Song of the Week: Yellow

Early this week, I finally finished listening to my audiobook, and if you do not yet know which book I listened to, and are curious, take a look here.

Anyway, I have gone back to listening to music while driving, cleaning, etc. I will admit, with my first car drive without my audiobook, I could not settle clearly on what music I wanted to listen to. Did I want to listen to calm music? Rockin’ music? Country music? etc… I could not decide, so when in doubt, I turn to my one of absolute favorites…. Coldplay.

Yellow lyrics

Yellow is one of their songs that has grown on me to the point that I absolutely love this song. When I first heard it, I really did not get why it was so well liked by many people. When I first heard it, it did nothing for me. The past several months I have started listening to the Parachutes album a whole lot, and let me tell you, there are many awesome songs on this album. Anyway, suffice it to say, Yellow has been one of the four Coldplay songs this past week that I had to listen to while driving - had to listen to before I reached my destination.

Any songs calling out to you this week?

Do you have a song of the week?

Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

“Courage, dear heart” p.187

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
by C.S. Lewis
Copyright 1952
Pages: 248, pb
Source: Own

Back Cover:
Narnia ... where anything can happen (and most often does) ... and where the adventure begins.
The Dawn Treader is the first ship Narnia has seen in centuries. King Caspian has built it for his first voyage to find the seven lords, good men whom his evil uncle Miraz banished when he usurped the throne. The journey takes Edmund, Lucy, their cousin Eustace, and Caspian to the Eastern Islands, beyond the Silver Sea, toward Aslan's country at the End of the World.

First Sentence:
There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.

EJ and I took on Carrie’s Chronicles of Narnia Challenge, and this time around, we decided to read The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I read aloud this book to EJ, and then we would discuss the chapter read utilizing ROAR! as our discussion prompts.

I had a great time reading aloud this book to EJ. It has been such an enjoyable experience reading to her, and then discussing. It is very cool to see how my 10-year old daughter’s mind works, and it works fantastically I will tell you.

EJ’s Thoughts (Age 10):

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was an exciting, and imaginative book. One of my favorite parts of the book was when Eustace became a dragon, and also when Reepicheep dived into the water to challenge the Sea King, but became distracted when he drank the water. Aslan comes to protect them when they are in trouble, for example, Lucy was reading the wizard’s book, and right before she was to say the spell of turning herself beautiful, she saw Aslan’s face. She became afraid because she knew she was wrong so she turned the page right away. Or when they went into the dark hole and Lucy prayed for Aslan to help them, which he did.

So, my overall view of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was that my mom can’t read fast enough, and get’s tired if she reads two chapters a day. Just kidding ;D My REAL overall view of the book was that it taught you how to be with God (or Aslan, in this book) when you were in trouble, or to make you think twice. So I think you should read this book if you love fantasy, or anything else. Since it has tons of categories (to me, maybe not you) in it.

Lucy…whispered, “Aslan, Aslan, if ever you loved us at all, send us help now.” The darkness did not grow any less, but she began to feel a little-a very, very little-better. p.186,pb

My Thoughts:

The story is superb! I loved this story, and rank it as one of my favorites in the series.

I was talking to a friend of mine about this series, and I told her that The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is the best in the series, a no brainer, in my opinion. Without The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, the other books are not possible. Still though, I do believe The Voyage of the Dawn Treader does give The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe a run for it’s money.

I really liked the adventure contained within Voyage’s pages. There were several mini-adventures throughout as the search for the seven missing lords was conducted. Each adventure had its own suspense and twist. I had great fun reading each chapter, wondering what it will bring for my feasting eyes.

Not only were the adventures great fun, I found it incredibly interesting to read the truths of life…of God…embedded within the pages. These truths are not flying at your face rather they are subtle, but yet powerfully executed within the context of the story…the context of the children’s lives. God aside, this book is such a fabulous read for children and adults alike because I do believe many would have great fun while reading the story.

How great is Aslan? He is awesome! I really loved how he made his appearances, and his presence known. He is guiding, and protecting the children throughout the story even though he is not physically by their side.

Let’s not forget Reepicheep…what an awesome mouse! Really, Reepicheep rocks! That mouse has such grandeur yet he is humble even while going forth with all his heart, and might. He tackled each problematic circumstance with determination to do what is right, to not forsake the truth.

I could go on and on gushing about this book, but I will not. I do know…I am psyched to read the next two books in this series. The big question though is when? That answer, I do not know, but hope I will read them before July 2011.

