by Meg Waite Clayton
Two Thumbs Up (I could really use a few more thumbs for this one--it's that good.)
The story takes place in a San Francisco Bay area suburb, in the years beginning with 1967. Frankie tells the story of her friendship with Linda, Kath, Brett, and Ally. Each woman has her own family, worries, heartaches and secret dreams. The story is told in such a way that the reader feels a part of the evolving friendship these women share.
After meeting weekly at the playground long enough that they begin to feel comfortable with each other, a couple of the friends decide they'd like to use their time together to do some writing. Some of the women are less interested, but they are good sports about it. Soon what started out as a playdate for the kids becomes a writing date for the moms.
As the story continues, the readers are drawn along as these women pursue their writing goals. But within this primary story, we learn of the secret burdens the various women bear. We rejoice with them as they learn to trust each other; we share with them as they celebrate the good and mourn the heartache in each other's lives; and we see them grow and change throughout the years.
Interspersed within the story is the societal growing pains the country is experiencing. The story touches on the women's lib issue, the peace movement, and racial tensions. The women themselves strive to understand these issues. Each woman brings a different background and personality as she reacts to and assimilates into her person the various social changes. Ms Clayton accomplishes this very adeptly. Her characters and their friendships are never simplistic or artificial; they way they interact and the degree to which each embraces the changing cultures is richly developed.
The book will also be helpful for an aspiring author, as the women work through various books on writing, such as E.M. Forster's Aspects of the Novel. Each woman has a "model" story against which she compares her own work and to which she turns for inspiration. A couple of the women are very adept at pulling quotations from books and calling to mind the characters and plots. And on one occasion the couples get together for a costume party with a "famous couple from literature" theme. All these snippets offer readers a constant sampling from a literary smorgasbord.
The author has included a nice appendix in which she offers a paragraph or two on each of women's model books and also reading lists of the others works cited. I know I'm going to keep our librarian busy with requests from this list, such as The Great Gatsby, Middlemarch, and Breakfast at Tiffany's; I'll also have to try something by Somerset Maugham and Sylvia Plath; and the list goes on and on.
Showing posts with label cultural literacy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cultural literacy. Show all posts
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Revolt in Paradise
by K'Tut Tantri
Thumbs up.
I picked this book up at a second hand store, while just quickly perusing the shelves and randomly grabbing books with covers or titles that looked interesting. I'm glad I did. Although I read this book several months ago, I didn't take the time to write about it immediately, so I'll have to try to reconstruct all the thoughts I had at that time.
K'tut Tantri as she came to be known, was born in Scotland, of Manx (from the Isle of Man) parentage. She moved with her mother after the first World War to Hollywood, California, where she eventually ended up writing for British publications about various facets of the film industry. But K'tut describes herself as having too much of the Manx in her to really fit in, in America. She was an artist and a dreamer.
After seeing a film set in Bali, she decided that is where she was meant to be. She packed up and moved there in a somewhat haphazard fashion, with little money or preparation.
The book describes her life there, from her first interactions with the Dutch colonial government; to her stumbling upon the palace of the Rajah and coming to secure the close friendship of the Rajah's son, Anak Agung Nura; her stint as a hotel operator; her imprisonment at the hands of the Japanese during World War II; and her time as a freedom fighter for the Indonesians.
I found her account fascinating. I learned much about the history of Indonesia. I was appalled at the treatment of the Indonesian peoples by the Dutch during the colonial era, and especially in the immediate aftermath of World War II, when Indonesians were seeking their freedom.
The book would be a useful tie-in when teaching about imperialism or for a southeast Asian supplement to a World War II unit. The content is appropriate for any age; I think the writing itself could be readily enjoyed by a capable junior high aged reader.
I've read a little more about K'tut Tantri since reading this book. Although the book is presented as non-fiction, historians and anthropologists would find her account a reflection of the artistic and dreamy personality embodied in K'tut. It's filled with a good bit of truth, but also, disappointingly, contains a fantasy element. I found this obituary interesting.
Thumbs up.
I picked this book up at a second hand store, while just quickly perusing the shelves and randomly grabbing books with covers or titles that looked interesting. I'm glad I did. Although I read this book several months ago, I didn't take the time to write about it immediately, so I'll have to try to reconstruct all the thoughts I had at that time.
K'tut Tantri as she came to be known, was born in Scotland, of Manx (from the Isle of Man) parentage. She moved with her mother after the first World War to Hollywood, California, where she eventually ended up writing for British publications about various facets of the film industry. But K'tut describes herself as having too much of the Manx in her to really fit in, in America. She was an artist and a dreamer.
After seeing a film set in Bali, she decided that is where she was meant to be. She packed up and moved there in a somewhat haphazard fashion, with little money or preparation.
The book describes her life there, from her first interactions with the Dutch colonial government; to her stumbling upon the palace of the Rajah and coming to secure the close friendship of the Rajah's son, Anak Agung Nura; her stint as a hotel operator; her imprisonment at the hands of the Japanese during World War II; and her time as a freedom fighter for the Indonesians.
I found her account fascinating. I learned much about the history of Indonesia. I was appalled at the treatment of the Indonesian peoples by the Dutch during the colonial era, and especially in the immediate aftermath of World War II, when Indonesians were seeking their freedom.
The book would be a useful tie-in when teaching about imperialism or for a southeast Asian supplement to a World War II unit. The content is appropriate for any age; I think the writing itself could be readily enjoyed by a capable junior high aged reader.
I've read a little more about K'tut Tantri since reading this book. Although the book is presented as non-fiction, historians and anthropologists would find her account a reflection of the artistic and dreamy personality embodied in K'tut. It's filled with a good bit of truth, but also, disappointingly, contains a fantasy element. I found this obituary interesting.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Giants in the Earth
by O. E. Rolvaag
Thumbs up.
