Ti | Book Chatter

It’s Independence Day here in the U.S. Also known as the Fourth of July. On this day, back in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. These days, we celebrate it with a day off from work (for most of us), cook-outs and fireworks. The weather in Southern California is not cooperating though…

The View from my Front Door

The view from my front door is a gloomy one. Yesterday was sunny, and about 80 degrees, which is cool for this time of year. Today, it’s overcast and drizzly. Most of it will burn off (I think) but fireworks typically won’t happen with this much haze in the sky.

Our plans? Well, we normally head out to see the city’s firework’s display but this year we are avoiding the crowds and plan to just hang out in our own backyard. Fireworks are not legal where we are, but someone ALWAYS obtains them illegally so there is usually something to see. We are going to BBQ some teriyaki burgers & make smores.

As for the reading pickle I mentioned…

I am in the middle of reading several books right now. I am re-reading The Stand, which most of you already know about. I am really enjoying it but it’s an epic that demands my attention so although I am reading it along with three other books, I find myself having to go back to it more than the others. It’s sort of hard to switch gears between all of the books because they are all so different.

The other books are The Space Between Us, which I am reading for Lisa’s read-along, and Homecoming which I am reading for book club. All good, but my attention span is that of a gnat these days, so the brain is working hard trying to give each the attention they deserve. Balance is still something I strive for when it comes to reading. I can’t seem to find it. I either have way too much to read, or not enough.

On a personal note, the Boy’s grounding has ended so he may once again walk amongst society. He won’t get his computer back until school starts though. Many of you asked about him so you’ll be happy to know that he survived his offense, but just barely. I sure hope he learned his lesson.

Right now The Hub is fixing my brake light (the jerk at the oil change place loosened it to make a buck) and I am about to jump back into one of those books. I wish you all a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Tinkers Book Cover

Tinkers
By Paul Harding
Bellevue Literary Press
January 2009
192pp

The Short of It:

A tiny novel that packs an emotional punch.

The Rest of It:

An old man lies on his deathbed, and from it, reminisces about this childhood and his relationship with his father. Simple, yes?

Yes, but Tinkers is not an “in your face” type of story. George Washington Crosby lapses in and out of consciousness as his loved ones wait for the inevitable. His childhood memories come and go in fleeting, almost ethereal ways. Some memories are more structured than others, but nearly all center around his father Howard, who spent a good portion of his adult life struggling with Epilepsy, which back then, was not a disease that people were familiar with.

After a particularly bad episode, one which leaves George with a bitten hand, George’s mother seeks help in treating this disease. Except, the “treatment” for such a thing back in those days involved a trip to a mental institution. Something that Howard wants no part of since his own father was taken to one when he was just a young boy.

As a tinker, Howard is used to traveling from farm to farm, selling his wares. He is no stranger to travel. So, he loads up his cart and leaves his family, for good. What George recalls from his deathbed, are the tender moments between a father and his son, but also the darker moments of terror, not knowing or understanding what was happening to his father at the time.

This is a sad story. It has a heavy, weighty feel to it even though it’s such a short novel. Harding’s grasp of the father/son dynamic is gripping and unrelenting at times. The images he paints with words caused me to pause in thought numerous times and it’s left me mentally exhausted. That sounds like a negative comment but it’s really not. Death is an ordeal and losing a loved one certainly takes its toll and that is what it feels like. It’s as if I weathered a storm and now the clouds have passed. There is a moment of quiet wonder. That is what I am embracing right now.

As a book club book, I think there would be a lot to discuss as far as how Harding presents his ideas, and his writing style in general, but it’s a simple story at heart. Those looking for a book that is heavy on plot, won’t find that in Tinkers, but it’s a rewarding read nonetheless.

Tinkers won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and is Paul Harding’s first novel.

Source: Purchased

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