Book 8, Blog 2

Sigh. Chapters 1-4 are not particularly lengthy, but I am simply slogging though this book. Hawkeye (our protagonist) has been introduced, as have the other players in this tale - the young women, the pale-faced soldiers, the sneaky Magua...

I'm just not loving it! I'm so impatient! Let's get on with this, shall we?!? Perhaps I should have read the first book first (although, this is the most famous in the series). I also do not love the writer being the narrator, making statements like, "let us leave them for a while and go to another part of the woods", etc. etc.

I will press on...but most likely pick up an Outlander or Sookie Stackhouse book to read along with it. I can generally motivate myself to read something I'm not in love with by pacing myself through another, more enjoyable book. For example, "I have to read two more chapters of The Last of the Mohicans before I can read another chapter in Outlander."

James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans - Book 8

Perhaps it is because I've become so accustomed to reading the "easy stuff". Perhaps it is due to the fact that I was attempting to start this novel while my husband watched television in the same room. It could be slow-starting. It could also be the insanity that is the Christmas season. But the fact remains that I am having a hard time getting into this one.

I know the story of Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans because I'm a big fan of Daniel Day Lewis. And if something is a novel before it is a film, I'm much rather get the "real" thing by reading the novel.

Do not worry, faithful non-existent readers of my blog! I will not give up!! I will press on to finish this book!!

Meanwhile, I've read book 2 in the Outlander series (Dragonfly in Amber) as well as the first four books in the Sookie Stackhouse novels. (What? I said they were easy reads!) But I am committed to reading various styles and genres and such. Go, classics!

Charlaine Harris' Dead Until Dark - Book 7

As I've said once already, this book is the read I was looking for: light, simple, unattached. Sure, there were vampires and shape shifters and murders galore; but really, overall, the book was a quick and easy read. And yet, still enjoyable.

Clearly, it was written with the intent to serialize it. The final page could almost contain "to be continued..."And I think I will. Not because I absolutely must know what happens in the series. Not because I'm in love with the characters. Just because I was lightly entertained for a few hours. Every girl needs a good easy read from time to time.

My next read-and-blog selection is a classic: James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans. I am hoping that my limited knowledge of this book (of course, from the film) was correct in assuming that this novel included NONE of the following: vampires, wizards, time-travelers, vivid love scenes or other elements to disdain. My goal with this blog is to read lots of variety...so I have to keep searching for options. Also, I want to be sure and read all those great classic novels I managed to escape school without reading. Let's face it, if you were required to read it in school, you held some (even if it was only a slight bit) ill-feelings for the book, no matter how great.

So, my next book in the Outlander series is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, I've got the second installment of the Sookie Stackhouse series staring me in the face right at this very moment and I've also got a copy of The Last of the Mohicans waiting in my car.

Read on!

Book #7, Blog #1

This book is exactly what I was looking for in my next read. The pages turn quickly. The language is light and witty. The story is engaging enough, but doesn't suck the reader in. I would call it a "light page-turner". I am enjoying reading it and have read more than half of the book in the first day; however, I can put it down and live my life without Sookie Stackhouse.

So the story is that Sookie can read minds and vampires are legally "out of the coffin" and many are living on synthetic blood. Sookie meets Bill (a vamp, of course) and loves that she can't hear his thoughts. She saves his life, he saves hers. This is the stuff love stories are made of, no?

But someone is killing "fang-bangers" in and around their town and Sookie's grandmother ends up killed also. Murder, sex, vampires and Cajuns.

I mentioned this when I chose the book (having not read a page) that there were some similarities between Harris' Dead Until Dark and Meyer's Twilight...now I must admit how eerily similar they are in some ways. First, you've got vamp/human love (obvious - kind of like how many stories are boy-meets-girl...this is an acceptable coincidence). Next, you've got one party able to read minds, but not the mind of the love interest. However, I like that Sookie has the power, whereas in Twilight, Bella is clumsy and fairly normal (but an excellent shield). And of course, it is an attractive thing that they can't read their love interests' minds. There is even a group of "bad" vampires in Dead Until Dark consisting of two males and a female...hum....and they are causing trouble for Bill who wants to live "like the humans"....hum....

Anyway, just some interesting parallels. I'm not sure what I'll choose to read and blog on next (I will most likely finish this quick read today), but I'm thinking I will seek out something non-fantastical...no vampires, no time travel, no wizards, etc. etc. Maybe a classic that I have never forced myself to read. Thoughts/suggestions are appreciated.

