"Here," she said. "Aren't you going to open this?"
I unwrapped the package, lifted off the top of the box. Took the small soapstone statue out of its tissue paper nest --- a four-inch version of the one in her office.
"I like her smile," Sheffer said.
"It's not a her," I told her. "It's a he. Shiva. The god of destruction."
She looked at me funny. "Destruction?"
Dr. Patel had enclosed a card. "Dear Dominick, I give you Shiva the dancing god in hopes that you will soon be on your feet and dancing past your pain. Do you remember Shiva's message? With destruction comes renovation. Be well." (pp. 510-511)
I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb is a book of discovery and redemption. It is several stories that weave together one story. And it's a book well worth the time it takes to read the close to 900 pages that make up the story of Dominick Birdsey and his past, present and future.
Your anger poisons everything else that's good about you, she'd said that morning she packed her bags. I'm going because you suck all the oxygen out of the room, Dominick. Because I have to breathe. . . . And she'd been right, hadn't she? ... I could finally see it. See what she meant. (p. 491)
As he begins to see Dr. Patel after she takes over his brother's case, Dominick finds that the visits are more about him and less about his brother. Richly detailed recollections tell about Dominick and his twin brother Thomas, their parents, and their grandfather Domenico Onofrio Tempesta, a Great Man from Humble Beginnings (according to the man's memoirs), as well as of Dominick's best friend, girlfriend, in-laws and ex-wife. He slowly begins to put together the pieces of his life, history, and frustrations to discover who Dominick Birdsey really is, allowing him to begin to live and appreciate life instead of acting like a victim with plenty of blame to give. His life has been a rough journey so far, but it just needed a bit of destruction in order to make a renovation happen.
I am not a smart man, particularly, but one day, at long last, I stumbled from the dark woods of my own, and my family's, and my country's past, holding in my hands these truths: that love grows from the rich loam of forgiveness; that mongrels make good dogs; that the evidence of God exists in the roundness of things.
This much, at least, I've figured out. I know this much is true. (p. 897)
A page turner and interesting study of discovery and redemption, I loved this book from cover to cover. I definitely recommend I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Kira-Kira
kira-kira (kee' ra kee ra): glittering, shining
Glittering. That's how Katie Takeshima's sister Lynn, makes everything seem. ... And it's Lynn who, with her special way of viewing the world, teaches Katie to look beyond tomorrow. But when Lynn becomes desperately ill, and the whole family begins to fall apart, it is up to Katie to find a way to remind them all that there is always something glittering --- kira-kira --- in their future. (back cover)
Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata is the 2006 Newbery Medal Winner. The Takeshima family moves to Georgia and life changes drastically for them. Mom and Dad need to work long shifts. The family experiences prejudice at school, work, and in their new community. And, the most tragic, one of their loved ones becomes terminally ill. But Katie remains optimistic. Her sister Lynn teaches her how to see the silver lining in every situation. She teaches her the Japanese word "kira-kira", which means glittering or shining. Katie holds dear what her sister has taught her about life and tries to apply it to her daily situations and future despite her young age.
The story shares many tender moments: a family move, a camping trip, a new house, a picnic, new friends, long shifts, life choices, and loss. How Katie feels about each event is described in great detail. And what she does to adjust to each situation shows promise in remembering that there is always something glittering in her future.
Although the story did not have a huge pull for me, I definitely enjoyed listening to the audio book. The narrator did a nice job emphasizing the details that Katie shares. I recommend Kira-Kira to others, especially preteen readers. (One warning: there is mild profanity in a few parts of the book; however, it was not offensive to me.)
Glittering. That's how Katie Takeshima's sister Lynn, makes everything seem. ... And it's Lynn who, with her special way of viewing the world, teaches Katie to look beyond tomorrow. But when Lynn becomes desperately ill, and the whole family begins to fall apart, it is up to Katie to find a way to remind them all that there is always something glittering --- kira-kira --- in their future. (back cover)
Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata is the 2006 Newbery Medal Winner. The Takeshima family moves to Georgia and life changes drastically for them. Mom and Dad need to work long shifts. The family experiences prejudice at school, work, and in their new community. And, the most tragic, one of their loved ones becomes terminally ill. But Katie remains optimistic. Her sister Lynn teaches her how to see the silver lining in every situation. She teaches her the Japanese word "kira-kira", which means glittering or shining. Katie holds dear what her sister has taught her about life and tries to apply it to her daily situations and future despite her young age.
