Reading More Lately . . . . Here's a Fun Series

I read the first two books in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins this week.  The third, and final (assumption), book will be published later (not sure when).  I can wait, because what am I going to do, force the author to get her pencil in gear?!?

The only precaution I would throw out there for parents, since these books are labeled Children's Literature, is this:  there are themeatic problems (for parents with children who may read these books) of violence, war, oppression, and yes, even hints at human sexuality.  The author doesn't write about sex, but it is there in nature:  scenes where the main character is stripped down naked by her team of handlers for the games . . . scenes where she is sleeping with, but not having sex or even entertaining the idea thereof, her teammate (for warmth in a cave; for comfort later).   Unless your child is mature . . . they should wait on reading these for a few years.  There's no cussing I can remember, so . . . if there is, it's used "appropriately". 

I would say these books were written for high school readers (at least that would have been my take during the years I was growing up).  They are Orwellian, but with more hope.

I do not want to say much more about the books than what the books are described as on their jackets.  "Winning means fame and fortune.  Losing means certain death.  The Hunger Games have begun . . . "  It is a thrilling ride!

Worth Sharing Once You've Read It . . .

This book is hard to put down. For more information from the author himself, click on the link (the word "book" above).

My take: I laughed for many reasons. I'm definitely not laughing at A.J. - I don't even feel sorry for him, to tell the truth. I enjoyed his quest for God, because IMHO he dug deeper than most would/could to find meaning. He remains an agnostic, but one that found reverence and one who found that life is sacred. I think those two things are pretty nice outcomes from his search. He may not say it in so many words, but essentially he found what many of us find when we have our first child: fear they may be lost to us via the world - lost to God, eternally, should He exist. He does cover ground on "believing just to be on the safe side" and that being a weak link. True, but if you really live a Christian life - or Jewish life - or Muslim life - authentically, for real - not just trying it on for size (even if that is what you do initially and it leads you into communion- you're on the right track. He was only trying it all on for size - which lead to much of his confusion I think. Had he just delved into his own Jewish background, he might have found Faith. Still, the book is insightful and well done. I felt his pain, confusion, consternation, and moments of enlightened love for God's creation. He had epiphanies, for sure. In the end, he decides his son (and sons) should learn about their heritage and Jewish religion . . . so that he (the sons) can have a foundation on which to choose God or not, to navigate better through the murky waters of this world's message of relativism.

I recommend you get this book - or borrow some ones you know who has it. Not once was I offended by his research - he found a bunch of loonies, but even in that, he saw sacredness. How could you not at least respect others who profoundly believe what they believe? In this book, he takes a really long, good, honest look at himself. We all should do that.

Well done.

I hope to read his encyclopedia book soon!

Gee, What Do I Say About This?

I just closed the book after reading the last lines . . . and it's left me pondering all that was said (repeatedly, I might add).

Weapons of Mass Instruction - A Schoolteacher's Journey Through the Dark World of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto.

Has anyone else read this book - or others penned by him regarding this "dumbing down of America through compulsory schooling"?

I "get" what he's saying, that there's more than a fine line distinction between education and schooling. There's a clear difference between being taught something and learning it on one's own.

I understand that he's saying schooling in America is stifling creativity on purpose. I know, firsthand and through my own children, that school is boring.

I agree that something "funny" is going on when tax payers are digging deeper into their pockets for education and for every penny, kids in school are not getting any smarter (in the sense of passing tests, which are only important for the "machine" not the individual; and, in the sense of being able to articulate clearly in arguments, being able to comprehend what they are reading) . . . and all of this at the hands of the school system.

My kids have Literature books that are really compilations of dumb-downed chapters from stories of old (classics cut down at the knees and reworked so the 5th grader can understand it when it's an high schooler reading it). If you dumb it down, they'll never learn; they'll never be challenged; they'll be bored.

I'm not sure if writing across test papers "I would prefer not to take your test" is the best answer, but it sure would shake up a few folk. Teachers today are used to being cussed at and having their hands tied, but for that kind of rebellion (not to take the tests!!! gasp!)? If parents taught their kids to rebel this way, what would happen?

I'm not afraid of the establishment "machine". I've got a high school diploma and nothing more. Who cares? I never thought much of college, either. My thought process then was the same as it is now, concerning me: why go into that amount of debt to be bored sh*tless? And, let me be clear about this: if you have a degree, fine. I'm not saying you were bored or the degree you have worked for is pointless. As I said, this was concerning me.

So, we trust absolute strangers and the government with our kids six to seven hours a day, for what? To teach our kids what we could easily teach them, and yet, we could by doing so, preserve our Faith and Family at the same time.

