This book has single-handedly been the reason I haven't been reading books a lot lately. It's not that this is a bad book... it's just that Rudyard Kipling is just really, really hard for me to get through for some reason. I think it's because he moves so slowly compared to modern authors.
That being said, once I got into the book I liked it. It wasn't the greatest book ever, but there's definitely a reason people are still reading Kipling. I think the best part about the book is that it's very episodic. So I could read a chapter, go read another book, and then come back to this book without feeling completely lost. As a result, this book would be a good book to keep in your car or purse for long lines, waiting to pick someone up, or the doctor's office waiting room. Actually, any of Kipling's works would be good books for that.
Next up... Mary Poppins Comes Back. I really really had some problems with Mary Poppins, but I'm giving the sequel a chance in hopes that my major issues with the book will be resolved.
After that, I'll be reading a couple of the big time management books that everyone talks about. I've started researching the planner possibilities for next year (next year starting in July or August), but before I can commit to anything I need to figure out what my time management style is and I figure reading a couple productivity books will help. Plus, I need a break from Kipling and children's lit.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
How I Saved My Father's Life by Ann Hood
I'm a day early!! I officially feel awesome about myself.
Anyways... I really enjoyed this book! It follows Madeline, a 12 year old girl, who believes she has saved her father from an avalanche only to have her parents divorce and her father marry Ava Pomme, a sophisticated New Yorker. The story mostly follows her during the first year of her parents' divorce as she comes to terms with what happened.
I really like this story because it deals with a theme every person can relate to even if their parents are not divorced. Madeline has to come to terms with her father, who she thought was perfect, actually left his family for his new wife. At first, she believes it's all her mother's fault for being so ordinary, but as she spends more time with her father and his new wife, pieces start to fall into place. The story doesn't end with her having all the answers, but instead with her realizing that even though her father did something horrible, he's still her father and will be a big part of her life.
As someone who luckily didn't have to go through my parents' divorcing, I can't speak to how accurately this book portrays those feelings. As an adult who has had to come to terms with the fact that my parents are imperfect people though, I loved how the book presented that realization. Madeline was allowed to hate each of her parents for different reasons but decide at the end that she loved them both. That's an important realization for teenagers to make... unfortunately too many people get disillusioned with their parents (or other people) and never get past realizing that they are real people.
This book could be the perfect springboard for a discussion between either a parent and their child or an older sibling and younger sibling about how adults aren't perfect, but you have to accept their imperfections and love them anyways. (P.S. I own this book, but probably won't ever read it again, so if you want the book it's yours!)
Anyways... I really enjoyed this book! It follows Madeline, a 12 year old girl, who believes she has saved her father from an avalanche only to have her parents divorce and her father marry Ava Pomme, a sophisticated New Yorker. The story mostly follows her during the first year of her parents' divorce as she comes to terms with what happened.
I really like this story because it deals with a theme every person can relate to even if their parents are not divorced. Madeline has to come to terms with her father, who she thought was perfect, actually left his family for his new wife. At first, she believes it's all her mother's fault for being so ordinary, but as she spends more time with her father and his new wife, pieces start to fall into place. The story doesn't end with her having all the answers, but instead with her realizing that even though her father did something horrible, he's still her father and will be a big part of her life.
As someone who luckily didn't have to go through my parents' divorcing, I can't speak to how accurately this book portrays those feelings. As an adult who has had to come to terms with the fact that my parents are imperfect people though, I loved how the book presented that realization. Madeline was allowed to hate each of her parents for different reasons but decide at the end that she loved them both. That's an important realization for teenagers to make... unfortunately too many people get disillusioned with their parents (or other people) and never get past realizing that they are real people.
This book could be the perfect springboard for a discussion between either a parent and their child or an older sibling and younger sibling about how adults aren't perfect, but you have to accept their imperfections and love them anyways. (P.S. I own this book, but probably won't ever read it again, so if you want the book it's yours!)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
New Reading Goal
A book and a post a week. Due on Wednesday. Don't expect one tomorrow because there probably won't be one.
I figure that maybe, just maybe that if I have something holding me accountable I'll actually read a book and think about it instead of just playing Minesweeper all night. Now that I don't have the English program to keep me reading like a madman I need something new to keep me focused, and you all get to fill that role. Hope you don't mind!
Also, if you read this on Google Reader, you should look at my actual blog. I changed the whole look and feel thanks to the Google Template Designer and I LOVE it now!!
P.S. Don't be surprised if the form my reviews take changes somewhat in the future. Just let me know what you like/don't like about the new reviews so I can take that into account. I'm working on a project that I'm not quite ready to share with everyone yet. I need to work through some logistics first in my head.
I figure that maybe, just maybe that if I have something holding me accountable I'll actually read a book and think about it instead of just playing Minesweeper all night. Now that I don't have the English program to keep me reading like a madman I need something new to keep me focused, and you all get to fill that role. Hope you don't mind!
Also, if you read this on Google Reader, you should look at my actual blog. I changed the whole look and feel thanks to the Google Template Designer and I LOVE it now!!
P.S. Don't be surprised if the form my reviews take changes somewhat in the future. Just let me know what you like/don't like about the new reviews so I can take that into account. I'm working on a project that I'm not quite ready to share with everyone yet. I need to work through some logistics first in my head.
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