Flying Changes by Sara Gruen
Annemarie Zimmer's is kind of a neurotic scaredy cat. She worries about her relationship, her daughter Eva's dreams of riding a horse to Olympic glory, and her own demons of a horrible riding accident long ago. This woman just can’t make peace with her past and lets it ruin her present.
Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants was a real gem, so I decided to try one of her earlier works. Sorry Sara, but although Flying Changes was written well, the story was dusty and nothing very special. I’ve got high hopes for her new book Ape House, due out spring 2009.
The Garden of Last Days by Andre Dubus III
April is a stripper with a problem – what to do with her three-year old daughter when the usual babysitter ends up in the hospital. Gee, instead of taking the night off and letting somebody else make a few bucks, she decides to have her daughter watch children's videos in the office while she works. Of course something’s gotta’ go wrong at the Puma Club for Men – like er, her daughter goes missing! Could it be the disgruntled patron, the quirky foreigner with loads of money to burn, or some random pedophile? The story is set weeks and days before 9-11, and I felt the same psychological tension, and realism that Dubus's mastered in his previous book House of Sand and Fog — but the ending was weak-weak-weak.
The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti
Twelve year-old Ren was left at the Saint Anthony Orpahnage when he was just an infant. He grew up wondering what events could have lead his Mother to abandon him -- especially since he has tangible proof that she loved him dearly. Like all the residents at the orphanage he longs for a home and parents. But once prospective parents see he’s missing his left hand, well, he’s passed over. Miraculously one day a man appears claiming to be his long-lost brother. So, it’s off with his brother and soon he’s introduced to a world of scam artists and petty thieves. The “brothers” end up in the lucrative, if not messy, business of robbing graves – which is difficult for the pious Ren to cope with.
Wow what a story-line! I thought I’d found a great read because the first half was so intriguing. Unfortunately the story ran out of steam and by the last chapter I was really disappointed.
The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich
O.K. this is what I’m pretty sure of… there’s an unsolved murder in the small off-reservation town of Pluto, North Dakota. The Ojibwe tribe, living on the nearby reservation, and the people of Pluto are at odds for the next generation over this travesty -- even though there are some inner-marriages and their lives intertwine. Everything else is sort of a blur. Maybe I should have taken notes. Help! Is there a Cliff Notes on this book??
Louise Erdrich's is one of my favorite writers and this is her first book in almost three years – but it addles my brain. I honestly don’t think a reader should have to work that hard to keep characters and plot straight. Maybe in college, but not pleasure reading.
11.28.2008
10.15.2008
Books Read September 2008
Babylon Rolling by Amanda Boyden
This is a story of five families of varying ethnic backgrounds -- black, white, and Indian--living along one block of Uptown, New Orleans. I know that much from reading the dust jacket and a whole bunch of reviews because after 34 pages I still had no idea of who-what-where-when and finally I ask myself WHY am I subjecting myself to this??
Sad to say but I could not read any further.
Enough said.
Run by Ann Patchett
Bernard Doyle and his adopted African-American sons, Tip and Teddy attended a speech given by Jesse Jackson. Doyle, a former mayor likes to keep his sons engaged in politics -- although the passion is not shared by the boys. As they leave Harvard auditorium one of the boy’s is almost injured in a car accident but a mysterious woman throws herself in its path to save him. Who is this woman and what are they going to do with her small daughter?
Well, gee I can tell you. I could have told you after about page three. Still, a good (not great) book.
The Enders Hotel: A Memoir by Brandon Schrand
Soda Springs, Idaho is the home of the historic Enders Hotel, Café, and Bar, a three-story brick building in the middle of town. Brandon Schrand’s family owned the place. Needless to say he grew up there and every day brought another character through the hotel doors — a drifter, an alcoholic artist, an ex-con, a forgotten boxing champ, a homeless ex-college professor from nearby Idaho State University.
