52 Books in 52 Weeks - Year End Wrap up

Here is my complete book list for 2012 in reverse order from December back to January:

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Thomas Newman

Blue Christmas: Now with More Holiday Cheer (New Recipes Too!) by Mary Kay Andrews
How I Came to Sparkle Again by Kaya McLaren
The Three Incestuous Sisters: An Illustrated Novel by Audrey Niffenegger
Calling Invisible Women by Jeanne Ray
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene Dubois
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
The Endless Forest by Sara Donati
The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Fire Along the Sky by Sara Donati
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Lake in the Clouds by Sara Donati
Dawn on a Distant Shore by Sara Donati
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich
Freed to Live by Anne White
Perfect Nightmare by John Saul
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich
Trial by Fire by Anne White
Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
Home by Toni Morrison
How It All Began by Penelope Lively
Tears of Autumn by Charles McCarry
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire: The Methods and Madness Inside Room 56 by Rafe Esquith
Things Fall Apart by Chinụa Achebe
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The True Memoirs of Little K by Adrienne Sharp
Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
An Unexpected Guest: A Novel by Anne Korkeakivi
Letters from the Corrugated Castle by Joan Blos
Lethal by Sandra Brown
A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle
The Maid by Kimberly Cutter
Sarah Bishop by Scott O'Dell
The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta
This Beautiful Life by Helen Schulman
Book of Dreams by Davis Bunn
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa
11/22/63 by Stephen King
New Found Land by Allan Wolf
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal
The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler
Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson
Why Read Moby-Dick? by Nathaniel Philbrick
The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern
Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund
Celia Garth by Gwen Bristow
Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
Sketches by Eric Walters
Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love by Dava Sobel
The Tower, the Zoo and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Ladies' Night at Finbars Hotel edited by Dermot Bolger
How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill
The Ring by Bobbie Pyron
The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel by Garth Stein
The Midnight Zoo by Sonya Hartnett
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz

1) How many books did you read this year? 75

2) Did you meet or beat your own personal goal? Yes, my personal goal was 52 books read. One book a week seemed like it might be a stretch because I never kept track of my reading like this before.

3) Favorite book of 2012? Yes, you can list more than one and even break it down by genre if you choose.
Fiction:  Calling Invisible Women by Jeanne Ray

Inspirational: Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Historical Fiction/Poetry: New Found Land by Allan Wolf

4) Least favorite book of 2012 and why?
In fiction it would be The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
It wasn't nearly brief or wondrous enough for me.

Here is my complete review.  I didn't totally  pan it but I wanted to like it more.

My least favorite non-fiction pick would be A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson.  The only thing I discovered with Bill was that he was full of complaints and not very engaging.  If you want to read a good book on a walk in the woods try Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed.


5) One book you thought you'd never read and was pleasantly surprised you like it?
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

6) One book you thought you'd love but didn't?
The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene Dubois


7) One book that touched you - made you laugh, cry, sing or dance.
Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Calling Invisible Women by Jeanne Ray


8) Any new to you authors discovered and you can't wait to read more of their stories? Erin Morganstern, Veronica Roth, Sarah Blake, and Jeanne Ray


9) Name the longest book you read? Shortest?
Moby Dick seemed like the longest.  I read but didn't list Sarah, Plain and Tall and its sequels.  The kids and I loved these stories.

10) Name the most unputdownable book you read?
Calling Invisible Women by Jeanne Ray

11/22/63 by Stephen King
The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern

11) Book that had the greatest impact on you this year?
Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss


12) What book would you recommend everybody read?
Fiction:  Calling Invisible Women by Jeanne Ray
11/22/63 by Stephen King
The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern


Historical Fiction/Poetry:  New Found Land by Allan Wolf

Nonfiction:  The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson


13) Share your most favorite cover(s)
I really don't remember the covers.  I only remember the titles because I made the list.

14) Do you have a character you fell in love with?
There were so many memorable characters in Ahab's Wife and also I loved Uncle Tom.
15) What was your most favorite part of the challenge? Did you do any of the mini challenges?
 I loved keeping track of my reading and watching the list grow. 
I read Ahab's Wife and Moby Dick as part of a challenge.  I wouldn't have read either book otherwise.  I think I also read The Great Gatsby as part of a challenge.  I started reading Dr. Zhivago but bailed on that before I finished.  Too much snow and too many long train rides.


