I'm Still Attached

Some books just get you.  You start to read them and within the first few pages, you feel some sort of strange ethereal pull from the book that stays attached to you until you've read every.single.word.  And even longer, sometimes.  And you can't even read another book until your mind/body/soul have processed that book.  It just happens.  And those are great, great books.  I'm not convinced they have to be extremely well written (although they often are) or that the content has to be super intense (although it may be).  I am convinced, however, that the story told tells us a truth in a such a profound way that we can be changed by the book.  If we let ourselves.

I read Ragged Company  (Richard Wagamese) this past week.  My community does this great thing called One Book One Community where encourages all our local people to read the same book, whether on your own or in a group, and then hosts author events and discussions, etc.  The local paper is involved and the libraries are huge advocates.  I love it -- because I love community and I love people reading and they pick really great books.   This year, Ragged Company was the livre du jour.  And it totally got me.

The premise of the story is pretty simple: four homeless people win the lottery ($13.5 million) and, obviously, it changes their lives.  Feel good story of the year, right?  People escape the horrifying world of the street with the great salvation of money -- yay!  But the story. OH the story.  Quickly, and with a certain quietness, Wagamese starts telling a story that is much more profound than street life = bad; rich life = good. He weaves complexities and voices, circumstances and hearts into a rich tale that reveals that our potential lies in our ability to see and love others, rather than in our potential to possess and use wealth.  

And it isn't an easy read -- you  will cry and the images will haunt your heart.  But you will also learn.  I have spent (a little) time with people who live on the streets and the way Wagamese honours and tells their story moved me.  He tells painful, raw truth with a profound gentleness and beauty.  He holds pain in tension with love and does not, not, not wrap everything up nicely.  He tells us a truth that can change us; can change our perspective and our compassion.  

I keep wanting to pick up another book, but everything seems to futile just now.  I'm still attached to Ragged Company.  I need a few more days. 

 

A New Juliet

I don't like Juliet Capulet.  

There, I said it. 

I want to, but I don't like her.  Also, her name rhymes. 

That girl whiiiiines.  And she is needy.  And spoiled.  And a bit dense at communicating.  I know, star-crossed lovers, destiny, missed opportunities, true love, blah blah blah.  But couldn't she just be a bit more awesome in the process a little less, well...Juliet-ish?  C'mon kid.  Step up.  And MAKE SURE THE GUY KNOWS YOU ARE GOING TO DRINK SLEEPING DRUG. 

And...awkward internet silence.  

Sorry 'bout that.  I just don't love her.  

Also -- great cover.  

So when I read The Juliet Stories by Carrie Snyder, I actually started in really, really hoping that it would have nothing to do with Shakespeare's teenage concoction.  Thankfully, our little 10 year old protagonist was nothing like her Elizabethan counterpart and was a fabulously real, growing girl.  Struggling through the turbulent political and personal settings her parents fling her into, Juliet's stories are experiences of seeing people and their short-comings over and over again.  She learns, as we all do, that life is hard, that we are often only getting glimpses into people and that no one, not even our parents, are perfect.  But more than that, she learns how she will react and how she will hold her own story together.

The writing itself is a dance.  The moments are simple and complex, hot and cold, sticky and clean. Snyder moves you through time and place with an ease that is almost elusive -- I felt like I was trailing behind Juliet for the whole book, like I was along for the ride of her every day.  Snyder tells her story through moments: you are rarely hearing about big pieces of plot movement outside of Juliet experiencing them or simplying naming them.  The moments tell the story, lend pieces to a puzzle that you work out as you go.  Not everything is offered up front, but you get enough.  This book was a good reminder of how limited anyone's perspective is, including our own; no matter how much we want to think we 'get' things, we simply only see what we can see. 

I absorbed this book -- really, it absorbed me.  I felt like I wanted to keep holding it, get closer, read it again.  It was a quick read -- not too long or too dense, but so very, very full.  

I recommend it wholeheartedly.  So if you look for it check out your local, independent bookstore, ideally (mine is www.wordsworthbooks.com).  The author is from my hometown, so I was happy to support her and local business in the process.  

Read on, friends!

Spies. Food. Weddings. Marriage. Kids. 100 Year Old Men.

