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OH, CARROTS! by Mariajo Ilustrajo As garden harvest time is in full swing, I have a picture book for you today that some of you will find humorous and endearing, and some will find silly and skip. Oh, Carrots! is the story of a rabbit who is lonely. He does everything by himself. One day, he goes out to the garden to harvest his first carrot and ends up with an unexpected friend! When he pulls the carrot out, it's alive and ready to experience the world. That's a far cry from the normal life the rabbit lives. At first, the rabbit tries to get rid of the carrot, but then he begins to realize how much he really enjoys having it around. The following spring, together they sow an entire garden of veggies and harvest a whole crop of friends. Overall, the story is fun and can be applied to real life friendships with people that cause us to step outside our comfort zones a bit. The big thing I plan to do with this book is use it in my writing class this year. The ultimate question I found myself asking when I closed the cover was, what exactly is this rabbit going to eat now that all the veggies are his friends? I can't wait to read their endings!

THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. GREEN LIGHT AGES: 5th - 9th Grade I recently read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. I was unbelievably moved by this true story which is why it is being added to my SARAH'S FAVORITES BOOKLIST. This book is definitely worth the read as a READ ALONE or a READ ALOUD to the family. See the HEADS UP below for age appropriateness. William Kamkwamba was a teen who loved learning. Living in Malawi, Africa, good schools were not easy to come by, and when devastating events such as a famine struck, the money needed to attend a school wasn't available. That's the situation William found himself in. Instead of doing nothing, he began frequenting a very small library and checking out the science books on harnessing electricity, building motors, and other practical hands-on books. William's love for this type of knowledge was a literal hunger inside him that needed fed, and he did so on his own. From his knowledge, he began experimenting with a way to create a windmill that would produce electricity benefitting his family and his neighbors that lived in this extremely impoverished area of Africa. When I closed the cover, I literally wanted to cheer out loud for the determination - the persistent attitude of overcoming obstacles, the willingness to fail and try again, the continual positive attitude - that young William consistently demonstrated. The innocent nervousness, yet willingness, to take a risk and step out on big stages to share his story when the opportunities arose is absolutely refreshing. Not found in this book is one iota of entitlement mentality that plagues are American culture so much in today's world. Want to hand your child a book of amazing possibility when it seems that there's nothing to do? Grab this one, and expand their perspective. I did! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! HEADS UP - In the beginning of the story, there is some sharing of beliefs of the Malawian people that includes magic and witch doctors. It sets the stage for the mentality that William found himself up against with his people. However, as the book progresses, there is a definite Christian influence that has entered the area and affected William and his father's thinking. There is an occasional use of "My God" in the story. Sometimes it feels like it is more a direct attribution to God versus a cursing of His name.

RENEGADES (Book 1 in the Renegades Trilogy) by Marissa Meyer YELLOW LIGHT AGE: 9th Grade - College Age My daughter recently saw that I had Marissa Meyer's brand-new release, The Escape Game in my TBR pile. She asked me if I had ever read Renegades. It's not that Renegades has anything to do with The Escape Game, it's just that overall she really liked the series. I hadn't, so I picked it up and read it. Renegades is a superhero fantasy meets slightly dystopian mash-up. With 552 pages, this book is not for the faint of heart. Once upon a time there was a group of misfits called prodigies. They were the unexplainable group that contained superhero-esq qualities that weren't wanted. Hunted, abused, tortured, and murdered, the world attempted to exterminate them until Ace Anarchy changed everything. He united the prodigies, and together they worked to destroy the known world. What remained was a wasteland. What came after was the formation of multiple gangs that ruled Gatlon City. Lawlessness, power, and greed became the rule for twenty years. But then a new group emerged. One that brought light into the darkness of the time. The Renegades formed, and with them came justice, law, and order, or so it was thought. This is how Renegades begins. From here we follow the story of Nova, a member of the Anarchists (villain group) and Adrian, a member of the Renegades group. Nova once believed that the Renegades would come and protect her family, but her family ended up dead. Instead, it was her uncle, Ace Anarchy, that saved her. She owes her allegiance to the Anarchists that he leads. Adrian's mother was one of the founding members of the Renegades before she lost her life in a tragedy that doesn't make logical sense. Both have missions. Both have unanswered questions. This book is action packed and will appeal to YA readers. Overall, readers are trying to figure out which group is actually "good "and which group is actually "bad" due to the fact that there is some question behind the motives of both. It is my understanding as I read the other books in the series, that answer is flushed out. So far I'm good with how things are rolling with regards to this, but I do want a definitive answer by the end. I do detest blurred lines endings. There is are a couple of HEADS UP issues to mention. HEADS UP - After the death of his mother, Adrian was adopted by the heads of the Renegade Group - specifically two men. He has two dads. This is not just a one line mention, and it's over. This topic is woven throughout the story. There is not a lot of light shown on their specific relationship details, The story just mentions the dads pretty consistently. -There is a very small amount of language in this book. There are no f-bombs.

THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi As I sit here and write this post reflecting back on the chapters for the week, I am overwhelmed by how moving I find each of these life stories that we encounter. Theo absolutely nails it on the head when talking to Asher about the hint of sadness in each portrait he sees. There's all kinds of other emotions crossing the faces as well, but there is a tinge of sadness (except for the young boy's picture), and again Allen Levi makes this book so relatable to us. We all have suffered sadness in some form or another. We all have questioned ourselves as to whether we have the ability to overcome the mountain that once crushed us, a loss we once experienced, the overwhelming consensus that we weren't good enough for something, etc. Theo sees that sadness. He knows it personally. He is on a mission to help others heal. I'll finish the thoughts for this in the Chapter 35 comments. CHAPTER 31 What did we learn about Theo is in this chapter? Theo has the ability to remain in control of the conversation, even when he agrees to a meeting that is supposed to reveal more of his story. Man, I was so ready for this chapter. I am chomping at the bit to understand who Theo is. I am absolutely amazed how Levi has built this unquenchable thirst to know more about who Theo is. He leads us up to the trough (continuing on with my horse analogy!), and we think we're about to get a long drink, finally. But No!! Instead we learn more about Tony. Oh my, Tony. My heart broke into a thousand pieces. I have to ask myself if somewhere along the way, Levi met someone who told him a story that held fragments of the story he wove about Tony. We knew something big was coming in this chapter. "The space had the gravitas, if not the decor, of a confession booth." Big things coming. Can you see it? Can you see two old friends - no scratch that - brothers forged in the kiln of the Vietnam War reuniting in front of the memorial? The laughing, the happiness, the tsunami of tears. Oh to know what that wall has witnessed from its millions of visits. Tony, a young man on his way to college, a self-proclaimed nerd, molded into something else - someone else - from the experiences he never chose for himself. The images that will never leave him. The fear that the jungle that resides inside his head can become a reality to him at any moment. The memories of the young boy that will haunt him for the rest of his life. Theo never shares a word about his past. CHAPTER 32 The contrasting magic of this chapter from the devastation of the last one is a welcome breath of fresh air. We needed this one. I needed this one. What do we learn about Theo in this chapter? He doesn't "drop" people after their visit together at the Fedder. He remains invested in their lives where they need him. He also marries pieces of his past into the present. I'm convinced Theo is on a healing journey of some sort, and he's committed to taking a lot of people along with him. The magic of books. Theo visits Lamisha every week, and he brings a book to share with her (with Tony's help - Wasn't that beautiful?) I need a Theo in my life to show up with nonstop winning reads!! This is not just a connection to the present for Theo but also a connection to the past. He read to his own daughter once upon a time, and now, he helps a father and daughter build a bridge over the river of loss to each other through the power of stories. If that wasn't enough moving emotion for this chapter, he writes Lamisha her own story, because he wants Lamisha to be an overcomer. She has hard days in front of her from the accident. Not everyone will graciously understand what she's been through. No, we live in a fallen world where people sometimes step on top of others even when they're beaten down to get even a millimeter of elevation. Titalamishe. The uniting of the past and the present together. CHAPTER 33 What do we learn about Theo in this chapter? We learn quite a bit about a significant trip from his childhood. A trip to Lisbon opened his eyes to the beautiful world of the arts. He was never the same after that experience.. One thing I spent some time thinking about in this chapter is Theo's parents didn't hurry him as he drank everything in. What