Friday, November 28, 2014

Even Crazier in California?

Crazy in Alabama by Mark Childress

This book was the June 2014 read for our "Borders" Book Club. It is a favorite book for one of our members, and therefore highly recommended by her. Everyone else liked it more than I did. I liked it, but that's about all. I found it a bit too "crazy" to be at all believable and for some reason just couldn't quite get into the California part--that darned Tupperware bowl and small dogs...not necessarily a good combination! Although rated the highest among Childress's books by Goodreads ratings, I actually preferred Georgia Bottoms and One Mississippi much more. Though I would concur with Pat Conroy; it is "unforgettable"! There are scenes emblazoned on my memory forever...some that make me chuckle to myself just thinking of them! 

There were definitely laugh-out-loud scenes in this book, particularly when she gets it on with the young trooper in New Mexico and leaves him handcuffed in his car, shoving the accelerator down with a rock, leaving the car moving off into the desert at 2-3 miles per hour! Now that was rather funny! As she peels out, she unwraps her leftover grilled cheese sandwich and tells Chester, "He was better than you ever were." 

I could truly appreciate the scenes about Martin Luther King and politicians' manipulation of rallies, etc., for nothing more or less than their own political gain. Sickening... My favorite parts of the book were the civil rights scenes, though they were also scary. I can never fathom that there are humans who willingly treat each other so appallingly inhumanely! I realize that people/societies/cultures develop and evolve, but the concepts of racism, discrimination, and prejudice seem so evil to me. Don't get me wrong, there are people in this world I definitely dislike, however, that is typically the result of direct contact and the fact that they have given me good reasons to dislike them, not just because of how they look. Book Club members noted the double oppression contained within this book: of females as well as blacks. 

Lucille had a very routinely dull life caring for her five children and was rather obviously in a lackluster, perhaps even loveless, marriage, but she had dreams to follow. I could understand and empathize with her situation, but does that justify murder? I realize it was the mid-'60's, but divorce WAS possible at that time! Gee! Since The Beverly Hillbillies was one of my favorite TV shows as a child, I was particularly enamored with those scenes. Admittedly, I was sorry that Lucille was unable to pursue her acting career fully, but murder is murder, after all... Add to that car theft, armed robbery, leaving a police officer handcuffed in his car which is accelerating through the desert, albeit slowly...well, you get the picture...she was in some deep trouble! The irony at the end was enjoyable. Once she finally decided to unload Chester, well... You need to read it to understand! 

The most intriguing relationship in this book was between Lucille and her anonymous night-time visitor! Then to run into him later at a public function, recognizing him only by his voice! How freaky would that be?!? You spend the night with a total stranger, never expecting to see him again, and then... Yikes!! :) 

Wiley and Peejoe were my favorite characters. Poor Peejoe! What a lot of responsibility he had regarding Lucille! I could appreciate his anger at Wiley for climbing a tree and staying there, leaving Peejoe to deal with his aunt. 

Have you heard much about this book? Or read it? I like Childress's writing, but this wasn't my favorite among the three of his I have read thus far.

I have yet to watch the movie, but perhaps it will impress me more than the book did. 


Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Kinda a Creepy Title...but an unexpectedly poignant read!

Tell The Wolves I'm Home 

Image courtesy of Carol Rifka Brunt's website
Admittedly, this title threw me a bit the first time I saw it... Immediately, I was groaning to myself and imagining some urban setting with werewolves, zombies, or whatever, though when I gave it some thought, several authors who recommended it typically don't read such urban fantasies. I began investigating in earnest and learned it was not that type of book at all! Then one of our book club members suggested we read it...and here we are today! I literally read this book in one day, that is how enthralling I found it to be. Brunt's writing flowed serenely along, much like the stream in the woods behind the school. This book resonated with me on so many levels. I found similarities to Tartt's The Goldfinch in the ultimate importance of a work of art to other people, and Benjamin's Alice I Have Been in the possibly inappropriate sexual thoughts about or relationship with an older person.