The story shares many tender moments: a family move, a camping trip, a new house, a picnic, new friends, long shifts, life choices, and loss. How Katie feels about each event is described in great detail. And what she does to adjust to each situation shows promise in remembering that there is always something glittering in her future.
Although the story did not have a huge pull for me, I definitely enjoyed listening to the audio book. The narrator did a nice job emphasizing the details that Katie shares. I recommend Kira-Kira to others, especially preteen readers. (One warning: there is mild profanity in a few parts of the book; however, it was not offensive to me.)
Reading a chunkster
I noticed that I haven't posted a review in two weeks. Update: I've taken on a book that will require more than two weeks to read!
Yes, now and then I pick up a "project" to challenge myself as well as to enjoy. I am currently reading I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb. I have a friend that I regularly exchange books with and this book was included in one of our latest trades. I am very much enjoying the story and find it worth the time that I am putting into reading the book. However, with my daily life commitments I find that I can only accomplish 50+ pages per sitting on a good reading day.
I am looking forward to reviewing it soon!
Yes, now and then I pick up a "project" to challenge myself as well as to enjoy. I am currently reading I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb. I have a friend that I regularly exchange books with and this book was included in one of our latest trades. I am very much enjoying the story and find it worth the time that I am putting into reading the book. However, with my daily life commitments I find that I can only accomplish 50+ pages per sitting on a good reading day.
I am looking forward to reviewing it soon!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Nantucket Nights
Kayla stood in the driveway. It was starting to get dark; between the trees across the street, the sky was streaked pink and purple. Did friends betray each other every day? Did they turn each other in to the police? Did they sleep with each other's sons? Did they shatter dreams, destroy happiness? Her friends, yes. Kayla touched her cheek as if she'd been slapped. (p. 200)
Night Swimmers: three friends of twenty years that get together once a year to eat, drink, swim, and share one secret each. Then one of them disappears and secrets that were kept from one another begin to reveal themselves. Nantucket Nights by Elin Hilderbrand is chick-lit and mystery all rolled into one. What can Kayla believe? Who knows which secrets? And will she be the fall guy for something she knows isn't true?
One of Kayla's friends is believed to have drowned at the Night Swimmers' yearly gathering. One of Kayla's friends points a finger her way in suspicion. And Kayla's family are involved in ways she never imagined. Set on the island of Nantucket and in a close knit community, tensions are tight while Kayla tries to figure out who she really is now that everything she believes in is questioned.
One new idea was that she wasn't a very good mother. Another new idea was that she wasn't a very good wife. And a third new idea was that she wasn't a very good friend. Only weeks earlier, these three words --- mother, wife, friend --- would have been the exact three words Kayla would have chosen to identify herself. But not anymore. If she wasn't a mother, wife, and friend, then who was she? She didn't know. (p. 304)
I could not put this book down! I enjoyed it from beginning to end! And I even liked the ending even though I had an idea where the plot was heading. Nantucket Nights has a little of bit of everything for a good, fluffy weekend read. I recommend it to others who love chick-lit or Elin Hilderbrand.
Night Swimmers: three friends of twenty years that get together once a year to eat, drink, swim, and share one secret each. Then one of them disappears and secrets that were kept from one another begin to reveal themselves. Nantucket Nights by Elin Hilderbrand is chick-lit and mystery all rolled into one. What can Kayla believe? Who knows which secrets? And will she be the fall guy for something she knows isn't true?
One of Kayla's friends is believed to have drowned at the Night Swimmers' yearly gathering. One of Kayla's friends points a finger her way in suspicion. And Kayla's family are involved in ways she never imagined. Set on the island of Nantucket and in a close knit community, tensions are tight while Kayla tries to figure out who she really is now that everything she believes in is questioned.
