This past week, I have been at musical theater camp vocal directing my second show this summer. Our show we performed was called “Once On This Island.” I could not believe how the themes of both the show I was working on and this book related. In the musical, an orphan girl named Timoune is sent on a journey by the gods of earth, water, love and death. She prays and ends up finding her true love on the other side of the island. She falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy she nurses back to heath, but is cast out because there can never be love between a peasant girl and the wealthy boy. She believes in the power of love, and ends up dying to break the class barriers and because of her, the gates separating the classes come down and everyone lives in harmony. I think the themes which parallel each other in both the show and the book include those of racial tension, of a young girl seeing beyond color, searching for love, and finding answers along her journey. Both Timoune and Lily pray to a god for help, search for where they belong in the world, and are looking to find acceptance. Although each was presented in a completely different context, I think it shows how universal and powerful some of the themes in this book are.
When I first started reading The Secret Life of Bees, I noticed how descriptive and detailed Lily’s observations were about everything from nature to people. Whether describing the sweat on Rosaleen during the long walk to South Carolina, how the cool river feels cascading around her body, the vivid colors of the Daughter’s hats, and more. I think in today’s society, both children and adults alike are so hooked on television and electronics that they don’t seem to notice the beauty and details of the world around them. Everyone sees the big picture, but rarely to people stop and appreciate the little things in life anymore. Lily learns so much by watching, from looking at the details, that it made me stop and look around at nature and my surroundings a bit more this week. I watched the bird outside my window, I looked at the trees outside the music building, and watched the clouds and the moon one evening with friends. It took a child in a book to remind myself and some friends how much we need to stop and open our eyes every now and then.
One of my favorite quotes from the story was when August says, "Did you know there are thirty-two names for love in one of the Eskimo languages?...Isn't it a shame we don't have more ways to say it?" (Kidd 140). I thought this was so powerful, and shows the power of love. As a teacher, I see kids all the time who do not have the motherly figure they need, and how the kids will tell me that their parents don’t love them. I think T.Ray. cannot accept that Lily took his love away from him, and therefore doesn’t feel the need to love her anymore. However, in a twisted way, he loves her enough to come back at the end, and loves her enough to stop the fight when he hears her call him “Daddy.” He also loves her enough to let her stay with August. I hoped for Lily’s sake that he would finally say he loved her sometime in the book, but he never did. I cannot imagine what it would be like if I had a parent who did not love me, but I think sometimes we forget to tell people just how much they are loved. Love has many powers, and if the love is true, it can conquer all. It seemed as though eventually everyone found love and some form of peace in the book, proving this idea to be true.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The idea of the sisterhood reminded me so much of my sorority sisters in college, and the “rituals” and bond of sisterhood that they all shared. I actually ended up calling two of my sorority sisters that I had not heard from in a while, just to reconnect because of the scenes in this book with the sisterhood and support they provided. It was amazing how easy it was to talk to them again, as if we never left off. It just shows that women are amazing creatures, and how the reader can apply so many of the themes in the book to their own life.
Monk Kidd, Sue. The Secret Life of Bees. New York: Penguin, 2005.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Lovely Bones
The Lovely Bones was an interesting choice for me following Jemima J. As I mentioned in my profile, I don’t read very much at all, so my first thought was why would someone pick a book like this? What kind of affect will this have on me that I could write about? It was later in the book, after reading about how much Susie didn’t want to leave and wanted to be back on Earth that I had quite a bit of trouble. One of my best friend’s fiancé recently committed suicide, and I had a hard time dealing with that entire situation. From being there to comfort him, to cursing her for hurting him so, to reflecting on my own life and loved ones, this book really hit me pretty hard. So, my trouble was that I was really hurting reading this book. I had spent quite a bit of time this last month pondering why someone would hurt people they love, pondering the loss of life, and realizing just how precious time can be. I had to put this book down every now and then, to take a break because the emotion not only towards this recent situation but one I will describe later was too much for me. However, in hindsight, I guess that what’s makes this a good book, and that was point of the entire book. My entire personal experience was one of figuring out the importance of people in my life, and trying to answer questions similar to those Susie’s family asked.
