The Grapes of Wrath

The Grapes of Wrath

Author: John SteinbeckSource: My dadDays to Read: 2 weeks

A classic novel that I had never read before! My dad had just finished reading this book and thought I might enjoy it so passed it on to me. The edition was from 1939 and had an old library card in the back. It also had a great old book smell!

The story follows a family of sharecroppers during the great depression who are thrown off of their land by the big bad bank. Like thousands of other families, the Joad family travels from Oklahoma to California where they have been led to believe there are jobs in the orchards. 

At first I found the language a bit difficult but eventually found my groove. There are plenty of themes in this book and I can see why it is read in many high school English classes. The novel vividly illustrates the struggle of a family to make ends meet during the depression and the strength of the family that allows them to pull through. 

I didn't LOVE the book but definitely enjoyed it.

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World Without End

World Without End

Author: Ken FollettSource: Charlie from workDays to Read: 3 weeks

Ah these books are so good! There are so many characters and story lines all intertwined. Although this book and Pillars of the Earth are pretty long, (1000+ pages) you never want to put the book down. I know lots of people are intimidated by really long books, but think about how you feel when you are watching a great movie? You just don't want it to end! That is why I LOVE a good long book, it just keeps going and going and going...

Although this is the sequel to Pillars of the Earth, the only connection to the first book is the fact that the story centres around the town of Kingsbridge.  It doesn't matter which book you read first. All the characters in World Without End are new as it takes place over 100 years later.  

In World Without End, one of the main characters, Caris, is a strong and feisty female living in a man's world.  I love her ability to speak out and be bold. She is smart and driven and the "good" presence in the book.  There is a clear feeling of good vs evil throughout the book. There were many times when I became so frustrated because the "bad guys" were getting away with everything and you just wanted to see some justice! Ken Follett develops his characters so well that you feel invested in them and want things to work out.

There is too much that happens in this book to summarize it in a short post but I highly recommend this book if you like "period novels" as my friend Lauren and I call them. Old England, adventure, romance, violence, and architecture! 

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Three Day Road

Three Day Road

Author: Joseph Boyden

Source: My Parents

Days to Read: 11

I really enjoyed Through Black Spruce so when Three Day Road was recommended to me I jumped at the chance to read it. I enjoyed this book even more than Through Black Spruce.

Joseph Boyden is a wonderful writer and creates characters that you feel you know very well.  Three Day Road follows the life of two Cree best friends, Xavier and Elijia.  The two boys grow up together and travel to Europe to fight in World War I. 

The story is narrated by Niska, Xavier's aunt, an old medicine woman.  The reader learns of Niska's life as a child with her people and how drastically life has changed since the fur traders arrived  on their lands.  One day Niska receives word that Elijah, her nephew Xavier's best friend, has made it home from the war. She travels from deep in the wilderness of Northern Ontario to the town to bring him home. She discovers that it is not Elijah but Xavier that has survived. While travelling back into the wilderness with his Aunt, suffering from a Morphine addiction and the loss of his leg, Xavier relives the horrors he experienced fighting for Canada in the war. He remembers how his friend Elijah changed into a mad killer who thrived in the combat environment. Niska knows she must cleanse her nephew of the evil or he will be lost forever. 

The experiences of Xavier and Elijah while in Europe are horrific and tough to read but ring true; Boyden draws from experiences of his own family during the war. As Elijah begins to sink deeper into his own morphine addiction and madness, he is balanced by Xavier's realistic outlook and the strong bond he feels for his home and his Aunt. 

Although this book is definitely heavy at times, it is a great novel and a wonderful story of Canada's contributions and sacrifices during the war. 

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Cane River

Cane River

Author: Lalita Tademy

Source: My parents

Days to Read: 10

Cane River was another novel that my parents passed on to me over the holidays. The story follows four generations of women born into slavery and living in Louisiana. Each woman’s story is unique and each woman strives to create a better life for her children.  The novel begins with Elisabeth telling her story of working on the plantation as a cook and raising a family. At a young age, a white man rapes her daughter, Suzette.  Suzette soon becomes pregnant and over the years as the white man’s source of pleasure, has several children.  Philomene, her daughter, is a headstrong girl and from an early age knows she wants more for her family.  Philomene has children with a white businessman. Property and inheritance are only passed down to legitimate white children. Knowing this, Philomene uses her influence over her man to save money and educate her children. One of her daughters, Emily, falls in love with a successful white man who is friends with her father.  After the many generations of women partnering with white males, the family line has been significantly bleached and as a result, Emily and her siblings have a better start at life from the get go.