As you might realize by now, if you have read many of my reviews here or on Goodreads, I typically read for characterization first--make me believe in these characters, please! :) Brunt delivers exactly that. I am quite satisfied when I complete a novel and feel as if I have made "friends" with the characters and would LOVE to know what happens to them next. However, I always realize there is never a "stopping point" where I would feel as if I know everything about them. I am amazed at the level of writing contained within this novel, considering it is her debut! Wow...I will anxiously await future publications, of which I hope there will be many. 

Brunt states in the Question/Answer section at the back of my paperback edition that she did not initially consider this to be much of a "coming-of-age" novel, but I believe it definitely is, and I'm glad she did further editing/writing to better define this theme. June is not perhaps "typical" among her adolescent peers, and yet, who really is? (I don't believe there is a "normal" when discussing human nature/behaviors!) We are each individuals and even as children, especially adolescents, each of us experiences our own pressures and challenges, though we all may believe virtually every other child has it much better/easier then we do! In effect, I felt this book fully demonstrated the "anti-bullying" concept of acceptance and empathy toward others, regardless of our impressions or preconceived notions. The reader feels June's shyness and lack of social skills to mix and mingle and make friends, though her sister, Greta, is the exact opposite--gregarious, talented, and popular amongst her peers. Being an only child perhaps limits my credibility in this area, but for me, Brunt's depiction of this sibling relationship seemed accurate and I thoroughly resonated with both June and Greta. Our other book club members with siblings agreed this relationship was portrayed accurately. 

June is literally trying to define herself. (Aren't we all? LOL) This proves to be a bit more difficult for her than it appears to be for Greta, though we later learn that Greta has her own demons to conquer. And this is, in my opinion, one of the main themes in this book, accept others with empathy and sympathy--do not judge. As we learn of Finn and Danni's history, we see how devastating and perpetual the consequences can be when relationships are damaged by hurt, judgment, and most importantly, holding grudges; being unable to forgive and accept the choices others make. I believe Finn's supposed "abandonment" was simply his only option for dealing with his sexual identity in the '60's and '70's, especially given that his father was a strict military man, however, that one decision held repercussions for the future beyond anyone's imaginings at the time... And this is true, we can never know the long-term results of the seemingly inconsequential decisions any of us makes on any given day. 

While I loved this book, reactions among our book club members was mixed. Three members felt it definitely required reading the first third or so before it began to flow for them, but once it did, two of them liked it and the third rated it "so-so." The fourth person felt it was a really good book. The good news? No one "hated" it! :) The themes contained herein made excellent fodder for discussion. There were mixed reactions to the idea that June's attraction to Finn was possibly inappropriate; most felt it was rather typical of an adolescent who was just beginning to think such thoughts to initially experiment with them toward the people with whom they have the closest relationships. I would argue that society then teaches us to stifle what may be considered inappropriate according to social norms, forcing us to focus such thoughts in "socially acceptable" ways. Fortunately, even very recently, attitudes appear to be changing overall among the US populace regarding acceptance of "non-heterosexuality" and those who identify as other than "straight." 

A consideration I found to be interesting dealt with the time of publication. If this had been released in 2012 rather than 2014, might readers' reactions perhaps be quite different, given some of the themes (homosexuality, AIDS, etc.) depicted? We all felt many more readers would likely not be as accepting just two years ago as they might be now, especially toward a "gay" couple. And the painting of Greta and June, we wished it had been left in its altered state, thereby preserving the further "edits." The teapot and the wolf, from the title and the cover image...so meaningful!

My favorite character was Finn. I believe he was the most loving and caring character of them all--leaving notes for both June and Toby to take care of each other, how sweet! And the basement "room" created as Toby's hideout when June visited. I loved Finn's love for others. 

Have you read this one yet? I think you will not be disappointed if you do... I loved it! I believe I have another favorite author! 'Cause, I need more favorites!! 