Next Book Chosen

I'm trying to read all different types of books with this read-and-blog thing. I want to step out of my comfort zone some. I want to read some classics and some books that are just plain trashy - although I have not brought myself to the level of choosing a Harlequin or other serial romance novel with a picture of some Fabio-esque man embracing a half-naked woman on the cover. But I fear I will if I keep this up, just to please the masses. (Again - this is a running joke!)

While I loved my last read (Diana Gabaldon's Outlander) and am awaiting books two and three from Barnes and Noble, I think it's only fair that I not spend my next six books of this blog on one series from one author.

My next official book is Charlaine Harris' Dead Until Dark. This is the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series that spawned the HBO series, True Blood. My best friend loves this series and, though I've never watched it, I take his opinion seriously. So, I'll give it a shot and see. (And a side note - just reading the back cover I thought there were some similarities between this and the Twilight books...which were written later, but I'm not accusing or anything...there's nothing new under the sun.)

Read on!

Diana Gabaldon's Outlander

Oh for the love...so this book is over 600 pages and I read it (while still sleeping, eating meals, going to work, etc.) in about 3 days or less. Needless to say, I liked it. Quick overview - this is the story of an English woman in her late 20s who is on a second honeymoon of sorts at the end of WWII. She touches this rock (a mini-Stonehenge type thing) and is immediately transported to the same place, 200 years prior. (That place would be Scotland.) Much adventure ensues, as she is caught between the English and the Scottish clansmen and she hangs with the latter. Oh, and the worst of the English is her 1945 husband's ancestor. Oh, did I mention, it is also a love story?!?
As far as compelling love stories go, Outlander could almost be seen as a grown-up Twilight. Now, before I've offended all of my Twilight or Outlander crazed readers (I say this in the off chance that someone will read and comment on this post...which is doubtful.) I must clarify. Having read the entire Twilight saga, my opinion is that people (mostly women) love this story because of the intensity of Bella and Edward's love and how much they overcome to stick together. Outlander has all of that and more, because of the adult aspect of the primary characters...and the concept that neither of them is a vampire or other immortal creature, etc. etc.
As a matter of fact, I recommend Outlander and its subsequent books (there are 7 in the series so far...but I haven't read others yet...they're on their way from Barnes and Noble as I type) as a more grown-up substitution to the Twilight Moms. (Seriously - I loved the books too, but let's get a life, shall we?!? The characters are young enough to be your kids...and I will vomit if I hear another woman over 30 squeal with delight upon seeing a seventeen year old boy topless...no matter how wonderfully buff he is.)
Back to Outlander.
Beautifully written and vibrantly descriptive, the story made me want to dash off to Scotland immediately. No, I do not wish to travel to the late 1700s and deal with half of the things Claire comes across, but the story is compelling.
And not for kids.
Let's just say that Gabaldon has a way with words that makes a girl blush...and keep turning the pages. If I were a smoker, I would have needed to light up after reading a few of her chapters. If women panted over the nonexistent/implied love scenes in the Twilight series, they will get everything they're looking for and more in Outlander.

Ok - my next blog-and-read is yet to be decided but as soon as the next book from the Outlander series arrives, I will be reading it, as well.

Markus Zusak's The Book Thief

Read this book. Seriously. If you have not read it, do it. If you have read it already, do it again. This is a great story. A story about Nazi Germany and a German girl. Her experience is a wonderful story with strong images and unforgettable characters. Rudy is probably my favorite. Just read the book already!
Oh, and another thing - the narrator is Death. Seriously. Death. And Death actually makes for a moving storyteller, especially in this context.
The book is not like any WWII Germany story I've ever read and that is refreshing in and of itself. It's about people, not so much ideology or groups of people. It's about humankind. The fictional characters are "real" in the sense that they are people - not labels or archetypes really.
I loved it. Oh, and it happens to be only the second book (Peter and the Starcatchers was first) in a REALLY long time that included illustrations; call me crazy, but I love that. Oh, and the illustrations were actually part of the book rather than images to show the readers what they should visualize. Good stuff.
Read the book. Just do it.

