Robert and I had a relaxing Thanksgiving yesterday - probably the most relaxing one we've had yet. We talked to family, spent a little time hiking and a lot of time bathing the dogs, and ended the day with cabbage, stuffing, and a smoked turkey we secured through our milk delivery service. It was nice to have a whole day off with the lover and spend some time in the woods.
We had our first snow a week ago! The dogs loved it even though it was the sloppy kind of snow that's tough to play in. This week our weather is going to be about as perfect as weather can get. I plan on hanging out at the backboards with my furry homies every chance I get.
My favorite October books are all about family, tenacity, and gratitude.
Thank You, Miyuki written by Roxane Marie Galliez and illustrated by Seng Soun Ratanavanh (Picture Book)
A wonderful way to describe meditation for both children and adults. The illustrations are stunning. As Grandpa and Miyuki meditate, they blend in with their surroundings. I can only hope this is what my spirit looks like when I meditate.
The Scourge by Jennifer A. Nielsen (Teen Fiction)
I was on the edge of my seat for most of The Scourge. It's filled with plenty of plot twists and spunky characters as they battle evil wardens, hunger, injustices, and the scourge all while being trapped on an island for scourge patients. It's a must-read for anyone who likes dystopian reads filled with heart-pounding adventure. I particularly enjoyed Ani and Weevil's relationship and their commitment to each other. Though I didn't initially like Ani, there is a tremendous amount of character growth throughout the story. Because Weevil liked her I knew I just needed time to get to know her. I started this book as an audiobook but quickly switched to an ebook because I did not care for the narrator.
The Vanderbeekers series by Karina Yan Glaser (Juvenile Fiction)
I devoured the first four books in this series with little regard to anything else going on in my life. Any spare minute I had, I raced to my front porch and plunked myself down in my rocking chair to read another page or five pages or one hundred. I couldn't read the books fast enough but at the same time I never wanted them to end.
The Vanderbeeker family is so much more than five kids, their pets, and their mom and dad. They are a family that sticks together, a family that embraces new members with every book (book four actually includes a map of the evolved family and those they love). The Vanderbeekers tackle heavy topics like grief, death, and homelessness in addition to the everyday ups and downs of growing up (at the beginning of the series the kids ages ranged from 4 to 12). The characters all have well-thought-out and consistent personalities that evolve during the first four books - silly and gregarious Laney, empathetic and shy Hyacinth, protective and lovable Oliver, brainy and impulsive Jessie, and artistic and wise Isa. And these are just the kids! Even the grown-ups and pets have their own distinct personalities.
Because the kids spend so much time not only hanging out with each other, but also just enjoying each other's company while doing their own thing, the emphasis is mostly on family relationships. Any outside person that the family takes a liking to simply becomes part of the family. This is a series to be read in order because each book grows from the last book. I am in my thirties and can still feel the loneliness I felt as a child, as someone who didn't feel comfortable in their family and who did not have strong friendships or relationships. The Vanderbeeker series made me feel like I was a part of their family for the week or two I spent reading the books. More importantly, I think the strength of the Vanderbeeker family's bond with each other has the ability to give its readers the courage and drive to make connections with others. I think of Hyacinth in the fourth book, when she was dropped off early at school a couple times, how she couldn't bring herself to talk with the other kids waiting for school to begin, and I just know a kid is going to read that and get the confidence to make the leap to start a conversation. I have only praise for this series, but books two and four were my favorites. Karina Yan Glaser recently mentioned on her instagram that there will be a total of seven books in the series!!
