tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327368030971574032024-02-18T21:37:24.987-08:00Novel Meanderings of an AcademicStacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-44828463417799669562015-01-05T17:27:00.002-08:002015-01-05T17:27:13.148-08:00Gone Girl: What does it mean to love?
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Part of the joy of blogging is the recommendations offered
by my fellow book bloggers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today’s
book, Gillian Flynn’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gone Girl </i>is
the perfect example of how these recommendations cause overwhelming delight
while simultaneously ruining my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
picked up <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gone Girl</i> in a quaint
little bookstore in Halifax in an effort to kill some time while my hubby
finished up with his conference at Dalhousie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yup, I killed some time alright; this is a book you will not want to put
down!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The story centers on the marriage of Amy and Nick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazing Amy has the perfect life with wealthy
parents who create their perfect daughter, who lives what appears to be the
perfect life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> She is the "cool girl". </span>She meets her match in
Nick, sharing their love or writing, quirky inside jokes, one-liners, and silly
mannerisms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s romantic, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when they both lose their jobs as writers
in New York City and move to Missouri to take care of Nick’s ailing parents,
things change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last semblance of a
happy life ends when Amy disappears and Nick becomes the primary suspect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Flynn switches between Nick’s point of view and Amy’s diary entries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ease in which Flynn encompasses each
character makes this transition much easier to navigate, so don’t be thrown off
by this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flynn also astutely massages
the nuances that happen in characters and marriages as both the character and
marriage mature over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her ability
to create some complex and compelling characters is reason enough to read this
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m not sure if Flynn was intending this novel to be a
commentary on marriage or not, but certainly the dynamic between Nick and Amy
generates ample discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does it
mean to love? Do you change who you are for love? </div>
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<br /></div>
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Without giving away the
novel, I’ll leave you with this quote: “There’s a difference between really
loving someone and loving the idea of her”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Please, just read the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As an added note: the movie does a pretty good job of
catching the essence of the book, so I’d recommend that too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-87889951766622907302014-10-13T13:08:00.000-07:002014-10-13T13:08:44.634-07:00Collapse: Does the book choose to fail or succeed?
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlug3hnIOFEAnggCzIFEYt8ZSCN0rVr7AJd25GOtV3W7k7YdBoXLDCpIoaey8hi9065chZbwfchobY3gKfmXwkIIgXvWHdWJuCbceMiFRq2jNGK59wp8w3364QetmczCiYd3_jj24X0c/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlug3hnIOFEAnggCzIFEYt8ZSCN0rVr7AJd25GOtV3W7k7YdBoXLDCpIoaey8hi9065chZbwfchobY3gKfmXwkIIgXvWHdWJuCbceMiFRq2jNGK59wp8w3364QetmczCiYd3_jj24X0c/s1600/photo-15.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am an academic at heart – that is, I love learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I find confusing is how LONG it
takes me to complete non-fiction books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You would think that my love of learning would prompt me to keep
reading. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it doesn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even more, writing about what I learned?
Well, apparently that takes me even longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Collapse:
How societies choose to fail or succeed</i> almost a year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My OCD tendencies don’t allow me to
move that book from my “To write about” pile to my “Read” shelf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must move that book!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To preface, this review will outline arguments made in the
book and my opinion on those arguments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you want to read the book with an unbiased mind, don’t read this
entry. . . at least not now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come
back later and we can discuss it then.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Collapse</i> chronicles
the history (and collapse) of several civilizations in places ranging from
cities and States in North America to small islands in the Pacific to the large
ice-covered country of Greenland and the massively overpopulated China.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While at times the content was intriguing and even thought provoking
and worthy of some conversation, after 500 pages, the message soon became
redundant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s look at some of
the examples and you’ll see where I’m coming from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all, let’s look at Easter Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This island is located out in the
Pacific Ocean and as the author describes “is the most remote habitable scrap
of land in the world” (pg 79).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Diamond argues the reason why the island collapsed and is the way it is
now is simple: the islanders used too much wood and hence obliterated their own
chance for survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why cut
down so many trees?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, the
habitants built outrageously large wood structures (cultural) but they also
used it for their very survival: for housing, warmth etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, the trees also provided
food since their diet consisted mainly of birds and forest creatures that lived
in those trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the
climate and location prevented sufficient replenishment of these trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With no trees come no food, no shelter,
and ultimately no people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diamond
also explains that the island suffered both major epidemics and exploitive
slavery brought on by European explorers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For a reason that I do not understand, Diamond lessens the role of these
external factors and insists that the island’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">collapse</i> is the responsibility of the islanders and their poor
sense of sustainability and environmental concerns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not against sustainable practices and environmental
concerns, but to blame the islanders for their own collapse solely on these
reasons is too singularly focused and agenda-driven.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In both his description of the Polyneisan Islands as well as the Native
American population in southwestern USA, the reason for collapse was again
simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One word:
globalization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In these
situations, the Polynesian Islands and southwestern US (Native Americans)
relied too heavily on outside sources for essential aspects of their
survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When these sources dried
up, the societies failed to thrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The argument is believable,
but I think it would be hard to find many people who think globalization is the
worst thing for society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hilariously, several hundred pages later, Diamond argues my point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did Norse Greenland collapse? They
failed to “globalize” with the Inuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So what is it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rely on your
own resources or source out what you can’t find at home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which causes societies to fail?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, the answer is simply complicated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diamond’s two main arguments that societies fail due to lack
of environmental concern or inappropriate globalization strategies fall short. Half-way
through the book, my prejudice was formed and the rest of book became redundant
and less informative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That being said, I enjoyed the historical aspect of this
book, which is actually one of the reasons I picked up this book in the first
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for all I know,
you might agree with Diamond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read
it and let me know!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-12517270532621878062014-09-06T13:17:00.000-07:002014-09-06T13:17:04.974-07:00Cheryl Strayed's Wild Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicLufCm4bFFSXpX1VTsl9fKOOqInkeDWujacdVgZ23BvxhvJ650gddnu6oovRJbBYo3CiLn4JMl5hi-ZPAORMPbH29sdXXvoUk5utIM8I2gvrbmYQCpVmLS9DMsLTPQvrYpx8_Bo2enQ/s1600/Wild.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicLufCm4bFFSXpX1VTsl9fKOOqInkeDWujacdVgZ23BvxhvJ650gddnu6oovRJbBYo3CiLn4JMl5hi-ZPAORMPbH29sdXXvoUk5utIM8I2gvrbmYQCpVmLS9DMsLTPQvrYpx8_Bo2enQ/s1600/Wild.tiff" height="200" width="155" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you wild about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wild</i>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly am!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I always love encouraging friends to read because it means
we can discuss the book together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
when one of my friends mentioned reading Cheryl Strayed’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wild, </i>I filed the title in my head for future reference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only, the title did not stay filed for
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literally the next day I heard
Cheryl in interview with one of my favourite radio hosts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With two recommendations, I bought the book. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wild </i>chronicles
the physical and emotional journey of self-discovery as Cheryl hikes the
Pacific Coast Trail (PCT).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pacific Coast
Trail, you ask?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t worry, I hadn’t
heard of it either and there’s a handy map to guide you along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The PCT encompasses both dessert and snowy
mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both terrains yield their own
challenges – challenges Cheryl doesn’t stray from.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Within the first few chapters, we see the mostly
pulled-together Cheryl with a husband, career goals, and a somewhat functional
family fall apart after the death of her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is this broken young woman that, in a
moment of clarity (some might call it insanity) decides to hike the Pacific
Coast Trail . . . alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Solely determined to hoist the monster of a backpack her
inexperience piles on her and complete the task she started, Cheryl’s
determination both humors and inspires her readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prose through which Cheryl leads us her
journey brings us right alongside her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The blisters forming on her feet are real; the loneliness she feels is
tangible; the excitement at meeting fellow hikers joyous; the exhaustion, well,
that is just completely overwhelming. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, the strength Cheryl wields pushes
through all these until she emerges from her journey a new woman.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So much a new woman that she changes her last name to
“Strayed”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Cheryl explains “strayed”
defines her. She had to stray from normalcy, conquer a battle to become the
woman she is today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Truly a memoir that draws the reader in, I recommend this
book for EVERYONE! <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-2096776617613170752014-08-10T14:38:00.000-07:002014-08-10T14:38:23.667-07:00Hungering for more Hunger Games.
