The Handmaid's Tale

 

By Margaret Atwood 

    This book is not for the weak of heart and is intended for a more mature audience.  This content is definitely more mature than most of the books that I present in this format.  Which does not mean that it is not relevant ( it is!) and it is assuredly worthy of a read.  First let me explain why I decided to read this book.  After the repeal of Roe v. Wade - I watched several videos of women rallying in opposition dressed as the Handmaid.  Being a curious individual I wanted to read, the correlations between our times and this book.  In advent of these troubling times and the actions of the Supreme Court, this book is indeed concerning.  

    This is a dystopian tale set in the future, after a moral cleansing of the masses.  Women, of child bearing age and ability, are now concerned sacred vessels to be utilized in procreation.  There is no love in this book, no passion only the cold attempt at creating life. Religious zealots have overtaken taken over the United States, and the land of the free has become a regimented military zone.   Offred is living in a commander's home under very strict guidelines.  She has a specific diet, a regulated daily walk with another handmaid, in which they do the daily shopping, with coupons that she receives from the house cook.  During their walk they are allowed some "freedom" on their course of travel.  Most often they check the wall, where criminals' corpses are displayed as a warning to everyone.  

    As the tale progresses, the reader is awarded brief glimpses of a happier time.  When Offred had a life with a child a man she loved.  A time of picnics, hotels, a job and money of her own.  All of this is slowly stripped as the religious order takes control.  First she looses her job, and access to all of her money.  They see the writing on the wall and decide to try to escape to Canada.  Of course, they are caught and Offred is kept by Handmaid's, since she obviously can procreate.  She never discovers what happened to her love or her child.  Which is how Serena is able to manipulate her actions, and put herself in danger.  I think these memories of happier times and the possibility of reuniting with either her child or her love are what keep her grounded and willing to stay.  She often talks of the possibility of ending it, and committing suicide, but can never summon the strength to end her existence.  

    The past is also exhibited in memories of life at the training center.  Where initiates are manipulated and coerced to believe that this existence is for their own good.  They are better off being an empty vessel without love and freedom, then they would be with all of the freedom in the world.  That it is for their own safety that they are sequestered away from society.  Only men of power can touch them.  Women are no longer raped and left on the side of the road to rot.  They are "cherished" and protected.  The women at the center live a very regimented life, and many do not make it through the training.  The women are beat into submission and learn to fear the all seeing eye and their handlers.  They are threatened with being a non women, death or being shipped to the colonies.  Since they can not make money or have a job, many feel that this is the only option to live.  

In Offred's current time, she is lonely with no real connection and the threat of being shipped to the colonies if she is unable to conceive with this commander.  She is running out of time and feels that she can not trust anybody.  Her commander, has her sneaking out of her bed and visiting his office at night away from the prying eyes of the household.  Although, they do little but talk, he does gift her with reading old magazines, playing scrabble etc.  Offred is worried about this activity, if she is caught, she will most assuredly be punished.  The biggest surprise is that Serena approaches her one day with a crazy plan.  Dare Offred, say no? dare she say yes?  A baby, any baby is the desired outcome, who's to say it is not the commanders?  

Even when the commander takes her on a treat adventure, she is still encaged in an act.  She must perform a certain way, for if she is discovered at the club - the consequences are chilling.  Through her experiences with the commander she finds that there is a dichotomy within this new world.  The powerful, are free to do as they wish.  While the weak and impoverished are held to standards that are unbearable.  The commanders are a law within themselves and do as they wish with little repercussions.  While the handmaids' lives are fraught with fear and isolation.  Women have lost all of their power and have become an empty vessel.  But it does appear that there is a growing resistance.  Will it come in time for Offred? 

My recommendations on this book are going to be slightly different than normal.  This book is a definite read, but would only encourage this for high school aged and older.  The content is frightening and sexual in nature, which will require an adult mindset.  I am going to give this book a 4.5  out of 5, it is an excellent read and the author does a great job in painting the picture of this troubling time.  But, the necessity of going back and forth in time get's a little confusing for me. I know that it is done in the attempt to explain the current order, I am not sure if all of the flashbacks were necessary.  