Yes, indeed, I really did love this story of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. If you have not read this story yet then I seriously am telling you that you should…but….first make sure you at least read The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe to have richer, and fuller understanding of all that is contained within these pages.

When I read the following, I immediately thought… “profound”.

“This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.”
-Aslan

Side notes:

For some great thoughts in regards to The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and the Chronicles of Narnia overall…check out Carrie’s blog, Reading To Know. Specifically here, here, here, and here.

Something very cool happened with me while reading this book. I embarked upon a 90-Day journey to read my Bible in full, and because I have been reading my Bible while reading The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, I was clearly seeing Aslan’s …his commands, guidance, and protection. I could not help but see how the characters who went astray in the story were similar to the Israelites. Yet, even when gone astray, there was always a way to come back. For the Israelites, and the characters….the truth was, they needed to listen, and obey. Another thing that struck me was that I feel Caspian is bit like David. Caspian conquered lands and led his people with the guidance of Aslan…he has a heart for Aslan, and wants to do right by his people, but he is not infallible, and does make errors in judgment for which he is rebuked and does submit to Aslan.

The closer the children traveled towards Aslan’s country the more they were able to know him, they wanted to be in his country, the more. The same is true for me, the more I read the Bible…daily…the more I am seeing God in our lives, the more I want to read His word, and understand, and follow. Anyhow, because I am seeing God in my world, I am seeing all that God is within the world of Narnia.
I am seeing the awesomeness of C.S. Lewis’s writing.

EJ and I used two great resources to further enhance our discussions. I highly recommend both.
ROAR! by Heather Kopp with David Kopp
A Family Guide to Narnia by Christin Ditchfield
(Interesting to note here, my views about A Family Guide are currently different from when I posted about it last year. For EJ and I, this year, the book worked fabulously for us. It really helped us to dig a bit further into the truths)

To see what the other participant's thoughts on The Chronicles of Narnia challenge, check out the challenge conclusion post.

Oh yes, I cannot wait to see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader which is due in the theaters on December 10, 2010

Polishing Mud Balls Blog Note:
This month on Polishing Mud Balls…
You could win Dork Diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO Popular Party Girl. Ends August 26...check this post for details.

Giveaway! Dork Diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO Popular Party Girl

Back Cover:
In this second installment of the instant bestselling Dork Diaries series, Nikki is starting to adjust to life at her new school with her awesome friends Chloe and Zoey at her side. Her crush, Brandon, even asks her to be his lab partner for “Structure of Mitochondria”, a seriously awesome development.
But after Nikki overhears mean girl MacKenzie bragging that Brandon’s going to take her to the Halloween dance and they’re dressing as Edward and Bella, a bummed Nikki signs on to spend Halloween at a kids’ party for her little sister, Brianna. It is only after Nikki makes the commitment that she finds out MacKenzie was lying and Nikki’s dream of going to the party with Brandon could be a reality. Now she’s got two parties to juggle, plus plenty of other trials and tribulations along the way, ranging from creating a fairy repellent spray to ease Brianna’s ongoing fear of the tooth fairy to trying to stifle a nasty case of the hiccups at her dad’s ex-boss’s funeral. Life for Nikki Maxwell is never dull!

Dork Diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO Popular Party Girl is a fantastic fun read for girls ago 9-13. Now, thanks to Rachel Renee Russell, you have a chance to win this fun read with a great message about how it is okay that you feel like a “dork” because we all do at times…embrace it, be okay with it, and strive to do what is right, and what you like.

Rachel has sent me 3 hardcover books!
Yay, we can have 3 winners!

Guidelines:
* Open to USA and Canada Only
* Contest ends on August 26, 2010 at 11:59 CST
* All entries can be in one comment
* Winner will be announced on this blog.

How to Enter:

Leave a comment with your name

Leave your email in the comment. No email means no entry.

For Extra Entries and NOT necessary but appreciated:

1. Comment on Review here: +1

2. Blog – post or sidebar link – about the giveaway. +1

3. Tweet this post on Twitter – please leave a link with Twitter username. +1

Total Entries Possible = 4

Read Aloud Thursday: Reading My Library Letter “A” Edition

Read Aloud Thursday is hosted by Hope Is the Word.
I have seen this meme around for a bit of time, and have decided to participate because I think it is the perfect meme to feature my books for Reading My Library which is hosted by Carrie of Reading My Library, and Reading To Know.