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1d4XKzzAj8LKaNF-ULUR7_f5LHBTXwXgXNdjhMVuVQmscFHrWFA73Fs5HO1hBOjqxRF1qn-MF8RoTiLvFX53riHlIruvIaFyFAfUx8hYlpVKhCMzjM51Eyi-jaMXpoHCG1QG56y_UMMg/s1600/220px-Hunger_games.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1d4XKzzAj8LKaNF-ULUR7_f5LHBTXwXgXNdjhMVuVQmscFHrWFA73Fs5HO1hBOjqxRF1qn-MF8RoTiLvFX53riHlIruvIaFyFAfUx8hYlpVKhCMzjM51Eyi-jaMXpoHCG1QG56y_UMMg/s1600/220px-Hunger_games.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I initially shied away from Suzanne Collin’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hunger Games</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lumped this book into the Harry Potter/Twilight dystopian young
adult craze that seems to be sweeping the literary scene and since I considered
myself too old, too mature, and too sophisticated to enjoy this novel, it
failed to make it onto my to-read pile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then I just so happened to drop this book, along with a
dozen other random titles into my bag at the local used book sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was looking for something easy
and fun to read, I picked up <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hunger Games</i>;
and now I hunger for more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ease of the language coupled with a suspenseful plot
created a book I did not and could not put down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The premise is simple: killed or be killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or at least that is the directive given
by the Capitol in its yearly ritual known as the Hunger games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, what YA novel doesn’t
include a love triangle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Collin’s
doesn’t disappoint. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our female
protagonist, Katniss possesses killer instinct and loyalty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And despite the mandate of the
Games, a certain amount of empathy pervades Katniss’s actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peeta and Gale complete the triangle as
the love interests of Katniss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While Gale stands by Katniss in the everyday fight for survival, Peeta
fights for Katniss and her acknowledgment of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll leave you with that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides an enjoyable read, this novel also invokes questions
about social norms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why does
society have such a savage desire to witness outright murder?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course in the Hunger Games, this savagery
appears more conspicuous when our real human characters we’ve grown to love
fight each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But is it
any better if we watch it on TV?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
appreciate Katniss’s view on this matter and wonder if this is Collin’s way of
making a statement. <a href="" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now to watch the movie. . . .and read the rest of the
series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay tuned!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-66427831577837098602014-07-05T07:24:00.000-07:002014-07-05T07:24:10.421-07:00Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Two worlds that should not collide.
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<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIgaKSo9xGzi2WlT_GABBN7EWeJYreM-19mWb-DIE3T-noem84lfA81Dj2Klth4-XrKNzISpoyzkIIXyH9o6RnOiKwP2mvdICcL0JRNlaiHVt4s9-pJyjwHww0j8HgD8Zy22IymKwW-c/s1600/photo-14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIgaKSo9xGzi2WlT_GABBN7EWeJYreM-19mWb-DIE3T-noem84lfA81Dj2Klth4-XrKNzISpoyzkIIXyH9o6RnOiKwP2mvdICcL0JRNlaiHVt4s9-pJyjwHww0j8HgD8Zy22IymKwW-c/s1600/photo-14.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me preface this review with two comments: first, I love
Jane Austen and all of her novels – they just make me smile; second, the current
popularity of zombies urged me check out that world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why not let these two worlds collide?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll tell you why: the collision kind of ruins Jane Austen. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I won’t lie: it started off highly entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was immediately amused by how Seth
Grahame-Smith tweaked Austen’s language to directly incorporate the
zombies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opening line reads:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains
must be in want of more brains”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can appreciate this play with the original opening line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And initially I found the undead’s
presence kind of amusing, albeit a little stressful at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like when traveling between homes, the
Bennet girls often had to fight off these unmentionables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And occasionally, this worked well within
the story that I love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember
when Jane visits the Bingley’s and falls ill because she rode in the rain, leading
to Elizabeth’s arrival in Netherfield and clash with the arrogant Mr.
Darcy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the current zombie
addition, the reason for Jane’s prolonged visit is because of a zombie attack!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not actually so far-fetched. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then the novel lost me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found that the addition of the zombies created new
storylines lacking Austen’s intentions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Relatively major characters are bitten by zombies and slowly move into
the land of the undead; refined romantic women are now sword-wielding ninja
warriors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, instead of
singing and playing the piano at social gatherings, these women pick up their
swords, and pierce the heart of zombies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And the men find this attractive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh, and Darcy physically beats up Wickham . . . to win over
Elizabeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is everyone
so violent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know they’re living
through the zombie apocalypse, but my characters are charming, sophisticated,
elegant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when Elizabeth fights
Lady Catherine and her ninjas in a battle involving extremely athletic leaps
and spin, as well as sword clashing and muscle punctures, the collision between
Austen and zombies finally implodes and I decided the novel is ridiculous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Furthermore, with all the alterations in storyline,
Grahame-Smith’s must actually write his own material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And let’s just say it’s not up to the sophistication of
Austen’s. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I actually
enjoyed the novel, I could forgive the lack of intellectual writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The combination of ridiculous story and
bad writing make this novel not worth my time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh ya, and I didn’t learn that much about zombies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have other zombie books on my to-read pile, so perhaps
those stories will draw me in better than this ridiculous adaptation of one of
my favourite novels.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-81992752595616243482014-05-31T14:25:00.000-07:002014-05-31T14:25:02.317-07:00Hello Friends,
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If anyone actually follows my blog, I’M SORRY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a terrible, terrible book blogger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I actually have several books on the “to-write-about” pile, but lack the
inertia or inspiration to write about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have learned several things about myself over the last
several months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, I love
reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love losing myself to the
characters in my novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love marveling
at the use of language to draw me to those characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what I do not love is the analysis of
those characters, of that prose, of finding the hidden meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I merely want to say: I LOVE THAT BOOK! (or
not, but let’s hope for the former ).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And so this leaves me wondering if I am really, truly a book blogger or if
I’m more of an imposter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my
profound inability to read as fast as most of you, this thought always lingers
in my mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But I still love to write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And of course, I still love to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And for those reasons, I will continue to compose my thoughts for this
blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, not being a literature
major, I’ve also starting writing in a field that I am more familiar with:
cancer biology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here I attempt more
regular posts, to push myself to learn new things and to utilize language in
way that makes science and cancer understandable to all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can find this blog <a href="http://canceruncovered.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So if anyone is out there, thank you for your patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will get to those books on my
“to-write-about” pile shortly, so stay tuned! And don’t leave me . . . I’m
still here. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-36318619730375570992013-12-04T19:03:00.000-08:002013-12-04T19:03:44.617-08:00Me Before You: Not your typical love story
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY7gn2daHC_HoWZrCT6U6IwLk2hdl2CAE4eNpLmZ8ohyJ-RqGLZMHI3rq-gmT5_TSqLW8KcSQX5RpX7Hpxln7sbatz-F3fFFFxSO9Z8MaqnLJntzgJ2ucAlpLFeq-jxaFrLGh2oysmfs/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY7gn2daHC_HoWZrCT6U6IwLk2hdl2CAE4eNpLmZ8ohyJ-RqGLZMHI3rq-gmT5_TSqLW8KcSQX5RpX7Hpxln7sbatz-F3fFFFxSO9Z8MaqnLJntzgJ2ucAlpLFeq-jxaFrLGh2oysmfs/s1600/photo-3.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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I first heard about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Me
Before You </i>by Jojo Moyes from a fellow book blogger (<a href="http://heatherlo.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/me-before-you-by-jojo-moyes/" target="_blank">Book Addiction</a>)
a while back, so when I located it at my local book sale, I was thrilled and
immediately placed it on top of my to-read pile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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This story juxtaposes two characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the one side we have Will Traynor,
epitomizing the stereotypical male – makes a good living, but works to live a
life of adventure and pure enjoyment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
travels and explores the obscure parts of the world, all while at his side, of
course, stands the gorgeous blond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only,
wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This description depicts a Will
before The Accident, before the day he became trapped in a wheelchair as a
quadriplegic, the day before he lost his life, in a manner of speaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latter Will breaks all connection to his
former self and succumbs to his depression, closing out his beautiful
girlfriend and family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this is where
Louisa Clark enters the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is
everything Will is not (or was not).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Having never left their small town, she lives with her parents, sister
and nephew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And although she dates
Patrick, we know early on that this long-term relationship is not built on
mutual respect and love. Her quirky sense of style and quick wit add some
sparkle to her otherwise plain and ordinary life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Will’s mother hires Louisa to babysit Will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The diametric personalities ensure a conflict
between Will and Louisa, yet this conflict develops into a connection, the
connection that draws me in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louisa
resolves to show Will how to live, how to be happy again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so, these two juxtaposed characters start
to make a switch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louisa learns how to
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While this is a love story, it’s also so much more than a
love story while not being a love story at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A bit confusing, I know, but I also the reason why you need to read this
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jojo Moyes uses this story as a
backdrop for a broader commentary on both the life as a quadriplegic and how
society reacts to the disabled as well as the idea of assisted suicide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of these are “hot” topics that we have a
tendency to push aside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moyes does a
wonderful job of bringing these topics to our minds without overwhelming us by
their enormity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The writing styles does not compel me to read and the
awkward chapters written from a different point of view only seem to draw the
reader away from the story, but the ability of Moyes to make us think about
life and love in a new way demands us to read this novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I am left with the thought: how will you live your life? I
choose to live by love, at all costs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-81362229131319371822013-11-24T15:36:00.001-08:002013-11-24T15:43:55.111-08:00Fifty Shades Darker, Fifty Shades Freed: Love Endures <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRHTlB9uHOJdxbLTIRMY3MDZ5SPCA47tKUIe879P9KAMNU-AmshEq0V2mGB80ffgH95hovxNMN1atuC9-VOKtXz4GqdeRObDvFewekF31UvaUtwBivAo3_B3Skl1wTOyE_CV65znD13A/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRHTlB9uHOJdxbLTIRMY3MDZ5SPCA47tKUIe879P9KAMNU-AmshEq0V2mGB80ffgH95hovxNMN1atuC9-VOKtXz4GqdeRObDvFewekF31UvaUtwBivAo3_B3Skl1wTOyE_CV65znD13A/s1600/photo-2.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
In E.L James’ second and third novel about Ana and Christian,
the atypical sexual habits of Christian evolve into the building of a
meaningful relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The constant
push and pull between Christian and Ana, their unconditional love for each
other pivoted against their own insecurities draws the reader into their story.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the first novel, we are left wondering if Mr.
