I have this memory that probably happened a million times, but I only remember it happening once. This singular occurrence of a common occurrence has stuck with me for all these years. But recently, light has been shed upon it and it's become even more special.
When I was a kid I hated the idea of sinking. I once saw the ending to the Titanic and then panicked whenever the toilet overflowed. I would run and jump on my bed and cry about the fact that the world was about to sink. This is also why I'm afraid of space, there is no end. It's just infinite falling.
This fear didn't stop me from getting the bath, or swimming in pools or the ocean. I was more than okay with all of these activities, and though Shark Week changed my perception of the ocean, I still enjoy these activities. But you bet your ass I refused to get on boats as a kid.
This problem really only came up once a year when we took our yearly vacation to South Carolina. It was a wonderful time, and I'll write more on that topic late, but part of our vacation was to go visit the fort near by. The fort that was on an island. That required taking a boat. I was not about that. Luckily, my Memaw always volunteered to stay behind.
So this is the memory. I was sitting on top of the spiral staircase, looking down at the joined living room and kitchen, Memaw was on the couch. The house was quiet for once, and the contrast between the orange sun and the shadows of the window pane was stark. We didn't speak, but I went to the cabinet in the left front corner of the living room. Inside was a collection of wine glasses, us kids drank from them as often as we could, but we had to be careful. The glasses made a high and sharp cling as I pulled one from the cabinet. Memaw heard and warned me not to break anything. I nodded in agreement, and carried on.
That's the entire memory. A single paragraph so mundane it would hardly constitute as significant, but it does. I have a lot of memories from that house, with all my cousins and siblings, my aunts and uncles, and of course, Memaw. Most are specific, some are blurs of things we did regularly like beg to go to the beach, hanging out on the porch, ghost crab hunting, etc.. But none like this.
I've always remember this evening, but since Memaw has passed away I have often lingered on this memory. Now, let me tell you how this memory became even more significant recently.
In my final classes of undergraduate we read a book by Crystal Wilkinson, and then watched a brief lecture she gave as a homework assignment. In this lecture she discussed that she writes about what she is curious about, the topics that she has a childlike eagerness to explore. She then prompted the audience to write down their top three curiosities. I made a list longer than three, then began to create spider webs from the topics, going further and becoming more specific with what I'm curious about. Then I wrote. The assignment was a minimum of three pages to explore a curiosity, I sat down and had such a good flow I wrote 9 pages.
My curiosities included how women lived in the 1800's and early 1900's, country life, and family history. I started it as just the first two curiosities: A young woman living on a farm in the 1880's. I thought I'd explore her at different ages, but then I realized I needed names for my characters. So I texted my Mom and asked for her great-aunts and uncles names, they would be old enough and my family has a knack for beautiful names. She sent me a list of the first chunk of great aunts and uncles and I ran with it. As I wrote I based it off my family's land, and then remembered the story of a young girl who died on the farm and was buried on the land. I don't know the story very well, but I decided I'd write it.
Once I had that story down I decided to continue it by jumping fifteen years into the future and covering my Memaw's youth. I told my Mom about this endeavor, and I still need to send her the draft, and I explained that I couldn't remember how the little girl actually died, but I just made it a diabetic seizure that led to a coma and eventual death. She then told me that my great grandma had seizures as a kid. She even said it was rumored that they took her to a neighbors house and dipped her in an ice bath to try and cure her. Mom thought that was crazy, but as I was simultaneously writing a novel about sisters in an asylum during the 1920s I believed it 100%. Hydrotherapy wasn't even the wildest or cruelest way doctors attempted to cure patients. Anyways, Mom told me that she stopped having them for the most part, but did suffer a single seizure after having her fifth child.
As a result, the family then never left her alone. Since my Memaw was the oldest sibling she was often given the job of staying behind when the other kids went to the pond. Mom confirmed that she didn't mind, because Memaw was an avid reader. In that moment I recalled the day she stayed behind with me but in a different light.
I remembered what Memaw was doing in the chair. I'd always thought she was watching TV, but it was so quiet in the house. She was actually reading. She was doing exactly what she'd done for her mother all those years ago. Staying behind, enjoying the peace, and reading a book while someone kept her quiet company.
I picked up the story shortly after it, and had the character that is Memaw, Dorothy, escape from the house when she could, climb up a tree, and read. I'd like to memorialize her, and thank her for providing a near infinite amount of content for me as a writer. I like history, but I love family history, especially as it relates to Memaw.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Monday, June 4, 2018
Book Review: "The Art of Fielding" by Chad Harbach
I believe I have mentioned several times that I love characters that are the worst. The book "The Art of Fielding" by Chad Harbach has characters that are the epitome of THE WORST characters, and I love it endlessly.
