Joy in the Morning by Betty Smith

Set in 1927, Joy in the Morning, follows the first year of marriage of a young couple, Cary and Annie Brown who leave Brooklyn to start life in a small Midwestern university town.  Cary, a law student, and Annie, a high school graduate, adjust to life together, make new friends and deal with financial hardship; however, despite life's challenges they preserve their love for each other.

The novel's charm lies in its simplicity.  The purity of their love characterized by mutual respect, friendship, humor and committment shines throughout the novel.  This is not a sappy romance but a tribute to love and marriage. 

Annie is the heart of the novel.  She provides fresh innocence as she befriends the townspeople, explores her passion for writing and embraces pregnancy and motherhood.  Annie has a unique approach towards life as revealed when she eavedrops outside a college composition class which eventually charms the Chairman and earns her the opportunity to audit classes or when she adopts the college stray dog who is housed by fraternity boys during the academic year but finds himself homeless in the summer.  These and other episodes in Annie's life reveals her passion for life, warm-heartedness and loyalty.

"Joy in the Morning" rightfully earns its position as a beloved American classic novel. It captures the slower paced lifestyle in a midwestern college town in the late 1920s alongwith the timeless human quest to find "joy in the morning" on a daily basis, making the best of ones life and creating joy through finding pleasure in life's simple pleasures.

"Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" by Helen Simonson, revised review

Simonson’s debut novel is a charming, unconventional love story between two widowed adults, Major Ernest Pettigrew, a retired English Colonel and Mrs. Jasmina Ali, a Pakistani store owner, in a small English village, Edgecombe St. Mary. The novel follows the couple’s path to love despite family and village members’ provincial objections.

The novel’s charm lies in its simplicity.  This love story is built on a sweet friendship and is void of any distracting melodrama. Readers witness Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali’s love gradually unfold through acts of kindness and genuine understanding as they confide in and learn to appreciate each other.

Simonson masterfully creates both her main and secondary characters.  Rather than depending on wordy physical and behavior trait descriptions, her characters come alive through their unique quirks, mannerisms and responses to a variety of situations. While the two main characters are intelligent and good-natured, the secondary characters ( including the Major’s self-centered son, Roger, the Major and Mrs. Ali’s endearing friend, Grace, and Mrs. Ali’s troubled store clerk, Amina) are colorful and entertaining.

Simonson reflects upon her childhood memories of English village life, as she creates the pastoral setting in the fictitious, Edgecombe St. Mary. The village’s slow paced lifestyle contributes towards the novel’s relaxing, yet intriguing, pace.  Comparable to Jane Austen’s style, Simonson makes astute observations about village society’s rules through wit and satire.

Simonson’s delightful debut novel is bound to generate a following of loyal readers, eagerly anticipating the author’s future work.

"Good Wives" by Louisa May Alcott

With great anticipation and excitement, I began reading “Good Wives” the sequel to one of my adolescent favorite books “Little Women”.  “Good Wives”, set three years after “Little Women” continues to follow the lives of the March sisters: Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth. 

The first third of the novel was disappointing.  While Alcott remains faithful to each characters unique traits and charms, the storyline lacks cohesion. Several of the first chapters serve as individual vignettes describing events within the lives of each sister.  For example, chapters dedicated to Amy’s artistic booth at a local fair, Amy and Jo’s neighborly house calls and Meg’s domestic argument over financial issues.  Rather than moving the story along, many of the details within these chapters appear trivial.  Significant plot events such as the birth of the Meg’s twins, are referred to in an abrupt, off-handed manner.

The novel begins to take shape upon Amy’s departure to Europe and Jo’s temporary position as a children’s tutor in New York.   At this point, readers start to witness these characters’ transformation from young girls into young women.  While many fans of “Little Women” may initially be disappointed when Jo rejects Laurie’s romantic advances; his romance with Amy is the novel’s highlight.  With picturesque Europe as the perfect romantic backdrop, Amy and Laurie’s friendship gradually and believably blossom into love.  Not only does their relationship change but their characters become more evolved.  Amy changes from a flighty, materialistic young girl to a tender, sensible young woman.  In fact her wise advice to Laurie “Love Jo all your days, if you choose, but don’t let it spoil you, for it is wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you can’t have the one you want.” guides Laurie on a path of self-discovery and growth.

Jo also experiences significant growth, especially following her beloved sister Beth’s death.  While her deep pain is described with sensitivity, her romance with the aged Professor Bhaer is less convincing.  Although Professor Bhaer is a kind and decent man, Jo’s connection with him is not well-developed and seems more like a convenient plot device to tie up loose ends.

Alcott preserves her descriptive writing and keen insights into human nature, especially Marmee’s maternal advice given to each daughter.  Despite “Good Wives” disappointing beginning and ending, Alcott’s writing style will continue to captivate readers; however, the novel’s weaknesses make it clearly apparent why “Little Women” is a treasured classic and “Good Wives” holds a relatively obscure position in literary history.

Two Lives by Vikram Seth

Two Lives is a part-memoir/part biography by the acclaimed author of A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth.  Primarily based on letters between each other and friends, Two Lives accounts for the lives of his great-uncle Shanti, an Indian immigrant to Germany prior to World War II, and his great-aunt Henny, a Jewish German.
The book is divided into five parts: the author's relationship with his great-aunt and uncle, his uncle's life prior and post- World War II, his aunt's discovery of events during the war and how she comes to terms with the horrific revelations, his aunt and uncle's life in England together post-World War II and finally, the author's process in writing the book.

Vikram Seth is a gifted writer and his writing style has earned him worldwide accolades. One can not deny his talent; however, my interest level waned between each parts.  The first part served a as satisfying introduction as it revealed the author's relationship with this the main characters.  While parts of Uncle Shanti's story intrigued me, I was most fascinated by his Aunty Henny's story.  While Henny was able to immigrate to England prior to World War II's onset through the assistance of a close Christian family friend, her Jewish friends and family were not as fortunate.  Rather than describing first-hand experiences of the Holocaust, the book takes a unique perspective as Henny discovers the war's horrors after the war, including the tragic deaths of her sister and mother, via correspondance with her Christian friends.  Henny must also come to terms with deciding which Christian friends to trust and keep allegiance with based on their treatment to fellow Jews during the war.
"For most of them (non-Jewish Germans), the war was only a misfortune because they lost it and as a result don't have anything to eat. That there are people who wish to dissociate themsleves from them, seems incomprehensible to them."

Shanti had first-hand experience of the war, where he served as a military based dentist.  This ultimately lost him his arm.  During the war, he corresponded with Henny declaring his love for her.  They were friends prior to the war in Germany, during this time Henny was in committed relationship with a non-Jewish German.  During the war, Shanti gained the courage to declare his affection towards Henny who although she was no longer dating the German man appeared to not have any romantic feelings towards Shanti.  It was only when Shanti arrived in London did she recognize her interest in marrying him.  While Henny grew to love Shanti, it appears that Shanti always held a more ardent love for his wife than she did towards him.
This one-sided, lukewarm relationship contributed toward the bland nature of the book's fourth part, describing their life London post-World War II.

The final part regained my interest, as it described the author's journey as a writer and path leading towards writing this book.  While I was bored and skimmed through several portions of the book, this book piqued me interest in Vikram Seth and let me to committ myself to reading his acclaimed, mega-sized 1400 page novel "A Suitable Boy".

Tolstoy and the Purple Chair: My Year of Magical Reading by Nina Sankovitch

Following the death of her sister, the author decided to spend a year reading and reviewing a book a day.  She undertook this endevour to help her deal with her grief and connect her to her sister since they shared a passion for reading.  The book touches equally upon her grief process and impressions of books read during this year. 

Unfortunately, I am writing this review several months after reading it.  As I no longer have a copy of this book, I am unable to provide direct quotations and references.  I remember not being interested in many of the books she read; however, I relate to the vital role of books in her life.  I support her belief that books are a source of escape and comfort.  She began each chapter with a quote (often by a famous author or philospher) relating to the power of books and reading in our lives.  I plan on borrowing this book again so that I can catalog some of these inspiring quotes.

Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante

Alice LaPlante's debut novel is one of the most sophisticated and intelligent novels I have read.  Similar to Lisa Genova's novel Still Alice, Turn of Mind is a first person account of an individual with Alzheimer's disease.  The main character, Dr. Jennifer White, is a retired orthopdic surgeon who is suspected of murdering her best friend and neighbor at the onset of the novel, as the vicitim was found dead at her home with four fingers surgically removed.

