Why

"Some censuring readers will scornfully say, why hath this lady writ her own life? Since none cares to know whose daugther she was or whose wife she is, or how she was bred, or what fortunes she had, or how she lived, or what humor or disposition she was of? I answer that it is true, that 'tis to no purpose to the readers, but it is to the authoress, because I write it for my own sake, not theirs."

Margaret Cavendish, 1655

Some Catch-up, please

Wow, how time has flown. This blog is for me, really, more than anything, and I can't seem to be committed to even writing once a month. Part of the reason is the lack of books I've really wanted to write about, but really, it is mostly that I just haven't spent the time to sit down and write.

I just want to highlight two books that I read a couple of months ago that I think are worth reading.

The first is: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. I read a review of the book last fall that intrigued me and I couldn't resist. The story is first of all, interesting and true but more intruiging than the story itself is the ethical questions the story raises. One woman, Henrietta Lacks, made one of the biggest contributions to medical science known today without either her or her family's knowledge. And while her family's life has been hardscrabble, the effect of Henrietta's contribution has been enormous on lives around the world. The question the book ultimately raises is: Are our cells our own once they have been removed surgically from our bodies? I don't know about you, but this is one question that I have never ever asked myself. And frankly, I probably won't ever, because I am fortunate enough to have great health insurance. But, for the Lacks', the question of not benefitting from their mother's inadvertant contribution has been a constant source of pain for them. While medical science has advanced due to the use Henrietta's harvested cells, her family has languished without consistent medical care. The book doesn't answer difficult questions so much as pose them while telling a pretty fascinating story about a family who have certainly been on the short end of the stick.

Secondly, a friend sent me a book for my birthday called Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison by Piper Kerman. This is also non-fiction and was another book I couldn't put down. The title pretty much sums up the story. Again, this book raises more questions than it answers. It would be an awesome read for a book club; you could talk about it all night. The author is a white, upper middle class girl with a good education and loving family. Piper, in her young and less discerning days, made some pretty bad decisions about drug trafficking. Woah, that sounds more horrible than it really was. But, in some ways, her actions, were horrible. She reflects on how her actions not only got her into prison but how her choices trickled into greater society and contributed to the downfall of some of her fellow inmates. On the other hand, the Kerman's story also raises a huge question about the efficacy of our prison system. While telling about her survival in jail, she brings attention to a system that in many ways seems broken. Both prisoners and prison administrators are stuck, and inadvertently become their own worst enemy. I certainly don't know how to fix a problem so large as repeat offenders, abuses of power by administration, and the inhumanity overall of the entire prison system. But, there are absolutely questions we need to be asking, and really need to try to determine some kind of solutions. Those are the larger questions that the book raises, but on a personal level, Piper's story is a true one of regret, and one that challenges the notion that our youth is meant to be spent making stupid mistakes. Some mistakes are just not worth it. I don't know if Piper Kerman knows what she should have done differently, or what might have given her a better ability to make good decisions as a student fresh out of college, but it certainly was a reminder that no matter our age, we are responsible to make the right decision, or it just might catch up with us in an awful way.

Now I am searching for some more good books to read. Any ideas?

Just an Update

Plodding along here at the camp. I just put down two books. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese and Zeitoun by Dave Eggers. And hmmmm. What do I say about them?

Verghese's book was fascinating, and would quite possibly have been more so if I were a surgeon. While I fancy that I have many abilities, I am wise enough to stop short at internal repair work. A friend gave me this book because it is about identical twins (which I actually am one). But, it is also about a nun (which I am decidedly not), and a revolution, and Ethiopia, and surgery. Well written, and at moments perfectly executed, I would even say that it is at times surgically wrought in that the investigation into the main character's thoughts and circumstances are minute dissections of humanity, circumstance, and psychology. And, the fact that it was written by a MD makes sense yet at the same time is astounding. Slow at times, overall it was a beautiful story.

Egger's book: I think I should take a break from Eggers for a while. Not because this last book wasn't interesting, but I have to say in my small little thought processes, I have become a little tired of Egger's way of posing a problem. In this book, he calls attention to the atrocity of events surrounding one man after Hurricane Katrina and they were atrocious. And even more shocking is that what Eggers writes truthfully about happened on American soil. However, as the problem is laid bare, I got a sneaking feeling that the story was just a little more complicated than Eggers would like to admit. Yes, what happened to Zeitoun should not in any way have happened. That Zeitoun was a victim of terrible circumstances when he was doing the best he could in a horrible situation (the frightening days following the hurricane) is without question. I just want to point out one thing (by way of an example): Every day I give my kids what I feel is the best guidance I can, for their own good. For instance, just tonight, I sent the kids to bed, after bedtime prayer, with very clear instructions to GET INTO BED. Now, surprisingly, this is a difficult request, as there are other sisters to tease, toothpaste to squirt and general bedlam to be had. And once again, when they did not follow my simple request (albeit simple in MY mind, it was a post-graduate physics equation to them), someone got hurt, no big surprise. Instead of getting into bed, as directed, the two littlest decided, "Bedtime... shmedtime!" What could be more fun than a sword fight with sharp pencils!! And...I don't need to tell you any more. Back to Zeitoun. In my opinion, all of this horrible story would have never happened if he had followed the direct instructions of the officials of the city, which were to evacuate the city. It was mandatory. And the edict was for the best interest of the citizens of New Orleans. That said, Zeitoun was guided by moral principles once he was stuck in the city to help others the best way he could, and he suffered unjustly for it. It shouldn't have happened, and it wouldn't have happened if he had just evacuated as had been demanded of all. That is all I will say about that.