a key point for us as parents. Too often we hurry our kids along to the next activity or the next thing on our list. We don't have the time (or take the time) to stop and examine the bug, the stars, the flower, the rock, the spider's web, (I could fill this line in forever!). If our Creator took the time to fashion each one, they are worth looking at! The story of Simone is one of true persistence - the opposite of our "gotta have it now" mentality. I can remember ordering things for my kids when they were younger. They'd have to wait a week or so for the item to arrive. What a good lesson in patience! It was so much different than the constant Amazon fulfillment we have today. Simone treasures his cello in a way that would never happen if it had just been handed to him. Yes, his grandmother left him money when she died, but Simone knew how much she had to have scrimped and saved for that cash. His own sweat earnings were added to the amount as well. I like to call it "having skin in the game." That cello is never out of his sight because of that. I can't leave this chapter without mentioning the person who gave up the cello. The one with Parkinson's disease that knew they would no longer be able to play that beautiful instrument. The person who wanted it to go to someone who would love, cherish, and make it continue singing. I find the significance of what that person did to be so incredibly powerful. CHAPTER 34 What do we learn about Theo in this chapter? He lives by the Biblical principle, "Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." There is so much conviction in that command. Really it boils down to a simple question? What are my motives? Am I doing this for others or for the glory I hope to receive from everyone knowing what I've done? You know what? It all belongs to God! All glory to Him alone! Theo wonders correctly - how many good intentions ended badly? He partners with Asher to have a portrait done of the journalist, and she understands totally what's at stake if Theo's story gets out. Not only does she gain that realization in this meeting, but she trades her current self image built on her past for the one shown in the portrait. (Isn't that what Christ does for us?) BUT Theo promises Katherine the exclusive on it all when everything is done. Again, I find myself asking how would that completely eliminate the spotlight on Theo unless he is dying. CHAPTER 35 I already wrote about this chapter in my opening paragraph. A couple of points to add to close us out - Theo listens attentively to everyone he meets. How often do I do that? Second, Theo says he doesn't have a tender heart. He has a broken one. I'm convinced his journey includes healing for himself. Thoughts? I'd love to hear them!

A SEA OF GOLD by Patricia Polacco Make sure you see the HEADS UP section at the end of this post A Sea of Gold is another moving book by Patricia Polacco involving some of her family's amazing history. This time she weaves a memorable story based on her family from Ukraine. She shares the stories of multiple generations who were peaceful sunflower growers dedicated to strong family bonds. One day, Russia invaded Kyiv. Family members were lost, the farm burned, and it was no longer safe to remain in their beloved homeland. The family had to emigrate from Ukraine to the United States. This transition was very devastating for some of the family, That is, until they realized that an unknown piece of home came with them helping them bridge their two countries together. HEADS UP - Patricia Polacco mixes together some of Ukraine's traditional pre-Christian (pagan) beliefs along with their Christian faith in this story. A large oak tree (referred to as "she" due to spirit worship) in the center of the village is considered to be holy and is worshipped. It is believed that the tree was chosen by God to protect them. Sometimes the people bring offerings to the tree. This is mentioned multiple times in the story. My recommendation is before reading this book to your child, make sure your child is old enough to have a discussion about other religions without causing confusion. Obviously an interesting discussion can come out of this about the fact that the family is forced to emigrate due to the Russian invasion.

