The most reliable demand of my childhood. "Read it again, Mom!...Again, Dad!" Whenever I picked up a book, you could bet that I'd be reading it again in an hour...a day...a week...and so on as I grew.
One of my best girlfriends from gradeschool once asked me why I was rereading something. She hardly ever reread books. But the books I read were The Animorphs. She read Jane Eyre, and The Lord of the Rings, and who knows what other giant novels. And let's face it, giant novels are daunting. The thought of rereading them, even your favorites, can be discouraging. I remember reading in one of the Baby-sitters Club books that Kristy's grandmother rereads Gone with the Wind once every year. I read Gone with the Wind and it took me a year to get through. But ever since I read that Baby-sitters Club book (damn you, Ann M. Martin for writing so well for an audience like me), I wanted to have a book like that. One I loved so much that I could reread it once a year and never be sick of it.
Sure, I have Charlotte's Web and The Outsiders...but not since I became an adult have I found a rereadable book that fits the once-a-year must-read criteria. And in truth, my thirst for new reads surpassed my yearning for old favorites around the time I turned 15.
So what do you do when you dream of the perfect book? I need recommendations stat. What are your rereadables? How do I get back in the swing of it? Halp!
Showing posts with label Rereads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rereads. Show all posts
Peter Pan Me, Please
Oy vey. I must say, I've been much more focused on new summer clothes, fashion, fragrance, fine food, and finally, FINALLY having enough money to pay off my credit card (yay!) to think much about the world of books this month. I have still been reading up a storm, though, and that Secret Life review will be coming up quicker than you think (or than I planned). I've actually already finished the book. However, I'm making a point this time to read the appendices, as they diverge from the usual list format and are actually giving me more information about the author's sources, and consequently, about Marilyn.
Reading about a woman who is portrayed as never having truly grown up, and with summer fast approaching, I'm in the mood for light, dependable kids' books. The B/F and I often have rather emphatic debates about age-appropriate reading material: when is it time to bite the bullet and stop reading books written for a younger audience?
The B/F will tell you that as you grow up, it's time to move on to more and more grown-up subject matter. Like in phases, I guess. What bothers me is when he tells me you can't go back.
What are you talking about? Of course you can go back. I know the way well. Right back through all the bestsellers, chick lit, fiction, non-fiction, romance novels, fantasy/sci-fi, cookbooks, history, social science, and self-help, to land smack in the middle of the young adult section. Or maybe even the children's section. And sometimes even the infants' section! (Don't deny it. That bunny tail will always be so nice and soft to touch.)
Sure, depending on how far back you go, you might look just slightly ridiculous. But, when I browse those sections, I usually find that people think I'm there looking for a gift. No need to feel embarrassed. Sometimes you need simplicity in your head. I can't think of a better way to get there than to read a children's book. It's not like no one else is doing it.
So, obviously, my unshakable answer to The B/F's protests? Never. You are never too old for a kids' book. Look at the success of Twilight among adults -- or Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Heck, are you going to tell me you wouldn't sit down to read the first Captain Underpants from cover to cover if you had the chance?
Kids' books are great because they don't hide anything. You know exactly what you're getting. There is not much guessing, not much reading between the lines. This might sound backwards, or incredibly lazy, but every once in awhile, it's just so refreshing to have everything spelled out for you. It's like therapy.
The feeling of nostalgia I get when I re-read a FAVORITE kids' book is the BEST. Oh, there are so many. The Rough-Faced Girl. Ramona the Pest. The Pinballs. Henry and Mudge. Clifford the Big Red Dog. Clifford the Small Red Puppy. Charlotte's Web. The Stupids Die. Strega Nona. The Store-Bought Doll. Thundercake. The Baby-sitters Club. Spider Saves Easter. The Sweet Smell of Christmas. Oh, The Sweet Smell of Christmas. That book was amazing.
