Sunday, August 31, 2014

Sunday Salon: The Three Day Weekend



So maybe at your house it never feels like things are spiraling out of control, but that's a bit what I've felt like as the school year begins and the house gets messier and no one can find the clothes they want to wear, and we try to come up with something for supper at the last minute, and then dash off to soccer practice. When we get up in the morning we are barely ready in time to get on the bus, and the rat race continues.

What I'm trying to say is that this three day weekend comes at the perfect time so that I can try to get us on track and feeling organized.

I have a totally organized pantry, every stitch of clothing washed and folded, and soon-to-be vacuumed carpets.  Tomorrow the girls will have to clean their rooms and I am going to make a few food items to get us through the week.  And on Tuesday, I will be ready to go back to work.  Doesn't that sound good?  Hopefully things won't be going to hell in a hand basket by Tuesday night.

I can't believe it's almost September already.  This weekend we have had hot and humid weather and it feels wonderful.  I'm not ready to think about cold weather yet.

Little Sister celebrated birthday #8. My in-laws got her another American girl doll and we bought her a bow and arrow that she is just dying to use. 




In celebration of her birthday we went out to Old Chicago and then went bowling last night.

Tonight we'll be eating her Oreo ice cream cake from Dairy Queen an celebrating for another day.

I've got a few books I've managed to get done in the midst of my attempt at organizing my life, and would love to sit down with my Kindle tonight.

Hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day weekend.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Friday Five


The weeks are feeling busy and rushed so far this fall.  Can't believe it's Friday already, but am very excited about the three day weekend.





We've been hearing a lot of this song around our house. It's stuck in my head now.
I love Boden, but don't order from them often.  I am liking this tunic over a pair of leggings. Boden's Must Have Tunic

And shoes....I love this pair now, too.  I haven't ordered them yet, but they're in my cart!


I was eating these a few weeks ago and my mother-in-law looked at them with great interest.  I love these chips that make me at least feel like I am eating healthy, and have a little spice to them as well.


I've had my shoes that I use for the exercise class I take for over a year, and despite the fact that I don't want to spend money right now, have been looking at different shoes.  These Under Armour training shoes are the pair I've got my eyes on.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

My Name is Parvana

Each year I read Deborah Ellis' The Breadwinner with my fifth grade book club kids. And nearly every year that is the book they choose as their favorite one we discuss.


I always encourage them to continue reading the series themselves, and show them Parvana's Journey and Mud City, also by Ellis.

Despite the fact that the fourth book has been out for over a year AND my book club students always ask how things end for Parvana, I have held off reading it, waiting for just the right day.

Over the summer I read The Breadwinner aloud to my girls before bed.  What they resisted at first, they became totally engaged in.  And of course, like my students, wondered about sequels.  Middle Sister was able to discern from reading synopses of the second and third books that she didn't need to read them, but the fourth book is one that she requested to read.

Trying to keep one step ahead of her, I picked it up the other night.

Although it has been years since I read Parvana's Journey or Mud City, my yearly refresher of The Breadwinner has kept me thinking about this story.

As the book begins, Parvana has been arrested, or captured.  It took me a while to get things figured out, but I quickly determined that Parvana is refusing to speak to the people that have taken her.  

As Parvana sits in silence in a cell, parts of her past are remembered.  She and her mother and sister Maryam are together, running a school for girls. Nooria has gone to New York to attend college.  Men have objected to the school.  

As the story nears the end, Parvana's most recent struggle and how she came to be in prison are revealed.

Shauzia and Parvana planned to meet at the Eiffel Tower in Paris twenty years after parting in The Breadwinner.  Life has been full of twists and turns for both of them.  Their reunion is not what the planned, but Ellis has written an amazing book about Parvana (and I hoped not totally closed the door on adding another book in this series).

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.


This week's pick: Some Luck by Jane Smiley
Due out: October 7, 2014



Product Information taken from Amazon:

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Thousand Acres: a heartwarming, deeply engaging new novel-the life and times of an American farm family over three transformative decades-certain to become an instant classic.