Fifty Shades and Ms. Innocence-Unleashed will actually maintain their
complicated relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course,
being a love story, it does not take long before they crawl back into each
other’s arms . . . literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the second novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fifty Shades Darker</i>, the abstruse nature of Christian becomes more
apparent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each revelation of his
haunted childhood, both the reader and Ana fall more in love with this
man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The love between Christian and Ana solidifies by the end of
the second novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The small part of this
second book where the life of Christian hangs in the balance becomes the focus
of the third novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fifty Shades Freed</i>, the plot no longer
focuses on a love relationship, but intensifies into the mystery behind
apparently random attempts at harming Christian and Ana and their families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, the threat of losing a lover and
best friend beckons for actions beyond what you thought yourself capable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the actions of true love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Intermixed in this mystery, the reader gets
glimpses into the merging of two lives into one family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like any marriage, it has its bumps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But love conquers all, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The only thing that threw me off this third novel was the
closing epilogue, where suddenly we are thrown into the perspective of young
Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently this allows the
reader to more fully understand Mr. Fifty Shades, but I found it distracting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have been just as happy to leave it
at “they lived happily ever after”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Overall, I enjoyed this trilogy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps they were not the most intellectually
stimulating, but sometimes a nice easy, happy love story is what a girl needs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-69198269144931412013-10-16T18:30:00.000-07:002013-10-16T18:30:26.576-07:00Fifty Shades of Grey: Practicing Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv9ctzBnSX4k3QGjxHJiuwKJ4_x6lPaDRCW5bzCoyzuKOrvRuJArsXmiv9cExV8iLaMrkbMEWQrZzRuvzv8zt6WOFiuPxyxj3TK_sJXEnYFG2248oa3NAMGlgqmL1Ae85ej3bc6XdICc/s1600/Fifty-shades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv9ctzBnSX4k3QGjxHJiuwKJ4_x6lPaDRCW5bzCoyzuKOrvRuJArsXmiv9cExV8iLaMrkbMEWQrZzRuvzv8zt6WOFiuPxyxj3TK_sJXEnYFG2248oa3NAMGlgqmL1Ae85ej3bc6XdICc/s1600/Fifty-shades.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></a></div>
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In the bookish community, E. L James’ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fifty Shades of Grey </i>had women rushing to their local bookstores to
buy and devour the three books in this series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the Christian community, this erotic series also struck a nerve, only
this time women ran to the pulpit and warned fellow Christians that by
reading these books you were essentially committing adultery against your
husbands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I would almost never read
romance novels, let alone those classified as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">erotica</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as a Christian
living in a secular world, I yearn to practice acceptance and unconditional
love, to show the love of Jesus to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, outright condemnation of books does not accomplish this
goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so I, along with my husband
(he’s pretty amazing!), set out to discern the real meaning of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fifty Shades of Grey</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We were surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pleasantly surprised.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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While the vivid intimate scenes were, um . . . .<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">interesting </i>and not for innocent virgin
eyes, the book encompasses so much more than sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so, to dwell on the sexual content of the
book would be doing EL James a disservice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In my perspective, the BDSM aspect of the novel adds a layer of
complexity to an already intriguing story that ultimately captured me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fifty
Shades of Grey</i> tells a love story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And both participants are believable, unsuspecting and innocent in their
own way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the one side we have the
incredibly gorgeous and wealthy Christian Grey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the outside he appears to be an arrogant and entitled man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, on the inside, he is broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This brokenness fosters his apparent need for
domineering relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this
brokenness also draws in the young and innocent Ana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ana’s innocence is tangible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having never been involved in a serious relationship,
she has a lot to learn from Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, like most women, she is indecisive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the novel, she is confronted by
her two inner voices: her subconscious counterpoised against her inner
goddess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her subconscious will not allow herself to
believe that plain, yet intelligent Ana, could be in love with the fifty shades
of messed up Grey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But her inner goddess
rejoices in the way he makes her feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This push and pull is familiar and relatable. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This first novel of the trilogy centers on the need for
“more”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both characters long for
something: Christian for his contract relationship and Ana for a man to love her
and treat her with respect. Isn't life always about wanting more?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m a sucker for a good love story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E. L. James tells a moving, albeit
unrealistic, story of two people who cannot seem to imagine life without each
other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I might not recommend <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fifty Shades of Grey</i> to all my friends,
but we, in the Christian community, should not condemn a novel merely because
it involves sexual material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead,
let us practice love, not the romantic love we’re reading about, but the love
God shares for all of humanity, broken and all. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-57317209111769544762013-09-30T14:22:00.001-07:002013-09-30T14:22:59.490-07:00SeptembEYRE Check In: Jane Eyre Complete!
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I finish that last page of a book, I am generally left
with mixed feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
obsessive-compulsiveness-must-finish-things-I-start sings a happy song, but the
more rational side breaths a heavy sigh because those characters cease to be a
part of my life, excepting my memory, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, oh, I do love the ending of Jane
Eyre!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the last section, Jane runs away from true love, namely Mr.
Rochester and a life where she is valued for herself, which left me feeling
disappointed and wondering what Jane actually thought she was going to
accomplish by abandoning Thornfield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
this final reading, Jane redeems herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is confronted with forced “love” and an indecent marriage proposal
by the cold, manipulative St. John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>St.
John disgusts me even though there seems to be some similarities in the
personalities of Jane and St. John, including their phenomenal stubbornness and
reliance on utmost morality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For his
marriage proposal, St. John demands: “A missionary’s wife you MUST – you shall
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You shall be mine. I claim
you”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really, St. John? You think
demanding a girl to marry is the best approach?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I read this part like St. John was correcting himself by changing the
“must” to “shall”, to appear less harsh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It didn’t work for me, and thank goodness, Jane did not fall for it
either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were periods where Jane’s
rationality could almost see herself following St. John to India, but she also
knew that it would be the death of her soul and so she declined . . . multiple
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I love best about Jane comes out in this section: her
compassion and sensibility. While she hardly flinches at the announcement of
her large inheritance, she is overcome with excitement when she learns that the
very friends that took her in are her close relatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so happy for Jane!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jane longs for a family to love and cherish
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, she can feel like she
belongs somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t take long
for her to think of Mr. Rochester again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So to complete her happy life, Jane searches for Mr. Rochester and finds
him crippled and alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without a second
thought, she marries the man and ties herself to a life of service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is true love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And true to Jane’s character where she needs
to be useful and valued.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I do love how the story ends, I find the last small
section with the letter from St. John an odd way to end the novel. I spent a
good portion of the novel believing Bronte had a negative attitude toward
organized religion and Christianity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Brocklehurst and St. John, both apparently godly man, are represented in
an unfavourable light and, in fact, do not exemplify the life of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why, then, would Bronte end with these
words of St. John: “Amen; even so come, Lord Jesus”, a sentiment believed by
most Christians?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, I found this
somewhat perplexing. Any thoughts?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To end, the quote I found most meaningful in this section
describes true love and marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
all of us in long-term relationships, take this to heart:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“ I hold myself supremely blest – blest beyond what language
can express; because I am my husband’s life . . . consequently, we are ever
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be together is for us to be
at once as free as in solitude, as gay as in company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talk, I believe, all day long: to talk to
each other is but a more animated and an audible thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All my confidence is bestowed on him all his
confidence is devoted to me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This first read-along of mine has been a great experience. I
liked getting to know the fellow SeptembEYRE-ites and hope to see more of you
ladies in the future!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, read on!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-71792976793502388842013-09-23T17:59:00.000-07:002013-09-23T17:59:09.663-07:00SeptembEYRE Check In: XXI-XXIX
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Finally, the section I’ve been looking forward to, when all
is revealed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mystery surrounding
Thornfield Hall and all the sinister events turns out to be Mr. Rochester’s
crazy wife!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crazy pants! But first,
let’s back track . . .<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jane and Mr.