THE CALAMITY CLUB BY Kathryn Stockett YELLOW LIGHT WITH EXTREME CAUTION AGES: ADULT This is not going to be an easy review to write. This story is definitely a very engaging but complex read as you follow multiple women's journeys until all the threads come together. I will try and not spoil as much as possible, but there will be some spoilers as I go along. Despite the engaging story, there is a lot of content to be aware of. This book covers almost all the categories of "Heads Up." Be sure to read through that section at the end of this review. If you find large novels overwhelming, The Calamity Club is not for you. weighing in at a hefty 634 pages, this one will keep a reader busy for a few days! Like I already mentioned, this book follows multiple women's journeys: primarily three. However, there are many other women's stories woven in and out of the stories of these three main characters. Despite this, the book does a remarkably good job at keeping everyone straight for the reader to follow. One last item of business before jumping into the story itself. The time period is 1933, the middle of the Great Depression. Not everyone, but just about everyone, is suffering financially during this time. That is the lynchpin in this story that causes the unexpected answer to arise. Meg is an eleven-year-old girl who finds herself in the worst possible situation. Her mother, whom she thought loved her, disappeared one day and never returned. She winds up in The Lafayette County Orphan Asylum For Girls. A horrible place run by an evil woman (we'll discuss her more in a moment), Miss Garnett, but Meg endures a level of hatred from Miss Garnett that the other orphans don't that initially doesn't make sense. It will by the end of the story. Charlie is Meg's mother who has a journey of her own that takes her away from her child against her will. When she finally returns to collect Meg, she finds that she has been adopted and doesn't know where she is. It's going to take some serious money to find her daughter, get her, and begin a new life. Birdie is the often unnoticed older sister of beautiful Frances. But Birdie is the rescuer, the solver in difficult situations that are continually dumped in her lap that especially revolve around the breakup of her family. Most of these situations take money, and that's a very difficult thing to come by in these hard days. Each of these journeys are difficult, moving, filled with pain, and everything comes down to money. Charlie needs money to get her daughter back and Birdie needs money to rescue both her mother and her sister out of some pretty heavy duty financial needs. So what's the answer to getting one's hands on lots of money in a short amount of time? It's actually quite simple. Opening a cat house, recruiting prostitutes to come and work, and doing it under the cover of a dance club, because even in times like the Great Depression. men will spend their money for some good times. While there is a lot of crass talk coming from the prostitutes about what they do, you don't go into the bedrooms with them and read about detailed happenings. I'll leave it at that. There are some extremely funny moments in this book. The house they end up using will make your level of anxiety hit the roof wondering if they can pull it off. The things the girls say to each each other are sometimes hilarious. BUT there are some very sad times, too. Kathryn Stockett doesn't leave out the seriousness of disease, abuse, and what these women's futures look like as they "age out." LET"S TALK ABOUT MY BIGGEST HANG UP WITH THE BOOK. My biggest issue with the book is one that is becoming a trend in today's bestsellers - the issue of Christians being portrayed as evil or stupid. Miss Garnett is nothing short of evil in this book, and she claims to be a Christian woman. I don't know if Kathryn Stockett would call herself a Christian or not. If she's not, she has no reason not to portray Christians in a poor light. We're not coming from the same foundation. I get that and try and read books coming from an author's perspective.. My issue is that there are a lot of things that current authors are NOT in their books with regards to their characters, but it is the Christian that is typically painted to be the "bad" person, and most of the others are let off the hook. I hope what I'm saying makes sense. There is no doubt that there are things in history that have been done by "professing" Christians that have been atrocious, (I would question those individuals Christianity), but there has been so much good done as well. We will see "Christian" characters show up in secular books as negative characters, but we should also see some reflecting good as well. I'm seeing very little of that, and it really smells of agenda. It makes reading the new releases often very wearying. HEADS UP - This book contains: prostitution, sterilization, alcoholism, homosexuality (2 different people are mentioned - no mention of their specific sex life), the horrific treatments one homosexual goes through to try and become heterosexual (specific treatments are not listed - just alluded to), suicide, two specific ongoing relationships two female characters have with married men, language - especially uses of g**d***

AVENGERS: THE ULTIMATE CHARACTER GUIDE by Alan Cowsill and John Tomlinson I cannot believe how many Marvel characters there are. Flipping through this character collection book, it's easy to see we'll have Marvel movies for several hundered years to look forward to. (Is someone out there saying, "Say it isn't so?!") This DK book is filled with lots of comic-styled graphics and character profiles. Included are their real name, physical characteristics, powers/strengths, allies, foes, and more. This is not a book that has to be read all the way through. Kids/teens can enjoy flipping the pages and randomly reading about favorite characters. If you have a Marvel lover, this book is sure to be a win. HEADS UP - Some characters are dark. Some characters have magical powers.

