Reading for Me

The Books I Have Read…..Just for Me

Jan 3

#1: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (J.K. Rowling)

by kennithfreeman

To begin my reading in the new year, I completed the fifth volume of the Harry Potter saga. In this 5th year at Hogwarts, Harry learns much about his past and destiny while struggling with his own demons as well as the Dark Lord and the infuriating High Inquisitor of the school. Of all the books I have read thus far, Phoenix has been my least favorite. I do recognize its importance to the story as a whole, however.

I found The Order of the Phoenix to get off to a very slow start. Truthfully, if I had not been so invested in the series, I probably would not have completed the book. (I tend to quit reading books that have not grabbed my attention within the first 75 pages or so.) Additionally, I found myself longing for Dumbledore's influence on the story. I love the adventures of the children and have enjoyed watching them grow up, but their stories make a much more profound statement when they are enjoying the interaction of all the faculty. My reading was often distracted as I kept wondering why the Headmaster was not commenting on the situation.

As the novel began to reach its climax, I became enthralled with Harry's story again and just couldn't put it down. The quality of the writing of the final scenes restored my confidence in Rowling and has me looking forward to the 6th year of our heroes' studies at the Wizarding Academy.

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Nov 8

#22: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

by kennithfreeman

The fourth year tale of our boy hero, Harry Potter, is significantly longer than the novels that have preceded it and takes on a decidedly darker tone. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione grow on the pages of the novel, the reader is treated to more mature discussions of relevant topics raised by the plot. The Goblet of Fire centers around an international competition that Harry has been entered in against his wishes. With each passing task, Harry discovers the importance of honor and honesty in his pursuit for victory. Additionally, the novel addresses topics of racism, deception, and death in a manner that is appropriate for the young reader.

What I found most intriguing in this year at Hogwarts’ was the return of Voldemort. It is interesting to see how the horrific memories of past events have faded in the minds of many of the HP world while others valiantly strive to keep Voldemort from regaining power. As the novel comes to its conclusion, a clear line is drawn between those who choose to ignore the changing scenario and those who are preparing for battle against the forces of evil. It is very clear how Christian overtones and themes can be applied to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Quite simply, the novel speaks powerfully of the necessity of man to choose either good or evil.

Without a doubt, Rowling has prepared the reader for a powerfully charged read as we approach year 5 with Harry and the gang. I’m already looking forward to diving in!

fiction Series teen

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Sep 1

#21: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

by kennithfreeman

I wanted to keep things light at the beginning of the semester, so I returned to the world of Harry Potter for the third installment in the series. Although I found the book a little slow in the beginning, HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban quickly turned out to be my favorite of the novels I have read thus far. I especially liked the themes of self-empowerment and overcoming darkness with light that pervaded the book. As the reader discovered more about the death of James Potter, we learned a little about making rash judgments right along with Harry. Perhaps the most powerful lessons were taught about assumptions through the stories of the hippogriff and Black. Both were thought to be extremely dangerous, killing machines. In the end, the truth about both the magical creature and the feared wizard came to light.

There are so many other things that could be discussed…..the battle between the Patronus and the dementors……prisons that must be escaped (both literally and figuratively)……as well as ideas of discernment and true friendship. I am certain that I will return to this book again and examine the themes more closely now that I know where the story is heading. Prisoner of Azkaban has definitely made an impact on my reading life….and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining read.

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Aug 17

#20: Go Set a Watchman (Harper Lee)

by kennithfreeman

Anyone who has ever asked me to name my favorite book has gotten the same answer since the summer before leaving for Pepperdine. That’s when I fell in love with To Kill a Mockingbird. I always lamented the fact that Harper Lee had only written one book. My passion for the classic novel was passed on to Jacquelyn when we shared the book many years later. Imagine our excitement when the announcement was made that a new novel by Harper Lee would be released. Go Set a Watchman was an immediate choice for the Reading with Jacqs project.

I had mixed emotions while reading Go Set a Watchman. Perhaps I was being influenced by the plethora of reviews that have appeared in the media. Perhaps I was saddened to witness beloved characters grappling with issues of racism and prejudice that didn’t conform to my expectations based on my initial encounter with them in To Kill a Mockingbird. By the time I finished Watchman, my views had changed — and for that, I am very thankful. Many have proclaimed that the aged Atticus Finch is a racist. I am not so certain about that. Instead, I see a man who is struggling to deal with changes occurring around him as he tries to balance his personal beliefs with the supposed reality he currently sees. He is a man torn.

Jean Louise is a woman of deep conviction. She is certain of her beliefs and feels things deeply. Her passion is at times explosive. Her personal struggle is one that pits the acceptance of Northern society against the traditions and heritage of her Southern roots. Scout is a woman desperately trying to hold on to her innocent memories of childhood while coming to terms with the imperfections of those she has idolized since her earliest days.

