I was SO happy when I found out that this was our book club pick for February (Thanks, Candy!) that I decided I needed to re-read it, something I very rarely do. I have loved every one of Emily Griffin's novels (4 and counting) because they are easy to relate to, humorous, and engaging.
This novel revolves around a married couple, Claudia and Ben, who seem to be perfect together. Claudia always knew that she didn't want to have children, and from the beginning of their relationship, Ben shared the desire to remain childless. However, after their close friends have a baby, Ben changes his mind, which isn't something Claudia feels she can compromise on so she leaves him. There are a lot of things going on as the two divorce and, eventually, get back together as each decides their marriage is the most important thing and s/he will do whatever is necessary to keep it.
I was waiting to post this until after our meeting last night because I wanted to see what everyone else thought about it. It was loved by everyone and we had a great discussion. The biggest questions this book raised were about soul mates and parenthood....
Is there such a thing as "soul mates" and is there only one person in the universe for each of us? We all agreed that the idea of soul mates is in the definition...is it the person who should be at your side forever, or is it situational. Can a person have several soul mates throughout different phases in her life? If there really is only one soul mate for each of us, can we live a fulfilled life without that person?
Which decision is more important for a woman, who she should marry or who should be the father of her children? We all agreed that ideally, the person you marry would be the same person you have children with, but that it's a lot easier to get out of a marriage that isn't working that to get out of parenthood. Once you have a child with someone, you are connected to them for life. You will still be forced to deal with that person for the child's sake even if you divorce. Like I said, we had a great discussion, as always :)
Would I recommend this book? Yes. I'd also recommend Something Borrowed and Something Blue (in that order) by the same author.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Bathhouse by Farnoosh Moshir
I have been getting a little burned out on books about Iran, so I started this book reluctantly. Because this is such a short novel (fewer than 140 pages)and I really wanted to go to the book talk event, I rushed through it. I was surprisingly impressed.
We are never informed of the narrator's exact location, the time frame of the story, or even her name, only that she is a 17 year old student who recently lost her parents in an accident. She is torn from her home and imprisoned in the bathhouse because of her brother's political affiliation even though she is incredibly uninformed about either side of the battle. While at the bathhouse, she encounters and forms relationships with several of the other female prisoners and endures multiple forms of torture.
The ambiguity of the narrator leaves the reader with a sense of empathy, it is easy to imagine yourself in the situation. The perspective of an ignorant teen lends a sense of objectivity to the tale and allows the author to take a political stand under the veil of anonymity. This story gives us a unique look "under the chador" during a tumultuous time in Iran.
Would I recommend this book? Probably. It's a nice quick read and paints a vivid picture of the times, but definitely not an uplifting, feel good kind of story.
We are never informed of the narrator's exact location, the time frame of the story, or even her name, only that she is a 17 year old student who recently lost her parents in an accident. She is torn from her home and imprisoned in the bathhouse because of her brother's political affiliation even though she is incredibly uninformed about either side of the battle. While at the bathhouse, she encounters and forms relationships with several of the other female prisoners and endures multiple forms of torture.
The ambiguity of the narrator leaves the reader with a sense of empathy, it is easy to imagine yourself in the situation. The perspective of an ignorant teen lends a sense of objectivity to the tale and allows the author to take a political stand under the veil of anonymity. This story gives us a unique look "under the chador" during a tumultuous time in Iran.
Would I recommend this book? Probably. It's a nice quick read and paints a vivid picture of the times, but definitely not an uplifting, feel good kind of story.
The Shack by William P. Young
This book was recommended by my friend Travis, and I always try to read anything that's suggested so I added it to my list at the library. I have had several conversations recently about church/religion and the things we learned growing up, and reading this book has re-focused my thinking on this subject.
The story follows a man (Mackenzie Phillips)as a camping trip with his children turns into his worst nightmare when his youngest daughter (Missy) is kidnapped and murdered and how this affects his spirituality. Mack admits that he's never had a stable relationship with God, and even though he spent some time in seminary, he doesn't feel he really knows or trusts God. All of this is questioned when he finds a note (from God) in his mailbox asking him to return for a weekend to the shack where his daughter was murdered.
Unlike the church I grew up in, apparently there are a lot of religions/churches that focus on instilling "the fear of God" in people and controlling behavior through the use of strict "rules" and the guilt that is felt when these are broken. It seems that pretty much everyone I know experienced this type of religion/church, and consequently, have severed their ties with organized religion now that they are adults.