I enjoyed it for the memories it stirred up of growing up in a little Idaho town and all the grace and wonderful simplicity that (looking back) came with the territory. Readers without ties to Soda Springs or Idaho might want to pass. The Enders Hotel did win the River Teeth Literary Nonfiction Prize -- so what do I know.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Rex and Rose Mary Walls and their four children live like nomads, moving through little desert towns, and camping in the mountains like they’re on some kind of extended vacation. But life with Rex– a drunk but brilliant guy -- who teaches his kids physics and geology, and Rose Mary -- an "excitement addict," is no vacation. Jeannette and her brother and sisters fend for themselves most of the time, and it’s a wonder any of them grew up sane.
As a Mother I have a difficult time with this kind of neglect. I can almost forgive Rex because of his alcoholism, but Rose Mary came off as a spoiled adult who refused to do the right thing for herself and her kids even though she had opportunities handed to her. This is a success story despite great odds, and I mean GREAT odds. It’s also a pretty decent book. These days Jeannette Walls is a regular contributor to MSNBC.com, and lives in New York City. It must have taken a tremendous amount of nerve to write this memoir.
Tomboy Bride: A Woman’s Personal Account of Life in Mining Camps of the West
by Harriet Fish Backus & Pam Houston
Harriet Backus was a pioneer who lived, traveled and experienced more adventures in the wilderness than you and I could ever imagine. This story of her amusing and difficult experiences following her much-loved husband around mining camps is not only an awesome autobiographical account, but a clear picture of life in the wild west -- when roads were dirt, you hauled your water from a well, and the nearest railroad was a “mere” 50 miles away. What a great picture she paints of the Tomboy Mine above Telluride, the copper mines of British Columbia, the remote regions of Idaho, and Leadville, Colorado.
This is a story of five families of varying ethnic backgrounds -- black, white, and Indian--living along one block of Uptown, New Orleans. I know that much from reading the dust jacket and a whole bunch of reviews because after 34 pages I still had no idea of who-what-where-when and finally I ask myself WHY am I subjecting myself to this??
Sad to say but I could not read any further.
Enough said.
Run by Ann Patchett
Bernard Doyle and his adopted African-American sons, Tip and Teddy attended a speech given by Jesse Jackson. Doyle, a former mayor likes to keep his sons engaged in politics -- although the passion is not shared by the boys. As they leave Harvard auditorium one of the boy’s is almost injured in a car accident but a mysterious woman throws herself in its path to save him. Who is this woman and what are they going to do with her small daughter?
Well, gee I can tell you. I could have told you after about page three. Still, a good (not great) book.
The Enders Hotel: A Memoir by Brandon Schrand
Soda Springs, Idaho is the home of the historic Enders Hotel, Café, and Bar, a three-story brick building in the middle of town. Brandon Schrand’s family owned the place. Needless to say he grew up there and every day brought another character through the hotel doors — a drifter, an alcoholic artist, an ex-con, a forgotten boxing champ, a homeless ex-college professor from nearby Idaho State University.
I enjoyed it for the memories it stirred up of growing up in a little Idaho town and all the grace and wonderful simplicity that (looking back) came with the territory. Readers without ties to Soda Springs or Idaho might want to pass. The Enders Hotel did win the River Teeth Literary Nonfiction Prize -- so what do I know.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Rex and Rose Mary Walls and their four children live like nomads, moving through little desert towns, and camping in the mountains like they’re on some kind of extended vacation. But life with Rex– a drunk but brilliant guy -- who teaches his kids physics and geology, and Rose Mary -- an "excitement addict," is no vacation. Jeannette and her brother and sisters fend for themselves most of the time, and it’s a wonder any of them grew up sane.
As a Mother I have a difficult time with this kind of neglect. I can almost forgive Rex because of his alcoholism, but Rose Mary came off as a spoiled adult who refused to do the right thing for herself and her kids even though she had opportunities handed to her. This is a success story despite great odds, and I mean GREAT odds. It’s also a pretty decent book. These days Jeannette Walls is a regular contributor to MSNBC.com, and lives in New York City. It must have taken a tremendous amount of nerve to write this memoir.