Last fall when we took a trip with my family down to our favorite beach vacation spot, The B.F. and I ventured into the local bookstore (I still have no idea what it's called, even though I've been inside it at least once during every trip of the 9+ years my family has vacationed there), and THERE IT WAS. An entire display of children's books, stacked with literally most of my favorites. I wanted to ask how much for the whole five shelves. The B.F. just stood, shuffling his feet, watching me melt, prodding me to leave them. But how could I? How could I leave Hats for Sale? And Frog and Toad? And Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus? And Babe the Gallant Pig (way better than the movie, btw)? And Stone Soup? Seriously, you want me to put down Stone Soup? With the same cover I remember from my childhood? I honest-to-goodness got teary-eyed when I could see that The B/F didn't understand my feelings for those books, when they didn't touch him in the way they touched me.
Sometimes I think I want to have children just so I can buy books for them, then steal them and read them for myself. Under the covers. With a flashlight. We'll put the hall light on and turn the TV up in the other room just for effect. When books can bring you to that special place, the one that makes you feel so good and safe, the one you thought was nearly gone, that's when you know they are worth reading. That's what kids' books do for me.
And that's not so bad, is it?
Reading about a woman who is portrayed as never having truly grown up, and with summer fast approaching, I'm in the mood for light, dependable kids' books. The B/F and I often have rather emphatic debates about age-appropriate reading material: when is it time to bite the bullet and stop reading books written for a younger audience?
The B/F will tell you that as you grow up, it's time to move on to more and more grown-up subject matter. Like in phases, I guess. What bothers me is when he tells me you can't go back.
What are you talking about? Of course you can go back. I know the way well. Right back through all the bestsellers, chick lit, fiction, non-fiction, romance novels, fantasy/sci-fi, cookbooks, history, social science, and self-help, to land smack in the middle of the young adult section. Or maybe even the children's section. And sometimes even the infants' section! (Don't deny it. That bunny tail will always be so nice and soft to touch.)
Sure, depending on how far back you go, you might look just slightly ridiculous. But, when I browse those sections, I usually find that people think I'm there looking for a gift. No need to feel embarrassed. Sometimes you need simplicity in your head. I can't think of a better way to get there than to read a children's book. It's not like no one else is doing it.
So, obviously, my unshakable answer to The B/F's protests? Never. You are never too old for a kids' book. Look at the success of Twilight among adults -- or Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Heck, are you going to tell me you wouldn't sit down to read the first Captain Underpants from cover to cover if you had the chance?
Kids' books are great because they don't hide anything. You know exactly what you're getting. There is not much guessing, not much reading between the lines. This might sound backwards, or incredibly lazy, but every once in awhile, it's just so refreshing to have everything spelled out for you. It's like therapy.
The feeling of nostalgia I get when I re-read a FAVORITE kids' book is the BEST. Oh, there are so many. The Rough-Faced Girl. Ramona the Pest. The Pinballs. Henry and Mudge. Clifford the Big Red Dog. Clifford the Small Red Puppy. Charlotte's Web. The Stupids Die. Strega Nona. The Store-Bought Doll. Thundercake. The Baby-sitters Club. Spider Saves Easter. The Sweet Smell of Christmas. Oh, The Sweet Smell of Christmas. That book was amazing.
Last fall when we took a trip with my family down to our favorite beach vacation spot, The B.F. and I ventured into the local bookstore (I still have no idea what it's called, even though I've been inside it at least once during every trip of the 9+ years my family has vacationed there), and THERE IT WAS. An entire display of children's books, stacked with literally most of my favorites. I wanted to ask how much for the whole five shelves. The B.F. just stood, shuffling his feet, watching me melt, prodding me to leave them. But how could I? How could I leave Hats for Sale? And Frog and Toad? And Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus? And Babe the Gallant Pig (way better than the movie, btw)? And Stone Soup? Seriously, you want me to put down Stone Soup? With the same cover I remember from my childhood? I honest-to-goodness got teary-eyed when I could see that The B/F didn't understand my feelings for those books, when they didn't touch him in the way they touched me.
Sometimes I think I want to have children just so I can buy books for them, then steal them and read them for myself. Under the covers. With a flashlight. We'll put the hall light on and turn the TV up in the other room just for effect. When books can bring you to that special place, the one that makes you feel so good and safe, the one you thought was nearly gone, that's when you know they are worth reading. That's what kids' books do for me.
And that's not so bad, is it?
