2 posts tagged “book review”
Sorry it has been so long since the last Book and Cheese Blog Entry. I didn't have time to read for so long, and then good cheese was so expensive. But, Renee Marie and comebacknikki will be pleased at my cheese choice.
Today's book is The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera, and today's cheese is artisanal Manchego cheese. I'm afraid I don't know where it was crafted. Probably Spain, probably. The label was in Spanish. Anyway, on with it!
I had seen parts of the movie-- those that know me might be shocked that I never saw the whole thing, but movies make me impatient. Still-- the movie did not prepare me for the book. Basic synopsis of the book, taking place in New Zealand and containing mostly or entirely Maori characters: Kahu's great-grandfather is extremely disappointed when she is born-- she is not a boy, and therefore cannot lead her iwi (tribe) in the future. Kahu, however, knows that she is destined to be chief, but not only will her great-grandfather not see that, he hardly acknowledges her, though she loves him unconditionally. Though he continues to ignore her, she has a gift passed down from her ancestor Kahutia Te Rangi, Paikea, and the survival of her people may hinge on that gift.
My, how I loved this book. I can't even sit back and be articulate, I loved it so much. I was going to quote from other reviews, but the reviews I want seem to have disappeared from the internet. Kahu is not exactly spunky, but she fights for what she loves-- the denizens of the water, her iwi, and her Koro Apirana (not in that order). She is secure in herself and knows who she is and who she is to be. A very strong character. All of the main characters (the great-grandparents, the uncle who narrates the book)are strong and well written. This one is definitely a novel for older readers-- middle school kids would understand it but I think they might be impatient with it-- but it is rewarding.
artisanal Manchego cheese
The cheese and the book complemented each other somehow. I didn't eat the book or anything (heh) but I was eating the cheese while I read and... they just seemed to fit each other.
Also, I managed to upload "The I Love You Song" to my audio, as I was talking about it with S.
But what of the book itself, minus the "scrotum" brouhaha? It's good. I didn't find it as fantastic as some, in part because I could see the ending a mile away and I didn't find the plot all that plotful, but it was a very enjoyable read, and I can see how kids would like it.
It's a girl's book. It isn't all cutesy, but it does have a female protagonist and most boys show less interest in books with female protagonists. It's a shame, as Lucky is scrappy and funny and only a little bit girly (her use of mineral oil brought to mind my interest in rice powder at the same age). One can hope it would appeal to both genders, but I tend to think more girls will read it.
Lucky lives in Hard Pan, CA (pop.43) where she cleans up litter after each Anonymous meeting (alcoholics, smokers, and overeaters) and listens in on each meeting. She especially likes to hear about everyone finding his or her Higher Power, as she feels she needs one to help her through life with her caring but sometimes distant French guardian. When Lucky comes across some news, she decides that she has hit her rock bottom and it is time to go own, make a difference in her own life, and get her Higher Power. A huge sandstorm is coming up, however...
This is a good book. While light on plot, it has excellent characterization, believable dialogue, and good description. It is also just fun. The controversy is, in my view, making a mountain out of a molehill. The use of the word is not arbitrary, it is not meant to stir up controversy, and in context it is harmless. So with all my maturity, I say to the whiners and the naysayers: PBBTHTH.
