The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Review

I just read a delightful short read entitled The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. It was a mystery novel of sorts told through the eyes of an autistic teenage. I loved the fact that the chapters were not sequential in the normal way (1, 2, 3) but sequential prime numbers. I also enjoyed the random math exercises he would insert in between his investigative talks with the neighbors. The one big disappointment is how neatly the story wraps up. (The next part in my journal is full of spoilers so I am leaving some stuff out.) Also, I do not know much about autism, but I must wonder how accurate Haddon's portrayal of Christopher is. There were times that I just did not feel comfortable with how Christopher was acting and how a real autistic teen would act. The book was a nice break from the other books I have been reading, so I was thankful for the quick read. I guess I just want a quick read with some substance.

The Country of the Pointed Firs Interpretations

Not much seems to be written on Sarah Orne Jewett's The Country of the Pointed Firs. All the reviewers praise the pretty and relaxing language. One reviewer mentioned that the stories used to be read over the radio. It would be nice to listen to the stories aloud.

Beautiful Dreams

Don't it show that for folks that have any fancy in 'em, such beautiful dreams is the real part o'life? But to most folks the common things that happens outside 'em is all in all.

The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett

The Country of the Pointed Firs Review

It seemed perfect to finish Sarah Orne Jewett's Country of the Pointed Firs at the same time as Dreaming in Cuban, because very little happens in either book, especially in this book. Nothing happens, Jewett spends the entire book talking about what happens in a small Maine seaport. It was a very relaxing book to read before bed, but it was very dissatisfying to finish, because there was no real conclusion. I felt the book could have kept going on forever, there was no real climax. Also, Williams' wedding at the end seemed very tacked on. It was very frustrating to meet all these interesting characters but have them go nowhere; we just met them for one conversation.

Dreaming in Cuban Interpretations

Most reviews of Dreaming in Cuban agree with my own ideas. The book was neat in that Cristina Garcia mixes letters and narration together and goes back and forth in time. One reviewer particularly disliked this format but everyone else thought it was fabulous and innovative.

Solitude

Solitude, Celia realizes now, exists for us not to remember but to forget.

Dreaming in Cuban by Cristina Garcia

Exercise

Lourdes rides her new Sears exercise bicycle until sparks fly from the wheels. She tacks up a full color road map of the United States in her bedroom and charts her mileage daily with a green felt marker.

Dreaming in Cuban by Cristina Garcia