This book has much to say about boredom - linking it to the "I" and "ME" of things today, the media, the intrusion of electronic stimulus. Separate the child from everything - self, family, religion, etc.

I believe this is why many choose to home school. Yet, even the author admits that kids can survive schooling if they are educated at home, by being free to educate themselves. It is also nice when parents don't make a big deal out of test scores. I never really have. I mean, I don't like my kids to spend that much time in a windowless box with strangers to fail a class . . . as sometimes happens. But, that's just it: it some times will happen. Failure is only a means to try again - unfortunately, in subjects you "have to have by law" it really stinks. Believe me, the schooling usually works the second time through a class . . . only because the kid is shamed there and at home and is spurned into trying harder.

I honestly don't know where I'm going with this post. So, I'll just say that this book was intriguing and confirms many suspicions I've held about compulsory schooling my entire life.

Stay rooted in your Faith, stay rooted in your family. It's all the education one really needs. As a Catholic, I'm in training for Eternal Things, not those that pass away - and they do pass away all too quickly for most.

If You Haven't Read It, You Should (Or If You Have, Read It Again)

The Phantom Toll Booth is written for late elementary to early middle school kids, but as I reread this book from my past (a very distant one these days) I thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed it more this time, I believe, because I have been in the world long enough to understand all of what I read more precisely. It was a fun read and a cool reminder about how words have meanings, some more than others, some need left unsaid others needs be spoken. See? I love the Island of Conclusions and the way you get there is by jumping. There are many gems, you see, when you read this book. Then, pass it to your children or read it to them. You can explain the meanings of things as you go along, because I am not altogether sure that children are learning these things in school today. You tell me.

I found this book to be quite timely for today - it spoke of so much noise the sounds lost meaning; and, oh, so many other delicious things we forget, even though we know them well.

It's early dismissal at school today for my two youngest. It's staggered just enough that I can relax driving between schools. Then, we have an hour to "kill" so we'll pop into the commissary to get a few needed items before going to get the eldest. I'm already in the "I can't wait to get home" mode. What the hell am I so anxious about?

I need a chill pill.

Yesterday, I Was Such a Spaz

I was all spun up about having to get my kids from school yesterday, because they ALL got out of school at the same.bloody.time . . . and their schools are separated by roads filled with other parents picking up their kids, at the pace of 25mph . . . and it's only a mile or so between the schools, but with traffic and "figure it out yourself" left turns, uff da! Let's just say I could use with a new mouth! Lord, I need to learn to put a cap on it and chill out, yeah? I need to live the "hang loose" thing out, man. Geesh.

So, in order to be there on time to get Teenie first in the lineup, I left the condo ungodly early and traipsed through the new Target. Target is new on O'ahu . . . it's so beautiful. It is the cleanest Target I have ever been in - not that I've been in a dirty, disorganized one, but this one is brand spankin' new! I've been in dirty, disorganized WalMarts - quite a few of them, actually, and it's such a shame since it's a good store, too. My B-I-L would vehemently disagree, as a union man. Anyway, the Walmart near where we are now currently living is spankin' clean. I like it!

I have been waiting to find this book since Jamie posted on it a few days ago . . . and found it at Target. I read it almost in its entirety in the parking lot waiting for Teenie. I got there an HOUR before I needed to be 'cos I must have sprinted through Target. I ran the car for the AC for a bit, but then I was wasting petrol . . . so I shut her down and rolled down the windows. I still sweat through to the leather seats. Gross! I finished this book after I got home. Let's just say:


I'm going to get the other two as I can find them. This book is about the indignity he suffered at the hands of his parents. Yes, both of them. One for being cruel, the other for letting it happen. Still, it's more about the triumph of a soul - he soldiered on and became a human being that stayed a human being that God can be proud of, and, we can admire. God bless Dave Pelzer!

After I got the kids from the rat-race pickup routine, it was brought to my attention that the younger two would be required to read. Crickles will need to read thirty minutes daily. Teenie will need to read genre books once a month with book reports to be turned in. I'm not against this at all. I love it! The problem isn't with Teenie, but with Crickles, who doesn't like to read per se. I know, the sacrilidge! Anyway, we don't have our bookcase to our disposal so I trotted them to the Borders nearby and we got some books. Here's what I picked out (with his approval) for Crickles:
I remember reading it as a youngster and it's not "challenging" but fun, light reading that makes play with words and such. Remember Tock, the dog? He's on the cover. I'm re-reading it as well so we can talk about it. I love memory lane.

The girl got the classic Robin Hood and Little Women. I will likely read those as well. It's been a long time and I love to read. I think The Phantom Tollbooth will jump-start Crickles to read again, too, and ENJOY it.