Rochester are engaged!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I suspected,
evil Ms. Ingram declines any romantic gesture by Mr. Rochester because of “a
rumor”, which I can only guess comes from the “gypsy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The month-long engagement does nothing to
satisfy the romantically inclined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
Mr. Rochester attempts to transform Jane into a lady that she isn’t, Jane turns
cold and practically reclusive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
understand that she has a lot to process and she is the sort to over-analyze
each situation, but you two are supposed to be IN LOVE!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess this is Bronte’s way of suggesting to
the reader that perhaps this marriage might not occur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadness!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I actually have a tendency to feel more sympathy for Mr.
Rochester than Jane in this section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
learn a lot of the history behind this gentleman including how his family
scammed him into marrying into an insane family . . .for money (which might
suggest the role of marriage back in those days).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this crazy wife is the same woman that is
currently locked in his attic and wreaking havoc when she can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, okay, perhaps locking another human in
a closet isn’t exactly appropriate, but you have to feel for the man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s he supposed to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With no other choice, he attempts to find an
equal, someone to share his life with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, after traveling the world, he comes home and finds plain, yet
incredibly stimulating, Jane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll
admit, Mr. Rochester generally confuses me. He has such an abrasive exterior (I
guess both physically and emotionally) but then he pulls out these amazingly
romantic lines and I can’t help but love him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the proposal, Mr. Rochester says “My bride is here . . . because my
equal is here, and my likeness.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sooo
sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I empathize with Mr. Rochester
and his desire for a happy life with a happy wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really just want him to be happy and I
don’t see any way out of his situation but to find someone who will understand
his predicament and love him back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And then there’s Jane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The life of Jane Eyre is by no means easy and she is a strong and
admiral woman for enduring the hardships she does with such stamina and
self-awareness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I believe some
of these same qualities also constitute her downfall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her stubbornness and fundamentalist religious
beliefs drive her from Thornfield Hall in the middle of the night to a non-existence,
begging for her subsistence from complete strangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moreover, the quick departure by Jane is
mostly driven by selfish desires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she
stays, she feels like her feelings will persuade her to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The marriage of Mr. Rochester to his first
wife, in my mind, does not signify marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jane, although believing that she is following the religious and social
rules of the day by not staying with Mr. Rochester, forgets the other truly
Christian attribute of love and forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What would Helen Burns say or do? No one in the village through which
Jane passes, except St. John, feels compassion and takes in desolate Jane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, this act of goodwill by St. John
will show Jane that she too can love and forgive Mr. Rochester.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I feel like we’re not done with the relationship between Mr.
Rochester and Jane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But maybe that’s my “watch-too-many-romantic-comedies”
personality hoping, wishing, dreaming that they’ll find each other and accept
each other with all their faults. We’ll see! Only one week left!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-35467396224456743702013-09-17T14:58:00.000-07:002013-09-17T14:58:33.359-07:00SeptembEYRE Check In: XII-XXI
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I hate being late for things, but alas, I am late writing my
thoughts about this second SeptembEYRE reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For this, I apologize to my fellow SeptembEYRE-ites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being away on the weekend allowed me to catch
up on the reading but not to organize and write down my thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadness, I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m here now, so let’s do this thing!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s incredible how many different plot layers Bronte has
woven into this novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the most basic
level we have Jane’s coming of age story, where Jane travels from torments of Gateshead
to the lifeless Lowood boarding school and now to Thornfield where Jane really
comes to life. Intermingled with the development of Jane, we have the
complicated relationship between Jane and her employer, the less than handsome,
ever-so-mysterious Mr. Rochester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr.
Rochester’s story is another sub-plot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who exactly is he and why all the drama?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And the life of this secretive gentleman is inevitably tied to whoever
is haunting the attic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s just so
much to this story!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m loving it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Throughout the novel, Jane’s introspection and self-analysis
allow us to see how she is developing as a strong solitary woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I find that Jane has a tendency to
over-analyze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I know, from personal
experience, this only leads to trouble and/or unhealthy self-deprecation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, Jane tries to convince herself
that she is no match against the exquisitely beautiful Ms. Ingram and proceeds
to draw herself and a fictitious portrait of Blanche.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, she draws herself quite plain and
unattractive while Blanche Ingram is picture perfect (pun intended?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this really a productive exercise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doubtful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And as proof, several pages later, Jane reminds herself “you have
nothing to do with the master . . . he is not of your order . . .keep to your
caste”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Need I remind everyone: love is
in the eye of the beholder!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Which leads me to the relationship between Jane and Mr.
Rochester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a sucker for a good love
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I find Mr. Rochester
a curious and confusing character, I really just want him to admit that he has
feelings for Jane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, like most
love stories, this one is also complicated by a third party, namely the
arrogant bitchy Blanche Ingram (Ugh).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Jane’s earshot, she describe Jane: “she looks too stupid for any game of the
sort”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess people really weren’t more polite
back in the day, like my romantic would like to believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, back to the love story . . . I know Mr.
Rochester says he will marry Ms. Ingram, but I still hope for Jane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I will hope, until the very last page. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think what sets Bronte’s novel apart from the Austen
novels is the darker, mysterious (some might call gothic?) aspects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whereas I find Austen’s novel purely
romantic, Bronte adds more drama to her story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Obviously something strange is happening at Thornfield involving the
attic and someone called Grace Poole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, since I’ve read this novel previously, I’ll admit I know more about
what’s going on there, so for the time, I will not comment on this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I had forgotten all the vicious
attacks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d be scared if I was living
at Thornfield hall! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now to end, I’ll end with this quote that I thought
especially provocative and one to live by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is Jane at her finest:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I can live alone, if self-respect and circumstances require
me to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need not sell my soul to
buy bliss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have an inward treasure
born with me, which can keep me alive if all extraneous delights should be
withheld, or offered only at a price I cannot afford to give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The forward declares, ‘Reason sits firm and
holds the reins, and she will not let the feelings burst away and hurry her to
wild chasms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The passions may rage
furiously like true heathens, as they are; and the desires may imagine all
sorts of vain things: but judgment shall still have the last word in every
argument, and the casting vote in every decision’”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-12083770118979440472013-09-09T19:00:00.002-07:002013-09-09T19:00:48.351-07:00SeptembEYRE check in!
