Every Day I Read (adult nonfiction)

     I was about to settle into my bedtime reading. But I was about one hundred pages into Twilight of American Sanity, a nonfiction volume that makes Stephen King's Cujo look like Lassie in contrast. No way was I going to contemplate that level of horror with darkness fallen. I'm too much a fan of nightmare free sleep. So I stuffed that book into my backpack and perused my inter library loan stash where I found the perfect bedtime book: Hwang Bo-Reum's Every Day I Read.

     "I hope to become stronger, to stand firm by my convictions, and to become a more mature person. Someone neither arrogant nor naive. Someone who can be honest about my feelings, yet not let emotions overwhelm me. I want to see the world, to better understand others." 

     That's Bo-Reum's answer to the question: what do I hope to get out of books? Have you ever stopped to ask yourself that question? If not, how about trying? You may be surprised what you discover. It would be a truly awesome ice breaker for a book club.

     Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer To Books is a series of reflections on the experience of reading. What do I want to get out of books?/Why do I read? is one she frequently comes back to, always with a fresh insight. Some of her other topics include:

*reading beyond best sellers;

*visiting the library;

*participating in book clubs;

*choosing books instead of the internet;

*finding life-changing reads:

*reading to suit different moods;

and so many more.

     If I were to choose two adjectives to describe Every Day I Read they would be gentle and engaging. I chose gentle because of the warmth and welcome in her writing. I say engaging because there is something for everyone from the novice wanting to get into reading to the long term bibliophile wishing to think recursively on the reading experience. 

On a purrrsonal note, it's the last day before March break and the UMaine campus is rapidly emptying. There were some pretty cool activities. My favorite was a dinner Black Bear Mutual Aid Fund and Wilson (interfaith) Center put on at Wilson. Dining there is a beautiful experience for people with dietary restrictions. You can see the recipes and know what goes into the food, unlike in restaurants. They served 3 kinds of pasta (an Alfredo, a vegan with lots of colorful veggies, and a kind with peaches) and soup--all homemade!!! Absolutely delicious. 

A great big shout out goes out to my fellow Black Bear Mutual Aid Fund members and the Wilson Center crew.

Jules Hathaway 

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Oldest critters in my collection

The pajama clad bear with a baby bear comes from a mall in Virginia. My beloved Uncle Ken bought it for me in 1986. I visited him after my father died. He said I could pick anything I wanted, thinking I'd choose clothes. I picked something I'd love the rest of my life. It was the last time I saw Uncle Ken. I found the little bear in a Rockport, Massachusetts thrift shop in 1984 for $3. Later that year an antique dealer offered me $300 for him. Of course I just said no.

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The Moon Without Stars (juvenile fiction)

     In her author's note for The Moon Without Stars Chanel Miller says: "Ask any adult if they remember middle school, and you'll realize they're carrying memories that profoundly shaped their sense of self. We can recall that exciting and achy time; enduring small humiliations, strengthening our perspectives, scavenging for bits of confidence, laughing uncontrollably, hurting from rejection, and wondering if who we were becoming was enough."

     The charm of the narrative is that it embodies that time in life marked by new experiences and surroundings when small events take on oversized significance, emotions can shift so suddenly, and misunderstandings and mistakes seem impossible to come back from. It's an Are You, God? It's Me, Margaret. for the twenty-first century. 

     Luna starts middle school content to be in the background with only one friend, Scott, her long time bestie. Then a series of events gives her a chance to bond with the popular girls. She enjoys spending time with her new friends and ditches Scott. When the girls turn against her she's painfully alone. 

     And first menstruation plays a major role. 

     The Moon Without Stars is a wonderful read for girls starting or not far from starting middle school because Luna's experience will be very relatable and engaging, hopefully showing them they're not alone in awkwardness and uncertainty. 

On a purrrsonal note, before I went from elementary school to junior high my world fell apart. My sister, Harriet, became severely brain damaged from spinal meningitis. My parents' marriage became even more dysfunctional. My mom became totally invested in getting Harriet back to normal. I became invisible in my own home. A week or so before I started high school we moved to a much bigger city. I had to give up not only my home, my ocean, my community, and my friends 💔 😢, but my beloved animal companions including my ocelot. Not good transitions. 

Yesterday the weather was gorgeous. At least in the 50s with abundant sunshine. I was able to work outside in shorts and a tee shirt 👕. First time this year. I saw my first spider, a cute, tiny yellow one. And some of my last year's flowers are trying to bloom again. 

A great big shout out goes out to my readers. I'm sure many of you are as eager for spring as I am.

Jules Hathaway 

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New dress

This is the new dress I wore for an event last week. Isn't it gorgeous? I wore a sweater with it because it's still winter.

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Tattoo

Well here it is. I think it's a beauty. Rob does such good work! 

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Fake Skating (YA romance)

     If you're in need or want of an engaging YA romance that will keep you in suspense because there are a lot of twists and you really care about whether the protagonists get together in the end you can't do better than Lynn Painter's Fake Skating. It's about a boy and a girl individually dealing with really stressful life circumstances. 

     Alec, nicknamed Zeus, is his school and town's great ice hockey 🏒 hope. The sport reigns supreme there. For all the times the Southview Packers have made playoffs they've never gone all the way. Everyone is counting on Zeus to provide the skills and the magic. It's his senior year. 

     He also feels that he's the only one who can pull his family out of the financial crisis they're in through no fault of their own. They're deep in medical debt from a car accident his father was in. His father can't work. Alec feels that making pro hockey is the only way they can pay off the debt and become financially stable. He is hiding a serious shoulder injury for fear it could derail his career.

     Dani has been a military brat, having to move frequently because of her father's career. Formerly outgoing, she was bullied in ninth grade and now is cynical and cautious, focusing on keeping schoolmates at a distance so they can't hurt her. Her parents have divorced. She and her mother have moved to the town her mother grew up in. 

     Until they were twelve Dani and her mother spent time in that town every summer. Dani and Alec were inseparable best friends...

     ...but a lot has happened in the intervening years. They both have changed a lot. And each feels betrayed by the other. Circumstances make it expeditious for them to fake a romance. After awhile they both want it to be real...

     ...But there is someone determined to prevent that from happening. 

     I was riding my exercise bike when I got near the end of the book. I was so unable to put the book down even though it meant extra cycling. That's how engaging Fake Skating is.

On a purrrsonal note, I feel so energized now that we're back on daylight savings time as of yesterday. Seeing it stay light out longer was so beautiful!!! Today temps are supposed to get into the 50s. Whole lotta snow gonna melt. Having lived in New England my whole life, I'm under no delusion that it's smooth sailing from now till next autumn. At least one more storm is guaranteed. But I enjoy the spring adjacent preview of coming attractions. 

Today I will get my fourth tattoo. Can't wait to share a picture with you.

A great big shout out goes out to the Canadian province that is now going with year round daylight savings time. Setting a great example for the rest of us.

Jules Hathaway 

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Engaged in lively discourse

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