I first read this book upon John Green's recommendation (if you are ever stuck on what to read next check out some of your favorite author's recommendations, they will not let you down). He posted a video about the books he had recently read and loved and suggested "The Art of Fielding" if one wanted to become unexplainably and uncontrollably attached to the characters. To that I said, "Sign me up!"
Guys, the characters are so flawed and so magnificent. You wouldn't think so as they all start out so shiny and new. We're introduced to characters with high hopes, starting new, and eager to achieve their goals. Okay, so maybe not so perfect like that, but they had least had hints of it when we first meet the five main characters. But then, we get their flaws. Their glorious, horrific, flaws.
I found myself screaming at Henry, "THROW THE BALL!" and telling Pella to get her shit together, as well wanting to wring Mike's neck, and cheering on Geurt's happiness, despite the danger it imposed. All while having the occasional change of pace with Owen, who was so delightful.
The book was actually featured on the Netflix show "Thirteen Reasons Why" because both are the story of a baseball team bonding. But "The Art of Fielding" is better, I'm just saying.
If you want a book that will rip out your heart, play baseball with it, then stab it, then stomp on it, and finally bury it, dig it up, and toss it in a lake then this is the book for you! This is one of those books that will take you to your knees from pain, and at times make your heart race with love and joy. It's not your typical story of overcoming struggles, because it's mostly just the characters trudging through their struggles and making them forty times worse because of their flaws.
Harbach crafted such wonderfully horrible people, and for that I love him. Even though they couldn't achieve their goals because of all that happened, I still cheered for them and recommend their story to anyone who will listen. So, since you're here listening: read "The Art of Fielding" by Chad Harbach.
I first read this book upon John Green's recommendation (if you are ever stuck on what to read next check out some of your favorite author's recommendations, they will not let you down). He posted a video about the books he had recently read and loved and suggested "The Art of Fielding" if one wanted to become unexplainably and uncontrollably attached to the characters. To that I said, "Sign me up!"
Guys, the characters are so flawed and so magnificent. You wouldn't think so as they all start out so shiny and new. We're introduced to characters with high hopes, starting new, and eager to achieve their goals. Okay, so maybe not so perfect like that, but they had least had hints of it when we first meet the five main characters. But then, we get their flaws. Their glorious, horrific, flaws.
I found myself screaming at Henry, "THROW THE BALL!" and telling Pella to get her shit together, as well wanting to wring Mike's neck, and cheering on Geurt's happiness, despite the danger it imposed. All while having the occasional change of pace with Owen, who was so delightful.
The book was actually featured on the Netflix show "Thirteen Reasons Why" because both are the story of a baseball team bonding. But "The Art of Fielding" is better, I'm just saying.
If you want a book that will rip out your heart, play baseball with it, then stab it, then stomp on it, and finally bury it, dig it up, and toss it in a lake then this is the book for you! This is one of those books that will take you to your knees from pain, and at times make your heart race with love and joy. It's not your typical story of overcoming struggles, because it's mostly just the characters trudging through their struggles and making them forty times worse because of their flaws.
Harbach crafted such wonderfully horrible people, and for that I love him. Even though they couldn't achieve their goals because of all that happened, I still cheered for them and recommend their story to anyone who will listen. So, since you're here listening: read "The Art of Fielding" by Chad Harbach.
Book Review: "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
This book is a hot topic right now, and if you haven't read it, you should. Seriously. You should read this book.
"The Hate U Give" is about a girl who witnesses her friend get shot by a police officer, and then she goes through the process of trying to get him justice. She also gives the reader a chance to explore her personal world, from the empowered family she is surrounded by, to handling a double consciousness when attending a majority white private school, and everyday life in Garden Heights. It is so much in one novel, but it is done perfectly by Angie Thomas.
I think Thomas is a brilliant author, and I'm sure this blog post won't do her justice, but I'm going to try. The first thing I would like to note is that about a page into the novel I realized this narrator was unique. It's not because she's spunky or smart, or any other traits other authors give their characters in attempts to make them stand out, but because I have rarely read a book with this voice. The perspective of black teenagers is grossly low in mainstream fiction. One would have to really search the teen section to find this kind of book, but even then they'd probably have to order a print on demand title because bookstores won't carry the item regularly. I thought I was a well-rounded reader, I thought I had exposed myself to a lot of different perspectives, but after getting into "The Hate U Give" I realized I needed to read more books like this. Everyone should. We should be reading more authors of color, because their stories are not only entertaining and wonderful, but informative of a world America often forgets about, or doesn't even recognize at all.