My experiences as a child and adolescent were VERY different and I don't remember anyone in my church ever trying to make me feel guilty about anything. The church I grew up infocused on our relationship with God and how we, as humans created in the likeness of God, are to care for our fellow beings. When I went through confirmation, we were taught to serve God through service to others and to continually question not only our relationships with those around us, but also our relationship to God and what it meant to be part of the church.
So, that said, the portrayal of God in this book was not a foreign idea to me like it was to most of the others I know who have read it. The story gives God a personality, a sense of humor and great compassion in the form of God (Papa), Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (Sarayu).It's not unthinkable to me that God could be an elderly African-American woman who calls herself Papa, or that Jesus is a middle-eastern man, or even that the Holy Spirit is an Asian woman, so it surprised me when so many others had trouble with this concept. Why does God (in all forms) come to mind as an old white man? I guess it's because that is what so many are taught.
I found myself laughing and near tears, sometimes simultaneously. I learned came to understand on a deeper level the things my friends had told me about their experiences with the church. I found myself questioning my own beliefs and the things I was taught. I was pushed to take a look at the decisions I have made, the judgements I make every day, and the interconnectedness of every person's actions.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, and I think I might have found my book club pick!
The story follows a man (Mackenzie Phillips)as a camping trip with his children turns into his worst nightmare when his youngest daughter (Missy) is kidnapped and murdered and how this affects his spirituality. Mack admits that he's never had a stable relationship with God, and even though he spent some time in seminary, he doesn't feel he really knows or trusts God. All of this is questioned when he finds a note (from God) in his mailbox asking him to return for a weekend to the shack where his daughter was murdered.
Unlike the church I grew up in, apparently there are a lot of religions/churches that focus on instilling "the fear of God" in people and controlling behavior through the use of strict "rules" and the guilt that is felt when these are broken. It seems that pretty much everyone I know experienced this type of religion/church, and consequently, have severed their ties with organized religion now that they are adults.
My experiences as a child and adolescent were VERY different and I don't remember anyone in my church ever trying to make me feel guilty about anything. The church I grew up infocused on our relationship with God and how we, as humans created in the likeness of God, are to care for our fellow beings. When I went through confirmation, we were taught to serve God through service to others and to continually question not only our relationships with those around us, but also our relationship to God and what it meant to be part of the church.
So, that said, the portrayal of God in this book was not a foreign idea to me like it was to most of the others I know who have read it. The story gives God a personality, a sense of humor and great compassion in the form of God (Papa), Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (Sarayu).It's not unthinkable to me that God could be an elderly African-American woman who calls herself Papa, or that Jesus is a middle-eastern man, or even that the Holy Spirit is an Asian woman, so it surprised me when so many others had trouble with this concept. Why does God (in all forms) come to mind as an old white man? I guess it's because that is what so many are taught.
I found myself laughing and near tears, sometimes simultaneously. I learned came to understand on a deeper level the things my friends had told me about their experiences with the church. I found myself questioning my own beliefs and the things I was taught. I was pushed to take a look at the decisions I have made, the judgements I make every day, and the interconnectedness of every person's actions.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, and I think I might have found my book club pick!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Not Becoming My Mother by Ruth Reichl
It's no secret that I love Ruth Reichl, so I was excited to read this book. I actually checked it out a few months ago, but had to return it to the library before I could finish, so it went back on my request list IMMEDIATELY.
The book, unlike you'd assume based on the title, is a tribute to Reichl's mother, Mim. It's a relatively short book, but the story is a good reminder to all of us to not judge others based on appearances. Mim was a very educated woman, but because of societal norms, she became a housewife--a job she was not well-suited for! The book illustrates the struggles women in Mim's generation faced and how their situations led them to push their daughters to become more, to follow their dreams, and to NOT become their mothers.
I appreciate short books that can perfectly tell the full story without feeling the need to add "filler" to meet some absurd word count. Thank you, Ruth Reichl, for this wonderful tribute to the generation that faught so hard for our many freedoms, I'm glad you finally got around to writing it and I loved every page!
Would I recommend this book? Yes, in fact, it's in the running to be my pick for book club!
