Mama Reads

Push: A Novel – I desperately wish I had never read this book.  I keep thinking about it and not in a good way.  More in a it’s bothering my protected little life by making me think about disturbing things way.  I know that it’s good for me to step outside my comfort zone but I don’t like it! 

I’ll probably give away spoilers in this review so stop reading now if you are going to read this book – The main character Precious is having her second child by her father who started abusing her at an early age.  Her mother is also abusive not only verbally and physically but sexually as well.   She is 16 and still in junior high from being held back and now they want to kick her out because of the pregnancy.   Someone finally gets her into an alternative program where she is able to work on her literacy.  Some readers find this story inspirational as she’s working to “get out”.  I find that unlikely and my heart just breaks at the innocence lost and the thought of anyone treating a child like that.  And I can’t stop thinking about it and I really want to stop thinking about it!  I guess that means it was a good book? 

Just finished reading Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)
for book club. A quick, easy read that like the first one, leaves you wanting more! Katniss, our heroine from the first book, is just as compelling and like all teenagers, just as confused. As a winning “tribute” she should have been set for life, but finds herself sucked into a political movement and, as punishment, into the next Hunger Games. Unlike a lot of middle books in a trilogy, this one is not just a placeholder to move the story along but compelling in it’s own right. 5 stars!

I love the post-apocalyptic genre so here are some other recommendations!

Dies the Fire: A Novel of the Change
A flash, and the world no longer has electronics or explosives, throwing us back to an era of swords and heroes.

The Postman (Bantam Classics)
Classic collapse of civilization. Forget the movie. Great for book club discussions.

The Stand: Expanded Edition: For the First Time Complete and Uncut (Signet)
I know, I know, but again, forget the TV movie. While I think the last 1/4 of the book falls short, the first part is fabulous. People forget that King is actually a good writer most of the time and dismiss him because of the subject matter.

The Road (Movie Tie-in Edition 2008 of the 2006 publication)
Now to preface, I hate the way McCarthy writes. He just doesn’t do it for me. I’ve tried to read All the Pretty Horses 3 times and just can’t do it. I can however, recognize that while not my style, this is a good read. Very dark though…

Parable of the Sower
Vastly underappreciated author! Isn’t it strange how in so many post-apocalyptic stories all the survivors are in Oregon?

That’s probably enough for now but I will leave you with one last thing… I Am Legend (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)
I have not read the book but this movie was so good I actually forgot it was Will Smith. (weak ending but you can’t have everything!