Finished the Dragon Tattoo series...and...etc....(onto #33)

I will review 'The Girl Who Played with Fire' and 'The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest' at the same time. Mostly because the stories are totally intertwined, and then also...because I felt the same way about each, or both. They are wonderful. I literally could not put either of the books down. They were exciting, danger-filled, intense, sad and brilliant. There is no question that the first of the series was the most amazing in my eyes. Perhaps this is because I was newly introduced to all of the complex characters that make up the series; notably Salander and Blomkvist. However, it is not my intention to diminish the remainder of the series in any fashion. They hold up in their own regard as enthralling stories that speak to the weaknesses in [socialist] government. Of course there is something to be said for the fact that the current news is bursting with stories of wildly intelligent and successful hackers, such that it gives credence to the author's somewhat fanciful tales. It leads the reader to wonder if Stieg wasn't simply creating a paranoid theory about the potential of an all-powerful, all controlling government, but was just a bit ahead of his time. There is something certainly reminiscent of 1984. There is not much I can write about these books without giving them away, but whether the quality holds up over the course of the series...it was worth every moment I spent reading them. I will also say that it made me think, quite critically, about the absolute power corrupts absolutely clause. It certainly does. Final pronouncement: utterly enjoyable, no question.

For special number 32 I read the silliest book imaginable. That is I finished 'Chasing Harry Winston' by Lauren Weisberger. Honestly, I don't have one bad word to say about this book. Certainly not winning any literary awards, but delightful nonetheless and a profound experience for me. Let me explain before it seems as though I had a 'CTJ' moment from a piece of women's fiction/romance. One of the characters is 29ish and finds out that her younger sister, who coincidentally is married, is pregnant. It isn't until she is on the phone with a good friend that she is able to express how difficult this experience is emotionally. That she is overjoyed to learn of her sister's expecting, but struggles with how she has somewhat fallen behind in this regard. She is able to move past these feelings of pain to really come into her own (no, I am not a fan of that expression...however, it suits the situation). She is empowered enough to tell a creepy old boyfriend to buzz off and feel content with what she does have (friendship, work, etc.). Although told in an entirely dramatic and playful fashion, something about her revelations and experiences really spoke to me. In other words, there was most definitely a reason why I picked up this book. I would categorize this book as good for: 1. a vacation (beach read), 2. a post break-up time period or 3. snuggling up inside on a cold winter day. Just the sweet treat I was craving.

Reading 'Looking for Alaska' by John Green directly following was like a proverbial splash of cold water in my face. Being introduced to YA fiction by my mother has been nothing short of a divine intervention. Most of the YA fiction I have read as of late has been more intelligent and filled with emotional depth than the adult fiction I have perused. This book is sorrowful, brilliant and thought provoking. The characters are engaging, charming and bring about a compassion that I haven't experienced as of late while reading. Mr. Green is a skilled story teller and I found myself laughing aloud and then with tears in my eyes a few pages later. His gentle handling of youth, friendship and death is beyond what I have experienced in any fiction as of late, YA or otherwise. The interactions between the characters (their dialogue) is brilliant and fascinating. I implore anyone and everyone to pick this one up. Its a quick read, but one that will, without question, stay with you. Happy Holidays...

So much to say...so much to say....(FINALLY #'s 27, 28, 29 and 30).

There is no excuse, but I have been far too swamped to update lately, so I haven't. I have finished quite a few books, and I will first list, and then 'review', if you will.

1. The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta
2. The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
3. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
4. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

In 'The Abstinence Teacher', Perrotta weaves a tale predominantly involving two characters in the suburb of Stonewood Heights, single mother Ruth Ramsay, the sex ed teacher at the local high school, and Tim, a reformed drug addict belonging to the Tabernacle of the Gospel Truth. Ramsey's liberal beliefs as she espouses them in her sex ed class are vilified by the Tabernacle members and they wage a pseudo crusade against Ruth. As seems to be the case these days around suburbs throughout our fair country, the school agrees to an abstinence curriculum and forces Ruth to adopt the same. Ruth struggles between adopting these antiquated, conservative and somewhat harmful lessons whilst trying to contend with the religious fervor spreading throughout the school and even infecting her daughter's soccer team. Tim's struggle to remain sober and a strong member of the church make him a sympathetic and interesting character all at once. Both characters are intense and multi-dimensional, so their eventual relationship (whatever it may turn into) is somewhat predictable in its surprising flavor. I found the book to be scary, interesting, frustrating and humorous. Definitely an interesting read for those with an open mind and a liberal spirit.

