Ms. Hoch's Blog

I predict that Vianne's present-day self will start being less pessimistic and upset about her current life and start being appreciative of the life she has. 

I think this because she in the present day, she is an older woman who has survived the war, and is now telling her story to her son, who is incredibly curious (and doesn't remember or know about certain details like her abusive relationship). 

I'm making this prediction because of my prior knowledge about when people reflect, much like the "bench scene" in the movie Forrest Gump.  Forrest tells his story to strangers and is able to reflect that "life is like a box a chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get."  Even though he went through hard times, he was able to reflect (positively) about how it's up to chance.

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In order to have new bookish actions and reviews on your Dashboard, follow new bloggers. You can find them via the Book Catalog page (click the book cover and find new reviews on the book pages) and the Book Explore (click the blog title to visit the blog).

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What are you reading now? :)

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I chose this quote because it brought to life the setting that the character's remember.  I enjoy the simile for the bird's voice; it seems so peaceful.  It is very different from the setting where the characters are currently: a zoo.  I think perhaps the characters remember the setting a little more fondly than it actually was.

Vianne, one of the main characters, says this in one of her flashbacks.  I connect with this quote so much, as should we all... what do we remember of our memories, or at least try to?  Love. Even if we try to recall the hurt that we truly felt in a moment, we can conjure some of it to fruition, but it will never be as bold as that first sting; time diminishes the wound. We live and move on.

Vianne says this after talking about a troubled time in her life, and searching for love in the wrong places (I'm not placing a spoiler-alert here... you MUST read this book!).

Although I wasn't sure about this book when I was assigned it as a responsibility for the adult version of "Battle of the Books," I found myself oddly struck by its realness. Although Harold is portrayed as an awkward guy, he is remarkably humble, and many of his stories of inadequacy, heartbreak, and regret/chances not taken are something we all experience (albeit somewhat different from his).  Although it seems outlandish--his spur-of-the-moment pilgrimage--it actually makes sense and the ending is that much more believable.

I just found out there's a sequel, but it's written about Queenie, the woman for whom he starts this journey.

Pop Quiz... about who else? ..... me!

Which of these do you think is true of me as a reader?

1.  I didn't reach my goal of reading 52 books last year (only 42).

2.  I love reading books where a young adult has a life-changing event.

3.  I can't stand horror or scary fiction.

4.  I read most titles out of suggestions from friends.

5. I chose to read The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry because I'm participating in my first Battle of the Books.

That's right... all of them are true!

So.... I just started reading The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: Awkward.  Just awkward. The whole premise of the book seems so unlikely.... weird word choice.   Anyway, Harold Fry is  a timid, middle-aged married man in England goes on a walking journey to deliver a letter to a long-lost friend he recently discovered is dying... wait for it...  he says:

"as long as I walk, she'll stay alive." 

He seems to think she'll wait for him; the cancer won't kill her, but she'll wait.  So, yes. This book is a little odd.  But, I can't help but feel compelled by this character.  He is so real. Even when he has an awkward conversation from a payphone to his wife, you can't help but feel intrigued and happy for him; he has an enlightened joy and newly found happiness in his purpose... silly as it may be.

 I can't help but wonder, as Harold stays in a hotel for an unexpected two-day stay, whether he'll have the stamina to continue... also, he doesn't have the appropriate great... I mean, won't his shoes fall apart?