Riding
the Bus With My Sister
By Rachel Simon
This was a reread of Riding
the Bus With My Sister by Rachel Simon.
I originally read it in 2003, after hearing an interview with Simon on
our local NPR radio. At that time, it
was a very meaningful and significant read for me. I’ve always kept it in the back of my mind
when dealing with issues in my own family.
So when I recently saw a copy at our local library book sale, I
immediately picked it up. Once again,
the book came to me when I needed it. I
can relate to Simon’s struggles and frustrations with her sister. But I also relate to her sister’s need for
independence and autonomy. Dealing with
siblings and family relationships is never easy. When normal challenges are compounded by any
kind of physical and/or mental disability, they can sometimes seem
insurmountable. Riding the Bus With
My Sister is a gentle reminder that we need to practice acceptance and
compassion with our siblings and with ourselves. It remains an engaging and significant read.
Guts
By Gary Paulsen
Guts is Gary Paulsen’s memoir of true experiences
that inspired his Hatchet Adventure series.
I listened to the audiobook after reading the entire series. It was very interesting to learn that most of
the material for the series came from Paulsen’s own childhood experiences. It was definitely geared for those interested
in either the Hatchet series or survival skills. I enjoyed most of it, although I have to
admit that the actual title chapter, Guts, was a little more than I could
take. It truly was about guts… lots of
guts described in great detail. The
other chapters were interesting and valuable.
It was a great break from technology and presented a world that today’s
young adults rarely experience.
Definitely a good survival read!
The
River
By Gary Paulsen
The
River continues Brian’s survival
adventures, this time with the addition of another and without a
hatchet. It’s a continuation of the same
type of survival adventure, with a different twist. Definitely a good read.
The
Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
By C. S. Lewis
We recently revisited the
loved classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis with
our ten year old grandson. The Audible
audiobook made a torturous 5-½ hour car ride go quickly and pleasantly. The narration by Michael York was great. The audiobook was only 4 hours 21 minutes, so
we were able to continue the journey with Prince Caspian. The book is definitely a great read and/or
listen and can be enjoyed anyone of any age.
We
Should All Be Feminists
By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
We
Should All Be Feminists
was a significant read by an eloquent author.
It’s a short, but power-filled read, that I read in one sitting (64 pages). I wish I had been able to read and
internalize Ngozi Adichie’s words when I was a girl or young woman. I’m thankful her writing is available and
widely read now. I hope that it is being
read and discussed in schools. Definitely
a great read!
Pierced
by the Sun
By Laura Esquivel
Translation by Jordi Castells
Pierced by the Sun by Laura Esquivel is another good read from Kindle First. It’s a great way to discover new books and/or authors. I try to look for books that are translations. Many are best sellers in their original languages. Jordi Castells did a great job of translating this book from Spanish. The setting is Mexico. The main character, Lupita, is a Mexican police officer investigating the murder of a local politician. Along the way, she experiences personal growth. We’re left hoping that the same will happen for Mexico.
Pierced by the Sun by Laura Esquivel is another good read from Kindle First. It’s a great way to discover new books and/or authors. I try to look for books that are translations. Many are best sellers in their original languages. Jordi Castells did a great job of translating this book from Spanish. The setting is Mexico. The main character, Lupita, is a Mexican police officer investigating the murder of a local politician. Along the way, she experiences personal growth. We’re left hoping that the same will happen for Mexico.