On to 'The Bean Trees'.... I cannot seem to say enough about Ms. Kingsolver. She has a talent for telling a story quite unlike any author I have ever come into contact with. She takes the most outlandish characters and events and makes them instantly likable and easy to relate to. She does this through wit, with intelligence and a ton of heart. Taylor, one of the main characters, leaves Kentucky to escape a life plagued with babies and tires...only to find herself a baby and a job with tires. Taylor finds herself in Tucson, Arizona at an outfit called Jesus Is Lord Used Tires, run by a woman named Mattie. Along for the ride in Taylor's beat-up VW Bug is Turtle, an abandoned Cherokee child who has clearly been abused and neglected. It isn't far into the novel when we meet Lou Ann, Taylor's neurotic but lovable neighbor who also ran away from Kentucky, only to find herself pregnant with a dead beat husband. I laughed out loud several times while reading this book and found myself utterly charmed with how Turtle and Lou Ann change and shape Taylor's life; teaching her powerful lessons along the way. Ms. Kingsolver has a way of taking simple vocabulary and complex characters and making an unforgettable and life changing story. I enjoyed every last word and was absolutely heart broken to reach the end. A must read!

I can clearly review 'Catching Fire' and 'Mockingjay' together. I am wary to review these books as I do not want to take away any one's delight in reading these pieces of young adult fiction. If you are not reading this series (The Hunger Games series) because of the 'young adult' category, then you are surely missing out on something really wonderful. Ms. Collins uses science fiction and fanciful tales to illustrate a story that is laden with social and political implications. She is absolutely brilliant, no question. These books have so much to say about media, government, protection of the people, racism, discrimination, sexism, and, of course...love. Each book is exciting and note worthy on its own and leaves you hungering for more (no pun intended)...even the last of the series. I was disappointed when it ended not because it wasn't told to a seriously good finale, but because I yearned for more. If you are turned off by the YA status...I implore you to 'get over yourself' and go for it...you will not be let down.

I am currently finishing the 'Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' series and 'Incendiary'...

Almost there...and not quite (#'s 23, 24, 25 and 26)

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake: Aimee Bender -My sadness came when this book drew to a conclusion. Ironically, I read it nearly at the same time as my sister and we had radically different points of view and feelings on the book itself and then the ending. As far as I'm concerned, Ms. Bender is skill full in devising a magical tale, focused around Rose Edelstein, a little girl (in third grade at the beginning of this story) who can literally taste the emotions in those who prepare her food. She discovers this skill/curse when she 'tastes' her mother's sadness and dissatisfaction in life in the lemon cake made explicitly for her birthday. This tale is woven skillfully by Bender as Rose grows up and her life is affected profoundly by this revelation. The description of the family and their emotional handicaps is nothing short of beautiful and makes it evident that Bender has a serious talent for delving into the human soul. Although the ending might be beyond the believability quotient for most, I implore any to read this tale. Even if the specifics seem fantastical, Bender's writing and understanding of the human psyche make the 304 pages fly by without an awareness of length/time.

