June 2017

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.