This month, we checked out 30 picture books from our library, and I have to tell you, I am rather disappointed in the quality of children’s books thus far. What ever do I mean? Well, many of these books were far too long for my 4 year old and 7 year old, and on top of that the stories were dull, dull, dull! Not only were they dull, but many of them were dumbed down which was mostly the case for the shorter books. On top of all that, several of the books had themes that just were not all that great. One that stands out is that a child tells a lie thinking that she is protecting someone else, the mom finds out, and never addresses the issue of lying. In essence, the child got away with lying. Ummm…not good in my book.

Out of the 30 books that we checked out, only 5 books were of any worth to us.

All Things Bright and Beautiful
by Cecil Frances Alexander
illustrated by Bruce Whatley
Copyright 2001

Fabulous book! This is my absolute favorite out of the bunch, and GD loved the book as well. IJ sat through the book, and participated in our “discussion” of the illustrations…that says something for the book.

I love the hymn, but almost more importantly….this book reminds me of All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot and I do love that book. Matter of fact, we own James Herriot’s Treasury for Children which is absolutely wonderful!!!

The Return of Freddy Legrand
by Jon Agee
Copyright 1992

IJ loved this story, of course, it does feature a plane, you know. I really liked the story because not only does it speak of a man’s determination to accomplish a goal which successfully, completing a transatlantic flight, it also speaks fantastically about friendships. The illustrations are wonderful; they did keep IJ interested.

Previously
by Allan Ahlberg
illustrated by Bruce Ingman
Copyright 2007

This is a very cute story that features several fairy-tale characters as we see what they were up to previously. A fantastic book for children to think about the order of how things happen….previously. Yep, a very cute story. We liked this one.

Here a Face, There a Face
by Arlene Alda
Copyright 2008

A very simple book in the way of words, but a fantastic book in the way of photos. What was cool about this book is the photos uniquley feature faces. Such as, a tree trunk has a “face” made from surface notches made by nature that “whistles a tune”. A few eggs being fried in a pan come together and form a “face”. A motorcycle forms “Smiles of a Knight”. The kids had fun viewing the photos, and discovering how the next “face” was made…formed.

Song And Dance Man
by Karen Ackerman
illustrated by Stephen Gammell
Copyright 1988

This book was a bit too long for GD, and IJ but they did view a few illustrations for which we talked about. The illustrations are lovely; this book did win the 1989 Caldecott Medal.
I liked the story a whole bunch. A Grandpa tells his grandchildren a lovely story of yesterday gone by. A story of a time in his life that he was a song and dance man. This story has great potential for discussion with children about “days gone by”. I can see this story fitting a curriculum such a Five in a Row quite nicely. I truly enjoyed reading this book.

The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan

The Dragon Reborn
Wheel of Time Series, book 3
by Robert Jordan
Copyright 1991
Pages 578, hc
Source: Book – Library Copy
Source: Audiobook – Audible.com Purchase

Inside Flap:
The Dragon Reborn – the leader long prophesied who will save the world, but in the saving destory it; the savior who will run mad and ill all those dearest to him-is on the run from his destiny. Able to touch the One Power, but unable to control it, and with no one to teach him how-for no man has done it in three thousand years-Rand al’Thor knows only that he must face the Dark One. But how? Winter has stopped the war-almost-yet men are dying, calling out for the Dragon. But where is he? Perrin Aybara is in pursuit with Moiraine Sedai, her Warder Lan, and Loial the Ogier. Bedeviled by dreams, Perrin is grappling with another deadly problem-how is he to escape the loss of his own humanity? Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve are approaching Tar Valon, where Mat will be Healed-if he lives until they arrie. But who will tell the Amyrlin their news-that the Balck Ajah, long thought only a hideous rumor, is all too real? They cannot know that in Tar Valon far worse awaits… Ahead, for all of them, in the Heart of the Stone, lies the next great test of the Dragon Reborn.

First Sentence:
The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend.

Okay, I am thinking that this series, The Wheel of Time, will be an up and down series for me. What do I mean by that? Well, the first book, The Eye of the World, was good, but I did not love it. The second book, The Great Hunt, was great, and I did love it. Now, with the third book, The Dragon Reborn, I am so-so about...ummm...no, let me correct that. I really liked The Dragon Reborn, I really did. I wanted to know what the next chapter would bring; I wanted to hear the story every day. Yes, you read that correctly, I did say hear. For this book, I “read” it via an audiobook. I hesitated about the audiobook because these stories are lengthy with much detail, but I am sure glad that I went forth. I was hooked into the story right away, and mostly I believe that was because I really liked the adventure, and action that occurred with all the characters. The storyline really worked for me, but I do have some quibbles, and some of those quibbles are very irksome so that is where I came about my so-so feeling.