The past and present is accounted for through Jennifer's journal, which not only includes her thoughts but also messages written by the other main characters which include her son, daughter and caregiver, Magalena.  The journal not only masterfully documents Jennifer's gradually deteriorating mind but also unravels her past including her complex relationships with her children, deceased husband and best friend, Amanda, the murder victim.  The novel has a non-linear sequence of events, shuffling between the past and present.  While this a risky literary device, if not done well it can result in a highly confusing novel; however, Alice LaPlante succeeds in creating a intriguing and gripping novel.

Turn of the Mind is not a traditional mystery novel.  While, like most mystery novels, the murderer and motive is not revealed until the end of the novel, it is much more than a mystery novel.  It is a multi-layered psychological drama that delves into interpersonal relationships and intrapersonal struggles of a dementia patient.

Similar to  Lisa Genova's Still Alice, readers follow the main character's progression from mild to severe Alzheimer's.  Early in the novel, when Jennifer is relatively cognizant, she makes an interesting observation about the condition while at a Alzheimer's support group.  Following the group leader's reference to the "Two Circular Step of Alzheimher's" (i.e., Step One, Admitting you have a problem. Step Two, Forgetting you have problem), she adds to herself a step three, Remembering that you forget, which she perceives as the hardest step of all.  On the otherhand, her friend Amanda makes an acute observation regarding how loved ones deal with Alzheimer's  I am very selfish: I am more concerned about myself than you in this regard.  You'll get past this stage of awareness, and the disease will be its own pain management regime.  But me....[I'm] going to be to weak to withstand the pain of separation that is looming.

As a reader, it was rewarding to experience a multitude of emotions during the course of this novel. On one hand, it was heartbreaking to observe Jennifer's mental deterioration involving her weak to almost non-existent grasp of reality.  On the other hand, I was fascinated with the mystery surrounding Amanda's death and Jennifer's past.  Overall, a very satisfying read.

Snobs by Julian Fellowes

Julian Fellowes wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed movie "Gosford Park" and more recently the fabulous Masterpiece Theater production "Downton Abbey", for which he earned an Academy Award and an Emmy, respectively.  Consequently, I was eager to read his novel "Snobs", which served as appropriate travel reading during our London vacation.

"Snobs" is a witty, often tongue-in-cheek, inside view into England's upper class and those who dare to enter their world by breaking their crystal ceiling.  The novel's narrator, a British actor with an upper class background, observes the relationship between his friend Edith, a middle-class social climber, and  Charles, the son of a highly respected, upper crust family.  At times throughout the novel he is asked by both sides to intervene as a liason due to his understanding of both disparate worlds.

Edith meets Charles while visiting his stately country home, which is open to the general public for tours.  He is genuinely besotted by her, while she finds him amicable enough to accept his marriage proposal.  His wealth and social stature serve as the rose colored glasses which convinces her that she will find marital satisfaction.  Edith soon becomes bored with her husband and discovers that her life is not as glamourous as she expected.  This leads her into the arms of a strikingly handsome and charming actor, Simon.  While Simon provides her with the passion and excitement that Charles could not provide, she realizes that her marriage with Charles provided her with status and security.  Much to Charles mother's, Lady Uckfield's, dismay, Charles welcomes Edith back into his life.

I was conflicted in my opinion about this novel.  On one hand, I felt the plot was trite and superficial.  Edith's conceit, selfishness and shallowness angered me. I was completely disappointed in the ending in that she faced no repercussion for her infidelity.  While the author often attempted to portray her as a sympathetic character, one with weaknesses rather than vices, I could not sympathize with her.

On the other hand, I was captivated with Julian Fellowes writing style and intrigued with his commentary on British upper class social mores.  His writing is breezy, yet meaningful filled with humor and wit.
His astute insights into upper-class behavior and proclivities are artfully imbedded in the dialogue and narrative.  While some of these observations may have been generalizations, which one is often at risk of making when making social commentaries, it was easy to overlook since like his screenplays his novel was engaging and entertaining.

Imagined London by Anna Quindlan

I began this book several weeks before our London vacation.  I was intrigued after reading the book's subheading, "A Tour of the World's Greatest Fictional City".  For those who know me, my love for British fiction, alongwith TV/motion picture productions based on British fiction, is not a secret.  While I enjoy modern British fiction and productions,  "period peices" enthrall me as I relish losing myself in time and place.  The  place is London- graced with its elegant historical buildiings, lush gardens and upper society's glamour, while the time periods typically include the Victorian and Geogian eras.

While I have read several of Anna Quindlan's novels and found them to be pleasant reads, I knew I encountered a kindred spirit when I read one of the lines in "Imagined London":   "...the places I most feel at home are bookstores and libraries.  And London."  I definitely agree with feeling very much at home, surrounded by books in libraries and bookstores.  While I visited London briefly as a teenager, seeing all the chief tourist sights, I do not recall feeling at home in London; however, since then my anglophile passions have multiplied and I antiicipate feeling at home in London during our upcoming trip. 

Anna Quindlan's account of London persuaded that the possiblity of feeling home in London is very likely. 
"For a person raised on books (such as I), walking through streets in her mind's eyes, engaged in love affairs and life losses of imaginary men and women,  London is indisputably the capital of literature, of great literature and romance novels and mystery novels, too."  While I am not a fan of Charles Dickens, London's most revered literary export (I find his novels dark and depressing, focusing on human nature's sinister elements), I revere many other British authors and have savoured countless PBS "Masterpiece Theater" productions, whose characters' lives have unfolded in London. 

Anna Quindlan describes a London where modern-day vibrancy meets historical tranquility and charm.  She compares London with her hometown New York, another world-renowned city that artfully blends the past with the present.  " It is as though four different landscapes, histories, ways of living, can be encapulated in a walk aroun the corner...one moment, the throng  and the lowering office building.  The next, quiet isolation, and the window eyes of a mews house.  London has nearly as many residents as New York has, yet even its most central locations never feel overwhelming in the way much of Manhattan does, mainly because of this effect, the ability to step within minutes from tumult into peace. " 

Anna Quinlan highlights well-known and relatively obscure places to visit in London.  From verdant parks, revealing that "A third of London is grass or gardens",shopping districts: " Up on Piccadilly, the shopping arcades are as Victorian as anyone could want...The one between Albermarle and Bond Streets is particularly atmospheric, with its enormous bay windows and gilded signs.  Queen Victoria bought her riding hapbbits ino one of the shops and feels as if the servant sent on the task had only lately left." and historical monuments such as the Albert Memorial, heightening my anticipation to reaquaint myself with London.  While we may not have the opportunity or the inclination to visit all the places she visited, I hope to share her captivation and delight for London.

The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff

On June 17, 1971, almost twenty two years after Helene Hanff began corresponding with Frank Doel from Marks & Co, Booksellers, she finally embarks on her long-awaited trip to London.  She will be attending a book signing of her bestseller, 84, Charing Cross Road, which documents her twenty year correspondance with Frank Doel.

Her journey is bittewsweet.  While she is eager to explore London and greet her British fans, she reognizes that void of two major driving forces in her desire to visit London.  One is the absence of Frank Doel, who passed away in 1969 (a letter from Frank's wife, Nora, imforming Helene of Frank's passing is one of the last letters included in 84, Charing Cross Road) and the other is Marks & Co., Booksellers closure.  It does leave regret, like we have all felt, that we did not seize an opportunty sooner to visit loved ones or friends abroad. 

The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street is in journal format, entries from Helene Hanff journals during her visit to London.  It includes encounters with old and new friends, alongwith impressions on places visited.  I was slightly disappointed since I was hoping the emphasis would be more on the latter.  Rather she focued more upon her encounters with friends including Frank Doel's wife Nora and daughter, Sheila, a amiable fan Colonel, and friend of a friend, "P.B". While P.B. comes across to me as slightly odd, for example are too-the-point, lacking any warmth is his requests to set up future meetings and are always uniquely signed, "In Haste".  Despite these idiosyncrasies, I get the impression that  Helene developed a minor crush on P.B. by the end of her trip although she doesn't outwardly confess her feelings in her journal.