16) What are your goals for the new year? To read more non fiction? To dip your toes into a mystery or a urban fantasy or horror or romance? What book are you most looking forward to reading in 2013?
For 2013 I want to continue to read 52 books in 52 weeks.  More than that is really just gravy.  I also want to continue to read what I consider to be classics.  I added quite a few to my list this year and I like doing that.  I've been reading them as my children work through their history cycle.  They make me feel smarter.

The books I'm waiting for from my reserve list at the library are Gone Girl and Notorious Nineteen.

Book Review: Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund

Rather than reviewing this book, I feel the need to respond to it.

This story spoke to me as being a story about woman.  The setting of the 19th century gave a backdrop that provides clear roles and expectations of women.  The characters came from all walks of 19th century life.  Agatha, Aunt Charity, Bertha, Charolette, Frannie, Mary, Maria, Margaret, Mrs. Macy/Maynard, Rebekkah, Sallie, Susan.  The pages are populated with women and their stories.  The common thread among all these women was their purposefulness.  No matter the course these women chose, they did so with intent.  Too often, the lives of women are presented as a side line.  The result of a choice or action of a man.  A consequence.  Clearly, while these women were affected by the men in their lives they were not determined by them.

I can't say that I liked all the women or that their choices would have been mine.  I can't say that I agree with their philosophies, perspectives, or conclusions.  I can't say that, if I'd lived in the same place, at the same time, I would have befriended all of them.  I hope I would.  I hope I would have been able to open myself up to the possibility of someone different adding value to my life. 

I also hope that, in my day to day life, I am able to show the strength of purpose and intent that these characters show.  I also hope that, in my day to day life, I am able to remember that being similar does not mean we are the same and that differences bring life.

Book Review: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Margaret, amateur biographer, is hired to write the biography of one of the greatest and most illusive novelists of all time, Vida Winter.  As Margaret begins her task she asks to be reassured that the story she is being told is the truth.  The remainder of the book is Vida's truth and Margaret's effort to untangle it and find her own.

This story is a well-written mash up of Flowers in the Attic and Rebecca or perhaps Jane Eyre.  If you are a fan of Gothic romances this book is one that you will probably enjoy.  In the spirit of the Gothic romances of the past you'll find a heroine with her own mystery, intrigue and even a bit of danger.  Setterfield uses all the expected twists and turns, mistaken identity, ghosts, the moors, a special garden and an imposing house to weave her tale.  This is not normally a genre that I read but I found the characters and plot enough to hold my attention and pull me through to the end even if only to confirm my own guesses for the ending.

Book Review: Ladies' Night at Finbar's Hotel

Through seven short stories, we learn some of what goes on during the re-opening night of Finbar's Hotel.  The stories overlap every now and then but also stand on their own.  The cast of characters is varied and the stories are entertaining.  The hotel itself serves as a back drop but the action could just as easily take place at the local Mariott in any city USA.  If you are looking for some quick stories to entertain, this certainly fills the bill.  If you are looking for definitive Irish literature you'd probably better look elsewhere.

Book Review: How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill

In his book, How the Irish Saved Civilization, Thomas Cahill combines narrative and literary analysis with a comprehensive knowledge of history and historical figures to weave a tale of devotion and heroism.  Cahill does a convincing job of tracing the survival of civilization's literary history to the Irish monks.  Not only does Cahill discuss the social and political situation throughout Europe during the Fall of Rome he also shows the growth and development of Ireland at a time when the rest of the world was in decline. 

I love it when I read a book that makes me feel smarter.  This is one of those books.  Over the past two years I've learned a lot about ancient and medieval civilization.  Teaching those time periods has forced me to read more and find interests in time periods that, to be honest, I thought were kind of boring.  As a result, I discovered that I really like history and that the story of people is as interesting in the past as it is in the present.  Reading this book added another perspective and gave me a clearer understanding of the transition between the Roman Empire and the Dark Ages.

Book Review: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz was on the list from my book club.  I'm trying to catch up on the books they've read that I haven't.  I usually really like their picks although every now and then I run into a dud.  I won't put Oscar into the dud category but it won't make my list of favorites.

