, but the traps we need to watch out for. He doesn't give a checklist or anything for how to make it work--it's not a self-help book--but he does provide a lot of examples of how this can apply. I think basically, Gladwell's works give the reader a foundation. I come away from reading his stuff feeling like I know more, and because I know more, I'm more aware of my behavior and how it might be affecting me and others, and that in turn helps me modify the parts of my behavior that I feel could improve. So much better than having someone try to tell you how you should be.

So, no. I haven't really told you much about rapid cognition, or given examples or even a good synopsis of Blink. If I did that, you wouldn't have to read it, and he tells it way better than I do. I will say, if you are looking for some good non-fiction, Gladwell is a good author to check out, and Blink would be as good a place to start as any. But you might want to be careful about reading it in conjunction with an interview.*

*I will say, the interview went well--they asked for another one, so it would seem that despite my intuitive decision making, they liked me. 

Finishing

It is really satisfying to finish books, especially ones that are on your to-read list. This week, I finished a few books, most of which were on my list, including:

Maphead, by Ken Jennings: Good read. Not a geography textbook, more a look at the history of geography, the uses of it, how it's changed, and the quirks of people into geography. Don't think you'll come away with a basic knowledge of the world map. Instead, you'll come away wanting that knowledge. Don't be intimidated. Jennings' style is light and entertaining.

Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis: First thing you think of when you hear C.S. Lewis? Narnia and books on Christianity. Science fiction? Not so much. But, he did author a sci-fi trilogy. I started reading it, then lost my copy (fortunately it was a 50 cent copy. Still, sad) and had to check out a copy from the library. I think having read it over so much time made it a bit harder to follow, but at the end, I really wanted to know what happens next. So, looks like at some point, I'll be picking up the next book. True to his style in The Chronicles of Narnia, there are religious overtones. It's interesting to read sci-fi from so early (mid 1900's), and to try to imagine what Lewis envisioned as he wrote. Also interesting, because he's writing about a man who visits Mars (hope that's not too much of a spoiler), which probably seemed impossible then, but we've got stuff on Mars now. There are lots of dimensions to explore here.

Turtle in Paradise, Jennifer Holm: This is one of those books that just tells a story. There's no overt moral or theme or lesson. It is just a story about life in Florida during the Depression. Written for the upper grade school age (by my estimate), it is an enjoyable read. Good style, the characters are real and believable. Now, as far as plot goes--don't expect a plot. This book is like life. It just unfolds. I like books like that, and this one is a good one.

Princess Ben, Catherine Gilbert Murdock: I don't know why I'm so into fairy tales rewritten lately, but it seems like I am. Think retelling of Sleeping Beauty crossed with an element of Snow White and a tower factor (Rapunzel, anyone?), with references to a lot of other fairy tales. Young adult girls will definitely like it. Not all retellings are equal, but this is on the high end of the scale.

Don't think I wasted any time filling up my list, though. I've been investigating the Hamish MacBeth books by MC Beaton, I'm enjoying some Terry Pratchett, and I've got Mao's Last Dancer on the list.
 Fingers crossed, soon I'll have less time for so much reading because I'll have a job, but in the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy things.

Hope I haven't bored you too much--I'll come up with something really exciting for next week!

The way things should have been

This week I read Little Women and Me by Lauren Baratz-Logsted. Mostly I was intrigued to find out how the author would make the premise work. I think this is a book that has an audience, and it is good as far as that goes, but if you have qualms about people introducing changes to books you love, proceed with caution. Because the whole premise of this book is changing a classic plot.

While it wasn't the most riveting book I've ever read, it did introduce a new way to look at a classic book, Little Women and pointed out things I have never thought about. For example, this author thought that Little Women is very episodic and jumps from plot point to plot point, and it seems like that was weird to her. It's really not that weird, if you think about it--do you want to read a day to day account of the characters in a book? But it did present an interesting perspective.