Now, how do I really go about explaining the third book in a series, a book that really is a continuation of the whole story? I am just not sure how to write about this book, so I am going to write out my random thoughts. I found this idea of random thoughts while reading The Great Hunt review from It’s All About Books.

My Random Thoughts:

-- I really enjoyed the adventure that was within the pages of The Dragon Reborn. I liked how each character, or group of characters, had their own adventures that all lead up to arriving at Tear for the big moment of the Dragon Reborn claiming Callandor.

-- While the adventures were great; the action was pretty great as well. I must admit though, I did think that some of the situations that Mat got out of was pretty lucky. Ha...luck and Mat...which brings me to...

-- Mat is growing on me. There are a few things that his character does that gives me some sparks of interest, and a bit of....”Oh, I am starting to see a bit better why he is liked by readers.” Just a bit though,mind you. I am still not in Mat’s camp.

-- Mat does annoy me still because I think he is cocky. Way too self-assured, and way too reliant on his “luck”. Okay, his gambling habit (dice playing) and all of his luck really is grating on my nerves. Seriously, come now Mat, your luck??? Ugh! I’d rather have a fantastic character because he uses his brains, and brawn rather than luck. One day, Mat’s luck is going to fail him. It has to because that is what luck is about. Cocky boy, and a boy he is as they all are!

-- Perrin, so glad I got to see more of Perrin. He does pretty good in this story, and I really do not blame him with his Moiraine frustrations. I find his storyline very interesting; I like his dreams, I like how he handles himself, I like him. But I am getting a feeling that the boy is going to make a huge error, and that error is with Zarine. Even so, right now, I am thinking that Perrin is the smartest out the three boys - Rand, Perrin, and Mat.

-- Rand, Rand, Rand...I was so starting to like Rand in The Great Hunt. What happened? Oh why did he have to go off on his own? Why did he have to start acting a bit like an idiot? Ahhh...he sort of redeemed himself in the end though, thankfully. I really do hope that he does not go crazy...I hope that “loosing his mind” card is not played because there is a lot that can be done with him. I think he can add a whole ton to this story.

-- Lan, Lan, Lan...I so want more of Lan in these stories. I know that probably will not happen, but Lan still remains my favorite. Every time he is present in the story, his presence is felt. I like seeing a bit more into his relationship with Moiraine. She is possessive of him, for sure. He, in return, is loyal to her, but I so want him to have more...not with Moiraine though, and at the moment..not with Nynaeve either.

-- The boys in general… I do hope they start to grow up a bit, and stop acting and feeling like boys...like teenagers...like...well, hard to believe that they can do great things when they don’t seem to be grasping much of which leads them to their destiny; as to hows and ways of ta'veren. They are being kept in the dark to figure things out on their own when…. oh, Moiraine, Moiraine…

-- Moiraine is a dumb woman. Well, she really is not dumb, but she is in the way that she is handling Rand, Perrin and Mat. Why does she continue to treat them like children? I know they act that way at times, but seriously, they are important and are meant to do great things so why not teach them? Why is she not giving them knowledge? To me, that is her most annoying issue. Teach the boys for gosh sake! She should tell them what she knows; let them in on the secrets which, by the way, is their secret and effects them greatly! I am really getting sick of this withholding of information so I am starting to think that Moiraine’s creator, Mr. Jordan, did not have a clue as to what she knows either. Okay, okay, yes…Moiraine is a smart woman, and I do like how she thinks things out. She does have power, and intelligence except where it comes to giving the boys the knowledge they need, and that is my biggest beef with her.

-- The new girl, yeah, Zarine is annoying. She could be a good addition to the story, some more girl power but nope…she feels the need to be this taunting, and annoying creature. The Falcon, huh? Well, what will be her end? What will be her place? I sure do hope that she does not twist into Perrrin’s life where she will cause him harm, but I am thinking that she will. Yeah, sorry, she is not the girl power that I am looking for.

-- Nynaeve. I have not mentioned this before, I like the name but hate the spelling. I can never get right. Beyond that, I have loved this character since The Eye of the World but this book has soured me on Nynaeve, and I am sooo bummed about that. Geesh... Nynaeve has such potential to be a rockin’ female character but my gosh...the road she is traveling down now has me bothered. Why is such a great female character turning into such a whining, and angry woman? Why does her power have to be so interconnected with her anger? I so dislike this fact that a powerful woman is only so because she is also an angry woman. Ugh! And, while I am at, what is this with Egwene? Why the power struggle? Although, I am blaming that more of this on Egwene. Still, Nynaeve has so much going for her as long as she gets rid of the anger. The anger needs to stop being the way that she can tap into her power and strength. The anger is ugly, and not good trait. That is not where power truly comes from, Nynaeve looks foolish. Sorry to say, but Nynaeve has dropped down off of my favorites list until she matures a bit, and gets a grip on that anger issue.

