Reunion is the final book in The Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury, a series that a friend recommended to me earlier this year and I found totally worth every minute of my reading time.
Every member of the Baxter family has had to face something from their past, and now it is time for the parents to do the same. Meanwhile, a diagnosis (one that I expected) is given and time becomes even more precious to the entire family. Kingsbury pulls no punches and starts right out with the story's challenges within the first few pages. She tugs at your heartstrings and you will need a box of tissue for this book. Seeing love at its finest, both for God and for family, makes you wipe your tears away with a smile.
All of it was proof that God would always have the last word when it came to life-and-death situations. (p.118)
Kari is happy with her new family. Brooke and Peter are still mending and are thankful for all the progress they have seen with Hayley. Erin is finally going to become the mother she has always wanted to be. Luke is succeeding in his new endeavors. And Ashley is finally healing from her past and is looking forward to her upcoming wedding. So, who has the secret yet unknown and additionally will struggle with a deadly diagnosis? Yes, now the story will focus on the parents, John and Elizabeth Baxter.
"Not my will, but yours be done." (p. 358 & Luke)
This verse is a challenge for John and Elizabeth, as well as for their children. And when prayers for a miracle don't seem to be answered, they remember who is really in control.
... he'd given her a word picture she remembered still. "God's will," he told her, "is a little like taking a Sunday drive with God behind the wheel. God's driving. He might turn where you don't expect a turn or go through a valley that feels too dark, but you don't have to worry about a thing, because you're just the passenger. Whatever happens, God will get you home in the end as long as you let him drive. ... That's God's will." (p.365)
The final reunion is not what was originally planned by the entire family, but it does occur. And it happens over a brief period of time when everyone, including an unknown person to the siblings, is able to be there and finally be reunited. And this is very important to both John and Elizabeth.
Somehow dying was like that. A sense of nervousness and finality and sorrow because for a season, they wouldn't be together. (pp.460-461)
The Baxter's lives will forever be changed with the loss of their loved one, until they can and will be together again ... in another season, at the greatest reunion ever.
As I dried my tears after reading Reunion, I reflected about what I had felt and learned through this wonder family. And now I rejoice in the fact that I can revisit them in two more of Kingsbury's series: the Firstborn series and the Sunrise series.
I highly recommend the Redemption Series.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Cruel and Unusual
It's been six months since I have picked up a Kay Scarpetta book, and that's just too long. Cruel and Unusual by Patricia Cornwell is the fourth in this medical examiner's series. An execution has occurred, but the dead prisoner's fingerprints show up at a murder scene, and then another, and then another...
When violence hits close to you, you get splashed. You get dirty.
I'm more than splashed. I feel as if I'm about to drown. (p.291)
As Kay Scarpetta investigates why the fingerprints are found on these murder scenes, she becomes suspicious as to whether the state executed the right person or not. And then, her assistant is murdered and accusations are made. Now Kay must clear her name and fight to keep her job as chief medical examiner. This along with a computer problem, missing memos, and altered records, continue to keep this story intriguing.
Favorite characters such as Marino, Wesley, and Lucy return for this page turner of a story. New characters are introduced and a couple of characters escape capture (to be seen in future reads?). As usual, the story ties up the mystery in the final chapter for a quick finish and leaves you hanging for the next book. I can't wait to find time to read it... hopefully sooner than in six months!
When violence hits close to you, you get splashed. You get dirty.
I'm more than splashed. I feel as if I'm about to drown. (p.291)
As Kay Scarpetta investigates why the fingerprints are found on these murder scenes, she becomes suspicious as to whether the state executed the right person or not. And then, her assistant is murdered and accusations are made. Now Kay must clear her name and fight to keep her job as chief medical examiner. This along with a computer problem, missing memos, and altered records, continue to keep this story intriguing.
Favorite characters such as Marino, Wesley, and Lucy return for this page turner of a story. New characters are introduced and a couple of characters escape capture (to be seen in future reads?). As usual, the story ties up the mystery in the final chapter for a quick finish and leaves you hanging for the next book. I can't wait to find time to read it... hopefully sooner than in six months!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Just Wild About Harry
Booking Through Thursday for July 19, 2007
Okay, love him or loathe him, you’d have to live under a rock not to know that J.K. Rowling’s final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, comes out on Saturday… Are you going to read it?
