I can finish books when I have time.

Grandma turned 80 on Valentine's day so the whole fam travelled to st george to celebrate it with her. My other relatives on that side also flew in from all over so it was a really great experience since it doesn't happen very often. It was surprise and she had no idea we were coming. She cried. She was overwhelmed with happiness to have her family close to her. At the end of the day it doesn't get better than being surrounded by family does it? Not only was the company great but the weather was a nice sunny 60 degrees. I had almost forgotten what it was like to stand outside (without a jacket) and let the sun warm your face. Needless to say I loved it. Really ready for Spring. Well in addition to playing some fun games, playing with my niece and nephews, and great conversation, I actually had time to read/finish my book. I really do love reading but sometimes school bombards me with so many other books and assignments that reading takes the back burner. But when I do get the time I enjoy a good book.


The book I finished over the weekend was The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. Beautiful, beautiful book. The storyline is simple but what you read it for is the writing. Her writing was incredible and every word was artfully placed. She has such a distinct tone and voice that lead the story. There were certain passages that I read and re read a few times just because I loved the writing. It's a really simple, easy read that wont take you long to read at all.

A favorite passage: "Four Skinny Trees"
"They are the only ones who understand me. I am the only one who understands them. Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine. Four who do not belong here but are here. Four raggedy excuses planted by the city. From our room we can hear them, but Nenny just sleeps and doesn't appreciate these things.

Their strength is secret. They send ferocious roots beneath the ground. They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger. This is how they keep.

Let one forget his reason for being, they'd all droop like tulips in a glass, each with their arms around the other. Keep, keep, kepp, trees say when I sleep. They teach.

When I am too sad and too skinny to keep keeping, when I am a tiny thing against so many bricks, then it is I look at trees. When there is nothing left to look at on this street. Four who grew to despise concrete. Four who reach and do not forget to reach. Four whose only reason is to be and be."

lovely.

Now I am working on Mere Christianity. Smart guy, that CS Lewis.