The book, unlike you'd assume based on the title, is a tribute to Reichl's mother, Mim. It's a relatively short book, but the story is a good reminder to all of us to not judge others based on appearances. Mim was a very educated woman, but because of societal norms, she became a housewife--a job she was not well-suited for! The book illustrates the struggles women in Mim's generation faced and how their situations led them to push their daughters to become more, to follow their dreams, and to NOT become their mothers.
I appreciate short books that can perfectly tell the full story without feeling the need to add "filler" to meet some absurd word count. Thank you, Ruth Reichl, for this wonderful tribute to the generation that faught so hard for our many freedoms, I'm glad you finally got around to writing it and I loved every page!
Would I recommend this book? Yes, in fact, it's in the running to be my pick for book club!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Traveling With Pomegranates by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor
I checked this book out and TRIED to read it 4 times, each time I barely made it 20 pages before losing interest. When I noticed it in the audio book section, I decided to give it another try. While it didn't put me to sleep, I still didn't think it was anything spectacular. In general, I prefer audio books that are read by the authors rather than actors, it adds some authenticity and engages me more, but even that had little effect with this book.
I have read, and loved, all of Sue Monk Kidd's previous books, but this one just didn't do it for me. I can't pinpoint anything specific that I didn't like, it could be that it's autobiographical and their story isn't very dramatic or unique? I get that they were exploring the dynamics of their relationship and they each felt like they were struggling with something, but the struggles they had seem pretty commonplace and simple compared to what most people are facing.
The mother (Sue Monk Kidd) is struggling with turning 50 and defining her career as a writer. Big deal, be happy you made it to 50, have a wonderful, loving family and the luxury of being able to start on a new path at your age! The visits to Europe are supposed to showcase the mother/daughter relationship and how it's been a constant throughout history, but honestly all it did for me was validate how self-centered and whiny the two are.
The daughter (Ann Kidd Taylor) is in a state of depression and trying to determine which direction she wants her life to take, but what recent college grad hasn't felt the same way?? She is "drawing strength" from the Virgin Mary, Joan of Arc and the goddess Athena throughout their journeys. Again, be thankful for what you have and quit feeling sorry for yourself!
The ONLY thing I enjoyed about this book was the illustration of some of the sites they visited. The whole book was too introspective for my liking and focused WAY too much on how they were all feeling and how terrible it is to be them--wah, wah, wah!
Would I recommend this book? Nope. And I'll take this as a lesson...if it takes 5 times to successfully complete a book, there's probably not a good reason to keep trying :(
I have read, and loved, all of Sue Monk Kidd's previous books, but this one just didn't do it for me. I can't pinpoint anything specific that I didn't like, it could be that it's autobiographical and their story isn't very dramatic or unique? I get that they were exploring the dynamics of their relationship and they each felt like they were struggling with something, but the struggles they had seem pretty commonplace and simple compared to what most people are facing.
The mother (Sue Monk Kidd) is struggling with turning 50 and defining her career as a writer. Big deal, be happy you made it to 50, have a wonderful, loving family and the luxury of being able to start on a new path at your age! The visits to Europe are supposed to showcase the mother/daughter relationship and how it's been a constant throughout history, but honestly all it did for me was validate how self-centered and whiny the two are.
The daughter (Ann Kidd Taylor) is in a state of depression and trying to determine which direction she wants her life to take, but what recent college grad hasn't felt the same way?? She is "drawing strength" from the Virgin Mary, Joan of Arc and the goddess Athena throughout their journeys. Again, be thankful for what you have and quit feeling sorry for yourself!
The ONLY thing I enjoyed about this book was the illustration of some of the sites they visited. The whole book was too introspective for my liking and focused WAY too much on how they were all feeling and how terrible it is to be them--wah, wah, wah!
Would I recommend this book? Nope. And I'll take this as a lesson...if it takes 5 times to successfully complete a book, there's probably not a good reason to keep trying :(
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
This book is actually a compilation of several short stories. Each focuses on relationships the relationships and cultural divide between Indian-born parents and American-born children.