If so, right away? Or just, you know, eventually, when you get around to it? Are you attending any of the midnight parties?
If you’re not going to read it, why not?
And, for the record… what do you think? Will Harry survive the series? What are you most looking forward to?
My response:
No, I'm sorry, I'm not into the Harry Potter series or hype. I read the first book many years ago and just could not get into it. I've seen parts of the movie and that was even worse. I think it relates to the fact that I'm not a big reader of that genre of fiction. I never was able to enjoy that kind of fantasy in my reading. I don't know if it's my lack of imagination for it or if it's just a matter of taste. So, I will be getting my sleep tomorrow night instead of attending any Harry Potter parties.
Now, my eleven year old daughter on the other hand...
She is furiously finishing Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince so that she can be ready for the arrival of her new book that I pre-ordered months ago from Amazon. She is all excited about the new book! (She has been reading the Harry Potter series on and off for the past two years. She says the third book is her very favorite.) She is most looking forward to how Voldemort may lure Harry into their last and final battle. Will Harry survive? Because of the prophecy, which says that neither can live while the other survives, she believes Harry will live and Voldemort will die. In her opinion, "If Voldemort kills Harry, it will be a big disaster because he is very powerful and everything will be dark and unforgiving."
...and she doesn't want to see it end that way.
Okay, love him or loathe him, you’d have to live under a rock not to know that J.K. Rowling’s final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, comes out on Saturday… Are you going to read it?
If so, right away? Or just, you know, eventually, when you get around to it? Are you attending any of the midnight parties?
If you’re not going to read it, why not?
And, for the record… what do you think? Will Harry survive the series? What are you most looking forward to?
My response:
No, I'm sorry, I'm not into the Harry Potter series or hype. I read the first book many years ago and just could not get into it. I've seen parts of the movie and that was even worse. I think it relates to the fact that I'm not a big reader of that genre of fiction. I never was able to enjoy that kind of fantasy in my reading. I don't know if it's my lack of imagination for it or if it's just a matter of taste. So, I will be getting my sleep tomorrow night instead of attending any Harry Potter parties.
Now, my eleven year old daughter on the other hand...
She is furiously finishing Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince so that she can be ready for the arrival of her new book that I pre-ordered months ago from Amazon. She is all excited about the new book! (She has been reading the Harry Potter series on and off for the past two years. She says the third book is her very favorite.) She is most looking forward to how Voldemort may lure Harry into their last and final battle. Will Harry survive? Because of the prophecy, which says that neither can live while the other survives, she believes Harry will live and Voldemort will die. In her opinion, "If Voldemort kills Harry, it will be a big disaster because he is very powerful and everything will be dark and unforgiving."
...and she doesn't want to see it end that way.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Up A Road Slowly
The 1967 Newbery Medal winner reminded me of the type of book I used to read when I was a young girl. Up A Road Slowly by Irene Hunt is a coming of age story about a girl named Julie who is raised by her strict Aunt Cordelia. The story spans much of her young life and covers the trials and tribulations that a young lady would experience during that time. She begins as a self-centered girl and matures into a caring young woman. Each chapter relates a different life experience and how Julie learns through them with the help of the many loved ones in her life. She experiences making new friends; losing family members and friends
through school, marriage, and death; learning to love; and learning about acceptance and tolerance.
