It has been a while since I started this book. Working full time and going to school full time leaves precious little time for recreational reading. This book was quite the undertaking, but well worth it.
I loved the forward thinking of those in Nantucket. In a time when an escaped slave was vying for women's right to vote, the Nantucketeers were in awe of and commending the free thinking of women. I loved the literary genius that was used as educational tools, such as Shakespeare, Keats, Byron, and Wordsworth, as well as the literary greats that Una came in contact with during her life- such as Mr. Hawthorne, Mr. Emerson, Margaret Fuller, and Frederick Douglass. The fact that Una spoke her mind and relished in these acquaintances brought a smile to my face.
In the beginning Una states that Captain Ahab was not her first husband and would not be her last. Her loyalty to her first husband, even when his madness drove him from her, was commendable. Then Ahab came along and you see Una truly flourish with the independence the wife of a sea captain is afforded.
We know from Mr. Melville's tale that Captain Ahab was a man obsessed. However, this is reflected more so in a variety of manners. He is drawn to Una from the very beginning and his obsession with her is solidified once she is free from her previous husband, of which Ahab wastes not time in amending. There is an obsession with success, due to his upbringing, obsession with revenge upon a leviathan, and obsession with the representation of ivory. It is a unique view into Captain Ahab.
We also know Captain Ahab does not survive his obsession, to which Una is, once again, without a coupling. The stance she takes is far beyond that of the times, however works with the strong, independent, free-thinking woman she is portrayed as. Also, the stance that marriage is more about what you do and say than a piece of paper was refreshing. As is the fact that Una took into consideration what others said or attempted to advise on, but ultimately did what she felt was the right thing to do.
This book contained views on religion, or the lack thereof, abolitionists, homosexuality, feminism, life, and death. Love and loss were a great part of life at this time and was evident within the writing as well. But all of this pales in comparison to the catch at the end...
(Spoiler alert)
Ahab's wife ended up sharing a life with Ishmael, the soul survivor of the Pequod, the last man to see her "beloved," and a man who intended on writing the same basic story of Captain Ahab, from a sailors point of view. I found there to be some sort of poetic justice in the fact that Captain Ahab's widow should find comfort and solace in the lone survivor of the last trip to sea her husband ever took.
All in all a great book! Long, but well worth the journey!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Monday, August 5, 2013
Truth!!
The current book I am reading is the third of the Newsflesh trilogy by Mira Grant entitled Blackout. I am enjoying this book greatly, and thank my Uncle immensely for introducing me to this trilogy. This book is set in the future when we have found a cure for cancer and a cure for the common cold (goodness wouldn't that be great) but unfortunately when this occurs in a single person the two cures meet and cause spontaneous amplification (AKA you reanimate into a zombie).
For those of you who like science fiction books you will love this trilogy. The first two books had a lot to do with politics and the game playing that comes along with any sort of politics. The second has to do with conspiracy and the ramifications of the last book. The third has been taking a turn that I was not expecting but have been loving. It deals with the issue of clones and governmental cover-ups. The CDC has been a large part of all of these books. As a medical professional I know, and have a large amount of respect for, the CDC. Not to sound to much like a conspiracy nut but I know that the CDC is light-years ahead of the game and filtering what the public gets presented. There is no way they can't. There has to be some sort of censorship; otherwise if things were leaked people would demand answers and if something went wrong along the way the CDC would be the bad guys for not being positive about something before it was presented. I get that. However, I do wonder sometimes where the moral/ethical line is drawn.
I know we have been working on cloning organs. How great would it be for a loved one to never have to wait on an organ waiting list because it can be regenerated. And to be cloned from your own DNA to ensure you would not reject it. I wonder though how much of the genetic coding has to be altered to ensure that the same course of events does not start all over again. If your heart failed the first time around was it due to environmental conditioning or genetics? What is going to stop your heart from failing the second time around? Other than the ethics committee, are people questioning this? Are other health/government organizations moving forward with this with or without these questions being answered?
This book asks this same question and one of protagonists suggests the truth above all else. There is a quote from the protagonist's blog that goes as such: 'Given a choice between life and death, choose life. Given a choice between right and wrong, choose what's right. And given a choice between a terrible truth and a beautiful lie, choose the truth every time.' I really like this quote and it has gotten me thinking that our world is populated to the max, how many of us live by this kind of code? I have prided myself on treating others as I would want others to treat me. I give honesty and would like the same in return. I have noticed that sometimes I am brutally so, but what are you going to do?
I choose life, right, and the truth. Which do you choose?