When Susie tells her story from her “heaven,” I was surprised to find that she was still in so much denial. She says, “ What I found strange was how much I desired to know what I had not known on Earth. I wanted to be allowed to grow up” (Sebold 19). Why would Sebold create such a place, when all my life the church has preached that heaven is a place where there is no pain, there is no suffering? Susie was allowed to grow in her heaven, meeting both Holiday and her Grandfather for some time, but I think Franny was the one who helped her grow even though it was made clear she was not a substitute mother. However, she was there to guide Susie through the growth, whatever it turned out to be. When Susie and Ray were able to connect at the end, I think this was symbolic of her having been allowed to finally grow up. Susie was finally able to experience what she has longed for the entire novel, and when she declared the “Leaving Earth again was easier than coming back had been” ( 311), I feel she finally was able to accept her fate as best as she could. At this point, Susie’s tone changed as she told the end of her story, she told it in more of an objective view, describing the events and less of her feelings and wanting to be there too.
The family proved to grow throughout the book as well. Grandma Lynn not only breathed life into the family again following the death, but I felt she remained the rock for everyone following Susie’s death. Even though she was written as bringing life and humor back into the Salmon family, I think she was one of the most motherly figures of all. I think she ultimately did her best to keep the family moving on, but I think she grew too. She was first described as being somewhat flighty, concerned with fashion and such. Yet when she attended the memorial without her trademark makeup because she had taken care of Lindsey, that’s when she began to change. Not only was she classy enough to take over the motherly role for her daughter at home, but she remained there for Lindsey, Jack and Buckley while maintaining enough of a relationship with Abigail to help mend fences among them all in the end. One thing I found especially interesting was that everyone let Abigail go and move on without much repercussion. I found it beautiful that a family could have so much love, and that a husband could have so much compassion towards his wife that he simply loves her all over again. I teach elementary school, an the one crisis I deal with all the time is parents separating, and how it affects the children. In this case, Lindsey and Buckley seem to blossom by finding a companion replacement of some sort (Samuel or Hal and Jack). Some of the kids that I see are not always able to do this, and build so much resentment towards adults that they don’t seem to let anyone in. True, Lindsey is angry over the broken promises that Abigail made, but I wish families could reconnect like this more in real life.
I think the thing that touched me the most of this entire book was Jack’s devotion to his family and to his daughter. Even Abigail finally clearly sees this in the hospital, asking him how he does it. He says “There’s no choice….what else can I do” (279). Susie also admits that “he had never left me” also finally realizes that she will have her whole life ahead of her in his eyes (279). I think that he put so much into loving Susie, and working towards remembering her that he eventually broke. I found the heart attack to be so unfortunate, yet so fitting and natural in the plotline of the story. He had spent so much of the book sheltering Buckley, that when he finally saw his son hurting it physically took a toll on him and literally broke his heart. This part of the book reminded me so much of my dad, and his devotion to our entire family. I have seen Jack in my dad at times. One of my brothers has type one diabetes, and although controllable, there was a scare last year in which he ended up pretty sick and it was a bit touch and go for a day or two. It was one night around then that I saw my dad break down, and I could relate so much to Lindsey sitting on the top of the stairs listening, watching, and making herself hard yet strong so that no one would see the hurt and compassion I felt towards him. I
So all this being said, I am afraid I had a hard time taking an objective look at this book, blogging about the novel. Instead, what I found through this book was more than some basic reaction that I originally wanted. When the book jacket said this was a story about healing, I didn’t really think a book could showcase that. What I found was that not only did every character in the novel find some sort of healing, but perhaps I did to by seeing that other people have gone through things too. While none of my situations have been nearly as gruesome or horrific as the one presented in this book, they are real, and if a family can heal even in the world of fiction, it made me see that both myself and the people I love around me can too.
Source: Sebold, Alice. The Lovely Bones. Boston/New York/London: Little, Brown and Company, 2002.
When Susie tells her story from her “heaven,” I was surprised to find that she was still in so much denial. She says, “ What I found strange was how much I desired to know what I had not known on Earth. I wanted to be allowed to grow up” (Sebold 19). Why would Sebold create such a place, when all my life the church has preached that heaven is a place where there is no pain, there is no suffering? Susie was allowed to grow in her heaven, meeting both Holiday and her Grandfather for some time, but I think Franny was the one who helped her grow even though it was made clear she was not a substitute mother. However, she was there to guide Susie through the growth, whatever it turned out to be. When Susie and Ray were able to connect at the end, I think this was symbolic of her having been allowed to finally grow up. Susie was finally able to experience what she has longed for the entire novel, and when she declared the “Leaving Earth again was easier than coming back had been” ( 311), I feel she finally was able to accept her fate as best as she could. At this point, Susie’s tone changed as she told the end of her story, she told it in more of an objective view, describing the events and less of her feelings and wanting to be there too.
