Review: Rites- Sophie Coulombeau

(Cross posted from Goodreads)

For some reason Rites took me quite a while to read.

I was attracted to Rites by the narrative style. The story is told from the point of view of the characters, so the narrator is constantly changing.

I wondered if it would work. I wondered if I'd forget who said what. I wondered if I'd actually get a connection with the characters.

The device is very effective. I have formed a clear opinion of each of the characters. Constantly I'm questioning whether I should believe what I'm reading. Coulombeau cleverly asks the reader questions directly and drops in opportunities to recall what other characters have said previously.

This is not a book which I could just read for some nice imagery or turn of phrase or the storyline. I had to actively engage with every part of the story. This I loved, and is probably why it took me so long to read Rites- I couldn't just read it before going to bed. Commitment is required.

I definitely recommend you dive in and meet the characters of Rachel, Nick, Lizzie and Day, and found out what happened one hot English summer.

Poetry

As I mentioned in my last post, poetry is my strength. I absolutely love to immerse myself in poems; whether reading or writing them. Therefore, I’m hoping it’s going to be quite prominent within my teaching practice, and my future classroom. Of course it won’t all be poetry, but poetry will be there (hopefully) as a positive influence.

I know the current anthology for GCSE is Moon on the Tides. My work as a Teaching Assistant has allowed me to read some of the poems included in the anthology, and to see some of them being taught. Absolutely fantastic experiences, and I really enjoyed reading the poems, but I’m not going to talk about that in this post.

I believe poetry’s got a bit of a bad reputation, especially among teenagers, so I intend to have a bit of a crusade to prove that poetry can be written and read by absolutely anyone. It does not solely belong to scholars, Oxbridge, the fabulously rich or the poor: it is for everyone. Now I’m not quite a one-man army: Shake the Dust is a fantastic opportunity for young writers and performers; and I’m gathering information about other performance poetry events, and more traditional readings. I hope to attend more of these during the coming year(s) so I can prove to students just how vibrant poetry can be; that it doesn’t just belong on the page; and perhaps even give them the opportunity to showcase their own work. [This is me being a dreamer again].

Until then, however, I’ve been doing what I do best: reading. I’ve been reading quite a range of poetry, from the established poets, to new poets and works I’ve stumbled across online; but I’ve barely even scratched the surface of the immense world of poetry.

So, I’ve been flicking through The Bloodaxe Book of 20^th Century Poetry (ed. Edna Longley).  The blurb describes this book as an “epoch-marking anthology”, in which “Longley shows you the key poets of the 20^th Century, and through interlinking commentary points up the connections between them as well as their relationship with the continuing poetic traditions of these islands”. That pretty much sums it up. For a less professional review: this book is a great introduction to the work of 20^th Century poets from Britain and Ireland. It features the work of 59 poets, ranging from Hardy, Yeats and Lawrence to Shapcott, Duhig and Armitage; via Sassoon, MacCaig and Adcock. Longley’s introductions accompanying each poet are great summaries of the poet’s works and place within the UK’s poetic traditions (Ok, now I’m stealing phrases from the blurb). I really love dipping in and out of this book. It’s already led me to go out and buy further works by some of the featured poets: Muldoon and Shapcott, particularly. I enjoy Longley’s writing style too. One day I will read her critical essays.

 

 

I mentioned Caroline Bird in my previous post, but her collection, Watering Can, really impresses me. I hope to have a copy of this in my classroom, and I will be recommending it to older pupils. It’s such a witty collection of poems. I especially like ‘Impartial Information’. It is a poem that doesn’t get lost in tangled word-play. It is raw, blunt, direct. Brilliant. This collection contains such a fantastic variety of poetic styles and techniques. I really love it, and its potential as a classroom aid and a good collection for older students to read.

I’ve also been reading Jen Campbell’s The Hungry Ghost Festival. This is a collection that I would recommend to both the older pupil and adult alike. It’s a collection about growing up, looking back on the growing up process. Again this collection demonstrates a wide range of poetic styles, but I think what really comes through here is a strong voice. This is story telling through poetry. This is what makes it so accessible. This collection is witty and poignant and strengthened by a sense of the real and the honest. I can believe the stories in the poems. I really hope to incorporate this collection into my teaching.

And finally, I stumbled across the work of Rachel Fenton. I really love it. I found these examples of her work. I think such poetry will be great to use as examples of how poems do not have to be written in Standard English. They could also be used as great starters to discussions as to why poets don’t write in Standard English; and what are the strengths and weaknesses of using colloquial spellings. So much potential.

As I said, I’ve barely even scratched the surface of poetry. I want to read more Laurie Bolger and John Agard to name but two. And I really want to use the next year to get more involved with the performance poetry scene- for both personal and teaching value.

A Monster Calls (and other reading)

This blog really is becoming Teenage Fiction Review Central, but reading is all I can do until I receive more paperwork from the University (apparently a book list and a Welcome Pack are heading my way).

