Eight Hundred Grapes

Synchronize (verb) "to occur at the same time or coincide or agree in time" (Online Etymology Dictionary).

Much of our lives are left to chance, in spite of perfect planning one cannot prepare for the weather, the actions of another, and as I learned while reading this book, the making of wine. We cannot control the rain or the weather, just as we cannot control the actions of others.

In Eight Hundred Grapes Georgia is one week away from her wedding that is set to take place at her parents' vineyard.  She finds her fiancee is keeping the knowledge of a daughter from her as well as meetings with his ex-wife.  She realizes this as she is trying on her wedding dress and flees the city, heading home.

Upon returning home she finds her family is also struggling in their relationships and realizes the importance of home and family.  Weeks have passed since I read this book and I'm still thinking about it, still wanting to try putting chocolate in lasagna and to enjoy (just one more) glass of wine.

In short, read this book, especially if you have a love of wine, it will probably help increase that love.


synchronize. (n.d.). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved December 22, 2015 from Dictionary.com website http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/synchronize

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

What on Earth can I say about this book besides, “WOW!” I don’t often feel extreme emotions when I read but the content and the writing and the raw emotion felt like an unstoppable hurricane blasting through my heart. This novel has a little bit of everything: bullying, stereotypes, adventures on ice (not in a good way), love and romance, family, and, of course, the milking of cows. Who could possibly not want to read it!? 

I had ordered the book for all 18 of my district library’s branches because the reviews were astounding in the selection journals we subscribe to. Honestly, though, I didn’t have much interested in reading it personally. But, at a CATS (Children’s and Teen Services) upcoming book conference this week, I actually got a free copy of the title. AND!! The author spoke with us and did a reading. Maybe it was the fact that I was able to hear the background that led to the author writing Orbiting Jupiter or maybe it was because I was hearing it read exactly how Schmidt intended it. Either way, he hooked me instantly. Schmidt is a tremendous story teller and I felt every single emotion of the character Joseph as if it were my own. Not because we had been through anything similar…we hadn’t. It is simply that Schmidt can tell one hell of a tale. His words were few but exceedingly well-chosen and powerful. He gave this “throwaway” kid a second chance when most wouldn’t give him a second glance. 

Schmidt told us that he had attended a book talk for reluctant readers, but was not informed in advance that it was at a correctional facility for juvenile males. While he was there, he had the chance to get to know some of the boys and, in a non-direct way, based his latest, Orbiting Jupiter, on the experience of meeting kids that society had just thrown aside. 

Here’s what the publisher says about Orbiting Jupiter: 

The two-time Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt delivers the shattering story of Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never seen his daughter, Jupiter. After spending time in a juvenile facility, he’s placed with a foster family on a farm in rural Maine. Here Joseph, damaged and withdrawn, meets twelve-year-old Jack, who narrates the account of the troubled, passionate teen who wants to find his baby at any cost. In this riveting novel, two boys discover the true meaning of family and the sacrifices it requires.

I kind of think that the less you know going in, the better. Just be prepared to feel all the feels and have your tissues handy. Oh, and while the book is only 183 pages long and you’ll read it in one sitting, it’ll drain your immortal soul like a 1200 page epic. Just sayin.’ Now go get it from your local library and prepare to have your heart ripped out and stomped all over...but maybe in a good way.

Me Before You & After You

You know those books that truly piss you off when you finish it? Me Before You was one that truly made me angry.  When I heard there was a sequel coming out (After You), I had decided there was no way I would read it, as I was still too upset about the ending from the first. For some reason I decided to put it on hold, despite not wanting to read it (perhaps it was because I enjoyed the first so much) and read it over the last two days. Once again my heart was broken, filled with hope, and longing.

The series follows the life of Louisa Clark, a quirky late twenties who lives with her parents. She gets a job as a helper to Will Traynor, a quadriplegic who used to do everything and now he can’t even get dressed or feed himself. Will gave up on living and Lou took it upon herself to determine how best to change his mind. Even though it has been over a year since I read the first novel I couldn’t help but miss these wonderful characters.  Despite Will’s constant complaining about his inability to do anything and his want to end his life and Lou’s constant need to take care of everyone else I couldn’t help but love these characters.  

For fear of ruining the story I won’t share anymore details but I do highly encourage everyone to read this book.  If you talk to Meg (or Paige Turner, whatever it is she is going by these days) don’t listen to what she has to say about it.  She had a difficult time getting into it, though I would imagine if she was in the right mood she would love it too.