Review - A Girl Like You by Maureen Lindley

Title: A Girl Like You
Author: Maureen Lindley
ISBN: 9781608192656
No. of Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Fiction
Origins: Bloomsbury Publishing

Bottom Line: Fascinating look at a shameful period in history

Synopsis:

"In the 1930s and '40s in Angelina, California, Satomi is the only girl with one white parent and one Japanese parent. There are Japanese families, but Satomi is neither a part of the white community nor the Japanese one. She is "other" to both.

Things get worse for Satomi--and all people with even a drop of Japanese blood--when Japan poses a threat to the United States. Her father joins the Navy, in part to fight for his country, and in part to protect his wife and daughter from racist citizens, but dies in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Rather than being celebrated as a hero, his death is ignored by the neighbors who shun Satomi and her mother. Shortly thereafter, they are taken to internment camps where they are treated like animals.

Satomi's sudden loss of freedom is a terrible thing to bear, and she is disgusted by the utter lack of privacy, the open latrines, the sewage that runs behind their barrack, and the poorly built hovels that allow stinging dirt and dust to enter during frequent storms. But in the camp she finds a community for the first time. Not all of the Japanese residents welcome her, but Satomi and her mother find good friends in the family housed next to them in the barracks, and in the camp doctor, who is drawn to Satomi's spirit and her mother's grace. Satomi cares for Cora, one of the young orphans at the camp, as a daughter.

Throughout it all, Satomi yearns for love. When she is finally freed from the internment camp, she heads east, finding a job, a shabby room, and several suitors in New York. There are men who would make her life easier, those who would take care of her, but Satomi insists on love--and finds it, in unexpected places."

Thoughts: Satomi Baker is not like other girls in her hometown. Born to a Japanese mother and Caucasian father, she does not fit into any one group. Too exotic and foreign for some, not Japanese enough for others, she takes solace in the close and loving relationship she has with her mother and her determination to survive at all costs. This philosophy holds her in good stead during World War II and long after, as she attempts to adapt to life within and eventually outside a Japanese internment camp and later in a big city. Maureen Lindley’s A Girl Like You explores this fractured period in American history and creates a coming-of-age story for the ages.

Humans are inherent survivors and immensely adaptable, and the Japanese “residents” of the internment camp are no different. Given the poorest of shelters in a harsh environment with only the most rudimentary sanitation and educational facilities, these “residents” find ways to create homes out of hovels, schools where none existed, and happiness when it seems most impossible. The conditions depicted and the treatment of those of Japanese heritage both within and outside the camps are eye-opening. Ms. Lindley does an excellent job presenting the facts and letting them tell the story rather than trying to force the facts to fit her agenda or narrative.

Much of A Girl Like You is about Satomi’s search for acceptance. At each phase in her life, she tries to find love and happiness, but it always seems to elude her. Her journey is a painful one for a reader, as a reader has no problems identifying what she most needs and the easiest path to get there. Like all coming-of-age stories, however, Satomi’s path to the same recognition is slow and convoluted. One of the main barriers to her happiness, and one that creates a distance between the reader and her, is her anger. This anger pushes others away throughout the novel, and it pushes away the reader. One can sympathize with her for feeling angry at the injustice of the treatment she receives from others throughout her life, but it is difficult to feel sorry for her. It is a minute distinction but one has a profound impact on how much of Satomi’s poor decisions one can accept.

While Satomi may not be the most enjoyable or sympathetic of main characters, the supporting characters who surround her make up for it. She befriends an eclectic bunch of people who add life to this somewhat depressing novel. Everyone from her first boyfriend to her friends in the internment camp to those she knows and loves in New York, they provide a cross-range of socio-economic and political backgrounds that help Satomi on her journey, while providing some much needed relief from her broodiness.

A Girl Like You is more than historical fiction and more than a coming-of-age story or a cautionary tale of bigotry and racial inequality. It is an ambitious study of one unique young woman who has the dubious pleasure of being of mixed heritages at one of the times when the U.S. was at its most phobic, a period that did not end when World War II ended. Satomi’s experiences provide heartbreaking proof that the U.S. is neither as tolerant or forgiving as some would have the world believe. Through Satomi and her mother, Ms. Lindley bravely refuses to sweep this shameful period in U.S. history under the rug but exposes it in all its disgrace.

