I think I've heard from everyone I possibly offended with my last post to feel that there needed to be some clarification.
Point A: "You called us, as your family, dysfunctional!" - Yes and No. I used the word "dysfunctional" to describe every family... not just my own. Depending on whom you believe, anywhere from 50 to 95 percent of all families have some degree of dysfunction. It really doesn’t matter whether it’s 62 or 71.5 percent. The point is there are more people from dysfunctional families than aren’t. A dysfunctional family is a one in which conflict, misbehavior and even abuse on the part of individual members of the family occur continually, leading other members to accommodate such actions. Every family has a degree of dysfunctional behavior. No one demonstrates "norms" all the time. Inconsistency and Unpredictability/Mixed Messages/Dogmatic or chaotic parenting (aka: harsh and inflexible parenting )/Perfectionist (parents who "fixate on order, prestige, power, and/or perfect appearances".) are the most kinds of acceptable dysfunction among "normal" families. Sure, I called us "dysfunctional". We aren't Ward and June Cleaver! Today's normal families recognize that dysfunction is not good, but not avoidable. The problem is when it becomes TOO dysfuctional, when safety becomes a concern.
Point B: "You said your husband is your best friend. But, then said that your mother in law is your biggest supporter. What gives?" - My own husband actually also asked this question, too. I meant that my mother in law became my biggest supporter in terms of support via depression. She never turned her back on assisting me and has always taken the time to make sure I was ok... even sacrificing having her space invaded by a needy daughter in law to be - seeing as I sat in her classroom every morning for almost 3 months to keep "safe" and lived in their house for more than that for the same reasons. She put up her crisis poster in her classroom so that students would know how to handle the choices she had been forced to make. Please don't get me wrong. My husband is, and probably always will be, my absolute best friend. I know there is nothing I cannot tell him. I can't say he will always understand or know how to handle it. Since we have been married, he has had to spend a lot of time doing schoolwork and he isn't always the most available person for those reasons. But, what I said was true. She, at this point of time, is the support.. mainly because he can't always be there or because he can't always understand.
Point C: "You said the Wenzel's are dysfunction? I've known them for years. They are not!" - Like I said earlier, all families are dysfunctional in nature. Other than saying something about how people are behind closed doors, perception is not always reality. I tell people that, as much as I adore my cousin Ashli, she being older by 3 months, I often felt "left behind" when stuff would happen for her first. It always seemed as if our grandparents loved them more. That she had the much more flexible parents. But, as an adult, she mentioned that she always liked coming to my house because we could play anywhere... and not worry about stuff getting hurt. And I supposidely had cooler toys. I think she had cooler toys... mainly because she had brothers... but that is neither here or there. What we perceive isn't reality. We also have secrets. Mine is that I am depressed... a lot of people don't know this because I really do "mask" well and rather people who didn't know DON'T ever know. You may think you know who someone is... but trust me... you don't know what goes on in their minds. You don't know what causes them pain.
Family. The concept of consanguinity originally referred to relations by "blood," man people have argued that one must understand the notion of "blood" metaphorically, and that many societies understand 'family' through other concepts rather than through genetic distance. Whether it be a conjugal, consanguineal, matrifocal, family is family. And, as Forest Gump once said, "That's all I have to say about that!"
Monday, April 28, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Family.... What It Is. What It Isn't!
In the past few weeks, I have been very lucky to get to spend time with my parents, my husband, and my in-laws. In past posts, I have often bemoaned the idea that family is dramatically skewed. We are supposed to hate our in laws, be at war with ones parents, and not view our spouse as our best friends. People throw around the idea that we tolerate our family because, as the old adage says, "Blood is thicker than water". For me, I am not blood related to any of my family. Maybe that is one reason I am able to look at this differently.
Family is simply "a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation" or, more commonly thought of as a "fellowship" of people. I have heard many people claim that family means blood related. I have heard just as many people say family is the group of people you turn to in crisis. But, although I agree that family is the best group of support anyone can have, it isn't defined by your ability to assist each other. More so in the kinship you feel for one another. Your sister in law becomes a member of your family because you have married into (or she has married into) an already existing family unit. And, hence, as a member of a family, common sense says you make this person feel as if they are welcome into your family.
Family, as well as being a great support group, can also be the one group of people most capable of hurting you deeply or providing you with the most strife concerning issues. Henceforth the term "dysfunctional family". If family were just the ability to turn to each other in times of crisis, we wouldn't have the in fighting/feuding/backstabbing that one also associates with having a family. How many people out there can remember that there were certain things not mentioned within a family because they caused conflict between their members? How many times has a child felt they didn't have the unconditional support of those in their family to help them through that crisis? I know that, when I was diagnosed with depression in college, my greatest fear was that my family would turn away from me, treating me like the "freak" I felt I was. I felt I would hear that, because I had desired to end my life, that my family's religious side would "damn me to hell" for my "unforgivable sin". It took many years for all the persons in my immediate family to accept depression wasn't the life I had chosen for myself and that it was as real an illness as any physical illness. And, no, they were not unconditionally supportive during this crisis... and no, I don't expect them to be. I expect my family to be who they are and to give what they can and do so when they can.
