It took a fellow college faculty member that I worked with at Cypress College in southern California (before relocating to Cuesta College Catching up…
It took a fellow college faculty member that I worked with at Cypress College in southern California (before relocating to Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo) to get me to read this book years ago. He was going to be conducting a faculty reading discussion group, and I thought it would be a wonderful experience to attend. And then, it took a donation to a Little Free Library recently to remind me of that long ago experience, and why I would want to revisit this book.
This book wasn’t published in English until 1983. But it was in the late 1980’s, that we as a faculty group had the opportunity to sit around a very large table to discuss this book. I remember when the lead who facilitated the discussion compared the author to Melville, Dostoevsky, Joyce and Garcia-Marquez. How do I remember this, I honestly don’t know! Could it be that a book like this is hard to forget?
Anyway, when I saw this book in a Little Free Library that I was leaving a book for, all these memories of this long-ago discussion came back to me. Of course, it helped that I was also now revisiting it, in-between my other novels this past month.
There are 538 pages to this story, plus a postscript about “the title and meaning” which brought the pages to 576. And then, with this edition that I found at a local LFL, there is an added “Note” from the author which brings the final pages to 579.
What is this novel about anyway?
Well, it is mostly an intriguing detective story set in 1327. There are a series of gruesome murders at a remote Benedictine monastery in the Italian mountains. This is where our main protagonist, Brother William of Baskerville, and his Assistant Adso of Melk, a Benedictine novice from Austria are headed. Adso, is also the narrator.
This was not supposed to be their reason for their coming to the monastery. They were planning to attend an embassy meeting with the Pope and a group of Minorities. But a young illustrator known for his beautiful illuminated manuscripts, is found dead.
Was it suicide or truly murder?
Because of his “thinking” skills, the abbot asks William to investigate the death, which also allows him access to the library which isn’t allowed to be entered by just anyone. And, as readers, as we watch William and Adso in action, we can’t help but feel we are looking at a familiar rendition of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson for their time period.
Especially when more murders occur.
For this reader, as I mentioned above, I certainly felt the Holmes/Watson connection.
Consider the author’s giving William the name ‘Baskerville.’ William’s character asks questions, he studies clues, and he uses the powers of deduction. Remember, the abbot was impressed with his “thinking” skills. For Holmes fans, it does seem very Holmes like, don’t you think? And of course, then there is Adso. He needs William to explain things to him (which also benefits us, the readers) – and that was very typical of Holmes role with Dr. Watson.
Through the course of their investigations of the abbey’s crimes and its secret heresy, there is a medieval flavor to what is being discovered. We are in the Middle Ages after all, but Eco attempts to give a modern view to that world. He paints a picture of monsters that linger within the characters and their actions.
And, with Adso getting clues through his dreams, it gives William the opportunity to try and translate.
“A dream is a scripture, and many scriptures are nothing but dreams.”
As readers we are left with a story that combines criminal investigation, exploration of theology and the language of the times. A medieval mystery novel, so to speak. It also is quite the study of religious history of Europe of the 14th century, which may be too much for some, or fascinating for others.
But for this reader, the descriptions of monastery life, the library scenes, and the characters of William and Adso were worth reading and discussing with others.
But what truly makes this story work, once you get over the length of it, is that Eco’s characters, even if they may appear dry (other than William and Adso), the plot feels very much like walking through a Conan Doyle and Christie novel. And, if you are fans of those authors, this book works.
And, for those who may consider this book for a discussion group, the author’s postscript helps. And, I know I referred to that a lot as we launched into our group discussion all those years ago. The postscript provided so many useful tips on: the reasons for the author’s title, why and how he wrote the book, his reasons for choosing the Middle Ages as the time period, how he would create his narrator, constructing the world his characters would live in, reasons for his long didactic passages (those really brought out quite the discussion!), and most importantly, how he was going to attract us, the reader.
Patience will be needed because of the length of the book. But it is a captivating detective story. And, so quotable throughout the story. Eco shares…
“…Books talk among themselves, and any true detection should prove that we (readers) are the guilty party.”