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<br />
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First, let me say that I am THOROUGHLY enjoying this first
blog event of mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only are real
people actually reading my blog, but they’re also leaving comments! Yay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is very exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise, this week, I will be a better
blogger and return those comments.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What’s more, having a prescribed reading pace means I have
no excuse not to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the cooling
temperatures outside, I’ve been doing most of my reading in the comfort of a
bubble bath; so let’s just say I’m thoroughly enjoying Jane Eyre!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In this second or third read-through, I’ve come to respect
Jane’s resilience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps in my “old’
age, I’m more sensitive to the cruelty of fellow humans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless, Jane’s childhood lacked the love
every child desires and deserves and this fact alone saddens me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, I forgot how dark Jane Eyre
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a far cry from the love-struck
Bennet girls of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, Jane’s hardiness allows her to endure her early childhood in both
the Reed household and in the dismal boarding school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what is about orphan children
that make them speak their minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
reading how Jane’s “scarcely voluntary” retort to her Aunt Reed, I was
immediately reminded of Anne of Green Gables, another young orphan who believed
strongly in her own opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With both
of these young girls, we know that whatever (and I mean, WHATEVER) will be thrown
at them in the subsequent chapters will be ably dealt with by their sense of
justice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ghosts, supernaturals, or spirituality take up a significant
portion of this novel so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
another reason why I might consider Jane Eyre a dark novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The red chamber is a scary place!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we can only imagine that Thornhill is
also haunted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aren’t all old houses
haunted?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm, only time will tell, I
guess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am vaguely aware of how this story plays out, but it is
interesting to pick up on new aspects as I re-read this great novel!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait for part two!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-25452268636001987332013-09-02T17:24:00.000-07:002013-09-02T17:29:01.055-07:00SeptembEYRE<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />September is the month of firsts, which is why I’m always
excited by this month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generally it
marks the beginning of a new school year, with the hopes of great
accomplishments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, today marks
another first for me . . . .<a href="http://www.entomologyofabookworm.com/" target="_blank">Septemb-EYRE</a> signifies my inaugural participation
in a blogging event!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen these
things from time and time, but never considered myself a serious enough
blogger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, forget that
sentiment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m diving in!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This first post is meant as an introduction to myself and
why I’m reading Jane Eyre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want
to learn about me, why I started blogging and what I do for my real job, check
out my very first blog post <a href="http://novelmeanderingsacademic.blogspot.ca/2012_05_01_archive.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now to the novel . . .I love Jane Eyre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love most classics from this era including
all of Jane Austen’s novels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve read
Bronte’s novel two times, I believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
since I have a tendency to forget what I read (hence keeping track via a blog),
I’m sure this rereading will be like reading it for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, the spine on the edition I’ll be
reading has yet to be cracked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
parents gave me this keepsake several years ago, but with so many new books to
discover, I put this aside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
longer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGy1Y3188GTi7NxlIkxp8s3wbLjdeOntS-2hZGdgGenoClT3ptwetlsuC5fmE38rOB_EoKJ6WZXDaBhFRa4P50MH_i1TW7-3iAfpLk_ALKJhB9Gjz4ZGuzecZdJCGHiC79JwCrQwNkvo/s1600/JaneEyre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGy1Y3188GTi7NxlIkxp8s3wbLjdeOntS-2hZGdgGenoClT3ptwetlsuC5fmE38rOB_EoKJ6WZXDaBhFRa4P50MH_i1TW7-3iAfpLk_ALKJhB9Gjz4ZGuzecZdJCGHiC79JwCrQwNkvo/s1600/JaneEyre.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Thanks for the great idea to read this fantastic novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, to crack that spine . . .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See you next week!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-13230084546729369462013-06-09T16:46:00.002-07:002013-06-09T16:53:03.087-07:00In Mourning: Awakening The Shack<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQO6Wr-J95-VSIylVjI1QZ05kpq-K0-FKmcHlBY_1bzLu5J9y4AtYh3A3mgnGqFqqwQ3XRIDGTuCi26PIZ1O0PG3uLmYUyvmtKvnQYvywxp6u8Mew1IgPCjWZ5Cq70tFFvKKDeeG4Lz4/s1600/The+Shack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQO6Wr-J95-VSIylVjI1QZ05kpq-K0-FKmcHlBY_1bzLu5J9y4AtYh3A3mgnGqFqqwQ3XRIDGTuCi26PIZ1O0PG3uLmYUyvmtKvnQYvywxp6u8Mew1IgPCjWZ5Cq70tFFvKKDeeG4Lz4/s1600/The+Shack.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
Before you continue, first let me warn you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What follows will surely give away many
details about the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read at
your own risk, but please read on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like most of the books I read, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Shack</i> by William P. Young has been on the shelves, including my
shelf, for a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Media,
church-goes, family, and friends told me this book was worth the read and
raised a lot of thought-provoking questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when my Bible study was looking for our next study, I
suggested <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Shack</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most had already read the book, but all
were eager to re-read and generate some good discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we also didn’t have a problem with the representation of
God as a female in the book, which apparently created the most controversy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so the conversation dwindled and
the book was put aside. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then an old friend of mine was murdered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literally murdered. And the naïve world
I choose to live in was shattered just a little bit more. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Great Sadness </i>of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Shack</i> where young Missy is kidnapped and killed directly
resonates with Tim’s disappearance and the finding of his burned remains. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I picked up this book again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I’m glad I did – partly as a grieving strategy and
partly because the book shares some decent wisdom for those of us living
everyday, regular lives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What struck me more, in this second reading, is how
Young deals with evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s
simple: evil is evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It saddens
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It saddens me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It saddens God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God does not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cause </i>it; God does not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">allow</i>
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happens. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know why I find that thought comforting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it’s the realization that I
don’t need to question God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t need to lay blame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evil
happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the only way to get
through evil is by the love of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Which brings me to the second theme Young explains exceptionally well: what
it means to have meaningful relationships --<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with God, with Jesus, with the Holy Spirit, with your
friends and enemies. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The perfect relationship is best exemplified through the
Trinity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no hierarchy, but
only perfect trust and understanding. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only through God is every word, every act done with
unconditional love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, that
idea that we are limited in our understanding of the world we live in can be attributed to God's love for
humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it is an amazing love! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would be remiss if I ignored the cheesy aspect of this
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is fiction, of
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the way this book
inspired me to live a better, a more loving life, to appreciate the goodness
that exists and accept the evil for what it is, far outshines all cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart rests easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier; mso-bidi-font-family: Courier; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">When peace, like a river attendeth my way, <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
sorrows like sea billows roll; <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whatever
my lot, thou hast taught me to say, <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> It
is well, it is well with my soul. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-20374960706474149742013-04-20T11:45:00.000-07:002013-04-20T11:45:04.839-07:00Three for One Special: The Millennium trilogy and the Girl who looks like me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMMQO1THeoLKQPowY33lz9XdMe5XQHltAtAeJ79yB4SkZYpyCXmFzJe46bGSKjCmwtkB3y8Z75PaqMKEe7cSEQPNANE-N4Px8mNn-Z-VqwKHjdh2OvTe7zWk30sw_9TdquytKR35xM00/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMMQO1THeoLKQPowY33lz9XdMe5XQHltAtAeJ79yB4SkZYpyCXmFzJe46bGSKjCmwtkB3y8Z75PaqMKEe7cSEQPNANE-N4Px8mNn-Z-VqwKHjdh2OvTe7zWk30sw_9TdquytKR35xM00/s1600/photo-4.JPG" height="195" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
To start: my apology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My blogging fervor has subsided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It frustrates me that I can’t seem to find the time to write about the
books that I love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor that I can
find the time to actually READ these books. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Science and life in general takes over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m back. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. . for now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
today, it’s your lucky day: it’s a 3 for 1 special!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently completed the Swedish trilogy by Steig Larsson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll discuss them in one entry for several
reasons: one, I’m lazy, and two, I read them so close together that they’ve
kind of merged into one for me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let
me start: These books are awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My husband doesn’t normally get into “recreational” novels, but he
couldn’t read these fast enough. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
I equally enjoy most books, I read all books at the same pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, I couldn’t keep up
with him, but I could read over 2000 pages in a few short months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All this is to say, the story is
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mystery is real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The characters are believable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
trilogy starts with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Girl with the
Dragon Tattoo</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you’ve read the books, you are familiar with Lisbeth Salander, the leading
female character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I read the
physical description of Salander, describing her with “non-existent hips and
child-like breasts”, I practically burst out laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Larsson was describing me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think very many adult females
had my body type, but apparently I found my look-alike in a novel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It quickly became apparent,
however, that she is wildly different from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For one, I don’t have a dragon tattoo trailing down my
spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And secondly, although a
self-described introvert, I lack Lisbeth’s intense fear of normal society and
her killer instincts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But more on
Lisbeth later. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her
counterpart is Mikael Blomkvist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
journalist by trade, he has a warm and righteous heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living up to his own standards of truth
and morality is not an easy task and often leads him into trouble. And this is
where <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Girl with Dragon Tattoo </i>begins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
being tried and convicted of libel against a Swedish billionaire, Mikael needs
a new distraction and becomes involved with the Vanger clan, a wealthy family
that lives in a quaint town in northern Sweden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mikael is tasked with defining the circumstances around the
disappearance of the granddaughter, Harriet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time that Mikael gets mixed up in the Vanger
affair, we learn about Lisbeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is apparently incompetent and under the guardianship of the state,
meaning that she needs permission to access her own money among almost any
other normal human activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
first guardian was a kind-hearted man who felt compassion for Lisbeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her second, and current, guardian lacks
these qualities, to say the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, she is an incredibly gifted girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her computer-hacking skills (legal and otherwise) make her a
valuable resource for security companies and journalists alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she finally connects with Mikael,
you know that their relationship will be lovingly complicated-bwahahaha. By the
end of the novel, we are left with two resolved issues: the first surrounding
the exoneration of Mikael in his libel case and the second with the Vanger
affair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What forces you to read
the second novel: the unclear relationship status between Mikael and Lisbeth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On
to the second story: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Girl who Played
with Fire</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the first
novel, this second novel is driven by a murder mystery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mixed up in a Russian sex trade story,
Mikael’s friends are murdered, along with a third, apparently, random man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the search for the killer of this
triple murder (I’ll leave it to you to find out who precisely is killed), the
search turns to Lisbeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lisbeth,
of course, is good at hiding and good at digging for the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Larsson’s talents at intertwining
stories continue in this second novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While we learn about the leader of the Russian sex trade scandal,
Zalenchenko, we also get insight into Lisbeth and her troubled childhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Mikael trying to find Lisbeth,
defend her freedom, while also searching for the truth behind the murder of his
friends, the novel ends with the connection between Zalenchenko and Lisbeth in
an amazing cliff-hanger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hang on
to your seats, friends! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So
in the same moment you finish the second book, you must start the third novel,
no questions asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest</i> is
more of a political thriller and requires a bit more focus to fully follow,
unless of course, the inner-workings of the Swedish police and government are well
known to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What drives this
novel is the details we learn about Lisbeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, the trial of Lisbeth is about to begin.
