This will not be a typical book review. It is more like a feeling felt after reading a book that touches readers deeply. At least that is Catching up…
This will not be a typical book review. It is more like a feeling felt after reading a book that touches readers deeply. At least that is what happened for me when I read it.
This is what she said.
“You belong. Everywhere. Yes, you – with all your history, anxiety, pain. Yes, everywhere – in every culture, community, circumstance. You belong in this body. You belong in this very moment. You belong in this breath…and this one. You have always belonged.”
Sebene Selassie was sharing this in her book. It is as if we need to have someone tell us a few times just how important we are, because sometimes we forget. Yes? This life. This present moment. This complicated, messy time. You are Here. Now. Important. To me. To us. To everyone. You belong.
Maybe that is what we need. Reminders like this. From books like this.
“You belong in this world just as much as anyone else. No matter how others see you, or how you see yourself.” – Morgan Harper-Nich’Ols...more
“We made the world we’re living in, and we have to make it over.” – James Baldwin
Senator Bernie Sanders described the author as a “leader in our coun“We made the world we’re living in, and we have to make it over.” – James Baldwin
Senator Bernie Sanders described the author as a “leader in our country working to take on poverty and economic injustice. He knows that we can bring about great change by building a multi-racial, multi-generational coalition of working-class people. Building a mass movement of ordinary people is how we end today’s unprecedented levels of greed and economic inequality.”
So, how do we make people want to do that, especially if there is a faction out there that may only be concerned about their own interests to get rich?
I’m not sure there is an easy answer, other than to open our minds to books like this one. Where authors that care, and do the hard work also take time to study the problem.
The author opens with…
“This is a book by a Black man about white poverty in America. I’ve written this because I believe the racist images of Black mothers on welfare that have dominated the imaginations of Americans are not merely demeaning to Black people; they are also based on a myth that obscures the poverty of tens of millions of white people. Until we face the reality of white poverty in America, we cannot comprehend what is truly exceptional about the inequality that persists in the richest nation in the history of the world.”
The author has quite the extensive resume. He preached at President Biden’s 2020 inaugural prayer service. He has held a lot of prominent positions that gave him the opportunity whether on the pulpit or at the podium, to denounce injustice and economic disparity with righteous indignation. People have described his penetrating stare as someone looking into America’s soul.
And, this book is him in action doing just that, looking into America’s soul.
The author provides through this book a well-documented and informative discussion on poverty in the United States. He takes on the racial myths and he puts greed front and center.
“We are pitted against one another by politicians and billionaires who depend on the poorest among us not being seen…by cable news and social media memes and politicians who depend on tired narratives to rally their base against imagined enemies of their ‘values.’”
Even as he shares that white supremacy is a myth “as poisonous to white people as it is to people of color,” he is also letting us know that “it dehumanizes the people it claims to elevate; it uses the very people it claims to champion.”
But he doesn’t leave us hanging with this, he wants us to move on through understanding so that we can mitigate it. This comes through in his well-researched chapters.
His thoughts are compelling and insightful. He showcases personal stories that are heart-felt and inspiring. But mostly, he just doesn’t put it out there and leave it, he presents an action plan to help guide us, through uplifting chapters like, “why we must lift from the bottom,” and “rediscovering the ties that bind us.” He gives us hope that we can have meaningful change. Finding humanity. The potential to unite a movement for genuine change....more
Yesterday, I picked this one up on my weekly visit to my local library. And, I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of it.
This is a story…that tYesterday, I picked this one up on my weekly visit to my local library. And, I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of it.
This is a story…that takes few words. But those few words and charming illustrations show the importance of reading, libraries and books. It is so beautifully written, I felt myself mesmerized as I turned pages slowly. And, as I looked at the pictures, I imagined what each child must be feeling as they studied and experienced the pages, and read the words, or had them read for them, before turning to the next page.
Honestly, this one is a keeper, parents! Teachers, please include this one in your classroom, because this truly…is a story worth reading!