Welcome to December

So, I survived (and WON!) NaNoWriMo 2009. My novel is currently 50,055 words in length. Now, it is in serious need of some editing...oh, and did I mention that I'm about halfway through with my story at this point? I'm thinking of plowing ahead towards a conclusion and then returning to edit. Just not at the break-neck speed of one month for 50k.
Also, I'm working on editing a book for a friend (yay - freelance gig!) and I'm still plowing away at my read and blog challenge. The Book Thief is really good...I'm enjoying it more and more. Despite the crazy month that is November, I think I want to slow down reading this because I don't really want it to end...or really, because I know how books about Nazi Germany end...and I'm afraid for some of these characters and what might and probably will happen to them.
I think my next book with be Outlander - a time-traveling love story type deal...and yes, it's part of a series.
I love reading. And writing.

Sidebar - People are Watching...

So I have discovered that people are reading what I have written here. How do I know? (You might wonder...) Well, as is often the case, make a statement that someone disagrees with (or one that is inaccurate/wrong/etc. etc. )and you will be informed of your "wrong-ness". By perfect strangers.

This is actually very cool to me. I am thankful to the person who commented on my last read and it's (now supposed) status as a viable prequel to Barrie's Peter Pan. Even though I was only stating my opinion of the book, I am happy to have someone who differs say so and point me to their preferred prequel/source, etc. So, to my most recent commentor - Thank you.

Now, my next read will be The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I'm already into it a bit and loving it...

Book #4 - A Singular Blog

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Peterson is a treasure! In a time when young adult fiction features angsty teenagers falling in love with "vegetarian" vampires and other selections go for the shock value of dropping f-bombs and other "realistic" teen situations, This novel (part one of a series) is a refreshing escape.
Granted, the novel is written for a target audience younger than the audience intended for the vampires and potty mouths...but it can be an enjoyable read for any age. (And I know for a fact that many kids entirely too young for some of the previous mentioned novels are reading them. I had an eleven year old ask me to explain to them why Edward bit the pillow in book 4...my response? "Go ask your mother.")
As of October 2009, the Starcatchers series has four titles, of which this is the first chronicling the events that lead us to the familiar and charming story of Peter Pan and his Lost Boys' Adventures in Neverland. Peter and the Starcatchers is an excellent beginning and does honor to the original works inspiring it.
This book has it all - swashbuckling adventure, fantastical magic, good guys, bad guys, wild animals, pirates, mermaids and even a little romance...and it's all kid-friendly. Parents, this is one worth reading with or to your children without fear of inappropriate content. (The most scandalous thing is probably that Black Stache (the pirate who will eventually become Captain Hook - I have no doubt) has a set of sails made by a women's undergarment manufacturer - and they look like a giant corset/brassiere. (Illustrations included.)
Overall - A great fun read for kids of all ages...for the Peter Pan in us all.

Book #4 - Barry & Pearson's Peter and the Starcatchers

Well, after soliciting suggestions from my friends on Facebook (and getting lots of great ones that will go on the master list) I have gone with an "out of nowhere" choice entitled Peter and the Starcatchers. I was visiting family over the weekend and they recommended this book and all but forced me to take it home with me...so I read a little on the way home and I think it is just what the doctor ordered to follow A Clockwork Orange.
Written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, Peter and the Starcatchers is a Young Adult novel (part of a series, actually) about Peter Pan. It is a prequel, of sorts, telling the reader how Peter and the Lost Boys came to be. I'm not very far into it, so that's all I know...but I am enjoying this light, quick read after the heavy, literary landmine that is A Clockwork Orange.
Also, a light fun kids book like this makes it easy to keep reading will also participating in NaNoWriMo. I am 2K words into my 50k...today is day two...
But enough about that...time to read/write/work more!

Book #3, Blog #3

Part Three - Ok, so in the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was difficult and the first part was especially brutal but I like what Burgess is saying. I also think that chapter 7 of part three should have been included in the original American release, as well as the movie...
Here's my take on that chapter: I think that the novel, sans the last chapter, speaks to the youth of any time period. It encourages them to be themselves and live their lives and rebel and all that good youth stuff. (Think how so many say, "The Catcher in the Rye changed my life!") And I don't wish to belittle the "youth" experience...because we all go through it to become adults. But that last chapter is for us. The grown ups. Or even just the folks on the cusp of adolescent-to-adulthood. It speaks to the desire to be oneself but the realization that the "self" you knew as a teen is not necessarily who you want to be for the rest of your days...hum...deep thoughts.
In short, if you can handle the ultraviolence of the first section of the book, then you should read this...it's a mind-blower but it makes some good points and overall, I liked it. And I've started to incorporate some of the Nadsat slang into my daily use...I viddy, said the starry blind veck. Happy Reading.

