The Caffeinated Reader

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

The Zookeeper's Wife, A War Story by Diane Ackerman

Originally published on MySpace, Mar 4, 2009

This is a biographical story of Antonina Zabinski, a polish woman and the wife of a zookeeper in Warsaw, Poland. The story is told of their life and activities during WWII. The author tells the story through other biographies and journals kept by Antonina, and therein lies the 'problem' with this book.

For my tastes this is written much too much like a text book. Instead of creating the story around the events of their lives, the author is overly concerned with keeping to exact truth in her story and often uses quotes from the source or journal to be sure the reader knows how accurate it is. I found this disturbing and distracting from the tale.

The Zabinskis were active in helping many Polish Jews escape the Nazis by providing their villa and zoo as part of the underground resources. Mr. Zabinski battled and fought with the Polish Resistance and was, toward the end of the war, held prisoner. The story should be fascinating and exciting, but told in such a way that I never felt too concerned or frightened for those involved.

I can tolerate some author priviledge in embellishment as long as the basic facts of the story hold true. If the author would have chosen to expand on the horrors or emotions that were being experienced at that time, I would have forgiven her. But she tells only what she is absolutely sure of and I feel she missed making me feel all the empathy and passion I would otherwise have felt.

I give it a C. The content was excellent but the story telling lacked far too much.

1:09 PM

Sunday, January 25, 2009

The Hour I First Believed

The Hour I First Believed

by Wally Lamb

It took me a long time to get through this book but I really enjoyed it. The subject matter is tough; surviving the Columbine shootings, drug dependency, alcoholism, PTSD, dysfunctional families...and the list goes on. Lamb's ability to write a story involving so many painful subjects and still keep me enthralled and hopeful says a lot about his abilities as a writer. There is also a 'story within the story' as the past is uncovered and revealed through the diaries, letters and archives of the main character's ancestors.

It's not a book to expect a happy ending from, it was actually more heartbreaking than I had anticipated. But the ending is appropriate to the story and isn't actually on a down note. Okay, that may sound contradictory, but it's the way I see it. Maybe because the heartbreaking part is not quite at the end of the book, but darn close.

I have a friend who did find the book too depressing to finish, and I never did find out how far she read. I, however, do recommend this book. It's worth reading past the pain of actual real life events incorporated into the fictional story. Lamb does an amazing job of developing characters that are likeable despite their weaknesses.

9:27 PM

Post a comment...
- Regina Dodson
  I enjoy reading about real-life events - especially if they are written by Christians. If you like the same, might I suggest the following:
  Why I Jumped, Tina Zahn -- she jumped from a bridge in Wisconsin and in a miracle of timing and determination, a policeman who had been chasing her snagged her as she started the plunge. She was dealing with severe postpartum depression.
  Let's Roll, Lisa Beamer -- story of Flight 93 (9-11) as told by the wife of one of passengers
  In The Presence of My Enemies, Gracia Burnham -- story of missionaries to the Philipines held hostage for a year and a half and a botched rescue attempt.
  - Reply(3)
  2 years ago
  - Betsy Gully
    LMAO!! Obviously you have a MySpace ghost living in your computer just to torment you. I noticed he/she didn't increase your font size when you complained about it... I'm thinking it's a youngish type gremlin! =)
    2 years ago
  - Betsy Gully
    Did you read "The Shack"? I thought that was amazing! I am now reading the Zoo Keepers Wife. Do you know that one? It's the biography of a christian woman who helped Jews in Poland. She and her husband ran the zoo and that's involved in their story. I'm not very far into it yet.
    2 years ago
  - Regina Dodson
    Ok, WHY are my posts in 36-point fonts now?!?!
    2 years ago
- ♥Cid not so Vicious♥
  I will write this one down and check it out. You have sparked my interest.
  - Reply
  2 years ago
- naoyuki kosaka
  Hello. Bets
  
  Is it a recommended book?
  
  For me, English is a beginner. ?I want to read if there is a Japanese version. hehe^^
  
  I wish you sweet dreams!
  
  nao
  - Reply(1)
  2 years ago
  - Betsy Gully
    This book is not for beginning English. It's very long and involved. I'll think about what I would recommend to you. What do you like to read about?
    2 years ago
- Kari Fisher Williams
  I love your book reviews. I may have to check this one out.
  - Reply(1)
  2 years ago
  - Betsy Gully
    Kari, doncha know I write my reviews just for you? *wink-wink*
    
    2 years ago

Friday, November 21, 2008

With a Hammer for My Heart

Originally published on MySpace, Nov 21, 2008

Current mood:content

With a Hammer for My Heart by George Ella Lyon

This is the Boone County (or is it Northern Kentucky? ....all of Kentucky?) selection for One Book One Community. So, many Kentuckians are reading this book.

