A Mobile Post

A mobile post: 2 y in schl. Blog, edit, grfx, jPeg, ppt, BOOKS, ALA, AASL, +MEMO.

Symbolism

So I didn't actually read them, but I did the next best thing--listened to them!  I can't read books while I work, so I use audio books.  I don't get the whole story most of the time and do have to keep going back on the CD's because I miss a lot, often.  [I do have to think sometimes while I work and thinking with listening doesn't always work]. 

What am I talking about?  The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons (still listening to this one).  I find it a little odd that the first book (DVC) is actually the second and is full of symbolism, while the second book (A&D) is really the first, but not so full of symbolism.  Of course we get to hear about the Papal household and the Conclave, which is awesome! 

I find the symbolism tangents to very interesting and enlightening.  However, I also enjoy a good mystery and it's really hard to stick with the mystery when we keep going off on tangents.  Also, if someone doesn't know a whole lot about symbolism or the church for that matter, it's a little hard to keep up.   For those who really enjoy all the secrecy and the scandals revolving around the church, these are the books for you!  If you really enjoy hearing about the landmarks and cultures in ancient cities, again books are for you.

Vamp Novels

So, I said I'd never read "Twilight" and never intended after the required reading in class to finish the saga.  Unfortunately, my inner book worm wouldn't let me walk away from it.  It surprised me that the story line was quite clean in terms of language and sex for a series that was written for teens.  I'm on the Jacob team, only because Edward is too full of himself and Jacob treats Bella with more equality.  Also, I'm a little partial to wolves.

In the interest of YAL research, I found that there are several Vamp authors out there.  I know about Anne Rice (never read her and I don't believe I will ever read her books).  I thought with all the authors, perhaps I should do a little research and read one or two of the books to keep in tune with YA.  Turns out I picked up one of the juiciest series out there (at least, I think so) in terms of teenage love.  I would not recommend it for anyone younger than 16.  I believe the amount of teen romances is overly dramatic and the fact that the main character has not only a human boyfriend, but also teen Vamp and adult Vamp boyfriends.  The story line is not quite up to par for a mystery/horror read, but the romance portion is all there.  Definitely a chic book!

I'm going to finish this series and maybe look at others, but I'm afraid I have a great dislike for the syrup of romance novels.  That's why I've never read Jackie Collins.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

I finally read the book.  This is a book you cannot pick up, flip to a page and start reading just to get an idea if you'll like it.  You have to start at the beginning otherwise the section you go to makes no sense and really sounds quite boring.  However, once you start the book you cannot put it down. 

Edwards writes a poignant story of a doctor who, in making a seemingly intelligent but rash decision, causes his family to fall apart.  25 years later the truth is out and the family is still torn.  For readers, at least this reader, we want the opportunities to tell the truth to blossom to fruition and frequently suffer disappointment.  For those of us with a family member with Down Syndrome, people are truly aggravating (beginning to end) in what they say and do in response to seeing Phoebe.  This includes the father and the mother. 

Kudos to Edwards for hitting on some of the pertinent issues that have come up in the last 4 decades.  She skims over mainstreaming education, medical issues, institutionalization, quality of life, pity, empathy, fear, family dynamics, needs/desires of the person with DS, and support groups.  While she doesn't go into depth (book is way too short), as an outsider, it seems normal.  In the end there are still unresolved issues.  Birth Mom goes away without resolving her feelings or her wants.  Big Brother acts like a guardian without any knowledge of guardianship, and Phoebe's ideal of marrying and having kids is never truly addressed.  Also, the title is not explained, and it takes a little thought to determine it's probably Caroline Gill, although she doesn't have as much angst as Birth Dad and Birth Mom.

A fast read, this book can put people on the path to past history regarding Down Syndrome, but leaves the reader without the current knowledge of Down Syndrome.  It also strongly suggests Down Syndrome is an inherited birth defect.  It also does not delve into the full range of medical issues that can arise, but only mentions some of the most common, thus misleading the reader into believing most with DS have heart issues and low capabilities, making Phoebe unusual.