Links

Author - Margaret Atwood

Sexual Assault Statistics

Case for Reproductive Rights

Animal Farm

 

By George Orwell 

    I finally reread one of my childhood classics.  I read this book in middle school and was never a very big fan of this political satire.  As a young reader I had difficulty getting into this story and found it boring and hard to follow.  As an adult it was much easier to read and to see the satire in the situation. 

    The what if of this short story is that the animals get sick of sustaining their life, while their human farmer lives like royalty off of their labor.  So the animals rise in rebellion and evict their human from the farm.  In celebration they set up their own government and rules or commandments.  The most important rule is that are animals are equal.  As time progresses a power struggle emerges between two pigs, Snowball and Napoleon.  Snowball ends up being chased from the farm, by Napoleon's puppies that he trained as his enforcers.  As soon as Snowball is gone, his name is smeared by the ever present Squealer.  

    Over time, the original commandments are altered, but in such a way that most of the animals think that they are not remembering correctly.  The commandments that have been written on the wall of the barn since their revolt has been added to by Squealer, in order to keep Napoleon and the pigs in power.  
What began as good for all of the animals on the farm, started to revert to conditions that were not any better than when the human, Jones, was in charge.  Everything that goes wrong on the farm, is blamed on  the absent Snowball. Eventually, all of the commandments have been altered and the pigs go through a remarkable transformation, The begin to wear clothes, they can walk on two feet, they even have a dinner party with other neighboring farmers.  The end of Animal Farm is the return of the original name.... Manor Farm. 

    This is an interesting story that really explains some of the pitfalls of the communist party.  It definitely was relevant when I read it in middle school.   With the fall of most communist regimes around the world, the fear and concern of that form of government, has relinquished.  I do think that this is interesting, especially if you can step away and actually believe that animals could take over a farm. I am giving this book a 3 out of 5.  It accessible by both genders for students in middle school and up.  I struggle with how relatable and believability of the book, nor how relevant the story is in today's world.  

Links 

George Orwell

What is Political Satire

Communism in Animal Farm

Darkest Hour

By Caroline Tung Richmond

     A heartfelt tale of bravery and determination.  This is an interesting story of one young american and how she came to aid the resistance in war torn Europe.  Will Lucie be able to get retribution for the death of her beloved brother, Theo?  Or Will the Germans be able to create a weapon to bring about the end of the war?  

     Lucie is a young girl who runs to Paris at the age of 16, hoping to help the French Resistance.  She has lied about her age, and is allowed to train for covert operations.  A group of young women that move about France, thwarting the Germans whenever possible.  Lucie's small group is situated in Paris and they are deadly to Nazi sympathizers.  After some of her fellow agents are captured and the group is scrambling to remain safe.  Lucie and Sabine are drawn into the interrogation and retrieval of a a scientist.  While, the two young women are separated, Lucie is left with the task of questioning Dorner, should she trust him and his valuable intel?  Should she help him get to Great Britain?    When they are discovered and she has to move quickly, she decides to take him at his word and puts him on the path to safety.  As they part ways, Dorner claims he knows of a double agent within the resistance ranks and gives her the initials RJH?  Could it be her commander?  

     Lucie rushes back to headquarters and discovers Sabine.  They compare notes and Sabine shares a cryptic message from the radio.  The clues add up to Harken being a double agent and putting the girls at deadly risk.  As they question what to do, Harken returns from his errand to be confronted by the two women.  Sabine is adamant that he is a traitor and wants him to die.  As Lucie is thrown in the middle, the Germans approach.  Sabine goes on the offensive and kills the traitorous man.  The women have to destroy headquarters and go on the offensive.  