On their farm in Denby, Iowa, Rosanna and Walter Langdon abide by time-honored values that they pass on to their five wildly different yet equally remarkable children: Frank, the brilliant, stubborn first-born; Joe, whose love of animals makes him the natural heir to his family's land; Lillian, an angelic child who enters a fairy-tale marriage with a man only she will fully know; Henry, the bookworm who's not afraid to be different; and Claire, who earns the highest place in her father's heart. Moving from post-World War I America through the early 1950s, Some Luck gives us an intimate look at this family's triumphs and tragedies, zooming in on the realities of farm life, while casting-as the children grow up and scatter to New York, California, and everywhere in between-a panoramic eye on the monumental changes that marked the first half of the twentieth century. Rich with humor and wisdom, twists and surprises, Some Luck takes us through deeply emotional cycles of births and deaths, passions, and betrayals, displaying Smiley's dazzling virtuosity, compassion, and understanding of human nature and the nature of history, never discounting the role of fate and chance. This potent conjuring of many lives across generations is a stunning tour de force.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Getting Life

I've read various news accounts of people wrongly convicted of murder finally being freed after spending years in prison.



Getting Life: An Innocent Man's 25-Year Journey From Prison to Peace by Michael Morton is Morton's own account of spending twenty-five years in prison for the murder of his wife.

In 1986, Michael was happily married with a three year old son, Eric.  After a night out with his wife, he left for work the next morning. By the time he returned home that night, the police were at his home, collecting evidence for the murder of his beloved wife.  

Morton cooperated with police, wanting them to find the person who committed this horrible crime.  However, because of a variety of factors- a police chief who had already decided Morton was guilty being a major contributor, Morton realized that police were not looking at anyone beside him.

Morton's account of his life is harrowing - something too horrible to imagine. And what comes through is that Morton is a person just like you or me.  That he could spend twenty five years in prison for a crime he didn't commit is terrifying.  

Morton's writing is easy to read.  He can tell his story well.  And, he manages to hit the major points, allowing the twenty five year time period to pass without belaboring what must have seemed to him the exceedingly slow passage of time.  

Morton has accepted his life and what happened to him.  He does not preach at the reader or offer religious advice, but it is evident that his faith in God-  achieved during his prison stay- is what has allowed him to move on. 

Getting Life is a book that will amaze you and make you think twice about what you believe.

Monday, August 25, 2014

All Fall Down

Jennifer Weiner's most recent book, All Fall Down, is one I devoured this past weekend.  



My friend, Kristin, read it earlier this summer and since both of us have read every book Weiner's written, I knew I would get around to it eventually. However, her endorsement did help bump it up on my TBR.

Allison Weiss has the life many people would envy.  A handsome and charming husband, a precocious daughter, and a job as a blogger on women's issues.  

However, despite all of that, or perhaps because of all of that, Allison feels overwhelmed.  When she injures her back and takes pills to help with the pain, Allison realizes that the relief she feels by taking these pills is helping her deal with the stresses of her life.

And soon the pills she is taking for the pain become a habit.  Allison finds ways to get pills from multiple doctors for a variety of reasons  She is tired al the time, her marriage suffers. But when she puts her child's safety in jeopardy, Allison begins to realize she may have a problem.

Allison's story is one many people may be able to relate to.  Seeing Allison self destruct was hard to read about, and I felt as though I was holding my breath each time she would take another handful of pills.

All Fall Down is a great quick read, and as a fan of Weiner's this one ranks near the top as one of my favorites she has written.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Sunday Salon: This Will Be Fast

The weekend has flown by, something that I'm adjusting to once again, and which means that I'm nearly ready to think about bed and have yet to blog or work on lesson plans.



With that being said... this post will be quick.  Big Sister and I spent the day running errands and birthday shopping for Little Sister who turns 8 on Friday.  We also attended a birthday party for my co-worker and friend, Crystal, who turned 50 yesterday.

We rushed home to throw some turkey burgers on the grill, start the nighttime routine, and get everything ready for the morning. 

Tomorrow Little Sister starts soccer, so soccer cleats, socks and shin guards had to be located and tried on.  

Big Sister has an early morning (6 AM) cross country practice tomorrow to avoid the afternoon heat....the rat race has begun.

I did find time to read two books this weekend, and would still like to get a few posts written before bed.  

Hope you had a relaxing weekend...although mine felt busy, I'm ready to go back to school and meet my classes again.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

The Story Hour



Lakshmi has moved from India to the United States to be with her husband, as the two work side by side in their grocery and restaurant.  An arranged marriage, Lakshmi's husband treats her more as his own personal servant than a wife. Lonely and depressed, Lakshmi attempts suicide one day.

