Zippy - Karen Buxton

I didn't spent much time looking for hidden meanings, or "this is why
I'm the way I am" pronouncements. I think it's because I spent my
early childhood in a small town (population 500). The dogs and the
kids roamed the streets, there were nice homes, abandoned homes, as
well as many that should have been abandoned. My dad had a beer
every night, and didn't say a whole lot to my mother who spent the
first half of every day on the couch sick with asthma and back pain.
Sounds dreary, but I didn't see it that way. There was a lady (Mrs.
Robinson), that my friend and I liked to go and visit, who had at
least 15 dogs and more cats than could be counted. Of course the
thing that is engrained on my memory of my visits to her house is the
smell. Horrid! I've often wondered what eventually happened to her
and all of her animals. Speaking of smells...There was a family that
lived in town that had three daughters. The girls were always very
stinky. Occasionally they would come to primary, and during class
one day the girl my age took off her shoes, and stunk up the whole
room. I remember being pleasantly surprized, on another occasion,
when my mother and I went to their trailor, and the girls were taking
baths. My older sister, who is the same age as Kimmel, remembers
going to a friend's house for a sleepover. When it came time to go
to bed, the bed was covered with a huge pile of questionable laundry
(dirty? clean?). The two girls simply crawled under the pile of
laundry and went to sleep.

Anyway, enough reminiscing. I was interested in Danielle's comments
about the "car repair" episode. My impression of the event was that
he was not only getting frustrated with the project, but that Zippy
was driving him crazy with her questions etc. Her presence was not
helping the situation. I just figured that he was inviting her to
leave for her own well being. I didn't believe that he was going to
physically harm her, just throw a tantrum. Again, my impressions
might be coming from my own experiences. My dad was always fixing
the cars. It's always interesting how differently we all view the
same event. I appreciated Danielle's more positive take on the
episode.

I also very much enjoyed the pig story even though it was somewhat
troubling to me. I also got a kick out of the story about her
parents fighting and her mother riding away on Zippy's bike. There
were many humerous events as well as many tragedies. As a child she
wasn't necessarily aware of the humor or the tragedy, but as adults,
I'm sure that we more clearly see the absurdities, and the sorrows.

I've written much more than intended, and I hope I haven't bored any
of you with my own life history. Thanks for indulging me.

Yay for Zippy!

I love Zippy. I read it once before about five years ago- my Mom recommended it to me after her book club read it. That is why I recommended it for us. I had forgotten how truly wonderful it is. It was great fun to read again and rediscover Zippy. I also read the sequel so hopefully I will not get the two confused. The first is the best but the second still has the same flair.

It was interesting to read two memoirs in a row both wonderful in their own way. I was annoyed with Mike Ramsdell for jumping around the timeline in his story because I felt like he was covering something up. With Zippy it didn't bother me- she told the stories that connected to a theme for each chapter and she generally got older as the book went along but she definitely skipped around the timeline. I think that added to the ending feeling abrupt. But I think maybe she didn't want an ending. She wanted to leave us with a feeling of continuation- a feeling of future stories. This book was just a snippet - one facet in the kaleidoscope. I am amazed at how this book hangs together with no obvious direction. It is a memoir told from her young eyes and not her current eyes.

I love how innocent and oblivious she is. I love how active she is. I love her opinion of herself and of her family. I love that the whole town raised her since her parents couldn't. I think her relationship with her father is interesting because it is obviously not the norm for his relationships. He was a different Father to her than he was to her other siblings. She takes this for granted. He is a good father to her- I love it when he tells her to go away because he is frustrated with the car he is working on and is going to start swearing soon. There is something so sweet in that moment- so respectful of her and who she is and so representative of their relationship. He is imperfect and they both know it and accept it. There are boundaries to what she gets to see and what she doesn't. It isn't hidden from her but he is a better person when he is with her. I think it is funny how she feels encouraged to be a rebel by him. It makes her His Girl.

I love that she never sees herself as a victim. She describes some terrible conditions for a childhood and yet she remains impervious to them. She doesn't remember suffering because she wore the same pants all year long and the laundry never got done and the house is falling down and has no heat. Her mom was on the couch but that was comforting to her- she always knew where to find her. I can relate to this somewhat because my Mom was always on the couch with a good book while I was growing up too. Not because of depression but because of illness- repeated pneumonia and strep throat and those kinds of illnesses. My Mom was much more responsible for us- she always knew where we were and she kept the house pretty tidy (as tidy as possible with 4 rugrats tearing it apart all of the time). It makes me appreciate my Mom more- knowing now how ill she was and how hard it must have been for her to pick herself up and take care of us. I am impressed with Zippy for her lack of resentment and her innocent oblivion to how bad things must have been.