The Hunger Games: Suzanne Collins I was shocked to find out that this book is categorized for young adults. Not so much for the writing itself, but the profound concepts behind the science fiction like story. Never, in my opinion, has a tougher female character, been more inherently likable. Katniss is a brave young woman faced with task of participating in these horrifying, gladiator like games, in a post-apocalyptic world in order to save her younger sister (Prim) from the same fate. There is so much to say about this book that I don't know where to start without giving it away. The book has the boy meets girl (in a death game), girl maybe loves two boys (Peeta versus Gale), component and then spirals quickly into a tale that leads to questions about what we, as humans, are capable of. The most amazing part of the story for me was that it wasn't beyond plausible reasoning that the human race could indeed get to this point one day. In other words, regress to Roman times when this sort of human sacrifice provided entertainment for the masses. Without giving away too much information on this wonderful book, I can only say that I was deeply disappointed at the cliffhanger ending and cannot wait to read the second book in the series (the continuation). So, along those lines, to be continued...

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: Stieg Larsson- I suppose this book or series of books needs no real introduction as they are all the rage right now. Once I finished the first in the series, I can see why. Not only did the books remind me of my time in Sweden (familiar names, areas, etc.) but I was astounded when thinking of how the now deceased author's life was profoundly affected by the Swedish government as his characters experienced the same. I literally could not put this book down. I read it from cover to cover on the plane ride home from Spain. I intended to nap but didn't want to miss an opportunity to take in every word, line and page I could grab prior to disembarking. It turns out that was every page until the very last. This novel is exciting, mysterious, funny, beautiful and scary. The implications about government, socialism, religion, sexual abuse, relationships and media are outrageous and painfully true on so many levels. I find myself desperate to discover the essence/source of Lisbeth Salander's pain and anger and more excited to know what trouble she gets herself into in the second book of this three book series. I am only troubled to know that this talented writer passed before his time and didn't have the chance to bless us with additional writing(s).

However Tall the Mountain: A Dream, Eight Girls, and a Journey Home: Awista Ayub- This book tells of the true story of a group of girls from Afghanistan and their introduction to American soccer. It is a tale of cultural differences, discrimination (sexual and ethnic), and ultimately, self-awareness and transformation. Though I found the jump in character descriptions to be confusing at times, the overall story warmed my heart and inspired me to continue my work advocating for girls/women's rights around the globe. I was motivated by their bravery and passion in the face of extreme hatred, poverty, and fear mongering. It also gave me a serious sense of appreciation for that which I have available to me and the freedoms which I am permitted in this wonderful country. Though sexual discrimination certainly exists in this country, it is clearly not of the same magnitude. I was allowed to study, work and dream big about my future. I can only wish that we will, over time, give women around the world (particularly in these regions of the world) something that they can truly hope for and is within their reach (success, happiness, etc.). Every woman should read this story, but without question, so should every man.

#'s 21 and 22...end stretch...

I finished 'The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen' by Syrie James and 'QBVII' by Leon Uris almost simultaneously. What I found staggering was how different these books were and yet how similar in what they highlighted about human nature and the human condition. What do I mean by this? Both books involved the fragility and strength of humans, their capacity for greatness and horror, and the result of such. Ms. James novel was just beautiful. I don't know how much was true to Jane Austen's story, but I love to believe most of it was. The sadness of her failure in love was absolutely heartbreaking, but her selfless sacrifice made it all the more romantic and tragic. I absolutely relished in her independent and strong spirit at a time when women were not celebrated or renowned for such traits. The characters were all at once colorful and interesting and I was riveted until the very last page. What I found most apropos was the entire idea of the 'young spinster', as I struggle with those feelings and concepts today, in 2010. I tried to imagine what it would be like for Ms. Austen to encounter such a situation as a bright, vivacious, talented woman, during a time when single hood was very much frowned upon. I sadly cannot say much has changed. I would urge any person with a romantic spirit to read this charming book, as the possibly speculative nature does not at all detract from its undeniable lure and keen sense of wit.

