The Story of Beautiful Girl

I read the description of this book and put it on my "to read" list.  Shortly after that, I purchased a Nook and took advantage of the feature that allows you to read any e-book for free for one hour while you're in the store. When I got to the end of the sample for this book, I couldn't wait to keep reading.  That's pretty much how it was for the rest of the book.  The story captured and held my attention mostly because the protagonists are very likable and you will find yourself feeling hopeful for them. That hope makes you keep reading. It's a love story, but it's also an expose on the poor conditions of institutions where physically and intellectually disabled people were housed for decades, hidden from public view.  The beginning may seem a little contrived because it does open on the proverbial dark and stormy night.  However, what happens on that dark and stormy night is the impetus for everything that happens afterwards.  

Two residents of the local institution have run away.  One is a young blond woman who doesn't speak and who recently delivered a baby while on the run.  The other is a deaf-mute African-American man.  They come to an elderly widow's home looking for refuge.  The police and institution personnel catch up with the couple at the widow's home within a few hours.  The young woman is taken back to the institution, the deaf man escapes into the woods, and the newborn is left hidden in the attic.  The remainder of the book traces what happens to each of these individuals over the next 43 years. The humanity woven throughout the story is very touching and makes you rethink your own perceptions about certain topics. The author does an excellent job of focusing on the humanity of the individuals.  She demonstrates that even in dire circumstances, we are all human and all capable of kindness, forgiveness, and love.  It's a very lovely, well-written work.   

The Hound of Rowan: The Tapestry (Book #1)

This is a book that a good friend of mine recommended to me when I was in my post-Harry Potter funk.  She said this might help me develop a new magical interest.  As soon as I began reading this book, I was immediately reminded of Harry Potter.  There's a young boy who is singled out for his "talent" and offered a spot at a magical school where he can develop those talents (Rowan Academy vs. Hogwarts).  There is a professor who is a traitor (Prof. Quirrell vs. No Spoilers here). There is a kind and understanding headmistress (Miss. Richter vs. Dumbledore).  There is a magical sport (Euclidean Soccer vs. Quidditch). There is a bully with his cronies (Draco Malfoy vs. Alex Munoz).  There is a weakened villain trying to regain power and strength (Astaroth vs. Voldemort). I could go on. There are many parallels drawn in this book. Did I enjoy the book?  Honestly, it’s approximately 415 pages and it took me about 190+ pages to finally want to sit down for long periods of time and read it. Once I got past the multitude of one-dimensional characters and could single out who was really important to the story, my interest built up a bit more.

In the past, I've tried to get into the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and only read Book #1. I fear this series will suffer the same fate. At the end of the book, I didn't feel a burning desire to see how it all turns out. So Book #1 may be where it begins and ends for me. Harry Potter is still my all-time favorite thus far. If you have kids who would like to read the book, please note that it has bullying, violent fighting, attempted murder, kidnapping and death. There’s also one or two puppy love kisses. Just a friendly heads-up if you like to screen your child’s books ahead of time.

The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth

I am certain that I bonded immensely with this book because I, too, was a part of the cafeteria fringe in high school (i.e. the kids who are not part of a popular clique).  What I enjoyed most about this book was the candid way in which the students were portrayed. There was no sugarcoating their feelings or their statements.  This is what some kids are going through on a daily basis in school.  The book describes something called "quirk theory". Quirk theory essentially proposes that qualities causing those on the fringe of school social groups to be excluded are the very same qualities that are appreciated later in adulthood.  Robbins goes even further and describes how, if they stay true to themselves, these kids tend to excel later in life. 

The book is well balanced with anecdotal stories and research that supports her theory.  It is an enjoyable, but sometimes sad, read.  Your heart aches for some of the teens in the book.  You want to just tell them through the pages that it will be better when they get out of high school.... keep pressing on! There is hope offered in the book via the tips, recommendations and challenges given to the students and one teacher.  I would go so far as to say I think this should be required reading in school.  It has very strong talking points that could potentially change the way children, parents and educators think.  Anything that can challenge a mind to expand and embrace gets high marks in my grade book.

Writer, M.D.

One would think I would be wary of medical books since I work in the medical field, but I usually love them.  This is a collection of non-fiction and fiction medical writing.  I found that I actually enjoyed the non-fiction writing more than the fiction.  I think it's just because I could relate to some of the non-fiction scenarios.  Reality can be more entertaining than fiction when it comes to medical stories. There were about three non-fiction stories that I felt "blah" about.  The rest were pretty good and held my attention.  The fiction stories were not as strong, although at least two of them were memorable and I found myself wishing the story was longer. Overall, if you have an interest in medical writing, this isn't necessarily an extraordinary "must-read", but it's a solid choice.

When You Are Engulfed In Flames

There is not much to say about this book.  The first book I ever read by David Sedaris, Me Talk Pretty One Day, was hilarious!  I can't say the same about this collection of essays/stories.  It was just kind of blah.  I didn't laugh out loud with any of these stories.  In fact, I only vaguely even remember some of the stories and I just finished the book.  If you read anything by Sedaris, I would definitely recommend Me Talk Pretty One Day.  However, you can skip this one and still have a full life.

Habibi

The book cover and the heft of this book (650+ pages) captivated me in the bookstore, but I did not want to spend the money at the time.  So I submitted my request for the book to my library and was placed somewhere around #40 on the list to receive it.  It was worth the wait. The story has way too many sub-plots to get into here on my little piece of the Internet. However, they all weave together to tell a solid story that is ultimately about love and redemption. Zam and Dodola are two orphans who have a lifetime of hardship both together and apart. The story spans the years from childhood to adulthood and intertwines their story with stories from the Bible and the Qur'an. What I loved about the story is that because the author intertwines all these stories you truly start to see the similarities between Christianity and Islam.  So why can't we all notice these similarities and connect our own stories in order to create a more peaceful existence?  Among other topics touched upon in this graphic novel are kidnapping, slavery, child abuse, ecological warfare, castration, suicide attempts, female submission and rape.  So with that being said, this is not a book for children.  Horrible and hateful things happen to both Zam and Dodola while they are children, but it is the foundation for the climax of the story, which speaks to the overwhelming power of love.  God's/Allah's love as well as love for one another.  There is a lot of mature content, but if comparative religion interests you, this is one to pick up.

Bird by Bird

I have been taking my time with Bird by Bird specifically because I want to write.  This book has great insight into the art of writing and the real reasons one should pursue it. I view it as an instructional guide for me. Now all that remains is for me to put words to the paper and cast fear aside.  I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to write.  I put post-it notes in the book and underlined key points.  Yes, it was that serious for me. The author does an excellent job of making the topic funny as well.  If you can't laugh at the ups and downs that go along with putting yourself out there to be eviscerated, then you will most certainly end up crying.