Although I wasn't real excited to start it, the book is fantastic. It follows Lawanda, a poor 15 year old girl, as she befriends the reclusive town drunk. She sees something in him that only a few can. She doesn't know what draws her to the man, but she finds a person she can talk to and continues to visit. Garland, the drunk, has a dark violent past created by his time at war, WWII. Although many years have passed and his family has left him, pushed away by his demons, the war lives on vividly inside him.

The events that occur as a result of their friendship are heartwrenching. And yet, the story is uplifting and hopeful. The resilience of the human soul isn't always evident, but through Lawanda, Garland does find his way finally out of hell.

I couldn't put it down

Dewey

Originally Published on MySpace, Nov 21, 2008

Current mood:frisky

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicky Myron

For some reason I keep picking up animal books even though I haven't been particularly thrilled with some of them. Usually too much 'stuff' in the book that really has more to do with the author than the animals. I may have to try James Herriot for better luck....

But... Dewey didn't disappoint me. I have to say there was quite a bit of information about Iowa that I didn't think I really wanted or needed to know, however, I did end up finding it interesting. Interesting enough to want to go see small town America. (Is this where the "real" Americans live?)

Dewey's story starts when, as a kitten, he is found in the book drop on a freezing cold morning. The librarians take care of him, warming him up and nursing him back to health. Dewey stays on at the library for many years, worming his way into most everyone's heart.

The book is full of Dewey's personality, which is quite entertaining. He's finicky and demanding, which seems to be true of most cats I have known. But he's also very outgoing and has that sixth sense of knowing when someone needs him.

As the Director of the library, Vicky Myron was also Dewey's "Mom." She authored the book and basically managed to keep it about Dewey and his story. Her story is told in explaining how she came to be the Spencer Librarian and then a synopsis at the end of the story. I found myself thankful for the synopsis because I did have more questions about her story than I'd expected to.

Dewey is a quick and easy read and entertaining. If you have a soft spot for cats, I'd recommend it.

1:38 AM

Twilight by Stepheny Meyer

Originally published on MySpace, Nov 21, 2008

Twilight? NOT

Current mood:confused

Am I the only person in the world that is not completely head over heels in love with Stephenie Meyers and her Twilight books/now movie?

For me it all started at Barnes & Noble in Utah. One of the employees was a Twilight fanatic and it hadn't even become the mega hit it is now. At that time there was only one book out in the series and she begged EVERYONE to read it. I thought she was annoying (sorry J) and refused for a long time. Just to reiterate how obsessed this girl is with Twilight, she had the cover tattoo'd on her. Twilight tattoo

Then my daughter gave in and read it.

"Oh, Mom! You have to read this book!" Okay, so I gave in and read it. It was a cute story but not particularly gripping or developed as far as I was concerned. The thing I liked most about it was the location. It takes place in Forks, WA. I know that area. Hubby and I were in that area on our first anniversary and it was completely stormy and the power was out. We were in a small resort just west of First Beach, mentioned in the book. There is also a Second Beach and a Third Beach. As a child we camped in the area and hiked to all three beaches. As an adult with our first newborn baby, G'ma & G'pa camped in the RV and took care of baby while hubby and I backpacked up the beach. The area is rich with indian history, including petroglyphs on the beach.

So, yea, a story taking place in that location was kinda cool. Too bad SM had never even been there!

Working at the bookstore in a the center of the LDS universe and SM being LDS - well of course there were a number of people that shopped there that had to tell you they were related to Stephenie, or went to school with her at BYU.

So what is the attraction to these books and stories of hers? I don't know. I'm not a vampire fan, even if they don't suck human blood. I'm just not into these books, and SM is as famous as JK Rowlings now because of them. Maybe there is a pattern here - I didn't get past the 3rd HP book either....

7:15 PM

Post a comment...
- Mimi
  Kudo's to you Betsy. I as well came into the Twilight phenom. from miss "J". I resisted as long as I could be eventually picked them up. I almost feel guilty still when people come in and ask what I thought, clearly thinking that I am going to start screaming and drooling over my love for them, and I dash their expectations. I highly recommend it everyday, but not for serious readers who want something more than just a fun read.
  I know that you aren't a HP fan, but I swear to you that if you finished them, you would be appalled at the compairison. I am a HP fan FOREVER, and would never even think that they were even close to the same level.
  Pick up the book "Dead Until Dark" by Charlaine Harris. This book inspired the new HBO series True Bloods. The overall premise is very similar to SM novels. Female mind reader can't read her love interests mind. Sound familar?!
  I love the fact that not EVERYONE is enthralled by this series. Makes me feel like not so much of a loser.
  - Reply
  2 years ago
- Connie
  I'm back because I just read a blog about Twilight by one of my other favorite bloggers, and I really liked what she had to say - particularly this part. I think she's on to something:
  
  "When I first wrote about the book I said that it wasn't high brow reading. That the dialogue wasn't great. But something about the book tapped into that teenage girl I used to be. I remembered what it was like to be excited to go to school the next day just to be with your new love/crush. The feeling of "will this day ever end" when he's not around. What Twilight captured was this amazing first love experience for those that never experienced it. When you're of a certain age (teens) your worldview is shaped by the environment you're in, the type of books you read, and/or what you see on T.V. More often than not, teenagers base their opinions on what's hot, funny, how love should be, how marriage works, the best way to talk to boys, etc., on media because real life usually isn't as exciting. Then, when you know better (get older) you do better."
  
