Book Review: Me Before You

Thanks to my afternoon book group at the library, I have found a new author. Jojo Moyes has won me as a fan with ME BEFORE YOU. I can not wait to see how the other members of the group reacted to this biter sweet story.

The prologue of the story introduces us to hot shot Will Trayner, a young man who has it all, a power job, big money, a beautiful girlfriend and a life full of excitement and, some times dangerous adventures. The prologue ends with Will being involved in a traffic accident.

Louisa Clark is a small town girl who has just lost her job as a waitress in a coffee shop. Her family is ordinary and not overly encouraging. Her boyfriend of seven years has become more interested in physical fitness then in their relationship. With no real job experience or training, Lou finds that the best job available is to become a companion to a quadriplegic. Wiping the bum of an elderly person is not her idea of a great job, but it beats working in the chicken processing plant.

Of course the patient turns out to be Will, now confined to a wheel chair and unable of basic self care. Will has become resentful of his condition and impossibly rude to everyone around him. Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves. In time a relationship forms that changes both of them.

This sounds like such a routine plot that I was ready to skim through it just so I could follow the group discussion Friday afternoon. Instead I became so wrapped up in the characters that I had trouble getting away from them, whether I was reading or going about my daily chores.

At first I was very put off by Lou's family. The small house contained a mother who never sat down, a grandfather who was normally napping, a "perfect" sister who was living back home with a toddler, a father who only seemed to speak when he wanted to belittle Lou. The only likable character was the toddler, Thomas.  As the story progressed, each family member became more dimensional.

Will's family also became more real. His mother seemed so cold and so impressed with her money and position and his father just distant. As we learn more about them, they did not change so much, but we at least learn why they are the way they are.

All of the characters in the book are well done. Will's male nurse Nathan becomes a large part in Lou's plan to save Will. Patrick, Lou's boyfriend, plays an important part also, although not willingly.
It was not hard to get involved with these people.

The research that Lou does on working with quadriplegics was informative as was her information on assisted suicide. These two areas gave the book another dimension as well as some surprises. Yes, the ending may have been foreshadowed enough not to be a surprise, but reactions to final events may have been.

This was a fairly fast read, mainly because I really wanted to see what was going to happen. While I was checking the author for other books, I found that a movie version will be out in 2016 and that there is a sequel, After You. I may pass on the movie, but the sequel sounds intriguing. My favorite authors are those who can build interesting characters and it seems as if Jojo Moyes can do that.

Book Review: Brothers

The second book in the Juniata Iron Trilogy is out. Author Judith Redline Coopey has picked up the next generation of her family saga with BROTHERS.  Ellie and Adam MacPhail's family has grown up in the shadow of the Etna Furnace and are now ready to play out their own parts in the ongoing history of the early iron industry in Pennsylvania.

Talking about the middle book in a trilogy is very difficult. It would be cruel to spoil the first book, The Furnace, for anyone who has not read it. There are some major events in the first book that carry over to the second story. (and I personally hate spoilers.)

Ellie and Adam's children do grow up and have children of their own. The brothers, Laird, John, Robert, and grandson Will become the center of the story and each becomes very real to the reader. Laird is set on becoming part of the world of books and on teaching, instead he knows that he is the only brother who has a head for business and so he puts away his dreams and steps up to run the iron plantation. John is an idealistic person who prefers his solitude until he picks up the cause of the underground railroad. Robert takes after his natural father. He is handsome, charming and not able to make personal commitments. Illegitimate Will is not sure of who he is, part MacPhail and part Trethaway, Ellie's archenemies.

The story is told through different voices, giving the reader a chance to see the same incident from, sometimes, contrasting views. As a result we learn more about each character. Ms Coopey is an author who moves her stories through character, so it is important that the reader connect with each one. I did!