Some of the sites visited during her visit to London include:  St Paul's Cathedral, Charidge's restaurant (featured in Noel Coward plays, a reference I wasn't aware of), Royal Chapel at Malborough, St. Jame's Park, Westminister Abbey, the Knights Templar, Buckingham Palace, Harrod's department store and of course, bookstores on Charing Cross Road.  Day trips included visits to Oxford, Trinity College and Stratford-upon-Avon.  She doesn't include extensive details about each attraction and her impressions are typically limited to a few paragraphs; however, a few descriptions sparked my interest in visiting select areas.  One in particular was the idyllic, charming Calton Gardens, which she describes as  "beautiful street of very plush apartment homes" and a nearby unmarked street, "a kind of enclosed courtyard, a cul-de-sac behind Clarence House and St. Jame's Palace" where "there is no reek of money here, only the hallowed hush of privlege" causing her mind to fill "with stories of fairy-tale splendor of monarchy".  I don't kow if the homes still stand today and the street still retains this charm, but I do want at least attempt to discover street.  This is the London I dream of seeing during our visit.

84, Charring Cross Road by Helene Hanff

I first heard of "84, Charring Cross Road" in the 1990s, after learning about the release of its namesake movie, starring Anthony Hopkins.  At the time, I neither saw the movie nor read the novel despite its idyllic setting, a London  bookstore.  As we are about to embark upon our London vacation, I decided to finally read the novel.  Unfortunately, Marks & Co, Booksellers' no longer exists, but Charring Road still remains an area renowned for its bookstores.

I had mixed feelings about the book.  I was not surprised about its format, letters spanning a twenty year correspondance between an American writer and a London bookstore clerk.  However, I was surprised at the early letters' mundane quality. Obviously, personal details would not be shared early on in the correspondence but after a few years I thought the letters would include more than book prices and account balances. Later, as both characters (alongwith some secondary characters- other Marks & Co, Booksellers' store clerks) included a few personal details I began to see the books charm. Hanff's store loyalty, especially to a store across the Atlantic, was noteworthy especially when contrasted with today's fickle consumerism.  The fact that she would send food gift packages, much to the store clerks delights during London's post-war rations, was also charming.

Their relationship remained relatively formal, especially from the side of Frank Doel which may be attributed to his marital status and British demeanor.  However, I recognized subtle clues indicating a plutonic fondness for one another. Consequently, I was saddened upon Frank's death, before Helene could make her long-promised and anticipated journey to London to visit him and the bookstore.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Beloved by readers worldwide and winner of the prestigious Anthony Award for Best Book of the Century, Rebecca is a timeless novel that captivates readers as early as its infamous first line "Last night I dreamt I was at Manderly".  This is followed by a beautifully detailed, yet foreboding description of Manderly, home to the main characters Maxim De Winter and his new young bride, the story's narrator. Manderly comes alive and takes on the role as one of the novel's main character who influences the thoughts, emotions and actions of the other principal characters. 

The story begins in Monaco, where the narrator is on vacation with her employer, a self-involved American aristrocrat Mrs Van Hopper.  Through Mrs Van Hopper's social climbing proclivity, the narrativor becomes acquainted with the infamous widower Maxim de Winter.  Within a surprisingly short amount of time, Mr. de Winter proposes to the narrator whose youthful love and desire to begin a new life influences her acceptance.

After a romantic honeymoon in Italy, the couple arrive at the legendary Manderly.  Although the narrator romantasized Manderly for a long time--as a child she treasured her picture postcard of Manderly--she soon realizes everything is not as it seems.  The house and its sinister housekeeper, Mrs Danvers, keeps the memory of Mr de Winter's first wife, Rebecca, alive and creates insecurities in the narrator.  Mind games lead her to believe she will never measure up to Rebecca and she begins to doubt Maxim's love for her.

The cause of Rebecca's death remains a mystery for three-fourths of the book. Daphne du Maurier magnficently creates suspense with her use of foreshadowing and her artful placement of clues.  Upon discovering Rebecca's murderer, readers also learn of Rebecca's true nature.  As Rebecca quickly falls from the narrator's self-created pedastal, the narrator regains her confidence and faith in her marriage. 

I immensely enjoyed Rebecca. The rich details, character evolutions and building suspense made it one of my all-time favorite novels.  While the narrator's name is never revealed,  her hopes, insecurites and evolving maturity is opaque throughout the novel, making me feel like her confidante as I knew her better than most main characters.  The novel can not be slotted into one genre- it has elements of a mystery, romance and psychological drama.  Of couse, the European setting is an added bonus.

We recently saw the "Masterpiece Theatre" production of Rebecca.  Although I enjoyed it, as I do most well-made Masterpiece Theatre productions, I was disappointed with the important deviation from the novel.  It failed to capture the second Mrs de Winter's insecurities regarding her husband's love since he was characterized as a doting husband throughout the novel.  This diminished the production's buiding suspense and pschychological tension.  As in many cases, the novel was better than the theatrical version.  However, in all fairness, it would be a difficult feat for even the most superior production company to capture the power of  this timeless, masterpiece novel.

Passage to India by E.M. Forster

Set during the British Raj period in India, Passage to India serves as a social commentary as it explores the  race relations between the British and Indians, alongwith secondary references to the growing tension between Muslims and Hindus. 

The protagonist, Dr. Aziz, is a practicing physician in a small town, Chandrapore where he makes the acquaintance of three Englishmen-Cyril Fielding, the dean of a local university, Mrs. Moore, an Englishwoman visiting her stationed son, and her son's soon-to be fiance, Adella Quested.  The novel essentially questions whether an Indian can develop a friendship with the British during this colonial period. 

Dr. Aziz is initially amiable toward his British acquaintances and offers to provide them with a tour of the nearby attraction, the Malabar Caves.  These relationships are challenged and racial tensions within the community mount, when Adela Quested accuses Dr. Aziz of physical molestation within one of the caves.  While Mrs. Moore does not support Adela's Quested claims, she does not publicly declare Dr. Aziz' innocence and her son soon sends her home to English, to prevent the defense from using her as a key witness to their case.  Cyril Fielding, on the otherhand, maintains his constant support for Dr. Aziz despite being ostrasized by his British peers.

Although the plot was simple, E.M. Forster's characterization and dialogue astutely captured general race relations during the British Raj period.  I was fascinated, yet appalled, by the British's vile characterizations about the "natives" Indians.  Cyril Fielding's personal strength and character sheds light upon his ability to overcome the struggle between individualism and societal pressure.  Dr. Aziz's personal transformation, over the course of the novel, reveal the fragility of human relationships and how specific events can alter our perceptions and core beliefs.

Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stephanek and Heartsongs by Jeni Stephanek

 I want people to remember me and say, "Oh yes! Mattie!  He was a poet, a peacemaker, and a philosopher who played."
This is how Mattie wanted us to remember him- I will remember him in this way and so much more.  His soul and spirit moved me while he was alive and continues to resonate after his passing. 

Mattie truly was a messenger from God, placed on earth for unfortuately a very short time, but in those years his spirit and profound wisdom touched the lives of everyone whom he encountered.  Thankfully, through Oprah's powerful media influence, I and millions of viewers worldwide came to know and love Mattie.  I will never forget his pure, joyous smile that warmed my heart and his profound, poignant words which continue to uplift my spirit. 

Jenni Stepanek's memoir reflects upon Mattie's strength to overcome obstacles ("remembering to play after every storm"), inspire others (everyone from from friends, family to world leaders), show compassion (one example, consoling his mother after her bad dream, during one physically painful night) and share his Heartsongs.

Mattie defined Heartsongs as "the longings and hopes and feelings that both describe and stir each of us.".  He wished that each of us would "take our Heartsong, package it in the best way we can, and offer it to others.".   What a beautiful way to encourage each of us to share our passions and God-given gifts to others as we try to live our best lives.  Mattie shared his Heartsongs through his poetry, public speaking events and daily through example.He lived a life full of grace, gratitude, hope and courage which embodied his Heartsong.  "Thank You, God,
                   Not just for life,
                   But for our journey through life.
                   Life is a miracle,
                   And a journey through life
                   Is so full of so many more miracles
                   If we travel with our Heartsongs."

Mattie's Heartsongs touched the lives of  millions.  He served as an unofficial peace abassador sharing his message with members of  Congress, Nobel Peace Laureates and countless others.  During the final months of his life, Mattie co-authored with President Jimmy Carter a book dedicated to peace.  He brightened the lives of camp members at the annual MDA Summer Camp and helped spread public awareness about muscular distrophy at Jerry Lewis' telethons.  Most importantly, he was loved and treasured by his mother.

Mattie was not only a Messenger of peace and hope, but was also a vibrant child despite his physical struggles and limitations, reminding us to "play after every storm".  He had a keen sense of humor, often playing practical jokes on others (like the time he drank a cup of apple juice pretending it was urine, in front of a horrified medical staff).  Mattie appreciated the simple, beautiful gifts of life such as sunrises, not understanding "why everybody wasn't out on the pier at sunrise" and missing this miracle.

