The Selection

The Selection is a YA novel by Kiera Cass. I think you classify it as a light dystopian novel. I will tell you now that my rating for this book is a 2. It had some potential, but it fell victim to the almost cut and copy structure of the increasingly familiar YA dystopian trilogy.

The basic story is this... America Singer is a pretty average girl. She has a strained relationship with her mother, admires her father, loves her little sister more than anything, and is secretly in love with the boy next door. But, America is risking a lot to be with Aspen because they are in different castes. Everything changes when The Selection is announced. The Selection is the country's tradition for helping the prince, Prince Maxon in this case, find his future wife. Girls submit applications and one from each district is selected to vie with the other selected girls for Maxon's love... and the crown. America hesitates to enter, but finally does to appease her mother and because Aspen tells her she should. Of course, she is selected and goes to the palace. But, before she leaves... Aspen breaks up with her. So, now she's not really sure what to do. She finds herself developing an unusual friendship with Maxon, and, as girl after girl is sent home, America finds herself wanting to stay more and more. Oh, and all of this is being broadcast to the rest of the country as something of a prime time special.

I think this story would really appeal to people who like the Bachelor. Or people who liked the Hunger Games, but wished they were actually a dating game. Or, people who like Cinderella stories and hope that the concept will be developed for reality TV. While it didn't catch me on any of those fronts, I will admit that it was a fairly fun, light read. It just disappointed me so much by being so predictable that I didn't really enjoy it. Here's what bothered me.

#1. While the setting, a caste system with fairly stringent rules, seems fairly dystopian, most of the societal issues are not addressed. For example, America's father has banned history books, which he loves to pour over with America. But... why are the books banned? What has American learned from history that will help her in the Selection?

#2. America starts off as a very relatable, interesting character. She seems strong and dedicated, and you like her. But, then she goes to the palace and starts acting totally bizarre. It was hard for me to care for a character that was acting so inconsistently.

#3. Why is this a trilogy? I once heard an author (not this one) explain that she had written a stand alone novel, but had been told by the publishers that she had to turn it into a trilogy. Does that make your head all but explode too? It's not a strategy for good writing, that's for sure. A story loses focus when it's stretched out too long, and I think that's what happened here. I got to the (abrupt) ending of the book and realized that almost nothing of note had really happened in the book. In fact, **small spoiler**, we don't even get to find out who Maxon chooses. At the end of the book, we're only down to the "elect" 6 girls. I guess I'll have to read the rest to be certain, but I have the feeling that this could have been one silly, fun book that was pretty well done instead of three books that drag a story without much depth on too long.

I'm afraid this review might be too harsh. It's an okay book, but I'm finding myself very, very, very tired of the predictability of many of the YA books that are coming out right now. Hopefully this is just the awkward adolescent phase of the Young Adult genre.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking

Quiet, by Susan Cain, is a treatise on the often overlooked power of introverts. It begins by discussing how, over the last century or so, our culture has adopted extroversion as the ideal. One of Cain's most interesting claims, in fact, is that this new ideal causes a complete value shift wherein charisma overshadows character. Having established the cultural context, she then presents a mix of her own research with several psychological studies to share the reasons that we should value the introverts among us.

Because I consider myself to be something of an introvert, I found this book to be very relatable. One element I appreciated about this book was how Cain allows the definition of introversion to be a little loose. Introversion is not necessarily being shy. It is definitely not being anti-social. It's more of just enjoying the quiet, preferring to observe, and liking to really think things through. Interestingly, about 1 in 3 people are introverts (at least to some degree).


Cain really hits hard on the social stigma that is often placed on being introverted, especially in workplaces. Several studies have shown that, while extroverts are more likely to get attention, introverts have many strengths that get overlooked because they lack the extroverts' confidence and charm. A few studies on businesses and the economic crash of 2008 illustrate the virtue of balance. Extroverts are great at leading confidently and taking risks, but... they can be bad at listening to others and seeing warning signs. As leaders, introverts prefer to play it safe, and many prosper that way. Another skill introverts seem especially gifted at is gathering information and ideas from their subordinates. Companies that embraced and used the special talents of both personality types would have a great chance at success.