     Of course, the information from Dorner is still brewing in Lucie's head and the women decide to find the lab and eliminate the risk of Zerfalt.  But what can three young women do to the mighty German's, they are jumping from the pot into the kettle in their plans to aid the resistance.  When the reach the location of the lab, surprises, pain and capture occur.  The discovery that they had been played and lied to along the way does not sit well with Lucie.  The Doctor has concocted an evil plan, in which Lucie and her friend Tilly are to be weaponized against the United States.  As the brainwashing treatment commences, Lucie barely holds on to her identity.  How are they to reach safety?  Will they ever make it out of the lab?  

     This book is full of twist and turns and is an interesting read.  I appreciated the "What if's" of the tale, but it did seem fairly impossible.  The only other negative is that most of the book, was well thought out and developed.  It did fall flat a little at the end, with the escape and Lucie's quest for freedom.  What could have been the best part of the book seemed to lack details.  I am giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars and feel that it would be good for kids in 7th grade and up.  This is another great story of time that needs to be remembered, that of a war torn Europe and an egocentric, dictator that put his own agenda in front of that of his countrymen.  

Links 

Caroline Tung Richmond

History of the French Resistance

Nazi medical experiments

German use of tunnels etc.

Conjured

By Sarah Beth Durst 

     Conjured is a magical story.  In the beginning, the reader is left guessing and wondering what has happened in young Eve's past that has forced her to lose her memory.  She is a lost teen whom does not  recognize her face when she looks in the mirror.  The only two people that she recognizes are the two witness protection agents that are protecting her.  Malcomb and Aunt Nikki are the agents that are trying to access Eve's memory, in order to save lives.  They believe that somewhere in Eve is the key to catching a magical serial murderer.  Try as she might remember her life before she keeps having lapses in her days and she is troubled by visions of a carnival a magician and a storyteller.  Finally, things begin to change when she begins to work in the library.  

    Aunt Nikki believes that it is a good idea for Eve to have a job, like a normal teen.  So she encourages Malcomb to allow Eve to work in the library.  On her first day among the books, she meets a very interesting boy named Zach.  He is very talkative and inquisitive.  Eve is instantly intrigued by this young man.  As their relationship deepens, Eve continues to lose large chunks of her days.  This is magnified when she meets the others.  They are teens that are being protected by the agents as well, but they have magical powers.  This revelation and confrontation solidifies the idea that Eve is in fact magical.  Yet everytime she uses her talents, she passes into a vision and looses time.  She is unstable but powerful.  

    As her relationship with Zach blossoms and she is feeling torn between her past and her future, danger begins to mount as the killer is hunting again.  She is unsure who she should trust, the agents, the others or Zach.  She opts for Zach and charges into other worlds looking for the magician.  But what she discovers when she finds the carnival of her dreams, puts a whole new twist on her nightmares.  She finds her past, but can she live with the consequences?  Will Zach still love her?  Will she be able to escape the yarn that binds her?  

    I am going to be honest this book was okay.  It felt disjointed, from the onset, since the story was told in first person, from Eve's point of view, so at times it was very confusing.  I just feel that it tried to add to much to the story line, which left it unbelievable. I am giving this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars and did appreciate the craft of the story if not the story itself.  It would be enjoyed by girls in 7th grade and up.  If you are an individual that likes romantic, sci-fi, gothic horror books this is the book for you.   

Links 

Sarah Beth Durst - Author

Witness Protection Program

Amnesia

    

Geekerella

By 
Ashley Poston 

     This book is a wonderful modern take on one of my all time favorite fairy tales,  a current and relevant Cinderella.  Meet Elle, she is a gifted, shy orphan who is being raised by her Step Mother Catherine.  Elle's parents have passed away and left her with memories of the cosplay show that her father started and a fanatic devotion to the show Starfield.  Elle is devastated when her step sister's crush, actor Darien Freeman is named as the new Carmindor in the Starfield reboot.  She is convinced that he is going to ruin the only connection she has left of her parents.  