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi The chapters from this week's reading are causing me to do some deep soul searching. The character of Theo is constantly challenging us in our views and treatment of others. Not only in investing personally in the lives of those around us, but also, Theo brings about connections for people who have very little to none. He works on helping those he spends time with heal from their past and see their worth. It makes me wonder, what Theo is trying to heal from himself? Who would ever have guessed that a work of fiction would cause such deep thinking?! CHAPTER 26 What do we learn about Theo in this chapter? Theo knows his Bible. The references from Daniel, Proverbs, James, and Matthew show a man that has not just contemplated scripture, but applied it to his life. Theo is marked as a shepherd which I think aptly describes him. Also, he is a man who is willing to step out of the private bench meetings and into the public eye with those he spends time with. Once a friend of Theo's, always a friend of Theo's. It makes me wonder how long his friend list is on Facebook! Oh wait! A man this invested in one-on-one time with others wouldn't have the time of day for Facebook, would he?! A thought for us all to consider! I wasn't surprised by Theo's attention to details as he looks around the inside of the church. This is the Theo we've gotten to know. However, what did catch my attention was his thoughts toward the church. " How many souls had been stilled and comforted in that hallowed space over the decades?" Reading that, I began wondering about what Theo needs "stilled' and "comforted" from, but it's not him that we end up centering in on. It's Ellen. There is so much that hits you between the eyes like a two-by-four in this chapter. What would you do with an "Ellen" if she walked into your church? You know - "the uninvited guest." I think it's important to note we can't let people take over the church service with erratic behavior, but we can put measures in place to welcome and assist people with special needs. Scripture shares story after story of Jesus spending time with those who had needs or blessing children. They didn't dominate the message He was sharing. Sometimes they were the message. Other times, Jesus helped them, and then continued on. What a beautiful picture when Mrs. Ocie calls out to Ellen. Ellen knows Mrs. Ocie. She has an established relationship with Ellen, remember? Ellen told Theo at their meeting that she helped her pick out her special dress to meet him. Ellen chooses to sit with Theo - another established relationship. Theo has invested himself in her life in a way that few people have. Like we talked about last week, he saw past the mental struggles to the complete woman that is Ellen. He treated her like a human being and not a freak of nature. She can trust him, and she knows it. Levi ends the chapter by saying that Ellen was never late again to church. She's found her community. If the church wasn't a real community for Ellen, we know exactly what would happen. Ellen would tell them all off and never step inside the building again. CHAPTER 27 What do we learn about Theo in this chapter? Theo is quick on his toes with his responses to Tony. He makes it a practice to not put people down when he talks about them no matter who they are. We can all learn something from that. Also, it's important to note what we learn about Tony in this chapter. He recognizes a fellow wounded soul when he sees one, and he intervenes. Oh my goodness. How moving to hear what Tony has done for Ellen. He's given her her own library card to his bookstore. The beauty of Tony's character is overwhelming. The stereotypical military man from the outside but what a compassionate person on the inside. He knows firsthand what a world without care looks like, and he's set to do all he can to help where he can. Anybody else curious to read some William Saroyan short stories after reading this chapter? Don't be surprised if it shows up in my reviews in the future. I love getting book recommendations from books. CHAPTERS 28 - 29 What do we learn about Theo in these chapters? This is where it really struck me what a connecter of people he is. We already talked about bringing Ellen into the church, and in these chapters Theo internally thinks of a little girl that needs some tutoring Basil could do. I'm guessing the person in mind is Kendrick's daughter, Lamisha. What a perfect way for Basil to enter back into the world of education that he loved as a child if he chooses. One of the beautiful things about this book is we are able to relate to the characters. Their stories are so believable that we feel the pain, and that is true with Basil. I mourned with him about the loss of his best friend, his precious sister, Genevieve. Who of us hasn't been affected by cancer in some way? To take it a step deeper, there's nothing worse then seeing a family member you treasure rejected by a person that has promised to care for them. The level of anger that comes with that is immeasurable. Then to watch the jerk collect on the life insurance and take Genevieve's belongings, it's almost unbearable. On a more positive note, let's talk for a moment about the influence of teachers in our lives. Basil mentions two teachers from his time in high school that influenced his future. Think back to your favorite teacher in school, and what made them earn that title from you. My favorite teacher was my third grade teacher, Mrs. Lee. We did so many fun projects in that class, and we learned in the process of every one of them! I hated seeing that year come to an end, and the experience definitely influenced how I relate to kids when teaching, especially my own. CHAPTER 30 What do we learn about Theo in this chapter? We learn about a monumental childhood memory of art and sunsets. Have you ever encountered a moment that felt so magical you wondered if it was real? This chapter felt like an encounter with Monet to me. Monet would often go out in his boat on the Seine and paint the sunrise and sunset. He would have multiple paintings going at the same time that he would add to as the sun would shift its position in the sky. Even though Monet was mentioned earlier in the story, I don't think that's who Theo encountered. The book actually refers to an "angel' which is possible. The Bible tells us that we "entertain them unaware' sometimes. Sunsets are an interesting theme in this story. Each of the three times we've encountered them, they've had significant meanings in Theo's life. Metaphorically, sunsets tend to have to do with something coming to an end, especially life. Again, I am finding myself wondering if we're up against a ticking clock with Theo. Thoughts? I'd love to hear them!