On of my favorite stories from this book is the one where she protects Rose from the band teacher. Rose didn't even tell her what was wrong- just that something was wrong and her Mom didn't believe her. Zippy figures it out sort of by thinking of the band teacher. She doesn't really understand but she knows that it can't continue. She uses her stubborn personality and protects her friend by staying and walking home with her everyday. She could have been putting herself in potential danger too but instead she bullies the band teacher. It's great! And she doesn't even quite realize what she has done. I also love that she punishes the band teacher for not letting her play drums ("because it is a boy instrument") by making him lug around the bells. I love that she her sense of what's right in the world and the way she follows it and stands up for it. Zippy addresses so many issues that we go through in our youth without making too big a deal out of any of them. And yet they shape her and who she is.

So this is not a very well written review- my thoughts are kind of disorganized today... and everyday... but hopefully it makes enough sense... I wish I could write like Haven...

Zippy

I have to say I was skeptical about this book at first. And the introduction that spoke about how here sister was just as skeptical about reading a story of a girl growing up in the middle of nowhere and no tragedy in her life...how interesting could that be?

In any case, I was surprised by this book. She relates such interesting stories and memories such as the pig hurling episode with such a tongue in cheek approach that you can hardly not smile at the thought of it. (My sensibilities tell me to be shocked, but I found my self laughing none the less.)

I also loved her candor in regards to so many different realities. One example of this was how she didn't want to be Dana's friend and vice versa and that her other best friends or the second best friends were quickly drawn away from her to this new girl. Etc... I loved the fight for no reason and how they made up and became friends again. Haven skirts around the idea that Dana's home life was different than hers but not that it was as bad as it really was...does any of this make sence? Anyway, she was able to intimate something different than what she is actually saying.

This was a fun and interesting read. I wish that I would be able to remember all the little stories of my childhood...I see pictures and I wonder sometimes what what happening that we needed to remember that moment. I guess my mind is going in my old age!

Thanks for the read!

Michelle

A Train...

I just wanted to first say that I needed to post for "A Train to Potevka" before I could step up to Zippy.

I really enjoyed this book. It had interesting stories and intrigue and held my interest. However, like so many of you, I found it difficult getting past the writing at times. He is a great story teller and the writing is just as though he were telling you the story as opposed to me reading the story.

I love spy stuff, so knowing that this was essentially a true story made it all the better. I have often wondered in my life what it would be like to be a spy in the truest sence of the word. Would it be hard to be LDS? Would there be a lot of intrigue? Where would I be, etc. Knowing me, however, I would have probably ended up in the middle of North Dakota translating something or other...not very exciting.

Thanks for having us read this. It was interesting to see the spy game in action.

Michelle

All is Zippy

I LOVED this book. It was thoroughly enjoyable. I was entranced by Zippy's childhood recollections. I remember reading a review of the book... "finally, a memoir about a happy childhood." I'll admit, I kept waiting for the "this is why I am the way I am" comments, but they never came (thank goodness).

I don't have my book in front of me, but I know I marked several different pages for one thing or another. Danielle P. said, "I delighted in the character's matter-of-fact approach to things, her mature yet childlike way of expressing herself." I noticed that as well. The author recounted events in an almost adult fashion, but with the innocence of youth. It takes talent to recount a story as a child would perceive events, but include enough information that an adult reader can understand between the lines.

I actually felt myself in the book - wishing I grew up in a small town like Zippy did. I remember mocking older people who "wished for a simpler time" and this was back when I was in high school. Now, I'm the one wishing for a simpler time, one in Mooreland with my family. Haven really knows how to tell a story. I've already purchased the next Zippy book.

I loved her relationships with her family, especially her dad. Aside from his drinking, gambling, etc., there were parts that reminded me of my own dad. I had pages marked as examples, but...

Good choice. Thanks Danielle W.

Zip, Zip Hooray!

I had the great fortune to listen to a Book on CD version of A Girl Named Zippy read by none other than the author herself. Though I am confident I would have laughed and cried as readily as I did had I read the print version, this audio book allowed me to feel somehow closer to the places and people the author described. I can still picture Zippy's mom curled up on the couch with a good book. I see her brother breaking down the bathroom door and slapping his sister. (An act, incidentally, I totally applauded when it happened, though I am a pacifist at heart.) Her father, too, with all those dogs in the front yard.