The book was well written and the stories had potential to engage.  Unfortunately, I just didn't feel it. In it's favor, this is one of those books that stretched me.  I had to pay attention and use my memory to link things I'd read (LOTR) to this novel.  I learned quite a bit about the history of the Dominican Republic.  I appreciate a fiction book that makes me feel smart for having read it.  The setting and context were flawless. 

The characters were what I found lacking.  Though the stories were compelling, I couldn't connect to anyone.  The women especially were shells with no flesh.  They didn't invoke feeling or connection.  I'm not sure if it was because of the chronology in which the story was told or the voice of the narrator.   Maybe it was a combination of the two that left me feeling disconnected. 

The other difficulty I had was the fact that I'm not fluent in Spanish.  In most instances there were enough context clues that I got the gist of what was said but I certainly didn't get the nuances, if there were any.  Also, Oscar was a sci-fi and fantasy nut.  There were an extensive number of references to that genre that I only hope I understood. 

While I'm not sorry I read The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz I won't put it on my list of books to recommend.

Book Review: Digging to America by Anne Tyler

Digging to America by Anne Tyler explores the question of nature verses nurture on a variety of levels.   This book presents the question of what makes one a citizen of a particular culture as opposed to a citizen of a particular country.  It also explores how culture and individuality impact each other.  By introducing two very different American families as they become parents through international adoption, Tyler gives us a window on what makes a family and how families develop their traditions, cultures and ideals and how individuals function as parts of a family.  We also see how families develop the principles of love, forgiveness, acceptance, judgement and live though hardships, differences and every day life.

In choosing to focus on a stereotypical American family and an Iranian American family as they each adopt a Korean daughter, the stage is set for a study of individuals and cultures.  Will these two girls be Korean or American?  American or Iranian?  What choices will their parent make to reinforce or deny their birth culture?  Will those choices make a difference in the family or the child?  Both families learn that differences are more than skin deep.  They also learn that differences are a result of more than culture.  Both families learn that by loving those that are different, they find new similarities. 

By weaving interesting characters with a story that explores how we become who we are, Anne Tyler spins a tale of family and love that left me cheering at the end.

Book Review: The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall

Jeanne Birdsall won a National Book Award for her first book, The Penderwicks.  When I read that book I was drawn into a family and was taken back to the books I'd loved in my childhood, Betsy and Tacy, Laura Ingalls, Rebecca of Sunnybrook, Ann of Green Gables.  The stories I loved as a child described the simple acts of a day in a way that created a connection and a feeling of belonging.  Ms. Birdsall masterfully recreates that connection and sense of belonging and introduces us to a new family to love.  While her stories are set in more modern times, the activities, feelings and emotions are timeless.

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street reintroduces us to the Penderwick family in their home without burying us in unnecessary back story.  Ms. Birdsall does an excellent job of reconnecting us with her characters and reminding us of why we enjoyed them so much the first time around.  She sets the pace, slow but steady, and gives us conflict that is just enough to keep the story moving but not enough to make us feel uncomfortable.  Ms. Birdsall captures a simple rhythm that throws off the media frenzy of gloom and doom and reminds us that the most important things are the ones that happen with and to the people we love.

One of the most pleasant aspects of these books is the portrayal of adults.  Too often adults in children's literature are inept, stupid or evil.  Very seldom do the adults provide anything but a comic relief or villainy. The majority of adults in the Penderwick books provide a picture of reasonable adult behavior in which adults engage with children in a loving and respectful way. It's lovely to read a story where the family is a place of love and safety.  It's also worthwhile to hear of the struggles between real values and difficulties with upholding those values.   While the Penderwicks live in an idyllic world, they are not perfect, and because of their struggles, failures and triumphs we can enjoy them all the more.

I highly recommend both of The Penderwick novels.

Book Review: The New Good Life

John Robbins set out, according to his subtitle, to tell us how to live better than ever in an age of less.  His life story plays heavily into his definition of better living and adds interest and understanding of Robbins' perspective and ideals.  By helping us understand our money type and explaining the steps of financial freedom Robbins sets us on the road to a new life.  He then helps us understand how our current life is less than best and what we can do to improve our lives according to his standards. 

Robbins calls for a return to a simpler time.  He is an advocate of all things green.  His book is a trumpet call for reducing our carbon footprint as a way to redefine what is  good.  According to Robbins, good is no longer defined by material possessions or means.  Good is defined by taking care of the environment and, as an extension, ourselves.  It's what we do not what we have that counts in this new good life.

