The Story of my life; with her letters (1887-1901) and a supplementary account of her education by Helen Keller and John Albert Macy ★★★☆☆

A remarkable true story!

Non Fiction – Biography/Autobiography

240 pages

Publication Date:  1976 (frankly this date is a bit murky in general, but the one my edition said)

(original publication without supplemental 1903)

The Story of My Life is the remarkable account of Helen Keller as expressed through her own words.  In it she describes the moments when she first connected words to objects, her great love of literature, friendships with prominent people of her time, and her mission to attend Radcliff College.  Included in this addition are letters written by Helen Keller showing her progress and a section devoted to Helen’s overall development as described by her loyal teacher and companion, Miss Anne Sullivan.

Helen Keller’s writing has a very poetic and introspective quality to it.  I really enjoyed hearing her voice.  This story puts flesh and blood to a hero of almost mythical proportions.  Her determination in the face of physical opposition was amazing and her humbleness in admitting trials and the occasional defeat honest.  She has no sense of entitlement only gratitude, which is truly incredible to see. 

Reading this book puts into sharp relief what Miss Sullivan must have given up and makes me even more curious about Anne Sullivan herself.  Reading her letters and reports was my favorite part of the book.  It gave a more complete picture of the sacrifice and love Miss Sullivan had for Helen.

I am only giving the book three stars, because it just couldn’t keep my attention for any real length of time.  I really got bogged down in the letters by Helen section.  While they show her progress over time, there were just too many of them.

Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach ★★★☆☆

Not for the General Reader.

Non Fiction – Sexuality/Science/Psychology – Humor

319 pages

Publication Date:  January 1st 2008

Mary Roach takes us on an educational odyssey into the interesting - and certainly at times - strange marginalized world of sexual physiology –the study of what happens, why it happens and hopefully how to make it better.  With subjects ranging from sex study history to sex toys R&D labs and thinking yourself to an orgasm, this book looks at many differing aspects and attitudes involved in this secret or not so secret part of human lives.

 

Sex is fun and can be very funny and I have to say I giggled a lot –in a good way- when I reserved Bonk (though personally I think Boink would have been a better name).  I also got an enormous inexplicable joy from sharing my newest read with my husband so we could giggle together.  As one of my first forays into this subject since my freshman year of college when I took a class called, Human Sexuality, taught by a hostile professor set on aggressively broadening my horizons and routing out the naiveté of my 18-year-old self (High School sex ed had in no way prepared me for this lady) this went alright.  Thankfully Roach has a more understanding manner, though not a much more delicate one, than my previous teacher.

Roach has a playful, but matter-of-fact writing style making a very charged subject more comfortable –though by no means relaxed.  Her genius for chapter titles and ability to put her real feelings and experiences researching and writing this book made me feel like I wasn’t alone as I wrestled with my own colorings and impressions of the info she presented. 

Overall this book is quite the trip.  I definitely experienced “What the hell?” moments that stuck with me.  At times I laughed out loud and other times I cringed as my over active imagination supplied me with images I can never unsee. It took me awhile to get through it as I wrestled with my feelings on the wide variety of subjects and I would say this isn’t your typical one sit read.  This book deserves a chance to be absorbed and thought over, not rushed through like a racer only looking for the finished line.

Caution:  This is not a book for the general reader and definitely only for older somewhat(which always is relative) mature readers, but I do have to say I liked it.

ISBN  0393064646 (ISBN13: 9780393064643)

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan ★★★★☆

Is Seven a Crowd?

Fiction – YA – Urban Fantasy

Reading level: Ages 10 and up

574 pages

Publication Date:  October 2nd 2012

Heroes of Olympus #3

Literary awards:  Goodreads Choice for Best Middle Grade & Children's (2012)

The seven Greek and Roman demigod heroes of the prophecy finally come together and set out on a journey to the ancient land to stop the rise of Earth Mother, Gaea, but not without usual amount of monsters and disasters.  The arrival of the Greek flying ship, Argo II, and subsequent encounter has sparked a war between the Greek and Roman camps that only Annabeth Chase can stop all on her own by following the Mark of Athena.  With war between the demigods on the horizon, terrible giants, schizophrenic gods, and a friend slowly suffocating with the heroes as his only means of rescue our heroes are going to face challenges and sacrifices even greater than they ever imagined.  

Okay, at first I was a little concerned about the whole four different narratives thing.  Sure Riordan pulled off three in the other two books, but four seemed to be pushing it, however, I found myself needlessly concerned and actually really enjoyed it.  This book is really fun and rather ambitious.  With so many main players and factions it could have easily dissolved into chaos, but Riordan managed to keep all of the threads together weaving a fast paced, but introspective story, while not losing me.  My hat off to him and his obvious skills.

I tore through this book with an unexpected speed and high degree of excitement.  It greatly builds upon Annabeth’s character and gives a lot more insight into her.  As always Leo made me laugh, adding a lighthearted note to drama, though the explanation of why Leo looked like Hazel’s friend Sammy was kind of disturbing.  I found something wanting in Frank’s character for this book and missed how much understanding of him I received while reading The Son of Neptune.  I loved watching the dynamic between the alphas (Jason and Percy), the kind of love triangle (Frank, Hazel and Leo) Annabeth, as the conflicted and burdened leader and Piper trying to find her place in the crowd.  I relished the dramatic ending and the unexpected turn of events when everything seemed okay.  There is no real sense of satisfaction to the end of this book unlike The Lost Hero and The Son of Neptune.  And now I find next Fall is just too long to wait for, The House of Hades!

ISBN  1423140605 (ISBN13: 9781423140603)