REVIEW: 'The Dread Crew: Pirates of the Backwoods' by Kate Inglis
Sorry I'm late, everyone.
Charming. Fresh. Enticing. Original. Slug-smackin' good time.
When my copy of The Dread Crew: Pirates of the Backwoods by Kate Inglis finally arrived, I put down Jane Eyre and delved into this new treat immediately. I have to say: this is a marvelous first novel. I have commenced picketing for the movie.
She really did a phenomenal job setting the tone of the book with the diction, and from the very first line of the prologue. I loved how each character, from Missy to Joe to Willie to Hector, all had their own spin on the quaint language of New Germany. So entertaining, just how you'd want pirates to talk -- not expect them to -- want them to talk.
In fact, what I did expect was more elusiveness on the part of the pirates. The back of the book hints at Eric's story, tracking them through the woods, using clues they've dropped from their Barrow along the way. But in fact, you get to know the pirates (and Grandpa Joe) much more intimately than you ever do Eric. And these pirates, elusive? Getting the Stewarts' peacocks and goats to get along would be an easier task. But that is what makes this book a pleasure. "Honey lessons." So perfect.
What I loved most about this book was its accessibility. It was so hard to pin down an age group for it, which in the end, who cares? That means it's great for any age, and I think that's going to lend to its success. Children, adults, and tweens can all enjoy it. I imagined my mom reading it to me when I was little. The excitment in the storyline, plus the well-developed plot, plus its length (not too short, not too long!) will also make it a great re-read for me as an adult -- something I can read while I eat a bowl of soup, or vacation, or just plain need a break from real life.
I hope there will be a sequel, but this book stands on its own. Congratulations, Kate, and thanks again for sharing the launch of your tremendous accomplishment with me.
Next Up: Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte (for real this time)
Charming. Fresh. Enticing. Original. Slug-smackin' good time.
When my copy of The Dread Crew: Pirates of the Backwoods by Kate Inglis finally arrived, I put down Jane Eyre and delved into this new treat immediately. I have to say: this is a marvelous first novel. I have commenced picketing for the movie.
She really did a phenomenal job setting the tone of the book with the diction, and from the very first line of the prologue. I loved how each character, from Missy to Joe to Willie to Hector, all had their own spin on the quaint language of New Germany. So entertaining, just how you'd want pirates to talk -- not expect them to -- want them to talk.
In fact, what I did expect was more elusiveness on the part of the pirates. The back of the book hints at Eric's story, tracking them through the woods, using clues they've dropped from their Barrow along the way. But in fact, you get to know the pirates (and Grandpa Joe) much more intimately than you ever do Eric. And these pirates, elusive? Getting the Stewarts' peacocks and goats to get along would be an easier task. But that is what makes this book a pleasure. "Honey lessons." So perfect.
What I loved most about this book was its accessibility. It was so hard to pin down an age group for it, which in the end, who cares? That means it's great for any age, and I think that's going to lend to its success. Children, adults, and tweens can all enjoy it. I imagined my mom reading it to me when I was little. The excitment in the storyline, plus the well-developed plot, plus its length (not too short, not too long!) will also make it a great re-read for me as an adult -- something I can read while I eat a bowl of soup, or vacation, or just plain need a break from real life.
I hope there will be a sequel, but this book stands on its own. Congratulations, Kate, and thanks again for sharing the launch of your tremendous accomplishment with me.
Next Up: Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte (for real this time)
Celebrity Book Sighting
So I'm sitting and watching the Parks and Recreation episode I missed two weeks ago while I began the first long drive of my vacation. It's Episode # 203, entitled "Beauty Pageant." The plot in brief: Leslie Knope, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, serves as a judge for the local Pawnee beauty pageant. The subplot thickens as she discovers the police officer who is interested in dating her is not quite familiar with her real-life female role models -- specifically, Madeleine Albright.
It's the last scene of the episode, and I almost closed my full screen view so I could push on to view The Office episode I also missed, when...could it really be? Yes! It is! What do I spy in the background but a copy of Gail Collins's America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines! My favorite history book of all time!
