Over the holidays, I picked up two new-to-me books. The first one I found was at Mondragón Books. Interesting fact about Mondragón: For years, I've called it Moondragon. I only stopped calling it that moments ago when I googled the name and realized it has just one "o." O well. A bit more research: Mondragón means "dragon mountain." It's derived from the Latin, mōns draconis. If this column isn't teaching you anything you didn't know, at least I'm learning. What I don't know is vast, which brings me to the book I bought at Mondragón, The Lifters by Dave Eggers.
I knew nothing about The Lifters or its author, but I loved the cover design and how the title was integrated into the art. Very well done! I also loved how the kids on the cover were running to the right edge. It just makes you want to open it up and peek inside. When you do, you discover lots more fun artwork. The story follows a boy named Gran whose family moves to Carousel, a small town that's seen better days due to the collapse of their chief industry, crafting carousels. Since that time, subterranean forces have been hollowing out the ground beneath the community, causing entire buildings to be lost into sinkholes. The general population is unaware of the cause of these sinkholes. But to Gran's surprise, a mysterious girl in his class literally has a key to the underground that can magically open doors into the earth. She works tirelessly as a "Lifter," propping up the town with discarded junk to keep "The Hollows" from completely destroying it. It's a funky idea. I enjoy kid lit for lighthearted fables and myths like this. Also, as someone who grew up hearing stories of the Grand Carousel my own hometown had but lost, the tale had particular relevance.
Unfortunately, as much as I found the premise intriguing, I wasn't as fond of the execution. I didn't find the world convincing. Sure, it's a kid's story about underground monsters and magical keys; I get that. That's why I picked up the book. But fantasy works best when the everyday world feels authentic; without that, the whole thing falls flat. At least for me. Your mileage may vary. My bigger problem, the one that left a bad taste in my mouth, is that I didn't find the characters likable. Gran is a milquetoast; the mystery girl is a bully. And I found their relationship teetering on the abusive. For that reason, I wouldn’t recommend the book. Have you read it? What did you think?
Now, my experience with the next book was precisely the opposite. I bought it at Labor of Love Thrift Store in Middleburg, PA. It cost me a mere quarter. And when I saw it, I knew I'd struck gold. Take a look at this cover:
I’m sure the cover was fine for the book’s intended audience, but there’s not much that appeals to me. I gravitate to graphic covers that convey mystery and adventure. If I'd seen this book on the shelf six months ago, I couldn't have passed it by quickly enough. Not even the title appeals to me. But now, being so much older and wiser, the name above the title made it a must-have. As regular readers know, I've become a mark for anything Sharon Creech.
Even better, Absolutely Normal Chaos is a follow-up to Creech’s Walk Two Moons, which I adore (You can read my review here). Walk Two Moons begins with a class of students turning in the journals they’ve kept over summer vacation. But one of the students, Mary Lou Finney, refuses to allow anyone to read hers. Well, in this follow-up novel, we all get to read everything Mary Lou wrote. The story is told entirely from her daily entries, revealing Mary Lou’s private thoughts about her lazy cousin Carl Ray, her boy-crazy best friend Beth Ann, and her pink-skinned crush Alex Cheevey. Through all of this, author Creech artfully weaves together several compelling mysteries while teaching in the most subtle of ways the value of journaling. On top of all that, you also get a refreshingly honest take on Homer's Odyssey from the point-of-view of a twelve-year old girl reading it for the first time. Yeah, really. It's a rewarding, thoughtful book. Page 225 made me pause, put the book down, and contemplate my own life. No joke. Just as Love That Dog made me think for the first time about writing poetry, this book has made me consider keeping a journal.
Now for my answers going into the New Year to the two questions that have been on my mind since reading Walk Two Moons: Who are you? and Who Could You Be?
Without much thought, and within the context of this column, I’d answer the first question, "I am a creator." And the second, "I could be a better creator."
Giving it more thought, however, I realize how every single one of my relationships, attitudes, and actions define who I am. I’m not just one thing. Who I am shifts as I consider each of these aspects. The only thing that really stays the same is the need I see for improvement in who I am. These are humbling questions. If that's not the point, it's undoubtedly a benefit.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t add that 1 John 3:2 crossed my mind as being the ultimate answer to both questions. Look it up and let me know your thoughts.
Until next time, Always Be Creating!
Bill
Hi Bill, I didn't know anything about Dave Eggers until I read "The Eyes and the Impossible." I just looked at his library of published books on Amazon and he's quite prolific. As for Sharon Creech (also prolific), I'm going to have to read more of hers. I like the one book I read of hers, "One Time." This is a great blog you've got here. I always look forward to reading. Happy New Year!