Yes, these two books were "Short & Sweet". I really enjoyed both of them. I ended up reading "Skylark" first. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but it would have been nice to have some attachment to the characters going into it. The writing was beautifully poetic. I too appreciated all that was said without words.
I thought that Sarah was an inspiration. How courageous she was to leave behind all that she knew and loved to go to a place and to people that she only hoped that she could love. How often in life do we cling, for too long, to what we know and trust, and consequently miss out on what we could have.
I appreciated the selflessness of the children. I don't know if I'd be willing to accept a stranger into my heart and home.
I did enjoy the stories, but find that I have little to say. I can't wait to find out what the next book will be.
Karen B.
Sunday, November 27
Tuesday, November 22
I wasn't disappointed
I read Sarah Plain and Tall many years ago and loved it! I remember being so impressed with MacLachlan's ability to not say things. So many times authors, particularly of adolescent/kid lit, think they need to make sure their readers "get it." KT put it best, "Most of what was said wasn't written." It was great to read a story that could speak to audiences of such widely different ages.
Because I loved Sarah Plain and Tall, I was very excited to read Skylark. I wasn't disappointed. It was a quick read and I found once I started it I couldn't put it down. (I finished at about 1:00 a.m.) I usually mark my books up so I can find favorite passages, but I wanted to be able to make this one available for my students, so I restrained myself. (This made it harder to find my favorite passages, however.) I loved the relationship of Sarah to her immediate and extended family. I loved the ruggedly independent New Englanders. I particularly appreciated the strength and commitment of family ties--especially between Jacob and Sarah--and their efforts to do what was best for their children, even when it was difficult for them personally. Sarah's journey, both physically and emotionally, was so insightful. When she wrote her name, it marked the end of her journey. She understood herself and was very clear about what was important.
Like Laurenda, I want to read MacLauchlan's other books and plan to buy Caleb's Story and More Perfect than the Moon ASAP. (By the way Laurenda, welcome back to the midwest. Where is Bonner Springs and why are you moving there? And congratulations on your expected new arrival! When will Rod & I get to see you?)
Happy Thanksgiving!
--Karen
Because I loved Sarah Plain and Tall, I was very excited to read Skylark. I wasn't disappointed. It was a quick read and I found once I started it I couldn't put it down. (I finished at about 1:00 a.m.) I usually mark my books up so I can find favorite passages, but I wanted to be able to make this one available for my students, so I restrained myself. (This made it harder to find my favorite passages, however.) I loved the relationship of Sarah to her immediate and extended family. I loved the ruggedly independent New Englanders. I particularly appreciated the strength and commitment of family ties--especially between Jacob and Sarah--and their efforts to do what was best for their children, even when it was difficult for them personally. Sarah's journey, both physically and emotionally, was so insightful. When she wrote her name, it marked the end of her journey. She understood herself and was very clear about what was important.
Like Laurenda, I want to read MacLauchlan's other books and plan to buy Caleb's Story and More Perfect than the Moon ASAP. (By the way Laurenda, welcome back to the midwest. Where is Bonner Springs and why are you moving there? And congratulations on your expected new arrival! When will Rod & I get to see you?)
Happy Thanksgiving!
--Karen
Monday, November 21
Sarah Plain and Tall, & Skylark
I am sorry that I did not read these books. My life became very busy and I did not make it a priority.:( I wish I had after reading your posts!
Thursday, November 17
Didn't want the stories to end...
I found the dating process in the book absolutely beautiful. When I first started reading Sarah, I thought "ah, the precursor to internet dating." A single man posts his profile; an available woman answers. The only thing that made this different from internet dating is the lack of "must-haves." i.e. she must be 5'4", must be a size 2, must be X years younger than I am, etc.
I'm glad Sarah was an independent woman. She knew how to fix a roof, learned how to ride a horse, drive a wagon, etc. She wasn't waiting for a man to make her happy, or to provide for her, or to "complete her."
I liked that the narrative was from a child's perspective. So innocent, so full of faith, and so straight-forward, totally lacking in pretense (my favorite quote from Sarah: "In the morning, Sarah dressed in a pair of overalls and went to the barn to have an argument with Papa." Every emotion was totally real. Like Laurenda, I found myself smiling with Caleb every time he took something Sarah said to mean she would stay (for example, "..[Caleb's] mouth formed the words I had heard, too. Our dune.") And I found myself crying with Caleb when Sarah returned from town.
I also loved the simplicity of these books. I enjoyed reading them, and found that, at the end, I wanted more. Patricia MacLachlan's writing was a lot like Jacob's way with words. Most of what was said wasn't written.
I'm glad Sarah was an independent woman. She knew how to fix a roof, learned how to ride a horse, drive a wagon, etc. She wasn't waiting for a man to make her happy, or to provide for her, or to "complete her."
I liked that the narrative was from a child's perspective. So innocent, so full of faith, and so straight-forward, totally lacking in pretense (my favorite quote from Sarah: "In the morning, Sarah dressed in a pair of overalls and went to the barn to have an argument with Papa." Every emotion was totally real. Like Laurenda, I found myself smiling with Caleb every time he took something Sarah said to mean she would stay (for example, "..[Caleb's] mouth formed the words I had heard, too. Our dune.") And I found myself crying with Caleb when Sarah returned from town.
