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.