     As a prominent blogger, Elle, denounces Darien and his hordes of adoring fans.  Her servitude is not the only injustice.  Darien is only being forced into a role he does not want.  His dad controls his entire life and every move he makes.  His best friend ends up being  a traitor and he is no longer comfortable in his own skin.  After a fan jumps him on a morning talk show, he acquires a bodyguard who follows him everywhere.  As an avid Starfield fan, Darien is excited about being Carmindor, but is unsure how to fit into the imposing boots of his idol.  

     In an attempt to rid himself of an engagement at Excelsicon, he inadvertently contacts Elle.  Both of these lonely hearts find solace in their communication and build an unlikely relationship through texts.  Their feelings are built on their shared love of the show Starfield.  Will they ever talk to each other or meet?  or is the universe working against their growing affection?  Will they be able to take their lives back?  

     This book is very charming and current.  A lot of kids rely on communicating through text, they watch blogs, vlogs and youtube.  The whole question of can you truly know somebody without meeting face to face.  I found this book enjoyable and an easy read.  It is definitely a fairytale and a young adult read about young romance.  I think it would be totally acceptable for seventh grade students and up.  I am giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars, if you want a nice feel good book, pick up your copy today. 

Links 

Author - Ashley Poston

Cosplay Conventions

The Alchemist

By Paolo Coelho

    What a book of self awareness.  This is a masterfully crafted book of never giving up on your personal journey.  This really is about remaining true to yourself and your dreams or goals, even when fate puts very large hurdles in your way.  How else would a simple shepherd boy sell his flock and head to the pyramids in search of a treasure.  He is faced with many hardships, but learns to listen to the omens and the world around him to further his dream.  

    Meet Santiago a shepherd in Spain, he is unusual in that he was studying to become a priest, but his dream was to travel and to see the world around him.  His parents, gave him some money to help him buy his sheep and his journey began.  He became adept at reading the signs of the hills to keep his flock safe and well fed.  When he begins to have a recurring dream, he decides to seek help from a gypsy.  She tells him that he is to go on a journey and find a treasure.  Of course, he scoffs at this and does not believe her, but after meeting an old "king" and discussing the possibility, he decides to hint down the treasure.  He sells his sheep and sets sail for Africa.  After being robbed of all of his money and feeling deserted by the fates, he decides the only way to better his situation and survive would be to help himself.  He begins to help an old crystal dealer.  He learns about the crystal and befriends the old man that runs the shop.  With his help the shop soon becomes a destination and thrives.  Santiago knows that it is time for him to move on and joins up with a caravan heading to Egypt.  

    The rather large caravan is full of many different people.  The boy meets an Englishman that is heading to the oasis in search of The Alchemist, a man that can make gold.  Santiago reads of the wonders of alchemy and  learns to love the desert.  He continues to be open to the omens around him and to continue understand the language of the universe.  He befriends a camel rider that lives in the moment and never takes anything for granted.  He had been married and wealthy, but lost everything, now is happy and content where he is in the moment.  he doesn't begrudge the past or fear the future but looks at the now as a blessing.  

    As the caravan approaches the oases, tribal tension mounts and war surrounds them.  Tensions among the travelers escalates, as the sounds of their surroundings become ominous.  When they finally reach their destination, they discover that the warring tribes have called a halt to the progression.  It is safest to stay within the safe zone of the watering hole.  The head chief, offers hospitality to the travelers, but they must relinquish their weapons and be willing to stay with residents of the oases.  Santiago maintains his friendship with his traveling companions, and helps the Englishman find the Alchemist.  He also meets the girl of his dreams, and falls in love.  As the days of waiting stretch on, Santiago continues to look for omens and listen to the language of the universe. After saving the oases, he is offered the job of being a counselor to the Chieftains, but he knows that this is not his personal treasure, wealth yes, but not his ultimate goal.  After some guidance from the alchemist, he becomes an apprentice, and he continues on his personal journey, into the desert.  

    As the Alchemist and his young apprentice move forward into the desert, Santiago learns to listen to his heart and to remain true to his intent.  He does eventually move forward without the Alchemist, to the location of where his treasure is supposed to be, what he discovers is more than he even suspected.  Treasures come in all different forms, some of them are very surprising.  Sometime an unexpected journey with all of its hardships is the treasure that was needed.  