I also loved the simplicity of these books. I enjoyed reading them, and found that, at the end, I wanted more. Patricia MacLachlan's writing was a lot like Jacob's way with words. Most of what was said wasn't written.
Wednesday, November 16
Patricia MacLachlan's Gems...
Hello Ladies!
This is probably going to be far shorter than I want it to be, as we are scurrying around trying to get things packed for our moved back out to the midwest (we are heading to Bonner Springs, KS, for those of you back "home"). There have been so many parrallels to my real life while I've been reading these books, I found it kinda ironic. Maybe I was just being prepared for things to come.
I loved that these books were so simple, and yet so powerful and emotionally packed...I wonder if they were hard to write because they were so easy to read. I also appreciated that Sarah, Plain and Tall was based on an actual family occurrence--go geneology! Wahoo! It's no wonder that Sarah is an award winner. I felt like I was reading poetry and was often soothed by it.
I thought there were several overall themes that both books shared, but the one that really sticks out in my mind is faith. In Sarah, it was a child like faith and hope that Sarah would stay (I loved the quiet romance that took place, too). In Skylark, it was definitely more an adult faith (when will it rain...) and loving what you know first, but being willing to adapt.
In my own life, there are many many life changes going on, it's almost overwhelming. Wonderful, surprising things (will our house sell before we move on Friday? Is it the right decision to go before it sells? Is that really a double line on that pregnancy test??????) and potentially frustrating things (what to pack now....what to leave so the house shows better? How will the kids do with a 22+ hour drive?) and that Jason will be coming back to Las Vegas for a bit while I am in Kansas with the girls. Crazy. (and yes, I am pregnant with my 3rd child...about 6ish weeks, so I can appreciate Sarah's moment, too).
But the thing that I take/took comfort (and cried and cried) is that Sarah stayed (in Sarah), and that the rains came (in Skylark). I loved the visual in the first book of Caleb saying, while crying with relief, "Seal was worried!!!" That made me laugh through my tears. And then Sarah and Jacob's reunion. oh!!!! bawled bawled bawled.
Soooo, being a total sap, I went and checked out the 3rd book (the sequel to the sequel), "Caleb's Story", which is also simply wonderful, with a powerful theme of forgiveness. I'd recommend this one, too!!!!!
I so enjoyed these books, and I hope you all did too! I look forward to reading these when I finally get back to a computer. (we are leaving on the 18th and will go and try to find a place when we get there...see???? Lots of opportunity to exercise faith. Where is my glass to set out???? Lolol).
Happy Thanksgiving, Les Liseuses!
:) Laurenda
This is probably going to be far shorter than I want it to be, as we are scurrying around trying to get things packed for our moved back out to the midwest (we are heading to Bonner Springs, KS, for those of you back "home"). There have been so many parrallels to my real life while I've been reading these books, I found it kinda ironic. Maybe I was just being prepared for things to come.
I loved that these books were so simple, and yet so powerful and emotionally packed...I wonder if they were hard to write because they were so easy to read. I also appreciated that Sarah, Plain and Tall was based on an actual family occurrence--go geneology! Wahoo! It's no wonder that Sarah is an award winner. I felt like I was reading poetry and was often soothed by it.
I thought there were several overall themes that both books shared, but the one that really sticks out in my mind is faith. In Sarah, it was a child like faith and hope that Sarah would stay (I loved the quiet romance that took place, too). In Skylark, it was definitely more an adult faith (when will it rain...) and loving what you know first, but being willing to adapt.
In my own life, there are many many life changes going on, it's almost overwhelming. Wonderful, surprising things (will our house sell before we move on Friday? Is it the right decision to go before it sells? Is that really a double line on that pregnancy test??????) and potentially frustrating things (what to pack now....what to leave so the house shows better? How will the kids do with a 22+ hour drive?) and that Jason will be coming back to Las Vegas for a bit while I am in Kansas with the girls. Crazy. (and yes, I am pregnant with my 3rd child...about 6ish weeks, so I can appreciate Sarah's moment, too).
But the thing that I take/took comfort (and cried and cried) is that Sarah stayed (in Sarah), and that the rains came (in Skylark). I loved the visual in the first book of Caleb saying, while crying with relief, "Seal was worried!!!" That made me laugh through my tears. And then Sarah and Jacob's reunion. oh!!!! bawled bawled bawled.
Soooo, being a total sap, I went and checked out the 3rd book (the sequel to the sequel), "Caleb's Story", which is also simply wonderful, with a powerful theme of forgiveness. I'd recommend this one, too!!!!!
I so enjoyed these books, and I hope you all did too! I look forward to reading these when I finally get back to a computer. (we are leaving on the 18th and will go and try to find a place when we get there...see???? Lots of opportunity to exercise faith. Where is my glass to set out???? Lolol).
Happy Thanksgiving, Les Liseuses!
:) Laurenda
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