Still Alice (↑)

Although I have no job yet, I've gotten busy the past few weeks, and so this blog post was a long time coming. It took me forever to finish the book, but not because I didn't like it, but rather because I didn't have the time to read it. I've finished the novel, Still Alice by Lisa Genova. This book made me sad because it really hits home what it feels like to have Alzheimer's Disease. Everyone always hears about it from the caregiver's view, but it was refreshing to hear about it from the individual suffering from it. It was sad as it continued on the fact that she basically seemed like a zombie, without thought or simple thoughts. It was like she was a child. A woman who was so intelligent brought down to that level. It was also upsetting to read when she forgot her children's names, or didn't recognize them, and it got even worse when she didn't recognize her husband. I hope that when I get older I don't develop Alzheimer's or dementia. But honestly, I don't know what would be worse...losing my memories/mind or losing function of my body. Both would be terrible.

Anyway, this novel is about a woman who finds out she has Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. It follows the disease's progression throughout 2 years until basically she is without a memory. It follows her thoughts and frustrations as she loses her language ability, her ability to remember her children and family and ability to dress herself. It's a sad novel, but one that raises awareness for others as to what it feels like.

I have to say that I would recommend it to people who are caregivers for those with Alzheimer's or are interested in learning more about it. I look forward to reading her Lisa Genova's next book.

I'm not sure what I will be starting next, but most likely it will be on my ereader (which has to charge) so until then, Happy Reading!

The Help (↑)

Wow is all I can say at the moment. This is certainly going on my Top 10 favourite books list. I suppose I should give you the title: The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I can definitely see how people will compare it to To Kill a Mockingbird, seeing as it has a similar storyline, and it definitely brings about feelings of rage and sympathy for African-Americans. I really felt for the characters. They are well developed, and full of emotion and colour (no pun intended!). It's hard to say who my favourite character was. I definitely can say that I absolutely hated Miss Hilly. So many times I wanted to punch her in the face for being so mean and ignorant towards Aibileen and Minny. When reading some of the opinions the 'white folk' had of the maids, I had to stop myself to calm down and say that it was a different generation. Hell, I have to do that now with my grandparents! It's nice to see that where I live, and the people I know don't harbour such racism anymore. However, I can't say that everyone feels the same way. Last year for example, there was an act of racism not even an hour away from where I live. My only question is why would someone feel this way towards another human being? Even if they are white, black, Indian, native, asian, etc.? We are all the same on the inside, we all have feelings and thoughts and families. It's not right that our society should be stuck 50 years in the past.

This story is based in the 1960's, and follows 3 main characters: Miss Skeeter, a young white woman who views the world differently than her white friends, and wants to make a difference in the world, and she also wants to make her place, seeing as she just graduated from university; Aibileen who is an older, single black woman who is a maid for Miss Leefolt, who really isn't a bad person but is easily influenced and self-centred; and then there is Minny. Minny is an opinionated black woman who works for a social outcast Miss Celia and is married to a drunkard. Miss Skeeter joins forces with Aibileen and Minny during a time where black rights are just coming into focus. They write a novel that is based off the stories of help in the surrounding area. It gets published, and then they have to deal with the wrath of Miss Hilly, the villain of the novel. Although the ending doesn't tie up loose ends, it does make you feel 'freer' in a sense that the main characters are starting their new lives, and the help who helped write the novel also had some changes occur in their work lives.

This novel certainly isn't a feel good novel. It's one where you read it, and it makes you outraged at society and how people are treated unfairly (even in today's day and age), but the ending allows for a positive light to shine through, and gives you hope. Yeah, this sounds cheesy, but honestly, it's the truth. I definitely will recommend this book to ANYONE! I borrowed this book from a friend of my mother's, but it will go on my list of 'books to buy', so that I can keep it on my bookshelf. Anyway, onward to reading Still Alice. Until then, Happy Reading!

Water for Elephants (↑)

I've finished another book. This one was Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I had already watched the movie back in May, which is strange for me considering that I usually read the book before watching the movie. I had the opportunity to watch it for free, so instead, I decided to watch it, and then read the book when I had the time. Anyway, I REALLY enjoyed this book. The movie followed it exactly except for a few little spots (but that is true for almost all books-into-movies, isn't it?). It really made me feel like I was back in that era at the show. I did however get a little confused and frustrated trying to remember all the character names, as well as trying to imagine what they circus looked like, but that's not the author's fault, but rather my own. I have to say though, I really really enjoyed this book, and would definitely recommend it to others.

This book follows Jacob Jankowski who lost everything when he found out his parents were killed in an automobile accident, at that time it was the Depression, and not having any other option, he hopped a train which happened to be a circus train, and joined the circus as a vet.  It followed his 3.5 month stay with them until a tragic incident occurs and sets him and his love Marlena free to continue their life. This book switches from Jacob's 20-something year old narrative to him as a ninety-three year old complaining of being forgotten about, and of course other things old men like to complain about.

Anyway, this was an excellent book, and although the print was tiny, I was still able to read it rather quickly, and I'm sure others could also. The next book I'll be reading is The Help (I want to see the movie, so I'm going to read the book first!). So until then, Happy Reading!