"If I ever have a boy, I'm going to see that he gets the blame for the things he does just as much as the girls do." ... "You're never going to get a chance to have a boy if you don't do something about the truculent little chin of yours. ... Accept the fact that this is a man's world and learn how to play the game gracefully, my sweet." (p.24)
"It happens the world over --- we love ourselves more than we do the one we say we love. We all want to be Number One; we've got to be Number One or nothing! We can't see that we could make ourselves loved and needed in the Number Two, or Three, or Four spot. No sir, we've got to be Number One, and if we can't make it, we'll rip and tear at the loved one till we've ruined every smidgin of love that was ever there. I don't know what to tell you, little lady. ... I believe that, if I were you, I'd try growing up a little and giving some thought about what I could do for my big sister from the Number Three or Four spot." (pp.39-40)
He still was completely ridiculous (that's if you loved him at all) and completely disgusting (that's if you were a stranger to that side of him which was seldom seen). But as far as his attitude toward Mrs. Eltwing was concerned, Uncle Haskell was truly the gentleman he would have liked to be. He was gentle and patient with her, and he was unfailingly silent about her. (p.110) ... ...there was an old cliche among the men of the neighborhood, the gist of which was the fact that they had never known Haskell Bishop when he wasn't drinking, but neither had they ever known him when he was drunk. He was drunk, however, the day Katy Eltwing was buried, sadly and pathetically drunk. He never spoke of that day afterward, nor did he ever again mention the little woman who had loved him --- or who had loved something he represented. (p.112)
It was a cold, rainy evening, and the tensions aroused by term papers, love, approaching exams, lack of love, or simply the wretched weather bore down in varying degrees of intensity upon all of us. (p.150)
Some of my favorite characters were Uncle Haskell, Danny, Aggie, and Alicia. I also enjoyed watching Julie and Aunt Cordelia's relationship blossom. The blend of characters and life experiences made for a well rounded story. Up A Road Slowly is a good, old-fashioned story that continues to be a winner in my book.
through school, marriage, and death; learning to love; and learning about acceptance and tolerance.
"If I ever have a boy, I'm going to see that he gets the blame for the things he does just as much as the girls do." ... "You're never going to get a chance to have a boy if you don't do something about the truculent little chin of yours. ... Accept the fact that this is a man's world and learn how to play the game gracefully, my sweet." (p.24)
"It happens the world over --- we love ourselves more than we do the one we say we love. We all want to be Number One; we've got to be Number One or nothing! We can't see that we could make ourselves loved and needed in the Number Two, or Three, or Four spot. No sir, we've got to be Number One, and if we can't make it, we'll rip and tear at the loved one till we've ruined every smidgin of love that was ever there. I don't know what to tell you, little lady. ... I believe that, if I were you, I'd try growing up a little and giving some thought about what I could do for my big sister from the Number Three or Four spot." (pp.39-40)
He still was completely ridiculous (that's if you loved him at all) and completely disgusting (that's if you were a stranger to that side of him which was seldom seen). But as far as his attitude toward Mrs. Eltwing was concerned, Uncle Haskell was truly the gentleman he would have liked to be. He was gentle and patient with her, and he was unfailingly silent about her. (p.110) ... ...there was an old cliche among the men of the neighborhood, the gist of which was the fact that they had never known Haskell Bishop when he wasn't drinking, but neither had they ever known him when he was drunk. He was drunk, however, the day Katy Eltwing was buried, sadly and pathetically drunk. He never spoke of that day afterward, nor did he ever again mention the little woman who had loved him --- or who had loved something he represented. (p.112)
It was a cold, rainy evening, and the tensions aroused by term papers, love, approaching exams, lack of love, or simply the wretched weather bore down in varying degrees of intensity upon all of us. (p.150)
Some of my favorite characters were Uncle Haskell, Danny, Aggie, and Alicia. I also enjoyed watching Julie and Aunt Cordelia's relationship blossom. The blend of characters and life experiences made for a well rounded story. Up A Road Slowly is a good, old-fashioned story that continues to be a winner in my book.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
"Like wearing heavy boots", "what the?", "Jose!" and "like it's a hundred dollars" are just a few phrases that nine year old Oskar Schell uses to express himself. A few months after "the worst day", he finds a key and begins a search for the one in 162 million locks in New York City that will fit the key. But first he must to find the correct person, whose last name is Black according to the envelope, who can give him information about his father and the lock. Thus, Oskar's adventures begin and continue for the next several months.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer is a story of loss, attempts at recovery, and survival. Oskar is not the only person who is desperately searching for someone or something in this story. His adventures find others who are searching as well. Does everyone find what they are looking for? In most cases each search ends with an unexpected result.
At first I wasn't sure if I was enjoying this book. But each time I picked it up I found it difficult to put down. It quickly became a very interesting read!
