Sorry for the late posting, folks. I really wanted to get creative and write a post by just quoting Haven words straight from the book. There were so many quotes throughout the book that cracked. Me. Up. Ends up, I'm not savvy enough to pull that kind of cool post together.
Let me share a few quotes that made me laugh out loud anyway. I can't count how many times Ian just gave me looks like I was crazy each time I'd have an outburst. And to my dismay, he didn't even want to know what the fuss was about... I did share the whole camping story though. How Zippy's dad would pack, repack and take the camper for a spin and check the lights again, etc. HILARIOUS!
The Quotes:
"If I could have gotten my nose close enough, I would have inhaled leaded gasoline until I was retarded."
"...but she had not truly known Chicken Love..."
"On the end-of-the-year report card all she was wrote was 'Is disruptive in class. Colors outside the lines. Talks out of turn.' When I showed it to my parents, they read it out loud to me, and my mom said, 'Good for you, sweetheart.' And my dad gave me a little pat on the back."
"Some people liked to go camping even if their daily lives already resembled camping."
"They're going to a convention." -- "Oh, a convention. Would that be for the Society of Drunken Philanderers?" -- "The SODP, we call it." -- "I see."
"Tiger had just tipped over sideways after chasing her own butt for ten minutes."
"It seemed that controlling her bladder was her one, overwhelming priority, because sometimes a little bit of pee would start to come out and she would look sad and shut it off and stand and stand and stand, and then a few minutes later a little bit more pee would come out..." -- "...which made me worried, because as I understood it, dogs did all their breathing through their tongues." -- "Jiggers, honey, why don't you just let all your pee out and then go lay down in the shade?" -- "I'd get under the porch if I were Jiggers. It's hotter than billy-be-doggone bangtree outside."
"...slicker than snot on a doorknob..."
"I had to tip over a little for laughing at the retarded gypsies, then straightened back up as I realized I was laughing at my own family."
"Plus you were born with a tail." -- "We had it removed so your pants would fit. Also we didn't want you to suffer in school."
"...nasty old bat."
"Well, she for sure knows you are not a Christian because you don't even go and pretend."
"...I'm going to turn you upside down and spit in your butt, are we clear?"
"...even though diamonds are girls, threes are boys." -- "Eights were completely girls, but the black eights were girls who were maybe a little too good at sports." -- "For good measure I put all the boys back in the box with the Joker, where they belonged."
"Mabel Simpkins told me today that the Jesus who died at Easter was the same one who was born at Christmas. Is that true?" -- "I just laughed at Mabel and told her she sure wasn't making a fool of me. I know Easter comes before Christmas."
"It was so pretty, I wanted to break it."
"...let me suggest some nice, fuzzy tights, the kind that don't go all the way to your crotch, but stop just in the middle of your thigh."
I also enjoyed the stories of Julie and how Zippy could read her mind and spoke for Julie... Even when she had to poop, Zippy asked the teacher if she could go.
I absolutely loved the Father's Day story where Zippy gets her dad a new dog from the hippies. It was so touching "it would have made a pirate weep."
Sunday, July 8
Zippy
Ladies,
Sorry I am late. I finished the book on time (sort of), but spent the last week in Utah with lots of family, including Katie. I really had a great time, but no spare minutes to post my review. Anyway, here it is:
Having been a teen-ager in a small town (American Fork, UT) during the 60's, I enjoyed this book on one level as a great trip back in time. (I LOVED the photos.) Actually, the setting and many of the events reminded me of my own childhood in the 50's. (Kimmel said Mooreland was a bit behind the times.) I kept writing down my experiences in the margins of the book as Zippy's experiences triggered my memories. My "pixie" haircut. My pair of red patent leather shoes with stacked heels. (I saved my money for weeks to buy them.) The arrival of my very first order of 45 rpm records. (My mother created a treasure hunt through the entire house to heighten my excitement!) I remembered the German shepherd in our neighborhood who killed our neighbor's little dog while I screamed hysterically on the front porch. I remembered when the "Fry Daddy" made its debut. I remembered smells that transport me instantly to some place or event in my past, like the smell of the service station on the corner or the clean chalkboards and floors in my elementary school on the first day. I remembered the Mickie Mouse Club and the blonde Mouseketeer named Karen. I remembered the red and black striped "Suzie longlegs" that my dad brought back from a business trip. I also remembered the "gross" shoes he made me buy when my mom had him take me shopping. I remembered how scary Maleficent was and that Marcus Welby, MD was a TV favorite. I remembered dresses that my Grandma wore, medical breakthroughs like polio vaccines, Avon lipstick, polyester pants, drive-in movies with the big silver sound box that hung over the window, Saturday matinees at the Coral Theater (25 cents), my junior high (the "old" high school) with the detached lunchroom and the candy store adjacent to the school, my mother pin-fitting a jumper to me, and the list goes on. (You can tell this book really took me back!)