Sidebar - The Power of a Praying Wife (OMartian)

I've read the first few chapters of Stormie OMartian's The Power of a Praying Wife and I have to say that so far, I'm a little disappointed. Please don't get what I'm not say; this book has some vitally important stuff in it, like that wives should pray for their husbands and scriptural references for different subjects, etc. OMartian has even written out prayers based on the Scriptures at the end of each chapter.
It just seems a little light. Perhaps it is designed for someone who is a new prayer/believer? I know that I'm blessed to have the husband that I do and that he and I have discussed and prayed through many things together in the past five years of our dating and married life together. Maybe it's just that I chose to read this book at a time when there is limited to no real strife in my marriage, so I'm not desperate for a "fix all".
I like quick chapters that I can read in a few minutes but I have found that many of these barely scratch the surface and sometimes teeter along the fine line of "if you pray for this, you will get this desired result". That kind of teaching is not Biblical. But prayer, IS. So I take a Nike approach to it...just do it!

Book #3, Blog #2

Part Two shows us Alex in jail...like so many jail experiences, he becomes a number rather than a name. There is a two year gap between parts one and two and now Alex is a 17-year-old convicted murderer crammed into tight quarters but also having interesting encounters with the "charlie" (prison chaplain) and what Burgess calls "Religion". He writes honestly from his character's POV, rather than (seemingly) forcing his own views on organized religion onto Alex. His (Alex's) statements ring true and sincere, even though they might not be perceived as "good" by some.
After another violence-induced death, Alex gets to participate in an experimental treatment to "cure" him of his badness and will be released much sooner than originally sentenced. The treatment is watching films...or so he thinks...These images of violence are combined with the use of a drug that causes him to experience extreme physical illness so that he begins to associate violence with the illness. Eventually, this happens at the thought of violence without the drugs. Alex has been "reformed."
The "charlie" has two great quotes (really, more, but let's keep it simple, shall we?) about this new technique that really jump out at me as the voice of the author speaking to his readers. "When a man cannot choose he ceases to be a man." (Burgess, p. 93) "(And later...) "And yet, in a sense, to make an ethical choice, you have in a sense really chosen the good." (Burgess, p. 107)
I find it refreshing that the "charlie" is the man who sees the truth of the situation, rather than the reformers or the ultra-violent loving malchik protagonist.
At the close of part two, Alex is "reformed" and released to his former life and world...now what will happen? There's not much more I can say about this because I think that Burgess' writing is clear and well-written. The reader him/herself can form opinions within him/herself. Read on!

Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange, Blog #1

Hum. How to discuss this novel...I thought about writing some creative analysis using Burgess' created Nadsat language (the slang used by the main character/narrator). I also thought about writing something incredibly misleading about puppies and kitties and happy smiling families. Nah. I'll just dive in.

This is book is not for the weak of heart or mind. Not saying anything about myself here...because I'm having more than second thoughts about this one, myself. Not only is the language something to make your brain hurt (imagine reading a book half in your native language and half in another one you haven't studied - full-immersion), but the images Burgess paints are vividly vile and violent. (ooh...alliteration!)

If you read this book, you must make sure to get an edition that includes all 21 chapters. Apparently, Burgess intentionally wrote the novel with 21 chapters and divided into three sections of 7 chapters each. SO, if you do read the novel, be sure to read Burgess' introduction as well. Primary sources are always good when trying to understand the "why" of a novel.

I plan to blog on this novel thrice: at the end of each section. So...section 1 - we are introduced to Alex, our 15-year-old protagonist. He has a gang of "droods" with whom he spends his evenings stealing, vandalizing, raping and beating...oh, and of course getting high on some sort of drug. Ah, teens today...Anyway, Alex is very intellectual but never remorseful. I think it's fair to share this little "spoiler" since it occurs fairly early on in the novel - he gets busted by the police and is in custody at the end of section one.

One quote of section one that jumped out at me was when the social worker is confronting Alex as to why he does what he does. "They don't go into the cause of goodness, so why of the other shop?" (Burgess, p 44) Alex spends a few moments theorizing on bad vs. good and he raises some interesting points...but I'll leave that for future readers...

My challenge is that if you choose to read this book, do so without the aid of A Clockwork Orange (guide to the language, dictionary, et. al.) It is a challenge but it really makes you think and pay attention.