Go Set a Watchman is not Harper Lee’s best writing; that title will forever be reserved for Mockingbird. While the current novel lacks her earlier polish, powerful passages still find their way into the text and root deep into our souls. I intentionally did not mark passages in my first reading of Watchman; I wanted to allow Lee’s story to consume me without analyzing the material. However, a few sentences struck me with their beauty and power. Here is one of my favorites:

“Prejudice, a dirty word, and faith, a clean one, have something in common: they both begin where reason ends.” (Go Set a Watchman, p. 270)

Go Set a Watchman is not without fault. It needed an editor’s hand to polish it to its full potential. Despite its problems, this novel is truly a diamond in the rough that will be treasured for years to come.

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Aug 15

#19: Tomahawk (David Poyer)

by kennithfreeman

I have been slothful about writing my review for the latest book on My Library Shelf. I suppose I could chalk my delay in writing to the fact that I actually read the novel while on vacation at the end of July. As soon as I returned to Arkansas, my attention shifted entirely to the move to the Texas Panhandle. Those would be valid excuses to most; the only problem is that they are not true. The truth is that I simply didn’t know what I was going to say about the book.

Tomahawk was a thriller set against a naval background. It had moments of excitement that kept my attention. Mostly, I was plowing through lots of military jargon and situations that bored me. This was one of the few books that I’ve encountered in My Library Shelf project that I finished only because it was on the list. There were really very few redeeming qualities in this reader’s opinion. To be honest, it took me a few weeks to fully recover from this horrible reading experience. Thankfully, I’m now settling into Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee and enjoying my reading life once again.

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Jul 15

#18: Jude the Obscure (Thomas Hardy)

by kennithfreeman

I just finished the June selection of the Reading with Jacqs project and thoroughly enjoyed this 1895 classic. I have picked up novels by Thomas Hardy several times to read, but never finished one. Ironically, it seems that all of those failed attempts were associated with the packing involved with a major move. Now that I have finished Jude the Obscure, I am certain that I will be coming back for more of Hardy’s eloquent prose.

Jude Fawley is the orphaned son of a poor English family. Since there is no money for a formal education, Jude educates himself through intense reading of classic and religious texts. He plans to attend college in Christminster (Hardy’s version of Oxford). Plans change when the young Jude is enticed by the beautiful Arabella. The two are quickly married, but the union is filled with turmoil. Arabella ultimately leaves Jude to live with her parents in Australia. Abandoned and alone, Jude follows his dreams and moves to Christminster where he encounters his cousin, Sue, who is fascinated by the pagan treasures of antiquity and a future profession as a teacher. Jude and Sue develop feelings for each other, but Sue chooses to marry another in order to finance her education. Jude’s life is forever intertwined with his feelings for these two women and his beliefs related to faith, morality, and the value of education. Hardy’s novel treats the reader to an experience filled with tragedy, passion, and regret that will not soon be forgotten.

Jude the Obscure can be enjoyed merely for the story it tells. However, a careful reading reveals Hardy’s commentary on the role of education — both formal and experiential — in the life of the individual while exploring the changing face of religious belief in English society. Filled with Christian and pagan imagery, Jude the Obscure presents contrasting views of morality in a succinct manner that allows the audience to carefully compare and consider the opposing lines of thought. In his exploration of marriage, Hardy is just as thorough. The author considers the union as a religious sacrament as well as a business arrangement. The influence of public opinion in the private affairs of a man and woman are at the center of the novel and questions about the nature of love, forgiveness, and parenthood are raised throughout. Jude the Obscure is not a novel that a reader will consume quickly; however, it is a treasure that will hold a revered place on my bookshelf for many years to come.

The August selection for the Reading with Jacqs project is Harper Lee’s much anticipated Go Set a Watchman. I have a few more books from My Library Shelf project sitting on my nightstand to fill the rest of the month. I anticipate reading the new story of Atticus Finch as my first book in my Texas residence. (Just didn’t want you to think that I had lost my mind and was ignoring this exciting new work that was just released this week!)

classic fiction Reading with Jacqs

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Jul 3

#17: Reboot (Amy Tintera)

by kennithfreeman

As I continue to work my way through My Library Shelf, I encountered Amy Tintera’s Reboot. The story is narrated by Wren, a HARC assassin identified as 178. Her number signifies the number of minutes she remained dead five years ago before she woke up — or before she was rebooted. In this futurist society in Texas, teens are being wiped out by a highly contagious virus. HARC, the Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation, resurrects these victims and creates an army trained to follow orders without question. The result is a community marked by fear and governmental abuse. When Wren meets Callum, another Reboot, her opinion of the situation changes and the two set out to escape in order to obtain freedom.

I found Reboot a difficult book to dive into. The opening scenes felt stunted and contrived. Honestly, I found myself repeatedly thinking that Tintera was attempting to capitalize on the success of The Hunger Games. I found little exciting or original in the work. I don’t plan to read the sequel (Rebel) either. Here’s hoping that the positive reading experiences resume as I continue my way along My Library Shelf.

fiction My Library Shelf Sci-Fi teen

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Jun 28

#16: Masked Innocence (Alessandra Torre)

by kennithfreeman

Let me begin by stating clearly that this post should not be confused with my recommendation that anyone read the novel. It is explicit and only appropriate for an adult audience. Read the book at your own risk.