Think about what he shares in that quote I just mentioned above, as you take a plunge into this historical novel.
This book was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed. A post-it note was attached to the inside page that read, “Excellent book signed by the authoThis book was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed. A post-it note was attached to the inside page that read, “Excellent book signed by the author.” How could I resist it?
For anyone who has been following my reviews, I am a rather voracious reader. I read quite a bit, and sometimes quite fast. A lot of times, it may just be how the book is written – those suspenseful reads can be real page-turners, hard to put down type of books. Or others, I hate to admit, might have some skippable moments. And, I have to believe a lot of you have had those moments, too.
But sometimes a book comes along that just makes me want to take time with it. It could be the characters – how I am feeling about them, or towards them – almost like being invited to a friendly family dinner. Where we are all gathered around this big table delightfully chattering away as we eat delicious food together. Or, it could be simply the way the author writes.
With this book, I have to say, it was mostly the author’s writing – her storytelling. And, certainly I had those feelings about the characters, as well. But Moore writes poetically and artfully, even with the emergence of computer language within the pages. Which in many ways is central to the story.
“He had come to think of ELIXIR, by that time, in a somewhat familial way. At times the machine seemed like a manifestation of himself; it had acquired many of his speech patterns, his verbal tics and irregularities. Beyond all rationality, he trusted the machine as much as – more than – he had ever trusted a human.”
The author has a fascinating premise and characters that create curiosity for the reader. Who are these people and why should I care? Because we want to care. Because the author makes us want to care. And, that truly is the beauty of Moore’s writing.
“Walking was a joy. There was a sense of gentle anti-gravity emanating from the earth, benevolently lightening the load of her flesh. She felt buoyant; each one of her steps had a floating quality that made her feel graceful and spry. …As she walked beneath a tree, the leaves shattered the light, separating it into long thin shafts, illuminating particulates that swam weightlessly in the air.”
In the case of our main character, Ada, she has her own mystery to solve about her enigmatic father David, who she refers to simply as, David.
And, that really is the culmination of the story. Because, even this book on its cover and backside had nothing to reveal about what this story was going to be about other than one sentence, “the moving story of a daughter’s quest to discover the truth about her beloved father’s hidden past.”
So, it will take patience and time, and our own level of curiosity as readers to discover what “The Unseen World” title of this book and its meaning to this story answers for us.
The story is told mostly in third person, except with the last chapter when it switches to first person. And, getting us to these final pages in the book (all 451 of them), may help to bring a satisfying conclusion to our questions about David. And even about what will eventually happen for Ada.
But there is more. The characters. (Beyond David and Ada.) So much to appreciate about their role in this story. As readers, I encourage you to relish the complexity of them. Including ELIXIR. These characters are fully-fleshed out, in ways that allow readers to feel as if you almost know them personally.
There were so many nuances to this read, that it is hard to point out anything other than to share, I am grateful to my donator for their simple note, “Excellent read… .” Because in these simple words, they guided me to a book I may never have considered. Certainly, this donation was a gift. And now, I get to share it with my neighborhood. I hope they will also react similarly as I did to the note, which I will keep affixed to the book.
I am currently on a long waiting list for this author’s latest book, “The God of the Woods.” Having now read this one, I have placed a hold at my local library on her book, “Heft.”
I’m curious, for those who have read her, what do you think of this author? ...more
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
This children’s book was quite the adventure. Four children crash-land when their pilot suffers a heart attack. They are alone and in peril in the lush Amazon rainforest. How will they manage on their own?
What the author does is provide a rich scene which will mesmerize young readers. Swimming with river dolphins. Discovering a ruined city. Eating bugs. What more could they ask for? Perhaps a mystery in which a map is discovered that the kids can follow?