Sunday, November 23, 2014

I just had to read it...to see what all the hype is about...and was rewarded.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Image courtesy of John Green's website

I typically use smaller pictures of books on blog posts, but this book truly is "bigger than life," in my humble opinion, hence, the really large picture! Rarely am I "gaga" over a book that is already getting so much HUGE press, however, I feel John Green deserves each and every accolade he receives, and more! This was a selection for both the "Borders" Book Club I facilitate and IUPUI Book Club in which I participate. I have watched the Goodreads stats on this book climb to unknown heights, reaching a peak of 1,198,527 ratings as of today, November 23, 2014. And as I have rarely observed, the overall rating increases as more people read and rate it, currently 4.42 on a 5-point scale today! Wow...just wow... 

This book truly qualifies as one of my favorite reads of all time! That is saying a lot, considering I've been alive 58 1/2 years and I have been an avid reader for most of those years! Seriously, this book rates right up there with Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The School of Essential Ingredients (and all others) by Erica Bauermeister, The Art of Racing in the Rain (and all others) by Garth Stein, Gemini (and all others) by Carol Cassella, The Aviator's Wife (and all others) by Melanie Benjamin, and A White Wind Blew by James Markert. (As you can see, there are many books that I consider to be all-time favorites, and trust me, this is only a partial list!) 

And John Green is now one of my all-time favorite authors, especially since I have read Looking for Alaska (almost as good as TFIOS, in my opinion) and Paper Towns and loved both of those books, too! I own and will also read An Abundance and Katherines and Will Grayson, Will Grayson in the near future.

I ask myself what it is that makes certain written works so darned appealing to so many readers, and I believe it is typically the potency of the characterization and plot working together to penetrate the soul, consciousness, and emotional center of a reader's being. Naturally, the subject matter of TFIOS is so very poignant--fatal illness among children/teens--that immediately 
connects with the sympathetic and empathetic processes of virtually any reader of any age. Add in the other related issues: "normal" adolescent behaviors and experiences in "coming of age"; parental attitudes of grief, selflessness, and selfishness; death, at any age, but particularly when you've not lived all that long, in terms of a "normal" or expected life timeline; and you're certainly covering much controversial and deeply moving territory! However, in addition, or perhaps as a catalyst for all this, I contend that in the case of TFIOS, Green's very direct and precise dialogue is to blame! A vast understatement: the man definitely has "a way with words"!

So many scenes from this book will live in my memory forever... I will address just a few here. One of the most poignant issues for me was the very different ways in which I felt each set of parents dealt with their children's impending premature death. The Waters' were very "up," posting all kinds of "encouragements" throughout their house (wall hangings, embroidered pillows, etc.): Home Is Where the Heart Is, Good Friends Are Hard to Find and Impossible to Forget, True Love is Born from Hard Times, Family is Forever. As Gus said, "they're everywhere." While I can understand and sympathize with the need to be "strong" and insist your child "fight" for his/her life, I believe there can be a point at which consideration for a good (or even decent) quality of life for the patient, regardless of his or her relationship to you, should override this persistence... In my opinion, though well-intentioned it can become unrealistic and more hurtful (physically and psychologically) to the patient. 

This situation seemed to reach a climax when Gus had to finally assert himself and fight with his parents, insisting that he be allowed to accompany Hazel Grace to Paris to see Peter Van Houten, the author of her absolute favorite book, An Imperial Affliction. There was literally a screaming match just before their departure. Unbeknownst to her at the time, he had been put on "palliative chemotherapy"--they intended for him to remain on this medical regimen for the short duration prior to his death, regardless...while he felt it more important to travel with Hazel Grace. This reminded me so much of times when as a parent, you must listen to your children's desires and help them determine what they should do. I don't believe Gus was given that much leeway...but shouldn't HE be the one to make this decision? After all, he has so little time left on this earth, what is the point of forcing him to endure more physical and emotional misery through such medicinal therapy when the end is so very close anyway? However, it is always so easy to "know" what you would do in certain situations, though in reality, none of us would truly "know" unless we were there, would we?