When Maggie meets Lakshmi she is drawn to the woman.  Maggie's own husband Sudhir is from India, so she knows a little about the culture.  As her therapist, Maggie tries to keep her relationships with her patients professional, but this is nearly impossible with Lakshmi, who is lonely and needs a friend.

As Maggie treats Lakshmi for free, the two develop a friendship of sorts, and Maggie helps Lakshmi feel empowered- teaching her how to drive, helping her find a way to earn money on her own.

While Lakshmi's life is looking up, Maggie continues to involve herself in an affair with Peter, a photographer who travels the world.  Although Maggie knows in her heart that Sudhir is her true love match, she can't fight her attraction to Peter.

Lakshmi is willing to share her deepest secrets with Maggie, but when Maggie's own secret is revealed, the friendship these women have forged is jeopardized.  

The Story Hour is a novel of friendship, of love, of two worlds coming together.  Umrigar is able to skillfully alternate narrators as Lakshmi and Maggie each tell their stories, and has created a story that I am thinking about long after I am done reading. There is a little suspense as secrets are revealed that kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could.  Every characters is multifaceted and well developed, real humans that are so complex, each with their strengths and flaws.  

Umrigar's The Story Hour is a must read for fiction lovers.


Friday, August 22, 2014

Friday Five: Back to School Edition


I'm back to work this week, and there hasn't been nearly as much time to surf the web and shop online as I've had during the summer. As I adjust, my computer (and reading) time may be limited.

Here's what's been happening around here this week:


Big Sister received a birthday gift in the mail. Her new sweaty band has been added to her cross country clothes line-up.  Her aunt and uncle had it made in the team colors, a nice feature that this website has. (And, yes, she does know this is not really how to wear her new headband).


I've been busy at school.  Decorating my door like Pete the Cat




Helping a co-worker celebrate her 50th birthday.  The jar she's holding has Fireballs candy in it, with lettering on the jar that says, "50 and Hot".  She doesn't know yet that her van is full of black balloons, so driving home might be at trick.


My girls also had their first day of school yesterday. So far it's all good, which I'm grateful for.

Seriously, I think I could buy new shoes every week.  I found another pair I'd love to have.


These Keen Rose Sandals are still $85 on Zappos, but they would be a nice replacement for the Keens I've had for years.

After surviving the first week with kids, I'm ready for a weekend.  And just like predicted, our cool summer has heated up just in time for when school starts. My girls were dismissed two hours early today. For all of you who live elsewhere, this is what happens when you live in Iowa - no air conditioning in older buildings.

Happy Friday!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

We Are Called To Rise

Four characters narrate the story set in Las Vegas, that all intertwine in one life changing moment.


Bashkin is an Albanian immigrant, struggling to fit in in America. He's a hard-working student full of worry. His father was imprisoned in Albania before he was married and had children and still bears the emotional scars that are all too visible to his wife and children.  

Luis has been injured in the war, injured physically, and also emotionally. After successful tours in Iraq, he is now dealing with the loss of his friend and partner.  

Avis' own childhood was a rough one in Sin City. She has risen above it mostly, although now in middle age, her husband has decided to leave her. The two struggled through the death of a child together, but now as their son Nate returns from war and begins his career in law enforcement, Avis knows that the knot in her stomach indicates problems with Nate, who has changed much since the war.

Roberta works for a non-profit, assisting families in Las Vegas who are in need.  She, too, becomes embroiled in Bashkin, Luis, and Avis' lives when a tragic event occurs and binds them all together.

McBride has based her story on an actual event, imagining the lives of the people this happened to.  I haven't stopped thinking about this story since I began reading.  I was totally engrossed in the lives of the characters, and could visualize the ways in which they acted and reacted.

Although I loved We Are Called To Rise while reading it, I am even more impressed with it a few days after finishing it.  I simply cannot get these stories out of my mind.  I'll be recommending this to friends but I also think this will be a great book club selection, full of things to discuss.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.


This week's pick:  I'm Glad I Did by Cynthia Weil
Due out: January 27, 2015


Product Description taken from Amazon:
It's the summer of 1963 and JJ Green is a born songwriter—which is a major problem, considering that her family considers the music business a cesspool of lowlifes and hustlers. Defying them, she takes an internship at the Brill Building, the epicenter of a new sound called rock and roll.