I especially liked the first story which explores some of the difficult gender roles in America, such as Ruma's decision to leave her successful legal career to raise children, while her husband works harder to support their family. It also explores the family issues associated with Ruma's Indian heritage, including her sense of obligation to care for her father and have him live with her and her immediate family. Both Ruma and her father have moved away from their culture of origin, but there is very limited communication between the two because each is hesitant to reveal these deviations to the other. Ruma's son Akash becomes fascinated with his grandfather and the two develop a special bond. This bond allows Ruma to see her father in a different light, more like the man she hoped for, but didn't experience, as a child due to his greuling work schedule. The story comes full circle, but not in a predictable way.
I also loved the final tale, Hema and Kaushik, as the two progress from childhood acquaintances with a strange attraction to their reconnection two decades later. The story is divided into three parts, each a separate, but connected part of the story. As told by Hema, the two meet when Kaushik's family moves back to America after several years in India and stays with Hema's family while they are looking for a house. The two families soon realize that they no longer have much in common. The second part is from Kaushik's point of view, focusing on his life after his mother's death. The final part brings the two back together after a chance meeting in Italy. Despite the fact that they lead very different lifestyles, the two feel a deep connection and spend a considerable amount of time together during Hema's final vacation before she marries.
I love Lahiri's style, which illustrates both the differences and consistency of human relationships, which are both cultural and universal. The variety of relationships--parent/child, siblings, lovers--showed her wide range of understanding in the ways in which we all connect with those around us.
Would I recommend this book? ABSOLUTELY!
I especially liked the first story which explores some of the difficult gender roles in America, such as Ruma's decision to leave her successful legal career to raise children, while her husband works harder to support their family. It also explores the family issues associated with Ruma's Indian heritage, including her sense of obligation to care for her father and have him live with her and her immediate family. Both Ruma and her father have moved away from their culture of origin, but there is very limited communication between the two because each is hesitant to reveal these deviations to the other. Ruma's son Akash becomes fascinated with his grandfather and the two develop a special bond. This bond allows Ruma to see her father in a different light, more like the man she hoped for, but didn't experience, as a child due to his greuling work schedule. The story comes full circle, but not in a predictable way.
I also loved the final tale, Hema and Kaushik, as the two progress from childhood acquaintances with a strange attraction to their reconnection two decades later. The story is divided into three parts, each a separate, but connected part of the story. As told by Hema, the two meet when Kaushik's family moves back to America after several years in India and stays with Hema's family while they are looking for a house. The two families soon realize that they no longer have much in common. The second part is from Kaushik's point of view, focusing on his life after his mother's death. The final part brings the two back together after a chance meeting in Italy. Despite the fact that they lead very different lifestyles, the two feel a deep connection and spend a considerable amount of time together during Hema's final vacation before she marries.
I love Lahiri's style, which illustrates both the differences and consistency of human relationships, which are both cultural and universal. The variety of relationships--parent/child, siblings, lovers--showed her wide range of understanding in the ways in which we all connect with those around us.
Would I recommend this book? ABSOLUTELY!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Saffron Dreams by Shaila Abdullah
This book was on the "must read" list of an author I like. I'm still deciding which book I'll choose for my Rochester book club in April, and as I checked this out from the library, I thought it might be a contendor.
This story follows a Muslim writer and artist, Arissa, who, after losing her husband in the World Trade Center collapse on 9/11, discovers his unfinished manuscript. In her mind, the manuscript and her unborn son fuse into a single project that helps her reconnect with life. As she struggles to survive emotionally and redeem her race, Arissa discovers that our identities are always evolving based on the events and places we experience.
I found two of things I like in this book--it was easy to read and the story flowed well. I liked the perspective of the writer as a Muslim victim of attack and appreciated the view into how she was treated following her husband's death simply because of her religion. I still haven't decided for sure if this will be my pick, but it's a definite possibility.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, it's a quick, easy read AND gives you something to think about...what more could you ask for?
This story follows a Muslim writer and artist, Arissa, who, after losing her husband in the World Trade Center collapse on 9/11, discovers his unfinished manuscript. In her mind, the manuscript and her unborn son fuse into a single project that helps her reconnect with life. As she struggles to survive emotionally and redeem her race, Arissa discovers that our identities are always evolving based on the events and places we experience.
I found two of things I like in this book--it was easy to read and the story flowed well. I liked the perspective of the writer as a Muslim victim of attack and appreciated the view into how she was treated following her husband's death simply because of her religion. I still haven't decided for sure if this will be my pick, but it's a definite possibility.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, it's a quick, easy read AND gives you something to think about...what more could you ask for?
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