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. 

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.

Stories never told

Tonight, my nieces and I were trying to envision Harry Potter in 60 seconds. I'm not sure it can be done, but if anyone does manage it, let me know. I'd love to see it. Anywho [that is deliberate--a bit of colloquial Elise], we got off on this really odd tangent in which we discussed entertaining Harry Potter scenarios. For your enjoyment.

Snape's Shoulder Angels:
Angel-"Be nice to Harry. He's Lily's son."
Devil-"So what! He's James' son too. Give him a detention!"
Angel-"Don't kill Dumbledore! Killing is bad."
Devil-"Yeah, don't kill him. Let Malfoy do it. He doesn't know Dumbledore will die anyway."
Angel-"Wait! Ethical dilemma! Must...not..." Poof! Angel explodes.

Bellatrix needs a spa day:
Sirius to Bellatrix, at the ministry of magic (before he dies): "Bellatrix, cousin, you're looking a bit ratty. You know, you really should take some time for yourself. Here's a gift certificate. Treat yourself to a spa day. You deserve it."
It is quite possible that the real reason she killed Sirius is because of this comment. Bellatrix always dresses up for confrontations with the Order of the Phoenix. She had spent hours on her hair, and Sirius foolishly thought she'd woken up late and hadn't had time to shower. What he took for a bad case of bedhead may have lead to his demise.

Dumbledore on vacation:
Dumbledore at the beach, as a surfing star. Or Dumbledore in Paris, wooing the women. Or Dumbledore at a rodeo--bring on the bucking bronco. Dumbledore on Safari. On a magical safari. So much potential.

Voldemort with hair extensions. Enough said.

Voldemort at the psychiatrist's:
Psychiatrist: I believe you have an unhealthy fixation with that Potter boy. You can't stop talking about him.
Voldemort: Aveda Kedavra

What does McGonigal do when no one is around? Step Aerobics! "Come on ladies, get those arms up!" Tartan leotard, baby.


Clearly, there are numerous untold stories here.  Also, very clearly, we were enjoying ourselves waaay too much. If you believe that sort of thing is possible.

What makes a story

There is a game called Rory's Story Cubes, that my nieces and nephews have been playing lately. It's an interesting enough game, and I like the concept. Basically, you roll the dice, and make up a story using the pictures. So, what tends to happen is people create links between the items. "There was a mouse, and he found a key, and it opened the door, and then aliens took them to their pyramid on Mars." Something like that. It is connecting things, but a story is more than just taking elements and linking them together.

A story needs a plot. Things happen, there are reasons and results, people/characters change, they act, they do and say things. The 'elements'--pyramids, aliens, keys, mice--all become important because the story is affected by them. They become significant. The pyramid matters because of the reason we are there, and what we do there. Without the pyramid, the story becomes very different. When we are just linking objects together, that doesn't happen.

Of course, with the game, no one wants to sit around waiting for us to create a real story. That would probably take longer than we want. But a skilled story teller could create a story where even the most eclectic items become pivotal in the plot. It is magical.