I though this review was right on:
“Landay, a former DA, mixes gritty court reporting with Andy’s painful confrontation with himself, forcing readers willy-nilly to realize the end is never the end when, as Landay claims, the line between truth and justice has become so indistinct as to appear imaginary. This searing narrative proves the ancient Greek tragedians were right: the worst punishment is not death but living with what you — knowingly or unknowingly — have done.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Hello readers,
We here we are weeks after we all should have finished Defending Jacob and be well into the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I find them both disturbing works of literature. Gotta find some feel good books!
BTW: I was keeping a list of your suggestions for future books of the Month and I goofed. I was cutting and pasting on my iPad and lost all of your suggestions. So, Jennifer Christopher if you are still out there, please email me the books you suggested in February. Maria, I have the suggestions from Penny but any others you gave me would be appreciated. Eileen, I am not sure if you gave me some suggestions but if you have any please email me. I hate when I am electronically challenged but do appreciate your cooperation.
So, how do you all feel about Defending Jacob? As I said I found it very disturbing. The family seemed too one-dimensional to me. Landry in a small way tries to make the mom seems caring at the funeral but I found her character to be flat, although when tragedy strikes a family like it certainly did this one, each person reverts to their comfort zone. Maybe this is the reason I found the ending so surprising. Could it be? Was it really cleverness on the part of the author?
I would never want a relative or friend to defend me or someone in my family. As the saying goes: a man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client. In 'real life'Andy should have not been involved at all in the defense and looking back on the story now - maybe Jacob did it! However, does that have anything to do with his heredity? Can things like violence be passed from generation to generation? Is maturity the ability to overcome our base impulses.
I know, bullying is a big no-no in our society now but sometimes the less smart, popular, athletic, musically gifted, etc. have to step up and defend their territory. I don't know if this happened in the book but maybe Jacob and his friends were being bullied and as a group decided to stand up for themselves. Maybe Ben was murdered by more than one of them. Did anyone else think of that?
Usually movie editions of books I have read never live up to my expectations. Two exceptions to that have been Harry Potter and Twilight. Maybe those books are so description in a youthful way that the movies must be on target. I can see the mom being played by the actress on Law and Order, Mariska Hargitay oand John Kusak for Andy. The grandfather should be played by someone who gives us all the creeps - like Christopher Walken.
Write to the blog and tell us what you think. Have a wonderful day and - May is just around the corner so get reading! I have to find something easy to read for May --- help!
Happy Reading,
Barbara
We here we are weeks after we all should have finished Defending Jacob and be well into the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I find them both disturbing works of literature. Gotta find some feel good books!
BTW: I was keeping a list of your suggestions for future books of the Month and I goofed. I was cutting and pasting on my iPad and lost all of your suggestions. So, Jennifer Christopher if you are still out there, please email me the books you suggested in February. Maria, I have the suggestions from Penny but any others you gave me would be appreciated. Eileen, I am not sure if you gave me some suggestions but if you have any please email me. I hate when I am electronically challenged but do appreciate your cooperation.
So, how do you all feel about Defending Jacob? As I said I found it very disturbing. The family seemed too one-dimensional to me. Landry in a small way tries to make the mom seems caring at the funeral but I found her character to be flat, although when tragedy strikes a family like it certainly did this one, each person reverts to their comfort zone. Maybe this is the reason I found the ending so surprising. Could it be? Was it really cleverness on the part of the author?
I would never want a relative or friend to defend me or someone in my family. As the saying goes: a man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client. In 'real life'Andy should have not been involved at all in the defense and looking back on the story now - maybe Jacob did it! However, does that have anything to do with his heredity? Can things like violence be passed from generation to generation? Is maturity the ability to overcome our base impulses.
I know, bullying is a big no-no in our society now but sometimes the less smart, popular, athletic, musically gifted, etc. have to step up and defend their territory. I don't know if this happened in the book but maybe Jacob and his friends were being bullied and as a group decided to stand up for themselves. Maybe Ben was murdered by more than one of them. Did anyone else think of that?