-- Egwene, Sad, sad , sad girl. Where did her jealousy of Nynaeve come from? Out of the clear blue sky it seems. I don’t get it. I thought they were friends? In my world, I do not get jealous or angry with my friends as Egwene does with Nynaeve. If a person is upset with a friend then tell the friend….tell her and move on. Egwene needs to stop the constant whining that Nynaeve treats her like a child. Egwene is a child, because she is acting like one. Still though, there is only 7 years difference between the two. My close friend is 7 years younger than me and I don’t at all feel like she is an unequal, nor do I look at her as younger or I as older. The problem with Egwene is that she wanting to be treated like an equal but is acting like a brat. Knock it off Egwene…you whining fool. Geesh...again, another female character that I was liking that I must knock down off of my list of favorites until she starts acting a bit more mature. Geesh...wise up!

-- Elayne is a character that I do like. She is neutral, not great, but neutral. There is something that I like about her, but yet there is also something that does not allow me to love the character.

-- My BIGGEST issue with this book was that the author took such wonderful female characters and made them into whining, angry, complaining, irrational women. He should have continued building upon their strengths. There is so much about these characters that is lost because of their constant negatives. I am just not liking how the women are coming off. There is not one strong female who is smart, witty, calm, and in control. They all come off being woman with power who are having silly little cat fights over power. Well, the exception might be Moiraine, but she fails to be a great character because she does not see the wisdom in actually taking the boys into confidence by providing them with much needed knowledge. Ugh! ugh!

-- With all the above said, how can I say that I really liked this story, and that I was riveted with the audiobook. I played the audiobook every chance I got...while driving, and cleaning the house. I was into the story. Well, that is why I liked the book so! It was entertaining with the adventures and action. I was also into the story because of the boys’ storyline which was fabulous even with their characters flaws that I pushed aside. Oh, yeah, I was more forgiving of the boys issues than I am with the woman’s but that is because they really did not irk me that much. Okay...so the adventure, action, and actual storyline was enthralling.

-- What I liked BEST about the story was the Aiel. I love the Aiel. They are a fabulous group of people! Warriors who are not irrational! They are strong and not afraid to use their brawn, but they also know about restraint! That also means they have intelligence. I really like the way their society is set up. Very cool. Powerful men AND women. Actually, the Aiel women impress me greatly, they make Nynaeve, Egwene, Elayne look like whining little brats. The Aiel are great. I really hope the next books play up on their strengths and don’t drag them down as this book did with Nynaeve. The Aiel are the reason why I want to read the next book. Well, Rand has me intrigued as well. Okay, I will admit, I am curious about Mat as well. And Perrin...well, Perrin I am afraid is going to be disappointing me soon with his infatuation over Zarine.

-- I am so glad I went with the audiobook. It was a lot easier to follow than I thought it might be. It also was a great way to loose myself into the story while I was driving or cleaning. I do believe I will try to actually read the next book, but will not hesitate with utilizing the audiobook if I find that my schedule lends itself better that way. Oh, I must say though, Michael Kramer, the male narrator, was good, but his women voices were not that great. While Kate Reading, the female narrator, rocked and her male voices were pretty good. I am glad that there were two narrators. It broke up what could have been monotony, and it helped signify the women’s storyline from the men’s storyline.

There you have it...my random thoughts about The Dragon Reborn.

Bottom line: I really liked this story, and I do want more of the Wheel of Time (but I still don’t care for all the “The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills” stuff).

Other Reviews:
It’s All About Books
Val’s Random Comments
Kay’s Bookshelf

My Wheel of Time Reviews:
The Eye of the World
The Great Hunt

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

“If we can’t trust anyone, we’ll loose.” p.127

Battle Royale
by Koushun Takami
Copyright 1999
English Translation 2003 by Yuji Oniki
Published by VIZ Media, LLC, 2nd edition 2009
Pages 608, pb (576 story pages)
Source: Library Copy

Read for Japanese Literature Book Group

GoodReads Description:
A group of high school students are taken to small isolated island and forced to fight each other until only one remains alive! If they break the rules a special collar blows their heads off. Koushun Takami's brutal, high-octane thriller is told in breathless. blow-by-blow fashion. Battle Royale is a contemporary Japanese pulp classic now available for the first time in English.