Please take time to read the last page of the book which is the copyrights page which names all the book covers that were illustrated throughout this story.
When I saw this book in the children’s section at my local library, I was immediately attracted to it for 3 reasons.
First, it was the book title. I hWhen I saw this book in the children’s section at my local library, I was immediately attracted to it for 3 reasons.
First, it was the book title. I have always believed that we all have this innate power within us – this light that emanates outwardly to others. And, for a book to be able to showcase this through a title, especially in a children’s book, this seemed particularly powerful to me.
Second, the book cover illustration showed smiling faces with the illusion of light surrounding them. I found such positivity in those illustrations by Kamala Nair.
And, third because I was going on my own personal journey with cancer, and even though this was “just” a children’s book, who wouldn’t enjoy having positivity and light within surrounding them on “such” a journey?
Which made this a book, that felt strangely powerful. Because here I was feeling all these feelings connecting me to this book, and, I am just looking at the book cover. And, I didn’t even open the pages yet!
What would this lovely book share inside?
This is a story of travel and traditions, family, connection through community and finding one’s inner light. Believing in one self. Yes! ...more
When Pete Buttigieg was introduced to the world, he became someone to pay attention to, not just because he was a young man running for President, at When Pete Buttigieg was introduced to the world, he became someone to pay attention to, not just because he was a young man running for President, at the time, but because he was a gay man who could talk openly about himself. This was a powerful moment to consider. Would America be ready for their first gay President?
Well, we know how everything played out in that election, and gratefully Pete has stayed front and center as Secretary of Transportation in the Biden administration. But what he brought with him was Chasten. His husband. And, Chasten has a story to tell, as well. In this beautiful memoir.
I wanted to read the young adult version, because I understand how hard it can sometimes be for young adults trying to find themselves. Especially if they are labeled as “different.” And, even as Chasten points out to readers that we may not be fully in a place where all LGBTQIA+ people can feel safe and accepted, he believes we are heading there. He shows this in his own story about growing up. Change may be slow, according to Chasten, but for him, he believes, it is happening.
Growing up gay wasn’t easy for him, and he was taunted by classmates. Bullying was the medicine most often received. But it did not darken his spirit. He felt loved and accepted by family, and he knew he could overcome these personal hurdles by not feeling ashamed about who he was…but instead proud. And, finding the courage to be himself.
What I loved most about this story was his ability to relate to a younger audience. He shows himself as a positive role model for any reader who is struggling to fit in, even in his honesty about the difficulties of being an outsider.
His strongest message…that readers are not alone. He empowers them to believe they can write their own story and not be defined by how others see them or the circumstances of their life.
There is so much about this reading experience through the pages that feels so hopeful and comforting and quite inspiring.
What is particularly helpful is at the end of the story where he provides “Reflection Questions” which help encourage thought-provoking discussion. This book would be wonderful in any local library or classroom.
What happens when Felix finally gets to meet his Grandma from Vietnam and they don’t speak the same laGenerations. Words. Differences. Opportunities.
What happens when Felix finally gets to meet his Grandma from Vietnam and they don’t speak the same language?
Felix decides to show his Grandma his world, and she decides to show him hers – without words. But one day when they are out and about together, he loses her, and realizes because she is lost, this is an opportunity to teach her English – using picture cards.
This book is about the beauty of learning – not just what adults can teach children, but what children can teach adults.
This is the story about Errol and his Teddy named Thomas who wears a bow tie. They do everything together.
But one day, Errol notices that Thomas is nThis is the story about Errol and his Teddy named Thomas who wears a bow tie. They do everything together.
But one day, Errol notices that Thomas is not feeling particularly playful. So, he asks him what is wrong. And, Thomas says that he is not feeling like a Thomas he is feeling like a Tilly. And, he is afraid that because he wants to be a Tilly, that maybe Errol won’t want to be his friend anymore.