This classic tale of Norwegian immigration to Dakota Territory, tells the story of the Spring Creek Settlement. Per and Beret Hansa, Hans and Sorrina Olsa, Syvert and Kjersti Tonseten, and the two Solum brothers face together, the perils of westward expansion. Among the hardships they must bear are hunger, backbreaking labor, difficulties in childbirth, fear of the native people, grasshoppers, and summer and winter storms. But worse by far for some, is the fear and loneliness of this new country. The openness and stillness are so pervasive they are hard to ignore. And for some settlers, including Per Hansa's Beret, they sometimes lead to insanity.
Rolvaag, himself a Norwegian immigrant as a young man, tells all too realistically the sights and sounds of the prairie and the various emotions of the settlers. We laugh and cry with them. We appreciate the noble sacrifices they made in order to turn what is described as a desolate and forbidding landscape into the communities and farms that thrive in those prairie lands today.
We hear with Per Hansa and Beret the, "Squeak, squeak," of the wagon wheels and the, "Tish-ah, tish-ah," of the grasses opening before and closing behind the wagon.
We share with Beret the fear of the open spaces and the almost supernatural forces that inhabit them. We can feel the great silence along with those first settlers.
We experience the manic energy of Per Hansa to get more and more ground broken and keep ahead of his neighbors. And we rejoice over each acre of sod he breaks and the large sod house and stable he provides his family.
We feel Syvert and Kjersti's sadness, and even bitterness, when they are not able to have children. We breath a sigh of relief with Per Hansa, when his wife and child make it through a frighteningly difficult birth.
We rejoice Per Hansa's faithful friends, Hans Olsa and Sorrina, when their friend's wife returns to her senses. We can appreciate the import of their steadfastness to Per Hansa and his family.
But most of all, we feel gratitude and awe toward our forebears for the hardships they surmounted that we might have the farms and towns that make the great plains the great communities they are today. These people were truly giants in the earth.
Thumbs up.
This classic tale of Norwegian immigration to Dakota Territory, tells the story of the Spring Creek Settlement. Per and Beret Hansa, Hans and Sorrina Olsa, Syvert and Kjersti Tonseten, and the two Solum brothers face together, the perils of westward expansion. Among the hardships they must bear are hunger, backbreaking labor, difficulties in childbirth, fear of the native people, grasshoppers, and summer and winter storms. But worse by far for some, is the fear and loneliness of this new country. The openness and stillness are so pervasive they are hard to ignore. And for some settlers, including Per Hansa's Beret, they sometimes lead to insanity.
Rolvaag, himself a Norwegian immigrant as a young man, tells all too realistically the sights and sounds of the prairie and the various emotions of the settlers. We laugh and cry with them. We appreciate the noble sacrifices they made in order to turn what is described as a desolate and forbidding landscape into the communities and farms that thrive in those prairie lands today.
We hear with Per Hansa and Beret the, "Squeak, squeak," of the wagon wheels and the, "Tish-ah, tish-ah," of the grasses opening before and closing behind the wagon.
We share with Beret the fear of the open spaces and the almost supernatural forces that inhabit them. We can feel the great silence along with those first settlers.
We experience the manic energy of Per Hansa to get more and more ground broken and keep ahead of his neighbors. And we rejoice over each acre of sod he breaks and the large sod house and stable he provides his family.
We feel Syvert and Kjersti's sadness, and even bitterness, when they are not able to have children. We breath a sigh of relief with Per Hansa, when his wife and child make it through a frighteningly difficult birth.
We rejoice Per Hansa's faithful friends, Hans Olsa and Sorrina, when their friend's wife returns to her senses. We can appreciate the import of their steadfastness to Per Hansa and his family.
But most of all, we feel gratitude and awe toward our forebears for the hardships they surmounted that we might have the farms and towns that make the great plains the great communities they are today. These people were truly giants in the earth.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Day They Came to Arrest the Book
by Nat Hentoff
Thumbs mostly up.
More than telling a story, Mr. Hentoff uses this book as a platform from which to introduce, in a manner interesting to middle through high school aged kids, the idea of censorship and book banning. The setting is a somewhat generic Anywhere, USA, town high school, aptly named, George Mason High School. The cast of characters includes students: Barnaby, the high school newspaper editor of Jewish descent; Gordon, an African American young man; Kate, an aspiring feminist; and several other minor characters: students, teachers, the principle, a past and present librarian, and various townspeople.
The basic story line begins with a history teacher, Mrs. Baines, juxtaposing Huckleberry Finn with readings from Alexis de Tocqueville in order to introduce her 19th century American history class. Gordon, the African American student, is frustrated, seething would be more accurate, over the racial slurs and constant use of the "n-word" in Huckleberry Finn. After his father demands the principle remove this book from the school entirely, Mr. Moore, the smooth talking principle tries to deal with the situation discretely. He encounters resistance, however, from both Mrs. Baines and the new librarian, Miss Fitzgerald. They demand the principle follow official procedure.
This leads to the school board appointing a review committee which will hold community hearings. The committee will then approve a recommendation by vote and present it to the school board for guidance. The school board must then hold its own open meetings and cast a vote. Throughout this process the faculty, student body, and entire community becomes involved. Eventually the situation ends up on national news.
Mr. Hentoff does a fairly good job of trying to portray all the various sides of the issue of censorship within a school setting. He addresses the ideas of students being a captive audience, of schools being houses of learning, and the debate over at what age and in what way students ought to be introduced to analyzing ideas different than their own. He addresses the idea of a restricted book shelf and students opting out of certain class materials. He addresses teachers having autonomy within their classes. He is a little weak, in my opinion, on parental authority and rights.
I think Mr. Hentoff did a pretty good job of spinning a compelling plot out of a civics lesson.
The characters are somewhat unevenly drawn. The adults are developed very well. They are often quite comical in their idiosyncrasies. The kids are not very well developed except to tell us one or two things that might be important to them. The author takes a couple of chapters to introduce the students, but it seemed a bit rushed.
There is one somewhat blaring irony that I can't decide if the author stuck in intentionally. I think I've decided it was an oversight, since it was mentioned, but it's irony never brought out. At one point the kids are trying to think of an example of a book nobody could disapprove. Kate, the budding feminist, who has jumped on the anti-Huck Finn bandwagon for it's portrayal of women's place in society, suggests Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice as a book about which nobody could complain. Since so many of the issues in Pride and Prejudice revolve around what we might consider very restrictive roles for women in society, it somewhat surprised me. It was either done intentionally, in order to show the blunders any strongly opinionated person might sometimes stumble into, or it was sloppy work on the part of the author and editor.