Friends!  It's been such a long, long time.  I've been sorting out life with two ever-growing but still pretty small guys as well as diving back into my (paid) job.  It has been a crazy, lovely winter and spring.  And now summer is fast upon us and I realized how long I had gone without spending time with all of you.

I've gone through blogging/reading slumps before, but this slump was really just blogging.  I've been reading devouring books.  Lots and lots of books -- reading 2 or 3 at a time.  And it has been amazing.  I've loved having my world filled out by characters both real and fictional, and some in between.  I've been reading books with friends, books with book club and books with my kids.  I've spent time with my Bible and been reading work-focussed books.  And you know what I found?  That I speak more aptly, respond more slowly and think more clearly when I am reading.  Such a good thing.  So here's a very brief overview of some of what I've been reading (and the settings I've been reading in!):


Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy (Eric Metaxas) This book fully rocked my world.  I'm a bit of a history nerd (and here and here) and so I like reading about history.  Not everyone does.  But my book club, whom I read this with, all agreed that it was pretty epic.  Epic in the way that you watch a man decide he is going to help assassinate Hitler without (somehow) compromising his deep set faith.  I really loved this book.  I actually had bought the e-book and then got the paperback (kind of unheard of for me) because I wanted to hold the book and flip the pages and remember significant things.  




The 100 Year Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared   (Jonas Jonasson).  Yup.  Most Descriptive Title Ever.  And that is what the book is about.  Light and lovely, this book weaves a magnificent tale through history while matching it with a fun and present story line replete with characters that you can't help but like, no matter how rough their edges may be.  Also, I totally quit on The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series, so this book redeemed Swedish lit for me...which sounds pretty flaky, but 'tis true. 

My Life in France (Julia Child)  I am perfectly, perfectly aware that Julia Child has died.  I am.  I knew that it was coming.  Nonetheless, after finishing her jaunty and endearing memoir, I was unprepared for her death.  (Bonhoeffer from above also dies, which I knew, but I finished both books in one week and it was painful.)  I really wanted some of these people to live because their lives were so very real to me and I want to know them.  Julia's story is full of foie gras and friends and France, all lovely and jumbly and delicious.  At one point she talks about how she and her husband had decided that people were more important than time.  I loved that.  What a brilliant starting point for making decisions.  Choosing people first and then busy-ness second. My compliments to the chef. 

Wedding Night (Sophie Kinsella) I've admitted before to Sophie as one my guilty pleasures.  And I did really like I've Got Your Number which she released last year.  But Wedding Night wasn't that good.  I'd even say weak -- disappointing!  I'm definitely prone to like her; yet this novel was thin on plot and character.  A little piece of me grieved that I might be outgrowing Sophie -- but I'm not willing to give up just yet.  

The Meaning of Marriage (Timothy Keller)  I'm reading this one in company of my husband and four other married couples.  Together, we are walking through some of the issues and ideas around marriage so that we can grow in our marriages and our relationships with one another.  Marriage should be our priority relationship and so we need to manage it like it is.  The book is good but the conversations and people are better.  If you are married, or thinking about it, find people to be with who will challenge and encourage you.  Marriage can do incredible things but it can also hurt incredibly.  Find places and people who will help you (and your spouse) on the journey. 

Knuffle Bunny (Mo Willems)  Yes, a children's book, but my oldest son love loves this book.  He loves the family running through New York and he loves the search for Knuffle Bunny.  I like to read it as though I am auditioning for different kinds of movies -- romantic, scary, funny, drama, gangster, etc.  It's incredible how much one book can change.  And I love watching my kids grow to love books -- they remind me each day how significant a little time with our imaginations can be.  And I just keep learning.  

That's a quick overview -- some highlights (and a few lowlights). 

I'm off to try to pace my reading of Juliet Stories by Carrie Ann Snyder.  Her prose is magical.

Happy reading,

sw

Science Fiction Fabulous

 Science Fiction.  Land of logical freedom -- the limits of science are both free and necessary to create worlds that are only *somewhat* like the one we live in. I've claimed that Sci-Fi is out of my box. As far as books are concerned it really, really is.  But truthfully, I like Sci-Fi TV and movies.  Nothing that hardcore--The X-Files was a bit too creepy for me.  However, I do love Star Trek, Star Wars and various other fun Sci-Fi-based films (read: Zombieland).  In the "what's your favourite action movie" game my answer is definitely the new Star Trek.  And not just because Chris Pine (aka Captain Kirk) looks just like my husand (wink, wink). I just like Star Trek.   When it comes to books my science fiction forays were few and far between.  Until recently...all of sudden book club and friends and websites (cause I listen to the interwebs) were all about Science Fiction.  And...