Throughout his life, God's miracles presented itself in numerous awe-inspring ways.  On several occasions, he defied the odds in medical science and overcame life-threatening emergencies and complications. An elevator, which is not supposed to work during a fire, transported Mattie and his mother from the second to the first floor to safety and then immediately stopped working.  Finally, during his funeral Mattie continued to shine his light and message from Heaven when a rainbow appeared following a brief rain storm, again reminding loved ones to "play after the storm". 

While Mattie is a beacon of light, one should not forget to honor and respect Jeni Stepanek's strength.  Diagnosed with an adult-onset dyautonomic mitochondiral myopathy, Jeni passed on this disease to all of her four children.  Despite losing her previous three children and knowing the terminal disease's effect on Mattie's life, she provided Mattie with a loving, nurturing environment instead of dwelling on the losses in her life.  Mattie honors her love and gifts to him in a letter her wrote for her to read after his death:
"You led me, inspired me, with wisdom each day,
And like glory of sunrise at dawn,
You led me from darkness, and held me upon
Your lap when I feared-when I most needed shelter,
You kissed my tears, fading hurts, calming welter.
Like a brave shepherd, you've been my life's guard,
Witnessing peace through your heart-loving ark..."

I will always treasure this book, frequently turning to it as a source of hope, strength and reflection.  It is not only the story of a very special boy, whose time on earth inspired and will continue to inspire countless inviduals; it is a love story of a mother and a son.




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"Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography" by Rob Lowe

From the onset, I knew I would enjoy reading this memoir.  From the eight grade all the way through high school, Rob Lowe was my Hollywood teen crush.  After reading "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton in 8th Grade English class, I along with most of my "boy-crazy" classmates in Penleigh Ladies College eagerly awaited the release of the movie featuring a group of future Hollywood teenage hearthtrobs.  Each of us declared our favorite actor; mine, of course, was Rob Lowe.  I continued to watch every Rob Lowe release (including  "Youngblood", "Class", "Oxford Blues", "St. Elmo's Fire", "Square Dance" and "About Last Night") and adorned my walls with his posters.  Consequently, I knew that reading his autobiography would in a way be like a trip down memory lane.

Rob Lowe  had a passion for becoming an actor at an early age.  Early in his career,he frequently starred in ABC's Afterschool Specials, which  interestingly enough I watched religiously due to the their "controversial" (often the story lines dealt with teen issues that were not regularly discussed in the open such as teen pregnancy, substance abuse, violence/physical abuse etc.) and inspiring storylines. Yet as I was unaware of Rob Lowe as an actor at the time, I do not remember his roles.  His breakthrough role which made me and most of the teen population aware of him was his role as Sodapop in "The Outsiders"

Rob describes the audition process and the behind-the-scenes making of the movie.  This was fascinating since the movie served as the launching pad for several acclaimed Hollywood actors including: Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez, Patrick Swayze (although this wasn't his first film), Ralph Macchio and Thomas C. Howell.  Furthermore, the movie was directed by the well-respected yet notebly difficult to work with director, Francis Coppola.  Despite having his major scene removed from the final version and having his role reduced dramatically, Rob Lowe still went on to embark on a successful career.

While Rob Lowe "name-dropped" his personal experiences with famous celebrites including Hollywood legends (such as Cary Grant, Lucille Ball, Liza Minelli), friends (e.g., Emilio Estevez, Charlie & Martin Sheen) and co-stars (e.g., Tom Cruise, Jodie Foster, Demi Moore), he  maintained his class by not directly critisizing or exposing sensational details about these famous individuals.  However, his anecdotes did provide interesting insights into several celebrities such as " Tom (Cruise) has a new perspective on his acting style, telling me, "I want to spend time with you but Joel (his character in Risky Business) doesn't.",  " Swayze is a relentless spirit.  He never sleeps, works out like an animal and writes and records music on a portable studio he has set up in his hotel room (during the making of "Youngblood")
and " My personal life would painfully and very publically implode.  Of all the many people I had worked with over the years, there was only one who took the time to write a note of support: Jodie( Foster)." 

The ultimate theme of his autobiography is the road to self-healing.  As a young actor, Rob was engulfed by his fast-life of alcohol and sex.  He came across as being immature, self- absorbed and ultimately, destructive. Rob recognized that "Fake confidence on the outside (which he typically acquired through alcohol and female attention)  often trumps truthful turmoil on the inside."  Following his notorious sex scandal he checked himself into a rehabilitation facility. While I respect his decision to seek substance abuse help, I  perceived that he somewhat portrayed the actual taped sexual encounter as a badge of honor rather than something he was ashamed of and was more upset about the effects of the media attention surrounding the act.  Many may counteract my surprise towards his behavior with the cliche "well he's a guy, what do you expect"; however,  does he want to send the message to his sons that his sexual impropriety was acceptable.  This was the only aspect of the book which disappointed me. 

Following rehab, Rob gained control of his life as a result of greater self-awareness and self-preservation.
He learnt that "while I do love people, I hate small talk, am bored by idle banter, and wildly uncomfortable with people I don't know.  I want a real connection..."   and that he did, by proposing to his best friend and lover, Sheryl.  Rob vowed that "after spending the eighties working on a career, I will spend the nineties working on my life."  Since then, it appears, he has been able to maintain a healthy balance in his career and family, which includes his wife of almost 20 years, two sons and dogs.

I applaud Rob Lowe's strength to find his way out of a destructive youth and embrace the true meaning of life.  I also applaud his early career for giving me hours of daydreaming during my teenage years.  Finally, I applaud him for writing this well-written and fascinating autobiography.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

"Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" was a refreshing read when compared to most modern fiction.  Not including historical fiction novels, modern fiction often deals with human angst and tragedy.  There is also "chick-lit" which is mindless reading typically revolving around a female character's quest to find "Mr Right" in the dating jungle.  I am not denying that I have enjoyed novels that have fallen into the above categories; however, I have increasingly become unsatisfied with these forms of modern fiction and have been yearning for a change, which is why I embraced "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand".

The novel is set in England and written by a British author.  Simplicity is the essence of the novel, which also characterizes and why I find British productions (television and movies) so appealing.  The British have a magical skill of transforming a simple storyline into a riveting yet relaxing production.  Such is the case with "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand".

The story is about a retired, widowed Colonel, living in a small English village, who falls in love with an also widowed, Pakastani store owner.  The love is not an over-the-top, dramatic love affair but is built on a sweet friendship.  They experience barriers in the form of non-acceptance from the local community and family members, but this too is also handled without excess melodrama (with the exception of one family member's dramatic and unnecessary actions in response to his own personal problems at the end of the novel).

In many ways, the novel resembles a modern Jane Austen novel as the author makes astute observations about society's rules and behavior with a similiar witty and satirical style.  Each character, both main and secondary (ie. town and family members) come alive not with wordy physical and narrative descriptons, but through their quirks, mannerisms and behavior in a variety of situations.

My favorite character is Mrs Ali, the widowed Pakistani store owner who falls in love with Major Petigrew.  I found a kindred spirit in her love of books. " I tell myself that it does not matter what one reads- favorite authors, particular themes- as long as we read something.  It is not even important to own the books"  She stroked the library book's yellowing plastic sleeve...
I was also charmed and inspired by her nuggets of wisdom such as " The world is full of small ignorances.  We must all do our best to ignore them and thereby keep them small, don't you think?"  and  "I don't  believe the greatest views in the world are great because they are vast or exotic.  I think the power comes from the knowledge that they do not change.  You look at them and you know they have been the same for a thousand years."

This was author's debut novel.  The "Random House Reader's Circle" interview, at the end of the novel, with Helen Simonson provided insight into her background, views and inspirations.  She was raised in a small English villiage and moved to the U.S. in her teens or early adulthood (similar to me).  Like me, she holds idyllic memories of her birth country, recognizing that "Perhaps home is more precious to those who leave.  Away from the everyday annoyances of town and family life, we are free to recollect only the good bits and pine for a landscape that we remembers as always bathed in late-summer evening light."  She is a source of inspiration, since she started writing "later" in life and I took note of her keen observation about writers "I have slowly come to the conclusion that this struggle to find consistency and a good routine, and to pile up creative work, is the challenge of all creative people.  It is what separates the writer from the person who has an idea for a novel if they could just find the time.We also share a similar literary taste, as she identifies both Jane Austin and Edith Wharton as two of her favorite authors.  Finally as a person of British origin, she reflects upon her strong connection to the Indian subcontinent noting that "it is an unexpected part of being British that, no matter the rhetoric, we maintain an enduring sense of connection to the Indian subcontinent."