Another interesting point of view is portrayed in a conversation about a new class offering the content of which is aimed at teaching different sides of cultural issues. The stated goal is to pacify parents who might worry that teachers are too liberal on social issues. The list of typical issues with which conservatives might be concerned: flat earth, forced sterilization of the poor, and the use of military might against Russia. (This was written in 1982). I found it interesting that forced sterilization is portrayed as a conservative issue, since in its heyday, it was quite obviously a progressive issue. I also, even as an active Conservative, don't know too may people (read: any) who believe the earth is flat.
All in all this book could be useful for teaching about political activism, the role of community and parental involvement in schools, and the obvious topic of censorship and banning of books. But I would say that a parent would want to read this book along with a child, because of the many shades of opinion portrayed. The book also leads to a conclusion with which all parents may not totally agree.
I myself mostly agree with the solution, but there are things within the book I would have discussed further with a student. I didn't like the way some of the opinions were presented and the slant that was taken toward some viewpoints.
Thumbs mostly up.
More than telling a story, Mr. Hentoff uses this book as a platform from which to introduce, in a manner interesting to middle through high school aged kids, the idea of censorship and book banning. The setting is a somewhat generic Anywhere, USA, town high school, aptly named, George Mason High School. The cast of characters includes students: Barnaby, the high school newspaper editor of Jewish descent; Gordon, an African American young man; Kate, an aspiring feminist; and several other minor characters: students, teachers, the principle, a past and present librarian, and various townspeople.
The basic story line begins with a history teacher, Mrs. Baines, juxtaposing Huckleberry Finn with readings from Alexis de Tocqueville in order to introduce her 19th century American history class. Gordon, the African American student, is frustrated, seething would be more accurate, over the racial slurs and constant use of the "n-word" in Huckleberry Finn. After his father demands the principle remove this book from the school entirely, Mr. Moore, the smooth talking principle tries to deal with the situation discretely. He encounters resistance, however, from both Mrs. Baines and the new librarian, Miss Fitzgerald. They demand the principle follow official procedure.
This leads to the school board appointing a review committee which will hold community hearings. The committee will then approve a recommendation by vote and present it to the school board for guidance. The school board must then hold its own open meetings and cast a vote. Throughout this process the faculty, student body, and entire community becomes involved. Eventually the situation ends up on national news.
Mr. Hentoff does a fairly good job of trying to portray all the various sides of the issue of censorship within a school setting. He addresses the ideas of students being a captive audience, of schools being houses of learning, and the debate over at what age and in what way students ought to be introduced to analyzing ideas different than their own. He addresses the idea of a restricted book shelf and students opting out of certain class materials. He addresses teachers having autonomy within their classes. He is a little weak, in my opinion, on parental authority and rights.
I think Mr. Hentoff did a pretty good job of spinning a compelling plot out of a civics lesson.
The characters are somewhat unevenly drawn. The adults are developed very well. They are often quite comical in their idiosyncrasies. The kids are not very well developed except to tell us one or two things that might be important to them. The author takes a couple of chapters to introduce the students, but it seemed a bit rushed.
There is one somewhat blaring irony that I can't decide if the author stuck in intentionally. I think I've decided it was an oversight, since it was mentioned, but it's irony never brought out. At one point the kids are trying to think of an example of a book nobody could disapprove. Kate, the budding feminist, who has jumped on the anti-Huck Finn bandwagon for it's portrayal of women's place in society, suggests Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice as a book about which nobody could complain. Since so many of the issues in Pride and Prejudice revolve around what we might consider very restrictive roles for women in society, it somewhat surprised me. It was either done intentionally, in order to show the blunders any strongly opinionated person might sometimes stumble into, or it was sloppy work on the part of the author and editor.
Another interesting point of view is portrayed in a conversation about a new class offering the content of which is aimed at teaching different sides of cultural issues. The stated goal is to pacify parents who might worry that teachers are too liberal on social issues. The list of typical issues with which conservatives might be concerned: flat earth, forced sterilization of the poor, and the use of military might against Russia. (This was written in 1982). I found it interesting that forced sterilization is portrayed as a conservative issue, since in its heyday, it was quite obviously a progressive issue. I also, even as an active Conservative, don't know too may people (read: any) who believe the earth is flat.
All in all this book could be useful for teaching about political activism, the role of community and parental involvement in schools, and the obvious topic of censorship and banning of books. But I would say that a parent would want to read this book along with a child, because of the many shades of opinion portrayed. The book also leads to a conclusion with which all parents may not totally agree.
I myself mostly agree with the solution, but there are things within the book I would have discussed further with a student. I didn't like the way some of the opinions were presented and the slant that was taken toward some viewpoints.
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Old Curiosity Shop
by Charles Dickens
Mostly Thumbs Down
I used to read primarily classic literature. It was my way of trying to constantly increase my cultural literacy. Most classic titles have become classics because they are rich in some quantifiable factor: memorable characters, historical commentary, well-crafted interpersonal scenarios, ethical or social dilemmas, or simply great story telling. The really great stories combine several of these factors. There are a few, however, that become classics for some more vague, perhaps unquantifiable reason.
I will put The Old Curiosity Shop into this category. Dickens does give readers a cast of very colorful, memorable characters. He also presents a variety of ethical and social situations, many not good. But in general, the story seems to drag. And drag. And drag. I did finally feel a pull by the plot in about the final 120 pages or so of the 530 page book. But for the entire first portion of the book I really had to force myself to pick it up each time. It just wasn't that interesting.
And it was sad in wearying kind of way. I found myself repulsed by the behavior of so many of the characters. I know there are evil people in the world, but thankfully, God has spared me contact with evil such as Dickens give Mr. Quilp and a few of the others in the book. When I sit to read, I want to be refreshed, not worn down.