It has been so much fun!  Sobering events in the last few make it even more desirable to imagine that the world could change drastically.  (Obviously imagining the world away is not the solution; yet a break is still deeply appreciated.)  Onto nicer thoughts...

I have read three books -- a classic of Science Fiction Ender's Game (Orson Scott Card), a comedic one, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams) and a present day sci-fi, Wake (Robert J. Sawyer).   What a lovely cross-section, no? 

Reading Ender's Game is like reading a intro to Science Fiction.  And it did what I never expect Science Fiction to do: grabbed my attention and held it.  I did social sciences in school -- I naturally am (geekily) enthralled by history, politics, trivia.  But futuristic claims?  Not what I'm used to.  Ender's Game, friends.  So great.  Here's what Science Fiction does that I love: using more far-fetched realities it creates real commentaries on our current society.  Most are built on the premise that in the future our problems will move to deeper extremes.  Thus, reading these books that exist in the 'extremes' of society helps to illuminate our own current problems.  When you read a book set in distant future and it seems to be pretty truthful to what is happening in present day (especially around propaganda), you know it is good.   Ender had characters that I grew with, plot turns that were widely unexpected and a full, complete story.  I found myself really wanting to talk to people about it which is definitely the mark of a book that has surprised and enthralled me. A great gift the reader in your life (which might be you) but also for a teenager -- boy or girl.  


Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (HGG) is essentially reading a British comedy.  Think of reading Run Fat Boy Run or Death at a Funeral (if you haven't seen those movies, you really should).  It's hilarious, slightly irreverent and quippy.  Thoroughly enjoyed this book.  It's commentary isn't subtle at all, but well worth reading anyway.  And you'll learn the answer to the eternal question.  What more could you ask? 







Finally, Wake.  This book was probably the biggest stretch for me (didn't have the far-off futuristicness of Ender's Game or the humour of HGG).  Set in present day Waterloo, Ontario Wake follows the story of 15 year old Caitlin, who is about to make some huge discoveries about the world and the Internet.  It weaves several disparate stories into one (albeit not quite -- this is the first book in the series and few pieces have been left hanging) which is a style I enjoy. I'm good with switching around and trying to perceive where all the stories will intersect.  Some of the Canadian/math/physics humour was a bit on-the-nose for me.  My big beef?  I don't like it when I have to read more books to get to the ending.  I like books that tells its own story and then I can choose to go farther if I want.   That being said, I totally want to know how it ends.

There is something about the Sci-Fi genre that loves a sequel.  All of these books are the first of series.  But with Ender's Game  and HGG I have been warned several times that the subsequent books aren't worth reading.  This is my PSA not to read the rest of those series.  With Wake, you can check in later.  I'm going to have to read the next two to find out what happens.  

Any recommendations of Sci-Fi reads?  Based on these three, I'm open to what the genre has to offer.  And yes, I have read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.  And yes, it is awesome.  

A Tired Month and a Hopeful Month

I have definitely been letting down my side of this blogging bargain -- the part where you read what I write...clearly I haven't been writing.  A few things have happened -- nothing major, just life-- but things that have slowed my hands and my eyes.  Things that are good even: seeing people, spending time with friends, late nights and early mornings.  But things that tire me out, things that change my focus, things that capture my heart.  All good, not bad.  But busy.  Busy so much that I stopped reading.  I stopped reading. 

I went to book club in November and had read not one single word of the book.  Not one.  And, in case you wondered, I'm that kid that did her homework and met deadlines.  I don't go to book club unprepared, let alone unread.  I just don't.  But, then in November, I did. My Kindle sat with lots of choices, I had fresh new books from the store.   But I was tired.  Good tired, but tired nonetheless.  

