Retro Reads

The Virgin Blue
By Tracy Chevalier

I don't remember a single thing about this book.
Set in the French town of Lisle-sur-Tarn with characters named Isabelle & Etienne & Petit-Jean & Jean Paul.
My comments were:  "Confused.  Let Down.  Another book about the misunderstood wife who finally realizes her strength."
I go in waves.  I dislike male protagonists in books.  But I really hate stuffed up females trying to make a point.  I just like people to be real.  They don't always have to find themselves, you know?

Also, I made some reference to red hair plucking, dead bone arranging and sex nightmares in this book.
Huh?

Retro Reads

The Dive from Clausen's Pier
By Ann Packer

Here is what I remember about this book.  High school sweethearts find tragedy when the young man is paralyzed in an auto accident?  Carrie busts out of the relationship and finds a new life.

Supposedly, I really liked this book.  Although I'm not sure why. 

My favorite quote: "You are the kind of person you are.  You do what you do."

Not the most eloquent.  I also summarized the novel as "a Bridges of Madison Cty for the younger sector."  Cripes, I wouldn't go back to this book with a ten foot pole.

An old college friend once said this book reminded her of my relationship with Matt.  Which, I guess I understand.  We were high school sweethearts.  But neither of us has been in a tragic car accident.  And I like to think our relationship is not quite so stale as the one in this book.  I didn't know how to respond to her then and I don't really know what to say about this book now.

Retro Reads

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
By Ann Brashares

I read this book when I worked as a middle school counselor.  I was trying to stay hip with the young ones.  I decorated my office in one color (green).  I rode rollercoasters at the end of year field trip.  And I read ya lit.

I've got to admit.  I LOVED this book.  Babysitter's Club for the year 2000 set.  A perfect book for youngins wondering about divorce, death, young love and finding yourself.

Carmen is the character to love in this book.  She's human - jealous, goofed up, angry, real.

The movie is OK.  Expertly cast.  Amber Tamblyn, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel and hmmmm.

And yes, they supposedly all wear the same magical pants.  Or something like that.

Retro Reads

The Secret Life of Bees
Sue Monk Kidd

Apparently, my first book club meeting EVER took place at Scott Highlands Middle School.  Aha, I remember it now.

I could not identify with a soul who worked at that school and cried every night from job frustration.  But, alas I connected with others over books.  Reading does save lives, I guess.


This is what I felt the book wanted to say:
 There are moments in life that change everything and develop a sense of knowing one's own power.  In the end, we find a mother that exists in every one of us and know we can carry the torch.

When I finished this book I felt as if I understood how it was to lose your north star (your mom) and find her again.  Strength renewed.

"When you're unsure of yourself, when you start pulling back into doubt and small living, she's the one inside saying - Get up from there and live like the glorious girl you are."

I should probably read this one again ten years later.  My how life has changed.