There were, however characters of great virtue. There were many witty paragraphs that gave astute insight into human nature. There were touching scenes of caring. I find myself intrigued by Dickens' ability to use the English language. And I was taught several words with which I was previously unfamiliar.
Mostly Thumbs Down
I used to read primarily classic literature. It was my way of trying to constantly increase my cultural literacy. Most classic titles have become classics because they are rich in some quantifiable factor: memorable characters, historical commentary, well-crafted interpersonal scenarios, ethical or social dilemmas, or simply great story telling. The really great stories combine several of these factors. There are a few, however, that become classics for some more vague, perhaps unquantifiable reason.
I will put The Old Curiosity Shop into this category. Dickens does give readers a cast of very colorful, memorable characters. He also presents a variety of ethical and social situations, many not good. But in general, the story seems to drag. And drag. And drag. I did finally feel a pull by the plot in about the final 120 pages or so of the 530 page book. But for the entire first portion of the book I really had to force myself to pick it up each time. It just wasn't that interesting.
And it was sad in wearying kind of way. I found myself repulsed by the behavior of so many of the characters. I know there are evil people in the world, but thankfully, God has spared me contact with evil such as Dickens give Mr. Quilp and a few of the others in the book. When I sit to read, I want to be refreshed, not worn down.
There were, however characters of great virtue. There were many witty paragraphs that gave astute insight into human nature. There were touching scenes of caring. I find myself intrigued by Dickens' ability to use the English language. And I was taught several words with which I was previously unfamiliar.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Death in a Prairie House: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Murders
by William R. Drennen
Thumbs up.
University of Wisconsin Baraboo/Sauk County professor emeritus, William Drennen traces the story of Frank Lloyd Wright. After a brief introduction, he backs up to family histories, tracing those of Wright's parents and grandparents.
Drennen shows the strange and unusual relationship under which Wright, the most favored son, lived with his frighteningly possessive mother. He tells of the religious and philosophical meld of Unitarian/Universalist and Transcendental/Emersonian philosophies deeply held in Wright's familial background.
Wright's father was an artistic and self-indulgent sort with apparently no financial management skills or common sense. His family often lacked basic necessities while whims were indulged.
Drennen tells of Wright's early design successes.
We are told of his love for his first wife, Kitty, and their family, and how his entire design scheme at that time was an extension of that love, and an expression of family unity. His idea of a prairie house included specific mechanisms designed intentionally to center around a happy family experience.
And then he went wacko. Drennan spends some time spelling out the connection between Wright's religious/philosophical background and his seemingly sudden shift in world view. If a person's religion is not based upon a specific Scripture, what is there to hold one firm?
After designing a house for a Mr. Edwin Cheney, Wright continued to spend increasing amounts of time with Cheney's wife, Mamah.
Mamah was an early feminist. She and her husband Edwin had two children, but she did not see it as particularly her job to raise them. Her primary fulfillment as a woman was to free herself from traditional female roles which she thought of as chains. In order to be emotionally honest, she had to do only, exactly what she wanted to do at all times.
After a couple of years during which Wright seems to have been unsure of which path he wanted to follow, he threw in his lot with Mamah. Wright seems to have become convinced of this superiority of emotional honesty and the virtue of living according to one's true desires.
Wright built Mamah the ultimate prairie house. Taliesin, outside of Spring Green, WI, has been described as the culmination of all Wright's design ideas; the sum of what he had been trying to portray with his prairie style.
And then suddenly it was all gone. Mamah was dead, along with six others, and the living quarters of Taliesin burned down at the hand of a madman. Although the murderer was known right away, there has been much speculation surrounding the incident and many questions the answers to which no one will never know.
Wright continued to work after this time, but his designs, according to Drennen, were of a much different sort. Less beauty, less life. And much fewer in number. The tragic events seemed also to have spelled the end of Wright's genius.
Wright rebuilt Taliesin, the living quarters burned once again at a later time. He rebuilt again. Although Wright built on the same sites and even using the remaining structures each time, both rebuilds were less great than the original.
Death in a Prairie House is well told. Drennen includes a thorough bibliography. He tells readers when he is guessing, and what others have asserted and surmised regarding Wright's life, his personality, and the circumstances of the Taliesin murders.
I have lived in Madison, WI, and also in Oak Park, IL, both stomping grounds of Wright. Many of the places mentioned were familiar. I was glad to know more about this 20th century great.
The book made we want to learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright and his designs, and also about transcendentalism and universalism and how they affected 20th century worldviews.
While reading this book, I was often reminded of a theory a good friend once proposed. She said that all masters or geniuses (as in those who are "way above normal" great at what they do) are a little bit crazy. If true, Frank Lloyd Wright is no exception.
Thumbs up.
University of Wisconsin Baraboo/Sauk County professor emeritus, William Drennen traces the story of Frank Lloyd Wright. After a brief introduction, he backs up to family histories, tracing those of Wright's parents and grandparents.
Drennen shows the strange and unusual relationship under which Wright, the most favored son, lived with his frighteningly possessive mother. He tells of the religious and philosophical meld of Unitarian/Universalist and Transcendental/Emersonian philosophies deeply held in Wright's familial background.
Wright's father was an artistic and self-indulgent sort with apparently no financial management skills or common sense. His family often lacked basic necessities while whims were indulged.
Drennen tells of Wright's early design successes.
We are told of his love for his first wife, Kitty, and their family, and how his entire design scheme at that time was an extension of that love, and an expression of family unity. His idea of a prairie house included specific mechanisms designed intentionally to center around a happy family experience.
And then he went wacko. Drennan spends some time spelling out the connection between Wright's religious/philosophical background and his seemingly sudden shift in world view. If a person's religion is not based upon a specific Scripture, what is there to hold one firm?
After designing a house for a Mr. Edwin Cheney, Wright continued to spend increasing amounts of time with Cheney's wife, Mamah.
Mamah was an early feminist. She and her husband Edwin had two children, but she did not see it as particularly her job to raise them. Her primary fulfillment as a woman was to free herself from traditional female roles which she thought of as chains. In order to be emotionally honest, she had to do only, exactly what she wanted to do at all times.
