Sunday, July 31, 2022

The Midnight Library: Book Review




The Midnight Library

By Matt Haig





I had heard so much hype for the novel, The Midnight Library. Then, we chose the book for our book club  Our library still had holds on this book. I was anticipating a awesome read, wrong! 

The book was dull, predictable, and nothing spectacular in the writing. I realize now it is YA. I don't know if authors who write for younger audiences have a plain style of writing. As I don't read YA books. 

The Midnight Library is about a woman, who wants to die. She is unhappy with her life. She dies and is is transported to the Midnight Library. She sees the librarian she knew in school. 

 Mrs. Elm is here to help people to another life through books. You can go through as many books as you want. Here she learns about the Book of Regrets. And she realizes she can change her life. 

She transports to her old life her friend in Australia, a scientist, glacierologist, a rock band, then a new family. 

The novel was not impressive to me. It did make me think of my life and what I have gone through. Do I have regrets? Sure, at my age- middle. Therecis nothing I can do to change it. There is nothing I would want to change now. I lived my life. 

Yes, there are some things I wish my life turned out different. But, I don't obsessed over it. And get mad and try to rationalize my behavior. 

Perhaps a younger person likes the books as they can still change things. When you hit a certain age. As I'm retired. It's totally different. 

The only part I enjoyed is when then she traveled back to the library.  It was too philosophical for my taste. Too sentimental, and in your face life lessons. 

But, don't take my word for it. You may like reading YA novels. It was too predictable for me. I would have only read 50 pages and said enough. But, I was reading for our book club discussion.

 I just was reading, reading waiting for it to get better. As so many people raved about it. Unfortunately it didn't. 
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Sunday, July 24, 2022

Take My Hand: Social Justice- Book Review









Take My Hand

By Dolen Perkins-
                 Valdez



Take My Hand is a difficult, and heartbreaking read at the same time. The novel is inspired by the true story of the case of Relf vs. Weinberger in June 1973.  Minnie Lee and Mary Alice Relf aged 12 and 14, were both sterilized.  
They were poor black girls in Alabama. Without consent from their parents.

Civil Townsend, a black graduate nurse is starting her new career at the Montgomery Family Planning Clinic in Montgomery, Alabama. She wanted to make a difference in her black community. Her first assignment is to give Depro-Provera injections to India, and Erika. 

 These shots were routinely given in Montgomery, Alabama. As well as throughout the country. The federal government funded family clinics nationwide. 

At the same time, the federal government was being investigated. Do y'all recall the government was doing syphilis studies on black men in Tuskegee? But recently what is happening in women's prisons all across the country.  I remember hearing about this. This is relevant to here and now. Also because of the abortion issue. 

 The patients at the clinic in Montgomery were very poor with little means. Her first assignment was to give injections to India and Erika. Civil had to travel to the poor outskirts of town. Her eyes opened to see the poor living conditions, They were living in a one-room shack. 

 She was shocked by the inequality and injustice. When she arrived at India and Erika's home. She was shocked to see how they lived. She never saw anyone live that poorly. She had to get over it. And then get to business. She was there to give the girls the shots. . She took it for granted the government made sure the injections were safe.

I was going to write more. Then realized I am giving away too much of the story. Instead, you will have to read to see the injustice of the shameful time in America. This was about the time of Roe vs. Wade in 1973. When women were crying for abortion rights which finally became legal. But, at the same time, they were forcing women sterilization across the nation without consent and not knowing what treatment was being done. The government took advantage of the poor. They relied on the government. with federal assistance. Most of them thought the help they were given by the government would be taken away if they didn't do what the government suggested.  They trusted what they said. But couldn't read and signed whatever was being told to them. 

As this was happening to the girls. Civil started getting involved with the family. She helped them get assistance with housing. She helped them move to their new home. She also bought the girls clothes and food. She became too involved with the family. At times I personally felt this was none of her business.

 I felt at times Civil was forcing her beliefs on the family. There are reasons why the family didn't move perhaps. They didn't have a car to find a better job for example.  At least that was my thought. How would you like a person in the government to tell you how to live? I wouldn't. Especially the government. Would you trust them? Think you know best? You don't understand their situation.  This is a young woman who doesn't know any better. I was like, really! Know I understand why some people believe in smaller government. 

I think Civil felt guilty about what happened to the girls. And what she did. Also because she came from a better upbringing.  As you read the novel you will learn Civil is affected throughout her life. Which again, I am not going to divulge. You will have to read it yourself.

The writing is straightforward and an easy read. There is nothing special about the writing style. The story itself had a lot to say. It is worth the read if you believe in social justice. Do you believe in Women's health? abortion rights?  and contraceptives.? 

