Monday, October 30, 2017

Afterglow

Afterglow ( a dog memoir) by Eileen Myles
2017
Weight: 1 lb
Method of Disposal: Giving Away


This was a gift from a dear friend, and it should have been right on point.  The author is a poet who uses pronouns them/they, and she loved a pit bull named Rosie who she gave a long life and, presumably, a good one. 

I just could not submerge myself in it.  It was written in an experimental, rambling fashion, and I got lost it in.  I tried to just ride out the waves and enjoy where I landed, but I couldn't.  My favorite parts were when the writing became more direct for very brief periods of time.  I felt like I got to know Eileen more than Rosie, and I would not say I know Eileen much more now than I did before I started. I know even less about Rosie.  I know Rosie was the pit bull my brain kept wanting to make a poodle despite pit bulls being my favorite and that she had a long, drawn out death.  That she became incontinent at the end.  I know the author loved her and tried to mate her at some point, and that it was horrible.

I wish I had enjoyed this more.  I really wanted to.

The Heroic Path:In Search of the Masculine Heart

The Heroic Path:In Search of the Masculine Heart by John Sowers
2014
Weight: 12 oz
Method of Disposal: Donating


I did not expect much out of this book, but it surprised me in that in underwhelmed me in totally unexpected ways.  It was not sexist or offensive in any way--except for one paragraph that touches just slightly and yet painfully on being transgendered.  The author seemed to respect and appreciate women.  He was willing to lay his thoughts, feelings, and emotions out there--sometimes in stereo-typically "un-masculine" ways which I really did respect him for.

In the end, I did not like it because of the writing style, the unexpected dig at being transgendered, and the way god looms so heavy over the last few chapters.    He writes, "Culture says manhood is not trustworthy or is irrelevant.  Gender is a choice--men may become women and vice versa, based on whim or feeling.  Children take hormone therapy based on if they feel like a 'boy' or a 'girl' trapped inside.  We are tragically lost."  This was a completely unnecessary segue and one, I would argue, he knows nothing about. Is it tragic that gender is fluid?  Do people really choose gender on a WHIM?  Since when?  If it COULD be changed on a whim then maybe we would be in a much better world than we are now--not a tragically lost one.

The author repeats himself constantly.  This book may have made for a good essay, but it was like he took a 5 page essay and tried to turn it into a book.  It was painful.  I now have more analogies for masculinity than I have books in my library.  I could have lived without that.  I felt like I got a small insight into what it might feel like for a man to feel like he was not living up to BEING A MAN.  That, in and of itself, is kinda interesting, unexpectedly.  But then it just got smothered by words being piled upon words upon words until all meaning was lost.

In other news, Kelly Clarkson recommends it so...


Monday, October 23, 2017

The Education of Will: : A Mutual Memoir of a Woman and Her Dog

The Education of Will: : A Mutual Memoir of a Woman and Her Dog by Patricia B. McConnell
2017
Weight: 15.5 oz
Method of Disposal: Give Back to Charlotte


One of the volunteers at the shelter gave me this book awhile back, and I read it but I have not returned it yet.  Mostly because I did not think she wanted it back, but I started to second guess that for some reason today.  This is a book about a border collie named Will that is purchased by her as a puppy and has both serious mental and physical challenges that push her to her wit's end.  Luckily, she is a world-renowned animal behaviorist but, even with background and many years of experience, she often finds herself frustrated and second-guessing herself.  She makes mistakes like anyone else would and is open and honest about them. 

This book is also about her own life and experiences.  The reader grows closer to her through stories of her past that are intertwined with stories from her clients and her life with Will.  The book was well done, and I enjoyed it.

As I type this, Whiskey comes flying through the room and through the air, slamming into the side table and breaking a lamp, knocking a mug of coffee onto the carpet, sending my expensive camera flying, and causing an overall ruckus with quite a bit of noise.  Whiskey is my Will.  After 10 years in animal rescue, she challenges me every day.  Or, rather, our foster, Wisconsin, who is always on the verge of mental collapse and who has stumped one vet after another.  The dog who was chasing behind Whiskey when they ran into the room.  The dog that is a "foster" only because there is truly nowhere else for him to go...

Dogs are wonderful, but they can be exhausting!

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

The Fire This Time

The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race by Jesmyn Ward
2017
Weight: 7.2 oz
Method of Disposal: Giving to Tracy


This collection was recommended to me by my friend Liz, and I am glad she encouraged me to buy it.  It is a collection of essays and poetry about the Black American experience.  Some of the writing is much better than others, but I imagine each piece speaks to different people.  I found this to be a great step up in finding other interesting authors and books.  I went on a book buying spree looking for Wendy S. Walters, Jesmyn Ward, and Garnette Cadogan.  Thinking about Garnette walking the streets of Kingston, New Orleans, and New York was a huge open window for me.  I felt like I was able to peer into the life of a young, black man and truly understand that I cannot truly understand what it feels like for all eyes to be on me, wondering what I am up to, where I am going, whether I am guilty of something.  And not just eyes, often hands, feet, fists.  How awful to live with that weight and constant looking over your shoulder. 