After a couple of years during which Wright seems to have been unsure of which path he wanted to follow, he threw in his lot with Mamah. Wright seems to have become convinced of this superiority of emotional honesty and the virtue of living according to one's true desires.
Wright built Mamah the ultimate prairie house. Taliesin, outside of Spring Green, WI, has been described as the culmination of all Wright's design ideas; the sum of what he had been trying to portray with his prairie style.
And then suddenly it was all gone. Mamah was dead, along with six others, and the living quarters of Taliesin burned down at the hand of a madman. Although the murderer was known right away, there has been much speculation surrounding the incident and many questions the answers to which no one will never know.
Wright continued to work after this time, but his designs, according to Drennen, were of a much different sort. Less beauty, less life. And much fewer in number. The tragic events seemed also to have spelled the end of Wright's genius.
Wright rebuilt Taliesin, the living quarters burned once again at a later time. He rebuilt again. Although Wright built on the same sites and even using the remaining structures each time, both rebuilds were less great than the original.
Death in a Prairie House is well told. Drennen includes a thorough bibliography. He tells readers when he is guessing, and what others have asserted and surmised regarding Wright's life, his personality, and the circumstances of the Taliesin murders.
I have lived in Madison, WI, and also in Oak Park, IL, both stomping grounds of Wright. Many of the places mentioned were familiar. I was glad to know more about this 20th century great.
The book made we want to learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright and his designs, and also about transcendentalism and universalism and how they affected 20th century worldviews.
While reading this book, I was often reminded of a theory a good friend once proposed. She said that all masters or geniuses (as in those who are "way above normal" great at what they do) are a little bit crazy. If true, Frank Lloyd Wright is no exception.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Courage and Consequence
by Karl Rove
Thumbs up.
In this memoir by Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff for President George W. Bush, Karl Rove tells his side of what he calls in the book, the many "Myths of Rove." Starting with his life as a youth and continuing through his days as President of College Republicans; his days as founder and director of Rove+, a direct mail consulting and later public affairs firm; his years working for George W. Bush during Bush's gubernatorial campaign and governorship in Texas; and finally his years in the center of world events, serving President Bush in the White House, Rove shares his story.
The story Rove tells is sometimes exhilarating and inspiring; frequently maddening and frustrating; and even periodically heartbreaking. I really ran the gamut of emotions while struggling to get through the book. There were times the emotionally laden material was too much to read in a constant dose, as in Rove's recounting of the events of 9/11 and the days following that horrendous event. There were times I was so mad at our press or political players that I didn't want to continue the book.
For the most part Rove tells his story well, but there are times I got bogged down in the details. For much of the book, I was engaged and drawn, but there were a few places during which Rove's lists of various hypocrisies or transgressions by his political opponents became simply lists to wade through.
The book is very well documented, encouraging any cynical or doubting readers to check up on his facts. I was unfamiliar with the citation style Rove chose. He does not number his citations, but each end note has a page number and a segment of quoted text, followed by the bibliographical information. Once I got used to this style, I think I preferred it to the more traditional style. I was able to concentrate on the text without the distraction of constant end notes; and then later when I chose to read through his citations, the partial quote allowed me to contextualize the information at that time.
Another bonus is the very comprehensive index. I've already used it to recheck a few things I couldn't remember clearly.
I was left with several primary impressions from the book. Firstly, Rove very much admired and respected the man for whom he worked. Rove makes an excellent case explaining why history will include President George W. Bush as one of America's great leaders.
Secondly, Rove loves the political game. This opinion comes through loudly throughout the book, but I remain a little skeptical of the nobility of this attitude. Let me rephrase that. I think statesmanship is a noble calling. I think the academic study of politics and political systems is a noble endeavor. And I think the ability to articulate for the general public the ideas gleaned from such study is a noble undertaking. But the game, the political give and take and grab and throw and whatever verbs one chooses to put with American politics today is neither noble nor dignified. But Rove almost convinces me of its worthiness.
And finally, Rove loves his country. In one of the end chapters of the book, Rove describes meeting with the Krisstoff family. Dr Bill and Mrs Christine Krisstoff lost a son, Nathan, a Marine First Lieutenant, to an IED in Iraq; they saw another son, Austin, follow in his brother's footsteps to fight for his country in the US Marine Corps. And Dr. Krisstoff, an orthopedic surgeon, at 61, was begging to serve his country by treating the wounded as a Navy doctor. With the help of the Bush Administration, Dr. Krisstoff was allowed to join the Navy and finally was able to treat wounded Marines on the front lines as part of the Forward Resuscitative Surgical System. Rove explains how getting to know this family clarified for him the greatness of the American people.
Thumbs up.
In this memoir by Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff for President George W. Bush, Karl Rove tells his side of what he calls in the book, the many "Myths of Rove." Starting with his life as a youth and continuing through his days as President of College Republicans; his days as founder and director of Rove+, a direct mail consulting and later public affairs firm; his years working for George W. Bush during Bush's gubernatorial campaign and governorship in Texas; and finally his years in the center of world events, serving President Bush in the White House, Rove shares his story.
The story Rove tells is sometimes exhilarating and inspiring; frequently maddening and frustrating; and even periodically heartbreaking. I really ran the gamut of emotions while struggling to get through the book. There were times the emotionally laden material was too much to read in a constant dose, as in Rove's recounting of the events of 9/11 and the days following that horrendous event. There were times I was so mad at our press or political players that I didn't want to continue the book.
For the most part Rove tells his story well, but there are times I got bogged down in the details. For much of the book, I was engaged and drawn, but there were a few places during which Rove's lists of various hypocrisies or transgressions by his political opponents became simply lists to wade through.
The book is very well documented, encouraging any cynical or doubting readers to check up on his facts. I was unfamiliar with the citation style Rove chose. He does not number his citations, but each end note has a page number and a segment of quoted text, followed by the bibliographical information. Once I got used to this style, I think I preferred it to the more traditional style. I was able to concentrate on the text without the distraction of constant end notes; and then later when I chose to read through his citations, the partial quote allowed me to contextualize the information at that time.
