Book Review: "Three Strong Women" by Marie NDiaye

Ok, I’ll admit when I read the synopsis of Marie NDaiye’s novel, I was excited. The reality was far different from my expectation. What I found was an unending monologue by two women and a man, which reminded me of the narrator in “The Tell Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe. I had read, in that synopsis, that the three stories were tied together...they were - but loosely, very loosely. Whenever I read, I shudder at large unbroken blocks of text. I continually looked for the dialogue to push the storyline. I struggled to finish this novel, but pushed through hoping for the big “ah-ha” moment. Oops. I wanted rich details of Africa and France. I wanted the characters to interact with one another (especially Fanta). I wanted to NOT put down the book. Perhaps, for me, something was lost in translation.

Grandma Writing Poetry

This poem is dedicated to my grandson, Jeff, who has been studying Mesopotamia in school. He shared a poem with me that he wrote, as a school assignment, about Gilgamesh. After he realized that I had no idea who Gilgamesh was, I decided to do some research. An quick internet search garnered enough information that I wrote this poem for him.

Ode to Gilgamesh

Gilgamesh, oh Gilgamesh,

Wherefore art thou Gilgamesh?

Traveling all Mesopotamia,

Wild man Enkidu at your side?

Searching for treasure?

Searching for gold?

Do your duties as king,

Warrant this arduous adventure?

Do you search without family?

Without friends?

Gilgamesh, oh Gilgamesh

What are you searching for?

Trying to cheat death,

To save your immortal soul?

Dedicated to Jeff McMullen

November 22, 2019

Book review: "The Ladies Room" by Carolyn Brown

“When opportunity knocks you don’t leave it standing on the doorstep. You invite it in and feed it chocolate cake.” (33)

This quote from Carolyn Brown’s novel pretty much sums up the whole storyline. The characters took the hand that was dealt to them and made the best of it. However, I felt the plot was so-so, some of the characters were a little over the top (a little drippy with kindness), or maybe I’m just a cynic and wanted a little more grit (ex-husband and in laws). There was a lot of self-reflection, some vengeance (the sardine episode), and a fairy tale ending. But still...there were moments of laugh-out-loud humor as well (open hunting season on cheating husbands and the pop-up sanctuaries). Trudy’s ongoing monologue was entertaining. I definitely related to her love of food...but, no I don’t carry Snickers bars in my purse, just in case.

Book Review: "Kopp Sisters On The March" by Amy Stewart

This fifth installment of the Kopp Sisters’ saga was intriguing. Amy Stewart contrasted two storylines, that of the Kopp Sisters and Beulah Binder in her novel. Add to that a mobile pigeon transport cart, the National Service School, prostitution, and murder and you’ve got yourself a story! Although I enjoyed Beulah’s storyline, mobilizing women for wartime service before women had the right to vote was very thought provoking. I was drawn back to Mary Jennings Hegar’s book Shoot Like A Girl and how hard she fought for her place as a combat pilot. If Constance Kopp could look into the future and see Hegar, what would she think? Would she see herself as helping to pave the way for other women, a role model in perseverance? As always I’m a sucker for all the historical research that goes into a novel like this (and yes, I do read all the information at the end). What was interesting is that Stewart wove Jeanette Rankin, the first female Congressman and Bruce Bielaski, creator of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into the story. There was a lot to digest in this historical fiction; including, ham and butter sandwiches.

Book Review: "Miss Kopp Just Won't Quit" by Amy Stewart

Women’s rights. World War. Immigration. Election ethics. These are issues we might be discussing today...yet they are the storyline for Amy Stewart’s historical fiction.

Women’s Rights: Much like the novels Ten Days in a Madhouse by Nellie Bly (1887) and Church of Marvels by Leslie Parry (set in 1895) the lunatic asylum became a dumping ground for women who had no way to legally fight being committed. The lack of understanding of postpartum depression and menopause found women all over the country in these institutions.

World War I: What I know is almost nil. The war started in 1914 and ended in 1918. The United States got involved in 1917. Oh, and women got the vote in 1920. The immigrant issues that this war stirred up, feels a lot like today. Mistrust, suspicion, who among your neighbors was a German sympathizer?

Election ethics: This part of the novel hit me in the face. I suppose part of it has to do with the growing number of political ads on TV. The mug slinging has already started. But I do think that Sheriff Heath was right, “A man who does nothing but cast our hate and blame couldn’t possibly be elected to office.” (223) Hmmmm, well we’ve seen it happen now haven’t we?

Of the four novels (getting ready to read #5) this is by far my favorite. I couldn’t put it down. I was frustrated, angry, relieved, and proud. The characters did not disappoint - Norma and her pigeons even took a share of the storyline. Two questions remain, however; 1) how did Deputy Kopp manage to run down all those criminals in the layers of dress worn back in the day, and 2) just what is a potato and pickle sandwich?

Book Review: "The Rejected Writers Book Club" by Suzanne Kelman

Once in awhile you just need to read something “light.” Something that doesn’t terrify you, doesn’t challenge your thinking, something that lets your mind unwind. Suzanne Kelman’s novel did just that...sort of. I was intrigued by the eclectic mix of characters, especially Doris and Ethel. I enjoyed the small town setting off the coast of Washington state, the ongoing racoon battle, and the rocky relationship between Janet and her daughter. The cynic in me found it hard to believe the over-the-top kindness of strangers in the story. (but that’s just me) Kelman made me laugh out loud and tear up. This novel is just what I needed.

Book Review: "The Princess Diarist" by Carrie Fisher

I chose this book for a multitude of reasons: 1) I wanted to know more about Carrie Fisher’s life, 2) I wanted to revisit my love of Star Wars, 3) I wanted to know more about her writing. “The Princess Diarist” gave me what I was looking for. Fisher’s writing style is personal and quirky. I was struck by how composed her journal writing was for a 19 year old. Few of us are able to compose our thoughts so clearly. I enjoyed her humor - especially the lap dances - but was also hit with an unsettling sadness. I hadn’t thought much about being the “star” in encounters with fans (or more to the point “fanatics”); Fisher seemed to find the humor in those situations. I know she wrote more about her life...not sure which I will read next.