After reading this review/ shining endorsement of Patrick Ness and Siobhan Dowd’s A Monster Calls, I thought I’d give it a try. I was not disappointed. I finished it last night (it took me about two days to read, around work commitments) and so, after drying my eyes, I posted my review to Goodreads. This is what I thought (Warning: contains spoilers):

                

 Oh my! I am somewhat devastated. I have just finished A Monster Calls and it's left me in pieces.

Simply put, A Monster Calls tells the story of how 13 year old Conor O'Malley is affected by his mother's terminal disease. But that really is simplifying things.

In order to cope with his mother's illness, Conor invents (or does he?) a monster who visits Conor to tell him three stories, with the proviso that Conor will then share a story with the monster. A story which will be the truth behind Conor's recurring nightmare. While sharing his stories, the monster encourages Conor to destroy his Grandma's living room, and attack Harry, the school bully, before finally confronting his own truth.

The book is undoubtedly aimed at a younger audience, which is shown through the style of writing, the phrases employed by Ness, and the short chapters. This did grate slightly with me; but will work brilliantly with the younger reader. Nevertheless, Ness does not shy away from the very real effects of living with a terminal illness: he portrays how Conor's life is not that of a normal 13 year old; how the looks and special treatment he receives at school don't make Conor feel any better; and how Conor, while understanding the eventual outcome of his mother's disease, does not understand fully the actions of the other adults who are affected.

In addition to Ness' fantastic writing and Siobhan Dowd's brilliant ideas are Jim Kay's illustrations. They are the perfect complement to the words on the page: they reveal just enough to fuel the imagination's fire, without giving away all the elements of the scene. I love how the main characters are never fully drawn. The colour scheme of black, grey and white really serves to add mystery and support the tone of the book. Furthermore, they are drawn to be a part of the story; not a separate picture that the reader can choose to ignore. Like the branches of Conor's monster, the words and the images are intertwined throughout the book.

Despite this being aimed at the younger reader, do read it if you're an adult. It is so brilliantly written. I made the mistake of reading the first chapter just before going to sleep. Needless to say, it was an uneasy sleep.

Seriously, do give it a try. I’m going to recommend it to everyone I know.

Aside from being scared (just a bit) and left an emotional wreck from reading A Monster Calls I’ve been compiling a book list of teenage fiction, drama and poetry. Admittedly the drama and poetry is (currently) based on what I find from searching around the school syllabus, but it’s all on my ‘intend to read over the next year’ list. The teenage fiction is a mix of books that pupils will be taught in school, and just general fiction- books to be read for interest. I’m especially keen in finding books/ authors that appeal to boys, as my conversations with current English teachers suggest that this is an area on which to focus.

I’m really hoping, also, to have an emphasis on poetry when I have my own class (dreamer, but it’s good to have goals). Poetry is my interest and my strength. I want to bring it to teenagers, to change the perception of it being seen as fuddy-duddy, boring, and belonging solely to realm of scholars. Poetry is for everyone! Anyone can read, write and perform poetry. Events such as Shake The Dust are an inspiration and are definitely things that I hope to introduce to future students. With that in mind, I’m seeking out poetry. Not the poetry that kids have to study, but – as with the teenage fiction – poetry for enjoyment. Poetry that they’ve chosen to read/perform. I think the next things that I’ll be reading are poems. I discovered the work of Caroline Bird earlier this year, and her collection Watering Can is fantastic! Caroline Bird inspired the activity that I used to get on to the PGCE course, so her work will definitely have a space within my teaching practice.  Last night I stumbled upon the work of Jen Campbell. Her debut poetry collection, The Hungry Ghost Festival, was released this week and I think that’ll be the next thing I read and blog about.

And now, I have a confession to make, I am really struggling with Pride and Prejudice. I’m not getting into it as much as I did with Northanger Abbey. I know it’ll show up on required reading during the course of the next year, so I really have to read it. I’m very tempted to get the audiobook, but I’m afraid I’ll miss out on the nuances of the writing. Northanger Abbey showed me the humour and subtleties within Jane Austen’s writing, so I almost feel as if I’d be cheating if I “read” Pride and Prejudice via audiobook.  Opinions please.

Review: The Tiger's Wife - Téa Obreht

Today I finished reading Téa Obreht’s The Tiger’s Wife and, considering I don’t count myself as a fan of magical realism, I was a bit surprised to find that I actually enjoyed the book.

Téa Obreht is a very gifted writer. Without giving away too much of the plot, I really loved the way she intertwined the many stories that run throughout the book. I love how she has the very factual, definite world of medicine laced with that of myth and superstition.  Above all, however, I loved Obreht’s descriptive writing. Her portrayal Sarobor on the eve of war is beautiful. She drew me in. I wanted to be in Sarobor, to wander the streets, to have lived there in its heyday, to experience the smells and sounds first hand, rather than through the grandfather’s memories. I finished the book hours ago, and I still wish I could have lived there. (At the same time, this could be my subconscious telling me I need a holiday)!

