On our trip back to Ohio a few weeks ago, I read The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow. This was recommended to me by a girl in my book club, as a novel they were considering to read in her high school English class. After reading the book, she (and I) both decided this was pretty difficult subject matter for for teaching to high-schoolers. Lots of sex for the wrong reasons. It would have been interesting to discuss in college though.
I enjoyed reading this book about a biracial girl who is the only survivor of a family tragedy. I thought the characters were interesting, the sexual undertones felt reminiscent of girls in my high school, and the wrong choices seemed realistic for teenagers. I also thought the drug induced decisions of the adults seemed like something that typically happens in bad neighborhoods. I would recommend this book, but after just a couple weeks the story is already fading from my mind.
I'm working through An American Tragedy now. It's slow work. It's written well, but I'm just having a hard time staying focused. More to come soon!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Perfect Peace
I read two great books while traveling to/from my hometown for my mom's birthday. It always feels like an accomplishment to me when I finish a book at the end of the a trip or on a long weekend.
Perfect Peace by Daniel Black - warning, this is a spoiler
This book was recommended by Amazon when I put Wench into my cart. It's a story about a mother in the 1940s-1960s in the South, who has had enough of giving birth to sons. When her final baby arrives, she proclaims he to be a she, despite the obvious signs pointing to the gender. Emma Jean raises the baby, named Perfect, above everyone else in the family. As the only daughter, Perfect is showered with all the gifts and experiences Emma Jean wishes she had as a child, including a doll of her own, a yellow party dress with matching ribbons, and a birthday party.
The story line moves through the early days where Perfect spends her early childhood as a beautiful girl adored by many, to the great metamorphosis back into the boy Paul at the tender age of eight, to the subsequent transition into manhood. Additionally, the book highlights each of Perfect/Paul's six brothers and the struggles they have with her/his as well as their own lives.
This book had such an explosive ending. So many things happened in the last 50 pages, and it created an engaging storyline that was hard to put down. I loved that each of the brothers played a specific role in the family, and they each had been conditioned in the same environment. I found it so incredible that each boy could turn out to become such a different person, simply based on the favor they received from the parents Emma Jean and Gus.
It was interesting to me how the concept of sex and sexuality was positioned in the book. For Emma Jean, it was a means to a daughter. For her husband Gus, it was a way to satisfy his urges (and only his urges). For Perfect/Paul, it was about the security of being wanted, and as she/he only felt truly wanted when being praised for beauty or when desired for physical closeness. Even the adult relationships, either perceived by he childhood friends or in describing the adult brothers/lovers, seemed to mostly be missing the thing that makes love work in the real world. To me, sexuality is innate, but it is not the thing that governs my relationship with my husband. I think of sexuality/sex as a form of expression used to display trust and is a tool to build a connection. A relationship is built on affection, surely, but it also requires common interests/goals, emotional support, and mutual respect to be successful. Many of the relationships in this book were one-dimensional, which is why the characters were so often unhappy in their one-sided partnerships.
Another theme of this book was the relationship between Emma Jean and her mother. Emma Jean was treated like Cinderella, while her mother doted on her two older sisters. I can certainly see how a relationship like this would make Emma Jean want to give Perfect all the things she missed out on as a child. What I don't understand is why the mother is the voice in Emma Jean's head when she becomes mentally unravelled. It doesn't make sense to me that the woman she hated for so many years become a voice of reason and support, that ultimately drives her to a point of no return.
I recommend this book. It was a departure from normal reading of that time in our nation's history, as well as a departure from the typical African American historical fiction that I read more commonly. In fact, I found the similarities in the characters to remind me of Middlesex. Cal in that novel goes through what feels like a more traumatic experience to me, because of the many twists and turns through her/his entire life.
I also finished The Girl Who Fell from the Sky last weekend, and will be posting on this book soon. As the Back to School advertisements are popping up on TV, I have gravitated towards more serious reading. I am in the middle of Sense and Sensibility (first time) and I just checked out a Time book from the library. I'm going to try An American Tragedy again. Lots of great stories ahead!