At this moment I'm reminded of an episode of "Jane the Virgin." Jane is a latino woman, her grandmother was born and raised in Venezuela, and she is a writer. Jane has her book published, but it is eventually dropped by the publisher. Which evokes her to say, "Very few women of color get published. And when we do, we cannot afford to screw it up, because we don't get a second chance-- like our peers" (Season 4, episode 9). I know Angie Thomas had similar thoughts running through her head as she was publishing this book, especially since it covers Black Lives Matter topics. But she nailed it, and she is also working on her second book "On the Come Up" which I'm sure will be equally amazing.
To continue on with what makes "The Hate U Give" amazing is the pure beauty of her writing. Not only is the voice authentic and unique, but she just has these amazing quotes sprinkled into the book. The first one, for me, came 26 pages into the novel. Kahlil has just been shot and Star is sitting on the back of an ambulance, wrapped in a blanket, and her parents have arrived. Thomas writes that her mom holds her close, "She rubs my back and speaks in hushed tones that tell lies."
I was so blown away by this quote. In such an elegant way she shows the reader three things: (1) the mother is telling her everything will be alright, (2) Star reacts honestly because she doesn't believe that for a second, (3) it hints at how the story will go. And, the quotes don't end there!
Google "The Hate U Give quotes" and hit "images." You will find a plethora of beautiful quotes decorated with fan art. Allow me to give you a taste of what you will find:
"The Hate U Give" is about a girl who witnesses her friend get shot by a police officer, and then she goes through the process of trying to get him justice. She also gives the reader a chance to explore her personal world, from the empowered family she is surrounded by, to handling a double consciousness when attending a majority white private school, and everyday life in Garden Heights. It is so much in one novel, but it is done perfectly by Angie Thomas.
I think Thomas is a brilliant author, and I'm sure this blog post won't do her justice, but I'm going to try. The first thing I would like to note is that about a page into the novel I realized this narrator was unique. It's not because she's spunky or smart, or any other traits other authors give their characters in attempts to make them stand out, but because I have rarely read a book with this voice. The perspective of black teenagers is grossly low in mainstream fiction. One would have to really search the teen section to find this kind of book, but even then they'd probably have to order a print on demand title because bookstores won't carry the item regularly. I thought I was a well-rounded reader, I thought I had exposed myself to a lot of different perspectives, but after getting into "The Hate U Give" I realized I needed to read more books like this. Everyone should. We should be reading more authors of color, because their stories are not only entertaining and wonderful, but informative of a world America often forgets about, or doesn't even recognize at all.
At this moment I'm reminded of an episode of "Jane the Virgin." Jane is a latino woman, her grandmother was born and raised in Venezuela, and she is a writer. Jane has her book published, but it is eventually dropped by the publisher. Which evokes her to say, "Very few women of color get published. And when we do, we cannot afford to screw it up, because we don't get a second chance-- like our peers" (Season 4, episode 9). I know Angie Thomas had similar thoughts running through her head as she was publishing this book, especially since it covers Black Lives Matter topics. But she nailed it, and she is also working on her second book "On the Come Up" which I'm sure will be equally amazing.
To continue on with what makes "The Hate U Give" amazing is the pure beauty of her writing. Not only is the voice authentic and unique, but she just has these amazing quotes sprinkled into the book. The first one, for me, came 26 pages into the novel. Kahlil has just been shot and Star is sitting on the back of an ambulance, wrapped in a blanket, and her parents have arrived. Thomas writes that her mom holds her close, "She rubs my back and speaks in hushed tones that tell lies."
I was so blown away by this quote. In such an elegant way she shows the reader three things: (1) the mother is telling her everything will be alright, (2) Star reacts honestly because she doesn't believe that for a second, (3) it hints at how the story will go. And, the quotes don't end there!
Google "The Hate U Give quotes" and hit "images." You will find a plethora of beautiful quotes decorated with fan art. Allow me to give you a taste of what you will find:
So many good quotes! They give me chills. Angie Thomas is #writergoals.
This book is just so honest, so blunt, and beautifully written. The story moves you through the daily life of Star, from the major stuff like dealing with the trauma of witnessing a friend be shot and fighting for Black Lives, to the mundane parts of her life like boyfriend problems and working at her dad's grocery store. Everything is in there, and Thomas makes it magnificent. Read it if you are an activist, if you'd like to be exposed to a non-white perspective, or if you really just can't wrap your head around why the football players are kneeling during the national anthem. Basically everybody needs to read this book.