First Sentence:
As the bus entered the prefectural capital of Takamatsu, garden suburbs transformed into city streets of multicolored neon, headlights of oncoming cars, and the checkered lights of office buildings.

Upon finishing Battle Royale, I had to think. I had to ponder upon all that happened within this story because there is far more going on beyond the cruel government program where students have been chosen to play the game of killing one another until one student remains. I had to ponder, and even upon writing this review, I am not certain if I have settled in mind what I have read.

Yes, this book is 576 reading pages, but the pages flew by, and I was hooked into the story by page 30 as the events of the story rushed at me suddenly with such horror that my brain felt slammed, and stunned with shock. I could not take my eyes away from the page. I deeply felt the disbelief and fear of the students as they were trying to process the details of what was about to become the most horrific time of their lives. While I felt like I was watching a train wreck, and that I should not continue to stare, I just could not stop reading. I felt compelled to know what was going to happen with the students, most especially with Shuya, Noriko and Shogo.

Unlike other stories that I have read, I did not really know the main characters before their crisis starts, and what is great about the story is how we do get to know Shuya, Noriko and Shogo as the game progresses. Their backstory is told through their remembrances, and conversations with one another; I was able to gain an understanding of who they are, their basic temperament…personality. Although, I will admit, Shuya was the one whom I felt I knew the best. This connection that I was able to make left me worrying for them with concern, fear, and hope. Even though I wanted them to be safe, I knew that the chances of that happening was slim. Yes, I was mostly focused on Shuya, Noriko, and Shogo, but that does not mean that I was not sympathetic towards the other students because I was. The author did a great job bringing to light their backstories. For the exception of a few, I found myself saddened upon each student’s demise.

Yes, yes…Battle Royale is centered around a horrific game, but all is not bleak. Many students consciously decide to not partake in the killings, and through this fact there is still hope in mankind that people will stand up for what they think is right, they will not be bullied into doing something they think is wrong. Yet, keeping to your convictions is not easy, and does not always give you a happy ending. Throughout the story, the constant question of who a person could trust was being asked, and answered. It had me, the reader, wondering about that same very question. How do we discern who we can trust in life? For me, trusting others is not a hard task, but when faced with the situation that a follow classmate would potential kill you in a game such as this one, how then do you decide to trust? How can you decide to not trust? Answers to both questions can be damning, but ultimately, I took away that if you do not allow yourself to trust then you for sure are damned into a life without fulfillment; laced with fear. Ahhh…the fear factor leads to another repeating theme. The power that a society, or group of people can have in order to manipulate another person by exploiting their fear is frightening. Battle Royale’s government officials, in the beginning of the game, catapulted events to ignite fear, to ingrain the fear within the students. They were manipulated into thinking that they were each on their own, and with some students this manipulation worked. The whole psychological effect upon the students is overwhelming.

Many people have read Hunger Games, including myself, and while they are similar stories in the sense of the game itself, the stories really are vastly different. While I immensely liked Hunger Games, and cannot wait to read Mockingjay, I feel that Battle Royale is a deeper and darker read. Battle Royale had me thinking, and questioning. Battle Royale left me pondering the complexities that were within this story. I am certain that Battle Royale is not for everyone who loved Hunger Games because of the darkness within the pages; the violence. But also because there is not the same type of character building relationships that are presented in Hunger Games. Do not get me wrong, I feel like the theme of relationships, and looking out for one another is most definitely present in Battle Royale, but the story’s focus is not so much on a love/friendship relationship rather it was on the questions of trust, manipulation, government control, society ignorance and fear. The story felt like a real possibility, and upon talking with a friend, I fleshed out that is the biggest difference between the two books. In my opinion, Hunger Games felt very much like fiction; the world was too far removed from my world. Whereas, the characters in Battle Royale felt like regular, real kids, for the most. Bottom line, Battle Royale felt like a real possibility.

While I liked this book, and could not put it down, it did have a few minuses. First, I think it might be a tad too long. Yes, I whipped through the pages, and yes, I could not put the read down, but around page 400 I was ready for the story to end. With that said though, much was packed into the pages after page 400; events that I would not want to miss. Ultimately, I am not sure how the book could be condensed further. Another issue I had was that I felt the kids were older than 15. Their thoughts of boy/girl relationships seemed older than age 15, plus their ability to scrounge, and figure things out also seemed more advanced. I will say though, it was rather easy for me to shove this story problem aside because for every student that I thought was beyond the age of 15, there was a student who did seem 15. Plus, upon thinking, the advance feeling that I obtained is not too terribly unrealistic, 15 year olds can possess fantastic thinking power, and abilities.