Much of what Robbins says is common sense.  We do need to learn the difference between wants and needs.  Eating low on the food chain is a healthy choice.  Children are expensive.  However, his rationale for making change is not always so clear.  His choice of good assumes that everyone will be happier if they adopt his definition.  It also assumes that his personal choices are the good choices. 

I found the chapters on eating and cleaning to be the most helpful.  I've made some steps in those areas so affirmation and ideas for further progress were appreciated.  The chapter about children was the least helpful and was borderline offensive.  As with all self-help books, I'll take the good and move on.  I do agree with Robbins that, as a nation, our method of determining success by Gross National Product (GNP) is a misleading and dangerous standard of measurement.  Also, thanks to Mr. Robbins I'll be taking some time to learn more about Bhutan. 

Book Review: Original Sins

In Original Sins, author Peg Kingman sets forth to paint a picture of slavery and freedom in the United States during the mid-1800s.  She reflects the issues and attitudes of the time by depicting an intrigue centering around the main character, Grace, a Scottish woman living in the United States with her husband and child.  Grace is a abolitionist, scientist and free thinker.  Her history and circumstances bring her into conflict with distant relatives and former slaves.  In order to give a more complete picture of this time period, Kingman has worked hard to include a variety of then-current theological arguments and some scientific studies including the early development of photography.

This kind of story, one that presents a multi-faceted, thinking woman, is among my favorite.  In Grace, Kingman does a wonderful job of showing a well rounded woman, limited by her society but not by herself.  I thoroughly enjoyed Grace.  The other characters, while numerous, were hand picked to portray certain stereotypes of the time.  Grace seemed to be the only character that was allowed to be multi-dimensional.  This aspect reminded me that we tend to see people from only one perspective.  Even though the story wasn't told from Grace's point of view we are only able to experience the other characters in a singular sense.

My one disappoinment in the story had to do with theology and Grace's determination that because some theology (mainly that of the slave holder) was wrong then all theology was in doubt.  I know that characters must take a point of view.  It would have been nice if a less extreme point of view could have been offered.  I expect that Grace's mother-in-law could have offered a lovely perspective on being truly Christ like as could have the Quaker family but neither were asked.  Perhaps, their actions speak louder than any words could have.

The historical aspects and interest in this story make it worth the read and the main character makes it worthwhile.  While some of the intrigue and characters seemed to drag a bit, overall, the book was enjoyable, well written and well-researched.

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

I have been waiting for this book since I finished Catching Fire.  I pre-ordered it and then regretted doing so because my copy didn't arrive until August 30.  To say I was eagerly anticipating it is understatement.  I devoured the book in an evening and found myself left frustrated and irritated.  Now, I want the real Mockingjay and not this.

My three main complaints are the change in the nature of the characters, the lack of relationship between the characters and the side stepping of issues that have been raised throughout this series.

The characters changed in ways that made little sense, death reigned on the just and unjust in ways that seemed contrived rather than the result of circumstances and the plot seemed to be forced through one set of implausible events after another.

Too often the reader was expected to accept a change as so without adequate support from the story.  Gale turned from revolutionary thinker to terrorist.  Katniss changed from champion and protector to hysterical basket case.   Peeta becomes the only one with a reason for his transformation and even that doesn't ring true because it ends too quickly and simply.  The deaths that were meant to invoke feeling and lend meaning ended up feeling contrived and irritating.

As with Katniss's publicity promotions, I only felt like I was seeing the real Katniss when she was put in a position of action.  Maybe because of the nature of the Hunger Games and the two previous novels Collins didn't know what to do with a Katniss that wasn't under that kind of constant pressure.  I think the situations presented in the Mockingjay gave Katniss plenty of opportunity to get up and get moving but rather than seeing action we saw self-absorption and total disregard for anything that wasn't in her face.  I also felt that Katniss hadn't learned anything about politics and power or rather she'd forgotten all she'd been taught.  The scene with Snow in the greenhouse and her vote about the Hunger Games seems to demonstrate her cluelessness.