JJ is finally living her dream. She even finds herself a writing partner in Luke Silver, a boy with mesmerizing green eyes who seems to connect instantly with her music. Best of all, they’ll be cutting their first demo with Dulcie Brown, a legend who’s fallen on hard times. Though Dulcie is now a custodian in the Brill Building, JJ is convinced that she can shine again. 

But Dulcie’s past is a tangle of secrets, and when events take a dark turn, JJ must navigate a web of hidden identities and shattered lives—before it snares her, too.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

First Day of School


Although my girls have a few days left until they head back to school, today is my first day back with students.

There are always a lot of rules to go over but I still make time for reading each group a back to school story.  

And every year, I am always excited to add a few new titles to my growing list of books I can reach for and be happy to share.

Harper Collins graciously sent me four new back to school titles for my review, each one a quality picture book I can share with the lower grades I see.


Chu's First Day of School by Neil Gaiman and Adam Rex

Chu's First Day of School is a follow up to the picture book, Chu's Day.  This panda is anxious about going to school, unsure of how things will go.  When the big day finally arrives, students are expected to introduce themselves and one thing they are good at.  Chu thinks hard as other students give their responses.  When he finally gives his answer, it is unique and memorable.

Colorful illustrations and short text make this a perfect book for pre-K students who are just beginning school.  My soon-to-be second grade daughter was excited to see this book as well. At this point, she can read the book herself, but is attracted to the cuteness of Chu and her memories of reading Chu's Day.


Monsters Love School by Mike Austin

Little Sister's first comment as I looked at this book was how much she enjoys Monster books.  This book is fun - brightly colored illustrations draw readers in to the story of monsters getting ready to go back to school. Cute names like Mrs. Warble, the music teacher,  and Mr. Reed the librarian, add a bit of fun to this story as monsters shop for school supplies, learn history, and eat school lunch.   Monsters Love School is a follow-up to Austin's previous book about the monsters, Monsters Love Colors.


Little Lola by Julie Saab and David Gothard is another cute back to school story. Lola is a cat napping on a park bench when Little Lola begins.  She has a few things to keep her busy - one of them being to have an adventure. When she happens upon clothes, glasses and a backpack, Lola quickly dons the outfit, and hops on the school bus.  Lola loves school!  Despite a few mishaps, Lola makes it through the day, returning to her park bench that afternoon, having completed her "to do" list.

Another picture book with few words, preschool and kindergarten students will be able to sit still for this story, and enjoy discussing Lola's school adventures.


Flip and Fin We Rule the School by Timothy Gill and Neil Neil Numberman

This back to school story is great entertainment.  I loved reading the jokes that Flip and Fin tell throughout this picture book.  Although this book may seem like a story for the lower elementary crowd, I am planning on reading it to my third and fourth grade classes, who will be able to better understand the jokes.  Gill also includes fun information about the various fish that are featured in this story at book's end.  In addition to Flip and Fin being a great back to school book, teachers wanting a good introductory/anticipatory set type of book for an ocean/fish unit would find this book fits the bill.


I'll still be digging out some of my good ol' standard back to school books, but these new stories are ones I am anxious to share with my students this week.

Monday, August 18, 2014

The Swap

When I was in fourth grade I read Freaky Friday by Mary Rodgers- long before Lindsay Lohan starred in the movie based on the book.

The Swap by Megan Shull has quite a few similarities to this novel, yet with its own twists and revelations.




Ellie is finding it difficult in her tween years. Her best friend has dropped her and not only has she found a new best friend, she is making Ellie's life miserable.  

Jack lives with his three brothers and father, who the boys refer to as The Captain.  Their very structured and scheduled lives revolve around hockey which they play and train for year round.  

When Jack and Ellie find themselves in the nurse's office at the same time both think the other person has an easier life. When they wake up they can find out for themselves if this might be true as they realize they are inhabiting a body that is foreign to them.

And they do have some revelations along the way.  Aside from the fact that they have to work hard to make it through the weekend in a home that is unfamiliar to them with rules and people they don't know, there are a few other surprises.  

Jack gets to go bra shopping and have a physical.  Ellie deals with ice baths after training and shrinkage. 