Usually movie editions of books I have read never live up to my expectations. Two exceptions to that have been Harry Potter and Twilight. Maybe those books are so description in a youthful way that the movies must be on target. I can see the mom being played by the actress on Law and Order, Mariska Hargitay oand John Kusak for Andy. The grandfather should be played by someone who gives us all the creeps - like Christopher Walken.
Write to the blog and tell us what you think. Have a wonderful day and - May is just around the corner so get reading! I have to find something easy to read for May --- help!
Happy Reading,
Barbara
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Y
You never know how someone will react to an event until it actually happens.
You can see how terrifying it would be to have your life rush so out of control.
I
If you were Andy Barber, would you make the same decisions? How would you differ the most?
If you were Jacob's mother - how would your reaction be in contrast to your spouse?
If Jacob was 25, 18, or 9 would your view of him be different?
Identifying criminal behavior was the focus of the 2002 movie The Minority Report where future criminals were disposed of before they committed crimes. How does that thought sit with you after reading this book?
K
Keep in mind that we don't 'really' know - do you think that Jacob is guilty?
Knit together the evidence you saw in the book. What leads you to innocent? Guilty?
E
Environment vs. Nature is one of the themes in the book. Which do you favor?
Every kid has had bullying experience. You cannot read a paper or watch the news without seeing something that is blamed on it. That said - do you really think Jacob was bullied? or was he the bully? Does harassment sometimes run both ways?
Ethically speaking, what do you think of the ADA Neal Logiudice? What about Andy getting 'fired' because of this event?
S
Sitting in that courtroom day after day would make anyone itchy! How can any family endure the endless inquiry?
Since Jacob's grandfather is an unknown entity to him - do you think it is possible that the 'underworld or criminal world' {don't know how to describe where he lives} can actually function like that?
Someday soon you will be able to see this incredible book on a Warner Bros. movie. They bought the rights to it this past March. Could it possibly live up to your expectations?
You never know how someone will react to an event until it actually happens.
You can see how terrifying it would be to have your life rush so out of control.
I
If you were Andy Barber, would you make the same decisions? How would you differ the most?
If you were Jacob's mother - how would your reaction be in contrast to your spouse?
If Jacob was 25, 18, or 9 would your view of him be different?
Identifying criminal behavior was the focus of the 2002 movie The Minority Report where future criminals were disposed of before they committed crimes. How does that thought sit with you after reading this book?
K
Keep in mind that we don't 'really' know - do you think that Jacob is guilty?
Knit together the evidence you saw in the book. What leads you to innocent? Guilty?
E
Environment vs. Nature is one of the themes in the book. Which do you favor?
Every kid has had bullying experience. You cannot read a paper or watch the news without seeing something that is blamed on it. That said - do you really think Jacob was bullied? or was he the bully? Does harassment sometimes run both ways?
Ethically speaking, what do you think of the ADA Neal Logiudice? What about Andy getting 'fired' because of this event?
S
Sitting in that courtroom day after day would make anyone itchy! How can any family endure the endless inquiry?
Since Jacob's grandfather is an unknown entity to him - do you think it is possible that the 'underworld or criminal world' {don't know how to describe where he lives} can actually function like that?
Someday soon you will be able to see this incredible book on a Warner Bros. movie. They bought the rights to it this past March. Could it possibly live up to your expectations?
Sunday, April 1, 2012
April Fool's Book
Hi Readers,
You would think that I could find a clever book to present for April Fool's Day like:
April Fool by William Deverall or
Even though this photo says buy a signed copy of the book, I don't have any! It's just a photo I borrowed from the Rebecca Skloot website. This book was named as one of the best books of 2010. So here's to Henrietta and the story - true - that Rebecca tells.
You would think that I could find a clever book to present for April Fool's Day like:
April Fool by William Deverall or
Fooled You! by Nancy E. Krulik (a cute children's book) or
April Fool's Day by Bryce Courtenay
But alas, I am not that clever nor did I want to take a chance on non-recommended books. Of course the children's books are always good for a chuckle.
Did I go for another WW2 book? No, even though The Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson sits on my nightstand. I am hoping that this months book is a fast read so I can read this loiterer!