For those of you who like science fiction books you will love this trilogy. The first two books had a lot to do with politics and the game playing that comes along with any sort of politics. The second has to do with conspiracy and the ramifications of the last book. The third has been taking a turn that I was not expecting but have been loving. It deals with the issue of clones and governmental cover-ups. The CDC has been a large part of all of these books. As a medical professional I know, and have a large amount of respect for, the CDC. Not to sound to much like a conspiracy nut but I know that the CDC is light-years ahead of the game and filtering what the public gets presented. There is no way they can't. There has to be some sort of censorship; otherwise if things were leaked people would demand answers and if something went wrong along the way the CDC would be the bad guys for not being positive about something before it was presented. I get that. However, I do wonder sometimes where the moral/ethical line is drawn.
I know we have been working on cloning organs. How great would it be for a loved one to never have to wait on an organ waiting list because it can be regenerated. And to be cloned from your own DNA to ensure you would not reject it. I wonder though how much of the genetic coding has to be altered to ensure that the same course of events does not start all over again. If your heart failed the first time around was it due to environmental conditioning or genetics? What is going to stop your heart from failing the second time around? Other than the ethics committee, are people questioning this? Are other health/government organizations moving forward with this with or without these questions being answered?
This book asks this same question and one of protagonists suggests the truth above all else. There is a quote from the protagonist's blog that goes as such: 'Given a choice between life and death, choose life. Given a choice between right and wrong, choose what's right. And given a choice between a terrible truth and a beautiful lie, choose the truth every time.' I really like this quote and it has gotten me thinking that our world is populated to the max, how many of us live by this kind of code? I have prided myself on treating others as I would want others to treat me. I give honesty and would like the same in return. I have noticed that sometimes I am brutally so, but what are you going to do?
I choose life, right, and the truth. Which do you choose?
Friday, August 2, 2013
"Be you, be true, love what you do"
I have some exciting, and anxiety ridden, changes coming up. I am returning to school for the last leg of my Masters program and am starting a new job. I will be going to Radiology Nursing. I am taking a working supervisory job. This is a whole new area for me and will require a lot more responsibility, such as policy making. I keep asking myself if I am ready for such things but then again, if not now then when?
Making this journey has been a tough decision. I love the great people I work with. The Emergency Department is an area that requires strong personalities. Sometimes this dynamic gets a little crazy but for the most part it has been an amazing journey that has allowed me to grow as a nurse, and especially as a person. I have learned so much from these people and will miss each and everyone of them immensely. My reasoning for leaving has varying degrees. I dislike the way the department is run (management has a lot to learn about professionalism, decorum, and respect) and feel my filter is not going to hold on much longer. I also do not thrive for the trauma environment like my co-workers do. I like that things are different each and every day but the other aspects of the job outweigh the change in environment. I greatly dislike the pod system that has been implemented (again it stems back to the way that it is being managed because it has great potential). I do like that my new job will allow me to be home at a decent time each day and I will not have to do 12 hours shifts anymore. Three 12 hour shifts will be the death of a nurse. By the end of the third shift you sort of forget how to walk out to your car. It is the most tiring thing I have ever done in my life.
Along with my co-workers I am going to miss working with the kids. It is always a sad day to see a child in the Emergency Room but kids are so much fun to work with too. They are cute, little sponges, and usually the source of a good chuckle. Unfortunately, children can also be a great source of anxiety with regards to the Emergency Department. People do some of the most horrible things to children. Working in the Emergency Department has greatly diminished my faith in humanity. As an ER nurse you can see the very best and the very worst in people. Unfortunately, the worst is what was seen more often than not. It was starting to wear on me. I have been having a hard time leaving it behind when I leave the department.
I took all of this into careful consideration before making my decision. I am trying to stick to the quote that I presented as the title to this post. I most definitely have not been loving what I am doing. So I am trying to be true to myself and am moving on to something else. I think this new job will be a challenge and will, once again, allow for a large amount of growth for me. The best part about being a nurse is that there are so many different areas you can be a part of. So many different things you can learn and contribute to the profession. I try to take everything I see, do, and learn and apply it to life. I hope to do justice to those I am leaving behind and pray I love this new job as much as I did when I first started in the ER.
With these new changes to my life will come a decrease in my free time to read. So until September (when both of these changes take effect) I am going to try to squeeze in as much reading as I can. The latest book I've read is Dead Ever After by Charlene Harris. This is the last of the Sookie Stackhouse series. I was pleased with the end. I really liked how Harris brought back almost every major character from the series. It was a nice finale. I did not see this ending coming (I thought it would end quit differently) but was pleasantly surprised by this ending. Overall, it was a nice wrap up to the series.