Mikael is one of few characters that fight in Lisbeth’s corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Mikael we learn about how Lisbeth
ends up in a mental institution, is deemed incompetent, and is put under the
care of the state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also learn
about the atrocities of the Swedish government in their treatment of both
Zalenchenko and Lisbeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
addition to fighting for the freedom of Lisbeth, I also always fight for the
love story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want Mikael and
Lisbeth to get together, to fall madly in love and live happily ever after (I
am a romantic at heart).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’ll
let you figure out how this love story ends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Of
course, I can’t accurately capture all the complexities of these three stories
in my one blog entry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I can
tell you is that if you haven’t already read this trilogy, READ IT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have, share your thoughts with
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to hear what you think!.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man’s
desire to understand” Neil Armstrong</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-18202365667111574472013-04-06T07:27:00.001-07:002013-04-06T07:27:54.400-07:00Chapter 2: The upside-down dog book
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<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0EsFmdzZ4lzshdu61PNlw3zDfjdTmzHOIpTvhurt66mWQVZzDwsnCJko0m1JKe6FY4vyoG-tj1YRqIPQg1WH1lgjMxeFuu6WMh4psZuMkfzNMd75ckFfxfI7XbL7PuVY6usq8VxTFrU/s1600/Upside-down+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0EsFmdzZ4lzshdu61PNlw3zDfjdTmzHOIpTvhurt66mWQVZzDwsnCJko0m1JKe6FY4vyoG-tj1YRqIPQg1WH1lgjMxeFuu6WMh4psZuMkfzNMd75ckFfxfI7XbL7PuVY6usq8VxTFrU/s1600/Upside-down+.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>My husband and I lovingly refer to this gem of a novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The curious incident of the dog in the
night-time</i> by Mark Haddon as the “upside-down dog book”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, perhaps it’s not the most
original because the cover does portray an upside-down dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even more than my unoriginal
thought, since reading this book I realize that the upside-down dog book
warrants so much more than a cutesy nickname. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I thought would be a quirky, easy read turned into an
emotional look into relationships between adults and children. Written from the
perspective of a young boy, presumably living with Asperger’s syndrome or some
other form of autism, the simplistic, yet incredibly astute understanding of
the adult world combined with his inability to efficiently navigate our adult
world shakes your belief of the goodness of our current way of our life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, all of this underlying commentary into the
failings of society is subtly intertwined underneath the narrative of a young
boy trying to solve the case of the murdered black dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And like any good mystery, the killer
isn’t obvious until it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And this, of course, is followed by the emotional devastation: the killer is too close to home and so you must leave. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I truly loved this book. It's hard to put into words everything that this book offers. All I can say is: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read it, you’ll love it.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-22122674629940161472013-01-19T16:59:00.001-08:002013-01-19T16:59:13.194-08:00Chapter 1: My Radio Crush Writes a Book.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibFrEJoBM9A/UPsQt4iVQ9I/AAAAAAAAAFI/MQT0Jp5sYv8/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibFrEJoBM9A/UPsQt4iVQ9I/AAAAAAAAAFI/MQT0Jp5sYv8/s1600/photo.jpg" height="145" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before I was married, I would lie in bed at night and listen
to the smooth voice of Jian Ghomeshi before blissfully drifting off to
sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t just the sound of
his voice that I loved, but his probing questions and personal take on current
events and cultural events often coincided with my own thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nowadays, since I share my bed, I don’t
regularly listen to his show “Q” on CBC radio, but when I do get the chance, I
relish every minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wouldn’t call myself a Jian-groupie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I was, I might have actually been aware
when his book came out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
I only discovered this book while browsing things to do in my hometown and came
across Ghomeshi’s book tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wait
a second, He wrote a book?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
then I quickly switched to Amazon.ca and found the book entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1982</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1982!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
the year of my birth!!! Oh my goodness, our connection was meant to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bought two tickets to his show,
quickly followed by a trip to the local bookstore to pick up his book.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I immediately loved the style of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1982</i>, most likely because it reads as Jian sounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there are some things to like and
some things to dislike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So to
honour a theme of Jian’s book, I will now move to the use of lists to classify
my likes and dislikes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things I liked about Jian’s book</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I can hear Jian’s voice in the words</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Reliving numerous events I easily related to
such as making mix tapes off the</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
radio, actually going to a store to buy music,
and the stress of making phone</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
calls since you will inevitably have to talk to
your friend’s parent/sibling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things I did not like about Jian’s book</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The excessive use of random lists which were
just reiterated thoughts already </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
explained in the text</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The number of pages dedicated to Jian’s red-blue
Adidas bag (is it really that </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
special or is he trying to fill pages)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I knew almost NONE of the bands Jian talked
about . . .I guess I’m just too young.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The lack of point to the entire book.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t get me wrong: I still love Jian Ghomeshi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And his show was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I got my book signed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY53t4Bb6Wkcu1hGgNnJEir2uz273XwJCif3T_0CL_A8loPGQAmy0N9O4CkFvAr9K3die-5NW3gO_zEh4o1CEqgEma-s8vuoMGgaK0LmE01dNTkNaNGm7BKcC98QUEjtYmdugS3OByHuo/s1600/IMG_0609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY53t4Bb6Wkcu1hGgNnJEir2uz273XwJCif3T_0CL_A8loPGQAmy0N9O4CkFvAr9K3die-5NW3gO_zEh4o1CEqgEma-s8vuoMGgaK0LmE01dNTkNaNGm7BKcC98QUEjtYmdugS3OByHuo/s1600/IMG_0609.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But as far as learning anything about Jian that would be
useful to understanding him today? Nothing, nadda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps a tale relying his journey to Q would have been more
up my alley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or perhaps I am too
young to appreciate Jian’s musical influences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever the reason, I’ll stick to listening to Jian on the
radio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-1742625142062637432013-01-03T11:02:00.004-08:002013-01-03T11:04:36.243-08:00Epilogue: A Year in Review.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess I haven’t officially been blogging for a year, but
it has been a year since I started reading the first book I wrote a blog
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So for that reason (and
also it seems like the appropriate time), this is my inaugural year in review
blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, my husband and I decided to make a Christmas tree
out of my book collection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just
love how it turned out!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFWIGR43oZJJvN6YvfNEAq_phFbH_D6t6A3YvaO2F6UigqUXTMPwDTGQIX3UtJvDP8zU076eXZqOjUsVI1F6aTW9lpJlDIzyO6KymJIIcIGyhIySLoPWx6GZ-KSerKmb_4UHnLsfIU58/s1600/DSCN0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFWIGR43oZJJvN6YvfNEAq_phFbH_D6t6A3YvaO2F6UigqUXTMPwDTGQIX3UtJvDP8zU076eXZqOjUsVI1F6aTW9lpJlDIzyO6KymJIIcIGyhIySLoPWx6GZ-KSerKmb_4UHnLsfIU58/s1600/DSCN0007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To review, I never read as much as I want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose that’s the curse of choosing an occupation that
takes up most of my brainy energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And when I do reach that inevitable novel conclusion, I also lack
sufficient time to write a meaningful blog entry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No worries, friends, I will push ahead into year two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Reads Include:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Emperor of All
Maladies </i>by Siddharta Mukhejee <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hurricane: The
Miraculous Journey of Rubin Carter </i>by James Hirsch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tinkers</i> by Paul
Harding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Time Traveler’s
Wife </i>by Audrey Niffenegger</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The final book on that list is by far my favourite read of
2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #0b1c32; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like I said, I never read as much as I want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been browsing some other book
bloggers and realize that my reading speed is nowhere near those serious
readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How they find the time to
succeed at their 200books/year challenge is beyond me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have, however, gained some other useful ideas to improve
this little endeavor of mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These include:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1.
