Relaxing Saturdays

It's Labor Day weekend. Since I had an adventure last weekend (that included an encounter with seed ticks), I'm taking it slow this weekend. It will also be a nice refresher before the busy working month ahead. I started my morning at Barnes & Noble. This is a dangerous, but wonderful place, like most bookstores are. It'd be nice to have a local store, but B&N will do. Booksmart Tulsa is hosting author Salman Rushdie later in September. I'm trying to figure out how to go. The first step was getting tickets, which involved buying his latest book at B&N. That step was easy. It was a low-risk scenario. Yes, it cost me (at a couple of discounts) the cost of a hardcover book. But I got the book and the tickets and regardless of how the tickets work out, I still have the book. Why is it possible that the tickets won't work out? I have a scheduled trip to Denver the weekend before this event, and my return flight leaves Denver 2 hours (considering time zones) after the start of the event in Tulsa. So that's a piece I have to figure out. It may be an eleventh hour decision. Airlines and I are not friends, so the attempt to make this happen may be fraught with futility, especially considering all of the ways one airline could figure out how to make this an even more expensive ticket to see Mr. Rushdie. I have my limits, so we will see.

I did some work at B&N this morning, inspired by some contemplative thinking during a massage last night. I also read up about Design Thinking in Harvard Business Review, some additional research for another project at work. And because I'm in a bookstore, I picked up another book. One that's been on my reading list. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison will be a heavy read, but also an important one. I read the forward and first chapter. The writing is differently structured, but beautiful; and Morrison's way with words is, in the least, fascinating and poetic. Since it is the third of three books I have going at the moment (1, The Book of Speculation and 2, The Magicians), my progress with it may be slow. I also intend to read a Rushdie book by the time of the event in less than a month (either his latest, or Midnight's Children...haven't decided yet). I also have Charles M. Blow's memoir on its way, and I'm eager to get into it. No matter what, it will continue to be a great month of reading. Regardless of how the Rushdie event pans out, I will also be visiting a Booksmart event with author Garth Stein in mid-September. Tulsa has some pretty great stuff going on this month.


Because, books.

~MJ

9/11

I picked up a book at the library yesterday (as if I needed more to read) called "The Unthinkable." It's about how humans react in major disasters. Interestingly, as happens when I visit the library, I was calmed from daily stresses by reading the first few pages of this book in the presence of hundreds of books (I also picked up a Nick Hornby book about reading...)

Today is the 13th anniversary of 9/11/2001. I still remember where I was when I learned - the quiet and innocent moments that preceded my knowledge gain and the confused, tarnished, emotional moments that subsequently followed.

But I couldn't figure out if I should write anything in reflection, 13 years later, as I have in previous years. Then I read chapter 1 of this book and decided I needed to note a relevant earmark. The first chapter, "Delay" focuses on a women who survived the '93 World Trade Center Bombings and the attacks in 2001 (by the way, "attack" just doesn't seem enough of a word for that day). The following description stood out - a moment when she made it out of Tower 1 but ended up in the rumble of the buildings' collapses:

"She moved and stumbled over some debris, falling on top of someone else. It turned out to be a police officer. He was screaming that his eyes were burning. And at the same time, he was telling her, 'Don't worry, don't worry! We're going to get out of here.' Zedano could see his hands shaking. But she never saw his face.

By then, her anger had vanished again. She got very quiet. It helped to have a police officer there, even though he was hurt. Then she heard a voice: 'I found a way out. Everybody, hold hands.' And that's what they did."

The moment I read "Everybody, hold hands." My stomach rose to my throat. The image, although simple, not only was really but FELT real. It felt like a description of how I felt following the day. Confused, yet comforted by those around me grappling with similar struggles and emotions- and metaphorically, so many of us joining hands to get through it.

Cliche, but that's how this writing struck me at this moment. And I wanted to note it first because of the anniversary but second because of how vivid that day and those feelings still are. 

I know we remark about Pearl Harbor and D-Day; we discuss important dates and have moments of recognition for those who fell, or for the history of that moment. But I feel like we do so much more every 9/11, and I wonder of there can ever be an anniversary where we don't call for moments of silence and see  tributes across all media. 

Likely, that day will come - maybe when less people who were there are gone. But I don't know. This event feels so different, and the feeling so enduring - that I literally cannot imagine a day where it is a fleeting, 3 minute news story of rememberance. 

If anything, because every 9/11, I do feel a moment when we're holding hands again - for the moments we remember where we were, where we see how others are feeling, when we hear the names of victims or images of survivors. Images of rubble and waves of ash - the last moments of tall buildings, crumbling like a Jenga set.

That hand holding matters. And maybe that's how we will also move on, but with the small bits of our hearts chipped and clinging to the memory.

