Taulant Salihi Salihi itibaren Maison-Feyne, Fransa
Fav. Quote- "Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but, most important, it finds homes for us everywhere." Hazel Rochman It is a book I would recommend to a) anyone who loves books and b) anyone working with youth. Quindlen explains the process of how she became a life-long reader. She also addresses the issue of technology and how that affects literacy. I found the book an important reminder that reading is for enjoyment. I found many of her points interesting. One point being that excellent writers don't decide to become writers after they read the greats. They get inspiration from lowbrow to middlebrow books. I also liked the idea that reading is for enjoyment and not necessarily for enhancement. A book I would definitely read again. A great reminder.
I have tried to finish this book for ten years, and I am throwing in the towel. I simply cannot get past page 100, and it is so slow-paced that I have lost interest. I have heard rave reviews from almost every single person I know, but I suppose I'm not zen enough to appreciate this book in its entirety.
Above all else, this book is very real. In this current age of fantasy and paranormal series, a contemporary stand-alone is quite refreshing. "Refreshing" may be the wrong word as this book is filled with many different, difficult emotions. This novel is rooted in terminal cancer, so obviously there are strong feelings of sadness and mortality. However, those emotions are not what is so special about this book. Bostic's ability to weave humor, hope, love and happiness into a hugely tragic event is simply beautiful. Austin has terminal cancer. A few months, a few weeks, a few days... the remaining time he has left is unclear. But he knows one thing, he will not spend that time enduring painful treatment for just a few more terrible days. He's decided to opt out of further treatment and make the best of what time he has left. How does he aim to do this? By traveling around with his best friend, Kaylee, to all the people who have effected his life and trying to help them with their wide array of situations. Not only does he find out truths about those individuals, but himself and human nature as well. I really enjoyed this book. It is so hopeful. I was amazed by Austin's will and outlook on life even when his future is the most dim. He has no self-pity at all. He realizes his situation and his inability to change it, so he accepts it. Austin's whole character really is a job well done. This may be a short read, but don't underestimate it. If you are ever feeling sorry for yourself, read this book, it will really put your life into perspective. I would definitely recommend it.
i'm still kind of bummed that i had to buy this in hardcover, as it means i spent a gajillion dollars on something i read in two days. fortunately, this book displayed the best of mccarthy (my second favorite is All the Pretty Horses) with very little of the things he does poorly. i was less strongly affected by the end as the other people in my bookgroup. i may be a heartless bitch.
i actually listened to this on audiobook. which i highly recommend.