The Reinvention of Love by Helen Humphreys

from goodreads

2.75 stars

Historical fiction is a strange fish. Sometimes history itself is pretty boring yet through fiction you can bring it to life and breathe excitement into it. Other times the history itself is super exciting yet, when you add fiction to it, borarama. This book was kind of a mixture of both scenarios. It was a tough nut to crack.

Synopsis

This is the story of Charles Sainte-beuve's affair with Adele Hugo, wife of Victor Hugo. It discusses the affair as well as the ramifications that happened from it for all involved. The book is set up in decades and changes voices from Charles to Adele and then Adele's daughter Adele, also known as Dede.

My Thoughts

Humphreys did a great job researching the era, using actual letters and notes from all participants and in general creating a very believable story. Yet I found it quite dull. The character Charles kept moaning and going on about his love for Adele and how ugly and fat he was getting. I just wanted to shake him and say, "stop living in the life of your poems and grow a freaking back bone already." I know, I know, it is historical fiction and this very well might have been his true sentiments but, it did not make for interesting reading.

This was supposed to be the love of a lifetime for both Adele and Charles. I found it to be very hollow, I didn't feel a strong emotional connection. Supposedly there was a very strong emotional connection between them but, it did not come across on the page.

When I saw the title I thought that this book was going to be about love. I felt it was more about regrets. Regrets of living in the time they were, regrets of not being able to choose the life you want, and regrets of own personal failings. Yes, they were able to look back on life and know that they had love, but to me, the book was not really about love. Perhaps the point of the book is help us to realize that it is better to be loved for 5 minutes than never to be loved at all. I don't know.

Reading this book has made me question whether I want to read any Victor Hugo. He was kind of a pompous jerk in this book. I felt sorry for his family, who were not able to get from under his control.

So on the whole. The book was meh. Other people in my book club really enjoyed the language and description. I think it is one of those books that either you love it or you meh it.

Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella by Jan Brett

from goodreads

4 stars

I love Jan Brett books. Mostly for the detailed illustrations. My favourite book of hers is The Mitten. Just looking at the front cover of this book I knew that her classic, detailed style would enchant me into this story. If you have never picked up one of her books before I really urge you too. And while you read the book, take time to really observe the illustrations. I find something new and wonderful in them every time I look.

Synopsis

This is basically the story of Cinderella but played out by chickens on a cold winters night in a Russian forest.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. Not so much for the story but, for the illustrations. They were beautiful. I loved the way she used different varieties of chickens to play different characters. Cinders was a plain gray chicken. The Prince was a cockerel with the biggest tail plume ever. I loved the chickens with the long head feathers. They worked with their role in the story.

I loved the details on the dresses and the ice palace and the chicken tower. In so many illustrated children's books that kind of detail is not there. In fact it is usually the simpler the better. Brett shows that illustrations can be complex yet, simply convey the story. She shows that illustrations are worth pausing for a moment to explore.

The story itself is essentially Cinderella. There is no new twist to it, and for me there really doesn't need to be. My children liked the book for the story, but as you can tell I liked it for the illustrations.

So if you like chickens and you like Cinderella, then you will like this book. If you like beautiful artwork then you will like this book. It is definitely worthwhile to pick up.

Wishes and Stiches by Rachael Herron

from goodreads

Sorry this took so long to get up today. I have been sick and this is the first time all day I can actually concentrate! This is a book I have had on file for awhile. 

3 stars

During the summer months I have more time to read. Usually I am scrambling to get my book club reading done. Summer reading seems to be purely for relaxation and allows my brain a break. This book does that. It is knitting meets harlequin romance. I never knew knitting could be so steamy.

Synopsis

This book is about a woman named Naomi Fontaine. She is a doctor who moved into the small town of Cypress Hollow, a town obsessed with knitting. Because of her own social awkwardness she feels she does not fit in and that no one really likes her. Then comes Rig Keller, a doctor who takes over the other half of her practice. He is very attractive and charming. They fall for each other and learn about themselves along the way.

My Thoughts

This is not high brow stuff, but it is a cute story. It made me want to branch out and knit something really cool. She even includes a pattern for a shawl at the back of the book. Very cool!

Sometimes the story got lost with all the sex descriptions and the last 70 pages, where all the exciting stuff happened, went by too fast and made me wish for more description there. For me I would have preferred less sex and more story and personal connection.

She does have other books in this Cypress Hollow series. Perhaps I may check one out next summer. So if you like knitting and you like romance, then this book is for you.

Book Club Selections for 2014

I have put up my book club's selections for 2014. You can find them here. Or you can click on the book club selections tab.

The hardest part of choosing books is that there are so many out there that we want to read or reread. It is hard to keep it just to twelve!

Have a happy Wednesday!