Currently I am working on the third book to the Newflesh trilogy by Mira Grant. It has some serious political basing and implications while still sticking to the science-fiction aspect of things. I am finding it to be quite intriguing. Though I am wishing it were more than just a trilogy. Enjoy!
Making this journey has been a tough decision. I love the great people I work with. The Emergency Department is an area that requires strong personalities. Sometimes this dynamic gets a little crazy but for the most part it has been an amazing journey that has allowed me to grow as a nurse, and especially as a person. I have learned so much from these people and will miss each and everyone of them immensely. My reasoning for leaving has varying degrees. I dislike the way the department is run (management has a lot to learn about professionalism, decorum, and respect) and feel my filter is not going to hold on much longer. I also do not thrive for the trauma environment like my co-workers do. I like that things are different each and every day but the other aspects of the job outweigh the change in environment. I greatly dislike the pod system that has been implemented (again it stems back to the way that it is being managed because it has great potential). I do like that my new job will allow me to be home at a decent time each day and I will not have to do 12 hours shifts anymore. Three 12 hour shifts will be the death of a nurse. By the end of the third shift you sort of forget how to walk out to your car. It is the most tiring thing I have ever done in my life.
Along with my co-workers I am going to miss working with the kids. It is always a sad day to see a child in the Emergency Room but kids are so much fun to work with too. They are cute, little sponges, and usually the source of a good chuckle. Unfortunately, children can also be a great source of anxiety with regards to the Emergency Department. People do some of the most horrible things to children. Working in the Emergency Department has greatly diminished my faith in humanity. As an ER nurse you can see the very best and the very worst in people. Unfortunately, the worst is what was seen more often than not. It was starting to wear on me. I have been having a hard time leaving it behind when I leave the department.
I took all of this into careful consideration before making my decision. I am trying to stick to the quote that I presented as the title to this post. I most definitely have not been loving what I am doing. So I am trying to be true to myself and am moving on to something else. I think this new job will be a challenge and will, once again, allow for a large amount of growth for me. The best part about being a nurse is that there are so many different areas you can be a part of. So many different things you can learn and contribute to the profession. I try to take everything I see, do, and learn and apply it to life. I hope to do justice to those I am leaving behind and pray I love this new job as much as I did when I first started in the ER.
With these new changes to my life will come a decrease in my free time to read. So until September (when both of these changes take effect) I am going to try to squeeze in as much reading as I can. The latest book I've read is Dead Ever After by Charlene Harris. This is the last of the Sookie Stackhouse series. I was pleased with the end. I really liked how Harris brought back almost every major character from the series. It was a nice finale. I did not see this ending coming (I thought it would end quit differently) but was pleasantly surprised by this ending. Overall, it was a nice wrap up to the series.
Currently I am working on the third book to the Newflesh trilogy by Mira Grant. It has some serious political basing and implications while still sticking to the science-fiction aspect of things. I am finding it to be quite intriguing. Though I am wishing it were more than just a trilogy. Enjoy!
Monday, July 8, 2013
Inferno
I have recently finished reading Inferno by Dan Brown. It was inspired by Dante's The Divine Comedy, of which I have not yet read. I have to say this book was great, as Dan Brown's book always are, but also caused me some anxiety. I really enjoy books that evoke a strong reaction, most often emotional. The reasoning behind my anxiety had to do with the fact that the overpopulation issue was viewed head-on. I am well aware of the overpopulation of our earth and that our precious resources are slowly running out. This is not new news. However, the light in which this issue was painted was a little bit anxiety ridden. Dan Brown's characters referenced the World Health Organization (WHO), of which I am very familiar with due to my profession as a nurse, and the growing awareness of overpopulation. It was projected that by 2050 we will have reached a population of approximately 9 billion. It was also pointed out that to sustain our natural resources, thereby avoiding extinction, we need to be at a population of about 4 billion. We are currently at approximately 7 billion people. Now I realize this book is fiction but I was still intrigued and decided to take a look at the WHO website and see what I could find. These claims were in fact warranted. The numbers are not exact but close.
The thoughts that this notion sparked centered around some issues that annoy me on a general basis. One of which is the fact that some people have children, in what seems to be by the droves, and do not have the means to support them. How do we justify this? Well by allowing these people to be supported by the welfare system. This system was never intended to last for as long as it did. It was supposed to be a temporary patch for the time of the depression. As an emergency department nurse I happen to see the abuse of this system on a very regular basis. One thing that comes to mind is the child limitations that have been implemented in China. I understand that many find this notion to be of a dictatorship of sorts. "We are in the land of the free and no one will tell me how many children I can or will have" sort of attitude; of which I once was guilty of portraying. When speaking with those from China it has been admitted that while this law does cause some disappointment, when a sibling for their only child would be nice on occasion, it was also pointed out that this has decreased the numbers that starve and/or are sold into child slavery to ensure that they will then at least be fed. When put like that I find it hard to argue.