What are you reading?
Perfect Peace by Daniel Black - warning, this is a spoiler
This book was recommended by Amazon when I put Wench into my cart. It's a story about a mother in the 1940s-1960s in the South, who has had enough of giving birth to sons. When her final baby arrives, she proclaims he to be a she, despite the obvious signs pointing to the gender. Emma Jean raises the baby, named Perfect, above everyone else in the family. As the only daughter, Perfect is showered with all the gifts and experiences Emma Jean wishes she had as a child, including a doll of her own, a yellow party dress with matching ribbons, and a birthday party.
The story line moves through the early days where Perfect spends her early childhood as a beautiful girl adored by many, to the great metamorphosis back into the boy Paul at the tender age of eight, to the subsequent transition into manhood. Additionally, the book highlights each of Perfect/Paul's six brothers and the struggles they have with her/his as well as their own lives.
This book had such an explosive ending. So many things happened in the last 50 pages, and it created an engaging storyline that was hard to put down. I loved that each of the brothers played a specific role in the family, and they each had been conditioned in the same environment. I found it so incredible that each boy could turn out to become such a different person, simply based on the favor they received from the parents Emma Jean and Gus.
It was interesting to me how the concept of sex and sexuality was positioned in the book. For Emma Jean, it was a means to a daughter. For her husband Gus, it was a way to satisfy his urges (and only his urges). For Perfect/Paul, it was about the security of being wanted, and as she/he only felt truly wanted when being praised for beauty or when desired for physical closeness. Even the adult relationships, either perceived by he childhood friends or in describing the adult brothers/lovers, seemed to mostly be missing the thing that makes love work in the real world. To me, sexuality is innate, but it is not the thing that governs my relationship with my husband. I think of sexuality/sex as a form of expression used to display trust and is a tool to build a connection. A relationship is built on affection, surely, but it also requires common interests/goals, emotional support, and mutual respect to be successful. Many of the relationships in this book were one-dimensional, which is why the characters were so often unhappy in their one-sided partnerships.
Another theme of this book was the relationship between Emma Jean and her mother. Emma Jean was treated like Cinderella, while her mother doted on her two older sisters. I can certainly see how a relationship like this would make Emma Jean want to give Perfect all the things she missed out on as a child. What I don't understand is why the mother is the voice in Emma Jean's head when she becomes mentally unravelled. It doesn't make sense to me that the woman she hated for so many years become a voice of reason and support, that ultimately drives her to a point of no return.
I recommend this book. It was a departure from normal reading of that time in our nation's history, as well as a departure from the typical African American historical fiction that I read more commonly. In fact, I found the similarities in the characters to remind me of Middlesex. Cal in that novel goes through what feels like a more traumatic experience to me, because of the many twists and turns through her/his entire life.
I also finished The Girl Who Fell from the Sky last weekend, and will be posting on this book soon. As the Back to School advertisements are popping up on TV, I have gravitated towards more serious reading. I am in the middle of Sense and Sensibility (first time) and I just checked out a Time book from the library. I'm going to try An American Tragedy again. Lots of great stories ahead!
What are you reading?
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The Hunger Games - Guest Post!
Have you read The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins yet? My husband and I just finished reading all three books, and we are pretty enamored by them. I haven’t seen Kevin this excited about a book since he read American Wife a few years ago. Due to his overwhelming enthusiasm for the series, I asked Kevin to guest blog on my site. You can see his blogs here: personal and the Utah Jazz blog if you’d like to learn more about his other favorite thing, sports.
We’re planning to build an online book club to salute these books. If you’re interested in participating, add a comment to this post, and I’ll send you the information!
For me, I loved book #2, Catching Fire, the best. If you’ve read Ender’s Game, The Giver, or 1984 you will like The Hunger Games books. Now, read on for Kevin’s take on this dystopian society.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: The below contains multiple plot spoilers. If you have not already finished The Hunger Games trilogy then this probably isn’t the post for you. However, if you have finished all three books, then I welcome your thoughts on my review.