Read more: https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/view_episode_scripts.php?tv-show=jane-the-virgin-2014&episode=s04e09
Saturday, May 5, 2018
My Conflicting Relationship With Ghosts
Since I'm currently on a BuzzFeed Unsolved kick I'm gonna talk about ghosts. (To give you a preview of this post, I love this show because ghosts and murder and mystery, but I don't watch the ghost Unsolved episodes unless I'm in a public space and not at home, otherwise I get too paranoid and freaked out).
So here's the 411: I love ghost stories. I grew up in a town that is HELLA haunted. I'm talking little ghost girls pulling pony tails of the waitresses in a local restaurant, my friend having a stuffed animal thrown at her in the toy shop, and the tapping sound coming from the attic of the flower shop. It is a spook spook place, and I highly recommend taking a ghost tour there. I also love the show "A Haunting" because of the reenactments of the tales. Sure they are way overdone and dramatized, but I get pulled in every time.
So here's the 411: I love ghost stories. I grew up in a town that is HELLA haunted. I'm talking little ghost girls pulling pony tails of the waitresses in a local restaurant, my friend having a stuffed animal thrown at her in the toy shop, and the tapping sound coming from the attic of the flower shop. It is a spook spook place, and I highly recommend taking a ghost tour there. I also love the show "A Haunting" because of the reenactments of the tales. Sure they are way overdone and dramatized, but I get pulled in every time.
But, I recall one time when I was watching the show and my sister snuck in behind me and scared the living shit out of me. Because here's the deal: I am terrified of ghosts. When I ate at the local restaurant mentioned I hated going to the bathroom and would rush through the process without looking in the mirror incase the little girl showed up. I felt antsy when wandering the toy shop alone. And, as much as I wanted to hear the little boy tapping or catch a ghost in a photograph, I knew I'd pee my pants if I did.
As a kid I rarely went into the basement alone, and to this day I don't sleep well at a friends house because it is well known to be haunted. Ghosts are terrifying. I wish I was clairvoyant, and maybe then I'd be a little more used to ghosts and even get to spot one. However, I am not. I am just a wuss who secretly wants to meet a ghost.
The closest I've gotten is at the friend's house I mentioned. It was actually the night I met Duffy. Three of us had retreated back to her house and discussed the evening. I was starting to doze off, my back was to her bedroom door, when I felt the distinct sensation of someone watching me. I knew no one was behind me, but the hairs on the back of my neck prickled up and I was afraid to mention it or turn around to check. It is probably the closest I will ever get to meeting a ghost.
I do know that when I move into a house I am getting it inspected for ghosts. Even if it's a new house. Even if I build it. Gotta make sure there are no portals to hell in it, or burial grounds near by. Ghost inspections, it's a thing.
I almost went on a ghost investigation in my hometown when it was offered. I didn't go because I was a teenager and knew I'd be a scared mess the entire time. And thank god I didn't, word around town is the investigation was cut short because of the ~activity~ of the ghost got dangerous. DUN DUN DUN!
Still want to know all the details, but you know. You get what you get.
Maybe one day I'll go back to those old haunts (pun intended) and try to say hi to the ghosts, they're supposed to be friendly. Maybe I'll go sit on the stairs with the school girls, or say hi to the boy who died of tuberculosis. Or, I'll go see the woman in the mayors house who apparently checks people's pulses when they sleep. NO! I should go visit the cat ghost who lives in that house! Just as long as I don't run into any demons or other hellish creatures that will possess me and follow me home. That'd be great.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
One of Those Days
Do you have a favorite day, one that you hope to never forget? Is it your wedding, the birth of a child, the day you got the job, or something greater? I have one, and it's fairly simple.
To begin, it was a Monday in August. I had a summer bucket list that hadn't been accomplished very well. However, the summer wasn't over yet. It had been a pretty regular day, I went to the gym in the morning, then dedicated the day to hanging out with my boyfriend, Duffy. I was trying to stay awake (I love taking naps after early morning work outs) and to tucker myself out so I could go to bed early because I had to go to work at 6am for the first time. To find something to do we checked the summer bucket list and saw Hubers on the list.
Hubers Orchard and Winery is a local place, just about 40 minutes away. It's a popular spot for kids as it has a small petting zoo, occasional pony rides, and an ice cream shop. Not to mention the farm produces pumpkins in October and fruits to pick in the other seasons. I have only been there a handful of times in my life, and as an adult I saw it as crowded and boring. But, Duffy and I had just turned 21 and decided we should go do a wine tasting.