Another bonus is the very comprehensive index. I've already used it to recheck a few things I couldn't remember clearly.
I was left with several primary impressions from the book. Firstly, Rove very much admired and respected the man for whom he worked. Rove makes an excellent case explaining why history will include President George W. Bush as one of America's great leaders.
Secondly, Rove loves the political game. This opinion comes through loudly throughout the book, but I remain a little skeptical of the nobility of this attitude. Let me rephrase that. I think statesmanship is a noble calling. I think the academic study of politics and political systems is a noble endeavor. And I think the ability to articulate for the general public the ideas gleaned from such study is a noble undertaking. But the game, the political give and take and grab and throw and whatever verbs one chooses to put with American politics today is neither noble nor dignified. But Rove almost convinces me of its worthiness.
And finally, Rove loves his country. In one of the end chapters of the book, Rove describes meeting with the Krisstoff family. Dr Bill and Mrs Christine Krisstoff lost a son, Nathan, a Marine First Lieutenant, to an IED in Iraq; they saw another son, Austin, follow in his brother's footsteps to fight for his country in the US Marine Corps. And Dr. Krisstoff, an orthopedic surgeon, at 61, was begging to serve his country by treating the wounded as a Navy doctor. With the help of the Bush Administration, Dr. Krisstoff was allowed to join the Navy and finally was able to treat wounded Marines on the front lines as part of the Forward Resuscitative Surgical System. Rove explains how getting to know this family clarified for him the greatness of the American people.
I came to understand, more powerfully and clearly than ever before, what the president meant when he said that in these visits with the loved ones of the fallen "the comforter becomes comforted by the spirit and pride of these families." And like so many others who have met people like the Krisstoff family over the years, I marveled at how our nation produces people like Nathan, Austin, Bill, and Christine. To see bravery, sacrifice, and love of country in such personal terms leaves a mark on your soul. It also deepened, in ways I could never imagine, my love for our country and for Americans who rise in times of consequence and challenge. As long as this nation produces people like the Krisstoff family America will remain not only the greatest nation on the planet, but the most noble in history's long sweep.
Monday, July 12, 2010
No. 1 Hard
by Oliver Dalrymple, Bonanza Farmer
Thumbs Up.
NO. 1 HARD; Oliver Dalrymple: The Story of a Bonanza Farmer
, in a very brief account, tells the story of one of the chief Bonanza Farm managers in the Fargo area in the mid to late 1800s and on into the 1900s. The story is pieced together from memories of three generations of Dalrymples. It is told as though to the younger generations.
The story begins with the Dalrymples farming near Amherst MA, shortly after the Revolutionary War. It traces their progress west by way of Sugar Grove, PA ; Cottage Grove, MN; and finally Casselton, ND.
The just over fifty page book is full of colorful pictures of westward expansion, innovation, risks, and hard work. It was a pleasure to read.
Thumbs Up.
NO. 1 HARD; Oliver Dalrymple: The Story of a Bonanza Farmer
, in a very brief account, tells the story of one of the chief Bonanza Farm managers in the Fargo area in the mid to late 1800s and on into the 1900s. The story is pieced together from memories of three generations of Dalrymples. It is told as though to the younger generations. The story begins with the Dalrymples farming near Amherst MA, shortly after the Revolutionary War. It traces their progress west by way of Sugar Grove, PA ; Cottage Grove, MN; and finally Casselton, ND.
The just over fifty page book is full of colorful pictures of westward expansion, innovation, risks, and hard work. It was a pleasure to read.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Putting Away Childish Things
by Marcus J. Borg
Thumbs Down
If you've ever had to sit in a college classroom and listen to a professor or lecturer speak patronizingly about your personal beliefs, and if you enjoyed it, you'll love this book. Unless of course you are already not a Bible believing Christian, in the pre Enlightenment definition. If that is the case, you will probably get a hoot out of the oh-so-witty conservative Christian stereotypes and smirk to yourself about how insightful Dr. Borg is.
Dr. Kate Riley is a professor of religious philosophy. She lectures her students, she converses with her good friends (and an ex-lover), she writes in her journal, and she leads a Bible study at her Episcopal congregation. We are privy to all of these lectures, conversations, thoughts and teachings.
As Kate deals with a few life issues of her own and comes to a greater understanding of her connectedness to all things and of what it is to trust God, the reader is led through a survey course on post Enlightenment religious philosophy. One almost feels proselytized toward these religious views.
Putting Away Childish Things is a fictional narrative intended, it would seem, to educate a less scholarly demographic in post Enlightenment religious philosophy. The title refers to letting go of those "childish" notions like belief in an inerrant, inspired Scripture, creation, miracles and the resurrection story. It shows those of us who are still clinging to these outdated ideas what true Christianity is and how Christianity can be reconciled with more enlightened views of Scripture. It basically implies we need to just grow up.
Sorry, Dr. Borg, I'm not buying.
Please note, although it has a little Christian Fiction sticker from the library, I refuse to honor it with such label in my blog index.
Update 7/6/10
Joe thought my sarcasm might have been confusing. In the paragraph which starts, "Dr. Kate Riley is a professor of religious philosophy," I was trying to portray honestly the mindset of the character. I was not espousing her personal views or acknowledging them as truth.
Just to be clear...
Thumbs Down
If you've ever had to sit in a college classroom and listen to a professor or lecturer speak patronizingly about your personal beliefs, and if you enjoyed it, you'll love this book. Unless of course you are already not a Bible believing Christian, in the pre Enlightenment definition. If that is the case, you will probably get a hoot out of the oh-so-witty conservative Christian stereotypes and smirk to yourself about how insightful Dr. Borg is.
Dr. Kate Riley is a professor of religious philosophy. She lectures her students, she converses with her good friends (and an ex-lover), she writes in her journal, and she leads a Bible study at her Episcopal congregation. We are privy to all of these lectures, conversations, thoughts and teachings.
As Kate deals with a few life issues of her own and comes to a greater understanding of her connectedness to all things and of what it is to trust God, the reader is led through a survey course on post Enlightenment religious philosophy. One almost feels proselytized toward these religious views.
