Mother Daughter Book Group/Book Review -- Tuck Everlasting

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt


My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It’s been two months since I wrote about our Mother Daughter book group – last month M/D book group conflicted with my daughter’s year end dance recital, so we couldn’t attend. Daisy daughter read, Ivy and Bean, by Annie Barrows, but I didn’t make the attempt. This month, the choice was Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt – and the opposite occurred – I finished it, but Daisy daughter didn’t. And I’m almost glad that was the result.

I had serious issues with this book. I know this is supposed to be a “classic” work of juvenile literature, but at the end I was left scratching my head and asking, “why?”

Ten year old Winnie Foster is an overprotected child ready to explore the nearby forest. On the day she makes her escape, she discovers Jesse Tuck relaxing by a nearby spring, only to wonder why he is being so secretive about it. Thus begins a tale of an eternal spring, a kidnapping by the Tuck family, a blackmail by a stranger in a yellow suit, a murder and a jail break, all wrapped up in a cloud of immortality.

One reviewer said, “Babbitt asks profound questions about the meaning of life and death, and leaves the reader with a greater appreciation for the perfect cycle of nature. Intense and powerful, exciting and poignant, Tuck Everlasting will last forever--in the reader's imagination.” None of that was obvious to me. What this reader’s imagination was left wondering was why a writer would craft a kidnapping where the 10 year old LIKED being kidnapped and was HAPPY with her new found kidnappers. This message really disturbed me. There is nothing to like or be happy about being kidnapped. Period. It is evil and criminal. I suppose there is the whole argument out there for children who are being abused by parents being rescued – but that isn’t the case here. Winnie is in a perfectly loving family and is kidnapped because she has knowledge of the “fountain of youth.”

Another issue that disturbed me was the strange man in the yellow suit that followed the Tuck’s on their escape with Winnie, blackmailed Winnie’s family for his knowledge of her whereabouts. In my opinion, evil just compounds itself with this individual’s actions. And the hole just keeps getting deeper: the blackmailer is then unintentionally killed over his actions, and ultimately, Winnie willingly lets herself become an accomplice to the crime, when she substitutes herself for the accused.

I had so many issues with the message of this book it is crazy.

Either fortunately or unfortunately, we are not meeting this month to discuss Tuck Everlasting. We have a small group to begin with – so if anyone is absent, it makes for an impossible discussion. Thus is the case this week – we have two families out of town on vacation, one with other plans, and that only leaves 2 daughters and 2 moms -- so we canceled.

I’m not sure where I missed the big picture. I would be happy to discuss this with anyone who will shed “light” on the importance of this book.

Next month: We are having a Mother/Daughter book night/movie night with the opening of Beezus and Ramona.

Hopefully, no one is kidnapped.

Book source: Public library

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Book Blogger Hop June 11-14

Book Blogger Hop is sponsored by Jennifer at Crazy for Books and she says:

ABOUT THE HOP:

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get nearly 200 links every week!!


Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.


If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

So, I hope you have fun hopping around the book-bloggersphere over the weekend -- and if you happen upon me, please stop by and say hi, and tell me what you are reading this weekend!

Library Loot!

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Marg and Eva that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

When you are a library employee, Library Loot, could be a daily post! I come home with an armful of books nearly every day after work. However, this week is the 1st week of vacation, so I'm at home with my children, resulting in quite a hefty library bag when we went this morning because I had things on HOLD to pick up.

Children's Picture Books:

Fanny and Annabelle, by Holly Hobbie

Princess Party by Joy Allen

Go-Go Gorillas by Julia Durango

My Father Knows the Names of Things by Jane Yolen (my favorite kids author!!)

The Sandwich Swap by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan

Juvenile Fiction:

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (Mother Daughter June Book Club choice)

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Tate

Adult Fiction:

Shanghai Girls, by Lisa See (June Book Club choice)

What's in your library bag this week?

Book Review -- Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Turner is bullied, beaten, struck out, and left out on a raft.

Not a pleasant welcome for the preacher’s kid to Phippsburg, Maine.

I adored author Gary Schmidt’s juvenile novel, The Wednesday Wars, and wanted to follow it up with another of his offerings. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, did not disappoint.

From the moment Turner moves to Phippsburg, it seems that everything that can go wrong does: he irritates an elderly resident to the point where he must serve his “time” reading to her and playing the organ on a regular basis; he can’t seem to hit the baseball or jump into the local swimming hole, thus becoming the kid that everyone picks on; and then, after being taunted by local bully, Willis Hurd, he lands a punch on his face, only to get Willis’s much harder right hook that lands squarely on his nose.

The one thing that does go right for Turner is his friendship with Lizzie Bright Griffin, an outsider (because she is a Negro) who lives on Malaga Island across the bay from Phippsburg. Lizzie’s family and ancestors have inhabited Malaga Island for years, but that is about to change when the local establishment in Phippsburg wants them removed, so they can create a tourist attraction.

Based on actual historical events from Malaga and Phippsburg – Mr. Schmidt has created a novel worthy of adult readers as well as adolescents.

