Falling off the face of the earth (to a little-known land called, Connecticut) was exactly what I needed for the holiday break. I worked my tiny tail-feather off for weeks in advance so I would not have to depress a single key on my keyboard in the name of schoolwork for the last five days (six, including my birthday. Who wants to work on that day?). It took me about three hours yesterday to finally feel like I was back in order and school-mode.
Highlight of today: Turning in my first final paper, Modern British Poetry. I am impossibly happy to have one totally out of the way so I can focus on the other two. Only two and a half weeks left. Me can do it.
Last night I finished Little Bee by Chris Cleave. I began the book last week when I told myself I would spend my birthday reading for pleasure and would not dare let an eyeball stray toward schoolwork. It’s been a while since I’ve jumped into a book and allowed myself to stay in there until it was over. Of course I haven’t had much time to devote myself to leisure reading, what with the fifteen other novels I’ve read since August, countless short stories and nearly 90 poems (those don’t count though, do they?), I just haven’t had the motivation, time, or eye strength to muscle through a novel I chose for fun. And on that point, who really wants to muscle through a book that is supposed to be a treat? In short, I really liked this book and am glad I found the time over the short break to give it the attention it deserves.
If you haven’t read Little Bee run to the nearest bookstore (archaic, much?) and grab it. Not so you can read before you go see the movie (another one bites the dust. Le sigh), but so that you can devour it as soon as possible. The back of the book purposefully does not give away much, so neither will I. Essentially, the story is about two women who are faced with devastating consequences of misunderstandings, inequality, depression, and heartache. Vague enough for you? I love the way Cleave uses the dual narrative to constantly shift perspective and tonality. The text is quite reader-friendly, which makes it a quick read. The story line, at times difficult to digest, also moves a pretty good clip, moving between the past and present, constantly propelling the book forward. Little Bee is a very honest and sincere book, one that will make you ponder your place in the world and help inspire some of that “gratitude attitude” everyone is talking about this time of year.
Photo courtesy of bestsellers.about.com
A Broad At Home 