Orphan Train

I know I'm a bit slow with the book reviews. I have a few on the go right now but I wanted to get my  Bourge take out on this short read. I would actually characterize it a bit more as a "novella" as it read like a young adult novel and I finished it in two nights. I'd recommend it if you're looking for something to speed through while waiting at the dentist or soccer/baseball practice without much to do. 

But would I recommend it otherwise? Hesitant, yes, because of the original historical element. 

Here's the background: 

Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains ran regularly from the cities of the East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest, carrying thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by luck or chance. Would they be adopted by a kind and loving family, or would they face a childhood and adolescence of hard labor and servitude?

This is a two-character narrative, though. It shuttles between a foster teen living in present day and a young Irish girl (8 yrs old) who rode the Orphan train in the late eighteen/early nineteen hundreds.

Now, when I read this brief background, I think, "Wow, I think this book will be interesting! I will pick it up for sure." But after actually reading the book, I don't feel as enthusiastic somehow. I did enjoy exploring a part of US history which I hadn't known about before. I'm guessing that the subject matter was the reason the author was given a fellowship to write the book in the first place - it's a fascinating backstory of immigrants when immigrants were still considered "cool" (i.e.: the Irish, Italians, scrappy street children of indeterminate origin).  As a ten-or-so-times removed Irish American, it was fun to read about a little girl whose family had come over similarly to my own ancestors (I'm guessing but not sure, of course). I liked this little girl and continued to root for her character throughout the book.

The problem is, and I say this in all humility as a woman who has not published a NYT listed (or any) novel and published it, the writing is just. not. good. It's not terrible, of course. It's just loaded with the author's politics (which I HATE regardless of what the politics are). It's also simplistic, stereotypical to a fault: Multiple Spoiler Alert - the Irish main character's father is an …wait for it…Alcoholic; The Evangelical Christian foster mom is judgmental, hates everyone, is a bigot and won't let her foster daughter be a vegetarian; The boyfriend's mom never married his father  and he was from the Dominican Republic (insert any quasi-Hispanic man here), so obviously he's never been in the picture. Honestly, I could make a stereotype drinking game out of this book.

But, because I am bourgeois to a fault, I still cried at the ending. I still found myself rooting for everyone. I still wanted to adopt that stupid foster teenager and let her eat tofu and soy forever. I still want to research the other Orphan train kids.

Sadly, there is an entire awkward "semi-rape" scene in the book that would keep me from recommending it for anyone younger than 12. I mean, it's just yucky (the perfect word) and bad writing plus aggressive sexual encounters is just a train wreck as far as I'm concerned.  So, homeschooling friends, don't use this for a history/lit unit.

That's it - read it if you have one or two nights. But, I'd read The Giver or Farewell to Manzanaar first. There are so many lovely early-young-adult novels for a bit more compare/contrast.

The Husband's Secret - Liane Moriarty

I rarely read a novel just because it's on the New York Times' list (Today this novel is #5).  But in the middle of my slog through The Goldfinch, I realized I needed something new to read. I needed a book that was lighter and maybe a little distracting. I decided to try The Husband's Secret because it was reviewed as a mystery - and I love a good mystery - and I was intrigued by the idea of a wife finding a letter which is labeled: 

My darling Cecilia, if you’re reading this, then I’ve died…

Awesome hook.

Now, what would I want to know if I'm thinking of reading this?
(A) It moved well. It had a nice pace and changed narrators to give different perspectives. I enjoyed this book, even if I didn't LOVE it.
(B) The secret isn't so out there that I was irritated or completely "skeeved"by what I read. I was having some anxiety about that as it went on.
                                                 
Moriarty added some nice touches with her narrator's voice. There is a bit of a "what could have been" going on where the narrator quickly explores other choices the characters might have made. These "coulda, woulda', shoulda'" moments challenge the reality of the characters and also makes the reader think a bit more deeply. It's a bit of a thinking girls romantic chick lit. Lastly, the novel is set in Australia. I'm a sucker for contemporary fiction not set in England or the US.

I would recommend this book. It's definitely more of an adult fiction. Meaning, I don't think a teenager would enjoy the emotional nuances of the book. It obviously centers heavily on a marriage and the emotional realities of that type of commitment. I found the wife's reaction the entire situation very realistic. There were entire chapters where I spent time thinking "What the hell would I do if this happened to me?" I liked that.

Please let me know if you've read or are thinking of reading this. It might make a good Spring Break book - but I'd start with Gone Girl if you are still on the fence about that one.

The Hunger Games trilogy: Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins

Until a few days ago, it never occurred to me to add the Hunger Games trilogy to the blog because it's hard to believe that anyone who would be interested in this series hasn't already read it. I remember that my (now 19 year old) niece poured through the novels the moment they each came out. She convinced my very busy brother and sister-in-law to read the books (miracle!) and they all spent a summer visiting with us and convincing me that I had to dive into them.