While I am not suggesting we have to implement this law into the United States I think that such a notion might need to be considered with regards to those who are in need of the welfare system. Why bring children into a world that you cannot afford? That you have to rely on a government (who happens to be facing their own financial hardships) to provide for your family perhaps requires a limitation. I have a large amount of taxes that are removed from my paycheck each time I am paid. A substantial amount of this money is allotted to the program that these people rely on. I, however, will wait a very long time, if ever, to have children due to the fact that financially I am not stable enough for such a feat. I just wonder how this cannot be a thought process that some have at all.
The answer to this problem was portrayed in such an extreme in the book that I sat back and said "whoa!" After much reflection there was a small part of me that thought, would that be such a bad idea? Another part of me thought that of course it is a bad idea, that some will have drawn the short straw and did not deserve it. I do, however, feel we need to come up with some sort of a plan for this growing issue; one that does not require such an extreme that was presented by Dan Brown. I think that if we are truly wanting to be free to make these decisions we need to take an active part in this process. We need to sit back and think about what we are doing to our world, our resources, our children. If we do not wish to have such stipulations implemented on us, such as the limited child law, perhaps we should do something now. Plus, do we, as a species, really want to be responsible for the extinction of our future generations?
Anyway, as usual Dan Brown did an amazing job of weaving a tale that I just could not put down. The descriptions of the places visited were thorough and caused me to add Florence, Italy to my bucket list. I anxiously await the next Robert Langdon novel.
Enjoy!
The thoughts that this notion sparked centered around some issues that annoy me on a general basis. One of which is the fact that some people have children, in what seems to be by the droves, and do not have the means to support them. How do we justify this? Well by allowing these people to be supported by the welfare system. This system was never intended to last for as long as it did. It was supposed to be a temporary patch for the time of the depression. As an emergency department nurse I happen to see the abuse of this system on a very regular basis. One thing that comes to mind is the child limitations that have been implemented in China. I understand that many find this notion to be of a dictatorship of sorts. "We are in the land of the free and no one will tell me how many children I can or will have" sort of attitude; of which I once was guilty of portraying. When speaking with those from China it has been admitted that while this law does cause some disappointment, when a sibling for their only child would be nice on occasion, it was also pointed out that this has decreased the numbers that starve and/or are sold into child slavery to ensure that they will then at least be fed. When put like that I find it hard to argue.
While I am not suggesting we have to implement this law into the United States I think that such a notion might need to be considered with regards to those who are in need of the welfare system. Why bring children into a world that you cannot afford? That you have to rely on a government (who happens to be facing their own financial hardships) to provide for your family perhaps requires a limitation. I have a large amount of taxes that are removed from my paycheck each time I am paid. A substantial amount of this money is allotted to the program that these people rely on. I, however, will wait a very long time, if ever, to have children due to the fact that financially I am not stable enough for such a feat. I just wonder how this cannot be a thought process that some have at all.
The answer to this problem was portrayed in such an extreme in the book that I sat back and said "whoa!" After much reflection there was a small part of me that thought, would that be such a bad idea? Another part of me thought that of course it is a bad idea, that some will have drawn the short straw and did not deserve it. I do, however, feel we need to come up with some sort of a plan for this growing issue; one that does not require such an extreme that was presented by Dan Brown. I think that if we are truly wanting to be free to make these decisions we need to take an active part in this process. We need to sit back and think about what we are doing to our world, our resources, our children. If we do not wish to have such stipulations implemented on us, such as the limited child law, perhaps we should do something now. Plus, do we, as a species, really want to be responsible for the extinction of our future generations?
Anyway, as usual Dan Brown did an amazing job of weaving a tale that I just could not put down. The descriptions of the places visited were thorough and caused me to add Florence, Italy to my bucket list. I anxiously await the next Robert Langdon novel.
Enjoy!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Funny how things work out!
The saying "things happen for a reason" is a mantra that I live by. This last week has done nothing more than solidify this notion for me. Here is why:
1) I met someone within the last week and upon introduction I had this nagging feeling I should know who this person was. Don't you just hate it when you have that nagging, annoying voice in the back of your mind that is trying to jump start your brain into recognition? Me too! It is only today that I FINALLY made the connection. I now know why I would know this person. The best part about the whole thing...the impression I got of this person without even meeting them was spot on. I love when that happens.
