Ilustrado by Miguel Syjuco

Unusual for me, I was lost after the prologue on this book. I believe I got this on an NPR list of what to read, and it didn't take long to realize the reviewer and I are of disparate opinions. This book, it seems is about a Philippino man who was an author, and who may or may not of been writing a book that may or may not have been upsetting to the politics of the Phillipines, and may or may not have been killed/committed suicide. In any case he is dead. I think it is non- fiction. But, after 30 pages, I just didn't care. So, on to the next. I would have said "too many fish in the sea" but after BP's contribution, I'll just say, too many books on the nightstand.

The Tender Bar by JR Moehringer

Well, the County Fair was really wonderful and exhausting. I finished The Tender Bar just as we finished our preparations to kick off the start of the fair, with no time to spare to write about the book. It is an interesting, fulfilling memoir. I chose it on the recommendation of Andre Agassi, and understand why he loved it so much. I haven't been to a bar in years, but if there were one in a 15 mile radius, I might have given it a try! This book may not be for teens, certainly not for kids. The bar is a main character, so, picture drinking. New York drinking. Great Gatsby drinking. Still, the "tender" in the title lets you know that this is about love and relationships, it is about family, and loss, and moving on and thinking big, and worrying bigger. Worth reading, especially for adults, but I think more of a book for those old enough to be eligible for the draft, or for one on draft.

The County Fair by Me

I am still reading! Currently working through The Tender Bar by JR Moehringer- a great memoir, but, thinking not on the list for the kiddos... but I'll be taking a little hiatus due the annual jewel in the crown of country life- The County Fair.
The Fair is a source of material for me every year, and I spend my evening recounting the events of the day-the hog show! the naughty mare! the lady who can't walk around the fair anymore, but has a sturdy motorized chair to get her up to the stromboli window! Ah, the Fair. I send these little gems out to my friends and family on my email list. So, if you are not fortunate enough to be a part of your own county fair, and would like to be added to the Fair Update, let me know, and I'll let you in on the riches.

Split Infinity by Piers Anthony

Another trip into my reading past, I read this book as a teen. I'd like to say I turned out okay, so if I read it, it must be suitable for teens. Nope.
Instead, as an adult, I have a bit more perspective! I recalled really enjoying this fantasy series by P.A. and, again, this reading, I really enjoyed the first installment of Split Infinity. Science Fiction Fantasy Adventure!( With lots of casual sexual content). There are no explicit sex scenes. All is implied. But all things being equal, I'm not sliding this one across the table for my girls, or boy. Perfect woman robots, sexy unicorns that morph into women, and a studly jockey. Piers Anthony, (nee; Piers Anthony Dillingham Jacob) had fun with this one, and I'll let my kids discover it themselves when their idea of a perfect evening is watching the sun set in the bathtub and reading a book before bed.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Again! A Find! An eminently readable book written for children. This one is for ages 8-80. No bad language, no sexual content, and only mild violence- a good guy/bad guy type of thing. If you have to put this book in a category, how about "Kid Power Thriller", starring brainy orphans who become spies and save the world. I am going to get my 9 year old reading this, then my 11 year old, and then my 15 year old, as they will all think it's terrific. There are sequels, and I certainly can't speak to those (repeat: see entry Clan of the Cave Bear) but if they are as much fun, you can pick up the stack and your kids will read there way to a fun summer.
Another Hit.

The Blind Side; Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis

In 2006 I gave this book to my husband. I wrote in the inside flap "I know your time for fiction is scarce, I hope this is up to the challenge." I don't remember what made me buy the book. A piece on NPR? Maybe he had made a declaration "I want to read more" and I took it seriously. Dangerous- I have in the past week declared that I want to get a masters in cytology, that I would like pet bats and that I'm not allergic to poison ivy. None of these are still on my list of self truths. In any case, he never read the book. I didn't either. It was a football book. Between the Buckeyes, Gators and Steelers I get enough football just walking through the living room with the laundry basket. Fast forward a few years, and I see the book at the library. On the shelf behind the desk with the coveted tomes that have been requested by people who don't want to have to wait until it is languishing on the regular shelves but aren't ponying up to Amazon.com either. I recognize the spine. I read the title. I think "AH HA!" Sure enough, at home, on the library shelf with the Tom Clancys and In Search of Excellence is The Blind Side, patiently waiting to be discovered.Waiting for me.
Well, let me tell you, I know alot more about the Left Tackle. And Bill Walsh's offense, and Lawrence Taylor, and John Ayers. And I know the story of Michael Oher, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy. It is a great story. I think the movie was quite a success, and no wonder after reading the book. Tweens and teens will like this one, and although I know the boy readers will quite enjoy the sports theme,it isn't a "boy book". In its own way it is a romance. It is certainly about love. There is a little violence- on and off the field, and the language has some bits that are rough, but it doesn't lessen the gift of this book. Read it.