Oskar is extremely intelligent and his visions are extreme, making him seem older than his nine years of age. But his true age shows through his emotions and inability to cope with many situations. He "invents" when he is scared, restless, or nervous. He bruises himself in order to "feel". He calls his grandmother all hours of the day and night when he is sad, anxious, or frightened. He keeps tally of his "lies" as he uses them to cover up several of his actions. And he keeps his adventures secret from his mother and grandmother, who also have secrets of their own.
Some of my favorite characters included Mr. A.R. Black from apartment 6A, Ruth Black the tour guide, and Gerald the limousine driver.
Although the grandparents' letters (included as chapters along side Oskar's narration) seemed distracting at first, they eventually began to weave themselves into the story and gave me some insight into the story's characters and their individual search. Also, I found the photographs (taken by Oskar on his grandfather's camera and included in his book Stuff That Happened to Me) a very interesting form of expression.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The writing style is very different and the characters' adventures bring about a wide range of emotion to its readers. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is a great story about survivors and I recommend it to others.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer is a story of loss, attempts at recovery, and survival. Oskar is not the only person who is desperately searching for someone or something in this story. His adventures find others who are searching as well. Does everyone find what they are looking for? In most cases each search ends with an unexpected result.
At first I wasn't sure if I was enjoying this book. But each time I picked it up I found it difficult to put down. It quickly became a very interesting read!
Oskar is extremely intelligent and his visions are extreme, making him seem older than his nine years of age. But his true age shows through his emotions and inability to cope with many situations. He "invents" when he is scared, restless, or nervous. He bruises himself in order to "feel". He calls his grandmother all hours of the day and night when he is sad, anxious, or frightened. He keeps tally of his "lies" as he uses them to cover up several of his actions. And he keeps his adventures secret from his mother and grandmother, who also have secrets of their own.
Some of my favorite characters included Mr. A.R. Black from apartment 6A, Ruth Black the tour guide, and Gerald the limousine driver.
Although the grandparents' letters (included as chapters along side Oskar's narration) seemed distracting at first, they eventually began to weave themselves into the story and gave me some insight into the story's characters and their individual search. Also, I found the photographs (taken by Oskar on his grandfather's camera and included in his book Stuff That Happened to Me) a very interesting form of expression.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The writing style is very different and the characters' adventures bring about a wide range of emotion to its readers. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is a great story about survivors and I recommend it to others.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Dicey's Song
The 1983 Newbery Medal Award went to the young adult novel Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt. This novel is the second book in the celebrated Tillerman cycle. It continues to tell the story of the four Tillerman children who now live with their Gram after their Momma had disappeared and was later traced to an asylum.
School has started and each child has his or her own challenge to face. Dicey finds the challenge of holding the family together more difficult as she desires to do some things for herself: refinishing a sailboat and making some new friendships. James finds the challenge of fitting in with classmates difficult due to his intelligence and advanced problem solving skills. Maybeth has a learning disability that continues to make reading difficult, but a teacher soon discovers her gift of music. And Sammy's challenge is finding his place in the family order while he learns to control his anger through new activities.
I found myself having a hard time diving into the novel at first, but I think this may be due to the fact that I have not read Homecoming, the first book in the series. But as I started to warm up to the characters, especially Dicey and her new friend Mina, I found the story more interesting and even moving. I very much enjoyed the ending when Gram and Dicey face an unexpected trip and begin to slowly understand one another.
You tell me to let go. But you told me to reach out, you told me to hold on. How can I do all those things together? (p.188)
...
What I mean, girl, is you keep trying. One thing after another. Sometimes just one, sometimes all three, but you have to keep trying. I don't have to tell you that, do I? (p.189)
This is truly a story that helps explain this mystery to the two main characters, Dicey and Gram. I ended up enjoying Dicey's Song after all.
School has started and each child has his or her own challenge to face. Dicey finds the challenge of holding the family together more difficult as she desires to do some things for herself: refinishing a sailboat and making some new friendships. James finds the challenge of fitting in with classmates difficult due to his intelligence and advanced problem solving skills. Maybeth has a learning disability that continues to make reading difficult, but a teacher soon discovers her gift of music. And Sammy's challenge is finding his place in the family order while he learns to control his anger through new activities.