We climbed in the car, excited for our mini road trip, and headed up to Indiana. There are technically two Huber's farms, one for the winery and other attractions, the other for picking food and shopping at the store. We pulled up to the one with the booze and made our way upstairs to begin our first wine tasting.
Let it be noted that I take 20 years to drink a single glass of wine. Especially at dinner with Duffy, because I usually talk non stop and occasionally take bites and sips. So, we paid for one tasting and shared the wine so he could take his giant gulps to finish the glass. The wine was good, and we loved the guy serving us. He was an older gentleman who told us about how much he loved St. George, Florida when he noticed my shirt. We could've sworn he was gay until he pulled up a FaceTime of his wife removing her eye patches after getting surgery. However, neither of them could figure out how to hang up on FaceTime and he ended up just turning his entire phone off.
We finished the last glass and snacked on the crackers and chocolate. We wandered the shop, looking at knick-knacks and wine tools before heading back downstairs. I was a little tipsy, he was fine. We each purchased a bottle of wine, mine sweet that went good with chocolate, and his a classic white wine. We put them in the car and decided we deserved a cup of ice cream from the shop.
As we entered the ice cream shop we noticed several groups of older people hanging around. It was this moment that I realized how quiet the place was, there was hardly a kid in sight. We ate ice cream and purchased from fruit from a different shop.
The fun really began when we went to the other farm to play on the playground. We swung on the swings, and laughed endlessly as we went down the slide that was bumpy. It was childish, but grand. When we finished the slide we noticed a basketball court and raced each other to the ball. I am horrible at most sports, but I did my best.
Duffy suggested a game of "Horse" which I failed miserably. The trick with horse is to make shots from impossible spots so other players can't make it. But I can only make shots from close distances, and Duffy with his long legs and experience could make those shots in his sleep. But, we still ran around the court, making shots, commenting on how lovely the nearby pond was, enjoying this beautiful summer day.
Duffy's favorite thing about Huber's is the biscuits at the restaurant. So, we put in an order for biscuts and fried zucchini. It was cool inside as we waited for our food. We watched the teenagers working the restaurant and wondered if they were locals and if the job was miserable. We took the food to-go and found a swing near the garden. It was shaded and the breeze felt good as we gorged on the hot, fried food.
This was the moment for me. The moment I refer to when thinking of the perfect day. The wind was blowing, we swung gently, my belly was full of comfort food, and I leaned on Duffy's shoulder. He has the best shoulder to rest on. Huber's garden mixed with the perfectly blue sky made for a grand view.
It was the best day because it was simple. All it took was wine, food, a small adventure, and the greatest guy in the world.
You make every day the best day ever, Duffy. Here's to many more!
(I don't have the pictures from this day saved, so here are some replacement images until Duffy sends me pics)
To begin, it was a Monday in August. I had a summer bucket list that hadn't been accomplished very well. However, the summer wasn't over yet. It had been a pretty regular day, I went to the gym in the morning, then dedicated the day to hanging out with my boyfriend, Duffy. I was trying to stay awake (I love taking naps after early morning work outs) and to tucker myself out so I could go to bed early because I had to go to work at 6am for the first time. To find something to do we checked the summer bucket list and saw Hubers on the list.
Hubers Orchard and Winery is a local place, just about 40 minutes away. It's a popular spot for kids as it has a small petting zoo, occasional pony rides, and an ice cream shop. Not to mention the farm produces pumpkins in October and fruits to pick in the other seasons. I have only been there a handful of times in my life, and as an adult I saw it as crowded and boring. But, Duffy and I had just turned 21 and decided we should go do a wine tasting.
We climbed in the car, excited for our mini road trip, and headed up to Indiana. There are technically two Huber's farms, one for the winery and other attractions, the other for picking food and shopping at the store. We pulled up to the one with the booze and made our way upstairs to begin our first wine tasting.
Let it be noted that I take 20 years to drink a single glass of wine. Especially at dinner with Duffy, because I usually talk non stop and occasionally take bites and sips. So, we paid for one tasting and shared the wine so he could take his giant gulps to finish the glass. The wine was good, and we loved the guy serving us. He was an older gentleman who told us about how much he loved St. George, Florida when he noticed my shirt. We could've sworn he was gay until he pulled up a FaceTime of his wife removing her eye patches after getting surgery. However, neither of them could figure out how to hang up on FaceTime and he ended up just turning his entire phone off.