2) This person has assisted me with a book issue. I have always had The Shining by Stephen King on my to-read list. I have even gotten as far as taking it off the book shelf, putting it in the read-soon pile, and placed a bookmark in it. I have not, however, attempted to start reading it as of yet. My rationale is that I don't really want to have the bejesus scared out of me at this current juncture in my life. However, this person shared the some what skewed logic that when is a better time to read The Shining than in the summer time when the days are longer...thus less night time to add to the bejesus scaring. This logic worked for me. I have now moved the book to the front of the list. As a matter of fact it is next on my list after my current book.
The other day I was looking at EW.com and what flashed across the screen? Doctor Sleep by Stephen King; which happens to be the sequel to The Shining. Me, personally, I can not say no to a sequel. I love when the story goes on. I like that it is out now, as The Shining was first published in 1977, and that I have taken so long to read The Shining because now it will be fresh in my head.
3) I have recently learned a great deal about a certain disease process, because I was being a good nurse and providing necessary education. This disease process is rather prevalent; with certain members of my family being no exception. One particular person has recently been diagnosed and felt lost. So who do they turn to? Why their friendly, neighborhood, nurse of course. But I actually had a vast array of information to provide them on the spot and did not have to do research at that time, thus delaying their education process.
So I am feeling that things happen for a reason. Certain activities, people, and/or actions happen at the time they are supposed to. What you have to learn from these scenarios is not always clear, but still meant to be. I have not always be on board with the notion of fate; and still do not accept it outright. I think that certain things are set out to act as a catalyst for other actions. However, the trajectory in which these catalysts start these actions is completely up to the individual. We get a rough sketching ... an outline, and we fill in the details.
I now have a new friend, whom I had thought when first learning of this person would be a great person to meet, and this friend has helped me to push one of the greats to the top of my reading list. I was able to educate the way I feel all medical personnel should. I am not entirely sure what I am supposed to learn from these experiences just yet but I do know it is funny how things work out, or have so far.
For all of you Stephen King fans, especially those who have read The Shining, I hope you enjoy!
~Judi
1) I met someone within the last week and upon introduction I had this nagging feeling I should know who this person was. Don't you just hate it when you have that nagging, annoying voice in the back of your mind that is trying to jump start your brain into recognition? Me too! It is only today that I FINALLY made the connection. I now know why I would know this person. The best part about the whole thing...the impression I got of this person without even meeting them was spot on. I love when that happens.
2) This person has assisted me with a book issue. I have always had The Shining by Stephen King on my to-read list. I have even gotten as far as taking it off the book shelf, putting it in the read-soon pile, and placed a bookmark in it. I have not, however, attempted to start reading it as of yet. My rationale is that I don't really want to have the bejesus scared out of me at this current juncture in my life. However, this person shared the some what skewed logic that when is a better time to read The Shining than in the summer time when the days are longer...thus less night time to add to the bejesus scaring. This logic worked for me. I have now moved the book to the front of the list. As a matter of fact it is next on my list after my current book.
The other day I was looking at EW.com and what flashed across the screen? Doctor Sleep by Stephen King; which happens to be the sequel to The Shining. Me, personally, I can not say no to a sequel. I love when the story goes on. I like that it is out now, as The Shining was first published in 1977, and that I have taken so long to read The Shining because now it will be fresh in my head.
3) I have recently learned a great deal about a certain disease process, because I was being a good nurse and providing necessary education. This disease process is rather prevalent; with certain members of my family being no exception. One particular person has recently been diagnosed and felt lost. So who do they turn to? Why their friendly, neighborhood, nurse of course. But I actually had a vast array of information to provide them on the spot and did not have to do research at that time, thus delaying their education process.
So I am feeling that things happen for a reason. Certain activities, people, and/or actions happen at the time they are supposed to. What you have to learn from these scenarios is not always clear, but still meant to be. I have not always be on board with the notion of fate; and still do not accept it outright. I think that certain things are set out to act as a catalyst for other actions. However, the trajectory in which these catalysts start these actions is completely up to the individual. We get a rough sketching ... an outline, and we fill in the details.
I now have a new friend, whom I had thought when first learning of this person would be a great person to meet, and this friend has helped me to push one of the greats to the top of my reading list. I was able to educate the way I feel all medical personnel should. I am not entirely sure what I am supposed to learn from these experiences just yet but I do know it is funny how things work out, or have so far.
For all of you Stephen King fans, especially those who have read The Shining, I hope you enjoy!
