First Book of 2012
Pros: I purchased this book through ibooks back in December so I didn't break my vow of not purchasing any books for pleasure in 2012, phew. The book is a very easy read, I started on Sunday (1/1) and finished on Tuesday (1/3). It follows the life of Rachel who is living in Hawaii during the end of the 1800's and into the 1900's. At this time in Hawaii Leprocy was wide spread and, knowing very little about the disease, if you came down with Leprocy, you were exiled to the island of Moloka'i. Rachel comes down with the disease at the age of only 7 and is forced to move away from her family entirely and live on Moloka'i. The rest of the book tells of her life as a Leper on the island. There are plenty of other characters introduced along the way, some with Leprocy and some without, but the central story revolves around Rachel. It's a touching story rich with historical accuracies so you feel as though you've learned a lot while following the life of a fictional, yet historically accurate, woman.
Cons: It's not the most exciting book you'll ever read. It's sort of like The Diary of Anne Frank, interesting context yet mundane in the recount of everyday life as a person in exhile. This isn't to say the book doesn't have interesting parts, they are just quick as the whole purpose of the book is to really tell the life of Rachel from start to end. Rachel's life is also, in a word, tragic. Filled with loss and despair so there are parts where your heart just aches at the life she led.
In a rating of 1-5 stars, I'd probably give this one a 3. I will say, however, this is an area of US history I was not familiar with so for that, I am thankful I read the book and would recommend it to anyone interested in knowing more.
Next up on the list:
The Hunger Games trilogy! I'm happy to report I already have the first and second books but the third could pose my first problem in regards to my New Year's vow. Looks like I'll be hitting up the waiting lists at the local libraries and, if all else fails, spending a lot of time "browsing" the shelves at Barnes and Noble =).
Sarah, you can't break your new years resolution so quick! Pick something else on the shelves. Kidding, but I feel like that's a good resolution. I'm about to finish "Tuesdays with Morrie" I've had that one for years. "The Great Gatsby" is next. I'm also reading "Bike Snob: Systematically & Mercilessly Realigning the World of Cycling." I like to have two books going on at the same time. From a teacher's point of view, is that bad?
ReplyDeleteBy the way I'm probably going to look for "Moloka'i" at the library. Sounds like something up my alley.
I won't break the resolution, I promise! This will really help me become more creative about finding ways to read books without purchasing them. Tuesdays with Morrie is one of my favs. The part where he talks about having awareness of your feelings and allowing yourself to put an intense feeling aside for the time being in order to focus on the task at hand is something I think about all the time. Such wisdom =).
ReplyDeleteTwo books at once? Go for it. It's totally up to the reader, some people just need the variety. Let me know how Moloka'i goes when you do read it. I'd love to compare perpsectives. Hope all is well with you! I love your comments!
Ooh, and I have never read The Great Gatsby. I'd love to hear about that one too =).