I found myself having a hard time diving into the novel at first, but I think this may be due to the fact that I have not read Homecoming, the first book in the series. But as I started to warm up to the characters, especially Dicey and her new friend Mina, I found the story more interesting and even moving. I very much enjoyed the ending when Gram and Dicey face an unexpected trip and begin to slowly understand one another.
You tell me to let go. But you told me to reach out, you told me to hold on. How can I do all those things together? (p.188)
...
What I mean, girl, is you keep trying. One thing after another. Sometimes just one, sometimes all three, but you have to keep trying. I don't have to tell you that, do I? (p.189)
This is truly a story that helps explain this mystery to the two main characters, Dicey and Gram. I ended up enjoying Dicey's Song after all.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Rejoice
I don't usually get hooked on a series because often they lose their appeal and interest after a couple of books. But The Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury is a rare gem. This series has remained strong in story and stayed true to its theme of love as a decision. Its focus stays on track and the characters continue to develop as each story continues to unfold with each book.
Rejoice is the fourth book in this five book series. This time, the focus is on the oldest daughter, Brooke. She experiences every mother's worst nightmare: a life threatening accident involving her youngest daughter Hayley. Hayley is found on the bottom of a friend's pool and nearly looses her life from the drowning. But miracles are possible with prayer and faith. Brooke, however, experiences two losses at this time: her daughter's ability to live life as she previously knew it and also the distance and addiction that her husband Peter turns to in response to the accident. These two losses put to test Brooke's and the Baxter family's faith.
Rejoice also continues the story of Luke and Reagan with their wedding in New York and the story of Ashley and Landon's love enduring so many obstacles including the recent discovery of Ashley's positive HIV blood test. The blend of these past stories with the new stories adds to the richness of this series.
Wasn't that just like family? One walking the straight and narrow, the other veering off the path? And just like family, one kept the other in line so that somehow they'd finish the walk together. (p.377)
The series may seem like it should be a sugar-coated story of a family that always has a good life going for them, but nothing can be further from the truth. That is why I think this series has been so appealing to me. It shows that bad things can and will happen to everyone, and it's how we deal with the situation and its consequences that make us grow and become happy and better people.
Rejoice always, I will say it again rejoice... do not be anxious about anything, but in everything with prayer and thanksgiving make your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (p.124 & Philippians 4)
The family learns the true meaning of this verse and remembers to rejoice in both good times and bad throughout this story. I laughed and I cried, but I was reminded often that we are to rejoice in every experience that we live.
And, again, we are reminded about the central theme of all the stories in this series: love is a decision.
At the end of our days on earth, it should be the goal of each of us here to say we did as Jesus asked. We loved and were loved. (p.505)
Often readers remember characters or lines from books that they have read. But one thing that I will take away from this book is the memory of an entire chapter. Chapter 22 is about a meeting in which the family gathers and shares scripture verses with Reagan the morning of her wedding. They share the verses and their meanings to welcome Reagan into the family and to give her encouragement and support in becoming a new wife and mother. This was a very beautiful chapter and I will remember it always.
I find it sad that I have only one book left in this series to read. But I will always remember the stories of the Baxter family, especially the central themes and how those themes impacted the family's lives... and mine.
Rejoice is the fourth book in this five book series. This time, the focus is on the oldest daughter, Brooke. She experiences every mother's worst nightmare: a life threatening accident involving her youngest daughter Hayley. Hayley is found on the bottom of a friend's pool and nearly looses her life from the drowning. But miracles are possible with prayer and faith. Brooke, however, experiences two losses at this time: her daughter's ability to live life as she previously knew it and also the distance and addiction that her husband Peter turns to in response to the accident. These two losses put to test Brooke's and the Baxter family's faith.
Rejoice also continues the story of Luke and Reagan with their wedding in New York and the story of Ashley and Landon's love enduring so many obstacles including the recent discovery of Ashley's positive HIV blood test. The blend of these past stories with the new stories adds to the richness of this series.