~Judi
Friday, June 7, 2013
Love is in the Air
My long time friend is getting married this weekend (one of two weddings that I am in this summer) and so I have love on the brain, naturally! The two books that I am currently reading play right into this. I mentioned in an earlier post that I am reading a collection of love letters. Recently I have been thinking along the lines of privacy.
These letters are amazing to read. The language, sensitivity, blatancy, and sheer compassion are more than I could imagine from any one person today. Victor Hugo wrote a love letter to Adele Foueher that is so dynamic that I fear for the love, intellect, and veracity of a single member of the male gender today. To be so honest and to bare his soul like he did was awe inspiring; which leads me back to the issue of privacy.
Have you ever written something to someone that is a "for your eyes only?" That is essentially what these letters were meant to be. Really it is just happenstance that we are reading them today. Mostly because the receiver of the letters felt compelled to keep them. The topics of discussion in each of these letters range vastly; from unrelenting love and sexual frustration (that it appears warrants the threat of suicide), to the curiosity as to why such a love is merited. It is an interesting anthology but makes me wonder what these people would think of their nearest and dearest words being brought to light for all to see. I don't believe I would enjoy that at all. However, I am very grateful for the opportunity of insight that is afforded by this collection. I know it is hypocritical that I do not mind reading someone else's private thoughts but do not really want to have others read mine. What can I say? I am just not as interesting as the great literary composers that make up this collection.
The second book I am reading is a new author for me: Sophie Kinsella. The book is I've Got Your Number. I am enjoying it so far. I like the character voices that Kinsella presents. There are times that I am reading think "I would totally say that" and give a giggle. The book is funny and just the right amount of fantastical notion that I find myself chuckling a lot in this book. Just a bit of background on the book. Poppy Wyatt is engaged, is at a get together with her friends when a fire alarm is pulled. In all the commotion her engagement ring (a family heirloom) and cellphone go missing. Poppy happens upon a discarded cellphone and decides finders-keepers. This way now the hotel can get in touch if they happen upon the ring. It turns out the phone belongs to someone working for Sam Roxton, who allows her to keep the phone and even tries to help her with her plot to keep these actions away from her fiance (who happens to be one of the genius elite). Quite enjoyable so far. I am about a quarter of the way through and highly recommend it.
Back to privacy again. Poppy is in charge of forwarding messages and emails to Sam that happen to come to the phone. Of course, some of these emails are read by Poppy and lead to her meddling into his professional and personal life. It is affording some insight into Sam's life that Poppy just doesn't understand and does not mind letting him know his priorities are skewed a bit. It all leads to an entertaining mix.
Enjoy!
These letters are amazing to read. The language, sensitivity, blatancy, and sheer compassion are more than I could imagine from any one person today. Victor Hugo wrote a love letter to Adele Foueher that is so dynamic that I fear for the love, intellect, and veracity of a single member of the male gender today. To be so honest and to bare his soul like he did was awe inspiring; which leads me back to the issue of privacy.
Have you ever written something to someone that is a "for your eyes only?" That is essentially what these letters were meant to be. Really it is just happenstance that we are reading them today. Mostly because the receiver of the letters felt compelled to keep them. The topics of discussion in each of these letters range vastly; from unrelenting love and sexual frustration (that it appears warrants the threat of suicide), to the curiosity as to why such a love is merited. It is an interesting anthology but makes me wonder what these people would think of their nearest and dearest words being brought to light for all to see. I don't believe I would enjoy that at all. However, I am very grateful for the opportunity of insight that is afforded by this collection. I know it is hypocritical that I do not mind reading someone else's private thoughts but do not really want to have others read mine. What can I say? I am just not as interesting as the great literary composers that make up this collection.
The second book I am reading is a new author for me: Sophie Kinsella. The book is I've Got Your Number. I am enjoying it so far. I like the character voices that Kinsella presents. There are times that I am reading think "I would totally say that" and give a giggle. The book is funny and just the right amount of fantastical notion that I find myself chuckling a lot in this book. Just a bit of background on the book. Poppy Wyatt is engaged, is at a get together with her friends when a fire alarm is pulled. In all the commotion her engagement ring (a family heirloom) and cellphone go missing. Poppy happens upon a discarded cellphone and decides finders-keepers. This way now the hotel can get in touch if they happen upon the ring. It turns out the phone belongs to someone working for Sam Roxton, who allows her to keep the phone and even tries to help her with her plot to keep these actions away from her fiance (who happens to be one of the genius elite). Quite enjoyable so far. I am about a quarter of the way through and highly recommend it.
Back to privacy again. Poppy is in charge of forwarding messages and emails to Sam that happen to come to the phone. Of course, some of these emails are read by Poppy and lead to her meddling into his professional and personal life. It is affording some insight into Sam's life that Poppy just doesn't understand and does not mind letting him know his priorities are skewed a bit. It all leads to an entertaining mix.