To books that serve as reminders,

~MJ

A City of Books

The year of adventure brought me on a coast-to-coast journey from Massachusetts to Oregon. It was a whirlwind week of little sleep but amazing fun with new and old friends. And, of course, an incredible bookstore.

When I knew I was visiting Portland, I knew I had to go to Powell's. My friend asked me what I definitely wanted to see and I said, in this order: "Powell's, mountains, and the Goonies' beach." While the mountains were incredible (the Rockies are still my faves) and we didn't get to go to the beach, I was in love with Powell's. So much that I went twice and then once in the airport Powell's for good measure. In total, I spent more than three hours in "the city of books," mouth agape and feet wondering, admiring what felt like miles and miles of books.

There were books as far as the eye can see. A mix of new and used, bestsellers and obscure texts; award winners and should-have-beens; picture books and chapter books; anthologies and literary series. Nonfiction, fiction, sections on transportation, books in another language, and so much more. I don't think I nearly saw everything.

On the first visit, I mostly bought gifts for my friend who was getting married (she also loves books), including some local art and a variety of books, and a gift card because - who can't go there? I managed to find a copy of Bill Bryson's biography of Shakespeare for $7.98 (+ no tax because it's Oregon) and decided it was a good find.

The second visit, I piled more than a dozen books, new and used, into a basket and illegally took them into the cafe. Illegal because they only want people to take five books at a time in there, but I ignored the sign and voraciously devoured the more-than-a-dozen books by indulging in their first few pages (obviously, to find the right fit). I chose two and re-shelved the remainders. I then wandered into a nonfiction area of the store with every kind of history imaginable - from the general world or country-based histories to the memoirs of world leaders and small towns. I only made it down one aisle because I was overwhelmed at the prospect of all that was in front of me, and stumbled upon Jimmy Carter's White House Diary for $4.98. Noticing that Amazon was selling copies (new and used) between $20-30), I clearly couldn't pass the deal up in adding to my presidential history/memoir shelf. And between these two visits I may have purchased a souvenir (...a coffee cup, water bottle, magnet...) or three. And then a canvas bag to hold all the things.

In the airport, I was given a YA novel that takes place in Portland as a recommendation, and then saw that a book that's been seemingly following me around except to the library (ok, I just notice it everywhere, it's always checked out, and I always rationalize not buying it despite its intrigue because of its price...which really is nonsensical considering my other book purchases). It was $7.98 brand new and I thought, well, I've already broken my "no-purchasing-books-in-2014" rule so why not?

Therefore, my rest of 2014 reading list will include:

• "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed (this is my non-fiction, audiobook pick for the gym - I'm about halfway through)
• "Wildwood" by Carson Ellis (started it on the plane)
• "Indian Killer" by Sherman Alexie (he'd be so proud of my support for a local bookseller, obviously)
• "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" (under $8) by Dave Eggers (because, Dave Eggers)
• "Empire of the Summer Moon" by S.C. Gwynne (this was the book that follows me around and finally convinced me to say yes)
• "Shakespeare" by Bill Bryson
• "The Girl You Left Behind" by Jojo Moyes (actually purchsed at a different airport bookstore in Boston as I was concerned about not having enough to read [pre-Powell's] for the 4 hour plane ride. I am ridiculous).

So there you have it. Updates to come.

~MJ

PS I finished "A Tale for the Time Being" and really liked it. It was slower in some places but balanced competing narrators really well, left enough mystery to be intriguing, but answered enough questions to feel closure. The voice was really unique and the story very original - a recommended read for sure!

So much to read, so little time

I still read at least 20 minutes a day for pleasure...yet I haven't finished a book for at least a month. It's an attention issue. Combined with my veracious appetite for everything. I actually cannot remember the last book I read in total ("The Leftovers"by Tom Perotta? ). I know I have read books this year - I just can't quite remember which ones I've finished. It's a problem, but it totally isn't stressing me out. I am just enjoying books at whatever pace seems appropriate by 11pm when I get to my pleasure reads. But who knows, maybe I should be more committed to any given book?

In addition to the three books pictured here, I am also reading "The Hobbit" (finally). I'm almost finished with it and I think I can stick it out to the end. Just in time for the movie, at least.

Besides hat, "Team of Rivals" is on my bedside table because 1) it's been on the book bucket list for at least five years, and I figure I should try to read some of it before "Lincoln" comes out in a couple of weeks. I also whole-heartedly admit this is completely related to my recent marathon viewings of "The West Wing." And, I think more of the movie connection was made by the very clever cover update - not only does the new cover show Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln, but includes a line about the movie being based on the book. Of course, it had a 20% off sticker from Target right over that line...so, I initially thought it said, "A Stephen Spielberg Film, Lincoln, based in part one, Team of Rivals" (oh, it's only part one of this giant book? I can totally read THAT by November 16th."). When I removed the sticker - after purchase, mind you - I read it correctly: "...based in part on Team of Rivals." Yep - you'd think my reading abilities would extend to covers. Probably karma for literally making an impulse buy - a judgement, really - based on the book's cover.