Wasn't that just like family? One walking the straight and narrow, the other veering off the path? And just like family, one kept the other in line so that somehow they'd finish the walk together. (p.377)
The series may seem like it should be a sugar-coated story of a family that always has a good life going for them, but nothing can be further from the truth. That is why I think this series has been so appealing to me. It shows that bad things can and will happen to everyone, and it's how we deal with the situation and its consequences that make us grow and become happy and better people.
Rejoice always, I will say it again rejoice... do not be anxious about anything, but in everything with prayer and thanksgiving make your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (p.124 & Philippians 4)
The family learns the true meaning of this verse and remembers to rejoice in both good times and bad throughout this story. I laughed and I cried, but I was reminded often that we are to rejoice in every experience that we live.
And, again, we are reminded about the central theme of all the stories in this series: love is a decision.
At the end of our days on earth, it should be the goal of each of us here to say we did as Jesus asked. We loved and were loved. (p.505)
Often readers remember characters or lines from books that they have read. But one thing that I will take away from this book is the memory of an entire chapter. Chapter 22 is about a meeting in which the family gathers and shares scripture verses with Reagan the morning of her wedding. They share the verses and their meanings to welcome Reagan into the family and to give her encouragement and support in becoming a new wife and mother. This was a very beautiful chapter and I will remember it always.
I find it sad that I have only one book left in this series to read. But I will always remember the stories of the Baxter family, especially the central themes and how those themes impacted the family's lives... and mine.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Great American Novel
Booking Through Thursday for July 5, 2007
Great American Novel
What with yesterday being the Fourth of July and all, I’m feeling a little patriotic, and so have a simple question:What, in your opinion, is the (mythical) Great American Novel? At least to date. A “classic,” or a current one–either would be fine. Mark Twain? J.D. Salinger? F. Scott Fitzgerald? Stephen King? Laura Ingalls Wilder? It doesn’t have to be your favorite book, mind you. “Citizen Kane” may be the “best” film, and I concede its merits, but it’s not my favorite. You don’t have to love something to know that it’s good.
(my response)
The first novel that came to my mind was John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. I read this many years ago, but remember it being a slice of American life and history. It was also one of my favorite novels read during the American Lit class that I was taking at the time. I should find some time to re-read it in the near future.
I know there are more classics out there, so I am anxious to see what others believe is the Great American Novel.
Great American Novel
What with yesterday being the Fourth of July and all, I’m feeling a little patriotic, and so have a simple question:What, in your opinion, is the (mythical) Great American Novel? At least to date. A “classic,” or a current one–either would be fine. Mark Twain? J.D. Salinger? F. Scott Fitzgerald? Stephen King? Laura Ingalls Wilder? It doesn’t have to be your favorite book, mind you. “Citizen Kane” may be the “best” film, and I concede its merits, but it’s not my favorite. You don’t have to love something to know that it’s good.
(my response)
The first novel that came to my mind was John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. I read this many years ago, but remember it being a slice of American life and history. It was also one of my favorite novels read during the American Lit class that I was taking at the time. I should find some time to re-read it in the near future.
I know there are more classics out there, so I am anxious to see what others believe is the Great American Novel.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Challenge Update
The year is half gone and I thought I would take a moment to see where I am with the many book challenges I have joined.
My first challenge was the 2007 TBR Challenge. This runs all year and challenges me to read twelve books in twelve months. I have completed seven of my twelve titles so far. I am really enjoying this one because of the variety of books that were chosen!
My second challenge was the Banned Books Challenge. I read two titles that were books that I have wanted to read for quite some time. This challenge was completed in April.
My third challenge was the Newbery Challenge. I am really enjoying this one because of the fun in reading young adult literature once again! I have completed two of my six titles so far.
My fourth challenge was the Medical Mystery Challenge. I haven't read much from this genre lately, so I am anxious to get to the titles that I have chosen! I have completed one of my three titles so far.
My fifth and upcoming challenge is the Christian Genre Challenge. I am looking forward to this challenge for the variety that it offers. I will begin this one in August.
Book challenges are sooooooo addicting, but they sure have given variety to the types of books that I have read this year!
And what a great year it has been for reading!!!