We finished the last glass and snacked on the crackers and chocolate. We wandered the shop, looking at knick-knacks and wine tools before heading back downstairs. I was a little tipsy, he was fine. We each purchased a bottle of wine, mine sweet that went good with chocolate, and his a classic white wine. We put them in the car and decided we deserved a cup of ice cream from the shop.
As we entered the ice cream shop we noticed several groups of older people hanging around. It was this moment that I realized how quiet the place was, there was hardly a kid in sight. We ate ice cream and purchased from fruit from a different shop.
The fun really began when we went to the other farm to play on the playground. We swung on the swings, and laughed endlessly as we went down the slide that was bumpy. It was childish, but grand. When we finished the slide we noticed a basketball court and raced each other to the ball. I am horrible at most sports, but I did my best.
Duffy suggested a game of "Horse" which I failed miserably. The trick with horse is to make shots from impossible spots so other players can't make it. But I can only make shots from close distances, and Duffy with his long legs and experience could make those shots in his sleep. But, we still ran around the court, making shots, commenting on how lovely the nearby pond was, enjoying this beautiful summer day.
Duffy's favorite thing about Huber's is the biscuits at the restaurant. So, we put in an order for biscuts and fried zucchini. It was cool inside as we waited for our food. We watched the teenagers working the restaurant and wondered if they were locals and if the job was miserable. We took the food to-go and found a swing near the garden. It was shaded and the breeze felt good as we gorged on the hot, fried food.
This was the moment for me. The moment I refer to when thinking of the perfect day. The wind was blowing, we swung gently, my belly was full of comfort food, and I leaned on Duffy's shoulder. He has the best shoulder to rest on. Huber's garden mixed with the perfectly blue sky made for a grand view.
It was the best day because it was simple. All it took was wine, food, a small adventure, and the greatest guy in the world.
You make every day the best day ever, Duffy. Here's to many more!
(I don't have the pictures from this day saved, so here are some replacement images until Duffy sends me pics)
This is me meeting a Lil' Sebastian impersonator and it was also a really great moment in my life.
And since this is an appreciation post about Duffy here's an image of him (look at them long legs) exercising with my sister's dog, Manny. They're pals. He's pals with most dogs.
UPDATE: We could not find any pictures from that magical day, so enjoy these photos forever!
Monday, April 30, 2018
Book Review: "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santapolo
Let me begin this by saying that I avidly hate every single character in this book. This is why I couldn't stop thinking about how great this book was in the days after I'd finished it.
I had my eyes on this book since I saw the hardback cover for it at the bookstore I work at. I. Love. Covers. Have I mentioned this before?
And, when reading the synopsis of the book I figure it was a mix of a falling in love story and a falling out of love story. I was intrigued by the possibility of this being a reverse love story, and wanted to see how well the author could write such a thing. I passed up buying the book when it left our store to become a paperback book. But, when it returned I felt drawn to it again.
One day I had the hankering to read something, and figured I would pick something out to read over the weekend before I got too busy with school work. I was between "The Light We Lost" and "Exit West." I picked up "Exit West" and read the first couple of pages in the break room. The cover is gorgeous and it was an interesting story presented. However, since I had already been flirting with "The Light We Lost" for so long I thought I ought to grab it first. Then, a customer came in looking for the book after a friend told her it was amazing. It was as if the book gods were looking down on me and telling me what to do.
I almost didn't buy it. The first page didn't catch me as strongly as I thought it would, though the narrator established a storytelling style that I found interesting. And, I am very good at telling myself not to spend money. The lines were long at the bookstore, but I jumped in line for check out and took the book home.
I ate some dinner and then cracked open the book. You all, I did not put this book down until I finished it.
Lucy, the main character and narrator, is telling the story of her first love, Gabe. It's an off and on relationship, but even as Lucy goes through her life she continues to reference and remember Gabe. This is probably why I hate Lucy. I thought she needed to move on, he ditched her butt years ago! But, he is her "wild fire" love (138). Then, she meets Darren, who is her "hearth fire" love (138). And, as a reader, I'm thinking "Yes! Darren is great. He's a family guy, he's got a good job, his friends are a little too "bro" for my taste, but he's here, he's kind, and he's not Gabe!" However, he also has flaws that make me hate him adamantly. He doesn't take Lucy's career seriously, he doesn't want her having lunch and coffee alone with Gabe when he comes to town, like he's just douche at times. But again, better than Gabe!