Tippy Lemmey by Patricia C. McKissack GREEN LIGHT AGES; Read to me: K-1st Read by myself: 1st-2nd Tippy Lemmey is childhood in its purest form, and it's delightful which is why I am adding it to my Sarah's Favorites Booklist! Leandra, Paul, and Jeannie love to ride their bikes all over the neighborhood going wherever they please. Well, that is, until Tippy Lemmey moves in. Tippy Lemmey isn't a person, mind you. He's a dog and a monster at that! Who in the world would ever want to own such a dog? It turns out there is a very special reason Tippy Lemmey has come to town, and you can bet this summer is going to be chock full of memories that won't ever be forgotten with a dog with two names at the heart of it all. TIppy Lemmey is an early chapter book that will keep readers engaged until the very end. Highly recommend!

GALAHAD AND THE GRAIL by Malcolm Guite. Illustrated by Stephen Crotts. GREEN LIGHT AGES: 7TH GRADE - ADULT This book is going straight to my Sarah's Favorites Booklist! Malcolm Guite's Galahad and the Grail is the stuff that classics are made of. Even though it's Arthurian legend, and you may be asking yourself if we really need another book about King Arthur and his infamous knights, the resounding answer when reading through this book is yes! What makes Guite's book so wonderfully engaging to the senses is it is written in poetic form. The words literally sing from the pages which gives it the feel of its original writing. While caught up in the reading, it's so easy to envision oneself in a great hall where shields gleam, fires roar in hearths, and chivalry reigns feasting at a long, wooden table.. Guite has been steeped in these stories since the early days of his childhood, and that shines through in his writing. His mother read to him the original stories when he was young with all the greatness, all the wonder, and all the mistakes made. However, Guite tells us, " At the heart of those early versions of the stories is the Holy Grail itself: the presence of Christ and His Gospel, moving as an unbearably bright light through the mists and magic of pre-Christian Celtic Britain, drawing even the wizards and the faery folk towards Himself, baptising the imagination of our ancestors, fulfilling and disclosing the true meaning of our earliest stories." This tale is one of saving and redemption which makes it a powerful story worth hearing. Galahad and the Grail is the first of three volumes of King Arthur retellings. I will definitely be purchasing the next two as they are released and adding them to our book collection. HOMESCHOOL HELPS - So how do we use this in a homeschool setting? It is possible to read the book on its own and enjoy and gain understanding of the tales. It is also possible to pair this book with a story version such as Roger Lancelyn Green's King Arthur (or other depending how deep you want to go - all the way to Le Morte d' Arthur.)