Making lists of my favourite books</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2.
Incorporating Quote Days</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>3.
Including the total number of pages I read (maybe this will make me feel better<br />
about the lack of total books I finish in one year).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>4.
Including a to-read list so you’ll know what I’m thinking of reading.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here’s to year two of Novel Meanderings of an Academic!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-69440176525840699552012-12-24T12:46:00.000-08:002012-12-24T12:46:03.278-08:00Chapter 8: Who will be my Time Traveler?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzywcRSfXMcFjsgvk63c4myjgcz0-FLb-ZcIfqi28W7dqcIkyZbtyX74xoDmolJQb8CTQ53HBei6BfXMkzuQU24E0kfAKbKQ8op_Gs-mu_6kBEyMIqlghsOPUEp9pvaD5Ew9I5oQDAQ4c/s1600/Time+Traveler's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzywcRSfXMcFjsgvk63c4myjgcz0-FLb-ZcIfqi28W7dqcIkyZbtyX74xoDmolJQb8CTQ53HBei6BfXMkzuQU24E0kfAKbKQ8op_Gs-mu_6kBEyMIqlghsOPUEp9pvaD5Ew9I5oQDAQ4c/s1600/Time+Traveler's.jpg" height="183" width="200" /></a></div>
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If I could time travel, I would journey back to November 1,
2012, sometime after 10pm, when I was laying in bed next to my husband (who was
inevitably reading a yellow Math book. . . .boring).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flipped to the first page of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Time Traveler’s Wife </i>by Audrey Niffenegger and read “<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">CLARE: It’s hard
being left behind. I wait for Henry, not knowing where he is, wondering if he’s
okay. It’s hard to be the one who stays.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">This was the moment the novel grabbed my
heart and pulled on my romantic nerves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am, by definition, a sucker for a good love story and thus,
have the tendency to instantly fall in love with all gorgeous lead male
characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Time Traveler’s Wife </i>might, perhaps,
be the best love story I’ve encountered in a really long time (excluding my
own, of course).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it’s merely
the idea of time travel, or the real-life characters (minus the time traveling
bit) with real-life problems that drew me in so quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever it was, this novel mesmerized
me and brought me pure joy intertwined with tangible moments of sadness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The lead male, Henry, is a librarian (could it get any
better than that?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to
his dashing good looks, Henry also possesses a peculiar ability to travel through
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clare, at a very young age,
meets her future husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And by
future, I mean, she meets the Henry from the future who in his present is
married to future Clare (it’s not nearly confusing as it sounds, I promise).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so the tale begins of two people
destined to love each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Clare, the artist, is in a constant act of waiting: waiting for Henry to
return, wondering if Henry will suddenly disappear, will they have a family,
will Henry be there to participate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The love between Henry and Clare is so strong, so deep that it surpasses
all space-time continuums. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I truly loved this book and it’s one that I could reread and
reread (if I didn’t have so many other books on my to-read list).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there’s just one thing that
bothered me (skip this paragraph if you want to be completely enthralled by the
book; read on if you want to know one minor detail that irked me).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a scientist and I am acutely aware
of the complexities of human biology, which contributes to the slow speed of
scientific progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when Henry
visits a geneticist to explore the biology behind time travel, and the
geneticist quickly isolated the ONE gene responsible and generated knockout
mice that could also time travel, I was immediately skeptical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time traveling mice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, cool, but really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who funded such outrageous
investigations?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time travel makes
for a great lover story, but in reality, I doubt very much it could actually
happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And by mutation of a
single gene? How many genes need to be altered for tumor progression? I can
tell you that it’s many more than one. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, I’ll move on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know Hollywood cashed in on this great story, but I am
still reveling in the great writing and emotions evoked by Niffenegger’s novel
that I haven’t watched the movie . . . yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will, soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to share this story with my very own time traveler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know that same yellow math-book-reading
nerd of guy I snagged?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
occasion, he pulls out some truly romantic lines. While I regaled him with how
much I love this book, he replied with “I want to be your time traveler”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, dear, you can be my time traveler;
I love you too.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-6903885955228732542012-11-22T12:51:00.000-08:002012-11-22T12:51:30.348-08:00Chapter 7: Books, Books, Books!
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wait with anticipation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my breath abates, my heart races, my fingers twitch, my
muscles tense and relax and prepare themselves to hold books upon books upon
books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ready, ready for the
annual Symphony Association Book Fair!!! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every year, the local Symphony Association hosts a book fair
as a fundraising event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally,
you and me might think, “No thanks, I’ll pass this one by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who needs old books with ripped pages
and food stains?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, friends,
you’re in for a treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you walk
in, your head swivels from side to side as your eyes locate the “Trade
Paperback” section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your legs
carry you to the shelves that house rows and rows of practically brand new,
current titles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t
know how they do it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they do,
and it’s AMAZING!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, I saw my future self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came with her husband and he was pulling books he knew
she would like (ahh, so sweet, yes?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then she checked The List, a multi-sheet catalog of every book they
owned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If The List lacked the
title in question, the book dropped into the large bag hung from her shoulder,
to be added to The List for next year’s excursion, I presume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree, it’s a bit on the dorky side,
but you have to admit, it’s also highly effective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I use this opportunity to grow my library, the to-be-built-by-my-learning-to-be-handy-husband
kind of library complete with built-in-bookshelves, a glowing fireplace warming
my precious kitty, and a worn-leather armchair covered in my favourite wool
blanket which sits beside the table holding my peppermint-infused coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I like to dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s a glimpse at this year’s collection:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFt19Nv-7GrfruSY6tlVhesifMWfv3yLhVyH1Sz0QVgABvlPWZuRzVMsTXs06Cj1QwbDTXHRU_Lnyp5ODxTEOhqcm634YACVJbfTQ-ItUkNyizSvFv-_IVQTIRpJCUWfkh3IIKi3Jy6hI/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFt19Nv-7GrfruSY6tlVhesifMWfv3yLhVyH1Sz0QVgABvlPWZuRzVMsTXs06Cj1QwbDTXHRU_Lnyp5ODxTEOhqcm634YACVJbfTQ-ItUkNyizSvFv-_IVQTIRpJCUWfkh3IIKi3Jy6hI/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Aren’t they great?! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">As always, I often go back to my stack of books and
flip through the pages, smell them, stare at them. . . .Over and over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the most wonderful time of the
year!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-1996494580921350492012-11-05T17:35:00.000-08:002012-11-05T17:36:14.712-08:00Chapter 6: Let's Tinker Around for Awhile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVYbi7XHTWg3xC-BOLxUXmjUow2EG5rvZRADfha2M1G7WLyrjnriJ2cDGYAoBaN8O6Jqc2KVJpS_CT5ohmE1zuYtfYg2cCddG7duFO7fBAWbkgg7HO1aG516_NGjjH8BJf-yLBSWmMWM/s1600/Tinkers.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVYbi7XHTWg3xC-BOLxUXmjUow2EG5rvZRADfha2M1G7WLyrjnriJ2cDGYAoBaN8O6Jqc2KVJpS_CT5ohmE1zuYtfYg2cCddG7duFO7fBAWbkgg7HO1aG516_NGjjH8BJf-yLBSWmMWM/s1600/Tinkers.tiff" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">If
ever I could rebel against my last book with its less-than-engaging narrative, reading
the current novel would be my act of dissidence.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Paul Harding’s story of a dying clockmaker, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tinkers</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">, not only tugs at the reader’s heartstrings,
but requires your focused attention as it weaves its way back and forth in time
connecting the lives of grandfather, father, and son.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
story begins with a dying clockmaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In his last hours, both waking and hallucinatory, we travel with George
through some memories of his childhood, in particular his relationship with his
father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From here, we travel with George’s
father, Howard to his childhood memories and the life of his father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three men <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tinker</i> in their own way, either fixing clocks or selling
door-to-door trinkets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Howard says
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am a tinker.... Is it not true: A move
of the head, a step to the left or right, and we change from wise, decent,
loyal people to conceited fools?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Light changes, our eyes blink and see the world from the slightest
difference of perspective and our place in it has changed infinitely</i>” (pg
131).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add an additional layer:
each man also struggles, or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tinkers</i>,
with a lack of paternal love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a
reader, you longed for the father just to caress their son, to acknowledge
their presence, to not leave without a word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the opportunities for these actions and emotions pass
by, the sense of sadness is tangible. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Harding
shares his story and vision with the most exquisitely beautiful language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just the process of hearing the words
flow together (in my head, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t read out loud, silly) brought a smile to my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Combine that with the deeply probing
meaning behind those perfectly combined phrases, and I’m in literary
heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To prove my point, here’s
a quote that immediately struck me: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">be
comforted in the fact that the ache in your heart and the confusion in your
soul means that you are still alive, still human, and still open to the beauty
of the world, even though you have done nothing to deserve it </i>“ (pg 74).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only does this sentiment calm any
twinge of depression that lingers in your mind, but it also scrapes the surface