"Wonder" is for the kids. I am doing a book club at the charter school I worked to open with a couple of third graders. We just finished our "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" read - meaning, they read at home and we did various comprehension checks and activities each week to discuss the book. We focused most on the theme of how somebody's background does not necessarily need to to determine their future. Needless to say, it's given me just enough of a teaching fix that we are roaring ahead. They will be independently reading "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator" (because we have to know what happens!) while, together, we do a guided reading of "Wonder." It's just slightly above their independent level, and I think if we read it together while simultaneously checking for comprehension, they totally will get it. I've heard rave reviews and in just the parts I've read so far - I'm already impressed. I'm looking forward to planning our reading and activities!

And finally, "Blasphemy" is something I've been anticipating for months. It's Sherman Alexie's latest collection of new and old short stories, and I literally counted down the weeks to its release. I so enjoyed "War Dances" (and subsequently did a whole Alexie Author Study with my 7th graders) that I couldn't wait for the newest collection. I initially planned to go to the Barnes and Noble across from campus after grad class (yep - that's happened too, recently) - but I totally forgot. Organizing school systems has a fuzzy effect on my brain sometimes. And then I couldn't make it to a bookstore for a few days, until I actually went for work.

We did a field trip day which included a movie followed by a discussion at a coffee shop. That coffee shop happened to be in B&N. We entered the store and I bolted to the "New Releases" display and snatched up Alexie's copy - purchasing it with my coffee when I reached the cafe. I didn't time this process, but I estimate the book and the coffee, including travel between the table and cafe, and purchase, took all of five minutes. My co-workers were ... surprised? They asked about the book and we briefly chatted about why Alexie is a must-read...and then got to work!

And then there's "The Hobbit." I'm reading it so I can get into the Peter Jackson movies without guilt about not reading Tolkein (so no, I have not read or watched the Lord of the Rings trilogy yet...talk about blasphemy). I am really enjoying the story. I remember I started reading this book in 6th grade, but stopped because likely, it was a little to high for me. It was probably at my "frustration" reading level (oh, what a teacher I can be), so I gave up on it quick. And never revisited. So, here we are, more than a decade later.

SO really, I'm reading American presidential history, young adult fiction about bullying and overcoming adversity, a collection of short stories about Native America, and small men traveling through middle earth and battling dragons. And likely, I will finish them all - while hopefully, investing others in the stories.

Oh, I did read "A Clash of Kings" in the Game of Thrones series - excited for the third book and third season soon! See, progress happens.

Time to go read.

Summer Reading Achieved

10 books is a lot in a summer. At least for my schedule. I tried reading about 20 minutes a day, at least, and would often read for an hour or so. But there were a few days when I just couldn't bring myself to pick up a book - if only because I was doing other things, I was sleepy, or needed a break.

10 was an ambitious goal when I started on June 9. But, I made it before Labor Day! I think a tradition of mine might be 10 books between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Here they are, in order of completion:

1. The Green Mile by Stephen King
2. My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares
3. Room by Emma Donoghue
4. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
5. What is the What by Dave Eggars
6. Courageous Conversations About Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools by Glenn Singleton and Curtis Linton
7. In the Deep Heart's Core by Michael Johnston
8. Fist Stick Knife Gun by Geoffrey Canada
9. The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
10. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

I enjoyed each book in its own way, with my clear favorites being The Green Mile, What is the What, In the Deep Heart's Core, and The Outsiders. I would recommend any of these books to my friends, though, knowing that each has its own purpose and diverse qualities.

I really like the experience of setting a reading goal and working to achieve it. It sometimes made reading seem like a chore, but I would always quash that feeling with the knowledge that finishing a book feels so good! Therefore, I think I will set goals for myself each season to keep my reading going.

My other "reading seasons" will be marked by holidays...

Fall: Labor Day to Thanksgiving
Winter: Thanksgiving to St. Patrick's
Spring: St. Patrick's to Memorial Day

For the fall, I only want to finish two books:

"A Game of Thrones: Book One of A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin
(because I want to watch the TV show and I've heard this series is amazing)
"The Lacuna" by Barbara Kingsolver
(because I want another read like Poisonwood and Kingsolver will surely deliver)

I will probably read more than these - but I set the goal just around them because they are so lengthy and I want to make myself finish them. I hope to finish at least a couple of the books on my shelf I have bookmarks in halfway through, like "American Gods" and "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman.

But my goal will be to get through Martin and Kingsolver, with any other finished books being purely coincidental.

Here goes!

~MJ