I enjoyed how each chapter in the book was the next generation and the story was then told from that woman’s perspective. It was also interesting to see how life changes with the passage of time for these women and their families.  For some reason I was never fully invested in any of the characters. I have thought about what it was that was missing and cannot put my finger on it! Regardless, the book is a good one but I did not love it.

I am thinking that I need to develop some type of rating system to give each book.  I will think on this and come up with something to implement with my next review! Happy reading :)

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My Book Club

I am so excited that my goal of starting a book club is finally happening and with plenty of interest to boot! Next week, 10 of my closest girl friends will get together for the inaugural meeting of our book club. There is much to be discussed; frequency of meetings, schedules of hostesses, whether we should take turns supplying wine and appetizers (I am confident this motion will be approved!) and the general format of how we want to structure our meetings.

Anyone that knows me is aware that I like to plan. This book club has presented a wonderful opportunity to do just that. I am trying not to go too over the top demanding a minute book, designated secretary and chairman of each meeting and set agenda with discussion questions.  I can just as easily go with the flow and general consensus, I think! However I will insist that some structure is incorporated to keep us focused and allow us to stand the test of time. I cannot wait to look back 10 years from now when we are all settled, married, possibly have kids but still manage to get together every few months to catch up and discuss a passion we all share, books.

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Firefly Lane

Firefly Lane

Author: Kristin Hannah

Source: Recommended by my friend Lauren, bought it while I was in Pennsylvania with Lauren and Ali to see Zac Brown Band!

Days to Read: 7

When I started reading this book I thought it would be a typical, easy read about two friends who grow up to lead very different lives then one betrays the other and the friendship is put to the test. However, I was pleased to discover that what I thought was going to happen, didn’t. Throughout the book I had this nagging feeling that Tully (the vivacious and sociable girl) would betray her best friend Kate (the responsible and conventional girl) by seducing and sleeping with her husband. I really liked both of the characters and with each hint dropped and every paged turned I kept expecting to be disappointed in both Tully and Johnny, Kate’s husband. I will say that I was never disappointed in these characters… to the degree that a scandal such as an affair would have caused.  

The story is entertaining and although the characters seem relatively simple, their bond to one another is endearing. It made me think of all the best friends that I have had over the years and the qualities that I cherish in my friends now. Tully and Kate grow up together. Tully is abandoned by her mother and lives with her grandmother on Firefly Lane. She meets plain old Kate and they become inseparable. Tully is drawn to Kate's tight knit family and the stability it offers. Kate envies Tully's ability to make friends with everyone around her and go after what she wants. Through the ups and downs of growing up, the two girls remain close, living and working together.  When Kate is diagnosed with breast cancer, the true bond of their friendship is tested.

Be warned that this book may cause you to tear up but I would definitely recommend it. A great book for a summer read at the cottage!

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Even Silence Has An End: My Six Years in Captivity in the Colombian Jungle

Even Silence Has an End: My Six Years in Captivity in the Colombian Jungle

Author: Ingrid Betancourt

Source: My friend Ali B

Days to Read: 10

Ali and I frequently exchange books and I am always excited to read a book that has been recommended by a fellow reader. When I began reading Even Silence Has an End, I was immediately interested. The book is a true story of a woman's experience as a hostage of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia in Colombia. Prior to her kidnapping and six and a half years spent in captivity, Ingrid Betancourt was a Colombian presidential candidate. Knowing practically nothing of politics in Colombia the initial back story of Ingrid's life was easy to follow. Her description of life in the jungle is chilling. The conditions of how she lived and how she was treated are appalling. However there were instances throughout the book when a small kindness was shown to her by a fellow hostage or she was able to establish a human connection with one of the guards, and these infrequent happenings resonated loudly against the many pages of depressing details.

However after about half way through the book, I became frustrated with the circle of events; prepare for escape, talk about escape, escape, get captured, repeat. I am sure Ms. Betancourt wanted to include everything that she went through and to really drive home how awful being a hostage was but I feel that the point was clearly made and then dragged on and as a result, lost its impact.

Overall I give this book a 6.

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Pro Archia Poeta (In Defense of Aulus Licinius Archias the poet)

My dad drew my attention to this speech and in particular an excerpt that, as an avid reader, I relate to. The opinion of Cicero in 62 B.C., I'm sure, still strikes a chord with many. I just love this quote!

"And yet let us leave aside for a moment any practical advantage that literary studies may bring. For even if their aim were pure enjoyment and nothing else, you would still, I am sure, feel obliged to agree that no other activity of the mind could possibly have such a broadening and enlightening effect. For there is no other occupation upon earth which is so appropriate to every time and every age and every place. Reading stimulates the young and diverts the old, increases one's satisfaction when things are going well, and when they are going badly provides refuge and solace. It is a delight in the home; it can be fitted in with public life; throughout the night, on journeys, in the country, it is a companion which never lets me down."

