Book Nook Club: Animals

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November 22, 2011

Blaze of Glory by M. Garzon

Have you ever read a book you want to love but just can't? Blaze of Glory is one of those books for me.

Tea is seventeen and on her way to a promising career in horse jumping (not sure that's the right term). Her life revolves around her family, friends, and horses until one day she gets into an accident and her career is put on hold as she struggles to find her way back. While she's struggling, her hot, 23-year old, polo playing cousin Jaden steps in to play her protector from the bad choices she makes in her life. And through their experiences together, they develop a very strong bond, platonic at first and then more than platonic in Tea's mind. The first half of the book is centered around Tea's love for horses and the second is centered around Tea's love for Jaden.

This review is hard to write because I really liked the story and I loved the characters, but throughout the book I was pretending and creating a plot of my own to get over some fundamental flaws I had with the book, which is why I think I enjoyed it so much. But there are a few things that I just can't get over personally, which also means I can't recommend this book to anyone.

First, this book is written for a young adult audience. The main character is a 17-year old girl, meaning the ideal audience for this would probably be teenage girls. The last quarter of the book is about Tea and her sexual relationship with a 23-year old man. The author, through Tea, treated sex like it wasn't a big deal and was just something that other people were doing so she should too. I completely disagree with this and wouldn't want my teenage daughter to read it. If this book were written for an adult audience and dealt with an adult relationship, I would be much more lenient on the author. And I know sex is everywhere right now and teens are out there having sex, but it doesn't mean that we need to write or read more books where it's just something that you do.

And second, I had a huge problem with the Tea and Jaden having a relationship when they are actual first cousins. I tried over and over again to convince myself that it didn't matter because they weren't related by blood, but they were related by adoption making them legal 1st cousins. It does matter and completely jaded my opinion of the storyline. I'm not sure why Jaden couldn't have been just like a cousin or just like a brother (someone's best friend, etc.), not an actual relative.

If you can get over those two fundamental flaws, this book may for you. Like I said, when I imagined Tea and Jaden as just a man and a woman (not a teenage girl and her cousin), I loved this story and found it hard to put down. I also loved the characters and the way they were so well-developed. But for me, the two things above ruined the book for me and I really can't recommend it. I will probably read something by M. Garzon in the future because I enjoyed the writing, but only if the storyline is one I can get behind.3 stars

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October 19, 2011

Folks, This Ain't Normal by Joel Salatin

In Folks, This Ain't Normal, Joel Salatin describes how the lives we lead in the 21st century are just not normal. The way we view food needs, food quantities, conservation, the environment and even our families are unlike those of any other time in history before us.

When we take a look back into history, just 75 years ago, we see that things were done very differently. Some of this change has been great... the advancements in medication, simplicities of transportation, etc. But with this change, other issues have arisen and our world is facing the consequences of poor management for the past century. Salatin says that the way we do things today, and our mentality about these things, "just ain't normal". In his book, he outlines practical steps to return to normalcy.

Joel Salatin knows what he's talking about. He was one of the featured farmers on a little documentary (perhaps you've heard of it) Food Inc. He is also a distributor for the national food chain, Chipotle and runs a magnificent farm, Polyface.

Personally, I found this book to be so interesting, but a little too detailed. Truth is, I'm not a farmer... and although I'd like to make small steps to become more "green", I can't see myself doing some of the stuff he recommends. And, that's just the problem he speaks about... people like me, normal non-farmers, who are not willing to make a change. Eh.

He goes into extreme detail about forestry and the different needs for the different trees. I don't know the difference between a palm and a pine (ok maybe that one, but you know..). He talks for page after page after page about manure. I don't need to know all that crap about... crap. He challenges us suburbanites to get 2 chickens in our backyards. No thanks. He goes bananas on people who play video games. He calls women to their proper place... the kitchen. He tells us we shouldn't rely on supermarkets to supply our food, but should have a years supply in our basement. Although true, that's quite a task!

Although the book was really interesting, some of it was just hard to swallow. I think this book would be great for agricultural buffs, real greenies (not the farmers market kind), and people ready to make BIG changes. For me, it read a little like a text book and was hard to get through... in fact, I only made it 60% through.

I'm not going to rate this one with stars... that would be unfair. This just wasn't the book for me, but it may be for you. Give it a try... at the very least, you'll learn something completely new. And, who knows? Maybe you'll get inspired!

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
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July 18, 2011

Unsaid

Unsaid by Neil Abramson Coming in August 2011

I must say I am really shocked at how much I truly enjoyed this book. Why am I shocked? Because I am a "happy-ending" sort of girl. I like to use books, movies, and television as mini escapes from the drama, tragedy, and conflict that often surround real life. So when I opened the book and the first line read, "Everything living dies. There's no stopping it." I thought, "I'm going to hate this book."