I began to listen to the book on a flight from Salt Lake to Dallas. I had to put it aside, however, when tears started running down my cheeks after hearing the letter Zippy's mother wrote when she thought her baby girl might die (hope I am remembering this right; it's been a few weeks since I read it). I knew I wouldn't be able to bawl properly on an airplane full of strangers. I also could not properly laugh aloud in a plane: One of the funniest scenes was when Zippy's best friend's mother (did I get that right?) got nailed by that pig running straight toward her and knocking her on her butt (or was it her face?).

Most of the book made me laugh and not cry, I am happy to say. I delighted in the character's matter-of-fact approach to things, her mature yet childlike way of expressing herself. And I really like how her character could have come off sounding really snotty and snobbish (since she was so smart), but I really loved the girl.

I also love hearing stories of the bond between father and daughter. It seemed the two in this book had a nice relationship; I sensed no anger or resentment from Zippy. She alluded a bit to her father's gambling and -- maybe drinking? -- problem but this didn't seem to interfere too much with her adoration of him.

I thought the book ended a bit abruptly. I didn't feel that crescendo before the resolution you get in a great book. Perhaps because there were so many crescendos in all the vignettes. Or perhaps I didn't want the book to end yet. In any case, I look forward to reading more from this author. It was a tidy and fast read with lots of laughter and color.

Finally read it!

Gina came to visit me and let me borrow the book. It is a very interesting book. I agree that it was not very well written in a technical sense but he can tell a story. He seems like someone who likes to talk and tell stories which seems an interesting characteristic for a spy. Though it seems his assignments were to teach and to negotiate or get info from people so the government used his personality to the best advantage.

I continued to be bugged by his jumpidnng around in the timeline but only where it concerned his romance with Bonnie. I felt like he was trying to hide his emotional infidelity to his first wife with the jumping around. I wonder just how close in age Bonnie and his son are too. I think he confused the time line somewhat to confuse the reader as to what was going on there. I don't think he needed to confuse that part of things. I don't think he was unfaithful to his first wife but I don't think he was ready to deal with the issues behind all of that in black and white writing.

I thought it was interesting when he talked about how his values as a church member were called into question at times on his missions. The untruthfulness in context of a mission would not have bothered me as much as the other possible problems like not being able to drink alcohol or Tea or other more serious issues that would make him stand out when he needed not to stand out. I wondered why he drank the black tea and not just the hot water but maybe the tea is just herbal or added some nutrients that I don't know about.

I too want to hear the story of Sasha and will have to look if he has written anything else! :) It is amazing to me how Mcdonald's is such a symbol of americanization and how loved and hated it is. Especially as it is something taken for granted here and not our most favorite example of our cuisine.

Sorry I am jumping around so much. I am writing this while keeping my son occupied too so I get distracted and then come back to it.... I was saddened by how untrustworthy the Russian people were. I worry that America is heading that direction more and more. People are a lot more guarded than they were when I was a child. I'm not sure there is truly justification for the change in attitude towards our neighbors. I don't think crime is any higher than it used to be - just different and more public knowledge. It's sad that urban legends of razor blades in Candy have now made trick or treating a thing of the past... that kind of thing makes me sad. Hopefully we will never get as bad as the society he described in Russia. anyway... enough of my ramblings.

very thought provoking book Gina- thanks for lending it to me. I will mail it back to you along with a few other things this week. :)

A Train to Potevka

I am sorry I haven't posted until now. I was able to lend the book to D so she'll be posting soon too... before our due date for the Zippy book.

Ramsdell did a great job for a "first book" and though it seemed a little rough starting out (because I am so used to seasoned writing), I got used to his style a couple chapters into it. It was an autobiography... a unique one. I've never read an autobiography before.

I was glad I had New Moon to read when I got bored with the back and forth of Ramsdell's life and then general Russian history. When he skipped to history I would put the book down and read New Moon. My husband kept making fun of me because it took him like 3 sittings to finish that book and it took me 3 weeks. I just wasn't in a hurry... what's wrong with that?

I haven't posted because everyone said what I wanted to say about the book. I had the same feelings about the scenerios that played out. What was the back story with his ex-wife, how old was Bonnie, what happened to that little boy who took them to the front of the McDonald's line and how was he compensated for being given the wrong orders and left to die of starvation? So many unknowns... makes me want to track Ramsdell down and interview him.