Without giving away the ending, I will tell you, I am left wondering about the psychological effects of all those who participated in this game, all the way from the top ranking officials down to the “winner”. This type of government inflicted game has lasting effects on the society as a whole. I am curious to know about the society and would like to more about this world.

Battle Royale is an intense read that left me pondering; thought provoking indeed.

“I’m sure you know this, Shuya, but loving someone always requires you to not love others.” p.153

Check out the Japanese Literature Book Group Discussion of Battle Royale hosted by In Spring it is the Dawn

Side Note: While I do not have any problems with my 12 year old reading Hunger Games, I would not want her to read Battle Royale quite yet. Matter of fact, I am not certain that I would want my 15 year old daughter to read this story. This story is shelved in the YA section of the library, but I do think it is for older YA readers….maybe older than 16 or 17…maybe. I say maybe because each parent needs to discern what reading material is suited for their own particular child. Even for me, my 15 year old possibly may read this book if she really showed interest, but I am hesitant in pointing the book out to her at this time. A couple of years down the road, yes, I will point this book out her.

There was is movie made based on Koushun Takami’s Battle Royale, but I will tell you, I am fairly certain that I will not ever view the movie. I am not certain that I could withstand watching the violence that takes place within this story. While I can read it; watching is harder. But, I am wondering - for all you suspense, action, thriller movie viewing seekers – how you would like this movie. If anyone has viewed it, let me know what you thought. I am curious.

Sunday Post: God’s Beauty, Birthday, and Bible Check-In

Another week has sailed by, and another week of some fun stuff mixed in with work. It rained a few days, and I do love the atmosphere of rain, too bad that I could not be lazy on those days.

A Riding We Go…

This past week, Robert and I decided to go on a bike ride. I thought it would be fun to take along IJ and GD, in our bike trailer…I would not be pulling them. (grin) IJ had other ideas, he thought it would be best if he rode his own bike. Okay, fine.
Well, it was not so fine.

First off, my intention of bike riding was to ride, and not to train IJ to stay on the right side of the road, not to weave and to pay attention. So, training was not my intent, plus IJ, whose usual motto is “Fast” as he is always saying “bas, bas”, and wants to “bea(t) you” was moving at a snail pace. I seriously was almost balancing my bike in stand-still mode….not fun. We rode one mile out, and then decided to turn back home…two miles total with IJ and GD. We had the older girls watch the little ones, and then Robert and I took off for the lake…Lake Michigan that is, and to my favorite harbor…Winthrop Harbor. The 10-mile roundtrip bike ride was great. It was so peaceful to ride to the lake, and once at the harbor, we stopped and enjoyed the beauty of the lake…God’s beauty.

I do love riding, and riding with Robert at a nice pace is incredibly fun.

Happy Birthday Eva-Marie!

EM turned 15 years old on Friday, July 23rd. The birthday celebrations were low-key per EM’s request which also means…only a few photos were allowed, and nope…I will not be posting any photos of EM. Aunt Darcy, Uncle Alan, SA, SM, CJ, Grandma, Grandpa, and us helped to ring in age 15, we sang “Happy Birthday” to Evie, had cake and ice-cream over at Grandma’s house, and yes, Grandma made the cake. From there, Robert and I took EM out for her birthday dinner. Every year, on or around each child’s birthday, we take each child out on their own for dinner. She chose to have dinner at Golden Corral. Not my favorite place, for sure, but it is her birthday…her choice. We then spent the rest of the evening watching a movie at home while the rest of the kids were staying over night at Grandma and Grandpa’s home. The foreign movie we watched, Run Lola Run. The movie was okay…I liked it, but EM got tired of the “runs”. It is a bit different, and it certainly had a foreign feel. I read on Wikipedia that “Roger Ebert noted how the film's structure was very similar to that of a video game.” and I would have to agree.

Eva-Marie is now 15 years old, and it is amazing that she is now old enough for a driver’s permit, and very soon a driver’s license. She is maturing. She does a fine job choosing friends, and does tackle responsibilities. She is a beautiful girl with a fine sense of humor…a dry one, but great it is. Teenager she is, and growing pains are felt. I know that she will be a wonderful woman one day because she is currently growing into a lovely young lady. It will be interesting to see where she is…her temperament, her accomplishments, her joy, her commitments, her desires, her goals…where she is when she is 20.

We love you Eva-Marie!

Reading My Bible in 90 Days…check in.