Turner is a young man every parent would be proud of – but somehow that is lost on Mr. Buckminster, who seems more concerned with pleasing his congregation than trusting his own son.

The relationship between Turner and Lizzie is honest and fresh and mature beyond their years -- but without being romantic. They see beyond their differing skin color and into the depths of their hearts. Their devotion to one another is Shakespearean, and somehow, that plays out in the end. 

Ultimately this is a book about love, trust, integrity, friendship, loss and forgiveness.

And when my boys grow up, I want them to be just like Turner Buckminster.

For a brief history of Malaga Island, check out this clip:

Book source: Public library

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Book Review -- My Name is Mary Sutter

My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How many things did you want to be when you grew up? It’s a common refrain from my daughter – “When I grow up, I want to be a waitress at IHOP!” Her love of pancakes currently outweighs her long term life goals. But at least, heaven forbid, it’s an option.

For Mary Sutter, her dream of becoming a surgeon was not an option. Prepared as a midwife by her mother, Mary has midwifery in her veins. But she dreams of something more. Her solicitations to train at the hands of other doctors are turned down. That doesn’t stop Mary. On the eve of the Civil War, Mary travels from her home of Albany, NY, to Washington DC, where she begs and pleads with every medical professional she encounters to give her a chance, they all tell her to go home. Even Dorothea Dix, a woman who is in charge of organizing nursing for the anticipated onslaught of war casualties, tells her she isn’t wanted. Thus, Mary’s courage and stubbornness take over, and she witnesses and participates in the horrible suffering that the Union is about to encounter.

I was very skeptical of this book at first. The first 60 pages were slow to develop. We meet Mary in Albany where she lives a privileged life with her mother, sister and brother. The author also introduces Thomas Fall, a potential suitor for Mary, but who ends up falling in love with her sister Jenny. It was all very awkward and one dimensional for me, and I nearly gave up on this book.

However, my patience paid off, and once Mary decides to make the break from the safety of home to pursue her dreams, the book really takes off and the author finds her groove.

I loved Mary’s narrative once she arrives in Washington DC. The author does a fabulous job of intertwining historical figures (Pres. Lincoln, John Hay, Dorothea Dix, among others) with fictional characters. I must admit a bias here, having lived in DC for many years, I love most books dealing with or talking about our Nation’s Capital. This is no exception. The author’s description of 19th century, Civil War-era Washington DC was perfectly swampy and sticky. Even modern day DC hasn’t changed much (except the cows grazing on the Mall are gone).

Mary really blossoms as a character under the worst possible circumstances. She assists a Dr. Stipp in a deplorable hospital, treating patients with very few supplies. She witnesses the butchery the doctors are reduced to perform on the wounded in an attempt to save their lives. But she preservers. This is what she wants to do, and she goes to the White House herself in order to obtain the necessary supplies to help the wounded.

The Civil War back drop was also well done. The author’s research was evident as she describes military maneuvers, battle formations, leadership conflicts and the devastation of war. I also appreciated the author’s ability to bring to light how the Civil War really changed the medical field. So much of what we know now about infection and sanitation was learned as a result of this awful war.

Finally, there was an interesting love triangle the author deftly wove throughout this book. It was always in the shadows, never taking away from the seriousness of Mary’s goal of taking care of the injured. And it left you guessing until the end. It was a pleasant surprise.

I ended up adoring Mary and her bravery. I truly enjoyed the author’s writing and appreciated her comprehensive research.

For the sensitive reader: There are many detailed battle scenes, descriptions of remidal surgery and hacking amputations. And one "F bomb."

Although, not one of my original selections, this book qualifies for my Women Unbound Challenge.  A worthy contribution.

Book source: Public library

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New Web Address!

I've taken the plunge and have "bought" my own domain name -- http://www.gerberadaisydiaries.com/ -- it should take effect in a couple of days.  I think you will be automatically directed to the new site, but just in case, I didn't want any of you to get lost!

It's Monday -- What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted at One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. It's is a weekly event to celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week.

If you've been following me for any time, you realize I just finished the monstrous, Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.  I wanted to follow that up with something a little less daunting, so I'm nearly thru with My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira -- a historical fiction account of a woman named, Mary Sutter (duh?) who is trying to become a surgeon during the Civil War.  It started out slowly, but has picked up speed and interest in the last 100 pages or so.  My review should be posted tomorrow. 

Once that is done, I plan on starting a juvenile fiction selection - Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary Schmidt (In 1911, Turner Buckminster hates his new home of Phippsburg, Maine, but things improve when he meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a girl from a poor, nearby island community founded by former slaves that the town fathers--and Turner's--want to change into a tourist spot).  I read Mr. Schmidt's The Wednesday Wars earlier in May and absolutely adored it.  I wanted to give another one of his works a try and this was on the shelf at the library.  Following that, I'm going to end the week with Embers by Sandor Marai (A brilliantly crafted novel about one man's betrayal of his talent, his friends, and his principles-a work of demon energy, startling imagery, and utter originality).  I friend of mine recommended it to me and said I could finish it in 2 days tops! I'll gladly take that challenge. 

The above is only made possible by the fact that it is the first week of summer vacation and my kids have swimming lessons all week!  I can accomplish major reading goals lounging in a pool chair!

