I've been searching lately; searching for something that will touch me. It needn't be a love story that made my emotions run wild. (I'm kind of sick of those at the moment.) What I wanted was something that made me think, that made me yearn for what the characters desired, that pulled at my heartstrings and make me say to myself, "I know what she/he is feeling!" even if I've never experienced said event in my own life. I found that in Wrecked by E. R. Frank. What a fantastic book.
The premise:
Anna gets into a car accident after a drinking party, though she isn't drunk, and ends up killing her brother's girlfriend, Cameron. This spurs not a chain of events, but rather a chain of reactions. It is these reactions that draw the reader deeper into each character. Everyone is affected, and the reactions range from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) to excessive drinking to denial and anger and broken families. But the broken families are a result only of broken people.
You might think that this book is depressing, and in some parts I felt so much of what the character was experiencing that tears came to my eyes, but over all it is a story of hope and healing.
The first page opens with Anna on her hands and knees picking up leaves one at a time from the front yard and placing them in a grocery bag. This is a creative punishment from her father. Later, after Cameron is killed, Anna comes home to see her brother, Jack picking up those same leaves. For a few days I pondered this. What's with the leaves? They have to be symbolic, my English teacher self told me. I was right, and I believe I now have it figured out. The leaves are the pieces of our lives. Sometimes they fall or get scattered or the wind may blow them this way and that and it is our job to get down on our hands and knees and pick up the pieces. Sure, we could rake them all together into a pick pile, but it's still a messy pile of leaves. But doing it one at a time, by hand allows us to make sure we have every single piece. It takes time, lots of time. I imagine doing just my small front patch of lawn one leave at a time, and the mere thought makes me cringe, but sometimes life is like that. There is a lot to fix and it doesn't happen in a few hours. It takes days and even years to clear the ground enough to plant something beautiful. I think the lesson for me is that no matter what happens to us, we can pick up the pieces.
I won't discuss in detail the elements of the story because it would be much better if you read it yourselves. Do so soon. You won't be disappointed.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Nightlight-- The Harvard Lampoon
First let me send props to my friend, Tracy Hewitt, for giving me this book for Christmas. Never before have I read a true parody. Some satire, yes, but this was a pleasant surprise.
For those who don't know, a parody is a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing. In this case, it makes fun of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, not only that, but it also makes fun of elements of the movie.
For the many Twilighters out there, my advice is this: Yes, we fell in love with Edward Cullen, (or at least in lust). Yes, we were obsessed to the point of staying up till all hours of the night and even buying the merchandise. Even we adults have to admit to being sucked back into our teen years with fondness. But there comes a point when we have to stop and come back into reality. Once we look at ourselves clearly, it's time to laugh and say, "What the heck was I thinking to be so completely overtaken my a book series?!" Once you can say that, you have come to the point of reading Nightlight. We can finally make fun of ourselves!
First, the story of Nightlight is about Belle Goose and Edwart Mullen and is set in the town of Switchblade. Belle is convinced beyond a doubt that Edwart is a vampire, and she loves vampires. Unfortunately, Edwart is nothing more than a computer geek.
Some funny moments include the following:
-Belle drives a Uhaul around and fills it with snow to make slushies for her friends.
-Continually insisting that Edwart wants to drink her blood.
-Her father Jim, who sings to her about vampires, and her telling her father that Edwart is a werewolf, which is o.k. in Jim's book.
-Every time Edwart is described, he looks different, making fun, of course, of the way that Meyer describes in minute detail. First Edwart has dark, wavy hair, then red locks, then blond spiky hair. Sometimes it seemed that way in Twilight
There are so many more, I can't even begin to explain. Maybe some excerpts from the novel will do it better than I. Here are a few:
Let me quote from page 31. "How did he know we were in Bio together? How did he know to walk in front of me at the exact moment a snowball was coming? Why did the snowballs melt off him as if they were made of some watery substance? Most of all, why was he lying to me about his true superhuman identity?"