  BTW I did wonder while reading if Forks was a real place or not. (Yeah I could have looked it up but I was lazy!) How cool that you've been there! I bet it'll become a pretty hot tourist spot! (Did you know they actually do Harry-Potter themed tours of England now?) ;o)
  - Reply
  2 years ago
- Connie
  Ha! I *am* a huge vampire-novel fan (love Anne Rice, Laurel Hamilton, etc) but I resisted reading Twilight for a long time because it seemed like much more of a young-teen novel than the Harry Potter series. And it definitely IS aimed more at young teens. I don't think SM is as good a writer as Anne Rice or JK Rowling. But I can definitely see the appeal in the story for young teens. She does capture the realm of teen fantasy and teen angst quite well, particularly in the second book. I see it as a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story; star-crossed lovers and all that. It's very...what's the word I want...archetypal in it's appeal. And if you love stories about vampires and werewolves, all the better. I'm not surprised it's popular, but I am amazed at what a HUGE phenomenon it's become. I would have said the same about the book - good, not great - the depth of the angst inspired a bit of eye-rolling at times, although again, I can see how teens would relate. But I found that the characters do suck you in (no pun intended) and I confess that I am getting very excited about seeing the movie!! I guess I'm still a teen at heart! ;o)
  - Reply
  2 years ago

Friday, May 23, 2008

The Shack

Originally posted on MySpace May 23, 2008

Current mood:

enlightened

4am in the morning and still awake. It's so peaceful. I can hear a few little bird chirps which seem odd since it's still so dark out. Bailey left me long ago to sleep in the bedroom where she knows I belong at this hour. She's probably having puppy dreams and snoring. Since Mark is out of town she's most likely crept up onto the bed. She knows I'll let her get away with it....

I've been reading a book called "The Shack" by William P Young. It's a story about God's love, written from the perspective of Mackenzie, a man who has lost a child in the most horrible way. After four years of bearing the Great Sadness, Mackenzie receives a note from God to meet him at the shack where his daughter was killed. (I know - not just anybody gets a note from God!) When he meets God "face to face" he becomes involved in a relationship with three people: "God" who is a black woman who calls herself Papa, "Jesus" (self explanatory) and "Sarayu" a sort of translucent, airy, light filled being who is the Holy Ghost. These three characters who are all God, yet appear as three separate beings, interacting and sharing wonderful relationships with each other begin to show Mackenzie what God's love really is.

My faith is something fluid. It grows and changes with my experience(s) and what I believe I understand. I am open to new fresh ideas because everything I have seen as reference and truth about God has actually been provided or interpreted by man. I believe in a totally loving and forgiving God. That doesn't mean I should be a horrible person because in the long run it won't matter, forgiveness will still be mine, but that I should live in God's love and with him at the center I am living in his example.

In many ways this book reflects what I have felt about God and clarifies many things that I couldn't grasp. How can I be this religion or that religion if one is right and one is not? I have believed that many roads lead to heaven (God) but then I am told that only through Jesus can I get there. Can a loving/forgiving God really turn away anyone of a religion that isn't Christian? That can't be right my heart tells me. One of the most striking ideas in this book (paraphrasing here) is, by many roads, God will find his children. Wow.

A believer of God and/or Jesus or not, I think this book is a good read for anyone. It's been sort of a slow read for me, but I really think that is because some of the ideas are so profound that I have to allow myself time to absorb them. I am sure I will be reading this book again.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Atonement

Atonement
by Ian McEwan

I'm really interested in what others have to say about this book. I HATED reading it. There was far too much detail and so very little action or plot. Worse yet, though, after wading through it for three weeks (yes, it took me forever to get through it!) it wouldn't let me go when I finally did reach the end.

The story line is one of those book within a book types. Part one of the book is through the eyes of a 13 year old girl, who is also the author who is telling the story in her old age. Later on in the story, she submits the transcript of the story (part I of the book) to a magazine for publication, and although they turn it down, they rave about her ability to write and bring detail to life. Now this is where I wonder if it's the author's intention (McEwan, not the fictionalized author) to write with so much detail that boredom overtakes the reader and the search for a story line becomes the readers' obsession. I never saw enough of a story in part I for the fictional author to write about to submit for publication.

There is a crime, a punishment and an attempt at atonement. The crime is not the event the punishment is levelled for and the atonement is far from satisfactory. The plot was far too thin for the length of the novel.
My daughter did see the movie version in theatres now

and loved it. Should I tell you every movie is "the best movie ever!" to her? I think I will give the movie a shot, though, simply because of the fact the ending of the book wouldn't release me. If I don't like it at least it's only a couple of hours rather than three weeks!