Oh, and like A Million Little Pieces this is definitely NOT for kids...while the bizarre language masks a lot of the imagery, if you figure out the language, you'll be disgusted. Trust me. Like I said, lots of violence and rape and some more violence. Without remorse.

Strange read...I'm wondering why anyone would recommend it...perhaps as I read on I'll figure it out...

And Now for Something Completely Different..

I have taken suggestions for next reads and have decided (and now begun) my third book in this little experiment: Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange.
When I purchased the book at my local Barnes and Noble, the young man behind the counter smiled weakly, then spoke up. "Uh, I don't mean anything by this...but this is a tough read...not that I don't think you can handle it...I just wanted to let you know...I mean, I am an avid reader and I was stumped" (Insert expression of, "do I look like a total idiot to you? Maybe it's the business clothes that make me look stuffy?") Then the young man went to on to explain that Burgess created his own language used by his characters in this novel. What a relief! I can handle bizarre language, as I've had experience with made up languages before. Although, it did put me on my guard and had me searching the Internet for a translation guide at the ready...
I chose this as my next novel for several reasons. First, it was recommended to me by someone I consider fairly brilliant and clever and someone who knows me pretty well. Second, when I saw it at the bookstore, it looked like a "quick" read (only 212 pages). However, this myth in my mind has been put to rest by the nice checkout boy at B&N who brought the whole "new language" thing to my attention. Third, I knew absolutely nothing about this novel before I picked it up. And finally, from what I could gather from the cover image and the summary/notes on the back (what is that called?!?!), this is something completely different from my more recent reads. Violence, nay, make that "Ultraviolence"...funny words to wade through...oh the joy! Something very different from mastering the art of making authentic French bread, and even quite different from recovering from substance abuse.
Now, if only more people followed and commented so I could determine if this was worth my while or just give the whole thing up...but then again, it benefits me and that's enough.

Book #2, Blog #4

I don't like clichés, but isn't it a convenient one for a woman to blame emotions on hormones? That having been said, I've just completed My Life in France by Julia Child and am fighting back tears. I think it has more to do with her epilogue feeling like the end of her extraordinary life more than just the end of a great read, but Child's book really did hit home with me.
I adored her stories and even found myself smiling as if talking with an old friend when she would begin a paragraph sharing a story about something and would finish it rather abruptly. I suppose I kept expecting major plot points when she would start out with, "one evening..." and only later realize she was just telling about one evening. Her voice is clear throughout this piece and I even heard echos of her as I read passages...well, I believe it was a cross between her real voice and Dan Akroyd's SNL impersonation. Either way, it was the heart of Julia speaking to her reader. The element that holds this book together is the photographs. Not only are the beautiful and help tell the story, but they are (mostly) the work of her beloved husband, Paul - a talented artist in his own right.
I wont dare to undertake a feat such as cooking my way through Mastering the Art of French Cooking any time soon...if ever. But I do hope to do a little more cooking a la Julia. As my dear friend Leigh said when recommending this read, "read it! You'll immediately want to bake French bread!" I might have to try it someday...
One quote that I absolutely love from this book and will hold on to in my own heart is when Julia says of herself, "I was thirty seven years old and still discovering who I was." May we all live each day as a new discovery.
This book is much like a fine French meal: it has all of the elements, lots of flavor, the heart of the chef in each moment and complete with the perfect presentation (down to the personal photos). Well, one can't end a blog about Julia Child without her famous last words:
"Bon appétit!"

Dual Book Blogging

Ok, so I have decided to read another book or two while working on this project. Aside from my Read and Blog choices, I'm also doing a lot of research for NaNoWriMo. This will involve reading or at the least skimming several WWII books. Additionally, I am reading Stormie Omartian's The Power of a Praying Wife in an effort to strengthen my personal prayer and quiet time.
If I choose to blog about any additional texts I am reading, I will make note in the title as to which book I am referring. Otherwise, "Book #(whatever), Blog #(whatever)" will refer to the "official books"...currently Julia Child's My Life In France.

Book #2, Blog #3

Normally, I devour books. Given the time, I will plow through a novel as fast as possible; even books others might not see as "page turners". I'm a fast reader, and as I've mentioned in my previous post...I'm OCD. Once I start something, I usually focus all of my energy into that one thing (book, knitting project, film series, etc.) until it gets done.
This is not really the case with My Life in France. I find myself dawdling over each page, each story. It is as if I know that when I finish the book, I will long for its stories. Classic case of "please, don't let this book end!" Not only is Julia writing about my favorite place in the world, but she's also writing delicious stories about food and adorable anecdotes. I particularly love how her writing seems to follow her train of thought often from one unconnected (or remotely connected) tale to another. This book is a real gem!