I spent last night watching the second movie,  Catching Fire, and I knew that I would need to discuss the trilogy today.

I love these novels. Specifically, I love the first two books: Hunger Games and Catching Fire. In case you have been living under a rock or leading a life more interesting than the average person, a quick, completely limited recap of the plot:

The story revolves around the series' rebel heroine, Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, formerly known as North America. In Panem, the Hunger Games are an annual event in which young boys and girls fight to the death in a televised battle.

If you've read them, you know that this is a severely limited synopsis of the actual works. Specifically, Katniss is one of the best young heroines in YA (young adult) fiction today. Intelligent, resourceful and wounded by the early death of her father, she seems singularly motivated by love.  But her love is gruff and quiet and hidden under layers of need to protect herself and the people she loves. I especially appreciated Katniss' near rejection of any type of romantic connection due to the fact that her life and the lives of her family are constantly in peril. The relationships in these books are both the central motivators and quietly in the background against the realities of war (or lack of reality of war for those not participating but watching on TV).

Collins is an army brat and she was formed by her father's discussion of the reality of war and their family tours of battlegrounds (can I get an Amen from my brothers?). She says that her inspiration for the Hunger Game series came after watching both reality shows and how similarly the coverage of the Iraq war seemed to them. I think that Collins' own feelings are very clear in the third novel, Mockingjay. This was my least favorite of the books but mainly because I felt that two tightly written thrillers almost faded into a political treatise. To be fair, I read a lot of these series one after the other with little time in between. Authors necessarily need to repeat details in one novel to another so that new readers (or those who have waited a year or more) will be "up to speed." The detail didn't bother me as much as the overall feeling that Collins was bringing down a heavy-handed message (even if I totally agree with the message).

**Spoiler alert ** In the third novel there are no more Hunger Games, there is simply war and the very real consequences of war. **Double spoiler alert for Divergent not as many real consequences as in Allegiant.

Should you read the Hunger Games? Is anyone really asking that? Should your teen or pre-teen read them? (assuming they haven't). Well…there is very little sex. I don't think there is any really (if that matters). There is an unimaginable amount of teen violence in all three books. The third novel hasn't been a favorite of any of the teens or YAs I know. Similarly to the Divergent series (but to a lesser degree), there are emotional but realistic casualties in the series.

My guess is that most pre-teens will see the movies. The second was better than the first in my limited (but happy) opinion. The last novel will be split into two movies (out in Nov. 2014 and then 2015).

If your child does read the books, they would make a great jumping point for a discussion of war and the consequences of war. Also, the political make-up of the US (and North America in general). It's fun to try and figure out who lives where after the separation into Districts. I found the choices of who lives where a little racist while watching the movies and I would love to hear what other readers think.

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

I'll begin with the fact that this novel has been critically acclaimed for the short while that it has been out (it was first published in Dutch and was wildly praised). It's been on every "best seller" list since its publication. Before I picked it up (downloaded it to my Kindle), I read a few reviews and many readers rave about it's "brutal honesty", "coming-of-age themes" and "realistic, beautiful characterization." I wouldn't disagree with any of those comments. 

But, will that lead the majority of bourgeois readers (all 5 of you) to read it? Is it worth the time it takes to read 784 pages? Yes, my friends, it's 784 pages. I have been reading it on and off for 3 months. 

That begs the question of why on and off? For me, first, it was the story line itself. A young boy lives through a terrible tragedy and his life is changed forever…he is alone and floundering first in New York and then Las Vegas (of all places) and then back to New York. Many drugs and survival-type friendships ensue with a few (very few) authentically loving relationships thrown in. I wish I were the type of person who just revels in the artistic amazingness of these realistic story lines but mostly, I feel myself becoming very sad and I can't quite pull myself out of the story enough to be a good wife and mom even when I'm not reading. I was riveted by Tartt's writing and found myself staying awake far too late to be of any use to anyone - so that's a positive for the novel if you don't have anything else to do in your day. I actually made myself step away from the novel for a bit. [Ironically, I read The Fault in Our Stars instead. Tragic bildungsroman (fancy word for "coming of age stories") seem to be filling all the popular lists these days.] 

This is an idea packed novel. Simply the amount of words was stunning - but I was irritated after a while with what seemed like the author's way of throwing obscure vocabulary in for what started to seem like a "look how smart I am" narcissism. Even if I knew the meaning of the words, I was irritated that she didn't choose something that didn't break up the flow of ideas. This is totally a personal preference and probably just means she is smarter and better read than me so these words are a part of her normal life. But, if I hadn't been using a tablet to read - and the handy immediate dictionary - I would have been bugged. I felt as though it even took away from the novel's symbolism.