    This is definitely a worthwhile read.  I loved all of the symbolism.  This is a very interesting story, and really think that many upper middle school students would enjoy the tale.  I do think that younger students would have difficulty accessing the nuances of the story, and the poetic nature of some of the passages.  I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and strongly suggesting it for all students in seventh grade on up.  This is a great book of self realization.  

LInks

 Author - Paulo Coelhro

Andalusia

History of Travel in the Sahara Desert

Keesha's House

By Helen Frost

What an incredible treasure I found in this book.  Every youth in today’s world deserves a place

where they feel safe, a place to be home.  It is not a perfect world, life happens, but what is a teenager to do

when through their own doing or choices they are homeless?  Keesha’s House is a poetic book that

opens the door to a safe house and allows one to witness some of the unfortunate circumstances that

have set them on their own.  You will meet 7 interesting young adults during a very scary time of their

life.  

     First, you will meet Stephie.  A sixteen year old who has found out that she is expecting.  Her
boyfriend wants her to get rid of it, but she can’t fathom tossing this child aside.  She doesn't know
how to tell her parents that she is pregnant and she does not know where to go for help. 
Keesha tells her of a house where she would be safe.  

     Next you will meet Jason, Stephie’s boyfriend.  He has everything going for him, he is smart, good
looking and a star athlete.  Colleges are recruiting him, his future appears to be golden, that is until the
condom broke and Stephie became pregnant.  Should he throw away his future his chance of freedom
for a baby?  

     Third in our line-up of teens is Keesha.  Keesha found Joe’s house and is now always looking for
others that may need a sanctuary,  a safe space. She ran from a home filled with anger and violence,
but she is a great kid and wants to help others.  She is watching out for her troubled brother and the
other young people in the area.  

     Next you will meet Dontay.  He has had a tough life. His parents are in prison and he has been
kicked into child protective services.  He can’t seem to stop getting into trouble and hanging out with
the wrong kids. His social worker has found him a foster home away from his neighborhood, but he
does not get along with his foster family, who have way too many rules.  He needs someplace to be
safe.  

     Our fifth kiddo is Carmen.  Her mother left her with her grandmother.  Problem being Carmen has a
drinking problem and can’t seem to stop getting into trouble.  She has been busted several times for
dui and the courts are getting frustrated with seeing her.  This time,however, it was not her fault, she
was trying to help a friend. She is being placed in a facility for troubled youth.  She wants her
grandmother to help her out and be there for her when she is released.  

     Harris is a young man that can not seem to get along with his parents.  Especially, when they find
out that he is homosexual. His father can not accept Harris and he kicks him out of the house.  Harris
spends some time living in his car, looking for a job, and cleaning up in the library. Until he discovers
that the library has predators looking for young children.  Keesha offers him a spot in the house.  

     Finally, we have Katie. She has run away from home.  Her mom has remarried and the new step
dad is abusive and tries things when her mom works late.  She is not safe at home, but finds sanctuary
in the house on Jackson street. She likes living in the basement, with a lock on the door.  She likes
being able to lock the world out.  

     This motley group of teens become a family and have found friendship in Keesha’s house.  The
most salient point is near the end of the book. I quote from Harris, 

“If people we’re supposed to count on can’t (or don’t) support us, it’s up to us to find the
friends who can and do.  Of course we want to be with both our parents in the kind of
home where we’d be loved. But why rant on about all that?  Home is in your mind”.  

Although I totally enjoyed this quick read, I am giving it a four out of five stars.  The biggest downfall is
that it is kind of hard to follow. It is poetic in verse and very disjointed since it changes view point
frequently.  I do feel that this book would be enjoyable by all students and appropriate for kids in at
least 7th grade.  

Links

Author - Helen Frost

Abuse in foster care

Homeless Children

Foster Care Shortage