It was like meeting an old friend to see Miss Ellie as she aged. I was happy that though she did mellow a bit, she kept her feisty nature. One of the stand out scenes in the book is her holding her own with the Rebel soldiers during the war. By the time tragedy hits Laird and John, as life has a tendency to do, we are so engrossed with these two men that it feels as if we are watching friends grieve. We even find sorrow at Robert's fate.

Young Will completely captured my heart. His father Robert ignores his existence and his mother is so full of hatred that I was so pleased each time kindness and affection was shown to him. His relationship with John made John that much more human.

There is so much to BROTHERS. A whole generation grows up; loved ones are lost; babies are born
 and a way of life disappears. We see how war changes people and how love may be the most important thing in our life. A Judy Coopey book does not gloss over the uglies of life, but she does give us people that we can root for and make us feel that we are all part of the human condition, no matter the time or place.

Now I personally am not too patiently waiting for the third and final book in The Juniata Iron Trilogy. I really want to see the rest of Will's story.

Book Review: CALEB'S CROSSING

There is a good reason why Geraldine Brooks has won a Pulitzer Prize for Literature. Her books never fail to impress me with all of the things that I need in a book, good character development, interesting plot and a new slant on little known parts of history. Her CALEB'S CROSSING meets all of these requirements and more.

In 1665 Bethia Mayfield is growing up in a tiny island settlement called Great Harbor. Her neighbors are English Puritans who had moved from the main land to be allowed to maintain a more strict way of life. Bethia has lost her mother and is being raised, along with an older brother and infant sister, by their minister father.

Bethia is in constant conflict with the rigid constrictions of the community. She has a burning need to learn and listens to her brother's lessons as she cleans, cooks and takes care of her little sister. Her curious mind and restless spirit  take her on exploration trips around her island. At age twelve on one of these explorations she meets Caleb, the young son of a Wampanoag chieftain. The two form a secret relationship that pulls them into each other's world. This strong friendship is to last for their whole life.

Bethia's father is determined to convert the Wampanoags to his own strict religion. In doing so he creates an enemy of Caleb's uncle, the tribe's medicine man.  Things become personal when it is discovered that Caleb has an extraordinary ability to learn. This feud causes not only a war of wills, but also a high stakes battle that may cost the reverend his life as well as his soul.

As I said, CALEB'S CROSSING  has all of the things that make me love a book. Author Brooks based the novel on the true story of one of the first Native Americans to be graduated from Harvard. The author covers in this period of time the contrast in relious beliefs, the treatment of "outsiders" by the Puritains, a woman's place in what was suposed to be a community of equality,etc., all with a feeling for her characters as well as a commitment to historical facts. Great Harbor later became Martha's Vineyard and we all know how Harvard grew. Brooks comments in her afterword how pleased Bethia would be to know that one day Harvard would have a woman president.

CALEB'S CROSSING is told in Bethia's voice and we get an inside view as she grows and struggles with the life she lives. Gerldine Brooks is an author that never talks down to her readers even when using a young voice. She is an intelligent author who takes it for granted that her readers have the ability to stay with her.

Side note: Her Pulitzer was awarded for March, the story of the March sisters' father and his experiences in the Civil War. If  Little Women was a favorite book of yours, March will be like meeting old friends. If not, it is still an excellent book about the loss of innocence in war.

Theatre Review : Bald Eagle High School / Cinderella

As usual, Bald Eagle Area Drama Club had an excellent attendance for their fall production. The community support for their plays is impressive, especially considering what a large geographic area is involved with the school district. From where I was sitting, it was also a very appreciative audience.

CINDERELLA  was a good choice for their first play of the season. It is a familiar story, popular with young and old alike. It also has the advantage of having a very large cast, giving opportunities for more involvement. There is not enough space to mention each person involved, but I have to tell about several stand outs.

First, big time credit has to go to the tech crew. The sets were attractive and well planned; thanks to  Tom Durachko and his crew. Colton Lucas along with Jessica Cain, Rosalie Showers and Taylor Zimmerman saw that the costumes were well suited for each actor. I always like to give credit to the light crew ( the trickiest part of any show). Luke Wilson and his helpers pulled it off smoothly.