You will be happy to know that this month's book was selected scientifically thought deduction and exclusion. Two post it notes had initials of the titles and DH (Dear Husband) selected one not knowing which was which. Then we come to the Book of the Month for April 2012:
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Even though this photo says buy a signed copy of the book, I don't have any! It's just a photo I borrowed from the Rebecca Skloot website. This book was named as one of the best books of 2010. So here's to Henrietta and the story - true - that Rebecca tells.
Some posted comments about Defending Jacob will follow later this week. I am trying to give DH time to finish but he keeps getting skitzzed out by the book and puts it down.
Have a wonderful day and a great Holy Week!
Happy reading,
Barbara
Friday, March 30, 2012
I'ts almost April Fool's Day!
Yikes! It is almost April 1st and I haven't picked a book yet. Guess I'll get to it ASAP.
Hope you are enjoying Defending Jacob. Once again I'll say 'YIKES'! (It seems to be a favorite exclamation of mine lately.) Next month we need a book that doesn't make me exclaim.
I know that Maria has finished the book and Jim is halfway through. Eileen is still waiting for it from the library. When I see her next week I'll have to introduce her to Kindle & Ipad - right Maria? We are getting to the point where we prefer buying books on our Ipad so we don't have to wait at the library. Hopefully next month I will select a book that is readily available.
Conversation in my house about Defending Jacob goes like this:
DH: These characters are so engrossing
ME: Really? I don't like the characters at all.
DH: I can't read anymore because I don't like what I see coming!
ME: It's only a book! You only have a few more days.
DH: How can you not be totally engrossed by this book?
ME: How can you be totally engrossed by this book?
He hasn't finished it yet - just wait! This author is on my 'definite need to read another' list.
Ya'll have a wonderful weekend and hopefully your will get the next BOM on Sunday.
Happy Reading,
Barbara
Thursday, March 22, 2012
What's the Defense?
Hello Readers,
So, how is Defending Jacob coming along? This was a great suggestions Maria! Thank you. I am about 3/4 done. It's interesting to me that the character development isn't as gripping as I thought it would be. I am thinking that male authors just don't do that as well (?) as female ones. What do you think? For instance, Kristen Hannah's characters get to me from the beginning of the book. I identify with them (sometimes all of them) and want to know what happens beyond the book. In Unbroken, The Book Thief, and now in Defending Jacob, I appreciate the story, have empathy and understanding of the characters and the twists and turns of the plot but I don't become integral to to character. Does that even make sense?
Hope you are all reading and enjoying the book. Just 2 weeks til April! What will the April book be? Male or female author? Current era or long ago? Fiction or non? Stay tuned!
Happy Reading,
Barbara
So, how is Defending Jacob coming along? This was a great suggestions Maria! Thank you. I am about 3/4 done. It's interesting to me that the character development isn't as gripping as I thought it would be. I am thinking that male authors just don't do that as well (?) as female ones. What do you think? For instance, Kristen Hannah's characters get to me from the beginning of the book. I identify with them (sometimes all of them) and want to know what happens beyond the book. In Unbroken, The Book Thief, and now in Defending Jacob, I appreciate the story, have empathy and understanding of the characters and the twists and turns of the plot but I don't become integral to to character. Does that even make sense?
Hope you are all reading and enjoying the book. Just 2 weeks til April! What will the April book be? Male or female author? Current era or long ago? Fiction or non? Stay tuned!
Happy Reading,
Barbara
Saturday, March 17, 2012
I feel so old!
Hello dear readers,
Yes, I feel so old because what keeps going through my mind is 'where does the time go?' I keep trying to convince everyone that the earth spins faster in Vermont! No one believes me! All this to say I should have written my review of The Book Thief sooner but just didn't get around to it.
Let's see, what question do I want to answer first? Death's visiting the living and dead. Conceptually I loved it. Death was loving, caring and sometimes not happy he had to collect a soul. It's always good to have literary confirmation that we have a soul! The interesting part to me was where did he take the souls. Could death have been Jesus or God or one of the prophets? I think I may have liked Death as the best character -- if (s)he was considered one.
Max and Liesel were both rescued by Hans & Rosa. Rosa is a hardhearted character that only has the shell of hardheartedness. She is sympathetic, empathetic and deeply caring. She accepts without question the entry of the refugees and cares for them as best as she could. Hans is just one of those bleeding hearts who would do anything for anyone yet he does have his principles.