Another from p 73:
I couldn't sleep that night. I kept worrying there was a leech outside my window." (We are all thinking of Victoria in Twilight.)"I kept worrying it was going to jump from the tree onto my window screen and then worm its way in, using its hemoglobin sensors to find where all my blood was. the problem with having great smelling blood is that everyone is going to want some. I got up and closed the window. But that only caused a whole new slew of fears, because what if the leech were already in my room? What if he and Edward were in cahoots, and the leech was merely second banana to him, hiding under my bed until I fell asleep? One thing was for sure--I wasn't going to stop that leech from doing its job. That's no way to do my part for the economy. I opened the window wide and went back to bed."
And lastly, pg 141:
"The vampires stopped rioting. They all got really quiet and started to lick their lips, closing in on Lucy. I started to lick my lips, too, because it's one of those subconscious, contagious things like sneezing, but then I stopped because it just isn't worth it if you forgot to bring ChapStick.
The drop trickled down her arm and onto the floor. Three vampires lunged for it at once. Another drop trickled down. Three more vampires dove to the floor. That's when her hemophilia kicked in. The blood started spurting from her arm like water from a fire hydrant. The vampires held their faces up and opened their mouths to catch the blood, some twirling around and playing in the crimson torrents like kids on a hot summer day."
What can I say that could possibly add to that? Read it, you won't be disappointed.
For those who don't know, a parody is a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing. In this case, it makes fun of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, not only that, but it also makes fun of elements of the movie.
For the many Twilighters out there, my advice is this: Yes, we fell in love with Edward Cullen, (or at least in lust). Yes, we were obsessed to the point of staying up till all hours of the night and even buying the merchandise. Even we adults have to admit to being sucked back into our teen years with fondness. But there comes a point when we have to stop and come back into reality. Once we look at ourselves clearly, it's time to laugh and say, "What the heck was I thinking to be so completely overtaken my a book series?!" Once you can say that, you have come to the point of reading Nightlight. We can finally make fun of ourselves!
First, the story of Nightlight is about Belle Goose and Edwart Mullen and is set in the town of Switchblade. Belle is convinced beyond a doubt that Edwart is a vampire, and she loves vampires. Unfortunately, Edwart is nothing more than a computer geek.
Some funny moments include the following:
-Belle drives a Uhaul around and fills it with snow to make slushies for her friends.
-Continually insisting that Edwart wants to drink her blood.
-Her father Jim, who sings to her about vampires, and her telling her father that Edwart is a werewolf, which is o.k. in Jim's book.
-Every time Edwart is described, he looks different, making fun, of course, of the way that Meyer describes in minute detail. First Edwart has dark, wavy hair, then red locks, then blond spiky hair. Sometimes it seemed that way in Twilight
There are so many more, I can't even begin to explain. Maybe some excerpts from the novel will do it better than I. Here are a few:
Let me quote from page 31. "How did he know we were in Bio together? How did he know to walk in front of me at the exact moment a snowball was coming? Why did the snowballs melt off him as if they were made of some watery substance? Most of all, why was he lying to me about his true superhuman identity?"
Another from p 73:
I couldn't sleep that night. I kept worrying there was a leech outside my window." (We are all thinking of Victoria in Twilight.)"I kept worrying it was going to jump from the tree onto my window screen and then worm its way in, using its hemoglobin sensors to find where all my blood was. the problem with having great smelling blood is that everyone is going to want some. I got up and closed the window. But that only caused a whole new slew of fears, because what if the leech were already in my room? What if he and Edward were in cahoots, and the leech was merely second banana to him, hiding under my bed until I fell asleep? One thing was for sure--I wasn't going to stop that leech from doing its job. That's no way to do my part for the economy. I opened the window wide and went back to bed."
And lastly, pg 141:
"The vampires stopped rioting. They all got really quiet and started to lick their lips, closing in on Lucy. I started to lick my lips, too, because it's one of those subconscious, contagious things like sneezing, but then I stopped because it just isn't worth it if you forgot to bring ChapStick.