The relationship between Katniss and the cat, Buttercup, takes up more of her time and energy than any other relationship.  Gale drops from the picture, Peeta is written off, mother is too busy as is Prim, some of the other champions become more central and a new relationship with the guard develops.  Throughout the series, Katniss has shown a talent for connecting with others.  In this novel she isn't able to connect with anyone.  Perhaps this is a reflection of all she's been through but now, that she's relatively safe, shouldn't the best of her shine through?  I also found in frustrating that none of the other characters had any connection with each other.  I suppose since Katniss was inward focused we weren't able to see what was happening around her. 

The issues raised by this series, government control, personal responsibilty, humanity, resourcefulness, contrived reality as entertainment, self sufficiency, globalization, revolution and terrorism, aren't answered.  Really, how could they be?  Rather they are ignored.   What remains is a new world about which we know nothing and a flightless mockingjay.

In this book, I felt the author went for the movie ending in an assigned number of pages rather than being true to the characters and situation as set forth in the previous novels. While I am relieved that this ending wasn't as bad as the made for t.v. ending, which would have involved the death of Gale and the crowning of Katniss and Peeta as king and queen, I am not satisfied with what is left.

Weekly Recap 3/22-4/2/10

With company last week, public school spring break. me traveling to Las Vegas, dh leaving for Louisiana and week of life as usual this week, I feel like it's been forever since I did a recap. As a result of all that we've been doing, I'll just hit the highlights.

On March 23, K13 and H11 became Safe Sitter certified! I'm thrilled that they are both trained and after hearing about their day of learning I'm pretty pleased at the way I prepared them for babysitting. They are not ready to babysit for others.

This week, S8 has been working on and has almost mastered an essential life skill. He is so proud of himself!

We also introduced our foreign exchange student to one of our silly Easter traditions, Robin's Eggs.  She was thrilled to join us in our silliness.

And in the midst of all this fun, we actually got some school work done. 

K13:
Writing - persuasive argument
R&S Grammar 8 - Chapter 9
Lial BCM - Ch 9 Basic Algebra
History - The Beginning of Christianity, The End of the Ancient Jewish Nation, Rome and the Christians
Biology - The Human Body - Skeletal and muscular systems

H11: R&S Grammar 5 - Chapter 9
Writing - Writing Strands 4 - #1
Life of Fred Fractions - Lessons 16-20 Passed Bridge!
History - The Beginning of Christianity, The End of the Ancient Jewish Nation, Rome and the Christians
Biology - The Human Body - Skeletal and muscular systems

S8:
Writing - poetry
R&S Grammar 2 - Unit 5 #15-25
Math on the Level - money and multiplication facts
History - The Beginning of Christianity, The End of the Ancient Jewish Nation, Rome and the Christians
Biology - The Human Body - Skeletal and muscular systems

M5:
Phonics Pathways
First Language Lessons
Math on the Level - money
History - The Beginning of Christianity, The End of the Ancient Jewish Nation, Rome and the Christians
Biology - The Human Body - Skeletal and muscular systems

We just finished listening to this wonderful book on cd.  It was perfect for the decline of  Rome and early Christianity.  The author, Lynne Reid Banks (Indian in the Cupboard), wove a story that called into question the expectations of Roman society at every turn.  Social classes, entertainment, and religion were just a few of the societal norms that were questioned.  The story provided interest for all ages and plenty of material for discussion.  It also supplied a well-researched peek into life in ancient Rome.   All the dc loved it and were sorry when it ended.

It's been a real blessing to have our study of early Christianity fall during Lent and Holy Week.  I never imagined being able to tie our beliefs into our history so easily and feeling as if the lesson was really being lived.  Another benefit of home schooling that I never could have anticipated.

Book Review: An Echo in the Bone by Diane Gabaldon

In her much anticipated seventh novel, Diana Gabaldon gave another peek into the lives of Jamie Fraser and his time traveling wife, Claire Randall Fraser. For those of you that have followed this pair since the release of the first book in 1996 the opportunity to learn more about Claire and Jamie was worth the wait. In her usual swashbuckling style, Diana Gabaldon took Jamie and Claire from America at the beginning of the revolution and carried them, almost safely, to Scotland and there, she left them, and me, anxiously awaiting the eighth novel.

