I'm Back From the Dead

Oh, I was so close to loving this book. I really liked it. A lot. I liked Margaret Rose Kane. I liked her uncles. I liked the towers, particularly because I didn't like them very much at first (too abstract, too eccentric, both Erica-criticisms). I even liked the plan to save them and I was thrilled when Peter Vanderwaal decided they were "outsider art." I totally bought that they could be saved that way, and I also bought the idea of a big company buying them. I did not feel betrayed by this book, as I often do when books try to be too clever. And E.L. Konigsburg has more narrative talent in her little finger than most of the writers we've read so far, so the fact that the prose is smooth and pretty without being (mostly) unobtrusive isn't surprising.

So I really only have three complaints:

1) I feel like all of the cool, weird adults in her books are the same person (possibly her). And I don't really buy the way they talk, so I could perhaps believe in one of them, but not several in the same title. Peter and Loretta sounded way too similar to me -- probably why they got married, I suppose.

2) Speaking of marriage -- were there any clues that M.K.R.'s parents were ending theirs? I hate that kind of emotional surprise, but maybe I missed the foreshadowing (read this book in one sitting).

3) Way. Too. Much. Information at the end. This really isn't a long enough book to justify going into excruciating detail in an epilogue about every character and what they ended up doing, and I definitely don't want to hear my narrator become an adult when she was already interesting enough as a kid. Should have quit while she was ahead.

But! We are doing better at choosing books! I hope this trend continues. ;-)

19 Schuyler Place

Short version: the best book we've read so far!

First-rate characterization.

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[edited to add longer version]

You know, I fell in love with Margaret Rose. I think I'm inclined to admire-adore down-to-earth intellectuals, the sort of people with odd bits of trivia in their heads. These are the sort of people I like best in real life. This is the kind of person I want to be.

***NOTE: I would have thrown a BIG fit over the bedwetting issue, getting all excited (enraged) and yelling and (maybe) even (okay, probably) throwing things. I would have shown the inept counselor my dry pajamas and screamed the cabin down.

*****ANOTHER NOTE: Yes, I know this book wasn't all about me. I'm just reflecting, pensively.

The uncles are lovingly crafted.

Pg. 112: I spit on digital clocks/watches, too, Morris.

Love the wordplay: areasonable, anobedient, etc.

Verdict: Well-told, moving, concise, intriguing on many levels. I really enjoyed it! Didn't realize until end that the cover is the painting on Margaret's ceiling, with one corner left undone. Are those the shadows of the towers criss-crossing the rose?

Voting Booth Closed

You may vote for more than one. We'll take the top two or so and make those our June and July books - unless someone says NAY!

+ + + + Looks like Fortune's Bones for June and Bound for July. Alrighty?

June

I just have to say that I saw Fortune's Bones in a bookstore a couple of weeks ago, and it looks stunning. Otherwise, I vote strongly for nonfiction. Anything by Russell Freedman (although I've already read the Marian Anderson book, so maybe this), or Jim Murphy (who I'd be willing to reread, even, but I don't know about Kristin -- An American Plague is wonderful, as is Blizzard. And finally, don't tell Susan but I never made it through this, which could be fascinating.

That's me. To make up for my woeful silence on this month's book. (My verdict: Cool.)

Feedback

Well, here's my 2 cents:

Bound: looks v. interesting; fairy tale w/o the fairy, seems to remind me of Jane Yolen's Briar Rose with the combo of fairy tale and real life.

The Mount: futuristic sci-fi suggestion for the month of June.

The Race to Save the Lord God Bird: biological non-fiction, for some reason this doesn't really pique my interest (perhaps b/c I've been using the Rumpus as an escape from science, thesis, etc.)

The Voice that Challenged a Nation: tidbit of trivia--James DePreist (Director of the Oregon Symphony among others) is Marian Anderson's nephew.

Our choices have somewhat centered around activism...wellm Hoot and Outcasts anyway. Perhaps the non-fictionophiles would like a break from all these imaginary stories.

By the by

Some CSCL news (not that we EVOR call the Center for the Study of Children's Literature CSCL):

This Wednesday there's a retirement party for The Illustrious Susan P. Bloom at Simmons. Meera and I plan to go, and I promise to do my part to report back on the type of cheese served as well as whether the napkins are store-bought or hand-printed. As this is a party in honor of Susan, those unfamiliar with the small world of Simmons will perhaps assume that Bloomers will relax, revel in the glory of a career well-managed.

I'm counting on the excited-dog action, myself.

Your friendly guide to the Sinstitute/Imposium

I don't know how to put a link into a comment, so I'm making a new post.

So lookee lookee lookee.

There are a few nonfiction things to look at, as well as Marilyn Nelson's poetry masterpiece. We don't necessarily have to choose a recent book of any of these authors, either. Just thought we could draw on the guest speakers as inspiration.

Any thoughts?