Putting Away Childish Things is a fictional narrative intended, it would seem, to educate a less scholarly demographic in post Enlightenment religious philosophy. The title refers to letting go of those "childish" notions like belief in an inerrant, inspired Scripture, creation, miracles and the resurrection story. It shows those of us who are still clinging to these outdated ideas what true Christianity is and how Christianity can be reconciled with more enlightened views of Scripture. It basically implies we need to just grow up.
Sorry, Dr. Borg, I'm not buying.
Please note, although it has a little Christian Fiction sticker from the library, I refuse to honor it with such label in my blog index.
Update 7/6/10
Joe thought my sarcasm might have been confusing. In the paragraph which starts, "Dr. Kate Riley is a professor of religious philosophy," I was trying to portray honestly the mindset of the character. I was not espousing her personal views or acknowledging them as truth.
Just to be clear...
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Careful Use of Compliments
by Alexander McCall Smith
Thumbs Up.
Until the other day, I had been under the mistaken idea that the Isabel Dalhousie series was to have only three books. I suppose this was a surmise on my part based on the neatly finished feeling at the end of the third book. But I quickly grabbed this the forth installment when I saw it. And I look forward to picking up the fifth and sixth books in the series.
For those who are unfamiliar with Isabel Dalhousie, she is the the editor of the fictional Review of Applied Ethics. She lives in Edinburgh and is independently wealthy. She is now mother to Charlie, who in this book is a few months old. In each book, Isabel ends up investigating/prying into some mystery. The difference between investigating and prying into is a fine line when viewed through the lenses of an expert on ethical matters. And this crux gives Isabel much food for her musings.
Although these books are mysteries, the focus is more on the ethical and social implications of the various circumstances Isabel ponders. I find them excellent material for re-examining my own worldview and they challenge me to internally defend my own stance on various contemporary social and political issues.
The characters are very likable; their personalities are well developed. The plots are always compelling.
The series is also very culturally rich. Isabel and her friends frequent the opera and orchestra; they discuss poetry and works of art. Although I didn't take the time to do so this time, the books often inspire me to read up on some of the composers or musical works, literary figures or artists who are mentioned.
In The Careful Use of Compliments, Isabel investigates the authenticity of some paintings that have recently come into the market. She nearly loses her job and faces an ethically tough decision regarding that potential loss.
Although Isabel knows that children do better in two parent homes, she still will not marry Jamie, which does not sit well with me. I just want to reach in there an twist their conversations to allow each of their true feelings to be addressed. Because she a woman who is so ethically upright, Isabel is loth to let Jamie know how she feels for fear of making him feel trapped into marrying her. This is just one example of how her reasoned ethical stances often lead to contradictory ends.
In The Careful Use of Compliments, Isabel and Jamie travel to the Isle of Jura in the Inner Hebrides. And yes, thanks to Mr. McCall Smith's vivid descriptions I now have yet another vacation spot to dream about. The author makes the landscape come alive for his readers.
It has been a couple of years since I have read one of these books, but in this one Isabel seems to spend more time than in the previous books examining the ideas of big government and social programs, inherited wealth and wealth in general. George Orwell and his writing of 1984 play a role in this title, as do the disparity of financial background between Isabel and Jamie, and also Isabel's grandfather's money from the oil industry.
Although I don't always come to the same conclusions as Isabel, I always enjoy reading about her and her exploits. And yes, exploit is not a word Isabel would like me to use regarding her investigations. She always operates from an ethically well-thought argument. She holds herself to very high standards within her rational humanist worldview. She would most certainly never intentionally exploit anyone.
Thumbs Up.
Until the other day, I had been under the mistaken idea that the Isabel Dalhousie series was to have only three books. I suppose this was a surmise on my part based on the neatly finished feeling at the end of the third book. But I quickly grabbed this the forth installment when I saw it. And I look forward to picking up the fifth and sixth books in the series.
For those who are unfamiliar with Isabel Dalhousie, she is the the editor of the fictional Review of Applied Ethics. She lives in Edinburgh and is independently wealthy. She is now mother to Charlie, who in this book is a few months old. In each book, Isabel ends up investigating/prying into some mystery. The difference between investigating and prying into is a fine line when viewed through the lenses of an expert on ethical matters. And this crux gives Isabel much food for her musings.
Although these books are mysteries, the focus is more on the ethical and social implications of the various circumstances Isabel ponders. I find them excellent material for re-examining my own worldview and they challenge me to internally defend my own stance on various contemporary social and political issues.
The characters are very likable; their personalities are well developed. The plots are always compelling.
The series is also very culturally rich. Isabel and her friends frequent the opera and orchestra; they discuss poetry and works of art. Although I didn't take the time to do so this time, the books often inspire me to read up on some of the composers or musical works, literary figures or artists who are mentioned.
In The Careful Use of Compliments, Isabel investigates the authenticity of some paintings that have recently come into the market. She nearly loses her job and faces an ethically tough decision regarding that potential loss.
Although Isabel knows that children do better in two parent homes, she still will not marry Jamie, which does not sit well with me. I just want to reach in there an twist their conversations to allow each of their true feelings to be addressed. Because she a woman who is so ethically upright, Isabel is loth to let Jamie know how she feels for fear of making him feel trapped into marrying her. This is just one example of how her reasoned ethical stances often lead to contradictory ends.
In The Careful Use of Compliments, Isabel and Jamie travel to the Isle of Jura in the Inner Hebrides. And yes, thanks to Mr. McCall Smith's vivid descriptions I now have yet another vacation spot to dream about. The author makes the landscape come alive for his readers.
It has been a couple of years since I have read one of these books, but in this one Isabel seems to spend more time than in the previous books examining the ideas of big government and social programs, inherited wealth and wealth in general. George Orwell and his writing of 1984 play a role in this title, as do the disparity of financial background between Isabel and Jamie, and also Isabel's grandfather's money from the oil industry.