Colton Lucas is a good actor to open any show. As the jester, Jacques, he set the story in motion. Colton has a great relationship with an audience and, surprisingly, talent as a juggler. Savannah Elder was a sweet Cinderella. Her niceness came through in the scenes with the mice as well as with her step family.

Stepsisters, Maya Eppley and Maggie Cowan, were by no means "ugly" stepsisters. They are both attractive young ladies who had the acting talent to come across mean and vain. Good job ladies. The three mice, Kiara McClusik, Harley Parks Camie Haines, were adorable. Developing a personality while covered in a furry costume is not an easy job, yet we could see them as individual.

Karina Bloom as Queen Isabella and Michael Geyer as King Henri were as royal as a person could want. Their son, Philippe was played with great charm, dignity and with a sense of humor. Oh, he also could juggle.

Watch for Xander White  in upcoming shows. Xander is in seventh grade and already knows how to work an audience. Also, sophomore Alice Statham is a young lady to watch. As the Fairy Godmother she proved that there are no small parts.

Directors Kirsten Betts and Ryan Wade showed us some nice touches to an old classic. The magic of a horse and carriage, a new ball gown and a wedding that included three mice made it an entertaining evening. Thank you.

To see some fun  pictures of this show check www.meadowlanephotography.com and be sure to save the date to see the Bald Eagle Area Drama Club's production of Thoroughly Modern Millie on April 21, 22, and 23. It is going to be interesting to see how that show is casted.

Theatre Review: BAHS The 39 Steps

Bellefonte Area High School Theatre department started the school theatre season with ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S THE 39 STEPS.  It was a good choice, full of action and laughs. The play follows (more or less) the story from the original movie, but adds so many creative touches that you end up laughing, not being scared.

Credit goes to Patrick Barlow for adapting the script and director Eric M. Brinser for adding some of the slapstick comedy. It did cross my mind how many young people picked up on the references to other Hitchcock films. Some, like Rear Window,were mentioned in passing, but we were treated to a fast action scene from North by Northwest that was exciting. Oh, and don't forget the Benny Hill theme every time the cops gave chase.

There were so many clever touches, but I have to mention some standouts from the rather large cast. Senior Stephen Giacobe carried the show by playing the lead, Richard Hannay. He was on stage for the entire evening and never lost his energy, which alone is remarkable. This is a large part that demands quite a bit from the actor. Stephen was up to the part.

Emma Holderman is a junior but has proven in past plays that she can act. Unfortunately, as Anabella Schmidt she meets an early demise and though the character sets the action moving, we do not see her again. The show takes a less serious turn with the"stage show" of Mr. Memory and his assistant,Compere. Mason Keeler and Dori Puzycki were having so much fun with these two parts that the laughter from the audience got in the way, but Mason and Dori were professional with their timing and kept things moving.

Ryan Carroll and Carson Bechdel as the "salesmen" on the train had a chance to do some old vaudeville type quick change routines.  By changing  hats they each became a series of characters, on and off the train. Speaking of the train, the chase and fight scene was quite thrilling---if you used your imagination..

Kaitlyn Whitesell is also a senior who has proven her abilities on stage. She was a good choice as the romantic lead, Pamela. She was definitely not the little, wimpy, helpless heroine.

Among the underclassmen who were stand outs were Jack Badger and Hailey Seibel. They had so much fun as Mr. and Mrs. McGarrigle, the Scotish innkeepers, that they almost stole the show.

 It can be difficult for high school students to do dialects or accents and from what I could hear Sarah Travis and Mark Badger worked dilligently with the students. My problem remains with the sound system at Bellefonte High School. It was the only part of the evening that I heard any negative comments about. Other then that, it was a fun play, performed by talented actors and crew and directed with great creativity.

Now, we will have to wait to see what April 21-23, 2016 ( the date of the Spring Musical) brings.