One new idea was that she wasn't a very good mother. Another new idea was that she wasn't a very good wife. And a third new idea was that she wasn't a very good friend. Only weeks earlier, these three words --- mother, wife, friend --- would have been the exact three words Kayla would have chosen to identify herself. But not anymore. If she wasn't a mother, wife, and friend, then who was she? She didn't know. (p. 304)
I could not put this book down! I enjoyed it from beginning to end! And I even liked the ending even though I had an idea where the plot was heading. Nantucket Nights has a little of bit of everything for a good, fluffy weekend read. I recommend it to others who love chick-lit or Elin Hilderbrand.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Dear Mr. Henshaw
I hid the second page of your letter from Miss Martinez. That list of questions you sent for me to answer really made me mad. Nobody else's author put in a list of questions to be answered, and I don't think it's fair to make me do more work when I already wrote a report. (p.10)
Mom is nagging me about your dumb old questions. She says if I really want to be an author, I should follow the tips in your letter. I should read, look, listen, think and write. She says the best way she knows for me to get started is to apply the seat of my pants to a chair and answer your questions and answer them fully. So here goes. (p.14)
In celebration of an author's birthday in April I read Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary. This book won the Newbery Medal in 1984. Leigh Botts is a young boy who has loved the book Ways to Amuse a Dog by the author Boyd Henshaw since second grade. Leigh's sixth grade teacher assigns the class to write their favorite author, ask ten question of the author, and then write a report about what they found out. What Leigh doesn't realize when he gets his response, which includes ten questions for himself to answer, is the way that Mr. Henshaw's reply will change his outlook on life and help with his future writing.
Mr. Henshaw's letter leads Leigh to begin a diary. During Leigh's writing he sorts out the things that have been troubling him in his life: his lunch being stolen at school, his parents' divorce, his lack of friends, and his dreams to be an author some day. Dear Mr. Henshaw is written through letters and diary entries which make it an easy read. Leigh's discoveries come slowly but are resolved in a happy ending. He begins to find his niche in life, family, and writing. There are no "fireworks" to this story, just a few realistic discoveries that assist in a young boy's journey of growing up.
I very much enjoyed Beverly Cleary's Dear Mr. Henshaw. It was a simple story, I enjoyed it's style of writing, and I found it very believable. I have already recommended it to my daughter and definitely recommend it to others.
Mom is nagging me about your dumb old questions. She says if I really want to be an author, I should follow the tips in your letter. I should read, look, listen, think and write. She says the best way she knows for me to get started is to apply the seat of my pants to a chair and answer your questions and answer them fully. So here goes. (p.14)
In celebration of an author's birthday in April I read Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary. This book won the Newbery Medal in 1984. Leigh Botts is a young boy who has loved the book Ways to Amuse a Dog by the author Boyd Henshaw since second grade. Leigh's sixth grade teacher assigns the class to write their favorite author, ask ten question of the author, and then write a report about what they found out. What Leigh doesn't realize when he gets his response, which includes ten questions for himself to answer, is the way that Mr. Henshaw's reply will change his outlook on life and help with his future writing.
Mr. Henshaw's letter leads Leigh to begin a diary. During Leigh's writing he sorts out the things that have been troubling him in his life: his lunch being stolen at school, his parents' divorce, his lack of friends, and his dreams to be an author some day. Dear Mr. Henshaw is written through letters and diary entries which make it an easy read. Leigh's discoveries come slowly but are resolved in a happy ending. He begins to find his niche in life, family, and writing. There are no "fireworks" to this story, just a few realistic discoveries that assist in a young boy's journey of growing up.
I very much enjoyed Beverly Cleary's Dear Mr. Henshaw. It was a simple story, I enjoyed it's style of writing, and I found it very believable. I have already recommended it to my daughter and definitely recommend it to others.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Someday
While she hummed, while her mind was taken up with the lyrics of the old hymns, she was unable to worry or doubt or fret in any possible way. A truth rose to the surface of her heart. Praising God was an act of trust, a way of putting aside the cares and troubles of this world and looking to God alone. No wonder that's where the battle was won. (p. 282)
Someday by Karen Kingsbury is the third title in the Sunrise Series. This book was more true to the first series (The Redemption Series) as the story centered primarily around the Baxter family. Ashley believes that Sarah's short life had a purpose and that purpose will unfold in God's time. John has made a decision about his future. (Chapter 16 is especially touching and brought tears to my eyes.) Luke makes several poor choices that put his marriage into jeopardy. Dayne is accused of actions that put his marriage into jeopardy. Katy finds herself in a whirlwind life that she feels in not the journey she is meant to take. Brooke begins a new project that was inspired by Sarah's short life and will assist others in need. And CKT has not found a new home, yet. Everybody believes in someday. And life, love, and reconciliation will all be found... someday.
