Book Chatter

Little Fires Everywhere
By Celeste Ng
Penguin Press, Hardcover, 9780735224292, September 12, 2017, 352pp.

The Short of It:

The essence of motherhood can be shown in so many ways, a photograph of a mother holding a child, a mother gazing through a window at a child who is no longer hers, a mother’s contempt for her own daughter. All these things come together in this beautifully told story.

The Rest of It:

The story opens with Izzy burning down her house. From the moment of conception, Mrs. Richardson knew that this child would be different from her other children and as Izzy grows into a young woman, Mrs. Richardson wonders if she will ever have a relationship with her that isn’t wrought with frustration and worry.

Izzy doesn’t get along with anyone in her family but does get along with Mia and her daughter, Pearl. Mia and Pearl are renters of a little apartment owned by Izzy’s family. Although they are renters, Pearl is more a part of the family than Izzy is, always hanging out at the main house with the other kids. Mia, a photographer by trade, makes ends meet by taking odd jobs and eating leftover takeout but she has a way with Izzy and even Izzy is surprised by this.

There are many stories within this novel as each character finds his or her way but ultimately, it’s a story about motherhood and what it means to be a family. As these characters interact with each other and their story lines begin to cross, secrets are revealed and they are forced to look closely at themselves in the mirror. We find out why Izzy burns the house down and somehow we can relate.

I really loved this beautifully written novel and it will most definitely be on my list of faves at the end of the year. Everything came together so beautifully. Not perfectly tied-up with a bow but realistically and with hope. I plowed through those final pages and then read the last page over and over again.

Have you read it? If not, I highly recommend it.

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher.
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.

Sunday Matters

It’s funny how people from Southern California talk about the weather. We don’t have seasons but we expect this time of the year to be below 105. I mean, is that too much to ask? We ALWAYS have a heat blast in October but never this bad. The winds and heat have turned all brush into tinder. Not good.

I feel like it’s affected everyone’s decision to not decorate for Halloween. I don’t know how much candy to buy now. Will we get the same numbers when our neighborhood is practically void of decor? Probably not.

Right Now:

I am recovering from a busy week. My body is rebelling by allowing me to feel every ache and pain. I feel like I fell out of a window.

This Week:

I am taking Halloween off which makes it an extra special day. I am going to cook and make snacks and then my daughter and her friend will go trick-or-treating and my husband and I will hand out candy with the dog. Sometimes, he goes with her but she is getting to be the age where a chaperone is frowned upon. My son has to work Fright Fest that night.

The volleyball season is over and the banquet is this Thursday. I can’t believe how fast it went. It was SO enjoyable for all of us. Great kids, great parents and we love the coaches. We could not have asked for a better season.

Reading:

I am finally into Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. I started it once before but got distracted by other things. It’s reminding me of Did You Ever Have a Family.

I am also reading Lab Girl by Hope Jahren for book club. It was my pick so I am supposed to lead the discussion but it’s the same night as the volleyball banquet so I will not be there for it. Bummer. I was looking forward to it.

Watching:

I’m about to breakout Halloween.

Making:

These days I have to go for easy so anything that can be cooked in one pan is good. I could live on stir frys but my family gets tired of them. I love the idea of just cooking everything in a wok.

So, we’ve had sandwiches a couple times this past week. Chicken veggie soup that we served over rice. Pizza. Gluten free corn dogs! I know. It sounds so wrong. For Halloween I am making rigatoni and meatballs. The Girl’s request.

Grateful for:

The ladies in my life group.

If you had asked me two years ago to join a life group, I would have said no. I was too busy and I didn’t know enough about the Bible to discuss it. Plus, I couldn’t see myself with a group of women on a regular basis. I am too tired at the end of the day and just want to crash. I still feel all those things and yet I am now in a life group and could not imagine life without one.

Support. Study. Great meals and conversation. Accountability. I am grateful for all of it.

Your turn:

I leave you with this, what is your favorite movie to watch as Halloween approaches? Mine is Halloween. The classic with Jamie Lee Curtis.

Chatting with friends about books and life…