Review - Stoker's Manuscript by Royce Prouty

Title: Stoker's Manuscript
Author: Royce Prouty
ISBN: 9780399158551
No. of Pages: 352
Genre: Horror

Origins: Putnam Books

Bottom Line: Eh. Better off unread.

Synopsis:

"When rare-manuscript expert Joseph Barkeley is hired to authenticate and purchase the original draft and notes for Bram Stoker's Dracula, little does he know that the reclusive buyer is a member of the oldest family in Transylvania.

After delivering the manuscript to the legendary Bran Castle in Romania, Barkeley—a Romanian orphan himself—realizes to his horror that he's become a prisoner to the son of Vlad Dracul. To earn his freedom, Barkeley must decipher cryptic messages hidden in the text of the original Dracula that reveal the burial sites of certain Dracul family members. Barkeley's only hope is to ensure that he does not exhaust his usefulness to his captor until he’s able to escape. Soon he discovers secrets about his own lineage that suggest his selection for the task was more than coincidence. In this knowledge may lie Barkeley's salvation—or his doom. For now he must choose between a coward's flight and a mortal conflict against an ancient foe."

Thoughts: Joseph Barkeley has always been a bit of a hermit. As one of the foremost experts of authentication and seller of rare manuscripts, he is happiest surrounded by his inventory. His past experiences as an orphan rescued from a Romanian orphanage makes him shy away from everyone other than his brother. Little does he know that an unexpected phone call from his native Romania will send him down a path where he not only is forced to confront his past but also the unfathomable.

In Stoker's Manuscript, Royce Prouty attempts to capitalize on the ongoing popularity of Bram Stoker's  quintessential vampire novel - the one that started the vampire craze, if you will - as well as the ongoing fascination with Vlad III (or Vlad the Impaler), the man behind the myth. Unfortunately, there are some fundamental issues behind his premise as well as its execution that prevents this from being an engaging or even enjoyable novel.

For one, there is the issue with actually caring about Joseph and his fate. There are some novels that are successful purely because of their unlikeable main characters. This is not one of those. Some of the fault lies in Joseph's inherent nature. He is a recluse and is uncomfortable around people. This is very apparent to readers because he is an awkward and uncomfortable character. Unfortunately, Mr. Prouty takes this one step further and makes him so remote a character that it becomes difficult for a reader to care what happens to him. Most of the story revolves around the tangled and very dangerous situation in which Joseph finds himself. Not being able to care what happens to him considerably reduces the tension and drama, as well as the effectiveness of the novel.

Then there is the somewhat contrived love story, which is completely unnecessary for the story line and pops up somewhat out of the blue. The interaction between the two characters is minimal at best before one is making declarations of love to the other. It feels forced and just does not mesh well with the main plot.

The entire novel happens too quickly. It is just a few short chapters into the story before Joseph is traveling to Romania to meet with his anonymous buyer and a few more short chapters after that where he meets a vampire member of the Dracul family face-to-face...and accepts it. There is some talk about how unbelievable it all is, but there is no doubt in a reader that he gets over his astonishment very quickly and moves on from there. That is more unbelievable than anything Joseph faces. The rest of the plot quickly follows, with little in the way of explanation or even a chance for the reader to digest everything that is happening. The entire story feels like Mr. Prouty was trying to cram too much into too few pages.

The biggest point of contention within Stoker's Manuscript is the fact that Mr. Prouty changes the vampires' essential characteristics. Canines become hollow, jaws unhinge, vampires can only procreate with other vampires rather than create others through blood exchanges, they cannot shapeshifting, and there is a vampire nobility. Seriously. Had this been any other vampire novel and not one that revolves around Stoker's Dracula, this might be acceptable. However, when the novel specifically and repeatedly mentions Stoker's version, these changes are just wrong. Mr. Prouty's vampires are not Stoker's vampires, and the story suffers for it.

Mr. Prouty's novel has a fascinating premise. The idea that there is more to Stoker's original manuscript than what was published is compelling for any fan of the original horror novel. Unfortunately, Stoker's Manuscript is yet another example of a story that just does not live up to its potential. Not only is the character development paltry, the pacing is too fast and jagged. The fact that the story revolves around the quintessential vampire novel but veers away from the essential vampire characteristics is a travesty. As exciting as this novel appeared to be, its faults make this one better left unread.

It's Monday, June 17th! What Are You Reading?

Hosted by Sheila from Book Journey, this is a weekly event to share what we've read in the past week and what we hope to read, plus whatever else comes to mind.