The drop trickled down her arm and onto the floor. Three vampires lunged for it at once. Another drop trickled down. Three more vampires dove to the floor. That's when her hemophilia kicked in. The blood started spurting from her arm like water from a fire hydrant. The vampires held their faces up and opened their mouths to catch the blood, some twirling around and playing in the crimson torrents like kids on a hot summer day."
What can I say that could possibly add to that? Read it, you won't be disappointed.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Recommended reading list
A few weeks ago a friend asked me what book she should read next. I listed off a few that I love. These were from all genres. After a brief discussion, I told her that I'd publish a list on my blog of recommended reading. Below are some of my favorites. They are in no particular order. They are fairly recent books. (Within the last 10 or so years.)
1. The Giver-- Lois Lowry-- YA--The story is set in a Utopian society where memories of anything bad have been eradicated. -- Fantastic book. An easy read and one of my all time favorite to teach. There are some shocking, disturbing parts, but all in all, it's a great book for discussion
2.My Sister's Keeper--Jodi Picoult--General Fiction-- A young girl believes she has been bred as extra parts for her sick sister and seeks medical emancipation. -- Huge twist at the end. Picoult always keeps the story moving and the reader on edge.
3. Twilight series--Stephenie Meyer--YA-- Vampires--To those who don't like anything having to do with vampires, stay away. It's a love story that spans four books. I personally loved the first one, (Twilight) kind of liked the second (New Moon), loved the third (Eclipse) and hated the fourth (Breaking Dawn). Once you read one, you have to read them all.
4. The Hunger Games series-- Susanne Collins-- YA--LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book and it's sequel, Catching Fire. The third comes out next summer. The story is set in a futuristic society that seems as though it has fallen into the past. Poverty, government control, etc. The government uses the annual hunger games to remind the populus of it's role in their daily lives. Each year at the reaping, one boy and one girl are chosen by a lottery to play in the hunger games. It is a fight to the death that is televised to the entire nation. The last man or woman standing is given riches, housing, food for their family and celebrity status whether they want it or not.
5. Shiver-- Maggie Stiefvater--YA-- For all you vampire fans who loved Jacob, here is a werewolf story for you. It's not exactly what I expected. It did have a little bit of a love story, but the story extended beyond that. If you like a good solid story that's just for fun. Try it.
6.The Chosen One--Carol Lynch Williams--YA-- This one was given to me as a gift and was very interesting. It's set in what some would define as a cult group. One young girl of 16 is chosen to be the ninth (or so...I can't remember the exact number) wife of her 60 year old uncle. Enough said.
7.Luxe-- Anna Godbersen--YA--Set in Old New York, this story follows Elizabeth Holland and her family as she discovers what it means to follow her heart. Will she marry the rich and handsome womanizer, Henry Schoonmaker, or will her sister steal him from under her nose? Or maybe he will fall for her best friend, the one who is trying to undermine her wedding plans. It's too bad that she isn't in love with Mr. Schoonmaker, which is good news for Will, the stable hand, that is, if Elizabeth ever builds up enough courage to tell him she loves him. To add to the mix is the secret that the Holland family has secretly lost their fortune. That's why Elizabeth's mom has arranged this wedding to Henry.
This story added some twists and turns, but it was a little predictable. I have to admit that I would have been disappointed if it had not fulfilled my predictions. For those who wonder, there was sex, but it was tastefully done for the YA crowd without specific details. This is appropriate for the older YA readers out there.
8. Just about anything by Sarah Dessen--YA-- Dessen writes easy to read chick books. Just Listen, Someone Like You, The Truth About Forever are just a few.
9. Uglies Series-- Scott Westerfeld-- Again this is a futuristic society book. (I seriously don't go looking for these type. They just find me.) This time it's a place where at age 16 the young people are sent to pretty town to have plastic surgery to make them all look like super models. The catch is that they also are turned "Bubbly" (aka, stupid) This is what Tally Youngblood plans until she finds out about a group of uglies that decide being pretty isn't what they want. The series starts with Uglies, then Pretties, Specials and Extras.