I  read Take My Hand because of the abortion issue. But, also because I was a nurse. I was not political and didn't think about working in a women's health clinic. I didn't realize the different opportunities in the nursing field. My heart was set on working in the hospital. I should have done more research on what opportunities were offered in the nursing field. But, I am still happy with the work I did until I retired. 

Are you upset with what is going on in our states, and country?  Doctors are afraid to treat women because of abortion but also, Women's health. The fetus is not viable in the woman's uterus.

The women are walking around for two weeks with a dead fetus. Is that justice? And this is a white woman! These and other stories are extreme in southern states.  just because of politics. These politicians and governments cared about the safety and health of the American people. No more. 


       









Wow! The Horse: Awesome by Geraldine Brooks








By Geraldine Brooks






Wow!, what can I say about this extraordinary novel, The Horse by Geraldine Brooks. One of my favorite novels written this year. 

A unique put-together novel with three storylines.  It reads like three short stories and then blends together beautifully into one wonderful novel, the 1850s,  New York City 1954, and present-day 2019, Washington DC. 

With rich characters and in historical detail she weaves the story in each timeline. With main characters start in the 1850s, with Jarrett a young slave living with his father in Kentucky. He and his father care for the famous thoroughbred racehorse named, Lexington. Theo, A Nigerian-American who is an art historian student. Who meets Jesse, who is researching and studying the bones of horses at the Smithsonian Institute. In 1954 a rising gallery owner in NYC, who happens to be a patron of Jackson Pollack. What you say! How do these stories collide? Did, I read right? Believe it or not. It does. It will make sense when you start reading the amazing story and storylines, and timelines. 

                  Lexington- Horse thorougbred


The conditions for slaves who worked at the horse farms I felt were a bit far-fetched. . But, that is my take.  Maybe some slaves who worked with horses had better treatment and conditions than actual slaves who worked in the other areas of the plantation. As I was reading. I thought to myself. I am sure not all slaves were treated this well. You will have to read for yourself what you think. 

Of course, the book was fascinating and richly told. At times heartbreaking, and hard to read at times. Also, the book brought hope. It was well worth the read.  I enjoyed reading about the history of horse racing during the Civil War.  How the art and the horse intersected with science and history.  I enjoyed the three storylines coming together. Without hesitation, I give it 5. 

I read Geraldine Brooks's previous novel, People of the Book. Which reminded me of the same writing of The Horse. I recommend the novel for book clubs for lovers of historical fiction, horse racing, slavery, racism, horse farming, policing, and entitlement. 













Saturday, March 19, 2022

Disappointed: Book Review Migrations









Migrations

By Charlotte McConaghy

My Copy


Migrations, The time is in the near future.  Franny had a  life changing event since she was little. She could never stay in one permanent place. She has never had a family since the age of 11.  Franny is in Greenland to follow the last migration of the Arctic Tern in the world. Frannie is hoping to follow them to Antarctica. At the same time, she is following the Arctic Tern. She meets a crew of fishermen. She talks them into allowing her to take her on their fishing boat. She convinces them they would find the motherlode, fish.  If they follow the Arctic Tern. While reading there are many mysteries about Frannie that eventually we find out about.  Which includes murder. Not just once, but twice. Franny's past catches up with her. Which causes complications with the crew. 

I am the moderator of my book club. I had picked the novel for our discussion this month. I have had the novel on my bookshelf since the release. The hype and anticipation were building up. I couldn't wait to dig in. The author is from Sydney, Australia. She isn't a scientist. She is a YA novelist.  She is interested in the health of our planet. You will realize it as you are reading. As you will see scientific inaccuracies throughout the novel.  

The novel had a feel of dystopian mixed with here and now. I just learned something different. There is a sub-genre in literature for culture change. Its called Chi-fi, climate change, or what I actually like the term, environmental novels. 

The novel is different from other novels I have read. It has a dystopian feel. Not an actual dystopian novel. It was described as a Station 11, not true. I hate it when people are comparing books. Because most of the time its not a accurate comparison.  I was excited to read something different from a new author, and a different type of book. I had high hopes for the noveI felt like I was reading the wrong book. But, once our book club met. My book club felt the same way as I did. They didn't like it. Perhaps it is a generational thing. I think the novel had good reviews because of the politics. Not really reading the novel itself. But, actually like the book because of what the book stands for.  Not the writing style or the actual set up of the novel. They didn't like the many timelines either. 

The book had a good beginning up to the part when a crew member is drowning in a "Fgord". Right from there, I couldn't connect. It was too ridiculous and far-fetched. Why he was in the water. Spoiler, he was saved and his reaction is why you saved me. Was off the wall.  I like the novel when Franny was on the fishing boat with the others. It is a bit preachy at times. Trying to explain something about climate change that we are not aware of. I felt the author thought we were stupid. Then the hypocrisy of certain situations. It was unrealistic- protestors.