'QBVII' is a four part novel highlighting a libel trial involving the accusation of medical torture and experimentation during the height of WWII and Nazism. I cannot say I was surprised by the power of this book, as Mr. Uris has always been able to captivate me with his way with words. I didn't know until after I finished reading this tale that it is loosely based on the author's own experience with libel accusations with regard to one of my favorite books of all time, 'Exodus'. This book brings to light the old question of when someone is following orders, do they then bear the weight of less responsibility for their actions? Not unlike 'Hunting Eichmann', I found myself unable to conjure up any compassion for this Nazi doctor or any of his compatriots, nor could I align myself with their calm rationale for such monstrous and horrifying behavior. I don't believe its because I am Jewish, or even because I am a woman, but merely because I am a human being. I will not disclose the powerful ending as I believe it truly rounds out this fabulous book, but I will say that the judge passes down a ruling infinitely more powerful than those imagined by me when eagerly reading through each page. Although this book was a work of fiction, I know that these events occurred [with different participants] and almost 70 years later I am blown away, and reminded why we cannot even forget human suffering, whether in this country or around the world. When we let something occur of this magnitude, no matter how far from our borders, we condone this behavior and I do and will always believe it is absolutely unacceptable. We must modify our meddling and the way in which we get involved, but I think we should never forsake each other. Never.

#20

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything is a 2005 non-fiction book by Steven Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. It was fascinating. My favorite part, by far, is the end whereas the author asks, 'what is the purpose of this information' and they answer a resounding 'um...no real purpose except to make you think'. Basically, it is a book that makes one think. It gives a totally new perspective on the world and to speak frankly, I like it. The book discussing cheating, parenting, drug dealing, the KKK, naming kids, and abortion. Just a quick glance at the topic matter would give someone an immediate indication that this is literature that truly runs the gamut. There isn't too much to say except the book served its purpose...it made me think!

When Life Hurts.

#19...the last hurrah before I break #20, was 'Between Here and April' by Deborah Copaken. There are so many issues this book brought to the surface. In no particular order, here they are:

1. How could a mother kill her two children/babies?
2. Why do we (people, women) allow society to dictate what path we should take in life (i.e. marriage, kids, etc.)?
3. When we (again...) make the decision to take the path less taken or less accepted; why are we beaten to a pulp by the people we love the most?
4. How do we overcome our fears?

I know, crazy, right? So few questions with such big answers. There is so much 'meat' that I am presenting and I don't have a solid good answer for any or all of those questions. That is how deep this book is. I did wonder at times if the story was too deep for its own good. It delved into and discussed via the characters (notably Elizabeth Steiger, the main character) post-partum depression, spousal abuse, domestic violence, marital unhappiness, pornography, medical bias, misogyny...and the list goes on. I believe each of these issues are painfully important but I wonder if each lost merit when intermingled with the others. Or perhaps it is a taste of something that we should each resolve personally. I couldn't help but think about the decisions I have made in my life to conform to society's plan for me and then the thunderous and resounding boos when I have stepped outside that neat little circle. My heart wept for the women out there who do not have a voice or a leader and stay buried in their hopelessness and despair. Some women don't kill their children. They don't have obvious breakdowns. They get up every day and shower and eat and take care of themselves to the best of their ability, but they are not happy and in the end, they are just going through the proverbial motions. I am not downplaying or erasing the impact or experience of men. I am strictly speaking as a woman, reading a book about women. This is a beautiful and heart wrenching story. Everything is not 'a-ok' at the end, but it gives one food for thought. Every woman should read this. No question.

Oh Melissa Bank...how I heart you...

I just finished 'The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing' by Melissa Bank. After I completed 'The Wonder Spot' and raved about it to no end; it was recommended that I read Ms. Bank's first foray into writing. Oh and what a wonderful recommendation it was. I loved every second. Not only did the short story format make the book entirely user friendly (I could finish an entire tale in a short bit of time) but each of the stories was totally charming. She has a dry sense of humor that once again had me laughing out loud, and the keen ability to present relationships and human interaction in the most raw, realistic fashion I've ever read. Jane Rosenal, the main character, was all at once sympathetic and infuriating, in her susceptibility to flights of fancy and interesting take on the world. I found myself nodding while reading about her relationships, remembering full well the personal exploration into a world of uncertainty, jealously, and undying love and devotion. The relationship she has with her family is strangely kitchy and totally enviable. Ms. Bank has quite the talent and I can only hope she will attempt another novel in my lifetime.