Well, Errol who loves Thomas very much gives the bear a hug and is happy to embrace Tilly’s new identity. And, when Errol’s friend, Ava comes over she offers to give Tilly her bow to wear.
This book offers opportunities for parents and teachers to talk with children about gender identity, being true to themselves and friendship in a thoughtful and caring way.
The question is, when is the appropriate age to understand this topic?
The artistic renderings through the illustrations are gently presented which makes it easy for young ones to relate to, but the subject matter may not be. So, this truly is an educable subject that needs to be managed sensitively.
The publisher says that Reading level is: Age 3 – 6 – Pre-school – Grade 1st...more
This is the story of Lewis Michaux (1895 – 1976) and his National Memorial African Bookstore (approximat“Words. That’s why people need our bookstore.”
This is the story of Lewis Michaux (1895 – 1976) and his National Memorial African Bookstore (approximately 1931 – 1975). According to the author, “as a boy, he refused to work in the fields for twenty cents a day.” What he wanted to do was something more. And, his legacy was this bookstore. The author was her great-uncle, so in many respects, this book about his bookstore is her homage to him.
First and foremost, this children’s book, which I enjoyed as an adult, is an artistic treasure. Each page feels as if we are looking at an artist’s canvas painting of life on the streets, or within the actual bookstore. Known by Lewis most as, ‘the house of common sense and home of proper propaganda.’ He also felt it would be a house that would be packed with “all the facts about all the Blacks all over the world.”
And, in this house of books some famous names through the years would be hosted and mourned, such as Mohammad Ali or Malcolm X.
But mostly, this story was a message to the many people in the neighborhood about the importance of reading. Because it was feared that Black people weren’t doing enough of it. And, he believed most importantly that “knowledge is power.” And, he was right. Once he opened his bookstore, they came. And, they read.
This book is gorgeous. It is powerful. It provides a beautiful, passionate history, colorfully displayed. It celebrates. It embraces history and reading and it showcases the importance of history.
This will be a wonderful learning story for children to read with parents and/or teachers.
“In other words, how do we choose our ending.” – Karen Robert (me)
8/16/24 – UPDATE: If you have already read this review in its entirety, skip to end“In other words, how do we choose our ending.” – Karen Robert (me)
8/16/24 – UPDATE: If you have already read this review in its entirety, skip to end to find out what I have since learned, and for another update since July. If not, please read review first, so you will understand why reading the review first will make better sense before reading the updated information. Thank you. ...more
I remember the first time I saw Amanda Gorman. I was not alone. Anyone who watched the inauguration of President Biden probably also experienced the aI remember the first time I saw Amanda Gorman. I was not alone. Anyone who watched the inauguration of President Biden probably also experienced the artful amazing gorgeous intensity of her powerful poem, “The Hill We Climb.”
“…when the day comes, we step out of the shade aflame and unafraid, the new dawn blooms as we free it, for there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.”
I can still feel the tears flowing listening to her. There was so much to appreciate about that day and her words. So, when I saw this book on the library book shelf on my weekly saunter for reading material, I happily grabbed it.
It was a delight to read her. She has depth and soul. And, gratefully this beautiful poem is also included in this book.
This book is eclectic in her expression of herself. Her poetry exudes discussion on a variety of topics and even atypical formats. And, she is not your typical poet. And, perhaps that is what makes her readable, and interesting.
Would I have picked up her book of poetry had I not heard her on that important day and found myself in tears listening to “The Hill We Climb?” Maybe not. But I am glad I did.
As an example, she talks about a fall in one poem.
“Say our feet miss a step on a stair – …Sometimes The fall Just makes Us More Ourselves.”
How many times have we been in this precarious position with our bodies? Is she not having us consider these moments in our lives?