What are you reading? Leave a comment with your current reads.

Bedtime Stories

A few of our favorite picture books to report on this week:

The Pirate Cruncher by Jonny Duddle

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3—The dastardly Captain Purplebeard and his greedy crew are on the track of "…a shipload of treasure!...Diamonds and rubies and gold beyond measure…." They set sail in their ship, The Black Hole, following a mysterious fiddle player who has a treasure map. Heedless of the subsequent verses of the fiddler's song, which warn of some sort of monster "pirate cruncher," the motley crew also disregards certain other strange happenings and perseveres to their ultimate end. Their fate is told mostly in rollicking but sometimes uneven rhymed text. The striking illustrations in bold colors are digitally rendered with great effect, delineating each individual pirate and slyly hinting at the surprise that's coming—visual clues that every self-respecting pirate lover will delight in pointing out knowledgeably after the first reading. An amusing book to savor and enjoy.

 

This was a delightful pirate tale -- with a twist!  My 7 year old had to explain the "moral" to me at the end.    And the illustrations are fantastic!

 

Achoo:  Good Manners Can be Contagious by Mij Kelly

 

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1—"This is the story of Suzy Sue, and the fateful day when she went…Achoo!" So starts this amusing tale of good manners and hygiene. Suzy Sue doesn't know the proper etiquette for sneezing and covering her mouth and nose. Thank goodness for her bevy of farm animals that can teach her all about it. The book covers a few of the big items, such as bathing, polite eating, sharing, and kindness, and highlights "the golden rule" in the process. The painted illustrations complement the text well. The author tries to tell the story in rhyme, but it doesn't always pan out. Still, the story is mildly humorous, and younger children will find the pictures of the animals appealing. The size and layout of the pages make this title appropriate for group sharing. While it's not the most complete book in this genre, it does hold its own.

Nothing like being taught manners by a bunch of farm animals! When my son burped at the table tonight, he immediately sited this book.

Finally,

A Small Brown Dog with a Pink Nose by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3—Amelia wants a dog. When her persistent requests are repeatedly denied, she begins to pretend that she has a dog named "Bones," and gradually her mother and father go along with the game. Then, when her pet "gets lost," there is nothing for them to do but help Amelia find him. The search leads to an animal shelter and a real Bones to take home. The final spread, "Amelia's Guide to Getting Your First Dog," dispels any doubt that the child's actions were deliberate. Amelia is an endearing character, and Hunter's portrayal of her perfectly matches Stuve-Bodeen's text. The digitally enhanced, cheery pictures are airy and use simple shapes and colors. The almost comic-book format takes the eye quickly from one part of the page to another, leading readers through the story. This title is a good choice for a one-on-one read-aloud or for children to enjoy on their own.

Even I, the most ardent of "we are NEVER having a dog" mothers, was tempted by this delightful, persuasive, little girl and her quest for a family pet.

What bedtime/picture books were your favorites this week?

My best impersonation of Homer Simpson!

Mmmmm....Donuts!!

OK that was lame -- but -- it's not too late to take advantage of National Donut Day!

Most national donut chains (Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts) are offering free donuts to patrons.  At DD, I think you have to buy a beverage to get your free glazed treat.

For more information -- check out Krispy Kreme's website and their participating stores. We are headed there after school for our "last day of school" treat!

I'm a purist and prefer glazed.  How about you?

Oh, and is it DONUT or DOUGHNUT???

Book Review -- Wolf Hall

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Henry VIII needs an heir – he needs Katherine of Aragon out and wants Anne Boleyn in. It’s up to Thomas Cromwell to figure out how to make it happen.

Thus begins the tumult of the English reformation.

Reams of paper have been devoted to this historical time period. I have not read much of it other than what was required in high school and college. But Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall, makes this chaotic and violent event, modern and fresh.

She has brought to life characters lost to history books. Thomas Cromwell could walk off the page and become a modern day lobbyist or presidential advisor. Henry and Anne could be the precursor to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (or any other dysfunctional reality TV couple). He could also be a distant caricature of Elvis – a man of immense talent and judgment, but loses himself in gluttony and the influence of his advisors.

The brilliance of Mantel’s book is her dialogue. Never have I read a book where the dialogue was so rich, authentic, shrewd and, ultimately, witty. She has created living, breathing, individuals who seem as modern as the news in today’s paper. I would reach the end of a sentence or paragraph and often gasp, “Wow.”

The downfall to this book is the immense character list.  I guess every mother in the 16th century was fond of the name THOMAS. It proved complicated to keep them all straight. The majority of the time, she used the personal pronoun, HE, to refer exclusively to Thomas Cromwell. But even that was hard to follow. Additionally, the Suffolks , Norfolks, Richmonds – any number of suffixes added to a name was difficult to place.

Ultimately, this was an historically rich and engaging book, for Anglophile and novice alike.

Sensitive reader:  There is some foul language (including the F bomb), but it is few and far between.

Book Source:  Personal copy

(This portrait of Thomas Cromwell by portrait artist Hans Holbein was mentioned often in the novel.)

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