As I’ve already said, I’m not a fan of magical realism; and so at times I really had to force myself to suspend my disbelief. Saying that, from my point of view, The Tiger’s Wife wasn’t completely absurd: it wasn’t overly difficult to buy into this world of the deathless man. What I found most difficult about the book was the narrator, Natalia. I had to constantly convince myself that she was female because, for some reason – to me – she sounded and acted very male for most of the book. Even once I knew she was female, I still pictured her as male. I’m still trying to figure out why I thought like this: was it the author? Is it my own prejudices? It’s certainly something for me to think on.

The main reason I read The Tiger’s Wife was because, at the time, it popped up in almost everything I read, and it intrigued me. My copy, however, contains a section at the back of discussion points which seem directed at the younger reader. This has certainly given me something to consider with regards to its PGCE/teaching potential.

Wherever I take The Tiger’s Wife, I will definitely be reading future works by Téa Obreht. And, if you haven’t read The Tiger’s Wife yet, I suggest giving it a try. It might just surprise you.

It’s going to be a bit of challenge deciding what to read next.

After the Slumber of Half Term...

... It's Go! Go! Go!

I had a wonderful email today offering me a place to conduct my observations. Phew! I guess all that letter writing does pay-off, eventually.  

It's going to be happening in July, which is fantastic because it gives me lots of time to prepare all the questions I may have. (I don't want to bombard the school with questions, obviously, but I do have a report to write at the end of it all). The booklet I was sent names a few reports too, so I'll set about researching them. I waited until I had a place confirmed before researching because I was fairly sure I'd forget everything I read between reading and getting into a school.

I am so excited to be going back into school in a 'teacher' role- even if it is just observing. I don't want be a distraction at the back of the class, so I'll offer to help wherever I can. I figure it'll help the children to relax around me too. You should see my grin right now. I'm so happy! What a fantastic start to the week.

In book related news: The Fault In Our Stars has been read. It's beautiful. So well written. Hilarious in parts, absolutely devastating in others. I did cry. I recommend it to everyone- not just teenagers- to read. It was a welcome read after Naked too.

As with before, I'll post from my Goodreads review:

The book tells the story of Hazel, her family and the people she meets at her cancer support group: mainly Isaac and Augustus. It's based in Indianapolis, but travels to Amsterdam to meet Hazel's idol, author Peter Van Houten.

It's the first time I've read John Green, and I was not disappointed. His writing style is perfect: his characterisation is subtle, his descriptions are enough without being overpowering. I'm impressed at his choice of having a teenage girl as the narrator. He captures a female teenage voice so well

(There is some more to the review, but I've already said it in this post).

It really is a wonderful book.

Review: Kevin Brooks- Naked

So, I’ve finally finished Naked.  Gosh, it was a bit of a challenge. But, I think my age and the fact that I’ve been studying English Literature for so long that I am now programmed to analyse every detail of a novel are factors that have worked against me in this instance.

I posted a review to my Goodreads page, so I’ll share it here too
 

Naked is the story of Lilibet (Lili) Garcia, and her coming of age during the beginnings of the Punk scene in London. Lili- the classical pianist- falls for sexy cool-kid Curtis, and is invited to play bass in his band, Naked. What follows is the progression of the band and its members, all told from Lili's point of view.

I really struggled to get into this book, and was distracted throughout by issues such as the reliability of the narrator: at times the narration sounded phoney, and I found it difficult to believe that she could remember such details from 34 years ago.

Some elements of the storyline seemed a bit far-fetched and the ending a bit rushed and convenient. There was a very strong sense of the author tying up the loose ends, rather than bringing the book to its natural end. It just felt forced.

There were moments when the writing was effective, really drawing me into the storyline, but they were few and far between.

Not being alive at the start of the punk scene, I can only experience it through Brooks' description which created a believable enough, if repetitive, picture of that environment. The constant name dropping, however, began to get annoying. I could totally understand it, had Curtis been the narrator, but telling the story from Lili's perspective didn't sit well with me. Curtis is the one with the dreams and the desire to make the contacts and know all the movers and shakers of the industry, not Lili.

The involvement of William was an interesting development in the story, and I think some of the interactions between Lili and William, and Lili and William's family are the highlights of the book. Although, at times, I think Brooks was trying too hard to include far too many of the issues: social, political, of the 1970s. Perhaps he should've just focussed on the punk movement.

On a plus side, I think the characters that Brooks does choose to develop are given interesting and maintained traits and personalities.

This book was recommended to me as an example of gritty, teenage fiction. I think if you are a teenager, especially one who's interested in the punk scene, then this book will be right up your street. Or, if you're a teenager looking for something a bit different: a bit of old-school, teenage rebelliousness, then you'll also enjoy it.

 

So there we have it. I’m pleased I’ve finally made it to the end, and I think I would recommend it to a teenager, but I can’t see me volunteering to read much more of Kevin Brooks’ work. Next up is John Green’s The Fault In Our Stars, which I’m very excited to read.

I think, at the moment, this blog is becoming a bit of a book review blog, but it is all related to the PGCE- this is preparation, afterall.