Whereas Hazel Grace's parents appear to be more compassionate and respectful toward their child overall. Her mother has quit working outside the home and her father cries at the drop of a hat. However, they do encourage her to get out and make friends, even guiding her to complete a GED and enter college, as well as attending the weekly Support Group  meetings in the "heart of Jesus"! One of the most poignant and humorous examples of Hazel's parents' realistic and selfless attitude is reflected on page 7:
           Hazel: "If you want me to be a teenager, don't send me to Support Group. 
                    Buy me a fake ID so I can go to clubs, drink vodka, and take pot."
          Hazel's Mom: "You don't take pot, for starters." 
          Hazel: "See, that's the kind of thing I'd know if you got me a fake ID."
          Hazel's Mom: "Your'e going to Support Group."
          Hazel: "Uggggggggggggg."
Of course, this is the night Hazel Grace just happens to meet Augustus, and that was the start of a true "coming of age" experience for her in so many ways. But this passage really had me thinking about the grieving of parents caught in such situations. That must also include the fact that your child's life is now constantly monitored with little to no room to experience any of the more dangerous and "naughty" events of a typical adolescence, as so many others do when they're not fatally ill. I loved her mother for saying that and not getting all bent out of shape with Hazel's comment. 

"The fault, Dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings." (Julius Caesar) This book explores so many issues/topics! It is fascinating. One mentioned by book club members was the idea of "God"; some felt there was tension between Christianity and "the Universe." Hazel's Dad said several times, "The Universe just wants to be noticed." I like this, it makes me remember that we are all part of one big whole entity. Augustus's note states he is still with her, in Amsterdam he mentions the "inifinity" in little moments--our little tiny infinity. For me this is all a reminder not to overlook or ignore all those "little things" that happen to us every day; it all matters. 

I am certain this book will be a "classic" forevermore into the future, and if not, it should be... Have you had any similar experiences? Or has anyone close to you? Have you read this book? You really should. It is so well worth your time. It feels so REAL...

Monday, November 10, 2014

Classics Club Spin #8

Ahhhh...#8 coming up on Monday, November 10!

Here is my list! I even switched sections around and renumbered...truly random! 

And the lucky spin number this morning was "unlucky" #13!! Ooooohhhh...a James Baldwin!! I can't wait to read this one! Yay!! Have you read it? Any thoughts?

Those I cannot wait to read:
1. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
     Feel I should read it so I can understand the references made to it.
2. The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham
     Loved the movie and would like to read the book, which is virtually always better, 
     in my opinion!
3. The Ways of White Folks by Langston Hughes
     Love Hughes, and want to read what he had to say...
4. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
     Love his short stories and this will be the first full-length novel of his for me to have 
     read. (The Last Tycoon doesn't count, since it was unfinished.)
5. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
     Yeah, I know. Unbelievable that some English/literature teacher in my past never 
     got to this one, but I am very curious.

Those books about which I am relatively neutral:
6. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
     Really feel the need to read one of her books!
7. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
     Have yet to read one of his novels.
8. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
     Just keep seeing references to this one all over the place and am definitely curious!
9. Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser
    Loved An American Tragedy when I read it at the age of 15. 
10. The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter
     Fascinated by the concept.

Free Choice:
11. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
     Read this at age 15, loved it, and am anxious to see how I feel about it now, some 
     42 years later! :)
12. The Ship of Fools by Katherine Anne Porter 
     First read when I was 13. I loved it then and am anxious to see how it resonates 
     for me now.
13. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
     I like his writing; so intense and emotional...heartfelt!
14. The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study by W.E.B. Du Bois
     Have always said I wanted to read something he'd written. I admire his 
     accomplishments with regard to the NAACP, etc.
15. Man's Search for Meaning by Victor E. Frankl
     So many have mentioned that this is a "must-read" book and there are so many    
      references to it.

Okay, the ones I rather dread, but for whatever reason wish to read:
16. The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
     I feel as if I really should read this if I haven't yet...
17. The Making of Americans by Gertrude Stein
     I want to read something written by her, but really have no idea what to expect.
18. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
     I'm sure this is going to gross me out, but I think we all need to read it...
19. Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe
     So many references that I feel I need to have at least read it.
20. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
     Loved The Grapes of Wrath, but have never been attracted to this one, though I feel I 
     should read it. It is referred to so often and by so many!!