The family proved to grow throughout the book as well. Grandma Lynn not only breathed life into the family again following the death, but I felt she remained the rock for everyone following Susie’s death. Even though she was written as bringing life and humor back into the Salmon family, I think she was one of the most motherly figures of all. I think she ultimately did her best to keep the family moving on, but I think she grew too. She was first described as being somewhat flighty, concerned with fashion and such. Yet when she attended the memorial without her trademark makeup because she had taken care of Lindsey, that’s when she began to change. Not only was she classy enough to take over the motherly role for her daughter at home, but she remained there for Lindsey, Jack and Buckley while maintaining enough of a relationship with Abigail to help mend fences among them all in the end. One thing I found especially interesting was that everyone let Abigail go and move on without much repercussion. I found it beautiful that a family could have so much love, and that a husband could have so much compassion towards his wife that he simply loves her all over again. I teach elementary school, an the one crisis I deal with all the time is parents separating, and how it affects the children. In this case, Lindsey and Buckley seem to blossom by finding a companion replacement of some sort (Samuel or Hal and Jack). Some of the kids that I see are not always able to do this, and build so much resentment towards adults that they don’t seem to let anyone in. True, Lindsey is angry over the broken promises that Abigail made, but I wish families could reconnect like this more in real life.
I think the thing that touched me the most of this entire book was Jack’s devotion to his family and to his daughter. Even Abigail finally clearly sees this in the hospital, asking him how he does it. He says “There’s no choice….what else can I do” (279). Susie also admits that “he had never left me” also finally realizes that she will have her whole life ahead of her in his eyes (279). I think that he put so much into loving Susie, and working towards remembering her that he eventually broke. I found the heart attack to be so unfortunate, yet so fitting and natural in the plotline of the story. He had spent so much of the book sheltering Buckley, that when he finally saw his son hurting it physically took a toll on him and literally broke his heart. This part of the book reminded me so much of my dad, and his devotion to our entire family. I have seen Jack in my dad at times. One of my brothers has type one diabetes, and although controllable, there was a scare last year in which he ended up pretty sick and it was a bit touch and go for a day or two. It was one night around then that I saw my dad break down, and I could relate so much to Lindsey sitting on the top of the stairs listening, watching, and making herself hard yet strong so that no one would see the hurt and compassion I felt towards him. I
So all this being said, I am afraid I had a hard time taking an objective look at this book, blogging about the novel. Instead, what I found through this book was more than some basic reaction that I originally wanted. When the book jacket said this was a story about healing, I didn’t really think a book could showcase that. What I found was that not only did every character in the novel find some sort of healing, but perhaps I did to by seeing that other people have gone through things too. While none of my situations have been nearly as gruesome or horrific as the one presented in this book, they are real, and if a family can heal even in the world of fiction, it made me see that both myself and the people I love around me can too.
Source: Sebold, Alice. The Lovely Bones. Boston/New York/London: Little, Brown and Company, 2002.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Jemima J
The story of Jemima J explores many elements of contemporary “chick literature,” including love, money, men and beauty. One of the major themes throughout the story deals with Jemima’s struggle with her weight. The book’s message seems to parallel society’s current message, where skinny seems to be in, and women are under constant scrutiny to be a picture of perfection at all times. With the major theme of the book revolving around Jemima’s weight loss, the controversy over whether or not Jemima was able to find success and happiness because she was skinny comes to mind. I think it is important for women of any size to find the strength from within, along with a strong love of yourself and who you are. At the same time, women face scrutiny that stems from the growing social implications of obesity in America. Jemima is and should be applauded for her attempt to maintain her inner beauty. She grows in personal confidence and I believe truly appreciates the attention and perks that come along when she is thin. However, she also attempts to maintain her inner beauty and tries to encourage people like Jenny to understand that she is also beautiful at her current size. What she may not realize is that Geraldine and Ben also tried to convince her of these things when she was heavier, but she would not listen. Perhaps it is something that you must come to believe on your own.