Enjoy!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
People just don't speak like that anymore
I have recently finished two books and have an on-going book that I am reading in addition to my main book. Let's start with the two I have finished, 1) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and 2) Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs.
1) The hype behind this book has been prevalent for several years. We were encouraged to read it in high school. I understand that it was giving us a unique view into the lifestyle of some during the dry movement, AKA Prohibition. I understand it was showing the romantic notions of a man, while another man sat back and did not entirely understand the rationale behind these romantic notions. Truthfully, Daisy was an infuriating person. She basically was bored, married money, things happen along the way, is bored again, revisits an old flame, performs a heinous action, and runs back to the security blanket. She was a yo-yo who basically tried to take the least guilty way out of life's stressors. Gatsby was an interesting character. Basically his base characteristics helped to mold who he is but the driving force was created by the grandiose ideals surrounding a single person, who and what that person can be to him and his life; which were predicated on who that person was at a younger stage in life. Another driving force was based on the grandiose ideals presented to Gatsby by a bootlegger who saw a driven individual who could be viewed as a tool to assist in advancing his position and stature as the kingpin he intended to be. The theme I felt was present were grandiose notions (as if you couldn't tell) and ultimately lead to a farce; which was perhaps the saddest point of all. In the end, only those who seemed to appreciate who and what Gatsby was were present (i.e. the extensive book collection and the dedication it took to do so, the honest romanticism that lead to his open nature, loyalty-both family and employment related). This broke down to father, neighbor, employees, and "Owl eyes;" further solidifying the farce, and thus the sad truth, that was his life. Even the great love could not be bothered; who was being protected by this sacrifice on behalf of Gatsby and the lie Tom (Daisy's husband) needed to create to feel adequate and as though he belonged in the same "weight-class" as Gatsby.
Overall, the plot was a lie based on a lie based on a lie, in which Carraway was the only one able to remove the rose-colored glasses and see life for what it really was at that time. For such a short book it was quite intriguing.
2) I love the Mercy Thompson books and this one was no exception. Quick synopsis: Mercy Thompson-Hauptman, mate of wereworlf Alpha Adam Hauptman, is a walker and shapeshifter. Her entire pack is kidnapped, save for one, and she needs to keep her step-daughter, pack members, pack member's mates, and her own mate safe by trying to use metaphysical activities to strengthen the pack, locate the pack, find out who orchestrated the kidnapping, why, and how. She uses the help of vampire friend Stefan, which leads to her involvement with the vampire seethe that doesn't really care for her or Stefan.
The development of characters just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoyed the peek into Adam's head this time. The development of Mercy and Adam's relationship, and how that effects who they are and what abilities they have to contribute to the survival of their pack, keep escalating and surprise me each time. My only complaint is that things are usually wrapped up more nicely than this one was. There were hints to the Marrock's involvement and a greater master plan, however 3/4 of the way through the book this aspect was just dropped. And Samuel's involvement and disappearance was never touched on after the explanation that this had happened in the beginning of the book. And what about Stefan, what is happening with him? I suppose this could have been purposeful to set the base for another book. Even with the absence of a nice neat ending I still really enjoyed this book.
The book that is on-going is called The World's Greatest Love Letters compiled by Michael Kelahan. I originally picked up the book, opened it randomly, and found a love letter by Edgar Allen Poe (who happens to be a favorite of mine). I have been slowly working my way through these letters. Between this book and the Great Gatsby I have realized how large of a change the English language has made. People just don't speak like that anymore. Victor Hugo (another favorite) wrote to Adele Foucher,
"Since the soul is superior to the body, to which it is united, it would remain on earth in painful loneliness where it nor for the fact that among other human souls it may choose a companion- a partner in the trials of life and in the joys of the hereafter. When two souls, which have sought each other amid the crowd, find they have met, realize that they belong to each other, and comprehend this affinity, then it is that a union has been brought about, as pure and aspiring as themselves- a union which begun on earth will be consummated in heaven.
This union is love- genuine, complete love, such as few men can imagine. It is a love which is religion, since the object of love is regarded as a divinity, with all the devotion and affection which turn the greatest sacrifices into the sublimest joys. Such a love you inspire in me..."
F. Scott Fitzgerald quoted the following in the Great Gatsby:
"He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced--or seemed to face--the whole eternal world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey."