When I married, I gained a whole new "family". I remember the day I had to tell my future mother in law that I needed her support to get through a low point in my life. I had to tell her things that I had been hiding from her, such as my history with depression. I thought I would lose all the support that had been offered me. Instead, I was given a place to stay until I could become safe enough to be on my own. She has been my number one supporter since that day. She even surpassed her son on that one. When I have an issue that I need to solve, I turn to her because she will help me solve the problem. I have told people that I honestly love both my mother in law and father in law. The response? I get scoffed at. I tell people that my sister in law is like a sister to me. I get, "You're jealous of her!" or "You're a fool if you think she returns those feelings." They are part of my family. BY getting married, I married into the family. And, although we have our fights, our disagreements, our conflicts, and, like any other family, our dysfunctional moments, we are family. We are a group brought together in a fellowship of certain convictions and/or a common affiliation.
As much as it pains me to say, blood tie has nothing to do with making a family. I feel compassion and understanding for my biological father. I might even feel love for the man whom I have never met (and if he is who I believe him to be, never will). But, he is not family. I feel a bond with my biological mother. I know I feel love for her. But, she has, on occasion, made herself not part of my family. She is in a Venn Diagram circle of her own. She is not in the circles that make themselves family on a daily basis. I feel as if she makes herself part of my family when she wants to and extracts from it when she feels she wants to. She claims it is because I am ashamed of her, of who and "what" she is. I feel no shame towards her. I accept her for whom she is and what she can give. But, it does hurt me that she makes a conscious choice to not stay in the family circles. This proves loudly that a blood tie a family does not have to have.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Changes.. They Are A-Comin'
I really don't know what that topic is supposed to mean. I just thought it was a good topic for today's blog. Last week, my parents were here visiting from Ohio. Their presence involved the whole family going to see an Orioles game (Orioles versus the Toronto Blue Jays). We froze, but the Orioles pulled it off in the 8th Inning for a win. I also acquired a wonderful bike (would it please stop raining long enough for me to get in a ride today!) and spent time in Annapolis, Bowie, and lovely scenic Burtonsville. My parents also brought over a lovely shadow box containing my wedding bouquet (which sits next to our guest book on the wall and that is next to the tossed bridal bouquet that K.T caught).
I am looking at the calender and realizing that there are going to be some massive changes coming up. I'll probably be starting law school in September (on my last stages for acceptance). I need to take a few more course to keep my teaching certificate active, so I will be doing that this fall and spring. Stephen will be finishing up his requirements soon... so he will be within the job force soon enough. I will probably be joining him in some kind of job... although I have my doubts it will be teaching. I was actually thinking Home Depot sounds like a good job at this point.
Changes. I don't think they are easy for anyone. I know that I never thought that I'd be anything other than a teacher. It is really the only life I know how to do. I'd be worried if I were 100% confident about this lifestyle change. No one totally enjoy changes. There is always that feeling of self-doubt that lingers in the back of our brains that says, "Ummm. Nice idea there, Slick. But, I don't know if I believe this is a good idea." But, sometimes, like right now, I have to trust my instincts to be true ones that I can at least rely upon. I will have one year of law school to prove to myself this is what I should be doing. After that, I have to prove to others that I am going to do well. I think I am up to this challenge. After all, wanting to prove I'm not unworthy is a strong motivator.
I am looking at the calender and realizing that there are going to be some massive changes coming up. I'll probably be starting law school in September (on my last stages for acceptance). I need to take a few more course to keep my teaching certificate active, so I will be doing that this fall and spring. Stephen will be finishing up his requirements soon... so he will be within the job force soon enough. I will probably be joining him in some kind of job... although I have my doubts it will be teaching. I was actually thinking Home Depot sounds like a good job at this point.
Changes. I don't think they are easy for anyone. I know that I never thought that I'd be anything other than a teacher. It is really the only life I know how to do. I'd be worried if I were 100% confident about this lifestyle change. No one totally enjoy changes. There is always that feeling of self-doubt that lingers in the back of our brains that says, "Ummm. Nice idea there, Slick. But, I don't know if I believe this is a good idea." But, sometimes, like right now, I have to trust my instincts to be true ones that I can at least rely upon. I will have one year of law school to prove to myself this is what I should be doing. After that, I have to prove to others that I am going to do well. I think I am up to this challenge. After all, wanting to prove I'm not unworthy is a strong motivator.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Life As A Cricket?