My first challenge was the 2007 TBR Challenge. This runs all year and challenges me to read twelve books in twelve months. I have completed seven of my twelve titles so far. I am really enjoying this one because of the variety of books that were chosen!
My second challenge was the Banned Books Challenge. I read two titles that were books that I have wanted to read for quite some time. This challenge was completed in April.
My third challenge was the Newbery Challenge. I am really enjoying this one because of the fun in reading young adult literature once again! I have completed two of my six titles so far.
My fourth challenge was the Medical Mystery Challenge. I haven't read much from this genre lately, so I am anxious to get to the titles that I have chosen! I have completed one of my three titles so far.
My fifth and upcoming challenge is the Christian Genre Challenge. I am looking forward to this challenge for the variety that it offers. I will begin this one in August.
Book challenges are sooooooo addicting, but they sure have given variety to the types of books that I have read this year!
And what a great year it has been for reading!!!
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Toxin
It must be crazy to you that I've plunged headlong into this E. coli crusade. Our daughter is dead and all I want to do is race around like some cloak-and-dagger sleuth. (p.239)
My first read for the Medical Mystery Challenge was Toxin by Robin Cook. I chose this because I have read Robin Cook in the past and wanted to read one of his newer books.
Kim Reggis is a well known cardiac surgeon. He is divorced from Tracy, a social worker, and they share custody of a young daughter, Becky. After a night of fast food at the Onion Ring, Becky becomes ill during a weekend with her dad. When she continues to be ill, her parents take her to the ER to find out what is causing her severe cramps and other related symptoms. A second trip to the ER lands her in the hospital with a diagnosis of E. coli O157:H7 which contains a toxin that can be extremely dangerous, especially to young children. As her health deteriorates, her father becomes more and more angry with the health care system and the USDA. When she dies, he decides to take matters into his own hands to avenge his daughter's death, like some cloak-and-dagger sleuth.
I am a fan of mysteries and can even tolerate those that might go a little overboard in their search, but this one is just a bit much. Robin Cook seems to have stepped up on his soapbox to give us a strong opinion on the state of mergers in health care and on the standards of meat processing. This is very obvious in several conversations between characters when the tone of writing completely changes and doesn't quite fit the rest of the dialogue. Also, some of the story's descriptions can be very graphic and may bother some readers, especially the scenes in the slaughterhouse.
Toxin was worth my time to read, but a fellow medical mystery challenge reader didn't feel the same. I will try Robin Cook again with a different book to see if this story was just a fluke and if it was his way of challenging the meat industry. Either way, if you read Toxin, you just might look at hamburger a bit differently. I know I have!
My first read for the Medical Mystery Challenge was Toxin by Robin Cook. I chose this because I have read Robin Cook in the past and wanted to read one of his newer books.
Kim Reggis is a well known cardiac surgeon. He is divorced from Tracy, a social worker, and they share custody of a young daughter, Becky. After a night of fast food at the Onion Ring, Becky becomes ill during a weekend with her dad. When she continues to be ill, her parents take her to the ER to find out what is causing her severe cramps and other related symptoms. A second trip to the ER lands her in the hospital with a diagnosis of E. coli O157:H7 which contains a toxin that can be extremely dangerous, especially to young children. As her health deteriorates, her father becomes more and more angry with the health care system and the USDA. When she dies, he decides to take matters into his own hands to avenge his daughter's death, like some cloak-and-dagger sleuth.
I am a fan of mysteries and can even tolerate those that might go a little overboard in their search, but this one is just a bit much. Robin Cook seems to have stepped up on his soapbox to give us a strong opinion on the state of mergers in health care and on the standards of meat processing. This is very obvious in several conversations between characters when the tone of writing completely changes and doesn't quite fit the rest of the dialogue. Also, some of the story's descriptions can be very graphic and may bother some readers, especially the scenes in the slaughterhouse.
Toxin was worth my time to read, but a fellow medical mystery challenge reader didn't feel the same. I will try Robin Cook again with a different book to see if this story was just a fluke and if it was his way of challenging the meat industry. Either way, if you read Toxin, you just might look at hamburger a bit differently. I know I have!
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