The main theme for me was how desperate the Russian people are... how blessed I am to live in the United States and have free reign over the food I eat and how much of it I have. I felt so humbled as Ramsdell was starving for so long and in the condition he was... I don't think I would have made it. I would have probably dropped myself in the deep snow and stayed there to fall into the slumber of death. I really think I would have.

My heart sunk when Ramsdell said that he never went back to Potevka... that he never was able to thank those kind strangers who showed they had compassion in his time of need. I am sure it broke his heart too, that he didn't revisit the woman that reminded him of his mother.

I have to thank my husband for recommending this book. I learned so much about the Russians and I hope to research their way of life even more.

Non reader

Hi All!

I failed to read this book for a couple of reasons. 1. I couldn't find it in my quick search of the local library and LDS bookstore. 2. I didn't have time for more searching due to the home improvement projects that we have been doing. Therefore, I can see that I've really missed out, and I will have to find the book soon, and read it. Interestingly enough, I started reading "A Girl Named Zippy" right before it was announced as being the next book. I look forward to the reviews on that one. Have a great day!

Karen B.

A Train to Potevka--K Smith

Dear "Ladies of the Club" (also one of my favorite books),

I finished and posted on time . . . well . . . close! :) I enjoyed this book as much for its insights into Russian culture as I did for its spy/romance/missionary aspects. (Thanks for choosing it, Gina.) I teach Russian history as part of my World Geography curriculum and it continues to frustrate me that individual Russian citizens don't seem to realize how much good they could do by working together and helping each other. I know that part of the grit-your-teeth, don't-look-right-or-left, life-will-always-be-hard attitude comes from the harshness of the Russian climate and the vastness of its landscape, but it certainly contrasts with the American spirit of optimism. I was so pleased with the few individuals who were willing to risk to help M. Ramsdell. In a country where for centuries "standing out" or "speaking your mind" could mean death or torture, I am not sure we Americans really understand how much in "survival mode" these people were/are.

I was also frustrated with the power of the Russian mafia. "Democracy" in Russia is a shaky proposition at best. Really the one best and brightest hope is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is only by changing hearts and minds, by changing how people see themselves and their purpose in life that any lasting, significant change will take place in Russia. Without the gospel, it is too easy to slide back into the desire/need for a totalitarian/authoritarian government to "make" everyone do what is necessary for the good of society.

One last comment . . . I wondered how Ramsdell's first wife felt about the love of his life. He didn't say anything bad about her, in fact he didn't say much about her at all. The only comment I really picked up on was that his son was a good student because of the influence of the first wife. But, I knew a sister in my old ward in Centerville, UT who was married to a spy. The marriage ended in divorce in part because of the stress on the family of a husband who thrived on the clandestine, life-threatening life of a spy. The dissolution of Ramsdell's marriage was a story that I know he didn't want to go into, but I would really be interested in hearing his first wife's side. (Just a thought.)

--Karen

Train wreck

Hello ladies,

I was unable to read the book for this month; I got to it too late this time. I do have the next book ready for me, though, so I look forward to posting on that one.

Thanks for your understanding!

Danielle

Train to Potevka - Katie

I will admit, during the first few pages of this book I was thinking to myself "this guy really isn't a writer." And, technically, he's not. He is, however, a storyteller. Once I got used to the writing, I was thoroughly drawn into his story. And the jumps in the story that bugged me at first, became part of what made him a good storyteller. Who doesn't, in the middle of telling a story, jump into some back story to better explain the current story? I do. And to Mike's credit, sometimes I don't even make it back to my original story.

Maybe it's because I'm a child/teen of the 80's, but I am intrigued by everything KGB, USSR, etc. And I wanted to be one of the first missionaries to Russia that I took a Russian class at BYU after hearing a talk given by M. Russell Ballard (of of the LDS apostles) prior to Russia opening to LDS missionaries, where he "suggested" that "if you want to be called to Russia, learn Russian. Alas, it didn't work. That said, I liked (with a touch of envy) the part of the book *SPOILER ALERT* where Mike meets the missionaries and is so overjoyed. And I was touched to see Mike's love and compassion for the Soviets - our former "enemies." However, it was quite sad to see the distrust that the citizens had toward everyone - even their neighbors.

