This will be my first August first in decades where I don't begin to fret that the summer is half over and it is time to gear up for teaching in the fall. I am very thankful for this new life I am entering. I hope to continue along as part of this blogging community for the next while for sure or at least until I get caught up on my middle grade reading.
This week, I'm doing things a bit differently because the book I am in the middle of, One Native Life by Richard Wagamese, just won't wait. It isn't a new title and has been on my to read list for ages. I finally got around to picking it up. I am seriously in awe of this author. It is exquisitely written. Wagamese has put together a collection of memories, so each section is a short story telling us something about a significant part of his life. It is reminiscent of the finest poetry. The messages he imparts are profound learnings about the world.
See what a I mean from these snippets so far?
For the past few days I've been hanging out with my two sisters. We have been having a fabulous time, but my reading life has been minimal. I did manage to finish a few remarkable books before we met and I am trying to sneak in time to read the aforementioned title.
COMPLETED
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| 4.5 stars |
Everybody Sees The Ants by A.S. King
Here is the thing about A.S. King, I'm pretty sure the worst of her writing is still better than most people's best. I swear I enjoy each book more than the last. In this case, it isn't just that I am a sucker for magical realism, but that is definitely part of the appeal of this one for me. Mostly King pulls many diverse narratives together seamlessly and leaves the reader stunned. It is about bullying. It's about the ramifications of war. It's about growing up in a culture of people who are mostly helpless. It's also about hope and taking a stand.
5 stars
Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Chicken Farmer by Kelly Jones
Upon finishing this book (well and during it also) I desperately wanted to run right out and purchase a flock of chickens, even if they didn't have super powers. This is a story of a city family struggling to make ends meet on their departed Uncle's farm that just happens to have pretty amazing chickens. I am pretty sure this will be one of the novels that makes my top ten at the end of this year.
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| 4 stars |
The Map to Everywhere by Carrie Ryan
I enjoyed listening to this story of a girl and a boy caught up in circumstances beyond their control. This one is loaded with adventure and close calls. While there is ample action, it is also thoughtful.
PICTURE BOOKS
Arlene Sardine by Chris Raschka
Beth Shaum mentioned this book last week and I discovered it was available as a digital download. I read it and laughed uproariously at the same time as gasping OMG. (So did my sister) This is a dark and twisted tale of a small fish who longs to become a sardine. It reveals the process it goes through to have its dream come true. I loved this book, but am not certain I would get if for a school library. However, if you are looking for a picture book that demonstrates satire...
CURRENTLY
As well as One Native Life, I'm listening to Princess X by Cherie Priest. Im pretty sure I am missing a lot since I don't get to see all the graphic components of the story.
UP NEXT
I've got about 5 audiobooks that have come available for me to read from the library. I guess this means I am going to have to find a sewing project to work on, or else do some serious house cleaning and/or gardening.
Happy to hear you've been having fun with your sisters, Cheriee. I've noted One Native Life. It sounds like one to read a bit at a time as you said. I still haven't read this particular A.S. King, but it's on my list, as is the chicken one. I think I'll never catch up! Best wishes in these days of not going back. The first year it felt quite strange to me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up about the coming year Linda. I hope you enjoy One Native life as much as I am. One for the Ants is a wee bit out there, but I like that kind of thing.
DeleteI am SO glad you loved this A.S. King title! Isn't she incredible?! This one is my favourite. A flock of chickens? I can see you with a flock of chickens
ReplyDeleteA flock of chickens in my back yard would seriously cut into my travelling plans but maybe later on when I am more settled?
DeleteI bet things will feel strange once school starts and you're not there. Enjoy your time, you deserve it! Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI hope to be really busy so I don't really feel it, but I expect there will be a component of relief there.
DeleteI loved Unusual Chickens and have several typewriters, so... Have fun drinking coffee on the porch as the school buses roll. I took nine years of "early retirement" to be home with my daughters, so am VERY glad to be heading back to school every year!
ReplyDeleteI didn't start teaching till I was in my late 30's, but worked at many different kinds of things before that. I worked part time just to get out of the house when my son's were babies. (They are now 33 and 35)
DeleteIt just goes to show you that to each his own, right? I found myself more horrified than amused by Arlene Sardine -- and not necessarily because I found it offensive, but because it just made absolutely no sense to me why a fish would WANT to end up in a sardine tin. Glad you enjoyed it though. :)
ReplyDeleteIt does indeed Beth. I think that bizarreness is the whole point of the story and why I reacted to it:)
DeleteI want the book about Unusual Chickens! I went out and bought my flock of hens, so I am drawn to all things chickens right now. I wonder what super powers my chickens might have?
ReplyDeleteYou never know Kay. The book has a lot of references to books about chickens, so starting with itis a good place to start!
DeleteI have had One Native Life on my TBR for over a year. I will make sure I get to it soon. I loved Unusual Chickens. :)
ReplyDeleteCrystal, it is so very beautifully written and while he talks about some hard times, the book is filled with hope and humanity.
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