I like to open myself to different genres. Learn and grow and find myself stretching my mind to consider how other people think and feel. And, this author definitely does that. And, that is why if you are on a similar reading journey, you may just find this book worth your reading experience, too....more
As I started reading this book, at first, I wasn’t sure I could tolerate much more of bratty, Marilyn and her insolent ways. Sometimes I appreciated tAs I started reading this book, at first, I wasn’t sure I could tolerate much more of bratty, Marilyn and her insolent ways. Sometimes I appreciated that she was ahead of her times, and didn’t want to settle for what was expected of her as a 1960’s young woman – to just get married and have babies, or to go to college to find a husband instead of a career. But because she was presumptuous in her actions of kissing the Rabbi’s son, Daniel so brazenly, she now was going to be sent to her Great Aunt Ada to “work” as her assistant to learn some discipline.
Maybe then it would knock some sense into her, as far as her father was concerned. The question is, does it?
Will Marilyn be able to find herself and her own “writing” gifts and talents to become who she is meant to be under the strict disciplines of her great Aunt Ada? How will love embrace her – will it be romantic or something else – maybe even something better? And, what will readers learn as they continue to turn the pages as they watch Marilyn hopefully blossom under great Aunt Ada’s tutelage?
With many endearing characters (especially Ada), and scenic countryside to appreciate, this story eventually moves beyond bratty and spoiled, to introspective, humorous, and interesting with a relatively realistic plot for the time period that is not always predictable.
Especially when secrets are better when they aren’t discovered until the end (even when suspected)....more
Stephen contacted me, and asked if I would consider reading his biography/autobiography about his life in caregiving his mother and the life of his moStephen contacted me, and asked if I would consider reading his biography/autobiography about his life in caregiving his mother and the life of his mother. His gracious ask for me to read his book was actually a gift he gave to me.
From the moment I picked it up last night to begin reading, to the moment I finished it this morning (well, I did have a few hours of sleep in-between) were filled with tears, and smiles for the respect and awe of this amazing man and his utmost devotion to his mother.
I have been sincerely moved by his compassion, sensitivity, solicitousness and tender-heartedness.
He says he was afraid he didn’t do enough. I say, I have never seen a person so invested, so incredibly empathetic and understanding when faced with such a responsibility at such a young age.
So, yes, to read his book and offer this review was a gift given to me.
The moment readers are opening these pages we are introduced to a woman, Shirley Ellen Biles, who is faced with difficult odds. A life filled with a mental illness diagnosis that will require multiple hospitalizations and immense patience and duty from a husband Don who has his own demons in alcohol addiction.
Young son, Stephen watches helplessly as he attempts to find his own way through understanding, but still looking for his own escapes, as any young kid who needs to figure their own life path.
When Dad dies, Stephen has a decision to make. He chooses to become his mother’s full-time caregiver. This will take tremendous responsibility. But his love of her will change the trajectory of both their lives, which will include dogs and some cats that will help balance out Shirley’s life under Stephen’s close tutelage.
Amazingly, Stephen carves out a successful doggie day care business, and through healthy determination is able to help Shirley immensely. And through the pages we meet many dogs they also lovingly adopt, that come into their lives and bring tremendous love and joy to them.
Stephen is meticulous in his care of his mother, and his records show this throughout his story. As he is able to bring her mental illness issues into balance another health issue rears itself called metabolic syndrome which he describes as “a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes” which he helps to manage for her. His devotion to his mother shows through the pages, and our hearts feel it, too.
Stephen shared 3 goals he wanted to accomplish on behalf of his Mom…consistent exercise, socialization and a feeling of independence. It is obvious to the reader what he is able to achieve with her. And, it is obvious how much she thrived under his care. The two were such a remarkable team together.
And of course, there were the dogs. They both drew their strength from the dogs.
To read these pages was like reading a love story. Only, it was about a mother and son and their life together.
I am a mother of two sons. I can only hope that if anything ever happened to me, that my sons would be there for me in the same way. I know my sons love me. But I definitely would want them to be like Stephen, advocating for me. Sons, are you listening?