But there are other things that made this book a good read besides nostalgia. First, Kimmel's writing style was so genuine and entertaining that I often laughed out loud! She did a great job of capturing a child's outlook and enthusiasm.
She also deals with some very profound issues. (Any of the 16 questions at the back of the book would be fun to discuss with you all.) Zippy's own religious awakenings (Easter--page 242) and her parents' differing approaches to things spiritual (from her dad's church in the trees to her mom's consistent attendance at church) really raised some important questions. I thought it was interesting that the book ended at Christmas with the comment, "Thank you for not losing faith."
The family dynamics dealt with important issues as well. Zippy matter-of-factly lets the reader in on Dad's gambling/smoking/compulsive behavior and Mom's depression/escape from life/financial problems. I found that the way Zippy's older brother and sister treated her really bothered me. For years, I have wrestled with when teasing becomes plain meanness and this seemed like a lot of meanness to me. (And she STILL looks up to them.)
I appreciated the things that made me think. I didn't appreciate the sick/dark side that Kimmel portrays using the neighbor family that abused animals. I wished it hadn't been part of the book. (Do all books today have to have something sensational in them?) When the rabbit was actually eating Zippy's finger, I was absolutely nauseous.
The carnivorous rabbit notwithstanding, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was fun and thought provoking and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it.
--Karen Smith
Sorry I am late. I finished the book on time (sort of), but spent the last week in Utah with lots of family, including Katie. I really had a great time, but no spare minutes to post my review. Anyway, here it is:
Having been a teen-ager in a small town (American Fork, UT) during the 60's, I enjoyed this book on one level as a great trip back in time. (I LOVED the photos.) Actually, the setting and many of the events reminded me of my own childhood in the 50's. (Kimmel said Mooreland was a bit behind the times.) I kept writing down my experiences in the margins of the book as Zippy's experiences triggered my memories. My "pixie" haircut. My pair of red patent leather shoes with stacked heels. (I saved my money for weeks to buy them.) The arrival of my very first order of 45 rpm records. (My mother created a treasure hunt through the entire house to heighten my excitement!) I remembered the German shepherd in our neighborhood who killed our neighbor's little dog while I screamed hysterically on the front porch. I remembered when the "Fry Daddy" made its debut. I remembered smells that transport me instantly to some place or event in my past, like the smell of the service station on the corner or the clean chalkboards and floors in my elementary school on the first day. I remembered the Mickie Mouse Club and the blonde Mouseketeer named Karen. I remembered the red and black striped "Suzie longlegs" that my dad brought back from a business trip. I also remembered the "gross" shoes he made me buy when my mom had him take me shopping. I remembered how scary Maleficent was and that Marcus Welby, MD was a TV favorite. I remembered dresses that my Grandma wore, medical breakthroughs like polio vaccines, Avon lipstick, polyester pants, drive-in movies with the big silver sound box that hung over the window, Saturday matinees at the Coral Theater (25 cents), my junior high (the "old" high school) with the detached lunchroom and the candy store adjacent to the school, my mother pin-fitting a jumper to me, and the list goes on. (You can tell this book really took me back!)
But there are other things that made this book a good read besides nostalgia. First, Kimmel's writing style was so genuine and entertaining that I often laughed out loud! She did a great job of capturing a child's outlook and enthusiasm.
She also deals with some very profound issues. (Any of the 16 questions at the back of the book would be fun to discuss with you all.) Zippy's own religious awakenings (Easter--page 242) and her parents' differing approaches to things spiritual (from her dad's church in the trees to her mom's consistent attendance at church) really raised some important questions. I thought it was interesting that the book ended at Christmas with the comment, "Thank you for not losing faith."
The family dynamics dealt with important issues as well. Zippy matter-of-factly lets the reader in on Dad's gambling/smoking/compulsive behavior and Mom's depression/escape from life/financial problems. I found that the way Zippy's older brother and sister treated her really bothered me. For years, I have wrestled with when teasing becomes plain meanness and this seemed like a lot of meanness to me. (And she STILL looks up to them.)
I appreciated the things that made me think. I didn't appreciate the sick/dark side that Kimmel portrays using the neighbor family that abused animals. I wished it hadn't been part of the book. (Do all books today have to have something sensational in them?) When the rabbit was actually eating Zippy's finger, I was absolutely nauseous.
The carnivorous rabbit notwithstanding, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was fun and thought provoking and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it.
--Karen Smith
Monday, July 2
Wednesday, June 20
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 19
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...
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
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
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
Monday, June 18
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 12
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.
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.
Monday, June 4
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. :)
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. :)
Saturday, June 2
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.
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.
Friday, May 18
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.
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.
Thursday, May 17
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
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
Saturday, May 12
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
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.
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.
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