Tomboy Bride: A Woman’s Personal Account of Life in Mining Camps of the West
by Harriet Fish Backus & Pam Houston
Harriet Backus was a pioneer who lived, traveled and experienced more adventures in the wilderness than you and I could ever imagine. This story of her amusing and difficult experiences following her much-loved husband around mining camps is not only an awesome autobiographical account, but a clear picture of life in the wild west -- when roads were dirt, you hauled your water from a well, and the nearest railroad was a “mere” 50 miles away. What a great picture she paints of the Tomboy Mine above Telluride, the copper mines of British Columbia, the remote regions of Idaho, and Leadville, Colorado.
9.18.2008
Books Read in August 2008
America America by Ethan Canin
Set in the1970s, Corey Sifter becomes a yard boy for the powerful Metarey family. And because he’s an exceptional young man, soon finds himself a student at a private boarding school thanks to the Metareys. Eventually he becomes involved with one of the Metarey daughters, and needless to say he leaves behind the world of his upbringing. Before long, Corey finds himself working for the great New York senator Henry Bonwiller, who is running for president of the United States. As the campaign gains momentum, Corey finds himself caught up in a web of events that eventually culminate in a tragic death.
I’m not a fan of political fiction, but this book is an exception. Even though the story was a classic “poor-boy-gets-taken-in-by-rich-family-and-falls-in-love-with-daughter” story, the characters were great, with enough turns and twists to keep me interested.
Another Thing to Fall by Laura Lippman
Private investigator Tess Monaghan lands an assignment with a movie company shooting a series in Baltimore. It seems the company has been haunted by a series of petty crimes and other mysterious incidents, and they’re concerned for the safety of the young female lead. Tess soon realizes she’s been hired as a body guard and babysitter to a spoiled movie starlet. It’s all pretty ho-hum until someone gets the axe.
Actually it’s pretty ho-hum all the way through. I’ve never read other Lippman books but they come highly recommended by her fans. That said – this one was not a great book. Too easy to figure out, too many clichés, and the characters would be great cartoon personalities but didn’t resonate in real life.
Entre Nous, a Woman’s Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl by Debra Ollivier
Ollivier is an American, married to a Frenchman, who spent ten years living in France -- so she knows a thing or two about the French. It’s no big secret (whether you believe it or not) that the world thinks French girls have it going on. So, how can an American girl tap into that mystic – a certain je ne sais quoi – that French girls are born with? Ollivier gives us lovely stories about fashion icons and fabulous food, French movies (watch and learn) and a list of must-dos. Thankfully, Ollivier's advice isn’t about buying more stuff. It has a hefty dose of making do with what you have, living life purposefully, defining your personal fashion sense and purchasing that one great item that’s meant to be worn for a long time. Quality not quantity. So refreshing! Every American woman should read this book -- it’s delightful with a plethora of great sidebars. ♥
Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper by Harriet Scott Chessman
Chessman undertakes a lofty goal – telling the story behind some of the most famous paintings ever done by a woman. The story is set in the 1880’s. American impressionist Mary Cassatt and her sister, Lydia live in Paris -- and the Paris art world is thriving. Lydia narrates the story and even though she is very ill with Bright's disease, and conscious of her impending death, she poses for five of her sister's paintings.
I enjoyed this book. Some may find it boring, but it matches Mary Cassatt’s paintings -- quiet, contemplative and beautiful – interwoven with the very real story of a woman looking at death while very much still alive. Historical art fiction.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Enzo is different from other dogs. First and foremost he narrates a damn good book. He’s also a philosopher with an obsession with opposable thumbs. He’s educated himself by watching television and by listening to his master -- weekend race car driver Denny Swift. It’s through Denny he learns that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. We meet Enzo on a very special evening, as he looks back on his life, recalling all the sacrifices Denny made; and the unexpected losses along the way. In the end Enzo, well, never mind what he does– I’m leaving this intentionally vague because I don’t want to spoil this book for you!