I will be gladly reaching for a new book and will report back soon.

Imperial Woman

I meant mightily to consume books like candy one after another, but alas, it wasn't so. I can't seem to stop eating the peanut M&M's on my counter, but the reading, it has not been so easy to come by.

I got five books at the library plus have had one book that I started a while back that my sister absconded from me and then returned sated on good bookism, but I have only eeked out a page or two a day. The last book I have finished was Imperial Woman by Pearl S. Buck (of The Good Earth fame), which was started merely seconds after I had turned the last page of The Writing on My Forehead more than a MONTH ago. Oh well, I might as well surrender to the reality of life. I seem to forget every summer that the notion of lazy afternoons consumed with a book doesn't jive with four kids (plus an exchange student!!). One day I will have eons of time, I know, so really, I can't feel too sorry for myself, the time will soon pass that someone needs something (namely, me) every nano-second and so I will try to enjoy what I can.

Anyhoo, that is so off the subject of the intriguing book of the last reigning Empress of China. I don't know how factual it was, but somewhat like Joan of Arc, if only 10% were true, it is still an amazing story of clawing one's way to the top and maintaining authority in a place and during a time in which: 1) no woman was viewed as capable of leadership, 2) women who had tried to gain power (in the ancient annals of Chinese history), were conniving and considered evil at their core, and 3) tradition meant EVERYTHING. How she did it is an unbelievable story of opportunism. Again, Pearl S. Buck's books are such an intimate portrait into the culture, tradition and mind of the Chinese, and are written with utmost respect and understanding. How she gained such insight into the intricate workings of the Forbidden City and its inhabitants is a marvel unto itself.

The Empress was born not into the imperial line, but rather by her own determination and the best instance of taking advantage of a limited opportunity I have ever read about, she rose from a lowly concubine of the Emperor to high ruler of the kingdom and held that power through mighty power struggles and suspicion. She determined from the time she first was brought to the Emperor to be considered for a concubine that she would rise in whatever way she could and she dedicated herself to gaining power by learning, listening and performing the role of subservient lover first to the Emperor and later as subservient Ruler of her people. She didn't make a move that wasn't calculated to the nth degree. She acted imperially from the beginning, without remorse and with such dignity and self-control. She was a study in contrasts, both arrogant and kind, both traditionalist and feminist, both ancient and modern. Although, she resisted contact with the outside world (outside of both the Forbidden City and any foreigner in China she considered to be trespassing and desired their explusion), she came to embrace it on her own terms and in her own controlling way.

Someone named Hilary Spurling has written a book: Pearl S. Buck in China: Journey to the Good Earth that is just out this past June. I have put it on my ever growing list of books I must read as I want to know more about Buck and her ability to transcend Chinese culture and history as she has done so well in this recent read of mine. While I was captured by the story of the Empress, I was even more in awe of the story-teller, I have a hankering to know more. Give me some quiet moments, I have some books to read.

Bookapalooza

I have decided I am going to really buckle down and read as much as I can this summer. It is good for the kids, it is good for the soul. We ban tv, internet, etc...all summer around here, so our library trips are very frequent and sort of a highlight each week. I myself picked up FIVE! books in anticipation for a long leisurely weekend up at the cabin and while it was a little ridiculous to think I might be able to get to them all (I must sleep, you know), I did manage to down 1 and a half.

The Writing on My Forehead by Nafisa Haji was on the shelf at the library that had a sign over it exclaiming GOOD READS! and I thought I would give it a shot. My husband asked me how I seem to stumble upon so many book about Pakistani/Indian/Afghani culture (not that they are all the same, it is just that my reading recently has been centered a bit in that part of the world), and the answer is...I don't know. Experiencing a completely foreign culture through a story is the most thought provoking kind of reading. I am so isolated in my little bubble and the beauty and complexity of an unknown world is powerful. What I read in this book will stay with me, and with it a new appreciation for the ties of community which the author so emphasized as being elemental to the family of the main character and also to the Ind0-Pakistani world. This story is about a self-described Indo-Pakistani family and their ties to both one another and the larger world. The main character, Saira, is caught between her obligation to family tradition and her desire to be free to choose the kind of life she wants to live. In the midst of the developing story, it is also the story of this family's scandal and what it means to remain loyal to tradition for tradition sake. One thing that struck me and that was emphasized was the interconnectedness of their community despite the distance between them (both figuratively and literally).