This is a book that deserves to be read.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review....more
“We can make different choices with better outcomes. We can have remorse and we can atone—without forgetting that sometimes we have to live who we’re “We can make different choices with better outcomes. We can have remorse and we can atone—without forgetting that sometimes we have to live who we’re not in order to know who we are.”
“You are so much more than your trauma.”
To be honest, Jada Pinkett Smith has been more on the periphery to her actor husband, Will Smith. He has always been the star of the family to me, despite the famous Oscar slap. My review of “Will” is here, if interested: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It wasn’t until the height of the pandemic when I noticed her. I happened to be on Facebook one day, and because her show, Red Table Talk passed across my feed, I noticed Jada for the first time, beyond her relationship to Will. This time I decided to watch her.
For those unfamiliar with Red Table Talk, it was an American talk show featuring Jada, her mother Adrienne and her daughter Willow who sat around a red table and tackled current social and cultural issues with an inter-generational perspective. It was respectful, thoughtful, fascinating, heart-full, heart-wrenching, deep, trailblazing and wasn’t afraid to tackle difficult issues with other individuals well-known in the entertainment industry.
I was truly spell-bound that day listening to the women share their thoughts and feelings. I can’t even begin to tell you what the topic was that day, but I found myself looking forward to her episodes after that one, and was disappointed when her show was cancelled last year (2023).
So, when her book came out, I was one of those people first in line at my local library to get on the list to check it out. Of course, it would take a while before I received it. And, unfortunately, I forgot to add it to my “currently reading” list when I did eventually get it.
My review…
If you are looking for self-healing, you might have come to the right book. Because this may be what Jada Pinkett Smith is attempting here for herself. This is definitely her story to tell, laid out quite bluntly on the table for all to see – the good, bad and ugly – all of it – the “unhealed trauma” of her life. Her vulnerability, depression, struggles, important people, difficult people, cycles of chaos, and transition to acceptance.
“The sweetest part was my kids—Jaden, Willow, and my bonus son, Trey—my three favorite people in the world. They were, hands down, the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Even knowing this, it doesn’t erase being diagnosed with complex trauma with PTSD and depression.
And through it all, you can’t help but root for her as she finds her way. For everything she shares about her journey, there is still something inspirational she offers to her readers.
“A woman has a right to her adventures, even if it means courting her shadows as guides to her brightest light. And she has a right to her pitfalls as well as her triumphs, and to the wisdom gained that leads to her self-actualization.”
This may be an imperfect story, and some may not like her, but I appreciated her laying herself bare. This was obviously a therapeutic, spiritual journey for her to write this book. And for some, it may be a bit too self-indulgent.
Personally, I don’t think she needs permission from anyone to be deemed worthy.
We all can be deemed worthy in our own eyes. That is all that truly matters....more
Did you ever walk into the pages of a book and get that sensation of feeling cozy? Like you just wanted to wrap yourself up in a nice warm blanket witDid you ever walk into the pages of a book and get that sensation of feeling cozy? Like you just wanted to wrap yourself up in a nice warm blanket with enough pillows supporting your head, knowing that whatever came through the pages, it was going to be a good read?
And, even if there were moments where you could feel that some things may appear predictable, or silly or imperfect, you just wanted to go with it, because you were enjoying the feeling of being in these characters lives? You know what I mean?
Well, this is what happened to me with this book. I was one of the lucky ones who won this book as a Goodreads giveaway, and I can’t be more pleased to share with you how it has kept me warm and welcomed to have the opportunity to meet 82-year-old Frederick Fife.
Now, let’s be real here. Fred didn’t start off this adventure on a good foot. He was coming on homeless, disenchanted with life, lonely without his precious, beautiful wife Dawn who had passed away.
“Grief was love with nowhere to go.”
So, we weren’t sure what was going to happen to him, until he happened to be by the river. And, in one moment, everything changed. For Fred. And, probably Bernard.