Sometimes I wonder... if I were an outsider, what would I notice most about those things going on around me. So, I decided to stretch my imagination a little (Ok.. maybe a lot) and describe what one would see if they could be one of those really annoying basement crickets that look like spiders and seem to not move when I get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. *I imagine at least one person out there is going, "I know THOSE crickets!"*
Starting my life as a cricket at midnight, I realize that the Wenzel household is still abuzz with activity. Or at least a little. The dog and Bill are still enjoying the end of whatever it is they are watching on tv. It could be the end of a sports game, a movie, or something equally riveting. The snake is curled up in his cat head birdfeeder. The bird is absolutely silent. And the rest of the house is totally asleep. When Bill and the dog finally wander off into the bedroom, the house finally seems absolutely quiet. The perfect place for a spider cricket, or whatever the heck I am, to just sit back and enjoy being. Not much happens, other than the snake takes a couple trips around the aquarium, until around 6. Jane's alarm goes off. Around 5:45, she gets up to get ready for the day and appears in the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee in her travel cup. She plays with the cat, who magically appears, in multiple locations. Then, she uncovers the bird and leaves to go [to work]. The cat wanders back downstairs and, once again, the place is silent. Around 7, Stephen's clock starts blaring WTOP weather and traffic. It continues to do so for an hour. About the same time the clock stops, the dog and Bill get up to go on a walk. Stephen also gets up and retreats to his computer area to get a couple hours of uninterrupted work time. Then, at 10:15, things get exciting!! Bill returns with dog, Stephen leaves for school, and Kristin logs onto the Internet for the first time to check her mail. Unfortuntely, if I were really this cricket, this is the time I would get stepped on and I'd die. This ends the whole synopsis.
But, as I am not dead... the synopsis continues as such. Sometime after this, Bill leaves to go do whatever he does in the real world (aka: lunch) and Kristin does something to keep her occupied. She may clean, or write, or even play Pogo games for awhile. Then, in the early afternoon, Bill returns. He goes back to his room to watch a movie or turns on the living room tv to the music channel. Kristin continues to occupy herself doing something... anything... downstairs. Finally,nidafternoon, Jane comes home. After a lengthy discussion as Jane drinks tea on downstairs sofa, Kristin and Jane go upstairs! Dinner is made. Dinner is eaten. Jane goes and reads or begins watching educational tv. Kristin rechecks her email. Kristin joins Jane watching educational tv. Stephen gets home around 7:30. Kristin, Jane, and Stephen watch tv until 9:30... this is when the three head off to their rooms.
This does not seem like an entertaining life. I think I rather be squished.
Starting my life as a cricket at midnight, I realize that the Wenzel household is still abuzz with activity. Or at least a little. The dog and Bill are still enjoying the end of whatever it is they are watching on tv. It could be the end of a sports game, a movie, or something equally riveting. The snake is curled up in his cat head birdfeeder. The bird is absolutely silent. And the rest of the house is totally asleep. When Bill and the dog finally wander off into the bedroom, the house finally seems absolutely quiet. The perfect place for a spider cricket, or whatever the heck I am, to just sit back and enjoy being. Not much happens, other than the snake takes a couple trips around the aquarium, until around 6. Jane's alarm goes off. Around 5:45, she gets up to get ready for the day and appears in the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee in her travel cup. She plays with the cat, who magically appears, in multiple locations. Then, she uncovers the bird and leaves to go [to work]. The cat wanders back downstairs and, once again, the place is silent. Around 7, Stephen's clock starts blaring WTOP weather and traffic. It continues to do so for an hour. About the same time the clock stops, the dog and Bill get up to go on a walk. Stephen also gets up and retreats to his computer area to get a couple hours of uninterrupted work time. Then, at 10:15, things get exciting!! Bill returns with dog, Stephen leaves for school, and Kristin logs onto the Internet for the first time to check her mail. Unfortuntely, if I were really this cricket, this is the time I would get stepped on and I'd die. This ends the whole synopsis.
But, as I am not dead... the synopsis continues as such. Sometime after this, Bill leaves to go do whatever he does in the real world (aka: lunch) and Kristin does something to keep her occupied. She may clean, or write, or even play Pogo games for awhile. Then, in the early afternoon, Bill returns. He goes back to his room to watch a movie or turns on the living room tv to the music channel. Kristin continues to occupy herself doing something... anything... downstairs. Finally,nidafternoon, Jane comes home. After a lengthy discussion as Jane drinks tea on downstairs sofa, Kristin and Jane go upstairs! Dinner is made. Dinner is eaten. Jane goes and reads or begins watching educational tv. Kristin rechecks her email. Kristin joins Jane watching educational tv. Stephen gets home around 7:30. Kristin, Jane, and Stephen watch tv until 9:30... this is when the three head off to their rooms.
This does not seem like an entertaining life. I think I rather be squished.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Movie Choices, Anyone?
