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What Does it Feel Like?–hope in the middle of pain
What Does it Feel Like?
by Sophie Kinsella
This short novel is indeed fiction, but as the author says, “it is my most autobiographical work to date.” This talented author of many very successful books describes her struggle with brain cancer. She talks about her frustrations at not being able to recall words. As a writer, words have always been her bread and butter! Post surgery, memories come and go as her brain tries to heal and her body needs to learn how to perform basic tasks like walking. Through the character Eve, Kinsella gives the reader glimpses into the continuing struggle to maintain hope and the difficulties of sharing her prognosis with her five children.
Particularly touching is her conversation with her husband about a bucket list. He is willing to take her to the ends of the earth to do something she has always wanted to do. After considering many possibilities, she decides what she really wants is not something exciting: “I just need to be around. Have fun with the children. Have fun with you. See friends. Small pleasures.” So, that is what they decide to do—normal plus. Not just enjoy marmalade, but have “posh” marmalade.
Of course, this book is raw and hard, but Kinsella also throws in some of her signature humor that helps break up the distressing severity of cancer. I recommend this generally sad book, but wisely choose your time to read it and relish Kinsella’s talents.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Women’s Fiction
Notes: I can think of numerous reasons that I have not published very many book reviews recently, but I think one of them was, in the middle of family grief, I could not bring myself to read this intimate look at stage 4 cancer. That statement is not a spoiler as that is what this book is about, and the experts always say “you should write about what you know.” I was aware of the sadness that lay ahead in the reading.
Publication: October 8, 2024—Random House (Dial Press)
Memorable Lines:
Now she looks around her beloved children’s faces, wondering if they’re OK, hoping that they’re resilient, wondering as she does approximately every five minutes how much longer she has on this earth and feeling—yet again—an overpowering guilt.
The way to get through radiotherapy: pretend you are at a fancy spa….The way to get through chemotherapy side effects: do a five-hundred-meter sprint every day, eat only cabbage, meditate, and write a daily gratitude journal to your creator. I’m joking. The way to get through chemotherapy side effects: go to bed.
“I just…I just need to know you’ll be there when I die. I need to hear your voice. Your voice relaxes me. Plus, you need to tell me what to do and where to go. You know me—I haven’t got any sense of direction. I’ll end up in the wrong place.” Nick roars with laughter, rubbing his eyes.
Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates–historical look at Holland
Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates
by Mary Mapes Dodge
illustrated by Edna Cooke
This children’s novel depicts life in Holland in the early 19th century and according to the author “aims to combine the instructive features of a book of travels with the interest of a domestic tale.” Dodge has done of lot of research so much of the book focuses on Dutch history and customs. Although Hans Brinker is the protagonist, he is not even a character in a large part of the book that describes a skating trip a small group of boys undertake traveling on frozen canals and rivers to various cities.
Hans and his family live in deep poverty because the father Raff had a work accident ten years prior that affected his brain. His wife also can not work because she has to stay home to look after her unpredictable husband. Hans and his sister Gretel are not always treated well because of their social standing. The author states that the circumstances of Raff’s situation were true.
Hans and Gretel have only inefficient wooden skates that Hans carved for them, but both are good skaters. Surprisingly, not much of the story deals with the race for silver skates. Hans is an honorable young man as is shown many times in the story.
The fictional part of Hans Brinker is interesting, even exciting, but the historical portions are less interesting. The boys visit museums on their trip and the history bounces from one item to another just as it would if you were visiting a museum. There are a lot of events referenced that students today do not have the historical background for (e.g. Prince William of Orange who freed Holland from Spain and became King of England). For further personal education on Dutch history or if working with homeschool students, Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates could be a valuable resource. Unless I were teaching a unit on Holland in a classroom, I doubt I would read this to or with Middle Grade students. I found the Preface to be a valuable introduction to what was to follow. I also liked the satisfying Conclusion which shared what happened to the characters as life moved on for them.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Children’s fiction, Historical fiction
Notes: 1. Intended for children 8-12 years old
2. I found this to be a slow read, but there were others in my book club who found the historical references very interesting.
Publication: 1865—George W. Jacobs & Co.
I obtained my copy from Gutenberg Press.
Memorable Lines:
“…the father and I saved and saved that we might have something laid by. ‘Little and often soon fills the pouch.’ ”
“We cannot say what we might have become under other circumstances. We have been bolstered up from evil, since the hour we were born. A happy home and good parents might have made that man a fine fellow instead of what he is. God grant that the law may cure and not crush him!”
Ten years dropped from a man’s life are no small loss; ten years of manhood, of household happiness and care; ten years of honest labor, of conscious enjoyment of sunshine and outdoor beauty, ten years of grateful life—One day looking forward to all this; the next, waking to find them passed, and a blank. What wonder the scalding tears dropped one by one upon your cheek!
education pathways 