I thoroughly enjoyed "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" and look forward to reading Helen Simonson's future novels.

Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl

This is the third memoir I have read by the famous food critic and editor of Gourmet magazine, Ruth Reichl.  I literally stumbled upon her first memoir " Tender at the Bone: Growing up at the Table" at our rental cabin in Medocino County last spring, almost exactly a year ago.  I devoured the book, no pun intended.  I relished upon her captivating anecdotes about her childhood and early adult years, interspersed with mouth-watering descriptions of the food that shaped her life.  Fresh from reading "Tender at the Bone", I began to read her second memoir "Comfort Me with Apples" and was completely let down.  This memoir lacked the charming appeal of her previous memoir and quite honestly bored me.So I cautiously did not set any expectations, prior to reading "Garlic and Sapphires" and fortunately the book more than delivered.

This memoir recounts the period in Ruth Reichl's illustrious epicurean career when she worked at the New York Times as their food critic.  Early on, she discovered that restaurants were on the look out for her arrival and quick to recognize her.  This resulted in preferential treatment such as being placed at the best table in the restaurant and literally being served larger, more luscious berries in her dessert when compared with regular patrons' meals.  In order to provide a more consumer-friendly, accurate review, Ruth embarks on a innovative method to conduct her restaurant reviews- dress in disguise. 

Not only does she alter her physical appearance but she takes on unique personality traits and invents distinct backgrounds for each of her characters.  This distinguishes her memoir from most traditional "foodie" books.  With each character, readers are drawn into different worlds and perspectives, which keeps the interest level high.  Characters include frumpy, retired high school teacher Molly, the controlling and outspoken Miriam, the alluring Chloe, the lovable and delightful Brenda, the meek and inconspicous Betty and  the rude, offensive Emily.  Ruth learns about herself while taking on the persona of these characters.  She gains a deeper understanding of her mother who most resembles Miriam and learns that Brenda represents her "best" self.

As in her early memoir "Tender at the Bone", "Garlic and Sapphires" contain mouth-watering food descriptions.  This time they are part of restaurant reviews, which aptly end each chapter.  Also included, as in her previous memoirs, are some of her favorite recipes.

Overall, "Garlic and Sapphires" is a fascinating read full of colorful characters, and vivid descriptions of restaurants' food and service. It provides  an insightful look into the world of a respected food critic in a very engaging manner.

life, on the line by Grant Achatz & Nick Kokonas

The book's subtitle is "A Chef's Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death and Redefining the Way We Eat", which is a good summary of this memoir although in a different order of events.  Grant Achatz is the subject and primary author of this memoir.  Nick Kokonas' contributions are in the final two-thirds when he and Grant become co-owners of Chicago's Alinea restaurant.   The memoir recounts Grant Achatz' journey beginning with his early aspirations to become a chef to his rise to become one of the world's renowned chef and ends with his successful battle with tongue cancer.

This is the second memoir written by a chef that I have read.  The first was Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential".  I by far prefered Grant Achatz's memoir.  Both memoirs begin with each chef's fascination with cooking at an early age and follow  them in their early career as they gain their bearings in the culinary world.  The similarities end here.  While Anthony Bourdain shares some fascinating tips for foodies regarding what to order and what to avoid, his recount of his early career is superficial,only touching the surface at best, and  it appears his main objective is to propogate his "bad boy" image.  He wears his hard-core drug-use and womanzing as a badge of honor.  Grant Achatz, on the other hand, provides a candid, in-depth description that allows readers to not only understand his ladder to success but also gain a wonderful insight into the inner workings of gourmet restaurant kitchens.

After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Grant worked at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Trotter's in Chicago, owned by world -renowned chef Charlie Trotter.  While he was initially excited to receive a job offer with such a prestigious restaurant, the intense working environment and arrogant chef/owner "managed to drain all the confidence and drive that I had built up over the years of cooking and thinking about food."  His aspirations and passion for cooking were renewed when he then began working at The French Laundry in Napa.   Chef/owner, Thomas Keller, a polar opposite of Charlie Trotter, became a lifelong friend and mentor.   Reading about The French Laundry's dedication towards perfection and decadent dishes, convinced me that sampling the cuisine is worth the splurge before leaving the Bay Area.

Thomas Keller taught by example and fueled Grant's creativity.  He generously encouraged Grant to take a leave of absence from The French Laundry and spend a summer in Spain working for a restaurant which focuses on moleular gastronomy, a creative, multi-sensory approach to cooking.  Grant returned from this experience, freshly inspired and rejuvinated to create his own "out of the box" recipes resulting in his resignation from The French Laundry to take on the head chef position at a restaurant in an outer-Chicago suburb.  His unique approach to cooking brought widespread attention to this relatively small, unknown restaurant and  led to meeting his future business partner, Nick Kokonas.

Together, Nick and Grant created the world-famous Alinea, meaning "new train of thought".  The authors share a detailed account of the birth of Alinea including its business plan, search for investors and retail space, interior design vision and plans, sample menu and opening night.  Within six months of opening, Alinea earned the highly-respected title of Gourmet magagzine's best restaurant in North America. (recently in 2010 it was named number one in Gourmet magazine's best restaurants of the world). 

Much to Allen's chagrin (the current price for a 22-course prix fixe menu is $300 per person), the book definitely wetted my appetite to sample Alinea's unique and extraordinary cuisne.  Each dish listed and described in the book fueled my temptation, some enticing dishes included: lobster with rosemary vapor,  proscuitto with passion fruit and mint, olive oil popsicles and candy cap mushroom icecream.  Earlier in the book he stated his mission as a chef: "  I want people to be excited, happy, curious, intrigued and even bewildered during the meal."    This is probably a dream most foodies aspire to achieve and after reading his memoir, Grant Achatz (and later reading satisfied diners' reviews on Yelp) convinced me that a dining experience at Alinea will satisfy all of the above emotions in its diners. 

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

Lately I have been choosing to read memoirs over novels, seeking inspiration in real-life stories.  No matter what his/her background is, each author imparts wisdom and inspiration in his/her life story.  While "Left Neglected" is a novel, it read like a memoir due to its first person narrative and the author's first hand knowledge/experience with the subject material.

The subject material is "left neglect" a neurological condition that occurs as a result of right-hemisphere stroke, hemorrhage or as in the main character's case, traumatic brain injury.  Patients with left neglect involuntarily ignore information on their left side, which often includes lack of awareness of the left side of their bodies. ( I remember learning about this condition during my adult motor disorders course in graduate school.)  Examples of behaviors exhibited by patients with left neglect include: difficulty moving the left side of their bodies (which results in difficulty with walking and performing routine tasks, such as dressing), not "seeing" objects or people on their left and incomplete output (for example, only drawing "half" of an object, difficulty reading). 

Lisa Genova is a neuroscientist at Harvard University.  This is her second novel.  Her first novel, "Still Alice"
is one of my favorite reads of last year.  It chronicles the progression of a middle-aged woman with Alzheimer's Disease.  I was fascinated and saddened as I observed the gradual deterioration of her mind and its affect on her loved ones.  In "Left Neglect" the main character also goes through physiological, emotional and life-shifting changes; however, a major difference exists between the two characters lives.  In "Still Alice", Alzheimer's causes Alice to lose control of her life as her mind deteriorates; the end result is despair.
In "Left Neglect", Sarah's traumatic brain injury initially disrupts her life; however, through rehabilitative care and determination she makes signficant gains and creates a new life for herself; the end result is hope.

The first few chapters of the novel reveal Sarah's life before her traumatic brain injury.  A working mother of three, she juggles motherhood with a demanding professional career.
"I juggle a lot of balls-expensive, fragile, heavy, irreplaceable balls.  And just when I think I've got as many in the air as I could possibly handle, one partner will throw me another...There are days when there is no room for error, no time to pee, no extra minutes to squeeze one more of anything out of me.  On those days, I feel like a balloon blown to capacity, ready to burst."
  While driving to work one day and simultaneously attempting to make a phone call, she loses control of her car.  This results in a traumatic brain injury in the right hemisphere in which she loses her capacity to attend to her left as she verbalizes to her doctor:
"Intellectually, I understand that there's a left side of the plate, but it is not part of my reality.  I can't look at the left side of the plate because it is not there.  There is no left side.  I feel like I'm looking at the whole plate."