Stephen was showing me the Internet Movie Database's top 250 movie list. I find it very sad that I'd seen 111 of the top 250. And about 5 of the bottom 100! YIKE! Maybe I watch too many movies. Then again, movie collecting is a hobby of mine. I just like having all my favorite movies on hand so I can see them again, if I want. Problem is, I've seen most of them maybe twice and watch my real favorites over and over. Although, I have seen some really good movies lately. I've started taking recommendations from other people and have found that sometimes I really enjoy some movies I'd been critical of for a long time and refused to see. Here are some of my more recent movies:
Hellboy: Why would anyone want to see a movie by that name (the sequel comes out this summer, for those who want to know)? Jane saw it had 3 stars in the TV Guide and decided to sit down and watch this movie. I wasn't expecting a great movie since I figured it must be a 3 star movie out of 10 stars or some alternate scale. Seeing as I wasn't expecting much, I was pleasantly surprised. IMDB describes the plot as "A demon, raised from infancy after being conjured by and rescued from the Nazis, grows up to become a defender against the forces of darkness." It has a quirky sense of human and is enjoyable to watch just for the interaction between Ron Pearlman, John Hurt and Selma Blair, and Jeffrey Tambor. On a Kristin Scale of Movie watching (Thumb up, Thumb Down, Thumb in the Middle, or A Wenzel Elbow Salute *think flipping off someone*), I give Hellboy multiple thumbs up for entertainment, but a thumb in the middle for actually wanting to own it in my library. I think I'll stick to watching it on TV, thank you very much.
Little Miss Sunshine: I actually wanted to see this one in the theatre, but no one else in the house wanted to waste their $9 on this one. Then Jane decided she wanted to see it when it came on video, but was unwilling to spent the $17 on buying the DVD. So, we waited until it was on the Super-Duper-Closeout-Video-Store-Closing rack for $3. IMDB calls this one " A family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus." Oh, but it is so much more than this! It is about a totally dysfunctional family who don't understand each other in the least trying to get a little girl to a pageant where she absolutely shows what being an individual is all about. Along the way, we learn more about how they became the way they are, how they become closer, learn more about death, color blindness, and depression/suicidal. I didn't think I would laugh so hard at the way they completely muddle through every situation... including keeping a dead body in the car ala the original Vacation movie. Nothing is going to stop this family and it keeps the viewer watching for the whole movie. Hey, I liked it enough to want my husband, the major movie critic, to see it. So, this one gets multiple Wenzel Thumbs UP (WAY UP!) for both viewing pleasure and for ownership.
My next movie was Night At the Museum. I expected this to be another campy Ben Stiller comedy like Zoolander. Ok, it was another campy Ben Stiller movie. But, it was campy in the way of Keeping the Faith and Heavyweights. Very enjoyable movie! And, to think they are working on the sequel (Night At the Museum 2: Escape From the Smithsonian). IMDB underexplains this one as "A newly recruited night security guard at the Museum of Natural History discovers that an ancient curse causes the animals and exhibits on display to come to life and wreak havoc." It is so much more! It is about a guy finding out who he is and that greatness isn't what we think of. Sometimes it is just having the courage to make things better or more controllable. I do not currently own this one... but my Father In Law owns it. So, although I give it a Thumb WAY up for enjoyableness, I won't purchase it until we move out. One copy per household is enough for this movie.
Maybe in my next blog entry, I'll post the three movies I've watched recently that I couldn't stand and wonder if I should have been paid to have to sit through this movie. Til then, blog readers. I'll see you... at the movies? Wait.... no, I'll see you when I see you! :)
Hellboy: Why would anyone want to see a movie by that name (the sequel comes out this summer, for those who want to know)? Jane saw it had 3 stars in the TV Guide and decided to sit down and watch this movie. I wasn't expecting a great movie since I figured it must be a 3 star movie out of 10 stars or some alternate scale. Seeing as I wasn't expecting much, I was pleasantly surprised. IMDB describes the plot as "A demon, raised from infancy after being conjured by and rescued from the Nazis, grows up to become a defender against the forces of darkness." It has a quirky sense of human and is enjoyable to watch just for the interaction between Ron Pearlman, John Hurt and Selma Blair, and Jeffrey Tambor. On a Kristin Scale of Movie watching (Thumb up, Thumb Down, Thumb in the Middle, or A Wenzel Elbow Salute *think flipping off someone*), I give Hellboy multiple thumbs up for entertainment, but a thumb in the middle for actually wanting to own it in my library. I think I'll stick to watching it on TV, thank you very much.