On to the next book!

Stay tuned for my reviews of Even Silence Has An End by Ingrid Betancourt and Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

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The Pillars of the Earth

The Pillars of the Earth

Author: Ken Follett

Source: My friend Charlie from work

Days to Read: 9

Before reading this book I had mixed feelings. I had heard from someone that it was difficult to get into and that there was a lot of description so certain passages could be quite boring. However, Charlie assured me that it was a great book and that I should give it a try. I am very glad that I did because it is just my cup of tea!

My favourite genre to read are historical novels. One of my all-time favourite books is The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George. Like The Memoirs of Cleopatra, The Pillars of the Earth has everything you could want in a book; love, history, adventure, and action.

The basic premise of the book details the building of a cathedral and all the lives of the people involved. A master builder and his family pass through village after village looking for work. The father’s dream is to build a cathedral bigger and more beautiful than any other in England. They settle in Kingsbridge, England and the priory that eventually hires the master builder, Tom, is struggling against the more powerful Prior and Nobleman of the area. It is a constant battle between good and evil, every man wanting more for themselves and manipulating their way to the top.

Another prominent character, the daughter of the ousted Earl of Shiring, Aliena, is a strong female character that you grow to love and respect. Aliena’s perseverance as not only a lady who has fallen to peasantry, but also as a business woman in a world dominated by men, is empowering.

There are many characters in the book with different story lines that intertwine with one another. All the story lines keep the book interesting and they work together quite well in following the main story line.

I have returned the book to Charlie and two days later received the sequel, World Without End. This is now on my stack of books to read and I only hope it is as good as The Pillars of the Earth!

* One thing to note however is there are some graphic scenes that I was not expecting and thus took me by surprise at their vulgarity.

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Nomad

Nomad

Author: Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Source: Loved her first book, Infidel

Days to Read: 10

You know that feeling when you start a book and just know that it is going to be good? That was my initial thought when I started reading Nomad. I believe I sent a message to my friend, who had also read Infidel, that she should pick up the book.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali writes Nomad in the form of an essay. The introduction provides the reader with some background information on her life for those who have not read her first book as well as outlining the course of the book and the points she is going to argue.  Infidel is a story of Ayaan’s life and Nomad is a reflection on her life’s journey thus far.  I preferred Nomad as it raised a lot of questions and provided information and insight into the life and culture of a Muslim woman. I felt so strongly about this book that I wrote an email to Ayaan. That very day there was an article in the paper about a father, son and mother being accused of killing their 3 daughters and the husband’s former wife. It came as a shock to me after reading the book and hearing many stories of violence against Muslim woman the sheer lack of any action being taken. Furthermore this type of violence was happening in Canada, a place where we respect one another and look after each other.

I urge everyone to read this book, to make yourself aware of the violence and mistreatment of women occurring all over the world. Visit Ayaan’s foundation for more information at http://theahafoundation.org/.



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Through Black Spruce

Through Black Spruce

Author: Joseph Boyden

Source: Picked it up at Chapters

Days to Read: 14

I bought this book at Chapters in part because it was on sale and also because it sounded like something different written by a Canadian author. 

The book tells two stories; one about a Cree hunter and bush pilot living in Northern Ontario and the other about his niece and her adventures in Toronto. I really liked this book because I learned a lot about life in Northern Ontario and some of the customs of the Cree people. It was also really interesting to read about a Cree youth and her experiences and perspective of life in the North versus life in a big city like Toronto. The timing of me reading this book is pretty funny because my parents just took a road trip to Inukjuak, Quebec and visited some Cree villages. I think they will both highly enjoy this book!

 The book alternates between Will’s story and his niece Annie’s story and both keep you interested and turning the pages. Will has had a hard life and is the victim of gang violence in his town. He takes action and flees to a secluded area on James Bay.  He ends up in a coma and narrates his part of the book recalling the events leading up to his injury.


Annie visits Will frequently and at her friend and nurse's suggestion, tells him her stories from when she travelled south to Toronto in search of her younger sister who had left with her boy friend months before.  Annie ends up in New York City living the life of a young moderately successful model but never gives up hope of finding her sister.  Her uncle’s coma is what brings Annie home and through their time together they are able to find peace.


The book touches on many topics such as substance abuse, family, love, friendship, poverty, and gang violence to name a few.