Gabe, oh little Gabe. Gabe is passionate, but that makes him impulsive at times. The story begins with Gabe and Lucy witnessing 9/11 while finishing college in New York city. And in responsive Gabe decides to go to Iraq to cover the war through photography. This is an admirable feat, and Lucy supported his decision. But, he didn't tell her when he applied for a job as a reporter until he'd gotten the job. Shortly after that he left, and Lucy was heartbroken. The now broken up couple rarely kept in touch over the years, until the time of the book when Lucy tells Gabe their story.
We, as readers, are not sure why she is telling the story, except for some hints here and there. Then, towards the end we are told why she is doing this and what is to become of their relationship. Though, we aren't completely sure what will happen to Lucy and Darren, but that's the joy of book endings.
This is a very character driven story, and I loved every second of it. The characters effectively made me want to rip my hair out and to shake some sense into them, and that is all so great. The story made me feel a lot of emotions and I thrived off of those feelings. Those feelings, even of hate, have made this story stick with me. I kept thinking about it, and telling people about this great book I read, it's now on the staff recommendation shelf at the bookstore, because I want more people to read it. It perfectly drew me in, kept me hooked, and remained in my thoughts in the aftermath of reading it. This is a book that deserves to be promoted and passed on.
So go buy it! Devour it! Enjoy!
I had my eyes on this book since I saw the hardback cover for it at the bookstore I work at. I. Love. Covers. Have I mentioned this before?
And, when reading the synopsis of the book I figure it was a mix of a falling in love story and a falling out of love story. I was intrigued by the possibility of this being a reverse love story, and wanted to see how well the author could write such a thing. I passed up buying the book when it left our store to become a paperback book. But, when it returned I felt drawn to it again.
One day I had the hankering to read something, and figured I would pick something out to read over the weekend before I got too busy with school work. I was between "The Light We Lost" and "Exit West." I picked up "Exit West" and read the first couple of pages in the break room. The cover is gorgeous and it was an interesting story presented. However, since I had already been flirting with "The Light We Lost" for so long I thought I ought to grab it first. Then, a customer came in looking for the book after a friend told her it was amazing. It was as if the book gods were looking down on me and telling me what to do.
I almost didn't buy it. The first page didn't catch me as strongly as I thought it would, though the narrator established a storytelling style that I found interesting. And, I am very good at telling myself not to spend money. The lines were long at the bookstore, but I jumped in line for check out and took the book home.
I ate some dinner and then cracked open the book. You all, I did not put this book down until I finished it.
Lucy, the main character and narrator, is telling the story of her first love, Gabe. It's an off and on relationship, but even as Lucy goes through her life she continues to reference and remember Gabe. This is probably why I hate Lucy. I thought she needed to move on, he ditched her butt years ago! But, he is her "wild fire" love (138). Then, she meets Darren, who is her "hearth fire" love (138). And, as a reader, I'm thinking "Yes! Darren is great. He's a family guy, he's got a good job, his friends are a little too "bro" for my taste, but he's here, he's kind, and he's not Gabe!" However, he also has flaws that make me hate him adamantly. He doesn't take Lucy's career seriously, he doesn't want her having lunch and coffee alone with Gabe when he comes to town, like he's just douche at times. But again, better than Gabe!
Gabe, oh little Gabe. Gabe is passionate, but that makes him impulsive at times. The story begins with Gabe and Lucy witnessing 9/11 while finishing college in New York city. And in responsive Gabe decides to go to Iraq to cover the war through photography. This is an admirable feat, and Lucy supported his decision. But, he didn't tell her when he applied for a job as a reporter until he'd gotten the job. Shortly after that he left, and Lucy was heartbroken. The now broken up couple rarely kept in touch over the years, until the time of the book when Lucy tells Gabe their story.
We, as readers, are not sure why she is telling the story, except for some hints here and there. Then, towards the end we are told why she is doing this and what is to become of their relationship. Though, we aren't completely sure what will happen to Lucy and Darren, but that's the joy of book endings.
This is a very character driven story, and I loved every second of it. The characters effectively made me want to rip my hair out and to shake some sense into them, and that is all so great. The story made me feel a lot of emotions and I thrived off of those feelings. Those feelings, even of hate, have made this story stick with me. I kept thinking about it, and telling people about this great book I read, it's now on the staff recommendation shelf at the bookstore, because I want more people to read it. It perfectly drew me in, kept me hooked, and remained in my thoughts in the aftermath of reading it. This is a book that deserves to be promoted and passed on.
So go buy it! Devour it! Enjoy!
Friday, April 13, 2018
Does Anyone Have a Job for Me?
My eye is watering because the windows are open, and my hands are shaky because I've only had a cup of coffee this morning. But I just had this thought to write a post about my current struggle to find a job.