I really enjoyed reading about the studies that are being done in the field of personality psychology. Some studies indicate that whether we are more introverted or extroverted depends in a large part on how our brain interprets stimuli. Introverts tend to be highly reactive to stimulus, and seem to therefore prefer smaller doses of it; whereas, extroverts tend to be low-reactives who prefer to seek out higher amounts of stimulation. The really fascinating part, for me, was reading about how both personality types strive for the right balance of stimulus. When they find it, one study showed, whether through seeking more quiet or more noise, the levels of brain activity are almost identical.


Some of the more practical parts of this book give suggestions for introverts and for those who work with or have close relationships with introverts. Some of the ideas seem very helpful for bridging differences in personality and preferences. For example, a couple may agree to spend two weekends per month at home and two weekends going out so that each person's needs are met. However, as a teacher, I found Cain's suggestions for introverts in the context of education to be pretty implausible, for the most part. I think her suggestions to introverts for the workplace would be more applicable to introverted students than the ones she gives. But, that's me.


Overall, I would give this book 4 stars because it presented so much interesting information that is applicable in professional and personal relationships with introverts.

Another re-read of another great book.

I was given a copy of Catching Fire, the second installment in the Hunger Games trilogy, as a birthday present. Since Vivian did me the favor of opening it early, I couldn't resist re-reading it.

Book #27
5 stars

And to tell you the truth, I think I like it more than the first one. I definitely liked it more this time around than I did when I first read it, just like I liked my second read of The Hunger Games more than my first. I really think that's because I just read them way too quickly when they came out. I didn't let anything sink in. I just had to know what was going to happen.

This time, I let myself absorb more and think about it, and it was awesome. I still got through it really quickly, but not because I was sprinting. I could see Peeta and Katniss more clearly than before. The characters really took off for me this time. Haymitch also grew a lot in my mind. He definitely reveals some extra layers here.

I can't wait for the film adaptation to come out next year. As I was reading, I couldn't help but speculate on who they will get to play certain characters. Finnick and Johanna may top that list. Also, Wiress and Beetee. Any ideas?

Bleed for Me

Book #26
Three Stars

I delved into a genre that I normally don't pay much attention to: the crime/detective/murder mystery sort. These seem to be a dime a dozen. There are so many authors who pump these books out like it's nothing. Maybe that's why I've never been really drawn in. I don't know. But somewhere along the way, this book was recommended and I decided to give it a shot.

The author is Michael Robotham. He has been an investigative journalist in Britain, Australia, and the US. He  created a character named Joseph O'Loughlin, a psychiatrist who sometimes helps the police out, and who has gotten himself and his family into more than one close call because of this. I didn't know this before I read it, but Bleed for Me is actually the fourth (I think) Joe O'Loughlin novel. I added the others to my to-read list so that I will have the info easily accessible, but I haven't decided yet whether I will read them.

I think Robotham is a good writer. He kept me engaged. He knows how to twist a plot. This particular plot goes a little something like this:

A teenage girl-- Sienna, a troubled friend of his daughter-- comes to Joe O'Loughlin's door one night. She is terrorized, incoherent-- and covered in blood. 

The police find Sienna's father, a celebrated former cop, murdered in the home he shared with Sienna. Tests confirm that it's his blood on the girl. She says she remembers nothing.

Joe O'Loughlin is a psychologist with troubles of his own. His marriage is coming to an end and his daughter will barely speak to him. He tries to help Sienna, hoping that if he succeeds, he will win back his daughter's affection. But Sienna is unreachable, unable to mourn her father's death or to explain it.

Investigators take aim at Sienna. O'Loughlin senses something different is happening, something subterranean and terrifying, to Sienna. It may be something in her mind. Or it may be something real. Someone real. Someone capable of the most grim and gruesome murder, and willing to kill again if anyone gets too close.