Whose Bernard you wonder? Well, this is what makes this story so appealing. As it happens, Bernard is almost a “twin” to Fred, so that when Bernard finds him, already passed away in his wheelchair at the river, and he thinks he is doing the right thing to return him to where he probably belongs, something happens again.
Let us just say, that Bernard is no longer present. (I really want you to experience the moment – so no spoilers from me!)
And, Fred is now mistaken for Bernard, and living Bernard’s life at Bernard’s care home. And, no matter how much Fred tries to tell everybody he isn’t Bernard, they won’t believe him.
“A pleasure to meet you. People call me Bernard.”
“You’d be surprised how people treat you differently when you’re older. You don’t feel any different, but it’s as though you fade away, like a Polaroid picture in reverse.”
Now, will Fred be discovered? How long can he keep up this masquerade that he didn’t want, even though this is a really nice home? And, what if Bernard is found?
So, Fred makes the most of this experience, and as readers we are watching Fred make a difference among the other residents and staff at the care home.
“Asking for help isn’t failing, you know – it’s refusing to fail.”
“What a blessing sleep could be sometimes, a merciful relief from dementia, from pain, from grief. A brief holiday where there were no suitcases full of burdens to carry. In dreams you could forget that you didn’t remember, and remember those who were no longer there.”
But Fred was there. And, he cared. And surprisingly, even though Bernard was so very grumpy, this new Bernard was anything but. So, how could they not like him?
We are also getting alternate chapters telling the story of Sadie and Hannah. How do these girls play into this story?
How will Fred make a difference in another young woman’s life – one associated with Bernard – and one who might just make a difference in his?
Will they discover that Fred is not Bernard? Or, will he live out the rest of his life as Bernard?
Sometimes we find family in the most unlikely places. For a few pages, I felt like I was with family. I think you will find some incredible characters to enjoy and appreciate and hope good things for – and maybe, just maybe, this one can provide a happily ever after for an 82-year-old man named Fred/Bernard. Can we hope? (No spoilers from me.)
Thank you, Goodreads for this gift read. This book will be available this coming September!...more
I had read this one a while ago. But what made me want to re-visit it is that I read recently that 28 years after the late Andrew ClementsCatching up…
I had read this one a while ago. But what made me want to re-visit it is that I read recently that 28 years after the late Andrew Clements introduced this iconic debut novel, Random House Books for Young Readers will posthumously publish its follow-up, “The Frindle Files” on August 27th. It will also feature art by Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick who also created the cover illustration for Frindle.
This is the story of Nick who challenges his teacher by thinking he is smarter. He is always trying to find clever ways to use up class time to avoid school work. How many ways can he distract his teachers?
But one way a teacher gets to him is to give him extra homework on how words get into the dictionary – the origin of words, that he will have to read out loud in class. He only sees this as another opportunity to take up class time.
Will Nick win this argument, or will the teacher teach him something he needs to learn?
In many ways this is a story about the power of language – to think deeply and creatively about it. It is also a story about how kids test boundaries, question authority, but how they can also learn to respect it.
And who knows, maybe one day a word that kids creatively create can actually be added to the dictionary... (did that really happen?)
frin * dle – a device used to write or make marks with ink.
Take a look at the cover of this short little book.
If we are looking at the same cover, what I am looking at is a cat looking at a door. A bike to thTake a look at the cover of this short little book.
If we are looking at the same cover, what I am looking at is a cat looking at a door. A bike to the left, and a sea of books – left – top - right. And, there is a door in the middle with a silhouette of what we can presume is a man to the left and a woman to the right. And, the title of the book is in the center at the top. There are other details if you want to really spend some time reviewing the cover which makes it even more fun.
I bring this up because it is the cover of this book that attracted me to read it.
And, to be honest it is another one of those books with the word “bookshop” in the title that also got me interested. I like to read at least one book (a month, if possible) with a bookshop in my reading adventure list in-between a mystery (if it isn’t a mystery, as well).