Whether you agree or disagree with Jemima’s weight loss, the women considered to be skinny in the novel are also presented in both positive and negative light. Geraldine’s character evolves from someone portrayed as being hired into her position simply based on looks to one of Jemima’s best friends and supporters. Interestingly enough, Geraldine’s relationships with men change as she and Jemima become closer. Perhaps she becomes more comfortable and confident in herself as Jemima relies on her for help and direction following the weight loss and makeover. Although slim, Geraldine is never threatened by Jemima’s beauty like roommates Sophie and Lisa. Sophie and Lisa rely on their looks to bring them happiness, whether it be through flirting with men at work or dressing the part for the man of the night. While they exhibit confidence, they do not seem to have a grasp on what truly makes them happy.
The book also addresses the rise of technology and relationships via e-mail and chat rooms. “The internet is another world, where people can be anyone they want…” (Green 27). Even today, the internet can become a façade. The lack of face to face interaction allows you to be free with feelings and emotions. However, this also opens the door for gross miscommunication and misinterpretation to occur. Communication via e-mail and chat rooms provide a safe place to flirt and create fantasy, which can be dangerous or genius depending upon your viewpoint. Jemima was lucky to find a man online who was seemingly genuine and perfect. However, the internet provided the barrier Brad needed to hide his love towards Jenny and his imperfections from the world by searching for women from afar. Jemima was also taking a huge chance by going to L.A. to visit him, as it could have turned into a dangerous situation.
Finally, Green writes that Jemima knows “I’m overweight…but I’m not a bad person…and I’m kind to people and why does no one ever want to fall in love with me…” (60). Regardless of age, body type, or weight, this is a universal theme that women can relate to, and serves as inspiration to make a change in how you view your own life. I find that I can relate to Jemima, as this thought has crossed many a mind of my single friends and myself at times. I still hold onto the belief that a great man will love a woman for who she is on both the inside and the outside. I really enjoyed this book, and was happy to know that since this is the first book I have read in almost a year. In the end, I liked the clothes, the men, the money, the glamour, and all the fantasy and reality that this chick lit novel had to offer.
Source: Green, Jane. Jemima J. New York: Broadway Books, 1999.
Whether you agree or disagree with Jemima’s weight loss, the women considered to be skinny in the novel are also presented in both positive and negative light. Geraldine’s character evolves from someone portrayed as being hired into her position simply based on looks to one of Jemima’s best friends and supporters. Interestingly enough, Geraldine’s relationships with men change as she and Jemima become closer. Perhaps she becomes more comfortable and confident in herself as Jemima relies on her for help and direction following the weight loss and makeover. Although slim, Geraldine is never threatened by Jemima’s beauty like roommates Sophie and Lisa. Sophie and Lisa rely on their looks to bring them happiness, whether it be through flirting with men at work or dressing the part for the man of the night. While they exhibit confidence, they do not seem to have a grasp on what truly makes them happy.
The book also addresses the rise of technology and relationships via e-mail and chat rooms. “The internet is another world, where people can be anyone they want…” (Green 27). Even today, the internet can become a façade. The lack of face to face interaction allows you to be free with feelings and emotions. However, this also opens the door for gross miscommunication and misinterpretation to occur. Communication via e-mail and chat rooms provide a safe place to flirt and create fantasy, which can be dangerous or genius depending upon your viewpoint. Jemima was lucky to find a man online who was seemingly genuine and perfect. However, the internet provided the barrier Brad needed to hide his love towards Jenny and his imperfections from the world by searching for women from afar. Jemima was also taking a huge chance by going to L.A. to visit him, as it could have turned into a dangerous situation.
Finally, Green writes that Jemima knows “I’m overweight…but I’m not a bad person…and I’m kind to people and why does no one ever want to fall in love with me…” (60). Regardless of age, body type, or weight, this is a universal theme that women can relate to, and serves as inspiration to make a change in how you view your own life. I find that I can relate to Jemima, as this thought has crossed many a mind of my single friends and myself at times. I still hold onto the belief that a great man will love a woman for who she is on both the inside and the outside. I really enjoyed this book, and was happy to know that since this is the first book I have read in almost a year. In the end, I liked the clothes, the men, the money, the glamour, and all the fantasy and reality that this chick lit novel had to offer.
Source: Green, Jane. Jemima J. New York: Broadway Books, 1999.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)