Readers will enjoy the 4 young characters as they take off on their journey of self-discovery and immense bravery to tackle the unknown. There is a sense of warmth, love, hope and courage that permeates throughout the pages that makes this an enticing read....more
This is a children’s/YA novel. Still, it is so appealing, I would recommend it to anyone. Which means, as an adult reading it, I believe adults would This is a children’s/YA novel. Still, it is so appealing, I would recommend it to anyone. Which means, as an adult reading it, I believe adults would be enchanted by its story, as well.
It has also won many awards. In 2014 it won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize (an annual award given to a work of children’s literature that uncovers hidden talent in children’s writing); and, the Blue Peter Book Award for Best Story (a set of literary awards for children’s books conferred by the BBC television program Blue Peter). It was also short-listed for the Carnegie Medal for Writing (a British literary award that recognizes outstanding English-language books for children and young adults).
What makes this story so beautiful is its message…
Follow your dreams.
Sophie, our protagonist, started off her life, floating in a cello case, recovered from a shipwreck. Charles, who finds her, becomes her loving father. He also allows Sophie undisciplined freedom as a child.
As Sophie gets older, she wonders if her mother is still alive. Charles tells her…
“Never ignore a possible.”
So, with that, she convinces Charles to go with her to Paris to find her mother. Of course, there are other reasons for Charles to do so, which I won’t state here, because that is a spoiler.
In Paris, Sophie meets Matteo. And, with Matteo they go in search of her mother.
Music fills the story, and certainly the mystery of Sophie being found in a cello case can certainly be added to that experience. Readers will feel a sense of adventure, music, joy, and connection with these characters....more
This is a stunning picturesque book that’s illustrations give you a sense of an abstract Paper Mache placement from fabrics to the page in beautiful cThis is a stunning picturesque book that’s illustrations give you a sense of an abstract Paper Mache placement from fabrics to the page in beautiful colors.
The story takes readers to a pond (a small body of still water formed naturally) that explores pond life. Who lives in the pond? What do they do with their day? How do they grow and develop as creatures and/or plants from something small to mature?
The writing is poetic and thoughtful.
The author also provides notes about the animals and plants that inhabit the pond, which makes this a great learning adventure for kids.
This is a beautifully illustrated story about 2 boys who have the adventure of coming to the ocean. They get to see and listen to all the various lifeThis is a beautifully illustrated story about 2 boys who have the adventure of coming to the ocean. They get to see and listen to all the various life and sounds that it provides.
Readers will be engaged in learning about sea life and sounds that will give them an appreciation of the beauty of ocean life.
Being alone and being lonely are 2 different things. Sometimes loud sounds or noises may be hard to handle, and so, it is easier to be alone. But thatBeing alone and being lonely are 2 different things. Sometimes loud sounds or noises may be hard to handle, and so, it is easier to be alone. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are lonely.
Only, the bird, knows this well. And, thus it becomes confusing for his other bird friends to understand. But Only, the bird, has a way of showing them. And, in so doing, everyone learns about the beauty of savoring alone time, but still having others in your life.
This is a wonderful little illustrated story that helps kids understand the difference between alone and lonely.
What happens when you and your husband decide to be responsible for a sanctuary for elephants and rhinos, and then you find yourself suddenly alone? DWhat happens when you and your husband decide to be responsible for a sanctuary for elephants and rhinos, and then you find yourself suddenly alone? Do you give up on the dream or continue it? This was something the author had to face when her beloved husband passed away suddenly, and she was left to manage their Thula Thula Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa.
Her story provides something for wildlife lovers to truly appreciate as she shares the ongoing conservation saga.
Filled with personal stories, it is refreshing to read about the amazing creatures that inhabit our world, and the watchful care she and her staff provide to them, especially when under threat to poachers.
The author also includes photographs to add to the storytelling and connection readers will experience through her story.
Readers will no doubt feel touched, moved and amazed by the perseverance and responsibility and challenges of this life that are showcased throughout the book.
Her husband wrote, “The Elephant Whisperer,” that gave insights into their mission, but this book can be read as a stand-alone. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ...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.