Whilst walking amongst the Hawaiian goodies offered in Target, I found this and could not resist. I got one for a friend of mine (Heather) who will likely read this post before she gets it, but she totally understand my humour - or lack thereof! The kids and I worked on it and had it done far too quickly. I started it first . . . then Squirrel Boy (of all the kids) started in and pieced together quite a lot of the center before I could gather my wits from surprise that he was joining in . . . . We all agreed to get more puzzles on the spot! I cannot remember who suggested . . . oh, yeah, it was my M-I-L . . . to buy puzzles and just work on them at leisure. Who knew? Y'all knew and I know it!! I cannot always help it that I'm a slow learner.
Today, I got them off to school in good time and we agreed we could leave ten minutes later than we have been and still make good time. Tomorrow we'll leave later. It's all about getting a feel for it. By the time it's an art form, they'll be packing into the bus. Oh, well.

I'm sitting here having my first cuppa. I am using the last of the half and half. I started putting creamer in my coffee at the Hale Koa and blew my no creamer resolve of a year into the terlit. I did not gain weight from it, but I would likely lose a few pounds by leaving it out of my coffee. So, it's back to black with my second cuppa. Maybe a bitter pill to swallow, I don't know. I do know that I'm very seriously considering not drinking coffee any longer after this packet is used up. No, seriously. I have to ask myself why I drink it if it's making my intestines ache. It tastes good and I like the brain tingle, but other than that, I know I can live without it and I know my toilet paper shopping will decrease. I'll save ten bucks there and another ten not buying Starbucks beans any longer. There's always an upside. I can deal with the headaches . . . it is only the first few days without coffee that are the worst. I'm just thinking about it, is all.

I'm doing a load of towels. I like this particular load of laundry. They always come out smelling so good and, they are easy to fold up. White wash, on the other hand, I despise. Matching up all the socks, folding my husbands white tee's (he wears with his uniform) . . . ach!

Perhaps today I will relax more and not rush to pick up the kids. I do need to leave a tad early just so I can get petrol in the van. I don't like being under quarter tank and it's at a quarter tank now. I'll fill her up, get to Teenies school, and read War and Peace for the few minutes (not hour this time) it takes for the last bell to ring.

You Have Got To Get This Book!!

I ought to say that about the Bible (so, if you haven't one . . . get one! if you have one and haven't read it, read it. It is the best book I have ever read and re-read. Evah!). Okay, now that I've mentioned the most important book evah, I must say, this book "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is one of the best reads I've stumbled upon by a modern writer in a while. Remember, I love the "Ladies No.1 Detective Agency" series and it's modern writing at it's best, in my humble opinion. Guernsey is a gem!

I put down a finished 1,000 plus paged "Hawaii" with absolute exhaustion. It was a long read and had me thinking about how people abuse each other rather than just look beyond our own selfishness (which is beyond just our needs to preserve our lives - the basic food, clothes, shelter). It was a difficult book to read, but worthy of the time it took to do so. I disliked some of the language, I hated the selfish behaviour of the white men who came down from the missionaries . . . and honestly, it's fiction, folks, but some history about the origin of the islands is weaved within . . . making a good story out of it. I was introduced to some fun characters, too. However, I was just so glad to be done . . .

. . . unlike this book Guernsey (that's what I'm calling it). I picked it up yesterday with a sigh, thinking, "please, God, let this book give me some laughs and bring me some new friends". I think I may pray that before all books I read from now on, for He did not disappoint! I did not want to finish it, but there are only so many pages written. Fantastically written! The author's notes were even interesting! I highly recommend you get a copy from the library if you can't cough up the dough to get your own copy. I could not put this book down . . . I did not want to stop to eat (although, I did, you know I did 'cos I'm such a pig). *snort*

I love the book so much I'm going to offer a copy here. If you want to win a copy of your very own . . . leave your name in my comment box and mention your favourite book ever (My goodness! when you love to read it can be a real challenge to do so) and why. You'll help me build a "should read" list and you may win a book I know you'll love! You'll love it so much, you will want to share it, too!

Comment box open! Who wants to win? Winner will be announced this Sunday. Good luck!!
Contest open to all around the globe. I'll mail it anywhere.

On Foot Masks

I've never used a foot mask product before. I'm not a foot person so I rarely give a hoot about what my feet look like as I usually just lock them up in socks and lace-ups. Still. I am on my way to Hawaii, where I'm sure I'll be trading in my lace-ups for flip-flops. I bought this cream on foot mask a few months ago . . . packed it up in my travel bags thinking I'd give the stuff a go. I am about to peel it off in a few minutes, but let me tell you my impression:

This Tee Tree Oil Cool-Off/Peel-Off Foot Mask by Earth Therapeutics is weird. You have to plan ahead. I'm not getting anyone in this household to smooth this crap on my feet, first off. So, I brought out my facial towelettes to wipe off my lone finger that I selected to slather on the goop. Then, I put my feet up . . . until the circulation from the mid-calf down started to cut off and my toes were tingling and cool from lack of blood.