Book review: ONE GOOD TURN

A Kate Atkinson book can be depended upon to not follow too many rules. Each story is different, even if it is more or less a sequel. ONE GOOD TURN is a good example. Two years after Case Histories, we once again meet Jackson Brodie, now a retired millionaire, visiting in Edinburgh during its famous arts festival.

Out side of a theatre that is featuring a slightly has-been comic, a minor automobile accident causes a nearly fatal road rage incident. As the reader gets to know the participants and witnesses, it is hard to see what any of them have in common. We meet a befuddled, mild mannered author of successful young adult mysteries, an unscrupulous real estate tycoon and his wife, a comic who has seen better days, a dedicated policewoman with a troubled son, some colorful theatre personell  and various shady characters.

Jackson Brodie is in Edinburgh to support his actress girlfriend in what he sees as a terrible play. Unwillingly, he gets pulled into the action when he finds a murdered girl floating in the surf. The ex-policeman, ex private investigator now finds himself the main suspect in what appears to be a completely isolated case.

An Atkinson plot takes twists and turns that keep a reader on her mental toes. I always picture her working space covered with little notes posted all over her walls so that she can make it easier for her reader. ONE GOOD TURN has a large cast of characters but, unless the author wants you to be confused, each one is a clear individual. This makes trying to decide who is a good guy and who isn't a real challenge.

As with any good suspense novel, it is hard to talk about this book without giving too much away. I will say that the clues are there and yet the end of the book came as a surprise to me. It has been fun to go back through the story to see how the author led me along, completely engrossed by the action and characters and still have a surprise ... after I thought that everything was solved.

If good character suspense written by an author who knows how to use the English language is your cup of tea, Kate Atkinson is waiting for you to discover her books.

Book Review: SING IN THE MORNING,CRY AT NIGHT

Barbara J. Taylor may be a new author to keep your eye on. Her debut novel, Sing in the Morning, Cry at Night, shows great promise. The theme of a young child being left alone to cope with life is not a new one, but Taylor pulls you into her characters and locale with enchanting ease.

In northeastern Pennsylvania  a mother lies in bed, listening to her eight year old daughter trying to find something in the kitchen for breakfast. It is September,4, 1913, just months after the burial of the older daughter and life has changed drastically for the family.

Daisy's death had been caused by a Fourth of July sparkler. The neighbors say that Violet, the younger sister had deliberately thrown the fiery sparkler out of jealousy and the town seems to believe that Violet was responsible for killing her sister.  Each member of the family handles the tragedy in his or her own way: Grace, the mother, falls into a deep depression and withdraws from life, Owen, the father, leaves the home to live over the local pub, drowning his sorrow, and Violet lives with the fear that she may have murdered her sister.

In addition to the family members, there are so many characters in Sing in the Morning, Cry at Night who stand out. Trying to make it on her own, Violet develops a friendship with Stanley, a motherless boy with an abusive father. The two of them come to the notice of the widow Lankowski, who goes from being a figure to fear to being their savior.

The hateful neighbor, Myrtle Evans and the obnoxious missionary Adelaide, as well as some others in town will not allow the belief that Violet killed her sister Daisy to die down. Adding to the colorful cast of characters are the seductive specter Grief and the real life evangelist Billy Sunday.

I liked this book. At first I was afraid that it would be too much of a downer to enjoy, but the author spreads hope and love through out the sadness. The relationship between Grace and Grief could be felt and made Grace a much more sympathetic person. The scenes that showed the pettiness and often downright meanness of Myrtle or Adelaide were balanced by the kind Widow Lankowski or the spirited Stanley.

The author based this novel on a tragedy from her own family and set it in her own home area. The coal mining scenes, the townspeople and the Billy Sunday Revival all have an authentic feel because they are taken from real life. Ms. Taylor has added her own creative talent to write a story that will keep the reader enthralled. These are people who will not be easily forgotten.