As you know, or don’t know, I am reading the Bible in 90 Days with a fabulous group over at Mom’s Toolbox. We have a weekly Tweetchat, #B90Days, and we have each been paired up with a mentor…my group has been checking in with one another via email.

How am I doing with my reading? At this moment of this writing, I am on schedule, and it feels good. I will admit though, in the beginning of the week, I was behind, and I did not think I would catch up, but I did. This 90 day schedule entails a lot of reading…a lot!

The reading for week 3 was Deuteronomy chapter 23 -1 Samuel chapter 28. While I gleaned several things form this week’s reading, I, to my delight, discovered another book in the bible that I adore…Ruth…an amazing book.
There is a lot I could say about Ruth, Boaz and Naomi, but suffice it to say, they are amazing, and faithful people.

They are very much people worthy of admiration.

One thing that I do, which is helpful for me, is that I keep note-cards that are held together by a ring...I keep these note-cards in my bible and write down my thoughts here and there. The thoughts or questions that enter my mind go down on the cards. This helps me to not only keep some sort of record of this 90 day experience, it also helps me to not dwell too heavily on the questions because they are written down for further gleaning in the future. I will also write down a passage reference that stands out to me or seems to be speaking to me. So far, I am liking this system, and look forward to reading my thoughts when all is said and done.

I hope you have a fantastic week, but first…
How was your past week?

-Deanna-

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I love reading the Sunday Post that Alaine of Queen of Happy Endings does, so I decided to tag along for which Alaine kindly thought was a good idea. Thanks Alaine. :D

Song of the Week: Dancing in the Minefields

Yep…the third week in a row, and I am still fully engaged in my audiobook which also means that I am not listening to music in my car or in the home much. I have, however, been listening to music during my workouts or while outside swimming, but this week’s song does not come from those listening moments. This past week I have also been listening to music, more than usual, while I have been messing around with computer stuff…photos, posts, and browsing.

The song of the week is the song I have been gravitating towards all week while I have been on the computer, but I will also say…the song has stayed in my mind throughout my quite moments throughout the week.

I like reading The Rabbit Room, and this past Monday the song Dancing in the Minefields by Andrew Peterson was posted. I listened, and immediately loved this song. The lyrics are moving and resonate with me. A beautiful song, for sure.

Emma by Kaoru Mori

Emma, Volume 1
by Kaoru Mori
Copyright 2002
Pages 183
Source: Purchased Book

Back Cover:
The saga begins. In Victorian England, a young girl named Emma is rescued from a life of destitution and raised to become a proper British maid. When she meets William, the eldest son of a wealthy family, their love seems destined. But in this world, even matters of the heart are ruled by class distinctions.

Okay-dokey, I am hooked!

Emma was my introduction into the manga world, and a fantastic choice it was for this story read like I was watching a soap opera only much better. I actually don't like comparing it to a soap opera because Emma's storyline is better, but it certainly does have that episodic feeling.

I, the reader, met Emma and the other players of Master William, and Kelly Stownar (a former governess) in this first book. Yes, there are other characters, but for now these are the main three. Anyway, I have been introduced to them without all the smut, lying, an ill-conceived plots that you see on a soap operas, and yet they still are intriguing. I am beyond curious as to how their story will play out.

The characters each have an aura of mystery around them..Who are they? What is the purpose, and intent? Why did William arrive abruptly announced at his old governess’s home? In some ways, I think I know these answers, but in other ways, I do not. They are intriguing.

I hope, as the story continues that I get to know more of Emma...what makes her tick. I hope to see her come out of her meek shell, and I think this may happen. Master William...what will become of him? Will he tackle his responsibilities while being able to tend to his own needs, and desires or will he remain a bit distant with his rich boy laziness. Even as I write that description, there is a niggling part of me that says that there is more to William than what we have seen thus far; I feel that there is depth, but will we eventually see all that is within him?

As I said, Emma was my intro into the manga world, and as such, it took me a bit to get use the flow of reading this book because it reads from right to left as does all traditional Japanese manga. I was not surprised by this as my girls - ED & EJ - read manga, but still, it took some getting use to.

I loved the drawings as they added greatly to story as one would expect this from manga. What made the drawings great was the flow. Many times I felt like I was seeing the actual movement of the characters...very cool. Not only did the drawings add flow to the story; the way the chapters ended did as well. It felt like each chapter ending signified an ending of an episode. I liked, and appreciated that aspect. I really liked the flow and feeling of this story.

Emma, most definitely, is a simple and fun story…a story that I dare you to read..to not become hooked!