Although I don't always come to the same conclusions as Isabel, I always enjoy reading about her and her exploits. And yes, exploit is not a word Isabel would like me to use regarding her investigations. She always operates from an ethically well-thought argument. She holds herself to very high standards within her rational humanist worldview. She would most certainly never intentionally exploit anyone.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: the True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession
by Allison Hoover Bartlett
Thumbs Up.
After many hours of interviews and research, Ms. Bartlett narrates the stories of book thief, John Charles Gilkey, and rare book seller, Ken Sanders, whose perseverance tracked Gilkey down. Throughout, this tale is a celebration of books and book lovers. Ms. Bartlett describes various kinds of book aficionados and seeks to discover what makes someone who loves books and collecting them, cross the line into thievery.
A reader will learn about the history of collecting books, some of the premier venues for finding rare books, and a little of the terminology of the hobby. It's a great read for anyone who loves books, rare or common.
I could just about smell and feel the books Ms Barlett describes. I'd love to see, for instance, an example of fore-edge painting, in which the gilt edge, when fanned just slightly opened, shows a painting of a scene from the book. Occasionally, this process is done twice, so that when fanned the other way, an alternate scene is portrayed.
I could picture easily the wooden fronts and backs and the various leather and linen covers. I could imagine the aisles of such books in the shops Ms Bartlett highlighted. Mmmm.
The book is filled with the personal stories of books sellers and books. The author draws the reader along on the main two courses, that of Gilkey's world of book theft and Sander's drive to discover the thief.
But Ms Bartlett also meanders into frequent anecdotes showing how both a love of books and the stories within books themselves have effected people throughout time. The book pleases on many levels.
Thumbs Up.
After many hours of interviews and research, Ms. Bartlett narrates the stories of book thief, John Charles Gilkey, and rare book seller, Ken Sanders, whose perseverance tracked Gilkey down. Throughout, this tale is a celebration of books and book lovers. Ms. Bartlett describes various kinds of book aficionados and seeks to discover what makes someone who loves books and collecting them, cross the line into thievery.
A reader will learn about the history of collecting books, some of the premier venues for finding rare books, and a little of the terminology of the hobby. It's a great read for anyone who loves books, rare or common.
I could just about smell and feel the books Ms Barlett describes. I'd love to see, for instance, an example of fore-edge painting, in which the gilt edge, when fanned just slightly opened, shows a painting of a scene from the book. Occasionally, this process is done twice, so that when fanned the other way, an alternate scene is portrayed.
I could picture easily the wooden fronts and backs and the various leather and linen covers. I could imagine the aisles of such books in the shops Ms Bartlett highlighted. Mmmm.
The book is filled with the personal stories of books sellers and books. The author draws the reader along on the main two courses, that of Gilkey's world of book theft and Sander's drive to discover the thief.
But Ms Bartlett also meanders into frequent anecdotes showing how both a love of books and the stories within books themselves have effected people throughout time. The book pleases on many levels.
Friday, February 19, 2010
1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up
Edited by Julia Eccleshare. Preface and frontispiece artwork by Quentin Blake.
Thumbs Up.
This is such a great book. Many thanks to my librarian for recommending it. I generally would not read a book with a title such as this. I know there are any number of books out there with reading recommendations for families. But personally, I just don't need the guilt that might come with perusing such lists. "Oh, no, I haven't gotten to this one. Or this one. Look here's another..."
But this book is a pleasure from beginning to end. There is way too much material to enjoy in a mere three week library loan time. But an indulgent pleasure none the less.
The book is arranged by age range. F0r each title, it lists title, author, illustrator and other publisher information and a brief review of the book. Reviewers also note any awards the books have received and might include a note on any special significance the book had, such as it's literary, artistic, or social import. Often a well known quote is included. For many titles is also included a little box with further books in the series, other books by the author, or titles of similar style and genre.
I especially like that most books are portrayed with their original cover, many of whose titles therefore appear in the original in foreign language. On the picture, then, Little Brown Bear shows Petit Ours Brun est grognon. Not really earth shattering, but fun to see.
My kids of all ages have enjoyed paging through it. They sit two or three together and point out all the ones they know and talk about the ones they don't. For the several who don't read independently, this is based solely on the cover images.
I would say one drawback might be that the book is heavy and although hard covered, the spine is very flexible. I am not sure how well it would hold up to constant use by little hands. It just feels like it might not hold up to the wear and tear.
I had no idea there were so many wonderful children's books in the world and will certainly be requesting some of them. I will also eventually try to purchase my own copy of this, because I would like to mark off the books we've read and have a resource to consult when I want to request another title or two. But until then, the book is available at my library. I know where to find it. I just have to share.
Thumbs Up.
This is such a great book. Many thanks to my librarian for recommending it. I generally would not read a book with a title such as this. I know there are any number of books out there with reading recommendations for families. But personally, I just don't need the guilt that might come with perusing such lists. "Oh, no, I haven't gotten to this one. Or this one. Look here's another..."
But this book is a pleasure from beginning to end. There is way too much material to enjoy in a mere three week library loan time. But an indulgent pleasure none the less.
The book is arranged by age range. F0r each title, it lists title, author, illustrator and other publisher information and a brief review of the book. Reviewers also note any awards the books have received and might include a note on any special significance the book had, such as it's literary, artistic, or social import. Often a well known quote is included. For many titles is also included a little box with further books in the series, other books by the author, or titles of similar style and genre.
I especially like that most books are portrayed with their original cover, many of whose titles therefore appear in the original in foreign language. On the picture, then, Little Brown Bear shows Petit Ours Brun est grognon. Not really earth shattering, but fun to see.
My kids of all ages have enjoyed paging through it. They sit two or three together and point out all the ones they know and talk about the ones they don't. For the several who don't read independently, this is based solely on the cover images.
I would say one drawback might be that the book is heavy and although hard covered, the spine is very flexible. I am not sure how well it would hold up to constant use by little hands. It just feels like it might not hold up to the wear and tear.
I had no idea there were so many wonderful children's books in the world and will certainly be requesting some of them. I will also eventually try to purchase my own copy of this, because I would like to mark off the books we've read and have a resource to consult when I want to request another title or two. But until then, the book is available at my library. I know where to find it. I just have to share.
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