And, this one is written by a Japanese writer and translated by Eric Ozawa.
One thing I believe that is often true for us readers, is that we are drawn to bookstores like nature lovers are drawn to views. Whenever my husband and I were travelling we couldn’t leave a town without stopping at the local bookstore or library. It was a must-see stop, ALWAYS. If they were closed, I would just salivate at the window display. At least I, could look at the latest best sellers, or get a sense of who their local authors were, by who they displayed in their window.
Bottom line, there is something hopeful about bookstores. I can’t help but love the smell of books, the touch of books, and don’t we just feel a little bit smarter when we are surrounded by books? Well, at least I pretend to be.
But I digress. Let’s get to this review.
This is a heart-warming story that shows how literature helps to open doors for those who have difficulty expressing their feelings. Like Takado, our main character.
And speaking of Takado, she is our plain-speaking 25-year-old narrator. She doesn’t express her feelings well to others. And thus, it is no surprise how easily she has been taken advantage of by her boyfriend, Hideaki. We quickly learn on page 1, that he has dumped Takado and has announced he is getting married, but still wants to play around with her, even though he is engaged to somebody else.
Takado always thought they were serious, even though he didn’t want anyone to know they were in a relationship (they both worked together). So, Takado’s only recourse is to quit her job and head home to mope.
Her Uncle Satoru offers her free lodging if she will help in his bookshop. Feeling that she really doesn’t have much choice, she takes him up on the offer.
“That’s where my real life began. And I know without a doubt, that if not for those days, the rest of my life would have been bland, monotonous, and lonely.”
The characters of her uncle, his wife and others are quite interesting, quirky and personable and add to the enjoyment of the story.
And as the story unfolds, readers watch as life opens up in ways Takado never thought possible.
And, as readers, who already love to read, we get to watch Takado’s self-confidence grow, as well as witness how the importance of reading can and does make a difference in a person’s life.
And, that my friends, is the beauty of the transformation of books.
Sidenote: this book was originally published in Japan 2010, and adapted into film in Japan, but was not translated into English until 2023....more
What seems like the perfect “retirement” new life “career” quickly feels like a dream gone badly for Sam and Swami. The idea to live and work along thWhat seems like the perfect “retirement” new life “career” quickly feels like a dream gone badly for Sam and Swami. The idea to live and work along the river seems to slowly melt away into troubles and slick well-financed competition.
Sam and Swami are struggling as a couple, and the dreams are definitely being challenged. But there is something about this feel-good plot (if you can be patient with it) that feels like hope is just around the corner. With white-water rafting as a backdrop, who doesn’t want to believe that the water is great and the flow of the river will make everything feel better eventually.
Sam just wasn’t willing to give up, so maybe as readers, we shouldn’t either. There is something warm-hearted between these pages....more
There comes a point in which one wonders, how many different ways can an author tell the story of the Holocaust and not sound like another book we havThere comes a point in which one wonders, how many different ways can an author tell the story of the Holocaust and not sound like another book we have already read.
And then, this one comes along.
And its creative storytelling, reaches a new level of heart and soul and sadness and grief and anger and love and as readers our hearts break.
Because it is truly a different and unique story. And we can’t help but want to read it. Even though it is another Holocaust story.
This is the story of 4 people.
And of course, six million people. During WWII.
But the focus is on 4 people, Nico, Sebastian, Fannie and Udo. Our narrator, we presume, is Truth.
And as we read, we recognize this as a parable story about hope. It is telling readers that Truth is at the center of everything. We just need to be aware of the liar first.
And, it is because of the lies that affect life and death to neighbors and families the question becomes…
How do those betrayals affect lives and relationships moving forward – and what truly is the Truth?
This is a brutal telling on the loss of that Truth during WWII. And what it means to tell a lie. It also explores the depth of forgiveness when faced with betrayal.