How many of us would allow a person to 'steal' into our homes to read, eat, or rest as Ilsa allowed Liesel? Liesel was a waif, a orphan, a street urchin. Bravely Ilsa allowed her to enter the home to read and steal books. How brave! The agoraphobia prevented her from living life for years and yet when necessity presented itself she stepped out of her shell to help Liesel. Awesome!
What must it have been like to live in Munich during this time? Horribly frightening but without the ability to see what actually happened on a grand scale. As I mentioned before Dachau was a horrible place on the outskirts of Munich and to envision those Jews walking down the streets makes my stomach roil. Then, Hans tried to offer some kind of solace and was beaten. How many times did the people try to stop the progression of Nazi Germany and were rebuffed, killed, and tortured. Conscription of the fathers and brothers against their desire to serve and/or abandon their families. ughh! I don't know how to express my disgust and thankfulness that I didn't live in that time and place.
As a child I learned 'sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me'. And yet, the words followed by actions killed millions because of the built up hatred caused by those words. The military operates by dehumanizing the enemy. When do we listen to the 'other side' for what it is - just another opinion - instead of disagreeing immediately. We don't even listen to the words - even though they don't hurt - to avoid the nest step of stones. We all try to live by what is right and good but fall short of our own expectations. Is that why death says: 'Humans haunt him'? We are a conundrum to death.
The Book Thief is one good book! I couldn't put it down and couldn't keep reading, a total ying and yang, good verses evil, truth against lie. I wonder how much of the story came directly from Markus' family story? How much is truth mixed with fiction? I would highly recommend this book. Would you?
Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day.
Keep on Reading,
Barbara
Yes, I feel so old because what keeps going through my mind is 'where does the time go?' I keep trying to convince everyone that the earth spins faster in Vermont! No one believes me! All this to say I should have written my review of The Book Thief sooner but just didn't get around to it.
Let's see, what question do I want to answer first? Death's visiting the living and dead. Conceptually I loved it. Death was loving, caring and sometimes not happy he had to collect a soul. It's always good to have literary confirmation that we have a soul! The interesting part to me was where did he take the souls. Could death have been Jesus or God or one of the prophets? I think I may have liked Death as the best character -- if (s)he was considered one.
Max and Liesel were both rescued by Hans & Rosa. Rosa is a hardhearted character that only has the shell of hardheartedness. She is sympathetic, empathetic and deeply caring. She accepts without question the entry of the refugees and cares for them as best as she could. Hans is just one of those bleeding hearts who would do anything for anyone yet he does have his principles.
How many of us would allow a person to 'steal' into our homes to read, eat, or rest as Ilsa allowed Liesel? Liesel was a waif, a orphan, a street urchin. Bravely Ilsa allowed her to enter the home to read and steal books. How brave! The agoraphobia prevented her from living life for years and yet when necessity presented itself she stepped out of her shell to help Liesel. Awesome!
What must it have been like to live in Munich during this time? Horribly frightening but without the ability to see what actually happened on a grand scale. As I mentioned before Dachau was a horrible place on the outskirts of Munich and to envision those Jews walking down the streets makes my stomach roil. Then, Hans tried to offer some kind of solace and was beaten. How many times did the people try to stop the progression of Nazi Germany and were rebuffed, killed, and tortured. Conscription of the fathers and brothers against their desire to serve and/or abandon their families. ughh! I don't know how to express my disgust and thankfulness that I didn't live in that time and place.
As a child I learned 'sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me'. And yet, the words followed by actions killed millions because of the built up hatred caused by those words. The military operates by dehumanizing the enemy. When do we listen to the 'other side' for what it is - just another opinion - instead of disagreeing immediately. We don't even listen to the words - even though they don't hurt - to avoid the nest step of stones. We all try to live by what is right and good but fall short of our own expectations. Is that why death says: 'Humans haunt him'? We are a conundrum to death.
The Book Thief is one good book! I couldn't put it down and couldn't keep reading, a total ying and yang, good verses evil, truth against lie. I wonder how much of the story came directly from Markus' family story? How much is truth mixed with fiction? I would highly recommend this book. Would you?
Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day.
Keep on Reading,
Barbara
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