Although this book is categorized as "fiction," we know it really happened, right? I am amazed at Mike's strength and willpower. Of course, I don't know what I would really do in his situation, but after major injuries and no food for days? I'm dying to find out how that package really made it to the safe house in Potevka.

This is the first "spy" novel I've read where the hero kneels down in prayer to his Heavenly Father - in that occupation, shouldn't they all? ;-)

And the young boy who helped get Mike and the missionaries into McDonald's? Didn't Mike (see how I'm on a first name basis with the author?) say this boy's story was "another story?" Where is that other story? I want to know it. And a word about McDonald's - I'm telling you, even in France, McDo's (as they call it, pronounced "McDough") is always teeming with people. And, everything I go to France, my friends take me there... like it's a big treat.

Thanks, Gina. I'm glad I read this one.

Twilight - Karen Buxton

Okay, so I may have been the first person to finish the book ( I just
couldn't put it down, and we were on Spring Break, so I didn't have
to.), but I'm the last person to post. Like most of you, I LOVED
IT! As soon as I finished it, I got in the car and went to buy New
Moon. I've read everything that there is to read on S.M.'s website,
and fantisized about how much fun it would be to go to the
Twightlight Prom. My husband has even read the books because I read
outloud to him in the car while were were traveling. I haven't been
so engrossed in a book since the last Harry Potter book came out.
Anyway, enough about how much I loved the books.

I believe that the reason that the love story is so appealing is
because it reminds us of what new love feels like. It was fun to be
a teenager again even though I was annoyed at times by how stupid
Bella can be. I too fell in love with Edward. He's so noble and
patient.

I too, have spent time wondering if becoming a vampire would be too
great a sacrifice. Living on the earth forever is appealing in
someways, and not so appealing in other ways. I can understand her
wanting to be with him forever, and not wanting to grow old while he
stayed young, but always looking so young would have it's
disadvantages also. Edward had two doctorate degrees, but no way to
do anything with them.

As for him being in her room watching her sleep...I couldn't help but
wonder if he was ever turned off by her morning breath, and the sleep
in her eyes.

I really don't have anything to say that hasn't already been said.
Thanks for the great selection! I can't wait until August. I'll
have to re-read the first two in July in preparation.

Twilight

Ladies,

I decided to post my review before I read the others, so I apologize in advance if I am repeating. When I first realized that this was a "vampire story," I called KT because I am not a vampire-story-fan like my husband (and I found out last week, my son, Eric). She told me I would love it and she was right. Rod & I actually competed with each other to see who would get to read it. (I guess I should have bought a copy for each of us!) I bought New Moon as soon as I was done and finished it on the way to and from Chicago last weekend and Rod is just about done with New Moon as I write :) I will be passing both books on to Eric & Carolyn.

Now for my thoughts (I have so many) and some of Rod's as well. First, when I bought this at Barnes & Noble, it was in the teen section, so I wanted to look at it as a work of adolescent literature. It is so relevant to that audience: the insecurities, the struggle to fit in, the who-am-I-really stuff, the what-people-see-on-the-outside-isn't-really-who-I-am, etc. My middle school students are all of the characters. In addition, Rod made the connection with Edward's struggle to control his vampire instincts to an adolescent boy learning to control his sex drive. I thought Bella's lack of understanding of what she did to Edward when she kissed him "like that," is like my teen-age girl students who drive my teen-age boy students crazy! They think they know what they are doing, but they really haven't got a clue!!

It isn't just "kid lit," however. The struggles of all of the Cullens are so instructive. Carlisle faced it first when he decided that just because he WAS a vampire, he didn't have to BEHAVE like one. Isn't that what an alcoholic has to decide? How about someone who is challenged by same sex attraction? How about someone who has been abused, but wants to break the cycle? To a lesser degree, all of us have "thorns in the flesh," things that we are born with or ways that we are "wired" that we can either give in to or learn to overcome. I thought Meyer did a great job of developing her characters so that you feel their struggles and you see their victories.

Her characters are complex. When I told Eric I was reading a vampire story that I thought he might like, his reaction was reserved. The first question he asked was, "Is the vampire the bad guy?" When I told him, "Not really," (I didn't want to give away too much), he told me he hated vampire stories that made them out to be totally evil because he found them to be interesting characters. I guess that is part of what draws me to Meyer's characters. They aren't perfect, neither are they totally evil (with the exception of James who chilled me to the core).