One of the first things anyone says about The Hunger Games book series is that it is very addicting. From the beginning you are thrown into the world of Panem, and are immersed in the strange names, rules and social norms that are essential to the story. The vivid descriptions of the brutality of the Capital are epitomized by the “competition” that comes from the title The Hunger Games. Every year each of the 12 Districts ruled by the Capital have to send two children (called tributes) to fight to their death until only one child remains as the victor. These games are barbaric in design and also in execution, since they are televised in a way that would remind some people of March Madness. As a reader, you are introduced to the games by the narrator and first person perspective of the District 12 tribute, Katniss. The defining personality traits of Katniss are her problem with authority, protectiveness of her family, naivety of people’s emotions and ultimately her ability to survive. How she uses these personal traits helps make her an inspirational character in a world devoid of many role models.
The fact that Panem felt completely foreign wasn’t much of a surprise considering the unique nature of the world. However, what was not expected was that this dystopian world also felt relatable. One of the main analogies that I took from the series was how the world of Panem related to corporate culture in America. The Capital could be a stand in for corporate headquarters in the same way that the individual offices represented the Districts. Also, while there weren’t any reapings or Hunger Games in corporate America there are earnings reports (broadcast for everyone to see) and furloughs/lay-offs. It might be a stretch to make that comparison, but I saw some parallels.
Anyway, that was one thing I took away from the book, but the other main themes I found prevalent were the importance of context, luck and intelligence as well the examples of sacrifice and the commentary on reality TV. Below is each theme in a little more detail.
Importance of Context
Most of the characters act as you would expect based on the situation they are in, whether the character is in the Games, in the streets of the Capital or in the District. Their actions are a direct result of their surroundings. When “kill or be killed” is the context, then it isn’t surprising when kids act like blood thirsty maniacs. However, the author does a great job with the main characters, who do not conform to the behaviors you might expect based on the context. When a character zigs when they are supposed to zag, it helps reveal an important moment or personality trait. One of the main characters, Peeta, talks about this in the first book on the night before he is supposed to enter the arena. He describes how he wants to die in a way that shows that the Capital hasn’t changed him. Despite the context of a brutal arena, he wants to stay authentic to himself. This was a powerful moment in the book because it is one of the few examples of someone being aware of how their surroundings affect them.
Importance of Luck
This one seemed the most obvious of all the themes. Katniss had the bad luck of growing up in District 12 and watching her sister, Prim, get picked for the Hunger Games. However, she also had the good luck of escaping death numerous times throughout the books. That leads to another theme of the book, and that is managing luck. Katniss was one of those characters, who often seemed to have the wrong side of luck, but through determination and persistence she was able to survive. Other characters weren’t so fortunate. Luck’s fingerprints were all over the book as Collins seemed to be saying that no matter what you do, sometimes things don’t work out. The last example of the importance of luck in the books has to be the Hunger Games catchphrase “May the odds be ever in your favor.”
Importance of Intelligence
The tributes in the Hunger Games did not have the Capital upbringing and most of them weren’t trained for the competition. However, so many of the characters showed remarkable intelligence despite being in a high stress environment. Katniss was certainly clever in how she competed, but one can also look at Foxface, Beetie and Peeta as well. Each one of them had skills they learned in day to day life and were able to utilize in the arena. It would have been a much different book if the Hunger Games focused more on strength and athletic ability. Those both were worthwhile attributes, but it seemed clear to me that the most important characteristic to survival was intelligence.*
*That being written, I have some reservations about Katniss intelligence. She seemed to be oblivious to many things, such as Gale and Peeta’s romantic feelings towards her. Also, her rational mind seemed to wilt when she was agitated. However, she did have some very intelligent moments and lest we forget she is 16 years old in the book. Was Katniss intelligent? I would certainly put her behind Gale and Peeta with one of them showing incredible analytical skills (Gale) and the other showing great interpersonal skills (Peeta). I would say that yes she was really smart and that maybe the only reason I am thinking she might not be is because the book was written from her point of view. First person allowed us an insight into her doubts, questions and insecurities. Sometimes people (myself included) equate doubt with a lack of intelligence, but I don’t think that is generally or in this case true.