Little Miss Sunshine: I actually wanted to see this one in the theatre, but no one else in the house wanted to waste their $9 on this one. Then Jane decided she wanted to see it when it came on video, but was unwilling to spent the $17 on buying the DVD. So, we waited until it was on the Super-Duper-Closeout-Video-Store-Closing rack for $3. IMDB calls this one " A family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus." Oh, but it is so much more than this! It is about a totally dysfunctional family who don't understand each other in the least trying to get a little girl to a pageant where she absolutely shows what being an individual is all about. Along the way, we learn more about how they became the way they are, how they become closer, learn more about death, color blindness, and depression/suicidal. I didn't think I would laugh so hard at the way they completely muddle through every situation... including keeping a dead body in the car ala the original Vacation movie. Nothing is going to stop this family and it keeps the viewer watching for the whole movie. Hey, I liked it enough to want my husband, the major movie critic, to see it. So, this one gets multiple Wenzel Thumbs UP (WAY UP!) for both viewing pleasure and for ownership.
My next movie was Night At the Museum. I expected this to be another campy Ben Stiller comedy like Zoolander. Ok, it was another campy Ben Stiller movie. But, it was campy in the way of Keeping the Faith and Heavyweights. Very enjoyable movie! And, to think they are working on the sequel (Night At the Museum 2: Escape From the Smithsonian). IMDB underexplains this one as "A newly recruited night security guard at the Museum of Natural History discovers that an ancient curse causes the animals and exhibits on display to come to life and wreak havoc." It is so much more! It is about a guy finding out who he is and that greatness isn't what we think of. Sometimes it is just having the courage to make things better or more controllable. I do not currently own this one... but my Father In Law owns it. So, although I give it a Thumb WAY up for enjoyableness, I won't purchase it until we move out. One copy per household is enough for this movie.
Maybe in my next blog entry, I'll post the three movies I've watched recently that I couldn't stand and wonder if I should have been paid to have to sit through this movie. Til then, blog readers. I'll see you... at the movies? Wait.... no, I'll see you when I see you! :)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
More Book Choices and Foot In The Mouth
I guess I should start with the foot in mouth situation and get that out. Last night was the Catonsville branch of the Baltimore County Library Book Talk night. My father in law went and received a book as a door prize. He seemed so pleased with his choice as he showed me his new James Patterson book. I must admit it took me everything I had not to laugh. He had picked up Maximum Ride. For those of you who aren't familiar with the book, it branches out from two of Patterson's adult novels (When the Wind Blows and Lake House) and is about a young girl named Maximum Ride and her group of avian-humans (known as the Flock), who have been the subjects of experiments, leaving them only 98% human and 2% Avian (bird). There are currently 4 books in the series for young adults which explore the world that the two adult books began and there are at least two movies planned based on this world in the very near future. I can only say, on the movie idea, let us hope it is more true to a Pattersonian world than his attempt at placing the Woman's Murder Mystery Club into an hour weekly format OR his shot at the made for TV movie First To Die (The first Murder Mystery Club book).
Now that I've told you everything that any good blog reader might want to know about this book's background, let me tell you what I really think about this said book and why it took everything I had not to laugh at Bill. I received my copy of the book free of charge (Patterson donated over 1,000 copies of this book to NCTE (National Council of Teacher of English) to go to Middle School teacher members). I guess, in that view, I was lucky enough to have been one of the first people in the United States to read this book... we got it MONTHS before it came out to the public. And, was I ever excited! I loved the two adult novels and looked forward to plunging deeper into the world of Max and her avian buddies. Before I continue, have you ever read a book from an author who just blew your mind away in one book and wrote using a totally different style and it was a turn off? Well, James Patterson, as an adult fiction writer, could write the phone book and I'd buy it. James Patterson, the young adult author, might as well be producing toilet paper. It just wasn't anything to write home about. Yes, it had the action. Yes, it was interesting. But, he was holding himself back for his younger audience. It just wasn't what I had come to expect from Patterson. But, I found a student at school whom I thought would adore this book and allowed them to borrow it (they could have kept it, as far as I was concerned... it was meant to go into the classroom library). The student finished it in two nights and couldn't wait for the second one to come out. But, then, the same student read one of the adult novels... and hated it. It appears that young adult to adult Patterson doesn't translate either. The styles are both good... but you should never pick up a Young Adult Patterson book if you expect to read a book like the Adult Patterson novels. When it came time for me to write my review for NCTE, I said just as much. BOY was I surprised when the publishers actually used my review. The following was my review... and, as of last time I checked, is still accessible from the Little, Brown and Company website:
"I have come to expect greatness from Patterson. As in every Patterson book, it had action, suspense, mystery, and the power to create a world so full of imagery that you can become absorbed and lost in your imagination. But, unlike their adult counterparts, the young adult Patterson reader finds a totally different style that doesn't fit the form that you originally think of as being "Pure Pattersonesque". My students found the book to be exciting and full of mystery and could not wait for their to be another installment. But, I found that the book lacked that hook that keeps the adult counterpart the book I will go back and read again and again. To me, it was like two different individuals wrote these books. If just another had written this book, I would have no problems saying how much this book deserves to be a "must have" in every library. But, in this day and age of name recognition, the Patterson name is going to be what gets that book off library shelves. And, those who know that name are going to be disappointed because it does not live up to the Patterson sparkle. But, for those who are grabbing a book because it just seems like a good read, you are going to enjoy the web of mystery and intrigue woven like a well worn quilt. Put this book in the hands of your best readers. Just make sure they have never read another Patterson book.... it certainly colored my take on what is by no doubts an excellent young adult novel. K.A. Wenzel, Laurel, MD"
Bill is a Patterson fan. He picked up the book thinking he was getting the newest/latest Patterson book. I broke it to him that it was neither new nor the latest, but a young adult fiction. And, I also told him I would have loaned him my copy. His whole face dropped. I finished my spiel by telling him I reviewed the book... and frankly, it isn't that great of a book. I told him that it was a branch off two of his adult fiction novels (two of his most controversial, I may add) and, had he not read them, he could never quickly become lost. He got upset and said he guessed he would donate it then. I suddenly felt like a total heel. I should have been more supportive of his find. He didn't deserve my lack of forethought. Just because I didn't like it does not mean he shouldn't try it. Although, I believe it to be worth less than worthy of donation. I keep my copy (since I no longer have a classroom nor a classroom library) on my personal bookshelf. I've put it in the "TO GO" pile more times than I'd like to admit. But, I am a diehard Patterson fan. Can't do it. Must keep it. *SIGH* Midyear Resolution To Self: MUST BE NICER TO FATHER IN LAW!
Ok... more book choices. I'm not going to go into a lot of detail why I liked them or branch into categories. I'm just going to list books I've read and enjoyed. Make up your own mind whether they are worthy of reading.
Plitcher, R. - The Shell Seekers (I actually watched the movie first... the book was way better.)
Disch, T. - The M.D. - A Horror Story (I read this one after my mom gave up on it... made her feel sick. And yes, this is the guy who wrote the Brave Little Toaster series)
Grisham, J - The Last Juror (I read this one on the plane from Baltimore to Columbus during a trip to see my parents post marriage)
Hiaasen, Carl - Flush (Dave Barry and Carl Hiaasen rock.. what more can I say)
Alongi and Alongi-Davidson - The Jennifer Scales Series (Jennifer Scales and The Ancient Furnace/Jennifer Scales and The Messenger of Light/The Silver Moon Elm : A Jennifer Scales Novel)
Pullman, Philip- The Golden Compass
Setterfield, D - The Thirteenth Tale
Spinelli, J. - Wringer
Curtis, C. - Bud, Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963.
Clements, A. - Frindle
Well... that is enough for today, I guess. Maybe if I make enough noise, Bill will take me with him to lunch! Nah... couldn't be that lucky that he'll notice me. Til next time!
Now that I've told you everything that any good blog reader might want to know about this book's background, let me tell you what I really think about this said book and why it took everything I had not to laugh at Bill. I received my copy of the book free of charge (Patterson donated over 1,000 copies of this book to NCTE (National Council of Teacher of English) to go to Middle School teacher members). I guess, in that view, I was lucky enough to have been one of the first people in the United States to read this book... we got it MONTHS before it came out to the public. And, was I ever excited! I loved the two adult novels and looked forward to plunging deeper into the world of Max and her avian buddies. Before I continue, have you ever read a book from an author who just blew your mind away in one book and wrote using a totally different style and it was a turn off? Well, James Patterson, as an adult fiction writer, could write the phone book and I'd buy it. James Patterson, the young adult author, might as well be producing toilet paper. It just wasn't anything to write home about. Yes, it had the action. Yes, it was interesting. But, he was holding himself back for his younger audience. It just wasn't what I had come to expect from Patterson. But, I found a student at school whom I thought would adore this book and allowed them to borrow it (they could have kept it, as far as I was concerned... it was meant to go into the classroom library). The student finished it in two nights and couldn't wait for the second one to come out. But, then, the same student read one of the adult novels... and hated it. It appears that young adult to adult Patterson doesn't translate either. The styles are both good... but you should never pick up a Young Adult Patterson book if you expect to read a book like the Adult Patterson novels. When it came time for me to write my review for NCTE, I said just as much. BOY was I surprised when the publishers actually used my review. The following was my review... and, as of last time I checked, is still accessible from the Little, Brown and Company website:
"I have come to expect greatness from Patterson. As in every Patterson book, it had action, suspense, mystery, and the power to create a world so full of imagery that you can become absorbed and lost in your imagination. But, unlike their adult counterparts, the young adult Patterson reader finds a totally different style that doesn't fit the form that you originally think of as being "Pure Pattersonesque". My students found the book to be exciting and full of mystery and could not wait for their to be another installment. But, I found that the book lacked that hook that keeps the adult counterpart the book I will go back and read again and again. To me, it was like two different individuals wrote these books. If just another had written this book, I would have no problems saying how much this book deserves to be a "must have" in every library. But, in this day and age of name recognition, the Patterson name is going to be what gets that book off library shelves. And, those who know that name are going to be disappointed because it does not live up to the Patterson sparkle. But, for those who are grabbing a book because it just seems like a good read, you are going to enjoy the web of mystery and intrigue woven like a well worn quilt. Put this book in the hands of your best readers. Just make sure they have never read another Patterson book.... it certainly colored my take on what is by no doubts an excellent young adult novel. K.A. Wenzel, Laurel, MD"
Bill is a Patterson fan. He picked up the book thinking he was getting the newest/latest Patterson book. I broke it to him that it was neither new nor the latest, but a young adult fiction. And, I also told him I would have loaned him my copy. His whole face dropped. I finished my spiel by telling him I reviewed the book... and frankly, it isn't that great of a book. I told him that it was a branch off two of his adult fiction novels (two of his most controversial, I may add) and, had he not read them, he could never quickly become lost. He got upset and said he guessed he would donate it then. I suddenly felt like a total heel. I should have been more supportive of his find. He didn't deserve my lack of forethought. Just because I didn't like it does not mean he shouldn't try it. Although, I believe it to be worth less than worthy of donation. I keep my copy (since I no longer have a classroom nor a classroom library) on my personal bookshelf. I've put it in the "TO GO" pile more times than I'd like to admit. But, I am a diehard Patterson fan. Can't do it. Must keep it. *SIGH* Midyear Resolution To Self: MUST BE NICER TO FATHER IN LAW!
Ok... more book choices. I'm not going to go into a lot of detail why I liked them or branch into categories. I'm just going to list books I've read and enjoyed. Make up your own mind whether they are worthy of reading.
Plitcher, R. - The Shell Seekers (I actually watched the movie first... the book was way better.)
Disch, T. - The M.D. - A Horror Story (I read this one after my mom gave up on it... made her feel sick. And yes, this is the guy who wrote the Brave Little Toaster series)
Grisham, J - The Last Juror (I read this one on the plane from Baltimore to Columbus during a trip to see my parents post marriage)
Hiaasen, Carl - Flush (Dave Barry and Carl Hiaasen rock.. what more can I say)
Alongi and Alongi-Davidson - The Jennifer Scales Series (Jennifer Scales and The Ancient Furnace/Jennifer Scales and The Messenger of Light/The Silver Moon Elm : A Jennifer Scales Novel)
Pullman, Philip- The Golden Compass
Setterfield, D - The Thirteenth Tale
Spinelli, J. - Wringer
Curtis, C. - Bud, Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963.
Clements, A. - Frindle
Well... that is enough for today, I guess. Maybe if I make enough noise, Bill will take me with him to lunch! Nah... couldn't be that lucky that he'll notice me. Til next time!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Sometimes I Really Wonder
As most of you know, we (as a family) have been having problems with our phantom emailer. But, as a family, we have decided we won't drag the rest of you in the middle of what is so plainly a squabble between two parties when neither party is willing to communicate properly (ie: without taunts/threats/snide comments). Therefore, we will endeavor to remain free of personal taunts from now on.
Onto to the major topic of the blog for today.
Being an ex-teacher, I keep getting asked about really good books I've read. I mean, sure, I'm more likely than a lot of my friends to be able to rattle off some really good books I've read. But, darn! It isn't like being a teacher gives me the end all of end alls to book reviewing. It's just my option, after all. If you read my book choice and really hate it, please don't tell me what an idiot I am. I can like something you don't. I mean, my husband and I don't agree on good food all the time (I love Mongolian Grill... HE adores TGI Fridays). Why would everyone agree with my book choices. Anyways... I promised a couple of my friends (I'll get you all back for this... I PROMISE) that I would post my current books selections and explain why I have chosen these out of all the books I read. I will separate them by age range... since I read a lot of books. (I mean, what else do I have to do but waste my time reading books.)
Children's Books: I personally love anything that was up for or won the Caldecott - just something I get for being a Central Ohio native, I guess. My current favorites are Snowflake Bentley (Caldecott for 1999) and Lon PoPo (from 1990). Another one of my favorites was one I discovered while teaching 4th grade. Laura Simms, with the Illustrator David Catrow (whom was a guest speaker in my classroom), wrote a wonderful book called Rotten Teeth. I love how it shows that everyone has something special to share. In the book, the main character needs to find something for show and tell and "borrows" from her father (a dentist) a bottle of rotten teeth he's pulled out. Talk about demonstrating what happens if you don't take care of your teeth. And, it is also fun to watch her grow from shy to being an instant success. Plus, David's illustrations really are great. And, my last one in this category is called The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown (Yes... Goodnight Moon lady). The Important Book is that the book goes on long after it is closed. What is most important about many familiar things -- like rain and wind, apples and daisies -- is suggested in rhythmic words and vivid pictures. Like Goodnight Moon, it is a perfect book . . . the text establishes a word game which children will accept and can memorize.