Let me introduce you to our main characters: David and Helena: Husband and wife duo who are a sort of yin and yang. David is a high-power attorney and Helena a gentle veterinarian. She keeps an array of animals at their farm house that David has little to do with since he spends so much time at work.

The story is narrated by a now deceased Helena. She is struggling to let go of some of her mistakes, and she lingers around the people and animals she loved trying to find closure. She chronicles the shattered lives of the husband, animals, and friends she left behind.

Throughout the story we see grief, shame, forgiveness, redemption, and most of all love. Rather than the depression and hopelessness that I expected to feel as I turned these pages I felt a great sense of peace. I'll be totally honest, I did cry, but only once! I would highly recommend this book to anyone!

*I received an uncorrected proof copy of this book for review purposes. However, I have not been compensated for my review and my opinions are 100% my own.

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August 18, 2009

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

I picked up this novel after checking out the library's "Don't Miss" list and on the recommendation of one of my teacher pals. Actually, she hadn't read it because she is a HUGE dog person and can't handle reading anything where a dog dies (sorry if I just spoiled it) anywhere in the novel, but she had heard wonderful things about this book. I decided I needed to check it out and report back to her on whether or not she could handle reading the whole thing. The verdict? Lynn - READ THIS BOOK!!!

No small undertaking at nearly 600 pages, this book requires a bit more effort than your run-of-the-mill novel. The payoff? An extremely well-written, haunting story that sticks with you and leaves you feeling sad, yet enlightened. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is the story of a young boy, Edgar, who is born mute. He grows up on his family's farm in northern Wisconsin (Woot! Woot!) where they run a dog kennel. Now, this dog kennel is not the puppy mill that we have come to imagine in our modern days. This is a high-class operation, an epicenter of selective breeding, rigorous training, and other practices that result in the creation of the "Sawtelle dog," a unique breed all its own. Although Edgar is the clear protagonist, the reader also comes to know and love his dog, Almondine. Unlike the dogs the family breeds for a living, Almondine is the house dog that has been by Edgar's side since the moment he was brought home as a newborn. Even though Edgar cannot talk, Almondine understands him perfectly and the relationship between these two characters is nothing short of mesmerizing.

It is hard not to pick up on the Hamlet-like trajectory of this tale. Edgar, son of Gar, is shaken to the core when his beloved father suddenly dies and his uncle, Claude, gradually infiltrates his father's place at the kennel and in his mother's arms. Complete with a Polonius character named Page (honestly....the author made this easy!) and the appearance of a ghost saying "Remember me!" anyone who knows a hawk from a handsaw can understand the direction this plot will take. What makes Wroblewski's novel so interesting is that it isn't just a Hamlet knock-off. The Sawtelle dogs (and Almondine) become as interesting of characters as the humans. Plus, the ghosts being dealt with are both on the farm and in the hearts of the players. The eloquent use of language - ironic considering the main character is a mute who is obsessed with language - combined with a unique approach to using narration creates a very enjoyable novel. This is one to take your time with, savor, and enjoy as long as possible. 4 Stars!

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July 30, 2009

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

I am still floating on the high that comes from reading and finishing this book. The Art of Racing in the Rain has instantly become one of my new favorite novels and I look forward to the time that I will return to read it again. This novel is narrated by a very unique character, a dog named Enzo. Enzo is not just any dog, however. He is a dog who understands humans, perhaps better than they understand themselves, because of his exceptional observation skills and his addiction to watching TV when his master is gone. Enzo longs for thumbs, a tongue, a voice with which to speak, and he looks forward to the day he will be reincarnated as a man and can live the life he feels he was truly meant for. Enzo's narration is what makes this book truly special and unique, but it is the heart-wrenching storyline that keeps the reader emotionally invested.

Enzo tells us the story of his master, Denny, a semiprofessional race car driver who goes through an absolutely harrowing ordeal with his family. Enzo learns all about racing through watching Denny drive, listening to him speak, and watching the Speed Channel. He teaches the reader about how life is really a lot like racing. In particular, Denny is very good at racing in the rain, when the track is slick and other drivers might falter. The key, Enzo tells us, is to know what's coming ahead: "The car goes where the eyes go." Ironically, it is being unable to see the events unfolding right in front of his eyes that leads Denny into the horrible drama he must deal with in this novel.

This book is believable, relatable, heart-warming, and gut-wrenching....all at the same time. I found myself yelling at The Evil Twins (oh, you'll love them), laughing out loud at Enzo, and crying my eyes out at the book's conclusion. Love it, love it, love it. 5 Stars!

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November 22, 2011

Blaze of Glory by M. Garzon

October 19, 2011

Folks, This Ain't Normal by Joel Salatin

July 18, 2011

Unsaid

August 18, 2009

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

July 30, 2009

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

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