Karen's books

I finished this story last week, same day as my 5th grade son finished reading it at school.  His class is now watching a movie based on this book.  His teacher told me she would be glad to loan it to me as well.  Maybe.  I don't know if I need to see the movie.  Bound to be a disappointment after the images formed by my imagination while reading.  I thought I was prepared for the powerful ending of this book, but I was still absolutely shaken by it.  Very good read. 

I first read this back in high school, which amazes me now because I had forgotten how much profanity is in it.  Aside from the the cussing, it's a great story and I enjoyed it even more this time listening to it on Audible.  Gary Sinise gives an exceptional performance with all the voices and the drama, really bringing the words to life.  We will discuss Of Mice And Men tomorrow night at my local book club meeting.  Lots to talk about on this classic!

Yikes, I think my son told me he would be reading through chapter 2 today. I started reading this morning and had to force myself to stop at chapter 5 so I don't get too far ahead of him. Oh, this is going to be hard on my self-control when a story is this good...

Received a note last week from my son's reading teacher regarding this book.  I had to sign to either grant or deny him permission to read it, along with an offer from the teacher to send home another copy for parents to read along.  He should be bringing my copy home today, but I think he kept it in his desk on purpose so that he could be ahead of me in reading it.  =)

I am reading a book right now, but it's a "beta" -- hasn't gone to the editor yet. I'm one of the lucky ones selected by the author to read it and then share honestly any criticisms and plot flow issues, etc.  The big stipulation is that I cannot breathe a word of the story.  I'm almost done with it.  Should finish it tonight.  I am enjoying it!     

This story is all about family and specifically three generations of women in one Irish Catholic family (I mention Irish and Catholic because both are strong elements throughout) -- domineering matriarch, easy-going daughter-in-law, and just-joined-the-family-and-all-that-that-implies granddaugher-in-law.  We read this and discussed it for my local book club.  It was interesting that we all could find something in the story we related to in one way or another.  And we all commented on how the author (Erin from "The Waltons") did a great job telling the tale from each of the female characters' perspectives, so we always knew their inner thoughts and reasoning. 

Oh how I enjoyed this book!  I was feeling that I was way overdue for an animal story, and I this one came along at just the right time.  I have visited online with author Vicky Kaseorg, telling her how she lived my dream as a young girl...  to have my own horse.  And she actually got one -- Joe!  I was, of course, in a puddle of tears at the ending -- it's nice to know that a really great story can touch the heartstrings that deeply.  This one goes on my list of favorites of all time.  You know me, I do not give synopses of the story because I want other readers to discover it all for themselves like I did, one chapter at a time. 

1.  Are you named after anyone?

No.  My mother really liked the name Diana, but my aunt had a baby 6 months before I came along and stole it!  So I ended up with Diane as a middle name.  I think my mother enjoyed using it when "yelling" at me... "KAREN DIANE!!"

2.  When was the last time you cried?

It was happy tears, while listening to my eldest son play "Music Box Dancer" at his piano recital a couple weeks ago.  He conquered a very difficult tune and I was a proud mama.

3.  Do you have kids?

Yes. Two boys, ages 13 and 10.  They are fantastic human beings. 

4.  If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself?

I don't let people get too close too easily, but yes, I would want to have me as a friend. 

5.  Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Yes.  It runs in the family...

6.  Will you ever bungee-jump?

I will ride a lot of crazy stuff at amusement parks (unless it spins like tea cups!), but NO, I will not do the bungee.

7.  What's your favorite cereal?

Cold -- Cheerios!  Hot -- oatmeal.

8.  What's the first thing you notice about people?

If they smile/have a twinkle in their eye.

9.  What's your eye color?

Hazel.

10. Scary movie or happy endings?

Happy endings.

11. Favorite smells?

Cinnamon, fresh clean laundry, gardens full of flowers, the earth after a summer rain...

12.  Summer or winter?

Winter...  Autumn especially.

13.  Computer or television?

We don't have cable TV anymore and nobody misses it.  We do have PBS, which has the best shows anyway.  Anything else I would want to watch is on the computer nowadays.  So I guess it's the computer for me.

14. What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home?

The Bahamas.

15. Do you have any special talents?

I can touch my nose with my tongue.  But a few years ago I met another person who could do this, so I don't think it's so unique anymore.

16. Where were you born?

Big Sky country -- Montana!

17. What are your hobbies?

Reading, walking, walking the dog, making sure kids get to their stuff on time.

18. Do you have any pets?

A wire haired dachshund named Charlie.  He is the best dog EVER!  

19. Favorite movie?

Oooooh, this is tough.  I have to choose just one??  I'm going to go with the movie that lifted my spirits after being broke down in blizzard and finally getting home safe and sound -- "While You Were Sleeping".  I never tire of watching it.

20. Do you have any siblings?

One older brother.

21. What do you want to be when you grow up?

A radio announcer.  Oh wait!  I am one of those!  Life is good!

REALLY good story!  I'm enjoying this one very much.

I read this one for my book club (it's our book for June) and also for a discussion group that will meet next week at the library.  This book is part of my state's One Book program, where the Humanities Council picks a book and invites communities all around the state to read and discuss throughout the course of the year.  I like the idea of many people in different towns and cities all reading the same book at the same time, and getting together as groups to talk about it, and I want to be a part of that.  There is much to discuss in this one.  Several people asked me, "What's it about?" while I was reading it.  All I would tell them is that it takes place over the summer of 1961 in Minnesota and the story is recalled 40 years later from the perspective of 13-year-old Frank, son of a local minister.  The rest you must uncover, like I just did, for yourself.  Recommend it?  Oh yes, I do.   

This video brought me to tears ! His mother must be so proud...