And then there's Bella . . . it will be hard for me to separate Twilight from New Moon. I can't tell you how frustrated I was with the dumb, dangerous things she did. However, that penchant for danger is what allows her to fall in love with a vampire, so I really can't complain. It's just hard to watch, when I really believe the instruction that we should stay as far away from the edge of the cliff as we can in life, instead of seeing how close we can get to it. But she is heroic in so many ways, that I have to admire her independence and her willingness to take risks.

And finally, I am an incurable romantic . . . I want this to have a happy ending. But, how? I'd like to gloss over the issues and hope that they just make her a vampire so she can be with Edward. But, Rod and I were just talking about this tonight. She won't just become like the Cullens instantly. She would have to learn how not to give in to what every instinct is driving her to be . . . someone who kills people and drinks their blood. She abhors that reality. And then there is the issue of her mother and father. That really isn't one to take lightly. I'll tell you what Rod thinks has to happen: He thinks the only really happy ending would be for Carlisle, with his hundreds of years of medical training, to find a cure so that Bella and Edward could be together as mortals. Otherwise, the Cullens have to violate their own ethics and Bella has to place her soul in jeopardy.

I can't wait for August. :) Twilight was a great choice!!!

--Karen Smith

Twilight Thoughts

I too love this book and I read New Moon as soon as I finished Twilight. I hate starting a series before it is finished. I am so impatient waiting for the next book! Hopefully August will come quickly. :)

First of all- I moved to the Seattle Area from sunny California in the middle of high school. Unlike Bella though I did not find Seattle depressing and dark. It actually rains more in the Midwest than it does in Seattle. I was a little offended by her negative Northwest comments but I got over that quickly. :) I love the characterizations in this book. Bella is great. She is so passionate and focused and dramatic and drawn to the dangerous. Totally 17. I get a little annoyed - like Laurenda- that she doesn't understand the thirst or that when Edward talks about making mistakes he is talking about people dying. It is more evident in New Moon that she just doesn't really get what it means to be a Vampire for all of her desire to be one. She sees Edward and his family and how powerful they are and how beautiful they are and wants that but doesn't understand the price that Power and Beauty comes at. I love her insecurities about how she looks. Stephanie M. doesn't overdo them they are just right. Bella just kind of takes for granted that she is not as beautiful (although it is pointed out in the book that she is much more beautiful than she realizes). My favorite description of Edward is in the meadow when he tells her that he is the perfect predator. He is attractive(bait) and fast and deadly. I wondered at his intentions with her in the meadow. It seems amazing to me that someone with one hundred years to mature would fall in love with a 17 yr old- even one as self-less as Bella. BUt now he has saved her too many times. I think he is noble and genuine but still deadly. I want them to have a happy ending but I'm not sure how - since becoming a vampire is not the best idea for Bella. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

I love love love the way that Alice sees the future. I love that it changes from decision to decision rather than staying firm. It's perfect. It is so true to life that our outcome relies on the decisions that we make- sometimes seemingly inconsequential decisions can change our whole future because of the chain of little decisions that result.

On a funny note, I thought it interesting that when first describing the Cullens Stephanie M. describes the dark circles under their eyes and then continues to describe how unhumanly beautiful they are. I think it gives hope to all moms or students with no sleep that you can be unhumanly beautiful and have dark circles under your eyes. :)

I wonder how much if anything should be read into the dark skinned hot Indian/werewolf vs. pale white cold refined/vampire. It is set up to be good vs evil but she twists it so that there is no good side or bad side. It is unclear still who is the monster- if anyone. Everyone has the capability to be a monster or to control the monster. Bella is a monster to her Dad when she throws her Mom's words back in his face. She chose to let the monster out for his protection. The men on the street in Port Angeles who almost attack Bella are monsters and just as dangerous to Bella as Edward. Edward chose to unleash his monster for a while in his youth but only on Human Monsters. Which begs the question of is there a place and time when it is appropriate to act monstrously? Or is it just a slippery slope? It seems that over and over again when the characters act monstrously they just create more problems and more hard questions for themselves. Edward stopped being a monster because he wasn't sure if he was avting any better than the people he killed. He wasn't sure if his victim's intended victim would look on him as a savior or as an equal threat. Bella keeps trying to sacrifice herself to take away the danger and causing more danger. I can't wait until the third book to see the direction that Stephanie takes it. I love that I can't predict it.

I love the flow of this book, the passionate force behind it and the characterizations. Even her two-dimensional characters- like Jessica and Mike- are interesting. Well, Bella's interactions with them are interesting which makes them interesting. This is my kind of fateful romance.