Which of these would you prefer? Or refuse to read?

https://theclassicsclubblog.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/the-classics-spin-8/

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Classics Club Spin #7

This is the listing I should have posted by Monday, August 11, 2014 for the Classics Club Spin #7. (Yes, Doris Lessing has delayed me...but I am determined if nothing else!!)

Oh, boy...I have "re-organized" my listing to include The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, conveniently in slot #17, which just so happens to be the number for Classics Club Spin #7! (Yes, I cheated and made sure this is the book I would read for the 7th spin!) I had begun rereading this in the spring and due to travel and other time-limiting factors had to abandon it so I could read other books to stay current with book club reads, etc. I am anxious to complete this reading, so will do so in the very near future and post a review!

Those books about which I am relatively neutral:
1. The Ship of Fools by Katherine Anne Porter 
     First read when I was 13. I loved it then and am anxious to see how it resonates 
     for me now.
2. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
     Have yet to read one of his novels.
3. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
     Just keep seeing references to this one all over the place and am definitely curious!
4. Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser
    Loved An American Tragedy when I read it at the age of 15. 
5. The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter
     Fascinated by the concept.

Okay, the ones I rather dread, but for whatever reason wish to read:
6. The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
     I feel as if I really should read this if I haven't yet...
7. The Making of Americans by Gertrude Stein
     I want to read something written by her, but really have no idea what to expect.
8. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
     I'm sure this is going to gross me out, but I think we all need to read it...
9. Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe
     So many references that I feel I need to have at least read it.
10. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
     Loved The Grapes of Wrath, but have never been attracted to this one, though I feel I 
     should read it.

Those I cannot wait to read:
11. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
     Feel I should read it so I can understand the references made to it.
12. The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham
     Loved the movie and would like to read the book, which is virtually always better, 
     in my opinion!
13. The Ways of White Folks by Langston Hughes
     Love Hughes, and want to read what he had to say...
14. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
     Love his short stories and this will be the first full-length novel of his for me to have 
     read. (The Last Tycoon doesn't count, since it was unfinished.)
15. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
     Yeah, I know. Unbelievable that some English/literature teacher in my past never 
     got to this one, but I am very curious.

Free Choice:
16. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
     Read this at age 15, loved it, and am anxious to see how I feel about it now, some 
     42 years later! :)
17. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
      Started rereading this for the NPR follow-along this spring and had to abandon to 
      keep current with book club reads while traveling, etc. :( I first read this at age 15 
      and am anxious to see how it resonates for me now that I am just a few years 
      older...okay, decades older! lol
18. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
     I like his writing; so intense and emotional...heartfelt!
19. The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study by W.E.B. Du Bois
     Have always said I wanted to read something he'd written. I admire his 
     accomplishments with regard to the NAACP, etc.
20. Man's Search for Meaning by Victor E. Frankl
     So many have mentioned that this is a "must-read" book and there are so many    
      references to it.

Which of these have you read? Or would you like to read/reread? 

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Classics Club Spin #6...A Notebook

The Golden Notebook 
by Doris Lessing

Ah, the dangers of reading "classics"! 
This is one of the first times I have felt 
the need to complete reading a book 
simply to have completed it...
just because I made a commitment 
to myself to do so!
It may have taken months, but finally...
I reached my goal!

Do I feel enlightened as a result of having read this book? Yes. 

Am I glad I read it? Somewhat. At least now I know what others are referring to when they mention this book, and after all, that is much of my goal when reading "classics." 

So, while I totally agree with Lessing, I truly believe she could have created a much more readable tome in about half as many pages and still conveyed the same themes and opinions just as effectively, perhaps more so. However, that is just my opinion, take it as you may. I kept repeating to myself as I read the last half of the book--"Consider the date of publication and the impact this book had on typical readers of the time." Trust me, that was my mantra and that was the main reason I was determined to complete this read! While I have read others' recommendations for this book as a "must-read" for girls/women, I heartily commend anyone who has read this book through to the bitter end. It was such a task of pure unadulterated determination on my part...

