No Requiem for the Space Age by Matthew W. Tribbe

I vividly remember talking to another teacher about the 1969 moon landing and how memorable it was -- that's when she told me that she had not even been born at that time! The conversation was an eye-opener for me and helped me to see the ways in which different generations have experienced and viewed the moon landings and other NASA programs.  These ideas are explored in-depth in a scholarly fashion in No Requiem for the Space Age by Matthew W. Tribbe.  This book will be a helpful resource for those students who are interested in space exploration, in public opinion towards NASA, and in the influence of the media. With many references to astronaut heroes, to funding battles over Apollo and shuttle programs, to Walter Cronkite and surveys and polls, the author provides a detailed chronology and analyzes the shifting attitudes towards the space program.

Readers looking to match No Requiem for the Space Age with a fiction title should consider The Right Stuff  by Wolfe (referenced in this book) or Rocket Boys by Hickam, both of which have been made into movies and have, in turn, impacted public perspective regarding NASA and America's role in the space race.

The Sin-Eater’s Confession by Ilsa J. Bick

     Ben has become so entwined in the problems and death of his friend Jimmy, that for Ben to share any of his story - to say anything – even to his father, the deputy chief of police, would only make him look guilty, which, in his small town, could easily translate into being accused of killing Jimmy. Or, as Ben states himself, doing so would "be like Jesus all over again.  They'd crucify me" (228).  The only way he thinks he can help his friend, and himself, is to find the real assailants. This entire event gnaws at his subconscious, and in order to ease his own fears, he realizes he must confess his own secrets, finally - to accept what happened, his role in it, and who he has become. 

     Bick had me engaged from the beginning as Ben, the protagonist, speaks to the reader through his writing. He explains why he is writing, but does not identify to whom until the very end.  His sentences flow together, and move the story quickly( as Ben even states, “it’s time I got all this down and as fast as I can…”), as very well could be the case of a male young adult who needs to feel relief from the trauma, guilt, and paranoia he’s carried for three years. 

     Ben writes this story while in the military and stationed in Afghanistan as a medic. However, he doesn’t explain why he’s in the military until the last section of the book, and, until then, there’s a sense of hope that he’ll go to Yale.  Because his story is so complex, it’s easy to forget everything he shares by way of his introduction.

     Her use of alliteration, vivid and distinct adjectives, choice vocabulary, and thought-provoking ideas makes this novel one that I will recommend.  It’s definitely a great option for guys in high school and older.  It’s gritty, a bit gruesome, realistic, and deals with sexuality in a subtle way that keeps it in the foreground and provides “food for thought” for the reader, yet does not overshadow Ben and his increasing complex web of fear.

The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman

The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman relates the changes in America from the early 1900's through the 1980’s by focusing on an immigrant child who grows up to lead a business empire.  

Fleeing persecution of Jews in Russia, Malka Treynovsky mistakenly becomes Malka Bialystoker at Ellis Island, but that is only the beginning of her transformation.  This trusting, naive child morphs into a shrewd, scheming businesswoman - under indictment for tax evasion -  named Lillian Dunkle.  

Like my own grandparents and in-laws who came to this country as immigrants, Malka/Lillian works hard and seeks a better life for herself and her family.  Along the way, her life is touched by major events: New York City’s tenements and a crippling accident; WWI and the Spanish flu; the Great Depression; WWII; even 50's early TV shows for kids and the post-war growth of "fast food" and franchises in America.  

Susan Jane Gilman thoroughly researched this historical novel and parallels the real life "rags to riches" story of Tom Carvel, a Greek immigrant who revolutionized the ice cream industry. It was fascinating to read about the development of ice cream flavors and the invention of soft serve ice cream, but the most surprising idea to me was that in the 1940's ice cream was suspected of causing polio. More factual information is available in 97 Orchard: an Edible History of Five Immigrant Families in one New York Tenement by Jane Ziegelman.

The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street does feel a little long in places (512 pages!), but this "darkly comic" novel has potential as a Junior Theme selection. Certainly, it addresses the question of "What does it mean to be American?" I found myself wondering how Lillian, who is such a multi-faceted character, could be so street-smart and a-moral while also being so trusting and repeatedly making poor choices.  Her insecurity is understandable, however, when we see how she is abandoned again and again by her families. She is crippled both physically and emotionally, craving acceptance and yet ultimately rejects those who truly care for her.

An ideal choice for book groups, The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street offers much to discuss and debate: Who was the strongest character?  Lillian? Her husband? Someone else? Was there a hero? Who really ran the ice cream empire? Were the characters fooling others or themselves? And how does this reflect America’s transformation over the same time period? Had the country become "small-minded and ingrown and frightened" or not? Gilman raises that last issue and explores it in the accompanying discussion guide.   If you want to be inspired by grit, entrepreneurial spirit, and resilience, to explore questions of ethics, and like strong female characters in historical family sagas, order up The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street for a delicious summertime treat.

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.