A heart-squeezing but really and truly funny story of life, love, family loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is my new FAVORITE BOOK to recommend. A beautifully written story that explores the wonders and absurdities of human life from a dog’s eye point of view. ♥♥♥
Set in the1970s, Corey Sifter becomes a yard boy for the powerful Metarey family. And because he’s an exceptional young man, soon finds himself a student at a private boarding school thanks to the Metareys. Eventually he becomes involved with one of the Metarey daughters, and needless to say he leaves behind the world of his upbringing. Before long, Corey finds himself working for the great New York senator Henry Bonwiller, who is running for president of the United States. As the campaign gains momentum, Corey finds himself caught up in a web of events that eventually culminate in a tragic death.
I’m not a fan of political fiction, but this book is an exception. Even though the story was a classic “poor-boy-gets-taken-in-by-rich-family-and-falls-in-love-with-daughter” story, the characters were great, with enough turns and twists to keep me interested.
Another Thing to Fall by Laura Lippman
Private investigator Tess Monaghan lands an assignment with a movie company shooting a series in Baltimore. It seems the company has been haunted by a series of petty crimes and other mysterious incidents, and they’re concerned for the safety of the young female lead. Tess soon realizes she’s been hired as a body guard and babysitter to a spoiled movie starlet. It’s all pretty ho-hum until someone gets the axe.
Actually it’s pretty ho-hum all the way through. I’ve never read other Lippman books but they come highly recommended by her fans. That said – this one was not a great book. Too easy to figure out, too many clichés, and the characters would be great cartoon personalities but didn’t resonate in real life.
Entre Nous, a Woman’s Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl by Debra Ollivier
Ollivier is an American, married to a Frenchman, who spent ten years living in France -- so she knows a thing or two about the French. It’s no big secret (whether you believe it or not) that the world thinks French girls have it going on. So, how can an American girl tap into that mystic – a certain je ne sais quoi – that French girls are born with? Ollivier gives us lovely stories about fashion icons and fabulous food, French movies (watch and learn) and a list of must-dos. Thankfully, Ollivier's advice isn’t about buying more stuff. It has a hefty dose of making do with what you have, living life purposefully, defining your personal fashion sense and purchasing that one great item that’s meant to be worn for a long time. Quality not quantity. So refreshing! Every American woman should read this book -- it’s delightful with a plethora of great sidebars. ♥
Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper by Harriet Scott Chessman
Chessman undertakes a lofty goal – telling the story behind some of the most famous paintings ever done by a woman. The story is set in the 1880’s. American impressionist Mary Cassatt and her sister, Lydia live in Paris -- and the Paris art world is thriving. Lydia narrates the story and even though she is very ill with Bright's disease, and conscious of her impending death, she poses for five of her sister's paintings.
I enjoyed this book. Some may find it boring, but it matches Mary Cassatt’s paintings -- quiet, contemplative and beautiful – interwoven with the very real story of a woman looking at death while very much still alive. Historical art fiction.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Enzo is different from other dogs. First and foremost he narrates a damn good book. He’s also a philosopher with an obsession with opposable thumbs. He’s educated himself by watching television and by listening to his master -- weekend race car driver Denny Swift. It’s through Denny he learns that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. We meet Enzo on a very special evening, as he looks back on his life, recalling all the sacrifices Denny made; and the unexpected losses along the way. In the end Enzo, well, never mind what he does– I’m leaving this intentionally vague because I don’t want to spoil this book for you!
A heart-squeezing but really and truly funny story of life, love, family loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is my new FAVORITE BOOK to recommend. A beautifully written story that explores the wonders and absurdities of human life from a dog’s eye point of view. ♥♥♥
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