I won't lie, the plot gets gritty at times. It deals with some unpleasant characters and some even more unpleasant goings-on. But I think that is the way of things with this genre. I will say that insofar as Robotham deals with some pretty sensitive topics, he does so very tastefully. He could have filled the book with a lot of gory and lascivious details-- had plenty of opportunities to-- and he didn't. I was grateful for that. As far as content, I think there was one brief sex scene and a smattering of swear words. I didn't feel like anything in the book was gratuitous.

If you are into this genre, pick this one up and you won't be disappointed. I think I would have given it at least four stars if this were my cup of tea. As it's not, I will go with three stars.

 

 

My Antonia

Book #25
My Antonia
Willa Cather
Four Stars

This is a book I have had on my to-read list for a long time. Like, since I was in junior high and saw my sister reading it. I had no idea what it was about but I thought the title was neat and I was intrigued. And it took me this long to finally read it.

If you aren't familiar, the novel is set up as a memoir written by a character named Jim Burden, reminiscing about his childhood and adolescence with a friend of his, an immigrant named Antonia Shimerda. Though Jim is several years younger than Antonia, they become fast friends, and he eventually falls in love with her.

Antonia's life is rough, to put it lightly. Hit with tragedy at a young age, she is also no stranger to hard labor. Nevertheless, Antonia is resilient and determined, and she goes through life with her head solidly on her shoulders. Even as a young adult, it seems she cannot escape the trials that dog her, but she makes a life out of what she is given and, though it's not glamorous or worldly, her life is solid and true. The description of her as a middle-aged mother (of many) at the end of the book was beautiful.

Cather grew up in the midwest herself, and it shows. Her writing, especially the descriptions of the land and the changing seasons, is marvelous. I felt like I could see what she was describing.

I loved reading this account of America during a different time. The characters were wonderful, the writing was simple but beautiful, and the story was deep and meaningful. I admit that it took me a while to finish it. It was not the most exciting book I've read, and I started a few other books that were a bit more gripping. But I kept coming back to this one, because the story had drawn me in. I wanted to know how it would end. I give it four stars and would highly recommend it.

And the 24th spot goes to...

The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb: A Novel
Melanie Benjamin
3 stars

I wanted to love this book. I really did. It came highly recommended. It is about a fascinating person from American history. I thought, why not? And, after reading it, I am willing to bet that most, if not all, of you would like this book a lot if you gave it a chance.

But I found out something about myself as I read this book. Something that I am glad I learned and that forces me to give this book three stars instead of four. That something is that I don't like a fictionalized "autobiography" of a real person.

Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump Stratton Magri, aka Vinnie, was born October 31, 1841, in Middleborough, MA. Fully grown, Vinnie stood 2'8". She had what was then known as proportionate dwarfism. In other words, she looked like a perfectly formed adult female but was just extremely small. This turned out to be quite the lucky break, because proportionate dwarfs were looked upon with curiosity instead of disgust and/or revulsion. For this reason, she was able to have quite a successful life in show business, whereas those with disproportionate dwarfism were typically relegated to the side show and clown acts.

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Not a whole lot is known about Vinnie's life, mainly the bare bones. She wrote a few chapters in an attempt at an autobiography, but she was not very detailed or open about her feelings and experiences. The author of this novel did do a lot of research and probably found out all she could about Vinnie, and then filled in the gaps with her own creative ideas.

What results is actually a good story. It was a good idea, and Benjamin did a good job with what she set out to do. I think she's a marvelous writer. She created a great personality for Vinnie-- it was a believable narrator throughout.

But it kind of drove me crazy, page after page, that I was reading a novel instead of a non-fiction autobiography. I just wanted to know what REALLY happened. I like learning about people and things. I love a good autobiography-- well-written and engaging. And thus I discovered that I don't like this genre.

So much of Vinnie's life is fascinating to me. Although she was sheltered in her youth, she became a school teacher at a young age. Feeling the itch to travel, she left home and worked on a showboat for about three years before going under contract with P.T. Barnum. Barnum, as you may know, was single-handedly responsible for the fame of Charles Stratton, aka General Tom Thumb, and many believe that it was Barnum who orchestrated the wedding that eventually took place between Vinnie and Charles. The Stratton wedding was the long-ago version of last year's Royal Wedding. Yes, it was that big. It took place during the Civil War and even took top billing in the newspapers for a few days.