Finished Last Week:



Currently Reading:



Postponed:



About an hour into the audiobook, something big happens, and it threw me for a loop. After talking with some friends, I realized that I missed every clue to this big event and then some. I was listening to it without any distractions too. Then, the third narrator started speaking, and she has one of the worst smoker's voices I have ever heard. I could not listen to that voice for longer than fifteen minutes anyway, so I quickly realized that this is one book I am better off experiencing in print. I will get back to it though. That first hour, what I understood of it, was magical.

Currently Listening:



Up Next:



What are you reading?

The Sunday Salon - June 16th Edition

Happy Sunday! It seems that my summer is going to end up being just as busy as the school year. I don't know how it happened, but I am actually a bit scared when I look at my calendar for the next month. I guess I am just one of those people who likes a full schedule since I keep doing this to myself. 

Run, Connor, run!

So where was I last week? Watching Connor run his first half-marathon with his dad! Ever since Connor started showing an interest in and talent for long-distance running, Jim has been very anxiously awaiting the day when Connor would be old enough to start running in long races with him. He has been searching for any half-marathon that would allow thirteen-year-olds to run. Tomahawk, Wisconsin had one last weekend that was small enough that it did not have an age restriction, so we hiked up there after work last Friday. Saturday morning was rainy and cold - thunder accompanied the runners as they started, and the rain and 50-degree temperatures kept them cool. Connor was the youngest runner in the race and ended up placing 15th among every runner in the half-marathon with a time of 1 hour 44 minutes. More importantly, he beat his dad by 15 minutes. This was after not having run in over three weeks. To say we are proud is an understatement. Is it too soon to start thinking college scholarships?

We put this school year to rest last week as well. They did really well considering they were still adjusting to our new house when school started and had to face life as the new kids in school. It was an interesting year with our school-issued iPad battles, balancing homework and extracurricular activities, bullies, and making new friends. They succeeded though and now have the summer to relax and rest before they both enter new schools again next year - high school for Connor and intermediate school for Holly. The kids have plenty of activities to keep them entertained this summer though. Marching band practices, running camps, summer dance classes, and band camp will still have to do our fair share of chauffeuring after work, but I cannot deny them the opportunity to continue to improve in their chosen hobbies. What can I say? We all like staying busy!

Speaking of dance classes, Holly performed in her ballet and variety show this weekend. She did SO well. She was a Lost Boy in this year's production of Peter Pan. She was on stage quite a bit, and you could tell she was thoroughly enjoying herself - even if she said she felt sick to her stomach while there. She performed in two dances for the variety show, one for her tap class and one for her jazz class. I don't know when she became so talented, but she blew me away with her poise and confidence. I can't wait to see what she does next year!

Reviewed within the last two weeks:

• Astor Place Vintage by Stephanie Lehmann
• The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
• The Illusion of Separateness by Simon Van Booy
• The Keeper of Secrets by Julie Thomas
• Maya's Notebook by Isabel Allende
• The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes
• The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls
• The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

I recently received a beautiful note from Gwenyfar from Old Books on Front Street, an independent bookstore in Wilmington, North Carolina. As the manager, she has been reaching out to book reviewers/bloggers who promote independent bookstores to thank them for doing so. I was touched by her note because it seems like such a little thing to promote indie bookstores, but it obviously means a great deal to those who own and/or manage such stores. They have been upping their Internet presence in recent months and are hoping that by connecting with book bloggers, they will drive interest in their store and help their customers as well. She recently unveiled a new series on the store's website that features such bloggers, and I was honored that they chose me. My Q&A for their Tantalizing Tuesdays: Reviewer Spotlight feature went live this week. Please take a few moments to check out my answers and to take a look at this adorable bookstore. I know I will be finding a reason to visit Wilmington soon to check it out in real life!

Because I spent more hours than I want to admit at the theater for tech and dress rehearsals for Holly's dances, I have had no time to sit down and relax (or answer email, doing paperwork, running laundry, cleaning, or cooking). I am now going to take advantage of a rare empty, nothing-scheduled day and tackle the list of things I couldn't touch during the week. I hope everyone has a productive and relaxing Sunday. Happy reading!