As I may have mentioned in some previous reviews, in my youth I had cats. I loved their independence, and they fit my lifestyle as I was learning my oAs I may have mentioned in some previous reviews, in my youth I had cats. I loved their independence, and they fit my lifestyle as I was learning my own way in the world.
This book is a beautiful introduction to cats in a gloriously illustrated way. For anyone who is looking to learn about cats, every corner of the book offers an opportunity to teach. With cute pictorials, information paragraphs that tell anyone everything you would ever want to know about kitten “caboodle” this truly is the book readers will want to add to their personal library.
There is also a page on the zodiac of cats with suggested “cat” names. Interestingly enough, the picture showcased for my birth month of the zodiac, Sagittarius, featured a black and white cat, which was my first cat when I moved out on my own, Patches. How did this book know?
The book also shares feline folklore, fun stories on catnaps, ways to please a cat, when a kitty goes on the prowl, kitty moods, famous cats that have been memorialized in books and music; and, so much more.
For the love of cats, this will be a book that all cat lovers will want in their book collection! Especially since it has cut-out pages that open within. Like peek-a-boo moments with information behind the cut-outs. Children will especially love learning about cats in this way!
In all probability, it is very likely we know the rhyme. Most children probably have made that wish every night to the stars… (At least, I know I did In all probability, it is very likely we know the rhyme. Most children probably have made that wish every night to the stars… (At least, I know I did as a kid. To be honest, I still do! ☺️)
“Star light, star bright First star I see tonight I wish I may I wish I might Have the wish I wish tonight.”
But what makes this book so beautiful, is the gorgeous illustrations by Alexandra Day and the lovely positive message that goes along with it.
Each child and parent will have an opportunity to enjoy the star gazing colorful beauty of this book for each bedtime reading.
This is the story of a very sad gorilla. And, for anyone turning pages, the first thing you will be mesmerized by is the stunning visual artistic illuThis is the story of a very sad gorilla. And, for anyone turning pages, the first thing you will be mesmerized by is the stunning visual artistic illustrations.
This particular gorilla could also communicate via sign language. Which made his ability to “talk” with humans fascinating for kids to see. And what he needed most was…a friend.
So, the humans at the zoo, gave him a friend, a kitty named “Beauty” that they asked him not to eat.
And, this is their story – the gorilla and the kitty.
Children will learn the importance of friendship and communication in this heart-loving story.
What happens when we build something and someone knocks it down? What happens when we build something and someone knocks it down and everyone else hasWhat happens when we build something and someone knocks it down? What happens when we build something and someone knocks it down and everyone else has an opinion about it that we don’t want to hear?
What happens when we build something and someone knocks it down and we are left alone and feel all sorts of emotions about it and someone comes along and just listens to everything that we feel about it?
Can we feel listened too, finally?
Well, maybe this is that story.
And, this is what makes this the perfect story for parents and/or teachers to talk with kids about.
A beautifully illustrated book that has been donated by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for kids everywhere.
Reading Level: Age 3 – 5+ - Pre-school – K+...more
And that is truly the definition of me, too. It really doesn’t matter what age we are, hair definitely does have a way“My hair is free…my hair is me.”
And that is truly the definition of me, too. It really doesn’t matter what age we are, hair definitely does have a way of giving us our own personality. And a way of accepting ourselves, just as we are.
My hair is frizzy and curly. Once it has been washed, styled and air-dried it cannot be brushed again. It is that stubborn. All I can do is toss it over my head, put my fingers through it, and hope it can look semi-decent when I come back up for air. Oh, and it is long. That is the hippie girl still in me. I love my hair still being long. Who says that because I am old that I have to have short hair? I love it just as it is!
So, when I was recently searching for library books online, I couldn’t help but notice this one. Look at this cover? Look at this title? This girl’s hair is bigger than she is! I love it!
In this story, this girl has big hair. And, people want to know why. And, when they ask, her reply is simply…
“Why isn’t yours?”
How can you not love her boldness and love for how she feels about how she looks!