The same happened with Wendy's loneliness.  I felt it deep within me even though I recognized that I have never felt it and will never be able to without living every. single. day. with it.  I suggest you take the time to read this book or, if you are short on time, at least  check out some of the writing inside.  I would start with those 4 authors if you aren't going to read it all.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Courting Justice: Gay Men and Lesbians v. the Supreme Court

Courting Justice: Gay Men and Lesbians v. the Supreme Court  by Joyce Murdoch and Deb Price
2002
Weight: 3 lbs
Method of Disposal: Giving to Tracy


I loved this book.  I learned so much, and I gained so much inspiration.  I felt lucky to have so many strong, intelligent, and brave people fighting the good fight before me.  My heart also broke to hear about the crushed dreams and destroyed lives of so many amazing gay and lesbian folks throughout history.  I would really like to get my hands on an updated edition.  I know Tracy will love it and so am passing it on to her. 

In the meantime, I am naming all the cats at work after all the incredible LGBTQI activists I now know about.  While silly, I kinda hope people see the names, Google them, and get inspired too!

Monday, October 16, 2017

It's Fine By Me

It's Fine By Me by Per Petterson
2013
Weight: 7.8 oz
Method of Disposal: Lending Library


This is one of my Dollar Store buys.  I bought it on a whim.  I am not sure what attracted me to it.  I wonder if I would have enjoyed it more if I had read another one of his books about Arvid Jansen or if I was able to read it in the original language.  Per Petterson (great name!) is a Norwegian author.  This book kind of reminded me of Catcher in the Rye, which I do not like.  It was a coming of age story and centered on a confused and conflicted teenage boy trying to figure out who he is in the context of the world.  It was not my thing, but I think it will be someones.  I hope it finds a better home.

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Reaching for the Stars

Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut
José Hernández
2012
Weight: 1 lb
Method of Disposal: Lending Library


I dream of space and of one day traveling there.  Or, at least, I thought I did, but now I know mine was a lazy dream.  José showed me what dreaming of space really looks like, and it looks like a lot of hard work and natural intelligence.  I was telling someone about his story tonight, and they stopped me to ask if it was a fictional story.  It is not.  It is incredible.

The story of José is amazing, though this book is not.  I am not too keen on his writing, but I am okay with that.  He is good at everything else.  It wouldn't be fair if he was a master author too!  I am very interested to hear what he will do next after his most recent attempt at politics.  I am sure he will continue to do great things.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

How Can I Help?

How Can I Help? How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving
1999
Weight: 8 oz
Method of Disposal: Taking to Lending Library


I originally purchased this book when I was working at Barnes and Noble and one of my coworkers lost a parent and, seemingly, her mind.  I wanted to help even though we were not friends.  My heart broke for her.  Then, my best friend lost her fiance.  Unfortunately, since then, I have needed to pick it up many many more times.  You can tell by how well read (read worn) it is. 

It is a basic but worthwhile book that gives some really good, easy-to-follow, and solid advice.  It has some great reminders on what NOT to do, which I sometimes find even more helpful than what to do.  It encourages you to speak from your heart but to be sure you keep your focus on the grieving person and that, in their most painful moments, you do not bring too much attention to yourself or demean/belittle the feelings of the person grieving.  I recommend this book if you are looking for a way to be helpful after loss.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Romantic Fiction

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
2012

See Me by Nicholas Sparks
2015

Weight: 1 lb
Method of Disposal: Lending Library in Tucker


I believe these came to me via my grandmother.  I am not big on romance or romantic fiction.  I am going to give these away without reading them--that is hard for me, but I have so many others to read that I enjoy and so little time after work. I do, however, like the idea of my grandmother liking romance novels...

You Might Be a Redneck If...

You Might Be A  Redneck If...This Is The Biggest Book You've Ever Read by Jeff Foxworthy
2004
Weight: 1.5 lbs
Method of Disposal: Leaving in Lending Library in Tucker


I think this was given to Harriet by someone a couple years ago because she asked what I redneck was after hearing the term used.  I think it likely answered that question!  But that is about all it is good for.  I did not find it funny though, clearly, A LOT of people did for A LONG time so...to each their own!  I am just surprised it stayed on our shelves so long.

Monday, October 2, 2017

Gone Feral

Gone Feral: Tracking My Dad Through the Wild by Novella Carpenter
2014
Weight: 13.6 oz
Method of Disposal: Lending Library in Tucker


I just finished reading this book I came across at a Dollar Tree.  My friend had just recently posted on Facebook that you could actually get good books there, and I had to go with Harriet to buy table clothes and assorted party goods for a volunteer appreciation event at the shelter anyway so I took a peek.  I had this idea in my head that it was all Christian romance and other similar subjects I have zero desire to delve into.  My friend was right though.  There were actually some pretty neat authors there.  Of course, there was also some of the other.

 

Gone Feral was an interesting read.  I gave it 3/5 stars.  Some of the other reviews said the writing was bad--I don't think that is true.  One said most people have experienced all the things Novella has and that she seems to think she is unique but isn't.  I have to say, that certainly cannot be true.  I can say that my life thus far has not resembled hers in the slightest.  I am 32 years old and have never raised a goat.  I fostered one pet rabbit.  I was not raised in an ecofriendly, sustainable household in the mountains.  My father was not abusive to my mother and does not seem to have any mental illness that I know of.  I have not built an urban farm.  I know that the sentiments about growing up and having children have been experienced by many people, but isn't the point of some books to connect and shed light on the human experience.  I don't think that makes it a bad book.

I rated it 3 stars because it was interesting and the writing was decent.  The book did seem to be lacking direction, and it did not feel like the author knew exactly what she was trying to write.  It seemed almost like she was writing and hoping for it to be cathartic.  I believe it is ultimately a biography of her father.  If you read three books this year, I would not choose this one.  If you read three hundred, then you should check it out.