I currently work at a wonderful chain bookstore. I love this place. We have so many books, everyone who works there is amazing, and sometimes the customers aren't horrible. It's a really good retail job, even I live in constant fear Amazon will crush us. But it's great! However, I think it may be time to move on.
I don't want to be there forever. I'd like to never have to work another Black Friday in retail, honestly. There's a full time position open, for a department lead, but I don't think I'll take it. As much as I love the department, it's just not something I'd really like to take over. I'd really like to move out into the world and into a career field I'm truly passionate about.
But, I need money. I am about to get hit with my student loans. This thought makes me want to throw up. Anyways. The extra 20 hours and potential pay raise would be great, but honestly I don't want to spend an extra 20 hours there. I have to get out, guys. I love the people and the discounts oh so, so much. But I can't be there for much longer!
So, if anyone has a job that's creative, possibly involves writing and editing, I'm very interested. Full time preferred, will accept internship if it leads to something greater.
See, I'd like to be an editor. I love working with my peers on how to improve a story, or even just developing stories. I love sitting one on one with students and reading through their work so I can provide feedback. I love reading books, and I just want to put more books into the world!
I am a hard worker, I get along very well with people, and I have a lot of fun thoughts I can share with the world. So, please hire me. Trust me, it'll be cool. Also, I remind people of Luna Lovegood, and who doesn't want a walking, talking book character in their life?
I'd also love to be a writer. I think this is a fun activity, along with reading. I'm in a fiction class (Finally! I feel like I've spent all four years of college writing poems.), and It's making me write and be creative in a prose kind of way, and I love it. So, publish my work! It's some good stuff.
Speaking of... I do need to edit that one piece and submit it to "Word Hotel." And write my project prospectus. It's due in three days. Then write my final project. Hm. Okay.
I should also eat lunch.
I digress.
I've applied to several internships and nothing has come of it. It's very disappointing. But, it also means I'm available. Again, if you have a job or a connection to a job, please send it my way. I will apply, you will be impressed, and if you're not, please contact John Hammon, he will tell you how great I am. You'd be helping a girl who gave up her childhood dreams of being a dancer achieve her adult dreams of being a creative mind in the book world. You'd basically be the literary version of Walt Disney, I'm just saying.
My resume is attached.
I currently work at a wonderful chain bookstore. I love this place. We have so many books, everyone who works there is amazing, and sometimes the customers aren't horrible. It's a really good retail job, even I live in constant fear Amazon will crush us. But it's great! However, I think it may be time to move on.
I don't want to be there forever. I'd like to never have to work another Black Friday in retail, honestly. There's a full time position open, for a department lead, but I don't think I'll take it. As much as I love the department, it's just not something I'd really like to take over. I'd really like to move out into the world and into a career field I'm truly passionate about.
But, I need money. I am about to get hit with my student loans. This thought makes me want to throw up. Anyways. The extra 20 hours and potential pay raise would be great, but honestly I don't want to spend an extra 20 hours there. I have to get out, guys. I love the people and the discounts oh so, so much. But I can't be there for much longer!
So, if anyone has a job that's creative, possibly involves writing and editing, I'm very interested. Full time preferred, will accept internship if it leads to something greater.
See, I'd like to be an editor. I love working with my peers on how to improve a story, or even just developing stories. I love sitting one on one with students and reading through their work so I can provide feedback. I love reading books, and I just want to put more books into the world!
I am a hard worker, I get along very well with people, and I have a lot of fun thoughts I can share with the world. So, please hire me. Trust me, it'll be cool. Also, I remind people of Luna Lovegood, and who doesn't want a walking, talking book character in their life?
I'd also love to be a writer. I think this is a fun activity, along with reading. I'm in a fiction class (Finally! I feel like I've spent all four years of college writing poems.), and It's making me write and be creative in a prose kind of way, and I love it. So, publish my work! It's some good stuff.
Speaking of... I do need to edit that one piece and submit it to "Word Hotel." And write my project prospectus. It's due in three days. Then write my final project. Hm. Okay.
I should also eat lunch.
I digress.
I've applied to several internships and nothing has come of it. It's very disappointing. But, it also means I'm available. Again, if you have a job or a connection to a job, please send it my way. I will apply, you will be impressed, and if you're not, please contact John Hammon, he will tell you how great I am. You'd be helping a girl who gave up her childhood dreams of being a dancer achieve her adult dreams of being a creative mind in the book world. You'd basically be the literary version of Walt Disney, I'm just saying.
My resume is attached.
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