A snapping turtle laying eggs at the cabin...entertainment at its best! Especially when the dog learned what a snapping turtle is, his poor tail hung at an odd angle all weekend.

I really enjoyed the book although the beginning was a little stilted and a bit awkward in getting the story itself going, but overall, such a interesting contemplation of not only the culture (in the backdrop of Karachi, Pakastan; London, England; and Los Angeles, CA) of this community but how the same world events I experienced in my own culturally conformed way were interpreted by these other inhabitants of the planet we live on. Also, to really contemplate what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself, and why at times self-sacrifice (for example, giving up choice in who one's marital partner would be) ultimately is about advancing the whole community. We are such rugged individualists here in the good ol' USA that the ideas seem so diametrically opposed to good reasonable thinking, however, Haji (the author) does a wonderful job of painting an evenhanded picture of the clashes of culture that occur in the book.

Now, I am reading another Pearl S. Buck book, Imperial Woman, which is about the last Empress of China...it promises to be great. What a good way to start the summer. Book in hand, not a plan.

The dog's education continues! This time, no harm done (only one hook in his collar). Pretty good, I'd say.

BOOKS FALL OPEN

by David McCord

Books fall open

you fall in,

delighted where

you've never been;

hear voices not once

heard before,

reach world on world

through door on door;

find unexpected

keys to things

locked up beyond

imaginings.

What might you be,

perhaps become,

because one book

is somewhere? Some

wise delver into

wisdom, wit, and wherewithal

has written it.

True books will venture,

dare you out,

whisper secrets,

maybe shout

across the gloom

to you in need,

who hanker for

a book to read.

No book, just life

Uncanny how life is just like a book...sort of. I spent the last week in Butte, Montana visiting my sister and her husband. And what was on my brain? Wouldn't ya know, a book I read.

I went to the World Museum of Mining (yup, there is one of those) and was completely surprised by how much I learned there. If ever you are in Butte, please go see this little place that is full of the stories of the many men who have sacrificed their lives and health so that my and your little world can be a delightful place to live. Our tour guide, Logan, was all of 25 years old and was a font of information if ever there was one. His dad had been a coal miner in W. Virginia for many years then headed to

Butte where he top-mined at the Berkeley Pit (now one of the largest toxic waste sites in the world). Life is just so complicated. In pursuit of houses that stay warm, telephones and computers that work, not to mention electrical wiring many many men over many many years have suited up and headed down into the bowels of the earth to painstakingly excavate the hidden lifeblood of our modern world...coal, copper, iron, etc... In the meantime, they have suffered (only think back a few days to that tragic recent event in the coal mines of West Virginia), and the earth has suffered, and we take it all for granted, for sure. I had a new appreciation for the complexity of attempting to determine easy answers for not so easy problems. Anyway, enough pontificating.

I probably recommended How Green Was My Valley to Logan ten times during our couple of hours together. I will be sending my sister up again to check in to see if he read it...and if not, well, I think he's lived it.

I'll Trade Ya

I just sloshed my way through two bad books in a row.  They shall remain nameless, mostly because I don't want to make any enemies, and I am scared that someone might read this who really really recommended a book to me only to have them see my loathing of it splashed on the internet for posterity.

One of the books was about the history of Mormonism and the FLDS, or "firsts" who still practice polygamy in adherence to the revelation made by both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young who both had a lot of wives, to say the least.  The book made an attempt at examining what prompts faith in something that is rejected pretty much universally in modern culture.  And while I found it a thoughtful question (not about polygamy, rather about how faith is developed), it missed the mark on character and story development making it awkward.   I thought the book The Life of Pi by Yann Martell did a much better and unique job of tackling just what makes one believe in what one cannot logically account for.  That one is a great story, completely creative and unlike any storyline I have encountered.  

A better, more interesting book about Mormonism was Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer, which I think left a lot of adherants to Mormonism pretty ticked off, but in spite of that, it is intriguing.  It tells the history of Mormonism as they were chased from essentially one side of the country to nearly the other and at the same time examines a "modern" day murder in a Mormon family.  Krakauer does an excellent job of laying out the events that led up to the murder story while connecting them to the larger picture of Mormon history and doctrine.  It is certainly worth contemplating not just the facets of Mormonism that are troubling but also what prompts humans to commit murder in the name of religion (regardless of what that religion is, certainly many books about many religions could be written on the topic).  

So, there are two book recommends to make up for the two I wouldn't mention.  You should be glad I spared you.