Can one seek atonement knowing it is a human need? How does one make things right after telling such lies?
And maybe in some ways it is asking us, as the reader to look deeply at our own relationship with truth – especially with so much division in our present world.
After all, if lies can be so pervasive, can’t truth, as well?
This book even though it is another Holocaust story, provides an opportunity for teaching and learning. Which makes it a perfect book group selection....more
“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” – Atwood H. Townsend
One of“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” – Atwood H. Townsend
One of the things I loved doing most with my grandsons, J and L was reading with them. They live in Texas and I live in California. So, between my youngest son and daughter-in-love we made an arrangement that during the school year, my grandsons would FaceTime read to me for a few minutes once a week. This has been going on for years now.
It has been a joy to “read” so many books with my grandkids over these past several years. And to create such a close relationship with them, even though we live such a distance from each other.
My oldest grandson, J is now in high school. We have since moved on to chat time with Oma (that is me). But to gain this chat time status, and ability to feel secure about talking about life in high school comfortably, it started with being able to read books with me.
In Miller’s book, there are some interesting teaching tools, i.e., library lists, and student forms. Through-out the book she has different self-reflection activities.
This book feels like she is speaking to the educator/parent in all of us. But mostly, her strongest intention is to build lifelong readers. By starting them young.
And certainly, if we surround readers with books early, it creates a condition for learning.
When my oldest son and his family used to live locally (they have since moved to Oregon), I would take my granddaughter A for one day a week to my local public library. They had the Children’s Librarian who had pre-school story hour, and we would sit in the audience with the other kids and listen to her tell the story of the day. A would just love it. Afterwards, we would walk around the children’s section of the library and pick out different books and sit in a corner and read together.
Recently, while chatting on FaceTime, as A was reflecting on her upcoming high school graduation, she shared a moment of how she remembered those experiences we shared. My eyes watered. Pass the Kleenex please.
Miller believes kids need to choose books that interest them, and schools and parents need to support children reading books that will engage their learning. Especially a love of learning. She also felt that mostly children need to be given time to read. And talk about what they have read.
I agree. I loved those moments when J and L would share how they felt about the books they were reading. Especially the ones they weren’t reading to me.
This book gets us to think about all the ways we need to love reading again. Because…in truth, there are so many distractions to take children away from reading.
As parents, or even as fellow readers, we need to find more ways to enhance the experience and joy of reading again among children in our communities. Instead of playing a video game, or streaming television, can we encourage them to read a book instead?
This book provides a sense of hope that perhaps with enough support and interest we can raise a new generation of readers.
So, what can we do…
We have to continue to support our libraries, our schools and children to be curious. To put books in front of them. To encourage reading. To let them love books (instead of banning them). To be engaged with ALL books. To let teachers teach by allowing reading to be a focal point of the teaching/learning experience.
“Reading is not a duty, and has consequently no business to be made disagreeable.” – Augustine Birrell...more
As someone who is part of the Little Free Library movement, I am always excited when I see books devoted to showcasing Little Free Libraries. So, whenAs someone who is part of the Little Free Library movement, I am always excited when I see books devoted to showcasing Little Free Libraries. So, when I saw this book in my local public library, I had to check it out.
Jake is at his local public library for Library Day and he is learning about everything he needs to know about checking out books at his library, and meeting the librarian, who wants to be called Librarian Beck.
What fascinates Jake most is the book, “Woodworking for Young Hands.” So, he checks it out. Eventually, in working with his Gramps he learns how to make the book work for him. And he surprises Librarian Beck by building a Little Free Library that can be made available right outside the library building, so that people can get books, especially when the library is closed.
Librarian Beck is so happy they fill up the Little Free Library with books. But what is the best surprise of all happens at the end. (No spoilers from me.)
Through words and lovely, colorful illustrations, this book shows how books and Librarians can encourage kids to find their special talents and interests.
And, how Little Free Libraries can make a difference to their communities and neighborhoods.
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