The Hueys in It Wasn't Me by Oliver Jeffers

from goodreads

3.5 stars

I would have given this book somewhere between a 2 and 2.5 stars. But my kids for some strange reason loved this book thus, the higher rating.

This is part of a series of Hueys books.

Synopsis

When the Hueys get into a big argument it is up to Gillespie to make the peace.

My Thoughts

So when I first picked up this book I knew it was going to be a bit different. The artwork is simple, yet oddly eye catching. And what parent hasn't heard the words "it wasn't me" like a billion times. So, I thought I could relate to it on some level.

After reading it through once I closed the book and said, "what was that?" I didn't know how to feel about it or know what the point was. I felt like it sort of left me hanging without any real closure. I guess I felt unsettled like I needed something a bit more.

Jeffers did a great job showing how arguments start as simple little things and then, can quickly escalate into madness. He also showed how the art of distraction can work. But, the characters go from being in the hugest argument of their life to all of the sudden, calming right down and looking at a dead fly. What?!? I get that the fly in a way started the whole argument thing, but what?!?

My children loved it. I read it through once, and initially they weren't sure what to think either. But then while I was getting dinner ready I peeked into the living room and their was my 4 year old sitting on the couch with the book reading herself the story. It was a super special moment. I could her her quietly pretending the argument out and then saying "it wasn't me". She then helped make the peace. Obviously this book spoke to her.

I am not sure if I will look up his other Hueys books. I might look up some of his other books and see what they are like.

This may not be an adults favourite but, my kids did like it. So battle through the many, many readings of it and eventually they will be reading it themselves.

The Library at Night by Alberto Manguel

from goodreads

3.5 stars

I have a secret. It is one I have not told many people. Here it is, I wish I was a librarian! I love the smell of books, I love arranging books into categories, I like the way they look on shelves. I of course also like reading books but, man, to be a librarian and decide what books to have in my library and which ones can go. That seems the ultimate power and fun!

Reading this book made me realize that I am not the only person in the world who loves libraries and the order of libraries and everything about libraries. It is very comforting to know that.

Synopsis

This book features and discusses libraries and books from around the world. From the 3rd century B.C. to modern days. It discusses how libraries, whether personal or public, influence our lives and, in some ways, reflect ourselves and our identity.

My Thoughts

Despite the title, this has really little to do with a library at night. It is more metaphorical and figurative. And, despite this being a book about libraries, it was a really interesting read. Some non-fiction makes your eyes glaze over and you forget what you have just read. This book is very easy to read and there is minimal eye glazing. The first two chapters and the last two chapters, were not as interesting to me. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to continue. I am really glad I did.


I like how he started each chapter with personal reflection or insight into his own his own library that he built himself at his property in France. He shares is indecisiveness of how to organize his books and how the way he organizes his books and the shape of the library itself affects how he reads in the space. I had really never thought of it before but it is true, the place you read affects how you read. If you are in a study carrel at university, you are going to read more studiously. If you are wrapped up in cozy blanket in front of a fire with a warm beverage, you will be more relaxed and be able to truly escape into the story. Manguel brings to light other library universal truths, that you know exist but had never thought about before.

I really enjoyed the discussion about shadow libraries. A shadow library is what books are not in the actual library. Why were they taken out or never purchased to begin with? What is not in a library can tell us just as much about a library or a philosophy of a people as what is actually in it, if not more. I also liked his discussion about technology and how we cannot be completely dependent on it and get rid of hard copies of documents and books. It was music to my ears and I was in total agreement with what he said.

After reading this I am interested to read his book A History of Reading. One more to add to my to read list. That thing never gets shorter.

Although it is very readable, this is definitely a book for the book lover and library lover. You need to understand the joy and art of reading to truly appreciate this book and understand what he is saying. So, I won't be getting this book for my husband for Christmas, but otherwise a very good read.

Have I got a Book for You! by Melanie Watt

from goodreads

3.5 stars

This book is a very unique children's book. Salesmen could get some pointers from this wily fox.

Synopsis

This book is about Al Foxword, salesman extraordinaire! He can sell anything to anybody including, an umbrella to a fish. He pulls out all the stops to get you to buy this book because, has he got a book for you!

My Thoughts

As an adult, I loved it. We all know the gimmicks salespeople use to get us to purchase things and Foxword is no exception. I loved the fine print through out the book, such as, "This small print is here to inform you that the frog above is a paid professional actor. Results and smiles may vary." Classic. I loved the ending. It got a chuckle out of me. The whole book is rather cheesy, but in a charming way.

As for my kids, they are still young and pretty naive about the whole selling of stuff by pushy salespeople. They didn't get the humour, though my 6 year old started to understand after the third time reading it. My 4 year old, still doesn't get the humour.

I think any savvy future sales person could pick up some tips from this sales fox. Though it is a picture book with pictures that younger children will love, I think it is better suited for ages 8 and up or a sophisticated 6 or 7 year old.