Juv. Fiction: Right now, I only have a couple picks. For those who enjoyed Harry Potter, make sure you don't miss the Jenny Nimmo Charlie Bones books. I found these books while flying back and forth from Baltimore in 2004. And, I've been addicted to them since. Charlie is endowed with "special powers" and goes to a "special school". It is how he solves problems in his life and how he handles a family who much rather he not be who he really is. My next pick is Gossamer by Lois Lowry. I honestly recommended this to anyone who reads. I loved the idea of little people who affect our dream state. Although, as my mother in law found out, it is a bit of a tear jerker, too. What also suggest it is a decent book is it was named Blackeyed Susan choice for 2006-2007. It didn't win, but I still absolutely loved it.
Adult: I have read some pretty odd, yet cool books in the last year. Jeanette Walls (MSNBC commentator) wrote a book about her childhood called The Glass Castle. Both my mother in law and I read it... and all I can say is that she had one very messed up childhood. But, it is the kind of book that keeps you reading... kinda like Running With Scissor (Augusten Burroughs). I've also finished Wicked and Son of A Witch (Gregory Maguire). I liked the latter more than the former. But, the change of views makes me think a lot of the children's book The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (as told by the Big Bad Wolf) - from the man who brought us The Stinky Cheese Man (Jon Scieszka). Different perspectives change everything!
What are you all reading. Share!!! :)
Onto to the major topic of the blog for today.
Being an ex-teacher, I keep getting asked about really good books I've read. I mean, sure, I'm more likely than a lot of my friends to be able to rattle off some really good books I've read. But, darn! It isn't like being a teacher gives me the end all of end alls to book reviewing. It's just my option, after all. If you read my book choice and really hate it, please don't tell me what an idiot I am. I can like something you don't. I mean, my husband and I don't agree on good food all the time (I love Mongolian Grill... HE adores TGI Fridays). Why would everyone agree with my book choices. Anyways... I promised a couple of my friends (I'll get you all back for this... I PROMISE) that I would post my current books selections and explain why I have chosen these out of all the books I read. I will separate them by age range... since I read a lot of books. (I mean, what else do I have to do but waste my time reading books.)
Children's Books: I personally love anything that was up for or won the Caldecott - just something I get for being a Central Ohio native, I guess. My current favorites are Snowflake Bentley (Caldecott for 1999) and Lon PoPo (from 1990). Another one of my favorites was one I discovered while teaching 4th grade. Laura Simms, with the Illustrator David Catrow (whom was a guest speaker in my classroom), wrote a wonderful book called Rotten Teeth. I love how it shows that everyone has something special to share. In the book, the main character needs to find something for show and tell and "borrows" from her father (a dentist) a bottle of rotten teeth he's pulled out. Talk about demonstrating what happens if you don't take care of your teeth. And, it is also fun to watch her grow from shy to being an instant success. Plus, David's illustrations really are great. And, my last one in this category is called The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown (Yes... Goodnight Moon lady). The Important Book is that the book goes on long after it is closed. What is most important about many familiar things -- like rain and wind, apples and daisies -- is suggested in rhythmic words and vivid pictures. Like Goodnight Moon, it is a perfect book . . . the text establishes a word game which children will accept and can memorize.
Juv. Fiction: Right now, I only have a couple picks. For those who enjoyed Harry Potter, make sure you don't miss the Jenny Nimmo Charlie Bones books. I found these books while flying back and forth from Baltimore in 2004. And, I've been addicted to them since. Charlie is endowed with "special powers" and goes to a "special school". It is how he solves problems in his life and how he handles a family who much rather he not be who he really is. My next pick is Gossamer by Lois Lowry. I honestly recommended this to anyone who reads. I loved the idea of little people who affect our dream state. Although, as my mother in law found out, it is a bit of a tear jerker, too. What also suggest it is a decent book is it was named Blackeyed Susan choice for 2006-2007. It didn't win, but I still absolutely loved it.
Adult: I have read some pretty odd, yet cool books in the last year. Jeanette Walls (MSNBC commentator) wrote a book about her childhood called The Glass Castle. Both my mother in law and I read it... and all I can say is that she had one very messed up childhood. But, it is the kind of book that keeps you reading... kinda like Running With Scissor (Augusten Burroughs). I've also finished Wicked and Son of A Witch (Gregory Maguire). I liked the latter more than the former. But, the change of views makes me think a lot of the children's book The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (as told by the Big Bad Wolf) - from the man who brought us The Stinky Cheese Man (Jon Scieszka). Different perspectives change everything!
What are you all reading. Share!!! :)
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