Sarah spends several weeks in a rehab. hospital following her accident.  As a therapist, I enjoyed reading about the different therapy strategies (such as visual- painting her left nails a bright color, jewelry on her left hand, tactile- sponge baths).  The novel sensitively unravels the stages Sarah goes through as she comes to terms with her condition (denial, acceptance/self-awareness, anger, frustration, fear, determination, hope) through anecdotal recounts of events.  For example, the frustration she feels when she realizes the difficulty performing routine tasks (such as going to the bathroom, eating, dressing) to the fear she feels with the uncertainty of her prognosis.
The more therapy I have, the more I realize that this is not a math equation.  No one will give me any guarantees...I can work as hard as I've always worked at everything I've ever done, and it might not be any more effective than just lying here and praying.  I've been doing both.
Despite the uncertainty, she persists with therapy and has a poignant revalation at the time of discharge, which elevates her spirits-
I go back to the poster.  Something is different...The picture is of two hands, not one. And the hands aren't clenched into individual fists, ready for battle.  The hands are clasped together.  Holding hands.  And the word above the hand isn't Attitude.  The word above the holding hands is Gratitude.
I start to cry, loving this poster that I'd been looking at all wrong.  I think about Heidi (her therapist) and Bob and the kids and my mother and all the help and love I've been given and all I have...I'm going home today, unable to copy a whole cat but able to see this whole poster, filled with gratitude.

As Sarah re-adjusts her life at home, the novel delves into her relationships with her mother who has come to help take care of her and who her son, who has recently been diagnosed with ADD.  These relationships play a vital role in her healing process.  Her mother's devotion and love as Sarah's primary caregiver brings Sarah to forgive her mother for a painful childhood resulting from her mother's emotional abandonment following her brother's tragic death and they are brought closer.  Sarah draws parallels between her neurolological condition and her son's ADD, recognizing that while they both may deviate from "normal", self-awareness and strategies will help them to cope and lead happy, fullfilling lives.

Her self-awareness includes discovering what she can and cannot do.  On one of her family's weekend ski trips, as she mulls over her frustration and disappintment of no longer being able to ski, she discovers an
alternative through the NESP's office located in the ski resort town.  NESP ((New England Handicapped Sports Association)  mission is to help people with disabilities enrich their lives through sports, recreation and social activities.  Through the organization she discovers her ability to and eventually her love for snowboarding.  Later, when she turns down an offer to return to her former place of employment, she is offered an professional opportunity with the organization which  better suits her professional capabilities, current productivity capacity and chosen lifestyle.

This chosen lifestyle is a more healthy balance in life:
And although much of the stillness of the past four months(since her accident) has been a painful and terrifying experience, it has given me a chance to lift my head up and have a look around.  And I'm starting to wonder.  What else is there?  Maybe success can be something else, and maybe there's another way to get there.  Maybe there's a different road for me with a more reasonable spead limit.

"Left Neglected", like Lisa Genova's previous novel "Still Alice", is an intelligent and poignant novel.  "Left Neglected" reinforces the importance of accepting one's circumstances, treasuring life's blessings and striving to achieve one's dreams.  Dreams do not necessarily have to be monumental, but can be our daily pursuit of being the best we can be and nurturing our relationships with loved ones.

A Thousand Days in Tuscany by Marlena De Blasi

La Dolce Vita!

This is one of many memoirs written by Americans who have chosen to settle or spend a significant amount of time in Italy as they pursue "the sweet life".  I find myself drawn to such books, since it allows me to rekindle the sweet memories of our stay in Bellagio, Italy and stroke the flames of a dream to ultimately settle in this magical land.

This is a follow-up book to a previous memoir in which the author first moved to Venice and fell in love with an Italian man.  In this memoir, her husband enters early retirement upon giving up his financial job and they decide to relocate to Tuscan villiage where they rent a house without central heating, electricity and telephone connection.  Unlike most main characters who escape to Italy purely in search of the sweet life, Marlena realizes alongwith the sweet comes the salty. 
"We've come here to make a life scrubbed clean of clutter, a life that follows the rhythyms and rituals of this rural culture....We're hoping this is a place that still remembers real life...the hard parts and the joyful ones.  Dolce e salata, sweet and salty...each side dignfying the other."
Ironically it is her Italian husband that has more idealistic expectations about the region in search of serenity, while Marlena recognizes that serenity is not geographically dependant.  In her unique way, she reminds him to focus on the present rather than living life with regrets.
"Instead of worrying who's robbing you of what, worry about how you thieve yourself.  You rob time, Fernando.  How arrogent you are taking an evening like this one as though it was some sour cherry, spitting half its flesh into the dirt.  Every time you pitch yourself back into the past you lose time."
They befriend their landlord Barlozzo, who helps assimilate them to their local neigbhors, customs and surrounding locale.  The book is effectively organized seasonally, as the traditions and natural surroundings change dramatically with each season.

They soon discover that the soul of Tuscan life is food. "In Tuscany, the lessons are all about the food.  As Barlozzo promised from that first day, for rural folk, food is the fundamental theme of their lives. It is different from that of the American who gets excited about the restaurant of the week or a holiday feast or a dinner party at which someone auditions a recipe from a just acquired cookbook.
Lunch and dinner here compose a twice-daily-said mass.  After all, here in the countryside, some people still grow it, gather, forage and hunt for it."
With Barlozzo as their guide, they gather wild chesnuts and grapes, forage for wild mushrooms, and prepare a hunted boar. 

Marlena takes local ingredients and transforms them into delectable dishes. Each chapter ends with several recipes spotlighting seasonal ingredients.  She recognizes the true art and beauty of cooking. "Certainly good cooking is about flavor.  About the liberation of flavor, the suspension of it, and finally, the release of it... For instance, to make basil pesto, one pounds garlic and basil to release their oils and essences.  Then one captures, holds those flavors by suspending them in olive oil, forming an emulsion, a thick, smooth sauce.  But this sauce has yet to rerelease those flavors one worked to liberate and suspend.  The sauce needs heat...The contact with the heat intensifies the flavors of the sauce to its fullness."

The book provided a steady and relaxing read, closely imitating the pace of life in Tuscany.  The author captured the close friendships, mouth-watering dishes and colorful local traditions/customs.  While I enjoyed experiencing rural Tuscan life through her keen observations and vivid descriptions, I did not feel as strong  a connection to her as I felt for other recent memoir authors.

Little Princes by Conor Grennan

Following a year-long journey around the world, Conor Brennan dedicated three months volunteering at an orphanage in Nepal.  During these three months, he not only fell in love with the children but learnt a disturbing truth about the true origin of the children.  The children were not orphans, rather they were victims of child trafficking.  During civil unrest in Nepal, Maoist extremists  falsely promised parents in remote villages that they would educate their children in the city in exchange for money.  Instead of fulfilling their promise, the children were taken to the city and placed in impoverished conditions or forced into child labor situations.  Some of the children were more fortunate and rescued to be placed in orphanages such as  the Little Princes orphange, founded by a French woman.  Through the assistance of government and nonprofit organizations, she pressured the Maoist child trafficker to release eighteen children into her custody.  Conor Brennan found his way into the Little Princes and at the end of his volunteer assignment wanted to aid the children even further- he embarked on a search for their parents.

Conor began a physically demanding journey into the mountainous region, Humla.  The region was void of any roads, requiring Conor and his team of local guides, to trek by foot through the rugged terrain. Often it took several days to reach the different villiages.  Suffering with a knee injury and obvious fatigue, Conor was determined to achieve his mission- reuniting parents with their children.  Upon seeing their children's photographs, parents were filled with astonishment and overwhelming joy to discover the children they thought were lost to them forever, were actually alive and safe.  The joy was reciprocated when Conor returned to children with photos and letters from their parents.  While most of the parents could not afford to support their children, they were provided with an opportunity to spend time with them again when the children visited Humla during school vacation.  Conor established a not for profit organization whose mission was to raise money to develop a home for additional children in Katmandu.  At the time of the book's publication, the organization was raising money to build a home in the Humla region, to enable the children and parents to have more frequent contact with each other.

While Conor's journey and mission obviously moved me, it was the honesty and sensitivity in which he describes his story that made this book a superior read.  Conor candidly shares his initial trepidations about interacting with children, an area in which he has little experience, and progresses to describe his unbreakable bond with the children. He strikes a perfect balance in describing each child, allowing readers to become acquainted with their unique traits and endearing qualities, without straying from the plot progression.  Although he is involved in a risky mission, on account of the physically demanding trek into the mountains and the dangerous Maoist extremists he is fighting against, his humility resonates throughout the book.