Audiobook Review - Maya's Notebook by Isabel Allende

Title: Maya's Notebook
Author: Isabel Allende
Narrator: Maria Cabezas
ASIN: B00BR25LQ8
Audiobook Length: 14 hours, 40 minutes

Genre: Fiction

Origins: Harper Audio

Bottom Line: Touching story but better in print than via audio

Synopsis:

"This contemporary coming-of-age story centers upon Maya Vidal, a remarkable teenager abandoned by her parents. Maya grew up in a rambling old house in Berkeley with her grandmother Nini, whose formidable strength helped her build a new life after emigrating from Chile in 1973 with a young son, and her grandfather Popo, a gentle African-American astronomer.

When Popo dies, Maya goes off the rails. Along with a circle of girlfriends known as "the vampires," she turns to drugs, alcohol, and petty crime--a downward spiral that eventually leads to Las Vegas and a dangerous underworld, with Maya caught between warring forces: a gang of assassins, the police, the FBI, and Interpol.

Her one chance for survival is Nini, who helps her escape to a remote island off the coast of Chile. In the care of her grandmother’s old friend, Manuel Arias, and surrounded by strange new acquaintances, Maya begins to record her story in her notebook, as she tries to make sense of her past and unravel the mysteries of her family and her own life."

Thoughts: Maya Vidal grew up in the most unusual but loving of circumstances. While abandoned by her mother and all but ignored by her father, her grandparents – the feisty and formidable Nini, and her adoring, more deliberate Popo – provide all the love and adventure any young girl could want. Devastated after her Popo’s slow death, Maya seeks to soothe her grief through any means necessary – alcohol and drugs being her favorite tools. Just as she starts to get her life back on track, she takes a detour that places her in the seediest sections of Las Vegas, working with the town’s prominent drug dealers. Along the way, she manages to upset her fellow “coworkers”, the FBI, the police, and other government agencies, forcing her to disappear. While hiding in Chile, Maya discovers more about her new country, her family, and herself. Maya's Notebook by Isabel Allende is as much about self-discovery and healing as it is about families and love.

Maya’s story unfolds slowly, almost infuriatingly so. The heart of the narrative is the mysterious reasons behind her flight to Chile, and when the story concentrates on that aspect of her past, the pacing picks up and a reader’s interest increases. Unfortunately, these most interesting elements of the narrative are only told in short bursts, with the rest of the novel focusing on her life in Chile and her growing relationship with Manuel. These details end up being important in a Dickensian fashion but pale in comparison to the tragic and shocking experiences she faces on the way to and in Las Vegas.

Maya’s voice waffles between a snide, street-wise teenager to a more contrite, gentler, and surprisingly younger young adult. Perhaps this is the fault of the audiobook, but the transition is jarring at times, especially when her dialogue involves sarcasm or rough language. Her use of curse words and other crude phrasing, while fitting for a former homeless drug addict, is unsettling given the more mature, calmer mannerisms she exhibits throughout most of the novel. It is an effective reminder of what she has had to overcome, but it does make it difficult to mesh these two very different aspects of her personality.

The biggest surprise is the fact that the story is not just about Maya. While hers is the key plot, the story delves into Manuel’s past as Ms. Allende takes the time to make not-so-surreptitious political statements about Chile’s dictatorial history. The history lesson is fascinating, albeit odd, given that the story is really about Maya and not Manuel, and the addition of Ms. Allende’s political viewpoints is slightly off-putting. She does eventually connect the two plots in what is supposed to be a significant plot twist that ends up being less surprising than she planned, but it still feels too much like a chance to expound upon her views rather than as an essential element of the story.

Maria Cabezas has a pleasant, young voice and is a decent narrator, but she does not fit the novel. Her voice is too soft and innocent and does not exhibit the battle-worn world-weariness that befits Maya’s rough life. She also speaks very quietly and soothingly, all but lulling readers into sleep. Again, given everything Maya has overcome, Ms. Cabezas’ voice is just too lovely. Also, the novel is told as a series of journal entries and scribblings into notebooks. The audiobook format lessens the importance of the epistolary format, which is a huge part of the novel. Between Ms. Cabezas’ less-than-ideal narration and the derailing of the epistolary format, Maya's Notebook would make a better book to read than for listening.

Ms. Allende does write beautifully. Her descriptions of Chile are vibrant, while Maya all but sparkles. She weaves her story carefully, very much like Charles Dickens, in that each element, however irrelevant is appears, becomes important at a later point in the story. This makes the details just as important as the key points and tends to slow down the pace. Since the story is slow to begin with, this can make for tedious reading, but the patient reader is rewarded in the end with a complex tale of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery.