A True Classic

It seems likes its been a long time since I posted on this blog. I guess that's because I stopped reading my students' books and returned to the classics. I love the classics, and I especially love Dickens. I think he is the greatest writer of all time. Though I have to admit the beginning of this novel was a bit much for me. There were a couple of chapters that just blew me away with their beautiful literacy, but all the characters felt rushed and shallow. Except the Defarges. At all times I disliked Madame Defarge. She was so dark and evil. Such a contrast form some of the other characters. Doctor Manette seemed to be the only complex character at the beginning. Always returning to his work as a shoemaker. But by the end Mr Carton was definitely complex. Such a humble and heroic figure. I could not beleive what he did for Charles Darnay. I'd tell you but that would spoil it for you. Let's just say he made a huge sacrifice, with dignity.

There were a couple chapters that really painted a picture of the darkness of the revolution. People on the streets were gulping up spilled wine, as if it was their only hope of survival. An arrogant aristocrat runs down children on the streets of Paris with his carriage. That was so shocking. And as Ben said, probably true to the era. I just can't blieve that the world was in such a state just several hundred years ago. We've come a long way. But our troubles now are so different. We still have Defarges, Marquis and Manettes and Cartons. Heroes and heroines of all sizes.

I didn't think this book was as great as Bleak House. But that may be because I read Bleak House with a brilliant professor and I read this all on my own. I do look forward to more of Dickens classics. Brilliant man, absolutely brilliant.

Flight to Freedom

It was fun to read a book about the communist movement in an area other than Asia. I need to study South and Central America more than I do. This was a good start. It was a really easy Young Adult book. She writes in journal form and records the first year of her life in the US. I wish it had spent more time in Cuba, but it was interesting to read about the transition her family makes in their new country. I didn't realize how many Cubans live in Florida. She said thousands come each week. The other thing I found interesting was their desire to have the US step in and invade their country. Several times she mentions their want for us to leave Vietnam and enter Cuba. Overall, it was an alright book.

Love It

This book is fab-u-lous! I loved it. I totally see why it's won so many awards. It's all so true too. Very inner city. I love Maleeka and the journey she goes through. I totally recommend it. It only took me a couple hours to read. I wish I could write something this wonderful. All the stories that go on inside of this book are very touching. Especially the slave girl personna Maleeka takes on in her English class. Beautifully written. I think it would really reach and inspire the teenage girl. Great for middle schoolers to read.

A lot of thoughts on this one

I've always been really interested in the treatment of mental health patients. I have my reasons. I would even say that's why I selected Psychology as a minor. I've just always believed mental health is a real issue that needs more attention. So this book fascinated me. It brought out a lot of different emotions. First, it's hilarious. Then it's a bit dry and confusing. Next, it intrigues you. And finally it shocks you.

The theme of laughter really intrigued me. The idea that these hospital patients lost the ability to laugh was really interesting. I wonder what it would take to loose that. A lot of suffering and monotony. It was very rewarding to watch the men on the ward finally work up the gall to laugh at themselves. You just had to love McMurphy for that.

I found the characters in this novel fascinating. Nurse Ratched is such an evil witch. And I just know there are people in the medical field that are like this. There are people in all fields like this. So damaging and evil. Bromden, the narrator is also really interesting. I love that he acts deaf and dumb through the first half of the novel. And the night he finally begins to talk is wonderful. I love that he has to practice talking again. Then of course there's the McMurphy -- who I would claim didn't really need to be on the ward. I kept waiting for his great escape, but if I told you how he eventually got out I would ruin the shocking part of the novel.

Overall it is great book. But I don't know that it will end up on my list of the top 50. We'll see how the next 36 go. I'm curious to see who makes the cut.

Change of heart

So I changed my mind, I love One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The middle was a bit watery for me. At first I thought it was hysterical, then it got weird, and now it's great again. I'm not quiet finished so I'll give you an update when I turn the last page. Three Cups of Tea is still going well. Eat Love Pray has been brought to a halt. I 'll have to pick it up again.

I have a confession to make. I've started writing a memoir. It's about my memories of my father's hospitalization and my own time in the loony bin. We'll see how it goes. Wow, that feels nice to get that out. Now I need to get back to the grind and interview Jon about his memories. And I need to tell my Dad about this book. But who really knows what will come of it.

Currently Reading

Right now I am reading Three Cups of Tea and I love it. That's all I have to say. I'm also reading One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and I don't love that one so much.

My Honey's Favorite

1984 is Ben's favorite book, and I finally read it. Bonus points: it's the first of my "greatest 50" list. It feels like such an accomplishment. I have a lot of thoughts on this book. I love a thought provoking book. First let me quote "It is impossible to found a civilization on fear and hatred and cruelty. It would never endure."

"Why not.

"...It would commit suicide," (pg 221)

"Nonsense. You are under the impression that hatred is more exhausting than love. Why should it be? And if it were, what difference would that make?"

I wonder if that civilization has actually endured. I look at dictatorships in Africa, China's dark history, terror in South East Asia and I have to wonder if civilizations based on fear, hatred, and cruelty exist fluently in our world. Unfortunately I think fear is the root of all hatred, and the two are common denominators in all world wars, and even some countries starvation crisis. What else would drive a government to slave labor children? Fear and hatred. What else would cause thoughts of racism in a young American's mind? Fear and cruelty. Now the question is, how do we purge the world of these three evils? Is that possible?

Another thought that struck me as I neared the end of this book was the idea of betrayal. Winston struggles through starvation and brutal beatings while refusing to betray Julia. But in the end he collapses. When the fear of his life is thrown before him, he chooses to throw Julia infront of the rats. And likewise she confesses that "Sometimes they threaten you with something-something you can't stand up to, can't even think about. And then you say, 'Don't do it to me, do it somebody else, do it to so-and -so. . .you want it to happen to the other person. You don't give a damn what they suffer. All you care about is yourself," (pg 240). This may be true for most people. It may even be true for me, I've never been in such a situation. I hope I would have the courage to just die for someone I loved, but I don't really know that I would. However, I do know that the Savior did. When faced with the something most of us couldn't stand up to, He suffered for us. When faced with the cruelest sins of the world, He took them upon himself. When faced with the fear, hate and cruelty of the world, He suffered for us all. He is amazing. He is my Savior and my Friend.

Now, it takes a great book to exemplify the magnitude of the Saviors love. And for that reason, my Honey's favorite is also one of mine. Orwell is brilliant.