I repeat, people just don't speak like this anymore. It sort of saddens me that people have, to quote Chaucer, "lay rest the grace in my [or their when indicating society as a whole] tongue." When really trying the English language can be very beautiful, moving, and used as a great tool and/or weapon. Unfortunately, we've gotten complacent in our laziness with regards to the English language.
1) The hype behind this book has been prevalent for several years. We were encouraged to read it in high school. I understand that it was giving us a unique view into the lifestyle of some during the dry movement, AKA Prohibition. I understand it was showing the romantic notions of a man, while another man sat back and did not entirely understand the rationale behind these romantic notions. Truthfully, Daisy was an infuriating person. She basically was bored, married money, things happen along the way, is bored again, revisits an old flame, performs a heinous action, and runs back to the security blanket. She was a yo-yo who basically tried to take the least guilty way out of life's stressors. Gatsby was an interesting character. Basically his base characteristics helped to mold who he is but the driving force was created by the grandiose ideals surrounding a single person, who and what that person can be to him and his life; which were predicated on who that person was at a younger stage in life. Another driving force was based on the grandiose ideals presented to Gatsby by a bootlegger who saw a driven individual who could be viewed as a tool to assist in advancing his position and stature as the kingpin he intended to be. The theme I felt was present were grandiose notions (as if you couldn't tell) and ultimately lead to a farce; which was perhaps the saddest point of all. In the end, only those who seemed to appreciate who and what Gatsby was were present (i.e. the extensive book collection and the dedication it took to do so, the honest romanticism that lead to his open nature, loyalty-both family and employment related). This broke down to father, neighbor, employees, and "Owl eyes;" further solidifying the farce, and thus the sad truth, that was his life. Even the great love could not be bothered; who was being protected by this sacrifice on behalf of Gatsby and the lie Tom (Daisy's husband) needed to create to feel adequate and as though he belonged in the same "weight-class" as Gatsby.
Overall, the plot was a lie based on a lie based on a lie, in which Carraway was the only one able to remove the rose-colored glasses and see life for what it really was at that time. For such a short book it was quite intriguing.
2) I love the Mercy Thompson books and this one was no exception. Quick synopsis: Mercy Thompson-Hauptman, mate of wereworlf Alpha Adam Hauptman, is a walker and shapeshifter. Her entire pack is kidnapped, save for one, and she needs to keep her step-daughter, pack members, pack member's mates, and her own mate safe by trying to use metaphysical activities to strengthen the pack, locate the pack, find out who orchestrated the kidnapping, why, and how. She uses the help of vampire friend Stefan, which leads to her involvement with the vampire seethe that doesn't really care for her or Stefan.
The development of characters just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoyed the peek into Adam's head this time. The development of Mercy and Adam's relationship, and how that effects who they are and what abilities they have to contribute to the survival of their pack, keep escalating and surprise me each time. My only complaint is that things are usually wrapped up more nicely than this one was. There were hints to the Marrock's involvement and a greater master plan, however 3/4 of the way through the book this aspect was just dropped. And Samuel's involvement and disappearance was never touched on after the explanation that this had happened in the beginning of the book. And what about Stefan, what is happening with him? I suppose this could have been purposeful to set the base for another book. Even with the absence of a nice neat ending I still really enjoyed this book.
The book that is on-going is called The World's Greatest Love Letters compiled by Michael Kelahan. I originally picked up the book, opened it randomly, and found a love letter by Edgar Allen Poe (who happens to be a favorite of mine). I have been slowly working my way through these letters. Between this book and the Great Gatsby I have realized how large of a change the English language has made. People just don't speak like that anymore. Victor Hugo (another favorite) wrote to Adele Foucher,
"Since the soul is superior to the body, to which it is united, it would remain on earth in painful loneliness where it nor for the fact that among other human souls it may choose a companion- a partner in the trials of life and in the joys of the hereafter. When two souls, which have sought each other amid the crowd, find they have met, realize that they belong to each other, and comprehend this affinity, then it is that a union has been brought about, as pure and aspiring as themselves- a union which begun on earth will be consummated in heaven.
This union is love- genuine, complete love, such as few men can imagine. It is a love which is religion, since the object of love is regarded as a divinity, with all the devotion and affection which turn the greatest sacrifices into the sublimest joys. Such a love you inspire in me..."
F. Scott Fitzgerald quoted the following in the Great Gatsby:
"He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced--or seemed to face--the whole eternal world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey."
I repeat, people just don't speak like this anymore. It sort of saddens me that people have, to quote Chaucer, "lay rest the grace in my [or their when indicating society as a whole] tongue." When really trying the English language can be very beautiful, moving, and used as a great tool and/or weapon. Unfortunately, we've gotten complacent in our laziness with regards to the English language.
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