While I found Lessing's writing to be well-grounded, the organization of this text was perplexing and confusing for me overall. I had to keep referring back in the text and to the synopsis on the back of the paperback to determine who a character was, etc. And that never ended for me as I continued plodding along. And it did indeed feel as if I was plodding...trudging...through mud, sand, any glutinous mixture that might bog one down as I continued through the second half. 


Before...in the idealistic stage.
I could appreciate how Lessing depicted the initial idealistic enthusiasm of many people for communist/Marxist political systems, believing them to be an answer to the need and/or desire for totally egalitarian division of resources, etc., among all within society. However, as we now know, this system also proved to be flawed, as those "in power" within these political systems were just as corrupt, greedy, tyrannical, and maniacal as any despots who ruled prior to them. Stalin was, of course, the preeminent example of such wicked totalitarianism of that time, ruling the Soviet Union until 1953, having killed many millions (At least 13-14 million, according to Wikipedia!) of Soviets. Although I totally agree that it is grossly unfair for a few to hold all the wealth/power in any society, I believe it is virtually impossible for a greedy few NOT to grab power if they are determined to do so. As much as I believe democracy should work for humanity, it doesn't seem that we have yet perfected this political construct into an effective practice... I believe Capitalism is/can be just as corrupt. Greed, for money, power, status, etc., seems to enable a minority of people in any human society to subjugate the majority. 


After the idealist vision proved
inadequate and flawed...
Comes the disillusionment...



There was a like disillusionment with feminist ideals. Lessing shows the dichotomy of the archetypal woman who engages in casual uncommitted sexual relationships, believing herself to be "free" and acting like a "typical" male, when in 1962, most women were not at all psychologically prepared for this lifestyle as a lifelong behavior, and still found themselves desiring typically traditional relationships, including marriage, children, and commitment. 

          "And what about us? Free, we say, yet the truth is they get erections when they're with a woman 
          they don't give a damn about, but we don't have an orgasm unless we love him. What's free 
          about that?" page 439 
   
So although females had gained some sexual "freedom" at that point in time, they were not necessarily happy with the outcome. I believe this demonstrates the fact that social change requires much time; behaviors may change, but the psychological ramifications take much longer to incorporate into the human psyche overall. Unfortunately, societal expectations can require many decades to achieve much of a shift within the populace...

This reminded me of the time required for U.S. society to change its attitude toward women working outside the home full-time. I was a recent high school graduate in 1974 and although this concept was becoming a bit more acceptable, e.g. there was an expectation that females would "attend" college, (interestingly, not necessarily to "complete" or "graduate" from college) just as a "back-up," in case they were unable to obtain the expected "M-R-S" degree, or if they (Shock!) ended up d-i-v-o-r-c-e-d! It was a rather perplexing situation, and since I was in the Midwest, local society/culture was even more "backward" and much less progressive, and therefore, even more confusing for many of us females entering adulthood! 

A third recurrent theme (definitely related to that listed above regarding feminist ideals), repeated consistently throughout the second half of this book (to ad nauseum, in my opinion) is the idea of sexual attraction to those who have been "unfaithful." Men are portrayed as enjoying the fact they can have sex with another woman and then return to the one woman with whom they are supposedly "in a relationship" to have more sex. However, as Lessing depicts, a woman does not have this same sense of enjoyment:

          "I went over to him, and he gripped my wrist and brought me down 
          beside him. I remember lying there and hating him and wondering 
          why the only time I could remember him making love to me with 
          any conviction was when he knew I had just made love to someone 
          else." page 143

Virtually all of this information was obtained from reading the first half of this book. The second half simply repeated (over and over and over again) these same themes, adding the process of Anna's slide into insanity. For me, it was a very depressing read, however, as I kept telling myself, it was probably a much more enlightening, ground-breaking, even shocking read back in 1962 or even 1974!!

Have you read this classic? What was your take on it? Whew! I'm just glad it's over and done! I was glad I took a break and read other books I enjoyed much more before returning to it and reading the last half--that break seemed to invigorate me enough to push on!