Shull does a great job of leaving things to the imagination, and giving these characters a little depth as well. Both realize that neither person's life is perfect. And both find a way to give the other person a little help in making their lives easier when they return to their own bodies.

This novel is fun.  It is a fast read with a premise that is guaranteed to entertain and get readers thinking a little bit.  

The Swap is a novel boys and girls will both enjoy and would make a great read aloud.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Sunday Salon

On Thursday I started back to work. Summer 2014 is officially in the books.  I'm excited to start the school year, although I'm not feeling in the least bit ready for it, either.

To finish off the summer, Big Sister turned 13 on Friday.  We managed to get her birthday party/sleepover in before I returned to work.  She has a great group of girls in her grade and even though sleepovers can sometimes be challenging (and not all that much fun for parents), this one went well.



To cap off the celebration, I took Big Sister to the dentist the next morning, where they pulled two teeth. She had been having problems with an adult tooth coming in above her baby teeth that really weren't all that loose, and the dentist volunteered to "help" those teeth out.


Little Sister lost her second front tooth as well, so the tooth fairy has been very busy at our house.


And this weekend, as we attempt to get ready for a real schedule, Big Sister's BFF, from kindergarten-fourth grade made a return visit.  She's like a member of our family, and I'm happy these girls can pick up where they left off a few years ago. This visit was short and sweet, but last year when Emily visited, we were without water for a week. This year was much more relaxing.


Reading?  I feel like there just hasn't been enough time to really get any books read. And then, when I could read, I am thinking school thoughts.  Hopefully I can get in the groove quickly and get back to attacking my enormous TBR stack.

Cooking? Going back to school should actually help me out because I won't have to worry about three meals a day.  Making lunch and supper gets old quickly.  I already have some pre-made meals in the freezer for suppers that I am looking forward to having, and on Friday I met with a nutritionist who gave me a seven day meal plan to follow.  I spent yesterday snacking because today I am officially on the straight and narrow, following this plan.

Watching?  Nothing. There are so many shows I want to watch, but when it comes right down to it, I would rather read, and my book stacks never seem to get any smaller.


It's a beautiful Sunday out....I'm looking forward to a run a bit later and maybe even a little time outside with a good book.


Saturday, August 16, 2014

Eating Healthy: Spaghetti Squash, Chicken and Veggies

A while ago my sister shared a recipe with my mom, who then shared it with me. I happened to mention it in a Sunday Salon post, but didn't follow up on that. Of course my sister wondered if I liked the recipe or not since I didn't say anything about it.

So, for her benefit - I liked the recipe. I have made it three times since I first tried it and it has been a hit.  


I meant to take a picture of it while it was still in my skillet, but after everyone ate, this is all that is left - just enough for me to take to school for lunch.

And the recipe:


Spaghetti Squash, Chicken and Veggies


How I prepare spaghetti squash:
- Wash first.
- Take a fork or small knife and puncture the squash several times to allow steam to escape.
- Microwave for five to 10 minutes, until you are able to cut in half.
- Once you can cut in half, scrape out seeds and pulp. Discard innards.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place two halves on a cookie sheet or baking dish covered in cooking spray. Bake for at least 30 to 40 minutes (depends on size of squash). You should be able to easy take a fork and twirl off the pieces of squash to tell when it is ready. 
- Remove from oven, let the halves cool until you can safely handle them. Twirl/scrape out contents.

Spaghetti squash with chicken and vegetables
- Olive oil
- 3 1/2 to 4 c roasted spaghetti squash
- 1 medium zucchini sliced thinly
- 1 red pepper sliced thinly (may use spinach, yellow squash or mushrooms, too)
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (I usually a Costco rotisserie chicken)
- 1 tsp minced garlic and/or 2 T minced or finely chopped onion
- Salt and pepper
- Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, shredded, to taste

Directions:
- Heat a skillet on low-to medium low heat on the stove. Add 1/2 T olive oil to pan. You can also just use an olive oil cooking spray but you need to keep a better eye on the saute.
- Put in garlic and onion. Saute for about 3 minutes.
- Add all vegetables. Saute for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. If adding spinach and or tomatoes, add at the very end after meat.
- Add chicken and allow it a few minutes to warm up with the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste (I have also added oregano, sage, rosemary and thyme, fresh and dried, for different flavors)
- Put mixture in bowls. Sprinkle with cheese as desired.