Examples of Sacrifice
The story starts off with a great sacrifice story as Katniss steps in for Prim to compete in the Hunger Games. Considering there was a 96% chance (23 out of 24) that Katniss was going to die, then it is clear she was giving up her life in order for her sister to life. After that moment there are many other examples of people sacrificing themselves for others. The main beneficiary of this was Katniss, who had people like Peeta, Mag and Finnick willing to give up their lives in order for her to live. As the Mockingjay, she was the symbol for the cause to defeat the Capitol. The rebels wanted her to survive, and they readily sacrificed themselves to save her.
Commentary on Reality TV
Quoting Wikipedia “Collins says the idea for The Hunger Games came from channel surfing on television. On one channel she observed people competing on a reality show and on the other she saw footage of the Iraq War.” This was a constant theme as every aspect of the Hunger Games was televised and how acting was considered such an important part of survival. Also, the propos introduced in Mockingjay were considered highly critical to the Rebel’s success. Reading the book, I could almost hear certain people say “perception is reality.”
Other thoughts on The Hunger Games:
We’re planning to build an online book club to salute these books. If you’re interested in participating, add a comment to this post, and I’ll send you the information!
For me, I loved book #2, Catching Fire, the best. If you’ve read Ender’s Game, The Giver, or 1984 you will like The Hunger Games books. Now, read on for Kevin’s take on this dystopian society.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: The below contains multiple plot spoilers. If you have not already finished The Hunger Games trilogy then this probably isn’t the post for you. However, if you have finished all three books, then I welcome your thoughts on my review.
One of the first things anyone says about The Hunger Games book series is that it is very addicting. From the beginning you are thrown into the world of Panem, and are immersed in the strange names, rules and social norms that are essential to the story. The vivid descriptions of the brutality of the Capital are epitomized by the “competition” that comes from the title The Hunger Games. Every year each of the 12 Districts ruled by the Capital have to send two children (called tributes) to fight to their death until only one child remains as the victor. These games are barbaric in design and also in execution, since they are televised in a way that would remind some people of March Madness. As a reader, you are introduced to the games by the narrator and first person perspective of the District 12 tribute, Katniss. The defining personality traits of Katniss are her problem with authority, protectiveness of her family, naivety of people’s emotions and ultimately her ability to survive. How she uses these personal traits helps make her an inspirational character in a world devoid of many role models.
The fact that Panem felt completely foreign wasn’t much of a surprise considering the unique nature of the world. However, what was not expected was that this dystopian world also felt relatable. One of the main analogies that I took from the series was how the world of Panem related to corporate culture in America. The Capital could be a stand in for corporate headquarters in the same way that the individual offices represented the Districts. Also, while there weren’t any reapings or Hunger Games in corporate America there are earnings reports (broadcast for everyone to see) and furloughs/lay-offs. It might be a stretch to make that comparison, but I saw some parallels.
Anyway, that was one thing I took away from the book, but the other main themes I found prevalent were the importance of context, luck and intelligence as well the examples of sacrifice and the commentary on reality TV. Below is each theme in a little more detail.
Importance of Context
Most of the characters act as you would expect based on the situation they are in, whether the character is in the Games, in the streets of the Capital or in the District. Their actions are a direct result of their surroundings. When “kill or be killed” is the context, then it isn’t surprising when kids act like blood thirsty maniacs. However, the author does a great job with the main characters, who do not conform to the behaviors you might expect based on the context. When a character zigs when they are supposed to zag, it helps reveal an important moment or personality trait. One of the main characters, Peeta, talks about this in the first book on the night before he is supposed to enter the arena. He describes how he wants to die in a way that shows that the Capital hasn’t changed him. Despite the context of a brutal arena, he wants to stay authentic to himself. This was a powerful moment in the book because it is one of the few examples of someone being aware of how their surroundings affect them.
