The Object Parade: Essays by Dinah Lenney

I really enjoyed The Object Parade: Essays by Dinah Lenney and will be recommending this title to teachers and students, especially those in our Senior Writers’ Seminar. In this collection of essays, Lenney seems to focus a variety of objects which were important to her, while really introducing us to the people and memories associated with these artifacts. Examples include her grandfather’s Steinway grand piano, a Christmas tree and holiday traditions, and that “little black dress” worn to many events tied to her acting career.  Many essays were previously published and several could serve as possible models for our “definition” essay assignment.

I was grateful for the opportunity to share in Lenney’s reflections, especially the cross-generational thoughts on children leaving home and on the relationships with in-laws and parents. She is a clever writer with whom I was not familiar, but who struck a chord, such as when talking about the young girl who “… spent hours on the window seat staring out between the branches of a weeping hemlock. From that spot, I watched the sky, read, wrote, drew, daydreamed….”  

The essays are interconnected, but can be read singly and do be sure to linger over the epilogue of The Object Parade for as Lenny says, “We attach meaning to things and things to meaning: endow them one way or another as if to prove to ourselves that we are who we are; this life really happened; we really have traveled this far in time and space.”

A scenic route in Let's Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell

Sincere story about relationships:
1.Friendship, and the nuances of developing a friendship, growing together within the friendship, and the genuine care one can have for another that tragic events can lead one to be at a complete loss.

Intertwined is 2. Relationship between owner and her dog - a relationship that is so unique and special, with a bond that is unconditional, loyal, and steadfast. I smiled, laughed, reflected, and unexpectedly shed some tears, especially as I came to feel connected to the dear dog. Highly recommend for adults.

I always know I like a book when I have bookmarks scattered throughout or page corners are folded. This one was full of ripped pieces of paper (in lieu of bookmarks) and folded corners.

For the Love of a Dog....Last Summer With Oscar by Jan Schwartz, Ph.D.

     Jan Schwartz chronicles her last year with Oscar, a beloved 9-year-old Golden Retriever, who is diagnosed with cancer. Because of the amount of cancer, the typical surgery/chemotherapy/radiation treatment is not necessarily a viable option. So, Jan and her husband look to homeopathic treatment with food, herbs, and Slippery Elm leaves that Oscar “sniffs out” on their walks.

     This chronicle is written in journal form, with dates, and details about Oscar – from his physical state to the changes in his diet.  The commitment and determination of Schwartz lead her to provide Oscar with cooked meals and take-out sandwiches.  This diet combined with herbal supplements gave Oscar additional sustenance to be comfortable, to continue on their daily walks, and a chance to slow the progress of the cancer. 

     Some of the finite detail about meals and daily activities was a little too much for this reader.  However, it’s easy to come to like Oscar, and his littermate, Winston, and feel compassion for them during the roller-coaster ride of dealing with Oscar’s cancer.  Learning more about the homeopathic treatment was more informative, and could be for anyone who has a dog, and would be interested to diversify or change its diet.  Readers who have had a dog can relate easily to the emotional turmoil during Oscar’s last days, his final visit to the vet, and the time left with Winston, as he is now on his own and at a loss for Oscar. 

     Description and detail about the homeopathic supplements is provided in the Appendix.   

The Art of Secrets by James Klise

I picked up this book for two reasons: James Klise is a local Chicago author (more about that below) and I have enjoyed his sister Kate’s writing and was therefore curious about reading a book by him. The Art of Secrets was a fun and intriguing read, told mainly in documents, including letters, newspaper articles, interviews and texts/emails.  I enjoyed that style of writing with its multiple perspectives. The novel, set in a contemporary private school, deals with issues of acceptance and social status. There’s an element of mystery with plenty of misunderstandings and … secrets.

In The Art of Secrets Saba Khan’s apartment is destroyed in a suspicious fire and her classmates pull together to arrange a fund-raising auction which gets very interesting because of the high value of some found art.  Along the way, Klise discusses immigration, fitting in and several moral/ethical questions concerning hate crimes and greed.  Who is using whom? The list is long and ranges from free rides to/from school… to college application essay material… to free host family and luxury housing… to insurance payments … to more popularity at school… to better office furnishings. Opportunities for misunderstandings abound and the reader is able to see events from many [some not so comfortable] sides.  The Art of Secrets is worth the read, especially for students in late middle school and early high school as they try to develop their own identities and learn to build empathy for peers and adults.

And how about **Free Pizza** for lunch this Saturday, May 31st, at the Bookstall in Winnetka?  Call 847.446.8880 for more details about this midday Teen Pizza Party. Since James Klise is a local author, he will be joining Philip Siegel (The Break-up Artist) to talk about books and the writing process, as well as answering questions and signing copies of their novels. The program is free and designed for readers age 12 and up.  See you there!

We are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

We are the Goldens by award-winning author Dana Reinhardt starts as a very quick read, although it slows down a bit when one of the main characters is making poor choices and the other seems unable to take decisive action.  BUT isn’t that actually very realistic?  How many of us have hesitated to tell a sibling or good friend that we are concerned about their choices?  How many have tried instead to pretend that it would go away or resolve itself?  That is the situation in which Nell, high school freshman, finds herself in when Layla, her older sister and a high school junior, starts spending time alone with a male teacher.

Reinhardt’s exploration of questions of loyalty, betrayal and intimate relationships successfully evokes strong emotions, mostly sadness, in the reader.  She definitely arouses feelings like confusion and resentment as two sisters mature and grow apart. Students, especially girls, will enjoy We are the Goldens with its focus on relationships: between the sisters, between children and parents, and between boyfriend-girlfriends. This coming of age novel will be a popular title; expect to see We are the Goldens nominated for several awards. 

And if you have not read other titles by Reinhardt, be sure to check out these: A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life; Things a Brother Knows and How to Build a House, plus more!

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Grab a copy of We Were Liars by E. Lockhart and start reading as soon as possible. Here’s a link to the first few chapters as well as some “teasers” for other titles from RandomHouseTeens.

I had waited to pick up this book in part because I was thinking “who wants to read about spoiled rich kids?”  That was a mistake.  The beautiful Sinclair family - stereotypically blonde, athletic and rich enough to have a private island for a summer getaway - have plenty of issues which will grab students’ attention as they did mine. Beyond the high praise and starred reviews, it is unfair to characterize this novel: part mystery, part romance, part therapy, part family tragedy.  John Green calls it “utterly unforgettable.”

National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart delivers a very quick read which  you will race through and then go back and re-read, savoring the story and its accompanying fairy tales of greed and secrets. Grandfather, three daughters, many cousins, including the Liars: Cadence, Gat, Johnny and Mirren. These four teens have developed a strong friendship over their years on the island; it’s their aversion to the shallow bickering born of privilege that leads to a horrific act of defiance. Yes, this book feels unique and yet relatable.  I can’t wait to book talk it – though if asked how it ends, I will have to lie.