In this beautifully illustrated book, she goes on to describe her hair and how she loves it. Or even what her hair needs.
“My hair needs room to grow with grace.”
The beauty of this book is that it shows the diversity and acceptance of loving oneself just as they are. And, how others can, too.
“Write down what I think I know. The knowing will come. Just keep listening…”
Some books flow beautifully with prose that just captures readers. This is “Write down what I think I know. The knowing will come. Just keep listening…”
Some books flow beautifully with prose that just captures readers. This is one of those books. While reading this, I felt as if the pages just floated by.
At the same time, I also felt badly, that the title of this book seemed limiting. Because in some ways, will girls or even boys who aren’t brown know, without understanding that anybody, at any age, or any color could pick up this book and truly enjoy it, too? Perhaps, even find something to appreciate from her words?
The other joy about this book, is once you pick it up, it is easy to read in one sitting. Of course, that isn’t necessary to do, either. You could actually sit and savor each poem like a good meal, if you choose. Because each poem provides an opportunity to explore and experience and recognize that even if it is a little bit of the author’s memoir, it is still something we may all enjoy considering or understanding, too about someone’s life. These poems are short and sweet and full of stories and beliefs. Things we can probably relate to, as well.
“…I believe in Black people and White people coming together. I believe in nonviolence and “Power to the People.” …I believe in one day and someday and this perfect moment called Now.”
These are beautiful, heart-felt, soul-full poems that will enrich anybody’s library. We can even choose to learn from her and hope for better. For ourselves and each other....more
“I have always imagined that closing a book is like pausing a film midframe, the characters frozen in their halted worlds, breath held, waiting for th“I have always imagined that closing a book is like pausing a film midframe, the characters frozen in their halted worlds, breath held, waiting for the reader to return and bring it all back to life – like a prince’s kiss in a fairy tale.” – Ashlyn Greer
I wanted to start my review with this quote from one of the main protagonist characters in this book, Ashlyn, because I have just finished this book, and this is how I feel.
I honestly believe I have just read my absolute favorite book of 2024!
And, I don’t say that lightly.
I have read lots of books, and this one has captivated me from the first page to the last. And, as I have come to the very last page, I am filled with many emotions. Enchanted. Engaged. Centered. Present. Moved. Inspired. Fulfilled. Grateful. Touched.
This book started with a private message from Goodreads friend Lynda, who thought she read my review and felt she needed to thank me. You now must read her review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... She said she was so grateful for my review of this book. I said, I hadn’t read it yet, I was still on the waiting list for the book. But grateful that she enjoyed it so much.
And, then it finally arrived from my local library. It was now my turn to have a reaction to this book.
There is something to be said about a character like Ashlyn, that is so attached to books, that she has a special gift in which she can “read the echoes that attached themselves” to pages within books. In other words, she could feel the people who were apart of the books they touched. The emotions they experienced.
And, when two books come in to her possession, they will not only change her life, they will change the lives of the individuals who wrote them.
What mystery lies within those pages she reads?
How will this mystery help heal Ashlyn and her life?
This is a book within a book. When Ashlyn receives a couple of books, she is curious to discover that these books have no author names or publisher. Who do they belong to, and how can she find the writers? The mystery only deepens.
“Books are feelings,” he replied simply. “They exist to make us feel. To connect us to what’s inside, sometimes to things we don’t even know are there. It only makes sense that some of what we feel when we’re reading would . . . rub off.”
And, so these two books that Ashlyn discovers leads her to Ethan who is the one that was cleaning out his father’s books. Little did each of them know that these stories would unravel a family history of Ethan’s he had little memory of that would possibly open doors for both of them.
What happened to Ethan and Ashlyn that closed doors for them? How will the mystery of the books that they are reading now together open doors for them?
“She still couldn’t say how far she was willing to leap, but she had forced herself to look down and at least judge the distance of the fall. It was a start.”
“We develop a particular fondness for our favorite books, the way they feel and smell and sound, the memories they invoke, until they begin to exist for us as living, breathing things.”