10. Tangerine--Edward Bloor-- YA-- The main character is legally blind but still plays soccer. It follows his troubles through school with the lingering question of how he became blind hanging over the entire story.
I'll stop there for today. I'll add a list of titles without explanations for those of you who can look up the explanations on your own. :)
1. The Giver-- Lois Lowry-- YA--The story is set in a Utopian society where memories of anything bad have been eradicated. -- Fantastic book. An easy read and one of my all time favorite to teach. There are some shocking, disturbing parts, but all in all, it's a great book for discussion
2.My Sister's Keeper--Jodi Picoult--General Fiction-- A young girl believes she has been bred as extra parts for her sick sister and seeks medical emancipation. -- Huge twist at the end. Picoult always keeps the story moving and the reader on edge.
3. Twilight series--Stephenie Meyer--YA-- Vampires--To those who don't like anything having to do with vampires, stay away. It's a love story that spans four books. I personally loved the first one, (Twilight) kind of liked the second (New Moon), loved the third (Eclipse) and hated the fourth (Breaking Dawn). Once you read one, you have to read them all.
4. The Hunger Games series-- Susanne Collins-- YA--LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book and it's sequel, Catching Fire. The third comes out next summer. The story is set in a futuristic society that seems as though it has fallen into the past. Poverty, government control, etc. The government uses the annual hunger games to remind the populus of it's role in their daily lives. Each year at the reaping, one boy and one girl are chosen by a lottery to play in the hunger games. It is a fight to the death that is televised to the entire nation. The last man or woman standing is given riches, housing, food for their family and celebrity status whether they want it or not.
5. Shiver-- Maggie Stiefvater--YA-- For all you vampire fans who loved Jacob, here is a werewolf story for you. It's not exactly what I expected. It did have a little bit of a love story, but the story extended beyond that. If you like a good solid story that's just for fun. Try it.
6.The Chosen One--Carol Lynch Williams--YA-- This one was given to me as a gift and was very interesting. It's set in what some would define as a cult group. One young girl of 16 is chosen to be the ninth (or so...I can't remember the exact number) wife of her 60 year old uncle. Enough said.
7.Luxe-- Anna Godbersen--YA--Set in Old New York, this story follows Elizabeth Holland and her family as she discovers what it means to follow her heart. Will she marry the rich and handsome womanizer, Henry Schoonmaker, or will her sister steal him from under her nose? Or maybe he will fall for her best friend, the one who is trying to undermine her wedding plans. It's too bad that she isn't in love with Mr. Schoonmaker, which is good news for Will, the stable hand, that is, if Elizabeth ever builds up enough courage to tell him she loves him. To add to the mix is the secret that the Holland family has secretly lost their fortune. That's why Elizabeth's mom has arranged this wedding to Henry.
This story added some twists and turns, but it was a little predictable. I have to admit that I would have been disappointed if it had not fulfilled my predictions. For those who wonder, there was sex, but it was tastefully done for the YA crowd without specific details. This is appropriate for the older YA readers out there.
8. Just about anything by Sarah Dessen--YA-- Dessen writes easy to read chick books. Just Listen, Someone Like You, The Truth About Forever are just a few.
9. Uglies Series-- Scott Westerfeld-- Again this is a futuristic society book. (I seriously don't go looking for these type. They just find me.) This time it's a place where at age 16 the young people are sent to pretty town to have plastic surgery to make them all look like super models. The catch is that they also are turned "Bubbly" (aka, stupid) This is what Tally Youngblood plans until she finds out about a group of uglies that decide being pretty isn't what they want. The series starts with Uglies, then Pretties, Specials and Extras.
10. Tangerine--Edward Bloor-- YA-- The main character is legally blind but still plays soccer. It follows his troubles through school with the lingering question of how he became blind hanging over the entire story.
I'll stop there for today. I'll add a list of titles without explanations for those of you who can look up the explanations on your own. :)
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