Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

My sister Alice Jane has recommended some wonderful books to me over the years. She prefers nonfiction, usually, so my ears perked up when she mentioned a novel she really enjoyed. I went to the library and was a little daunted by the heft of this book, but decided it was worth a try. After all, it's winter in South Dakota; isn't that the best time to sit by the fire and read?

This story is amazing. It follows the incredible journey of how a young doctor and an Indian nun, working in Ethiopia, produced a set of twin boys. They were raised by two other doctors and their story reveals aspects of a fascinating African culture. The story also moves to New York City and uncovers sad aspects health care disparities.

The author's training and practice as a doctor permeates the story. In fact, at times, it was too much for me. The blood and suffering are great and intimately described. There are painfully horrific scenes that are haunting. There are also lovely scenes and altruistic characters who are heroic in their efforts to ease suffering. I found the descriptions of how the twins communicated and complemented each other's strengths and weaknesses fascinating.

I was positively amazed at the level of detail and description of food, people, medicine, travel, etc. that are included along the way. This is an epic panorama of a fascinating place, people, and time.

Summer Ball by Mike Lupica

I enjoy listening to Mike Lupica when he's interviewed on the radio. He seems like a good guy, so I thought I'd give one of his books a try. Since he writes about sports for young people, I thought it would be a good idea to see if it's good enough to give Gabriel. Our tastes are pretty different, but I thought this might be one that would bridge the gap. We'll see! I'm giving it to him today.

This story features Danny Walker, a small (compared to his friends and teammates) basketball player. He's the son of a professional player and that helps explain some of his enthusiasm for the game. When we were raising Melissa, I was thoroughly surprised and impressed by her sports work ethic. Nothing was too much to ask in practice, and she practiced on her own. She has the passion to get better and will do anything to do it. Danny is like that, and I've often wondered if that's a trait that is inborn.

What makes this book better than most young adult literature is the sensitivity of the characters, the wisdom of the adults, though no one is perfect. My favorite aspect, though, is the way Lupica has Danny react to challenges. When he encounters a bad coach, Danny just works harder to impress him. Overcoming challenges with a great attitude is a recurring theme which would serve kids well, I think. I guess it's okay to have a loser coach; there are plenty of them out there. I do question, however, that he ended up looking like a complete chump at the end, when compared to Danny's nobility. There is something to be said for being obedient to your coach...not sure Danny and the team found the right balance there. But all in all, I think this book teaches good values.

I also like the friendships and the appropriate interaction between them. These kids are 12-14 years old, like each other, but don't go down any sexual roads at all. I appreciated that. And they support each other in very effective ways.

Lupica describes all the basektball moves and strategies in great detail. And even though I didn't understand or necessarily follow it all, it didn't detract from the story for me. I was able to follow it enough to feel joy when the game went well and pain when a shot was missed. Danny's floor pass also was described in a way that I could see. It also helped me understand that the game is more complex than I usually can appreciate.

I just heard Lupica interviewed on Imus this morning, and he's just signed a four-book deal with Simon & Schuster. The first of the four is out, and I might give it a try. I like how he weaves a story, makes his characters interesting and real, and is also unpredictable. Stay tuned for Gabe's reaction!

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

I watched Shala grow into the competent young mother she is today. And she is occasionally very shy. Yet she suggested our book group read this particular book. I was hoping she would come to our discussion, but she didn't. I am grateful we chose to read it, though, even though it didn't bring her out! 
I went to the library and couldn't find it in the young adult fiction section. It was in the children's section! It's 152 pages long, divided into chapters, but it's considered children's? That's okay--I found it! 
Our discussion of this book was wonderful. There are many themes to consider, but the one that sticks in my mind is the theme of beauty. There's power in beauty. Here's an excerpt that illustrates this point:

"Tree-ear loved the symmetry of the prunus vases that grew on Min's wheel. Once, back in the spring during his early days with Min, he had watched the potter place a plum branch in a finished vase to judge the effect. The gentle curves of the vase, its mysterious green color. The sharp angles of the plum twigs, their blackness stark amid airy white blossoms. The work of a human, the work of nature; clay from the earth, a branch from the sky. A kind of peace spread through Tree-ear, body and mind, as if while he looked at the vase and its branch, nothing could ever go wrong in the world." During our discussion, there were many fascinating insights about Korean culture, about the similarities to molding vs. being molded, about honesty and ethics, and on and on. It's a rich little book! I am glad I also bought a used copy online so I can take the time to read it again. It helps to have brilliant women in our group whose insights make me want to read it again... My copy also has Linda Sue Park's acceptance speech for the Newbery award this book received, and it's a very worthwhile read as well. I appreciate her humility!