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All in all, I can't help being a bit disappointed after finishing this book, but it's not because of the book. I really wanted to love it, but I just couldn't. If you don't have this same hang-up, I highly recommend this book. You'll probably love it. If you like knowing that what you're reading about a real person is actually the truth, well, you might want to read a different book.

And now that I think about it, I think I actually would have loved this book if Benjamin had taken pieces of Vinnie's life and used them when she created a different person, some other proportionate dwarf, named something else. I've read and enjoyed novels that were "inspired by the life of" or some such. But trying to pass this off as "my best guess" of what *really* happened, and even calling it "The Autobiography..." just didn't work for me.

#23: Running for the Hills

Running for the Hills: Growing Up on My Mother's Sheep Farm in Wales
Horatio Clare
Rating: 3 stars

This is a memoir written by a man who grew up with only his mother and one brother on a sheep farm in rural Wales. And we're talking REMOTE, here. Out there. In the boonies.

Here's a brief sketch. Horatio Clare was born in 1973, in London. Before he was born, his parents met in London and got married. His mother, Jenny, got the wild desire to buy a farm out in the country and live there. His father desperately loved Jenny, and so went along with this scheme, doing everything in his power to make it work.

For quite a while, they still lived in London and only went up to the farm on the weekends. They slowly got to know their neighbors, some of them hilarious characters. They learned how to care for sheep, and this book spares no details. The beautiful landscape bewitched them all, and Clare's descriptions don't disappoint. He is a very gifted writer.

Ultimately, when the farm began hemorrhaging money and the Clares would not be able to sustain it without going into even more debt, Horatio's father tried to convince Jenny to leave the farm. She flat out refused. She chose the farm over her husband, and a life as a single mother over life as a family. This split took place when Horatio was still very young, and the memoir is laced with his regret and longing for the childhood with a father that he did not get to have.

How did I like this book? Well, the writing is Grade A, Top Choice. I love Horatio's words. I fell in love with the little sheep farm, the crotchety old neighbor Jack who really has a soft heart, the family's two dogs. It was an enchanting story to read.

But. Jenny's decision angered me. Jenny, for me, was not a sympathetic character in the least. I spent a lot of my reading wondering how she could be so selfish. Yes, I can understand to a certain extent her desire to raise her boys out of the world, on this remote sheep farm. I can admire her strength and tenacity. I really do think she did some incredible things. She learned sheep farming from scratch and really grew to love the animals as her own.

But to refuse to see reality, to let your husband walk away after he tries everything to keep your family together! And then to raise your boys to believe that he just up and left you. To tell them that he was selfish. My, my, my.

Above and beyond that, by staying on the farm, Jenny put herself and her two small children at great risk. The book doesn't try to sugarcoat things. Horatio and his brother Alexander were often underfed. There were many months when the money almost didn't or didn't make ends meet.

A single female in a rural area is very vulnerable, however strong she may be in other areas of life. More than once, Jenny was cornered and propositioned by a lonely/widowed farmer. It wouldn't have taken much for one of them to refuse to take her 'no' for an answer. She would have been powerless to stop him.

Furthermore, rambling around, over the hills at night during birthing time for the sheep had dangers all unique.  Had something happened to Jenny while her two young boys slept alone in their little shack, who's to say how they would have gotten help.

Add to that Jenny's affair with the husband of a friend towards the end of the book and you have a real winning mother figure.

Rant over.

If I can set aside my frustration with Jenny-- after all, this is a review of the book, and shouldn't be a review of Jenny's decision-making ability-- I really enjoyed this book. The story drew me in and I wanted to know what would happen to the Clares. As I mentioned, Horatio's writing is splendid. I have recommended this book to my own parents, mainly because I think my dad would love the writing and the descriptions of Wales, and my mom was raised on a sheep farm herself. If you think the story sounds interesting, by all means read it. You will likely not be disappointed.