Realizing I had let go of reading made me feel a little lost.  Adrift.  Unanchored.  And while faith is my great anchor, my tree and my mountain, reading (in all forms) keeps me steady.  Refreshes me and stills me.  It moves me between worlds, ends my day and restores my soul.  Reading is my outlet.  Always has been.   I was in a good rhythm this fall -- reading lots, exploring different genres, carving time out during my day to ground myself.  But when a good rhythm gets broken it is hard to reinstate (read: exercise).  So I have been pushing myself to read for 5 minutes at night or during the day.  Trying to get my head back into the space where it flourishes rather than sleeps.  I still need more sleep; I'd still always choose relationship over convenience and I'd still rather sacrifice a bit of me to be with people.  But I am going to be more careful for myself and making space for what builds me up.  

So now, I'm going to go read a bit.  I've actually been reading sci-fi (WHAT?!?).  If I thought non-fiction was outside my comfort circle, well, sci-fi is practically a foreign language.  But I have, with the help of friends, discovered some gems. More on those soon.

Merry Christmas.  I hope to write again soon, but if not, I hope this season brings small, profound measures of peace and hope in your world.  I do hope, always, for humanity.  I hope for pain to be comforted, thirst to be quenched and peace to be restored.  And my hope is more certainly for you.

Love and peace to all.   

The verdict is in! Food, Glorious Food!

Friends!  

The food from The Homemade Pantry is amazing!  I have made the cornbread, hummus, granola bars and a few other recipes and I have to say -- amazing.  Just delicious.  If I could give you food, I would...but as we are Internet friends, I'll use a story.

Here's my example...

DIY Granola Bars tend to be some epic compromise.  Either they aren't chewy or they aren't crunchy, generally they aren't delicious and seem like a lot of work when the ones in the wrappers are soooo good.  You can disagree with me, it's fine, but in my experience of making granola bars, I hadn't found a recipe that outstripped the ease and yumminess of the store bought brand.  Until Alana Chernila's Car Snacks #3 The Nutty Granola Bar blew my mind.  It is perfect.  Sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy, filling, portable--perfection.  They are on my weekly to-make list and when I'm eating one my little 22 month old buddy says, "More! Share! More! Please!"  That's probably the highest praise there is.

This book is officially on my to-buy list.  Added bonuses: great storage tips and the canning method is integrated into the recipes so you it is all spelled out for you.  Anything I can freeze, can or shelf is a win in my world.  

I am about to make a advent calendar that is about doing something each day that prepares our family for Christmas, reflects what it means to us and helps us spend time with each other in quiet, significant ways.  One day is definitely going to be making homemade marshmallows and hot chocolate.  Actually, maybe more than one day!  

Reading and Eating...my version of DIY.

You might have guessed that I love to read.  And I love to eat.  So reading about eating is kind of my favourite thing.  And I love cookbooks.  

My big hesitation around sampling/eating through a cookbook is food cost (not to mention the cost of the books!), specifically random ingredients that I am going to use in tiny portions and be left with a bag full of when the meal is complete.  Not my thing and not my stage of life.  I need recipes that are simple, delicious, healthy and cheap.  And, I am learning, this is completely doable.  

To my great joy, I found The Homemade Pantry: 101 Foods You Can Stop Buying and Start Making by Alana Chernila.  Here plentiful book contains great pictures, captivating stories and (what I hope are) delicious recipes.  I started reading this book when I should have been napping and my fingers have been itching to start creating a pantry full of treats ever since (Thanksgiving kind of got in the way).  

My library-borrowed book now looks like this (picture is also a mini-plug for the ease of these removable tabs):  

I'm excited to get started and see if this book is a buyer (ie, I'll buy it) or a library books (ie, borrow and use intensively for a short period of time).  On my list to make...well, everything!  Butter, ricotta, creme fraiche, instant oatmeal, ketchup, hummus, pesto, roasted tomatoes, granola bars, fish sticks, hot chocolate, marshmallows, butternut squash soup, graham crackers, cheese crackers, caramels and potato chips.  To start, anyway.  I *might* need more than a two week loan!  

This weekend we made cornbread (perfection -- exactly how you want cornbread to taste -- a little sweet, buttery and amazing dipped in chili) and potato chips (time consuming but worth it!  Will absolutely do again.  The crunch and flavour were fully addictive).  I'm going to keep going...so far this one reads and tastes like a winner!