Importance of Luck
This one seemed the most obvious of all the themes. Katniss had the bad luck of growing up in District 12 and watching her sister, Prim, get picked for the Hunger Games. However, she also had the good luck of escaping death numerous times throughout the books. That leads to another theme of the book, and that is managing luck. Katniss was one of those characters, who often seemed to have the wrong side of luck, but through determination and persistence she was able to survive. Other characters weren’t so fortunate. Luck’s fingerprints were all over the book as Collins seemed to be saying that no matter what you do, sometimes things don’t work out. The last example of the importance of luck in the books has to be the Hunger Games catchphrase “May the odds be ever in your favor.”
Importance of Intelligence
The tributes in the Hunger Games did not have the Capital upbringing and most of them weren’t trained for the competition. However, so many of the characters showed remarkable intelligence despite being in a high stress environment. Katniss was certainly clever in how she competed, but one can also look at Foxface, Beetie and Peeta as well. Each one of them had skills they learned in day to day life and were able to utilize in the arena. It would have been a much different book if the Hunger Games focused more on strength and athletic ability. Those both were worthwhile attributes, but it seemed clear to me that the most important characteristic to survival was intelligence.*
*That being written, I have some reservations about Katniss intelligence. She seemed to be oblivious to many things, such as Gale and Peeta’s romantic feelings towards her. Also, her rational mind seemed to wilt when she was agitated. However, she did have some very intelligent moments and lest we forget she is 16 years old in the book. Was Katniss intelligent? I would certainly put her behind Gale and Peeta with one of them showing incredible analytical skills (Gale) and the other showing great interpersonal skills (Peeta). I would say that yes she was really smart and that maybe the only reason I am thinking she might not be is because the book was written from her point of view. First person allowed us an insight into her doubts, questions and insecurities. Sometimes people (myself included) equate doubt with a lack of intelligence, but I don’t think that is generally or in this case true.
Examples of Sacrifice
The story starts off with a great sacrifice story as Katniss steps in for Prim to compete in the Hunger Games. Considering there was a 96% chance (23 out of 24) that Katniss was going to die, then it is clear she was giving up her life in order for her sister to life. After that moment there are many other examples of people sacrificing themselves for others. The main beneficiary of this was Katniss, who had people like Peeta, Mag and Finnick willing to give up their lives in order for her to live. As the Mockingjay, she was the symbol for the cause to defeat the Capitol. The rebels wanted her to survive, and they readily sacrificed themselves to save her.
Commentary on Reality TV
Quoting Wikipedia “Collins says the idea for The Hunger Games came from channel surfing on television. On one channel she observed people competing on a reality show and on the other she saw footage of the Iraq War.” This was a constant theme as every aspect of the Hunger Games was televised and how acting was considered such an important part of survival. Also, the propos introduced in Mockingjay were considered highly critical to the Rebel’s success. Reading the book, I could almost hear certain people say “perception is reality.”
Other thoughts on The Hunger Games:
- What happened to the rest of the world? Asia? Europe? Does the Capital talk to them? How does Panem relate in the global world?
- Was Prim’s death at the end necessary to the plot? I know that plenty other people had died, but that was the final straw that solidified that the there was going to be no happy ending to the Hunger Games. The main character failed her primary goal in keeping her family safe. Maybe that was the point that there was no happy ending in a place like Panem.
- Rue’s death was probably the most compelling part of the book. Her character occupied only a small part of the overall trilogy, but she was critical in the plot and the themes.
- I was angered by the Quarter Quell in Catching Fire, since a 2nd straight Hunger Games for Katniss seemed a little excessive. Also, the vote at the end when President Coin suggested the Hunger Games for the Capital kids was ridiculous. I didn’t believe for a second that these victors would vote yes after having gone through two Hunger Games.
- The ending of the final book saddened me – the trio of Katniss, Gale and Peeta was broken down to a duo and a solo. The fact that a choice had to be made, and that Gale made it for Katniss made the conclusion bittersweet.
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