Someday is another wonderful and inspirational book from the Baxter Family Drama series, and I dread the fact that I have only one more book to finish it. Karen Kingsbury is an awesome storyteller who uses very realistic characters to share the stories of the Baxter Family and their friends. This is by far one of the best series I have ever read!
Someday by Karen Kingsbury is the third title in the Sunrise Series. This book was more true to the first series (The Redemption Series) as the story centered primarily around the Baxter family. Ashley believes that Sarah's short life had a purpose and that purpose will unfold in God's time. John has made a decision about his future. (Chapter 16 is especially touching and brought tears to my eyes.) Luke makes several poor choices that put his marriage into jeopardy. Dayne is accused of actions that put his marriage into jeopardy. Katy finds herself in a whirlwind life that she feels in not the journey she is meant to take. Brooke begins a new project that was inspired by Sarah's short life and will assist others in need. And CKT has not found a new home, yet. Everybody believes in someday. And life, love, and reconciliation will all be found... someday.
Someday is another wonderful and inspirational book from the Baxter Family Drama series, and I dread the fact that I have only one more book to finish it. Karen Kingsbury is an awesome storyteller who uses very realistic characters to share the stories of the Baxter Family and their friends. This is by far one of the best series I have ever read!
90 Minutes In Heaven
If you have ever known someone who has experienced a recovery from very serious injuries, you will definitely appreciate this book. If you have ever wondered why those who recover from serious injuries experience a large spectrum of emotions and temperament, you will definitely appreciate this book. And if you need to hear testimony of a survivor, you will most definitely appreciate this book.
90 Minutes In Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey is an awesome story of miracles, the power of prayer, and faith. Piper tells of his visit to heaven after a horrific automobile accident in which he was declared dead. During those 90 minutes, Piper had an experience he will never forget: a glimpse of heaven. However, he was not meant to stay and soon returned to life to endure a long and very difficult recovery from his injuries.
The story of Piper's recovery is given in great detail. He credits the the power of prayer to his incredible survival. He describes the many emotions and temperaments that he experienced throughout his healing: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Pain, depression, desperation, hopelessness, inadequacy, isolation, and helplessness are just a few.
But as he slowly healed, Piper realized that God had a greater purpose for his life and that is why he did not stay in heaven. He began to feel joy and learned a "new normal." His later testimonies through lectures, tapes, and personal visits gave others the hope and understanding they needed during their own recoveries. He has touched many people by recalling in great detail his recovery process and his experience of seeing heaven.
And he has touched this reader as well. Don Piper's 90 Minutes In Heaven is an experience within itself that should be shared with other readers who want to understand recovery and healing on many levels. I definitely recommend this book, especially in the audio book format that is narrated by Piper himself which gives it an even more personal touch.
90 Minutes In Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey is an awesome story of miracles, the power of prayer, and faith. Piper tells of his visit to heaven after a horrific automobile accident in which he was declared dead. During those 90 minutes, Piper had an experience he will never forget: a glimpse of heaven. However, he was not meant to stay and soon returned to life to endure a long and very difficult recovery from his injuries.
The story of Piper's recovery is given in great detail. He credits the the power of prayer to his incredible survival. He describes the many emotions and temperaments that he experienced throughout his healing: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Pain, depression, desperation, hopelessness, inadequacy, isolation, and helplessness are just a few.
But as he slowly healed, Piper realized that God had a greater purpose for his life and that is why he did not stay in heaven. He began to feel joy and learned a "new normal." His later testimonies through lectures, tapes, and personal visits gave others the hope and understanding they needed during their own recoveries. He has touched many people by recalling in great detail his recovery process and his experience of seeing heaven.
And he has touched this reader as well. Don Piper's 90 Minutes In Heaven is an experience within itself that should be shared with other readers who want to understand recovery and healing on many levels. I definitely recommend this book, especially in the audio book format that is narrated by Piper himself which gives it an even more personal touch.
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