America's Women on Leslie Knope's bookshelf:
America's Women on my own bookshelf:
I love this book with all my heart. It was the first book I ever read, at the ripe old age of 22, to really get me interested in, and sometimes fascinated with, history. From the era of the very first colonists up to the 21st century, Gail Collins, an editor at the New York Times, explores the common life, struggles, victories, failures, political activism, and overall history of American women. She includes many races, backgrounds, and classes in one of the largest compilations of diary entries, articles, books, and journals I've ever seen. According to Amazon, "...some of these women -- from the justly famous, like Clara Barton and Harriet Tubman, to the undeservedly obscure, like Elizabeth Eckford and Senator Margaret Chase Smith -- will not only make any woman proud to be a woman, they will make any American proud to be American."
I am absolutely smitten with this book. Admittedly, it took me a whole summer and then some to get through it...the amount of content is just so vast, and I'll confess that not all of the stories held my attention equally. At first, it's even a little befuddling. I thought I'd try to take notes in the margins, but there are so many stories about so many women, I'd already lost track by the 3rd chapter. I had to learn to let some 'characters' go, because they rarely turned up again later. You kind of have to let what stands out to you really stand alone, and let the rest fall where it may. Let me clarify. It's all so interesting; so many of the stories felt...inherent...to me. But I think it qualifies as a great re-read because I'd bet you'd learn something new every time. Really, you have no idea how much she fit into this little 608-page book (yes, 608 pages will seem ridiculously minuscule when you think about how much she probably didn't include).
The book was such an important discovery for me. It really did make me feel closer to my heritage as an American, and as an American woman. When I saw it in the background of last week's Parks and Recreation, I was so ecstatic. I feel driven to share how much I love this book every time I think about it. I'm surprised this whole blog hasn't had at least one mention of it by now. Well, I'm finally saying something. Go pick up a copy of America's Women by Gail Collins, and learn. Endorsed by Leslie Knope.* It's what it was written for.
*Not an actual endorsement.
It's the last scene of the episode, and I almost closed my full screen view so I could push on to view The Office episode I also missed, when...could it really be? Yes! It is! What do I spy in the background but a copy of Gail Collins's America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines! My favorite history book of all time!
America's Women on Leslie Knope's bookshelf:
America's Women on my own bookshelf:
I love this book with all my heart. It was the first book I ever read, at the ripe old age of 22, to really get me interested in, and sometimes fascinated with, history. From the era of the very first colonists up to the 21st century, Gail Collins, an editor at the New York Times, explores the common life, struggles, victories, failures, political activism, and overall history of American women. She includes many races, backgrounds, and classes in one of the largest compilations of diary entries, articles, books, and journals I've ever seen. According to Amazon, "...some of these women -- from the justly famous, like Clara Barton and Harriet Tubman, to the undeservedly obscure, like Elizabeth Eckford and Senator Margaret Chase Smith -- will not only make any woman proud to be a woman, they will make any American proud to be American."
I am absolutely smitten with this book. Admittedly, it took me a whole summer and then some to get through it...the amount of content is just so vast, and I'll confess that not all of the stories held my attention equally. At first, it's even a little befuddling. I thought I'd try to take notes in the margins, but there are so many stories about so many women, I'd already lost track by the 3rd chapter. I had to learn to let some 'characters' go, because they rarely turned up again later. You kind of have to let what stands out to you really stand alone, and let the rest fall where it may. Let me clarify. It's all so interesting; so many of the stories felt...inherent...to me. But I think it qualifies as a great re-read because I'd bet you'd learn something new every time. Really, you have no idea how much she fit into this little 608-page book (yes, 608 pages will seem ridiculously minuscule when you think about how much she probably didn't include).
The book was such an important discovery for me. It really did make me feel closer to my heritage as an American, and as an American woman. When I saw it in the background of last week's Parks and Recreation, I was so ecstatic. I feel driven to share how much I love this book every time I think about it. I'm surprised this whole blog hasn't had at least one mention of it by now. Well, I'm finally saying something. Go pick up a copy of America's Women by Gail Collins, and learn. Endorsed by Leslie Knope.* It's what it was written for.
*Not an actual endorsement.
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