After peeling it off (I took a tiny break to do this part): Fun as if I were a pig in poo poo! Remember peeling off Elmer's Glue? Yeah, baby! Better, in fact, as it all comes off in one fell swoop and it feels really creepy weird!! The smell is still pleasant (but my feet generally don't smell anyway . . . but I heard if you wear rubber flip flops often . . . ). My feet are softer - especially the heels. Nice.

So, I need to work on application and definitely a better prop so next time I'm not sitting with my legs straight out in the air and giving myself stomach cramping crunches!

We watched Taken tonight. I was on the edge of my seat the entire flick. Who knew Liam could move like that. My hero! I have to say the storyline is weak, but written to really bother parents! I'm double saying "NO" to any of my under aged kids asking to go to Europe without me . . . until they're 30!

Just kidding.

Okay, for Therese, (and any others who are interested in my book reviews): I loved loved loved the book Friday Night Knitting Club. It's not a New York twist on Steel Magnolia's (as some reviewer on the cover states), but it is a good story. I like that it had a rather real ending to it . . . it wasn't tragic, it was real. I do not know if I'll follow up with reading the sequel. Some times I like one book and the characters in it to be where I have left them when I close the book. If I ever read the sequel . . . well, I need to let time let me savour this story first. It's about love and relationships and knitting . . . friendships. It was cozy and made me want to learn how to knit.

All in good time, that learning to knit.

I'm on to Kate Jacob's other book Comfort Food. I'm on page 65 and will review it later. Yes, it's about food, but at least there's not a lot of yammering on and on about food so that I'm just salivating the whole time. I have Food Network for that - I don't need food in my face 100% of the time. But, so far I like novel. More later.

Have a blessed night.

A Real Winner . . .

I made mention to a friend (in passing) that I would love to read this book. She gifted a copy to me last week as a parting gift. I have read it and it is full of good advise for raising truly remarkable, likable kids. I'm a bit of a softie so I have to dig about for my spine some of the time while on this journey called 'Parenting'. This book essentially reiterates many of my own personal beliefs about how to raise good kids. My favourite part of this book is when she discusses respect. This is the missing link in kids today, as well as the other missing link: not clearly knowing what is right and what is wrong. In the final chapter she discusses religion and how it's important to raising kids (whatever your religion is; hers is Catholic, and, I could sort of tell that by some of the things she mentions; like, 9-11 and how they went to Church to pray). Overall, it's a great book to give to new parents or parents who are struggling with keeping and using their authority - something many parents lack. If you can acknowledge there is something wrong and you know what to do to change it, DO IT. Whatever that "it" is, do it.

I'm passing the book along to another family - honestly, they don't need it. It may be more of an affirmation of all that they are doing right with their family. And, hopefully, they'll keep passing it along.

It was worth while to read.

Now I'm off to read "Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs.

No Cain and Able Story

I finished reading "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult last night. The writing was engaging and fluid - in that, I found it easy to read. The style of writing was wonderful, because each part of the book was broken into chapters by the different characters of the story surrounding the girl, Anna, who was conceived purposefully to donate her cord blood to hopefully extend her sister's life. The plot is front and center: Anna does not want to be a donor any more. She's thirteen and seeking legal council so she does not have to give her sister one of her kidneys. Her sister has a form of leukemia that one can only medically halt and reverse for so long before it will eventually take her life. Everyone knows this. Even Kate, the older sister who is dying of renal failure. Of course, the book takes a twist and turn toward the end (which I will not give away). This is a story of a family torn to shreds by decisions about how to save one of their members, while each member still has their own demons (so to speak) to deal with. Everyone in the story feels marginalized by Kate's fight for life, even Kate.

Although I did not cry once during the reading of this story, I know that it has impacted me in a profound way as I was angered by the mother in the story many times - if you read the book, you will know why. I am a mother and would probably not have put my Anna through anything more than the cord blood transfusion. Why? Well, when you child is given such a horrible outlook, quality of life becomes more important. Length - not so much. That's just my two cents. I'm probably not alone, though.

If' you are a cryer, keep the tissues handy. Two thumbs up on this one. If anything, it does provoke conversations and deep analysis about our current ethical treatments and what kinds of decisions people have to make in life. In any event, let's not forget Jesse, the older brother . . . I am tempted to say "Anna and Kate's mother", but she is also the mother of Jesse . . . motherhood and fatherhood calls us to be above many things, and sacrificial things are no different.

There is no greater love than to lay down ones life for ones friends. Moms? Dads? We know this, do we not?