Sidebar - An Obsession

If I haven't mentioned it before, I am rather OCD about a few things in my life pertaining primarily to books and movies. I do not consider myself materialistic really, but when it comes to books and DVD I suppose I could be...

In short, I must possess them. I don't like borrowing books, although I love libraries for research and for the simple smell of old pages. I adore getting lost in the stacks. However, deep down inside I want to put the books on my shelves at home, almost as a badge - "I've read this".

DVDs are much the same; however, I generally do not buy new releases but "bargain hunt" with them. I enjoy diving headlong into the $5 bin at Wal*Mart. If a movie plays once a month on TNT or TBS or any other major network, chances are, I own it too. (And of course, I will only watch it when I stumble across it on TV, rather than actually pulling it off the shelf...)

This fact could explain why I have over 400 DVDs (alphabetized, no less) and four teeming bookshelves in my home...

And I do NOT like things on my books or DVDs - discount stickers, "Now a Major motion picture" notes...and if it is a book made into a movie, I would much rather have the edition without images from the film plastered all over the cover art. Today, I have been laboring to remove the sticky residue from a "Motion Picture" sticker from Julia Child's My Life In France. I just want the beautifully simple cover art featuring an adorable photo of Julia and Paul looking at each other...no gimmicks!!

Oh, and I often judge books by their covers...so sue me.

Child's My Life in France; Blog #2

Chapter 1 is complete and my bags are packed. Ok, not literally but wouldn't it be nice to be able to just move to France? I realize as I write that it might just be me, but I know where my heart is and has always been. I like the smells of France, even the icky ones. I like the people of France, even the stuck-up ones. France looks like opening the pages of a history book and smells like an old library. Something about how old it is attracts me like no corner of America ever could.
While I'm sure there are many differences between myself and Julia Child, I find one common connection...a heartbeat; tucked into a short tale of an American friend, unhappy in Paris. As hyperbolic and it sounds, her words echo in my soul, "I had come to the conclusion that I must really be French, only no one had ever informed me of this fact." (p.58)

NaNoWriMo has already stolen my life...and it's still October

Ok, so as I've posted on my other blog (http://www.dramacates.blogspot.com/) that I am going to participate in the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge - to write a 50k word novel between Nov 1 and Nov 30. Well, I've got an idea and I'm doing so much research that I've had to set aside my reading and pick up my researching!

However, I will spend some more time with Julia today in an effort to maintain this blog, as well. For all friends who read any of my ramblings, please "follow" my blog!! I would love to know if you're reading it...even if it's just to help you fall asleep. I would also appreciate your feedback and will soon be requesting suggested readings for future titles!!

Also, if you're interested in NaNoWriMo, please visit their website at http://www.nanowrimo.org/.

Julia Child's My Life in France

I knew it would happen...and it did. I was no more than one paragraph into Julia Child's My Life in France when I felt it...that deep longing to pack all of my belongings and charter a transatlantic vessel that would drop me off in France. Oh, don't get me wrong, I love being an American. But to take Gertrude Stein's (I believe) famous quote and make it my own, Paris is the hometown of my heart.
While my previous read and this are both memoirs, that is where the comparisons end. This joyful book makes me want to travel often, laugh more and eat exquisite food. No, I have not seen the film Julie and Julia, although I'm sure to love it when I do (I have read the book). I don't have to watch a film to know - Julia Child lived a marvelous life without fear and most likely without regrets. What a woman!
I'm having trouble tearing myself away from this story long enough to go to work and live my own life. My enjoyment was enhanced the other night when my parents had us over for boeuf bourguignon...one of Julia's most famous recipes. It was phenomenal. I now understand why Julia loved to cook!!
I don't want this book to end!

Book #1 - Done!

James Frey's A Million Little Pieces has it all: conflict, love, failure, success, hope, fear. It is not for the weak of heart - vividly describing a double root canal sans anesthesia or pain meds post-op. It is also not for anyone with a sensetivity to adult themes and language. It is a book that chronicles one man's trip to and through rehab; and he pulls no punches. Definitely not for kids.