While Conor's mission is obviously a life changing experience, specifically the Nepalese culture and the children  provide Conor with several life lessons. 
"I had learned a kind of patience in Nepal that did not come naturally to me.  There is less stimulation, fewer pressures to get things done and the people in Nepal have a peaceful way about them that allows them to sit quietly for long periods of time..."
The children's inner strength and resilience despite their hardships are inspiring.
" I felt a surge of joy in seeing these twenty little Nepali tornados...I felt something else, too; respect.  For the children.  Because after all the rage and revolution that clawed at Nepal for years, after being forcibly marched through the mountains, after being taken from their parents, and watching volunteers leave them just when their country was imploding, these kids were still laughing, still studying and still showing off.  They were survivors."
I felt the same awe and respect for the impoverished children I have seen in India.  Despite the poverty, the still wear smiles and carry the playful spirit of children.

A secondary, but an incredibly vital sub-plot, is the blossoming romance between Conor and his future wife, Liz.  An unconventional love story, the couple first meet online when Liz contacts Conor after learning about his not-for-profit organization.  Like Conor, Liz shared an interest for volunteering with impoverished children abroad.  Following her initial request for a recommendation  of a global volunteer organization, they rapidly discovered a common ground for a friendship and soon began regular correspondence. Despite no previous meeting, Liz's words encouraged and motivated Conor during various trials.  After seven months of email correspondence, Liz was scheduled to begin her volunteer program in India which served as the perfect opportunity for Conor to extend his invitation for a visit to Nepal.  During her visit, their chemistry was almost instantaneous and their friendship soon became romantic.  They are clearly kindred spirits.  Conor and Liz are my favorite "characters" within my recently read books; their real-life romance, humanitarian spirit and sincerity charmed me more than any contrived, fictional characters.

You Know When the Men Are Gone by Siobhan Fallon

This is a collection of short stories written by an author who is part of a miltary famly.  She lived in Fort Hood, TX for two years while her husband was deployed in Iraq.  Based on first hand knowledge, she superbly captures military families' lives and hardships both from soldiers and spouses perspectives. 

The stories allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of an important group in our national diaspora.  They reaffirmed the importance of not taking for granted what I treasure the most in my life, my relationship  with my husband and our strong marriage.  I ached for the wives who are forced to spend months alone, learning to be self-reliant not only in managing a household (i.e., raising children alone, daily household chores and tasks) but also in regards to their emotional needs. 

Military families face additional challenges upon a soldier's return home, facing a period of adjustment as they attempt to reconnect with one another.  I was surprised to learn that the army provides couples with pamplets, instructing them on how to communicate and interact with one another.  Taken from "Things a Soldier Should Remember", some rules include:
*  No cursing
*  Your family members are not your men: they do not have to obey your orders
*  Your wife has been handling the finances and diciplining the children during your absence.  Work with her, and most importantly, tell her you appreciate her and that she has done a good jo
*  Take time to be charming!

While several stories highlight the residual stress placed on relationships following months of separation, one story captures a wife's euphoric, almost-giddy excitement following her husband's return from service.
" He had gotten back from Iraq only three weeks ago and Carla still felt electricity flood through her whenever she saw him, a shiver of amazement that he was home, a mental alignment that she had a husband living in the same time zone.
Soldiers' perspectives are also presented in short stories about falling in love with an international translator, difficulty adjusting to civilian life, dealing with broken relationships, coping with life-changing injuries and dealing with a wife's infidelity. 

Several of the stories are cleverly linked to each other.  For example, a soldier who is abandoned by his wife in one story, later reappears in another short story in which he consoles the wife of a deceased soldier from his platoon, who saved his life.

While I recognize the sacrifice soldiers make to defend our country, these stories brought to light the vast parameters of their sacrifice that impacts every part of their lives.  Unfortunately, not enough media attention is brought upon soldiers' and their families lives so that we can learn to more appropriately honor them.

Me by Ricky Martin

February 2, 2001

As a huge fan of Ricky Martin in the late 90s, during the "Living LaVida Loca" era, I was compelled to read his memoir.  While it was interesting to read about his life (i.e., his early career/childhood with the band Menudo, rise to international stardom, fame, volunteer work in India & Thailand, fatherhood and his homosexuality), his spiritual journey was the core of this book.  He acknowledges the power of hope, faith and love throughout the book.

As I often struggle with patience in life's waiting game (in regards to pinacle life events such as marriage and motherhood), the follow passage deeply moved me:
" In my life there was a moment when the stars aligned perfectly and everything was in the exact spot where it needed to be so I could reach the goal I'd always dreamed of ,and beyond.  And if I learned anything in the process, it is that when your moment finally arrives, you can't allow yourself to get held up looking back.  You have to work tirelessly, give it your all and dedicate your heart and soul to actualize the blessing that has been given to you."
This passage reflects upon faith, hope, timing/destiny and gratitude, not taking one's blessing for granted.

Following the peak of stardom, he went to India where he spent time in an ashram learning to meditate which deepened his spiritual practice. 
"Life's most valuable lessons are learned in absolute silence.  It is when we are deep in the silence that we have the ability to think about and connect with our intimate nature, our spiritual being."

He beautifully describes his dreams to become a father:
"Sooner or later we reach a point when we aspire to do more with our lives.  We begin to realize that it is no longer enough to simply exist in the world, and we feel the need to transcend who we are to become something greater.  For me that aspiration manifested itself in my desire to become a father... I always knew I was destined to be a father...I simply felt that my moment had arrived and faced it when I knew I was ready.  There are many people who are afraid to be parents, and I can honestly say it never worried me at all."  to the moment when his dreams came true "I will never forget the moment that each of them (his twin boys) looked in my eyes for the very first time.  Those were the most precious moments in my entire life.  The were OUR moments."

 I was inspired by his words throughout the book since they resonated his peace and genuine gratitude for life's blessings, a place in life achieved through his spiritual journey.

Molokai by Anthony Brennert

January 14, 2010

I enjoy reading historical fiction novels since they allow me to get a glimpse of life during other time periods and places through the eyes of the novels' characters. A well-written historical novel is based on facts, which allows me to gain historical knowledge, in a relaxing manner.

Molokai provided me with a window into life on the Hawaiin island, which served as a lepers' colony from the late 19th century to 1980 when it was officially designated as a "National Historical Park." The novel spans almost eighty years, from 1891-1970. During this time the island transforms from a highly regulated, quarantined community to a less restrictive environment where "non-leper" volunteers where able to interact more freely with those with the disease and a place where residents voluntarily chose to remain even after they were cured. The island also changed as a result of technology from complete isolation from the rest of the world to increased access to the world through technological advances (such as moving pictures, short-wave radio and newspapers).

The main character, Rachel, as a young child is identified as exhibiting symptoms of "the sickness that tears families apart", resulting in her deportation from her family in Honolulu to Molokai. Here she finds a new family among nuns and children at a girls' home, a biological uncle and his lover, an honorary aunt. Among her family, only her father visits her on the island. During early adulthood, she falls in love and marries a Japanese-American resident.

One might expect this novel, given the subject material, to be depressing. However, this novel inspires and touches through its celebration of the human spirit, emphasizing the bonds of human connection and the celebration of life.
"This was life, and if some things were kapu (prohibited), others weren't; she had to stop regretting the ones that were and start enjoying the ones that were not"
Her love for her husband and friends remain steadfast and uplift through her life.

Rachel is not free from heartbreak and devastation.  She outlives her childhood friends and witnesses her husband's murder.  Everyday she lives with the pain of giving up her only child (babies were forcefully removed from their mothers at birth and taken to the mainland for adoption to prevent further spread of the disease).  I ached for her loss and was overjoyed with her ultimate reunion with her daughter thirty years later when she is cured and released from Molokai.

I was deeply moved by the loved shared between Rachel and her husband, Kenji.  Kenji exhibited  the depth of this love and devotion to Rachel when he forgoed  the opportunity to leave the island upon discovering he was cured, since Rachel remained positive.  He made the ultimate sacrifice for love, proving that it doesn't matter were you live as long as you are with loved ones.

