Quaker Summer, by Lisa Samson
Wow, I really have read plenty of books since October. In fact, I had even begun to review “Bleeding Kansas” by Sara Paretsky. But really, I was so disappointed and irritated by that book, I just couldn’t find enough kind things to say about it to justify writing a full review. So, here is my quick review of “Bleeding Kansas:” This was an unfair depiction of the state in which I was born. I do realize it was fiction, but I believe that it stretched the decency of how far the people of a state can be represented badly as a whole (country bumpkins, overly conservative, naive), without making the author seem like it was intentional. And, yes, I do recognize that the author was raised in Kansas, and that makes it even worse. Sorry, Ms. Paretsky. Okay….on to better things!
I recently pored over Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson. I am new to the whole “inspirational christian fiction” genre, and honestly, before this book, only found one title that I enjoyed. This book was chosen as novel of the year by Women of Faith and Christianity Today for 2007, so I thought it was worth a shot.
The book’s protagonist is Heather Curridge, a woman that supposedly “has it all”, a mansion on a lake, a loving son, a surgeon husband, and soapstone counter tops. Heather’s newest obsession is having a tennis court built, but Heather is so terribly unhappy despite that. Everyone notices that she is slowly coming unhinged, and everyone is also at a loss to help her. Heather has believed, up until the present, that she can buy something expensive and new for herself and that will make herself feel better. Poor Mrs. Curridge has some issues that she has never dealt with in her past, and they burden her heavily with guilt. But, as expected, Heather undergoes some slow and necessary transformations, and begins to see how she is medicating herself with materialism. After meeting two very elderly Quaker sisters, and a feisty nun in the inner-city, Heather begins to see the beauty of forgiveness, and how giving of herself is much more satisfying than purchasing something could ever be.
Okay, I know that my synopsis there sounds a little cheesy. This book is really witty and funny, and has a plot that really moves things along, and this is much more than I can convey in a short recap (without spoiling the story). I have always been so curious about the reasons behind materialism, and why some folks seem to think that they must make themselves into something that society views as successful. Why weren’t a wonderful marriage and son enough for Heather? Why did she have to own more and be more to feel valid? Why couldn’t she see that the love she had from her single parent as a child, was really enough without excess money? I think these are all questions that many women have bouncing around in their heads! Ms. Samson does an excellent job of creating a very likable, redeeming, and hilarious character that most anyone could relate to. Heather Curridge is every woman. This was truly one of those “page turners”, and I believe it would be appealing to women of any faith. Open this book, and you just might discover something about yourself. I know I certainly did. Happy reading!
My Sister’s Keeper, By Jodi Picoult
Being the new library director here at Winchester Public Library, has afforded me with the chance to come across some interesting new reads, new at least to me. As I was perusing the Fiction shelves one day, I came across several titles by Jodi Picoult. I knew that Ms. Picoult is a very popular author, and I was curious, so I grabbed the one with the most intriguing title, “My Sister’s Keeper.” Now, mind you, I didn’t know what I was choosing, because I hadn’t even read the jacket blurb.
I immediately understood Ms. Picoult’s appeal. The reader is immediately introduced to the main character,13 year old Anna; and you discover that she is in a pawn shop to sell a very special piece of jewelry. She is saving this money for something big. Something like: a lawyer; because Anna is asking for medical emancipation from her parents. You see, Anna was conceived by doctors to be an exact genetic match for her sister, Kate, who has been battling Leukemia for 14 years. Anna was essentially born to save Kate, and with her first donation of cord blood at birth, began to suffer many medical interventions on her sister’s behalf.
While Anna’s point of view is intriguing, we are also introduced to each person that becomes pivotal in her life, as well. Her parents, sister, brother, lawyer, court advocate. Each of these characters are well developed, and the story unfolds with such ease and depth, it deflects the controversial subject matter. You begin to see each character’s pain and humanity, and how living with, and loving someone with a terminal illness, alters everyone’s life forever.
At the risk of appearing over-emotional, I must say that this novel plummed the depths of terminal illness, and allowed me to see in a whole new way how damaging, and unifying, it can be for families. The conclusion of the book was dramatic, yet reserved in its delivery. Ms. Picoult’s literary voice is quite unique, and gives the reader a chance to stretch their imaginations, put themselves in all of the character’s shoes, and draw their own conclusion about the subject matter in a balanced way. I would highly recommend this title. So, go on in to your library, check out this book, and then come talk to me or send me an e-mail @ winkslib@nekls.org. I would love to hear your thoughts. Happy reading!
**Any suggestions for books to review? E-mail me: director@winchesterlibrary.org