Frey does not subscribe to the AA Twelve Step Program. He's very cavilier. But personally, I like his attitude because for my own struggles and vices I can either blame "genetics" or sickness or I can take personal responsibility and say, "it ends with me".

But seeing as how I'm not a recovering addict or someone searching for the light at the end of "the darkest darkness" tunnel, I found the book compelling. I don't really care if Frey embellished his tale. I especially don't care that one of the major contentious points was the amount of time he spent in jail - something that is not chronicled and only mentioned through the end of the story.

Yes, I tried to read The Smoking Gun article detailing the contradictions...and I found I just don't care. I read it as a book, I accepted it as a form of historical fiction - based in reality, but certainly not Absolute Truth. Perhaps it is because I think of things from my past often through the proverbial rose-colored glasses. There are things that I am told happened that I do not remember - and I've never done drugs or excessive alcohol or just randomly blacked out. There are things that I am told happened differerntly than I recall.

Not to belittle those with serious chemical addictions, but I think we all have addictions; some more serious than others, but they're addictions nonetheless.

Bottom line, this is a good book; it's intense and well written. For me, it was not life-changing. I'm even tempted to read the follow-up book My Friend Leonard that picks up where this left off and talks about his rehab "dad", a patient named (duh) Leonard. But for now, I'm moving from drug addiction to focus on my own personal addiction - FOOD...up next, Julia Child's My Life in France. I can't wait!

Addiction

We've all got one...what's yours?

Book #1, Blog #3

Wow. There is so much about this book. I hate it, I love it; it's the truth, it's a lie. In short - it's good.
Frey captures addiction and paints it so accurately that I don't care if he embellished or even completely made up his account. It makes me see my own addictions (though no drugs or alcohol) for what they are. I love his insistence on personal responsibility. It's not a "disease", it's a choice.
But at the same time, I think his constant anti-12 Steps, anti-The Program attitude would be devastating to recovering addicts who have found help and hope in the 12 Steps and The Program. I know some of those folks who are hurting and healing. I don't think I could recommend this book to them without feeling as if I were some how offering them their own excuse to return to their "drug of choice." Frey absolutely does not paint a pretty picture of addiction, but it's so vivid that it could almost be tempting.
His language and his experiences are like cold water in the face, but I wouldn't use the word refreshing. I want to know why he choose the scribble pages. The Tao makes sense but I still think it's a sorry excuse for self-important folks to wave in the face of Believers as the only truth...and tout the concepts of no absolute truths.
This book really is A Million Little Pieces - with each piece invoking a feeling or response of some kind. Some disgust and some hope. Definitely not for the weak of heart or stomach or mind. The cover image of a hand covered in little round candy sprinkles makes sense to me. It's reaching out and you can feel its texture. That feeling is so much what the book creates within the reader. Reaching out...covered..hesitant..enticing...

Quick Thought - Tao Te Ching

I'm trying not to be too cynical - but Tao Te Ching? Really, Mr. Frey? My apologies, but it always strikes me as intellectual b.s. made for folks who want to feel spiritually superior. It's my blog - I can say that if I want to.

OH..and according to the Tao, that makes me "a Fool"...

Book #1; Blog #2

As I continue through James Frey's book about rehab and addiction, I've found myself using little yellow sticky notes to highlight passages I like, passages that resonate with me. I want to share a couple of those today: (Note: all quotes as from James Frey's A Million Little Pieces, published by Anchor Books.)
- "I have lived with agony so long that as it beats a long with my strong and steady heart, it doesn't bother me." (pg 67)
- "Stay. Fight. Live. Take it. Cry. Cry. Cry." (pg 160)

Now, looking back at my little flags and what they point out, I'm realizing that out of context they are just words. They might seem deep or powerful or at least somewhat encouraging, but truthfully it is there place in Frey's story that makes them so. I might have to stop flagging passages as if I'm writing a research paper and just read the flipping book for what it is.

I've also just realized that I'm not judging Frey. As someone who has been free from addictions in my life (so far), I have often felt very self-righteous and judgemental towards those who succumb. Maybe I'm growing up. Maybe I know what addictions look like and how they affect others, even if I haven't experienced it myself.

To me, this book speaks to hope. We all have problems. Call them addictions or issues or problems or whatever. We've all got baggage. Hang ups. Maybe it's just where I am in life right now...but this book screams hope to me. Maybe I just need a little hope some days.

I digress...

Page 181 - I read on.