I probably won't read this book over and over, but I think it is a very clever idea.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

from goodreads

4.5 stars

When it comes to reading what is considered a classic  it is hard to give it a rating. Either you love the language used or you don't. Dickens is very wordy and sometimes your eyes do glaze over but, the story is great when you read between the wordiness.

Synopsis

This follows the life of a boy/man named Pip. It begins with Pip as a boy. He runs into an escaped convict whom he gives food and a file. While still young he is ordered to go to a Miss Havisham's, to play. Miss Havisham is a very rich and very odd lady, who has an adopted daughter around Pip's age. While there Pip realizes how un-genteel and crude he is and he begins to feel ashamed of himself and those whom he loves.

Later, as a blacksmith's apprentice, Pip is told that he has a secret benefactor who wishes to increase his fortunes and expectations in life. Pip sets off for London to be educated as a gentleman. With his new "expectations", Pip learns what is truly important in life, though it comes with heartache and humility.

My Thoughts

I first read this story when I was in grade 12 for my english class. I loved it. Rereading it 13 years later my opinion of it has not changed. I love this story. I love it is because of the whole notion of what makes someone great. Pip thinks he needs to be rich, have nice things and a good education in order to be a good and worthy person. Yet, we see the character of Joe, and we realize that those things, though helpful and nice, does not make the worth or the goodness of a person.

The book also delves into the subject of forgiveness and grudges. Those characters who held onto grudges or the wrongs done to them where unhappy and wanted to drag others into their own misery. While those who freely forgave, as Joe did, were happy and content and brought up those around them.

The ensemble of characters that Dickens created was fantastic. They each seemed to embody a particular character flaw or goodness. I loved the range of characters that Wemmick had. He was either the office Wemmick or he was the Walworth Wemmick. It is interesting how he is able to completely compartmentalize his life. I think that is something most people have a hard time doing. I also love Wemmick's need for portable property.

My favourite character was Joe. I mean, how could it not be. Joe is the best person. If we could all be half as kind and loving as Joe the world would be a much happier and nicer place. His undying devotion to Pip, his kindness to his rather abusive wife, his gentle manner, he is truly a saint. Joe is the person you want as your best friend. Your heart aches for him when he is treated unkindly, and in the end you are so glad that he has found true happiness.

I am glad that Pip realizes what is truly important and life and becomes less obsessed with worldly possessions and pride. In the end, he becomes a man with whom you would like to become better acquainted.

Dickens is wordy. Sometimes the story slowed a bit because of that. Some chapters seemed randomly thrown in. I know it was written as a serial for the newspaper, so that might be why they seemed so random. I just sort of skimmed over those until I got back to the meat of the story.

If you are nervous about reading the classics, or Dickens, try Great Expectations. It is a great story. Masterpiece Theatre did a great adaptation not too long ago, if you watch an abridged version first to whet your appetite before diving in. Here is the trailer below.

By the Light of the Moon by Sheridan Cain Illustrated by Gaby Hansen

from goodreads

2.5 stars

This is another middle child pick. Gotta love library day at school!

Synopsis

This book is about a mother mouse who is tucking her little one into bed. A mole comes along and says the farmer is going to plough the field in the morning so she shouldn't put her little one there. The mother then goes around trying to find a nice cozy bed for her little one.

My Thoughts

Positive first. I loved the illustrations. Each picture seemed to be bathed in the light of the moon. I loved that the pictures seemed to have that soft light and colouring of a bright moonlit night. The mice were super cute, though a bit oddly shaped for a mouse. The pictures made me want to lie in the middle of a meadow under the stars on a warm summer's night.

As for the story itself. Ugh! To my girls it was just another story. It did not really engage them or invoke any kind of reaction. As for me... it invoked a lot of reaction. I felt like yelling to the mouse mom "If you think this is the best place for your baby for heaven's sake leave him there! You are the mom! You know what is the best for your baby! Don't keep moving him around when he is clearly tired and stop listening to all the busy bodies who don't know your child or your situation!"

As mothers, or parents for that matter, we hear a lot of interesting advice from a lot of people who generally mean well. This book just made that loathing feeling of listening to unsolicited advise envelope me.

From the cover I thought that this was going to be a great book about love and tender feelings between parent and child. It was not that at all. I don't even know what the moral of the story is or why kids would enjoy it. I don't know if all the different animals coming to the mother mouses aid is supposed to be funny or not. I don't know if the kids are supposed to get the message that they know what is best for themselves, as the mother mouse never stands up for herself and her position. It could be a way to find out how other animals live, but there are better ways of doing that.

Perhaps I am reading too much into a children's book of less than 35 pages, but this one made me annoyed.

So avoid if possible, or if you can't avoid it don't try to read too much into it. It will just make you go crazy!

Happy Reading! See you Thursday!