Friday, August 15, 2014

Friday Five: A Variety of Things


I'm back at work, so this week has flown by!  I have spent plenty of time on the internet, shopping, surfing, finding things to use at school.  Here are a few highlights:


I'm not sure this picture does them justice, but I have been eyeing these urban capris on the Title Nine website.  I'd love to add them to my workout clothes rotation.  

I'm still looking for unique and interesting wall decor.  If it were all cheap, I would have everything hung by now, but it is taking me a while to budget for the items I want, and a bit of creativity as well.  I find myself attracted to these:



White Faux Taxidermy sells a range of animals to add to your collection of mountings.  I can't decide if this is just too weird or sort of cool.  Unique?  Thoughts?



These remind me of elementary school in the 80s.  I think I might have owned a pair almost like this, so it's no wonder I would love to have a pair for myself now. My children guffawed at the sight of these, which makes me want them even more. 


When my sister-in-law was back from Montana I noticed her bag every time we ever left the house.  She got a deal on a Vera Bradley Triple Zip Hipster.   I've been checking out the variety of prints available now.  If I were to get one, this would be my pick, African Violet.



Maybe this doesn't happen to you, but I hate being confronted with eating out and attempting to find a healthy option on the menu.  As the school year starts again we have been given some opportunities on our work days to eat out.  Yesterday we headed to Applebees. I am pretty proud of my selection: Chicken Freshcado - chicken, avocado, zucchini, tomato and rice.  440 calories.  It was delish!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Good Books and Good Intentions

When school ended in June I packed up a crate (or two) full of books and had such good intentions. This was the year I was going to read books I took home from school and have a new group of books to book talk.  

And how did that go for me?  Well, about like every other summer. I have read book after book - until my eyelids had to be propped open late at night a time or two - but I didn't get many read from the stash I brought home.

Yes, I had good intentions. And every single book I selected is still one I think I would enjoy reading.  What gets in the way are all the adult books I want to read. All the great beach books just calling my name.

So, since school is starting up soon, I figured I should at least make a half-hearted attempt to get a few of the books read that I brought home.

Yesterday I started with Ava and Pip by Carol Weston.  And I loved it.  It is a good book. I don't love the cover which I feel will appeal to younger kids and doesn't really take into account that Ava is in fifth grade and her sister is in seventh.

The content of the book is not too adult, but the plays on words would still be something that younger students might struggle with.  Sure they could read it, but I'm not sure they would think it was funny.

Ava keeps a diary where she writes. While her sister, Pip, is quiet, an artist, Ava is a writer and talkative.

Pip struggles with making friends and has always needed more care and attention from their parents. Because of this Ava feels neglected and a bit left out.  Yet, when Pip's birthday party is ruined because new student Bea throws a party on the same day Pip's party was scheduled for, Ava takes up for her sister.  She even writes a story about Queen Bea that she enters into a writing contest. 

Can you see where this is going? Ava's story is read by a lot of other people, and it doesn't take Bea long to realize that she is the Queen Bea that Ava has written about.

Weston does a great job with this story and making it a real learning experience for all the girls.  

I can see this being a great read aloud, and in fact I've marked a few pages to spark some interest when I book talk this to my library students.  Weston's Melanie Martin series is one I enjoyed a few years ago, and I hope to read more about Ava and Pip as well.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.



This week's pick:  The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs
Due out: September 23, 2014



Product information taken from Amazon:

A heartfelt, and riveting biography of the short life of a talented young African-American man who escapes the slums of Newark for Yale University only to succumb to the dangers of the streets—and of one’s own nature—when he returns home.

When author Jeff Hobbs arrived at Yale University, he became fast friends with the man who would be his college roommate for four years, Robert Peace. Robert’s life was rough from the beginning in the crime-ridden streets of Newark in the 1980s, with his father in jail and his mother earning less than $15,000 a year. But Robert was a brilliant student, and it was supposed to get easier when he was accepted to Yale, where he studied molecular biochemistry and biophysics. But it didn’t get easier. Robert carried with him the difficult dual nature of his existence, “fronting” in Yale, and at home.