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Not My Daughter

Not My Daughter

Author: Barbara Delinsky

Source: My friend, Ali Bettger

Days to Complete: 6

My friend Ali and I always discuss and recommend books to one another. A few weeks ago I was at her house and had mentioned I was looking for a new book to start and she passed this one along to me. This book kept me reading but I thought the story line was a little farfetched. It is definitely a "light and fluffy" read as I like to call it.

The story is about a mother, principal and friend who had a daughter when she was a teenager. She struggled through her 20s, her parents cut her out of their lives and she refused to marry the father of her child. She worked hard and became a principal at the school which her daughter attends. Her daughter Lily is your typical good student, good girl, so when she tells her mother she is pregnant it comes as a big shock to Susan. The story unfolds as the reader learns that Lily's two best friends are also pregnant and they had a pact to become pregnant at the same time. Lily's situation parallels that of her mother's in that she is still in high school when she becomes pregnant and has a group of 4 friends who are all very close. Susan happens to be best friends with the 2 other mothers whose daughters also become pregnant. Did you follow all that? This is where I began to feel the book was a little bit of a stretch. No doubt that this type of situation could happen, but for me it just didn't provide enough depth to carry it along. It was somewhat predictable and I never felt emotionally drawn to any of the characters. That being said, I would classify it as a good, light summer read.

On to the next!

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Rainy Day Frustration!

I meant to post this yesterday but as luck would have it my computer decided to freeze every time I tried to open the internet. Extremely frustrating!  For those of you in the GTA, yesterday was a rainy day for us. Thankfully I am a weather network enthusiast and was therefore prepared with my trusty, albeit slightly tattered, umbrella. On a side note, I must have learned my weather network behaviour from my brother who, when we were in grade school, would watch the weather network every morning while eating breakfast before school. Now, I consult my app at least 3 times a day to stay on top of it. 

But enough about the weather network. I was on my lunch break yesterday and was going to head to the bank a few blocks away. I quickly realized that walking on the streets in the city on a rainy day with 90% of the people holding an umbrella is stressful task for someone who naturally is a fast paced walker. I typically just weave my way through the crowds with relative ease. However, throw in the umbrellas and it’s a whole new ball game. Some people don’t get out of your way so you’re bound to poke out their eyes with the little spokes. Others shield their faces with the umbrella and thus don’t see anything but the pavement in front of them. And others who are angry at the world because they forgot their umbrellas at home refuse to move out of the way and you have to either stumble onto the street or into a side walk stand of shoes. Next time it rains I think I will wear a rain coat with a hood so I can weave through the crowds unobstructed!

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Room

Room

Author: Emma Donoghue

Source: Another book picked up at Chapters while on a book buying spree!

Days to Read: 6

My first thought when I started this book was "this is awkward and I am not going to be able to get into it". It starts with a 5 year old boy describing his day to day activities with his mom in Room. Notice the awkwardness of the previous sentence? Jack, the little boy, refers to everything by it’s names but in the context of a pronoun. So the rug is Rug, as in I played on Rug this morning. The book is about a mother that was kidnapped when she was 19 and has been held in a 11x11 foot room. She has a child, Jack, who has never been outside the Room. He doesn't know there is an outside; his reality is the small, square room. His mother has created a world for him inside the Room. The story begins slowly, establishing life within the four walls, but it quickly turns exciting and the innocence of Jack and his fascination with the Outside is refreshing. For a book based around a very depressing and heavy subject, the characters journey and Jack's enlightenment of the outside world leaves you feeling touched and entertained, not sad and depressed. This is unlike any book I have read and I think the author does a great job of illustrating how a five year old child would view the world having never before experienced it. I like the ending as well as it provides good closure which is so key to a good book!

Definitely worth a read, I highly recommend The Room.

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Island Beneath the Sea

Island Beneath the Sea

Author: Isabel Allende

Source: Reading the back of the book at Chapters

Days to Complete:7

This book took me a little longer to read but it was pretty interesting. I feel like I usually say that about books that I'm not crazy about. But I was reading one evening on my subway ride home and missed my stop because I was so into a particular part of the book! This was how I found the book; a page turner at some points while at others it seemed to drag a bit. The story is about a young girl living in Saint-Domingue who is bought at a young age by an older white master who owns a plantation.  She has a rough life but makes the best of it. There is a lot of history intertwined with the book and ups and downs for Tete, the main character. I thought this book was okay but it isn't one of my favourites. I like a good love story, either romantic or platonic, and I found this book lacked that. Tete does fall in love but it is only referenced a few times in the book, not enough to make you care about the relationship. The book is so-so, I don't know what else to say!

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