Reading Masked Innocence was what I had feared most when beginning the Library Shelf project. I was afraid I would find a book that I was uncomfortable reading. When I began reading this work by Alessandra Torre, I was blushing in the privacy of my bedroom as I read of orgies and sexual escapades. This is not a genre of literature that I naturally pick up. I felt as though I was reading Fifty Shades of Grey! For those who might be interested in reading the book, I did learn that it is the second volume of the Innocence Trilogy (what an ironic title). You can learn more about the author and the series at http://www.AlessandraTorre.com.

If it’s possible to separate the sex from the storyline, the premise of the book was quite interesting. Julie is a young college student who has fallen for Brad, a partner in the law firm where she is interning. While working late, Julie overhears her boss having a tense conversation that seems to suggest he is involved in business with the mob. After the man is found dead on the floor of his office the next morning, Julie shares her suspicions with the police. Things become dangerous when Julie learns that the mob bosses are aware of her reports to the police and have ordered her death as well. The only one who can possibly save her is Brad…..but is Brad really who he appears to be? Julie’s world is turned upside down as the masks are ripped off and truths are revealed.

I was riveted by the twists and turns once the story began to unfold. (I’m not a total prude, folks!) I’m just not sure that I would have continued through the opening chapters if this book wasn’t included on the library shelf I selected to read through on October 31, 2014! Here’s to hoping that my next reading adventure is a bit more tame….I need to recover from the time I spent with Masked Innocence.

fiction My Library Shelf

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Jun 26

#15: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

by kennithfreeman

It’s official…..I’m addicted to the adventures of Harry Potter! I intentionally grabbed a rather large stack of novels on my last trip to the library to ensure that I stretched out my experience with these books a little longer.

I loved the humor found in this second installment of the series. From flying cars to the adventures in Hagrid’s hut while hiding under the invisibility cloak, Harry and Ron certainly had a lot of fun in this book. I also enjoyed meeting Almost Headless Nick and Moaning Myrtle. I was quite upset to discover who had actually opened the Chamber of Secrets and how she had been manipulated by Voldemort.

What I think I most appreciated about Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was the clarity of theme that Rowling wove throughout the book. I especially enjoyed the exchange between Dumbledore and Harry at the book’s conclusion as Harry was wrestling with the fear that he should have been in Slytherin hall. Reflect on the power of this statement for all of us as we face uncertainty:

‘Listen to me, Harry. You happen to have many qualities Salazar Slytherin prized in his hand-picked students. His own very rare gift, Parseltongue — resourcefulness — determination — a certain disregard for rules. . .Yet the Sorting Hat placed you in Gryffindor. You know why that was. Think.’

‘It only put me in Gryffindor. . .because I asked not to go in Slytherin. . .’

‘Exactly. . .Which makes you very different from Tom Riddle. It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.’ (Chamber of Secrets, 333)

Our successes or failures are not determined by happenstance, fate, or magic. We have the right to choose….and those choices determine our character and the path of our life. That’s a lesson that I want to remember on a daily basis. (Who would have guessed that a simply story about a boy wizard could make such a profound statement to this 43-year-old man?) I’m already looking forward to The Prisoner of Azkaban, but have to do a little more reading on my other projects first.

fiction Series

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Jun 24

#14: Brooklyn (Colm Toibin)

by kennithfreeman

Completing this book marks the 1/3 mark in my Library Shelf project (book #7) and is the second of four novels by Colm Toibin on my shelf. I have a huge classic novel looming in the background that is calling my name since I had planned to read one of the Tolstoy novels during the first half of this project. (Can you tell that I am intimidated by War and Peace and Anna Karenna?)

I was first introduced to Colm Toibin’s writing when I began the Library Shelf project and read The Heathers Blazing. The current novel, Brooklyn, is another novel that pleasantly surprised me on this journey. The story follows a young Irish girl from her provincial home to the excitement of Brooklyn, New York in the mid-twentieth century. While in Brooklyn, Eilis becomes a strong, independent woman. She gains confidence as she trains to be a bookkeeper. Eilis learns much about modern society and the rights of women as she explores American fashion and converses with her fellow residents in Mrs. Kehoe’s boarding house. A trip to a Saturday night dance sponsored by the church begins her education about men, race relations, sexuality, and love.

In the final section of the novel, Eilis feels the pull of her Irish home because of the loss of her beloved sister. As she cares for her mother, Eilis finds herself enjoying the familiarity of Ireland and the respect she is given because of her American experience. Our vibrant heroine now finds herself torn between her past and the new life she has forged for herself in America. Toibin does not settle for a simple solution to bring the novel to its conclusion; the reader feels Eilis’ uncertainty as she carefully weighs her decision.

Brooklyn was especially moving for me. The text is lyrical. The emotions parallel my own as I prepare for my own future in light of the responsibilities and duties associated with home. I’m looking forward to reading Toibin’s remaining novels in this project — The Empty Family and The Master — to see if I will enjoy them just as much as the ones I’ve read so far.

 

fiction international My Library Shelf

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