of meaningful religious undertones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the Christian view, men and women, although created in God’s image,
ultimately fall short of this perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, the grace of God provides continual love for each and everyone
of us . . . .even though we have done nothing to deserve such love!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such subtleties permeate Harding’s
novel and provide never-ending sentiments to soak our souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
would not classify <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tinkers </i>as an easy
read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its brevity makes it
attractive, but the complexity of language and astuteness of the content
requires focus from the reader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think, even I, yes I, need to re-read this book to fully appreciate all that
Harding offers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
as Harding says “Everything is made to perish; the wonder of anything at all is
that it has not already done so. . . . The wonder of anything is that it was made
in the first place.” (pg 126).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like this book, it has an end, but it was a gift to have enjoyed it for
the time that I did and I hope you do too.</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-79485216055535578032012-09-12T18:30:00.000-07:002012-09-12T18:31:13.813-07:00Chapter 5: The Storm is Over: The Story of Rubin Hurricane Carter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re moving, changing gears, chugging along . . . .On to my
second book since starting this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A caveat to start: this isn’t the kind of book I would
normally choose to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For one,
I don’t like boxing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for two,
my gut instinct about such a book tells me the story would be highly
dramatized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we were
hanging out with some friends and started talking about movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone suggested we watch <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hurricane </i>and in my typical
agreeableness, I appeared intrigued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It soon followed that this movie was actually based on a book, to which
my face dropped and I responded, “I can’t watch the movie before I read the
book!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then the book was
presented to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s a girl to
do except read the book?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My thoughts:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hirsch’s account of
Rubin “Hurricane” Carter’s fight with the judicial system is drawn out and
includes many forced attempts at emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Needless to say, these emotional grabs at Carter’s “tortuous” journey
from “ferocious boxer” to “alleged assassin” to a man brought to “redemption”
did not work on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me
wrong, I am angered by the injustice of Rubin’s wrongful conviction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I, too, am astounded at the
enormity of the years it took before this injustice could be corrected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But perhaps a more honest account of
Hurricane’s story would have elicited a deeper connection between myself and
the characters of this real-life story. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having never heard of the Hurricane or Rubin Carter’s
20-year imprisonment, after reading this book, I am disheartened by society’s
blatant racism and selfish desires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The small city district attorneys and police officers acted in their own
best interests, telling lies and perpetuating the town’s already inherent
biracial tendencies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The town
became so hostile for Carter that he could never return and never again
regained a connection with his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So sad! It makes my heart hurt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A glimmer of hope for mankind remains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart smiles for the honesty and
pure-heart of one person: John Artis, the young man charged and convicted
alongside Rubin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Artis never
backed out of his innocent plea as much as the district attorneys wanted his
confession to prove Rubin’s guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, Artis spent 10+ years in prison and was released on parole with
his integrity intact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my eyes,
he is a man worth calling a hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so, the storm is over . . . both for Rubin, the
Hurricane, Carter and for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rubin Carter is free and his story has reached thousands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I am finished this book and
can move on to something a little more intellectually challenging.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-67172681584461105062012-08-11T17:39:00.002-07:002012-08-11T17:39:22.208-07:00Chapter 4: It’s not personal, it’s business<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I said in my last entry, I am thankful for cancer
research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No worries, this is not
an entirely narcissistic comment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, the presence of the cancer research field provides me with a
job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But more importantly, I would
not physically be present to write this blog if advanced cancer treatments hadn’t saved my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes, that is a little
melodramatic . . . .I apologize.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
I picked up this book in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chapters</i> and
decided I needed to read it, this urge was purely to fill a scientific craving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, within the first pages, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Emperor of all Maladies</i> quickly
became personal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout this
book, Mukherjee follows one patient, a woman named Carla who was diagnosed as
an adult with childhood leukemia, or acute lymphoblastic leukemia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story struck home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, as a child, was also diagnosed with leukemia
– in my case, the more common leukemia in adults, acute myeloid leukemia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through Mukherjee’s words, I felt her
bone marrow aspirations, I endured her chemo treatments, I understood the
dramatic emotional and physical changes of her life, I believed that one
patient impacts their physicians on an emotional level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carla’s story was my story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Apart
from my connection with Carla’s journey of survival, the story of leukemia and
leukemia research reinforced how blessed I am to be alive and functioning as most
other young woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I were born
5-10yrs earlier, my doctors might not have shown such optimism in my prognosis
and my parents may have prepared to bury their child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The history of leukemia research, particularly in children,
is truly astounding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the late
50’s and early 60’s, physicians including Sidney Farber discovered new
chemotherapeutic agents (thanks to WWII) and in their desperate attempts to
test their drug, experimented on children relegated to the “ghost floor" of
the hospital where they waited to die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Miraculously, these toxic agents improved the lives of some children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With years of experimentation following, along with the discovery of various chemotherapeutic agents <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I’ll spare you the scientific details
about how these work and their differences), an effective treatment for leukemia
had not been worked out until the late 1970’s. Diagnosed only 10 years later, I
barely made that mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
never meant for this blog to become so personal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But alas it has.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And like my occupation as a cancer research is not motivated by personal
experiences, this blog follows the Godfather’s advice: “It’s not personal, it’s
business.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-66220480295778298302012-07-03T17:49:00.000-07:002012-07-03T17:49:13.919-07:00Chapter 3: Breast cancer treatment: Are we there yet?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks for coming back to read more on <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/s?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=books-ca&field-author=Siddhartha%20Mukherjee"><span style="color: windowtext;">Siddhartha Mukherjee</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Emperor of all Maladies</i>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On to the second theme. . . . curing breast cancer . . . . big topic, I
know.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Three
cancer types dominated this book: leukemia, breast cancer, and lung cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whereas the discussion on leukemia was
quite anecdotal, and lung cancer provided the foundational example of the
importance of epidemiological studies, the story of breast cancer exemplifies
how cancer research has progressed over the last 100 years or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
first reaction when the author shared the history of breast cancer treatment
was disappointment and disillusion with the progression of the cancer research
field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always thought that we,
as cancer scientists, made great strides towards better treatment of this
disease, particularly in the last 30 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when Mukherjee described Halsted’s early treatment of
breast cancer through radical mastectomy, followed by Grubbe’s radiation
treatment in the early 1900’s, I began to wonder: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how far have we really come</i>?? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even 100 years later, our first line of defense against
breast cancer remains surgery and radiation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Albeit, Halsted’s surgery essentially mangled the women for the
rest of her short life (learning that by removing the breast in addition to large
amounts of the chest cavity reduced the risk of cancer recurrence) and the
nuances of the cancer-promoting properties of radiation were largely
unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But really, have we really
only improved upon those early treatments?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What new discoveries have we made in the last 100 YEARS!?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span> In
my semi-depressed state, I brought up this disappointment to my
supervisor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He, being a true
academic, told me not to get too depressed and preceded to talk about the great
advancements in our breast cancer field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course, he’s right (when is your boss not right?) and Mukherjee
doesn’t neglect these details either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In addition to less toxic chemotherapies, physicians now possess several
specific targeted therapies that can distinguish cancer cell from normal cell
or benefit patients with aggressive and resistant disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being immersed in the breast cancer
field, I am, of course, aware of these new therapies. . . .I just needed
reminding. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
have made progress in curing breast cancer (among a multitude of other
cancers), perhaps not as dramatic as I had imagined, but progress
nonetheless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And ultimately, I am
thankful for these advancements.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why, it is asked,
does the supply of new miracle drugs lag so far behind, while biology continues
to move from strength to strength?” </i>Lewis Thomas<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, The Lives of a Cell, </i>1978<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.com0