Review: An Unnecessary Woman

An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

This is a deeply thoughtful exploration of character and place.

More so than many other books I've read, I was aware of its impact on me emotionally. There are devastating scenes that I was able to absorb without tears; I know if I were in a different time and place myself, I would have been uncontrollably crying as I read.

My own character and place as I read had a surprising influence on me. Recovering from a preventive mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, I was sedentary and cocooned at home. My best friend & beloved husband Lance took care of my needs. Our 11-year-old Aussie Woody cuddled and protected me. So, so fortunate to have clusters – family, medical team, friends – for support. So, so fortunate to have a peaceful, well-lit room for healing.

The contrast to me was stark as I read of Alameddine's heroine Aaliya's circumstances and state of mind. Decades of war and distrust await outside the door to her small apartment in Beirut. She lives a solitary life in her apartment that is so full of books and manuscripts, she barely has room to breathe. It seems her entire life as "an unnecessary woman" is fraught with tension tamed only by literature and ideas.

This story will stay with you. Read it when the time is right for you. Your heart will open, and a new awareness will inform you.



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Review: The Neil Gaiman Audio Collection CD

The Neil Gaiman Audio Collection CD by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 0 of 5 stars



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Review: Neverwhere

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Couldn't put it down. So many interpretations of doors.
Hero & Herione sympathetic & compelling.

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Review: The Ocean at the End of the Lane

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Intriguing, spooky, enchanting.

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Review: American Gods

American Gods by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Wild ride.

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Review: Border Voices 17: What We Dreamed Of

Border Voices 17: What We Dreamed Of by Jack Webb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Find any of the 20+ Border Voices anthologies, buy it or borrow it, and keep it near a place you sit when you want stillness. Be curious, and take in the ideas of San Diego children (K-12) voiced in poems and art. As a classroom teacher who hosted this program for many years, I have seen and felt the alchemy achieved with a Border Voices teaching poet, a group of students, and a teacher supporting behind the scenes.

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Review: Old Turtle

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book just came to me in "Recommendations". I know this book, and it is a treasure to me in its physical form, and in the mood it evokes in my mind even now, years since I've read it.
The illustrations are watery and soft. The text moves slowly and peacefully.

Read this for yourself, then read it to a child or two or even an entire classroom.


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