This reaffirms an important lesson for me as I have struggled with leaving our families in Houston to move to California with Allen and Buffy.  While I miss my family and the familiarity of Houston, I am blessed to be with Allen and Buffy.  Their love, in addition to the new friendships I have  formed here, supports me.  The natural beauty of California also comforts me as Molokai's beauty comforted Rachel.
"Rachel saw the lush green pali (cliff) soaring high in the sky...more beautiful than anything she could have imagined...There was a grandeur to the pali; that awed and moved her, and for the first time in days she actually felt something other than terror and lonliness."

I was also inspired by faith and hope which resonated throughout the novel
" God didn't give man wings; he gave him the brain and spirit to give himself wings.  Just as he gave us the capacity to laugh when we hurt, or to struggle when we feel like giving up..."

The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather

January 7, 2010

The novel follows the main character, Thea, from her childhood in a small town in Colorado to her early adulthood in Chicago, followed by a turning point in Arizona and ends in her mid-thirties in New York City.  Each geographic region corresponds to a period in her musical career beginning with her initial discovery of her interest and blossoming talent in music through piano lessons to the discovery of her gifted singing voice to her frustration with her stagnant career and finally to her rise to become a leading opera star in New York.  Along her journey, she is inspired and supported by several men who serve as admirers, mentors, lovers and devoted friends.

This is the first novel I have read, written by Willa Cather, one of America's most respected female authors.  Her immortal legacy and that fact that one of my friend's named her daughter after her, sparked my curiousity and enthusiasm towards reading this novel.  I was not disappointed with her writing style, defined by insightful characterizations and vivid scenic descriptions.  Not only Thea, but other key characters came alive through an understanding of their physical appearance, motivations, aspirations and weaknesses.  The following passage captures her insight into human drive:
"Nothing is far and nothing is near, if one desires.  The world is little, people are little, human life is little.  There is only one big thing-desire."
She beautifully describes the admiration and love a town local, Ray, feels for Thea:
"The spark in his eye, which is one's very self, caught the spark in hers that was herself, and for a moment they looked into each other's natures.  Thea realized how good and great-hearted he was, and he realized her many things.  When that elusive spark of personality retreated in each of them, Thea still saw in his wet eyes her own face, very small, but much prettier than the cracked glass at home had shown it.  It was the first time she had seen her face in that kindest mirror a woman can ever find."

While Thea's passion and determination to succeed in her music career is admirable, it also makes her hard and often cold.
They (acquaintences made during her musical training in Chicago) could see no reason for keeping up with a girl (Thea) who under her jocularity, was cold, self-centered and unimpressionable."
Her almost unidimensional focus on success reduced my respect for Thea and my overall interest in the novel.  I know one does not need to completely like or even relate to a main character in order to enjoy a novel; however, in this case, my disappointment lay in the transformation of Thea over the novel's course from a sweet, hopeful young girl to a hard, intensely driven adulty.  I respected her drive and passion but do not believe they have to exist at the expense of warmth.  Thea was not evil and manipulative, but she appeared colder, almost stoic to emotions of warmth and human connectiveness.  Despite these qualities, her two male friends/admirers remained devoted to her.  Although I was disappointed with the Thea's character evolution, I still admire the novel due to Willa Cather's beautiful writing style and look forward to reading more of her work.

Spoken by the Heart by Laura Bush

January 30, 2010

This memoir covers the life of First Lady Laura Bush from her childhood in Midland, Texas to her adult years ispent in Houston, Austin and later the White House, and culminates at their family ranch in centeral Texas.

This is the second First Lady's memoir I have read, the first being Hillary Clinton's memoir.  I was intrigued to learn about both their childhood and early adulthood; however, more so with Laura Bush since she grew up in Texas.  While she briefly lived in Houston, she unfortunately does not describe this period in detail.  In fact, I was later surprised and disappointed that she did not provide more details about her courtship with Pres.George Bush.

She does provide a more in-depth account of their years in the White House, which personalized their roles of President and First Lady.  Unfortunately, the media typically provides a skewed view of all Presidents and First Ladies, focusing more on the same political issues and giving us little opportunity to understand their "human side".  Memoirs, such as this one, allows us to better understand them not only as political leaders but enables us to also relate to them more personally as daughters/sons, wives/husbands, and mothers/fathers.

As Laura Bush clearly pointed out throughout the book, the media and general public are often insensitive to the First families feelings as indicated by their prevalent criticism, insults and mockery.  Obviously, and rightfully so, Laura was deeply hurt by the disrespect directed towards her husband (and also towards herself & her children).  Regardless of our individual political beliefs, first and foremost the President should be respected as our Commander-in-chief.

I was moved by Laura's deep love and committment towards her husband, which mirrors our marriage and the feelings for each other:
"We do not have to speak,; ours is a language not just of words but a shared presence.  We take comfort simply from knowing that each one is in the room.  We are anchored to each other.  And if it is my nature to be calm, it is also George's to steady and buoy me.  We are two symbiotic souls"

I also felt a connection with Laura over her youth , as we were both significantly younger than our classmates (she began college at 17, while I began at 16) and our shared passion for reading which began at an early age.  She shared a memory from her childhood in which she lined up all her dolls as if in a classroom and played the role of a teacher.  I did the same thing, with the addition of taking several "class pictures" of  my inanimate students.

Throughout the book, I gained valuable insights into Laura Bush's social advocacy and philantropy both in the U.S. and abroad.  She helped AIDS victims,  abused women, provided teacher training programs for women in foreign, rural areas, established literacy programs- to name a few.  Again the media failed to shed light on her social activism and was more concerned with her wardrobe.

While there were several occasions in which I felt she glossed over chapters in her life (i.e., she just stated the facts, providing minimal details if any, and revealed little about her emotions at the time), overall I enjoyed the book.  Laura Bush appears to be a kind, loving, strong and principled woman.

The Lost Girls by Jennifer Baggett, Holly C. Corbett & Amanda Pressner

December 26, 2010

This travel memoir follows three friends, in their late 20's, through their 18-month journey across four continents (countries include:  Peru, Brazil, Kenya, India, Vietnam, Thailand, New Zealand & Australia). Each women alternates in narrating a chapter.  While this approach was effective in understanding each woman's unique perspective and personality traits, I did have a clear preferences for Holly's writing and often wished I could hear more of her voice throughout the book.

Rather than delving into extensive details about each locale, the nature of each environment and the local people's charm (or in some case, not so pleasing traits) are revealed through anecodotes recounting their adventures (e.g., hikes, hostel stays) and unique experiences (e.g., volunteering in a impoverished Kenyan villiage, residing in an Indian ashram).  Each women also shares their inner journeys as they try to find a life-work balance and question their past or current relationship status.

As I read the book, I admired several aspects of their journey.  I admired that they had the courage and strength to put their day-to-day lives (i.e., careers & relationships) on hold in order to pursue their passion to travel the world.  I respected that they spent a month volunteering in a Kenyan villiage, empowering and bringing joy into the lives of school-aged girls.  I envyed their strong bond of friendship, which they nurtured and strengthened.  While they revealead the challenges and tests placed upon their friendship, ultimately their travels created a lifelong bond.  They appeared to fully understand each other and recognize they could always count on one another.

I had a difficult time relating to other aspects of their journey, in particular their choices of accomodations which typically consisted of bare-boned, hostel stays.  While their tight budget restricted their accomodation options, often they longed for more comfortable and peaceful lodging.  Accomodations play a vital part of the travel experience and I personally would have had a difficult time adjusting to most of their accomodations.

Each woman made several life-affirming discoveries.  One of the more poignant  was Holly's reflection upon her life, made during her stay at the ashram 
"There's a metaphor in Buddhism about the lotus flower, which starts out growing on the bottom of all this muck and then rises through the swamping darkness into the light.  When it finally gets there, it turns into what is was meant to be, opening into something beautiful. But the flower doesn't open instantly, it has to go through the muck to get to the light."

While God's spirit always shines within us, I am deeply inspired and moved by religious icons.  In the presence of  icons, I feel God's light emanate.  They visited two majestic and awe-inspiring religious sites that I hope to visit someday: the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janiero and the Reclining Buddha statue in Wat Pho, Thailand.  I can only imagine how being in the presence of such statues reinforces how tiny and dependant we are in His powerful presence.

The key lesson they learnt on their journey, a lesson I learnt a long time ago, is that despite cultural differences among people from different countries and cultures, one must discover and focus on the universal goodness in this world.
" After all my searching for something to believe in, what if taking the journey itself was the highest act of faith?  Travelling anywhere that was foreign inevitabley meant I'd have to rely on the kindness of strangers."- Holly's reflection at the end of the trip