The book is also a slow read.  Tartt references the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series in this book and if you enjoyed the pacing of these books - nothing in the story line but the actual tempo of the books-  you'll like Tartt's style. 

On that note, it seems that Tartt's first novel, The Secret History (1992) was more of a thriller and the plot seems interesting so I'll probably give that a go. 

 Donna Tartt

I am excited to try and see the painting around which the story revolves - it's almost a character in itself - and it's currently on display at the The Frick in New York City: 

The Fault in Our Stars - John Green

I finished this novel last night. I sobbed like a baby through the last 5 chapters.

If you don't know about this book yet, ask anyone under the age of 17. Plot - Two teens with cancer (or recovering from) fall in love.

There is a bit more to the plot than that, but major spoilers would result. The writing is wonderful (more pop references which are a little more "English teacher" than "teenager"). It was recommended to me by a 13 year old niece/cousin. She told me, "This is my favorite book - ever." High praise from a beautiful, athletic (read busy) honor student.

There is sufficient angst, melodrama and coming-of-age to make this into a classic young adult fiction. It also deals well with illness and mortality even if it offers very little in the way of hope or answers (just the way teens like it). If you are familiar with the Judy Blume book "Forever", there is a splash of that, for sure (even if Green didn't mean this). But I am really happy I read this book. I loved the characters. I cried as much for the parents as the teens. It is honest and quite lovely, actually.

Would I let my teenager read it? Content? Sex, death, eternal questions with mortal answers. I think answers will vary by teenager (like everything).

The movie will be released June 6. It makes me sad that a lot of people won't read the book because of this.

Watch the trailer here:
http://youtu.be/9ItBvH5J6ss

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The other day, I received a message in my inbox to "Read it Before I see it." The email listed very popular books which would soon be coming out as movies (always a crap shoot as far as I'm concerned). I was ridiculously excited that I've already read most of the books on the list - mainly because I've been feeling very out of the literary loop these days. I probably AM out of the loop considering it takes about 2 years to make a movie and some of the books I've just read.

Regardless, the list got me thinking that I'd like to give my "Bourg" take to these books. It's difficult to decide what to read with the limited time we have in our lives, and this blog probably won't help you. But it might help you if your son or daughter wants to read a book and you find yourself wondering if that is a good idea. Of course, as always, take all of my opinions with a grain of salt.

**Also, I will try to avoid even mini confusing spoilers but sometimes that's impossible. If you can't take knowing ANYTHING about a book before you read it, you might not want to read these posts**

 I read Gone Girl  in the summer 2 years ago (keep that in mind) but I can still remember it in surprising detail. This book really sticks with you for a number of reasons. I normally jot down my thoughts about a book in my journal as soon as I finish it. Here is what I wrote the night I finished Gone Girl: 

…it was good but one honked up book. I have become the stuff of pop culture - all my quotes - all the 'stuff' and rerun memories of my life…they were all there in a dysfunctional mess. A sociopath having a baby with a 'hollow man' - awesomely sad.

That quote seriously sums it up for me. Gone Girl is a murder mystery, psychological "thriller"(easy on the thriller), an advanced type of chick-lit and commentary on modern relationships all rolled into one. This is the only book I've read by Flynn, but I think she is an excellent writer or has a fabulous editor. The book is fast-paced and difficult to put down. Plot? In a sentence, 2 unreliable, married narrators delve into the disappearance of the wife on their 5th wedding anniversary (yes, one of the narrators is the wife).

Negatives? Are all very subjective to my preferences in my Bourg opinion. The characters in this novel are indeed "honked up" - crazy, dysfunctional, completely narcissistic and as lost as modern man can get. If you normally avoid people who make bad choices and you yell at the TV when a character does something irrational, don't read this book. But, if you can get past other people's crazy and you are fascinated by the insane choices people make and how they turn out, you'll like it. Particularly if you have an obsession with Pop culture. If you like tripping down memory lane with references, this is the book for you.

But, it's sad. You will not want to pattern your life after anyone in this book. It will surprise you and (probably) shock you a little. Or, you might know some people who are similar to the characters. In that case, I actually feel a bit sorry for you - or them (weak smile here). There are interesting commentaries on contemporary relationships that just made me feel sick to my stomach because they are true and tragic. But I liked all of that. I also like sticking my tongue into those little sores I get in my mouth, so do what you will with that.

Should your teens or pre-teens read it? Only if they are already on a steady diet of Dr. Phil and/or those radio shows where people call up to discuss sexual intimacies with the entire world (I'm not being sarcastic here). I don't think anyone male would be to into this book, but I can guess they'd want to see the movie.

Speaking of which, the movie will be released Oct. 3, 2014 and stars Ben Affleck. The rumor is that the ending has been changed. I actually liked the ending of the book (as much as you can emotionally "like" anything in this book) but it doesn't surprise me that it won't hold up in a movie.