Ashlyn graces each chapter with a quote that leads readers to wonder what we will learn through the “current” year 1984, as she and Ethan read through the books about the mysterious Belle and Hemi of the past. One book was written by Belle. And one book was written by Hemi. But who are they? What happened to them? And, are they still alive?
“Without a reader, a book was a blank slate, an object with no breath or pulse of its own. But once a book became part of someone’s world, it came to life, with a past and a present—and, if properly cared for, a future.”
Could the power of forgiveness be the gift that helped find a happily ever after ending here?
“But if something tragic happened in a book, you could just close it and choose a new one, unlike real life, where events often played out without the protagonist’s consent.”
My emotions were all over the place as I kept turning pages. But then I would find myself asleep holding the book still. Oh gosh, I needed sleep. Okay, sleep it was. I would have to wait for the ending.
And then I woke up. It was pitch black out. I knew I had a few pages to go. I couldn’t help myself. I needed to know. I was so invested in these characters. I loved Ashlyn and Ethan, and Belle and Hemi. I wanted to know what would happen.
“Like humans, books experienced their share of heartache—and like humans, they remembered.”
How does one describe that feeling when you close a book that you have loved everything about it? There are so many quotes in this book that have been so worthy, that I feel like my review is simply a series of the author’s quotes.
At the same time, I have found myself in a book about books. About a life lived, or missed, or regrets, or needing forgiveness, or finding second chances, or being strong under the worst of circumstances.
And, thus reading this book felt like something more. Not just a love story about people. But my own love story about how I fell in love with a book, if that makes sense.
So, the author’s quote…
“There is nothing quite so alive as a book that has been well loved” feels perfect here.
Because, that is exactly how I feel about this reading experience.
I have come to appreciate that life is something we can’t take for granted. And, when Ashlyn shares that “people’s lives were defined not by the scars they acquired but by what lay on the other side of those scars, by what’s done with the life they have left,” I knew she was speaking a truth we could understand.
And, sometimes books do that to us. And, this one did that to me. Yes, this one to date is most undoubtedly, my favorite book for 2024! Maybe, even yours?...more
“…I took a long breath, summoning every bit of power I had, and shoved my fear and panic down as hard as I could – burying them so deeply that for the“…I took a long breath, summoning every bit of power I had, and shoved my fear and panic down as hard as I could – burying them so deeply that for the longest time I thought they were dead and gone. Only, you can’t kill feelings. Just like bad boyfriends or lost cats, they tend to come back when you least expect it.”
This is one woman’s journey through the heartache of living a life. And, how many of us tend to avoid it, hoping whatever hurt will just go away and leave us alone or we will forget it and grow through it and move on? In this high state of achievement?
Is this our way of handling grief?
In this case, life keeps happening, and no matter how much the author tried to escape it, work around it, it kept confronting her head on and demanding her attention.
But mostly it was learning about how to confront the upcoming death of her father, especially when thinking that it might come quickly when she was only high school age. And when it didn’t, she got him longer and learned how to savor life, when surrounded by death in what felt like at times a constant state of grief.
Her response, was to become a high-achiever in life. And, to keep pushing forward. Eventually to become a grief counselor to kids.
“Be not afraid.”
And, perhaps this is the lesson. Our opportunity, too. That life is always for the living. The good, bad and ugly. It all can be beautiful. The ability to overcome feelings of helplessness. When we can’t overcome our feelings of sadness. Because we learn and grow from our grief. All the people that embrace us. We gain from.
Such beautiful bravado. Humorous. Heart-felt. Captivating. Thoughtful. Love.
This may have been the author’s life, but we can relate, because it could have been our life, too. Or still is. And all we can do is say thank you for this book. Thank you, Laurel Braitman.
I would also like to thank my dear friend, Terry Eselun for donating this book so unselfishly to our Little Free Library Shed so that I not only could read it, but also that our neighborhood could experience it, as well! ...more
Loading...