The main issue I had with the author, which the publisher could have done something about the different timelines.  There were just too many flashbacks. I couldn't keep them straight. It was too confusing. If I had a journal to write the different time lines.. As there were so many timelines to keep track of. One was four years ago, another twelve years ago, and so on...  I was trying to figure out which one are they talking about.. If I understood the timelines I would have been able to enjoy the book more  I was trying to figure out when the two murders were. I couldn't keep up what they were talking about. 

 Migrations, I didn't care about any of the characters.  Franny. I understand she had emotional problems.  She had no values, permanence, no stability, no redeeming qualities, no warmth,  Instead she relied on her instincts rather than common sense. Even the husband, Naile was too far fetched, as well as the crew. I was hoping to finally feel engaged.The novel had so much potential sadly it fell flat.. I had hoped there could be a few redeeming qualities of the characters. I didn't feel it anywhere in the book.

I liked the parallel lines between the migratory birds, and Franny's life. I understand it is what the author was aiming for. Their similariries between migration of the birds and Franny's life, no permanence, freedom, drifting, connections of family.  I was expecting more about the envoirment changes. The only thing was mentioned was no, or little animals. And the crops were decreasing. I wanted to read more about life in the envoirment. How it was affecting the characters.  The other problem there were too many holes the author didn't completely explain fully at each chapter. But, that may have been the problem with the different timelines. Author expected us to figure it out ourselves. 
 I wanted to really like the novel especially when Franny goes to Anartica following the birds. I expected more. 

I love reading fiction books that teach me something and force me to do my own research. After reading the book I realized I didn't know much about the Antarctic, and Antarctica, and the extreme cold countries such as Greenland, and Iceland. 

 Not knowing There are many documentaries on youtube you can find from National Geographic and others. But also the migratory birds, Arctic Tern.  And websites to be found here. How climate change has affected Antarctica and Antarctic. There are so many interesting facts about these locations. I am so amazed and sad at the same time about what is going on, in our planet dealing with climate changes. 
 
Even though I didn't like the novel I'm glad I read it. The book led us to have a long, and fullfilling book discussion. If you are in a book club you will know what I am talking about. When a book is not great. There usually is a good discussion. When everyone likes the book it usually leads to a poor book discussion. I still recommend the book. It has a lot to contribute. 

                                                                           


The migratory bird that is discussed is called the Artic Fern. It is a migratory bird. It lives for thirty years or so.  It is one of the only birds that migrate back and forth to the artic. They fly about three months. Then about a week they fly north when it starts warming up. The migrating pattern is unique. Some of the birds separate when they get to South America. 






Surprise Wonderful Plot: Book Review






All Her Little Secrets

By Wanda M. Morris


Why lawyers are wonderful authors? A question I have always wondered about. 
Wow! What a great surprising read. So many twists, and turns. Who would suspect corporate America to have secrets on their executive board?

All Het Little Secrets is the author's first debut novel. Where has she been hiding? I had thought I had it all figured out. Instead wham, the suspense gets you again. From the first page to the last the novel has so much tension, finger nail biting, pins, and needles.

The novel is what happens behind corporate America's doors. But als0 about racism, it hits you right in the face. No holds back from the author. once you are established can you go back to a terrible past, to move on to the present. 

Ellice Littlejohn is a young black attorney. Trying to live her ordinary life. But, there are secrets in her past that she keeps revisiting and can't get out of her head.

She followed her white boss, Michael Sayles after they were both let go to another legal firm. The company found out they had a relationship. Michael is married, while Elise is single. Elise walks into the office early like she always does. This time though she finds Michael shot, dead in his office. She decides to play dumb and not report it.

The company decides to promote her to put her in Michael's position. This looks suspicious to her. Why, would they promote her? There are other people who have more experience than her. In the meantime, there are black protesters below the office building protesting discrimination.

All around Elise there are dead bodies popping up including her brother. There are secrets in her past that she can't confront. Until she has no other choice. Her past threatens her future. Her co-workers are threatening, and blackmailing her. Her secret is exposed. There is a cover-up in the company with white supremacy. Secrets in the board room that leaves you in shock.

It puts you in the head of Elise. What does it feel like to be in the minority of professionals working in the office environment?  You are the only person of color. It makes you feel uncomfortable reading. But it is an important part of our country's culture for truth.

The author weaves in fantastically in the story, racism, white supremacy, murder, equality, social justice, police brutality, and so much more. The novel surprised me how it weaved the whole story together with our current events of today in America.


Give it five