Frey's A Million Little Pieces Blog 1

Frey's writing style is it's own addictive substance. He writes like my brain works and it makes sense and compels me forward through each chapter, turning each page. His images are vivid and brutal and real. I am far enough in to have just read an account of having major reconstructive dental surgery without anesthesia or painkillers. Whether this is real or not, it makes my mouth hurt. My whole body can sense what he describes and I'm terrified to think of ever needing a root canal with the help of painkillers...Vivid. Brutal. Real.

I'm realizing that my blog about what I've read so far somewhat mimics his style of writing and I'm interested to see if future reads provide similar inspiration or if I have just found my own style to be similar to Frey's. Hum...something to think about it. Hopefully, if folks actually read this regularly, I can get clued in to any kind of trend or voice. (SIDEBAR!)

So far, so good. While there is image after image of disturbing events and an abundance of adult language (I would hope folks would realize that a book about drug addiction might not be rated G), there are inklings of hope already tucked inside the pages. After all, Frey lived to write a book about it. My personal experiences with people struggling against difficult and overwhelming odds tells me that the man in this story (real or embellished) is seeking. Seeking healing but not really physically. And his statements about his family and his feeling of inadequacy and failure resonate. You don't have to have been an addict to feel like a disappointment. To wonder at how someone still loves you. (pg 44) The power of this love pulses through this character and seems to compel him, without him knowing it perhaps - to keep going.

I'm on page 77...I'm sure he'll face other horrible things...read on!

Book 1 - James Frey's A Million Little Pieces

At the recommendation of several friends, I am beginning this reading/blogging combo with James Frey's A Million Little Pieces. I am not really amused or even bothered by the whole concept of his "embellishements". I only heard about the controversy after deciding to read the book.

And I do judge books by their cover - so sue me. I like this one; it's caught my eye before and today I relished making the buy at Barnes and Noble. Oh - have I mentioned that I have this insane obssession with possessing things? Sounds really materialistic, but I promise, it's not about labels, money, etc. etc. I really just enjoy "OWNING" things...hence the fact that I prefer to buy books for myself and have over 450 DVDs in my personal library...

I could be persuaded to make better use of my library card and even join Netflix with the right argument...but for now, I'm going to keep hoarding things, thank you very much. Enough blogging...time for reading!

Quick Recap

I've done a lot of reading in the past few months and I wish to start my blog on a fresh book - the first recommended by friends. But let's recap the most recent reads, shall we? Here they are in the order in which they pop into my head:

1 - Dumas (pere) - The Count of Monte Cristo
Great story - quick read, actually...sadly, if you've seen the film with Guy Pierce and Jim Caviezel, you will most likely wish the book were more like this very liberal adaptation. A worthwhile read, just not much at all like the film...and the film's pretty darn good.

2 - Rowling - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Admittedly, I reread and rewatched the entire series prior to seeing The Half Blood Prince in theatres. I will continue to read this series over the years...well, done Ms. Rowling. I enjoyed the final book and how she manages to tie things together. There were a few loose ends (and some "ends" I would have done differently), but over all a good series.

3 - Powell - Julie and Julia
Great fun. Reads like fiction but I'm overjoyed that it really happened. This book, combined with a recommendation from a trusted friend has prompted my second book I will read for this blog - Child's My Life in France.

4 - King - Confessions of a Failed Southern Lady
Touching, endearing, thought-provoking; and rather ahead-of-her-time when I look at the publication date. I seem to be in a bit of a memoir/autobiography mindset these days, but I'm going to go with it for now...

Perhaps later I will return to the world of outlandish fiction, vampires, and Austen...pressing on...

For My Own Self-Aggrandizement

I simply cannot resist the pressing urge to blog. A woman of words...lots of words...superflously verbose words - why NOT blog? And I do it knowing full well that few, if any will read my ramblings...but I promise, they do have a point.

Well, I'll be honest - it's for my own ego. So now, what to blog about? Well, that Julia and Julie chick beat me to the whole "learn to cook, write a book, and make gads of moolah on a movie" concept...but perhaps I will have some glimmer of good luck as well?!? Oh, who am I kidding...how 'bout I just do it for fun?

But I do love to read. I do it well. So I'll blog about reading. And I'll read it all...I wont be a literary snob. I will take suggestions. I will make suggestions. I will blog about things only slightly connected at all to the literary world...it's like I have my own Op Ed column. Sweet. Now, for the Blogging!