Through an honest rendering of Robert’s relationships—with his struggling mother, with his incarcerated father, with his teachers and friends and fellow drug dealers—The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace encompasses the most enduring conflicts in America: race, class, drugs, community, imprisonment, education, family, friendship, and love. It’s about the collision of two fiercely insular worlds—the ivy-covered campus of Yale University and Newark, New Jersey, and the difficulty of going from one to the other and then back again. It’s about poverty, the challenges of single motherhood, and the struggle to find male role models in a community where a man is more likely to go to prison than to college. It’s about reaching one’s greatest potential and taking responsibility for your family no matter the cost. It’s about trying to live a decent life in America. But most all the story is about the tragic life of one singular brilliant young man. His end, a violent one, is heartbreaking and powerful and unforgettable.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Charleston

I've never been to Charleston, South Carolina, but Margaret Bradham Thornton's debut novel brought the city to life for me.  



Eliza has always known that at some point she will return home to Charleston. After college, graduate school, and an eventual move to London, a decade has passed before she makes the trip back to her hometown.  And once she is there, Charleston is much as she remembered.  

Her ex-boyfriend Henry is still in Charleston and although Eliza has a boyfriend, Jamie, who lives in England but hasn't traveled home with her, she is drawn to Henry.  Part of the allure is the memory of what they once had.  Part is the setting, which seems so familiar, as though they are picking up where they left off.

And yet a decade has passed. Henry has a son, Lawton, who is nine and is part of the reason Eliza's relationship with Henry fell apart the first time.  As the two try to rebuild a life together, they must decide if they can truly go home again.

One of the strengths of this novel is Thornton's writing - her ability to make Charleston come to life, and to create characters that are alive and human.  I quickly cared about Eliza and wanted her to find happiness.

Even as this novel ended, I could still see Eliza living in Charleston, attending parties for friends she has known her entire life.

Monday, August 11, 2014

I've Already Read This!

Every so often I will read a book and find it more than just a bit similar to another book I have already read.

Just this past week I found myself in the middle of Lisa Scottoline's Keep Quiet, all the while thinking, "this is just like The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley."

There are differences in the stories, but the main premise - main characters involved in a hit and run that they choose to cover up - is the same.

Eve Lattimore's son Tyler has a rare condition where sunlight is fatal to him.  Tyler must remain indoors at all time and Eve has dedicated her life to caring for him and ensuring his safety.  When, on a rainy night, she hits a young girl darting out in the street, Eve initially pulls over and tries to help her. However, the girl is already dead, and thinking of what a prison sentence would mean for her family- and Tyler specifically - she chooses to keep quiet about the crime.



Jake Buckman is trying to forge a relationship with his sixteen year old son, Ryan. When Ryan begs to drive home late at night (after the legal hours his permit allows) Jake agrees.  Despite Ryan's careful driving, in the split second he glances at his father, he hits a jogger.  Ryan wants to admit to his crime and take responsibility, but his father decides the two will cover it up.  

In both books, the web of lies the characters create to cover up their crimes grows more complex as the police look to find the killer.  Both books have some twists and turns along the way. I can't pick one book over the other - each has some good points. I do wish I hadn't read them within a few weeks of each other since I felt like the two stories really were too similar. 

I enjoy both authors' work enough that I will continue to look forward to reading what they publish.  Has anyone else read both of these titles?  Thoughts on their similarities or differences?

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Sunday Salon: Off to Camp



This may be a lonely week around our house.  Middle Sister and Little Sister were dropped off at camp this afternoon.  I am quite surprised that Little Sister didn't end up coming home with us, because she really likes to be close to me.  However, I also know she acts a lot less wimpy when she doesn't have me around.  I guess we'll just see if I get a phone call this week for us to come and pick her up early.



Middle Sister was ready to wave goodbye to us the second we turned into the parking lot. This is her third year at The Heart Connection Camp, so she has made friends with girls that return each year.



While these two are away, Big Sister's birthday party is scheduled to take place.  This year she turns #13. Amazing!  I go back to work officially on Thursday, so things will be returning to normal soon.

Since it takes over two hours to get to camp, I was lucky enough to not be the driver for once. Instead, I got to read Charleston by Margaret Bradham Thornton, which I will finish up tonight.  I'm not sure what to think about the quiet of the house right now. It is certainly different.

Since we stopped for supper on our way home from camp, I can either kick back, watch the rest of the PGA Masters Tournament and read, or begin tidying things up so I don't have to feel embarrassed when Big Sister's friends come to spend the night this week. What would you choose?