Baratz-Logsted also felt that the Laurie-Amy romance was all wrong. I disagree with that analysis, but that's not the point. The interesting thing is that it was this that led her to write the book, which basically asks the question, "If you could change a book, what would you change and how?" I don't generally think that way, myself. To me it's like asking what if about life questions, which is pretty unhelpful. Especially since 'what if' is never guaranteed. Even if you could go back and choose b instead of a, it doesn't mean that you would have outcome d instead of c. You could still get c, or you might get f, or mm, or 38. Anyway, it is interesting to consider what you might change about a book. I haven't come up with any specific books or done any major analysis or anything, but my general reflection is that the books that I love the most are the books I wouldn't change anything about. It is the books that I don't like that I want to change. Which seems pretty obvious. But usually the books that I don't like are books that, for me, have holes in the plot or poor writing, or just don't hold up. It's generally that the book doesn't seem well-written, not that I just happen to disagree with an author's plot choice. But still, it is interesting to consider.

So, any books that you would definitely change?

Books to suit your mood

Have you ever just not been in a mood for a book? Or needed a book to fit a certain mood? I finished one last night, and it was the perfect book if you want to cry. I wouldn't have guessed that I was in the mood to cry, but it felt good to shed a few tears.

The book was See You at Harry's by Jo Knowles. I have never read anything by her, so I don't know what her other books are like, but this one I recommend. Up front, I will tell you it deals with a couple of heavy issues, namely death and homosexuality. But she deals with them beautifully, and I think it is a good book for it's age group--teens (particularly early). From my coursework in graduate school, and just because of the world we live in, homosexuality is an issue that can't be tucked under the rug. It is a topic that brings up strong emotions in a lot of people, and while a parent should never leave education to books or others, this book I think does a really good job of introducing it, showing some of the tension around the issue, and it does it without preaching. I think the author managed to stay fairly neutral, not imposing her views, but just presenting it as a reality. The other issue, death, was also well dealt with, showing some of the feelings and the grieving process. And because the book focuses on a family, there is a good spectrum of reactions. Knowles did a really good job showing real reactions.

The characters in this book are very relatable, which I think in a book of this style is important. When dealing with hard topics, I don't want to read about someone who is practically inhuman in their approach. I like to read books that help me feel not alone in the world when I'm dealing with hard stuff. If the plot is based in reality. (Fantasy and science-fiction have a little leeway in that regard). At the same time, I don't want characters who go to the other extreme. Knowles strikes a good balance.

Anyway, it's good to have your books for all occasions. You know, books to read when you need a laugh, when you are sad, lonely, stressed, bored, etc. People talk about how books are your friends, and while a book can never replace a person for me, there is a lot of comfort in reading a familiar story. I think that is one of the powers of books. Not a bad power.

stupidity

This week, for some reason I don't now recall, I read Stupid American history : tales of stupidity, strangeness, and mythconceptions by Leland Gregory. I can't say it was a horrible book. I mean, it was quick and easy to read. But about half of the bits of trivia were corrections of misconceptions, right (Thus the 'mythconception' in the title)? And is it just me, or doesn't it seem like if you are going to correct something and establish a fact, you would provide a resource? No resources. None. Zero. No citations (other than a random handful--four or five--that were dropped in with the fact). How do I know it is true? How can I be sure it's not made up like the previous misconception? I was a little disappointed. Maybe it's because I'm an archivist and so I feel like these things should be documented.

It was also interesting (and again, this is the archivist me) that there were certain facts that were hearsay. For example, what Benedict Arnold may or may not have said on his deathbed. One story says one thing, but because his wife wrote down a different account, that must be true. Well, just because something is written doesn't make it true. And his wife may have had reasons not to be truthful about his last words. Or she may be right. Who knows? I wasn't there, and neither was this guy, and since there is no citation of his source or why it should be trusted, who knows what is true? That is the beauty of history. It's so spinnable.

Anyway, I've also read some other books. I started Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis (who knew he did sci-fi?), read The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, which I really enjoyed. Juvenile fiction, story about a gorilla with a mission. Nice heartwarming story, interesting perspective, gets you thinking a little. I've been listening to a few books on CD--most notably the Artemis Fowl series, an oldie but goodie that I can read over and over again. I've taken a bit more time to dig in to some reading, which has been nice. I still have an enormous book list, but in time. I'm glad that reading has felt more relaxing lately. Always a plus.

Anyway, I hope that you have enjoyed some good books lately, and that you'll overlook the archival rant!