Esperanza Rising Pam Munoz Ryan GREEN LIGHT AGES: 5TH - 8TH GRADE It's hard to believe, but the start of school is right around the corner. My days are filled with getting our homeschool ready and prepping for my group classes. Recently, I finished reading a wonderful book, Esperanza Rising, and it will be included in my Upper Elementary/Middle Grade Literature Group's reading this year. Esperanza Rising is the moving story loosely based on author Pam Munoz Ryan's grandmother's life. It follows the story of Esperanza, a girl born into immense wealth and privilege, who lives in Mexico. In a time when women hold no power or authority, the unexpected death of her father by bandits forces her life to change drastically. Despite deeply mourning the loss of her father, Esperanza and her mother must escape to the United States to find a new life. but their new start won't resemble anything of the old. life. Gone are the days of beautiful dresses, servants, fiestas, and freedom. Now, Esperanza and her mother rise early every morning to pick crops in the fields of California. Bitter and lonely, Esperanza begins to learn from the peasants she is now forced to associate with that there's so much more to life than what she ever realized. This moving story deals with great themes such as loss/death, new starts, the power of friendship/community, and more

THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi Wow, these chapters are definitely taking us to a deep level emotionally, aren't they? I am reeling a bit, but I can't wait to find out what comes from it all. CHAPTER 21 and 22 - What did we learn about Theo in these chapters? We learn there is more here than meets the eye with Theo's desire to spend time with Asher. My mind is running a mental checklist of possibilities of what's going on here with one standing out from the rest as to what's really going on. I'm sure you have a suspicion as well. Seriously, there are so many clues dropped but no complete explanation. -The combination of flowers for Asher that Theo brings that just happen to be his mother's favorite. This is not your normal combination! Echinacea (coneflowers) and narcissus? These two don't grow in the same season! No one would naturally put them together! -The scandal of Asher's mother giving birth only a few months after she married his dad. -The "bizarre" things Asher's mother says towards the end of her life while dealing with Alzheimer's disease. I sure would like to know what those were! -The statement that Theo listens to Asher's story about his amazing mother without a "twitch." A twitch? Why would he feel the possibility of one unless emotions are running high? -The fact that while Asher takes the phone call, Levi tells us that Theo begins viewing Asher's WORLD not his ARTWORK. Why is he so interested in his "world?" -The mysterious painting - "Me, Painting you, Painting." -When Theo leaves, they each put their hand on each other's upper arm, a sort of first step into an embrace and something deep passes between them. Theo walks away blinking hard (tears). Levi tells us there is much to "ponder, cherish, and lament." What an odd combination of words for a "first visit" with someone. There is something so much deeper here. There are so many parts to talk about in these two chapters. I'm going to hit on one more before moving on, the love of a mother. This precious mother is etched all over her son's story. Every where he turns, there is a memory where she lifted him up, encouraged him, loved him. I almost get the feeling of a mother pulling double duty even though 'dad' was in the picture. No more comments from me on this for now, but I'm sure there will be a lot more to come on this story. Chapter 23 Why does Theo never give his last name? Clearly, it must be it would be recognized even though his face must not be. He has established his credibility in the eyes of the community by staying in Mr. Ponder's apartment. I've been thinking on that quite a bit - how it plays out in my own life. Isn't it interesting if a friend of mine knows someone, or is a part of a certain organization, or holds a particular office, etc the guard drops a bit when meeting them? And then, I just love the little cliff hangers, the hooks that Levi drops at the end of chapters that just won't let us go. In this case, Theo appears to be aa "average, law-abiding citizen" - or so the people of Golden think. CHAPTER 24 - 25 Ellen. My heart hurts with this meeting. Before we get into that, though, we've got to talk about a couple of other things. Theo picks up his speed meeting with people. To only do one portrait meet up a week would take him longer than a year. Time continues to be a big theme in this book. He starts meeting people with their portrait 2-3 times a week. Mrs. Gidley's work has just increased, but she refuses to have additional help. Is Theo's mission winning her over, or is she trying to gather as much info on him as possible? Ellen. Oh my! What a juxtaposition she is. Clearly, she struggles with an intense mental disorder that affects her life greatly. It may even be the key reason she is homeless. But Levi doesn't leave her defined by that. He shows us her brilliant side that encompasses logic and deep thought alongside the moments of outburst and irrational behavior. She's so much more than what her surface suggests. She is a woman in pain that celebrates her hardest and happiest moments of her life on the same day. Could you believe what we found out about her? Levi is so brilliant in his storytelling. In the midst of our outrage and struggle to know what to do with her situation, he gives us the policeman and the nurse who understand a mother's need. Oh how we hurt for Ellen, but how thankful we are that two people saw her as a human being and not an animal. And blonde, we understand it, don't we? I was thinking when she stated that was her favorite color, who chooses blonde? A mother who hasn't seen her daughter in years. Ellen was wrong about one thing. Theo does understand, doesn't he. I'm wondering what he'll do about this. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this week's reading! - -