When I first found Jaime and Claire more than ten years ago, I never imagined that their story would become so far reaching or continue to be so much fun. I can't tell you of another hero and heroine that I have enjoyed more. Their relationship, talents (individual and joint), conversations, friends, adventures and love would be worth reading without the masterful historical context, celebrity guest appearances and drama.

Three cheers for the adventure, suspense, history and joy I experience in each of the books of this series. My only complaint with this addition to the series is the avalanche of action in the last section. I ended the book breathless and was required to reread a bit to make sure I'd understood everything that had happened. A cliff hanger in every sense of the term. Write quickly, please, Ms. Gabaldon.

Book Review: Day After Night by Anita Diamant

Day After Night is the story of Jewish survivors of the Holocaust. It focuses on four women, girls really, who have managed to escape from Europe to Palestine only to find themselves, once again, imprisoned. This time their jail is Atlit, a British internment camp. The story tells the heartbreaking past and present of the four girls as they come back to life.

I was entranced by the characters, their courage and their faults. Each of the girls spoke to me in a way only well formed characters can. The story, much of it based on fact, was riveting. Because of my attachment to the characters, the entire reading of this novel felt very personal, as if I were listening to stories told by my grandmother.

Anita Diamant explored a very sensitive period with tenderness and courage and each of her character reflect both those attributes.

Book Review: The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming

Picking up The Kingdom of Ohio I wasn't really sure what to expect. I read the fly leaf and wasn't sure. I read the backcover and didn't feel any more informed. I liked the title. I lived in Ohio for awhile. I figured anything about Ohio was worth taking a chance.

Now that I've finished the book, I'm still not quite sure what it was about. I'm not sure the author is either. I'm fairly certain the editor had no clue.

The Kingdom may have been a science fiction love story with more fiction than science and more longing than love. Connected alternate universes with no explanation for why such connections would occur. A mysterious machine that may or may not have been the connection. Real life heavy hitters like Edison, Tesla, J.P. Morgan and the NY subway. Their presence felt as disjointed as the aternate universes that may or may not have existed.

The questions the book generated for me were only enhanced by the endless footnotes and explanations. Following the main story was challenging enough without muddling it further by adding imaginary nonfiction.

As I completed the book, I experienced profound relief, not in the ending or the resolution, but rather, in the fact that I could stop trying to make the story make sense. I hope the main character also found the respite he seemed to seek.

Book Review: The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

The Year of the Flood is a story of the end of an old world and the beginning of a new one. Atwood explores human nature and how crisis leads to renewal, for some. Having read Atwood before, I wasn't surprised at her premise. Taking the excesses of current society and following them to their sometimes logical ends and beyond is something I've come to expect in Atwood's writing.

Though I've enjoyed Atwood's futuristic writing in the past, this story was not one that I would recommend. The characters were likeable enough but not engaging. In spite of, or perhaps because of the extensive back story, I had no strong attachment to any group or ideal. I recognized those the author felt were worth saving from the flood and those that were kept around solely to add drama after the flood.

Perhaps the extensive back story led to my feeling of inevitability but the ties from character to character seemed predictable and there was little delight when old friends were reunited. Rather, I felt that I should be checking the reconnections off on a list that had been deliberately presented through the back story.

I understand that this is a companion book to another of Atwood's books. It may be worthwhile to read Oryx and Crake but since those characters and Jimmy were my least favorite part of this story, I'm not sure it's worth my time.

Book Review: Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson

In his second book, the adventure and inspiration of Greg Mortenson and the CAI continue. Mortenson's first book, Three Cups of Tea, introduced us to a man with a mission. The inspiration and results were epic, deserving every bit of the attention and accolade that they have brought to Mortenson and the CAI. The continued productivity and results of the CAI, as presented in Stones into Schools, over the last seven years is remarkable. The fact that this book was completed only months ago makes the impact even greater. The work is far from done and I find myself drawn to being part of the next chapter of world literacy.

Mortenson and CAI's philosophy of starting at the end of the road and focusing on female literacy is as intelligent as it is successful. Empowering the inhabitants of a land struggling to regain themselves is a skill CAI has developed and it serves all well.

I learned much about Pakistan and Afghanistan by reading the book and admit that the perspective presented offers hope and encouragement. I was especially heartened by the cooperation and understanding that this story presented concerning our military presence in this difficult situation.

I look forward to the continued adventures and accomplishments of Mortenson and the CAI.