Book Report

In the classroom, I taught my kids to never abandon an independent reading book until it absolutely proved impossible to get through. Is there nothing about a character about which you are at all curious? Is there nothing about the writing that intrigues you? (Understandably, this one was usually a tough sell for twelve year olds!) Is there nothing interesting about the plot that has captured your imagination? Are you able to relate to anything in the setting or the mood? Do you really believe that this book has nothing to teach you? If they answered no to every question, my students had only one more step to endure--my endless love story of how when I began reading The Count of Monte Cristo, I never thought I would make it past the first couple chapters, and it seemed so boring with so much back story messed in with historical references I didn't really enjoy. Only the main character, d'Artangan, was the slightest bit promising, and the only thing that kept me plugging along was that each chapter was so short in length. However, by the end of all of the complicated twists and unexpected turns, it turned out to be one of my favorite books ever written, always on my top ten list. Not all books could read like To Kill A Mockingbird or Harry Potter where you are enamored after the very first paragraph. If my kids were willing to sit through all of that (many found it easier to finish the book), I usually let them find a new choice, knowing not all books are for all people.

For the past couple of days and chapters, I have asked myself those questions with Called Out of the Darkness, by Anne Rice, the second book for my Lenten Promise series. I held high expectations for her story--she was raised Catholic, became an atheist, and then returned to Catholicism. As a celebrated writer, I thought she might be able to convey feelings that I have shared, although I was expecting hers to be much more of an extreme view (as I have never considered myself an atheist). What I found as I read was that I was unable to relate... in the beginning she intrigued me with stories, only to lose me later with either recognition or an angle I found hard to comprehend. She'd offer an olive branch of provocative details, only to bury them in vague or no further discussion. There were passages in her writing that were so rich with imagery and passion, but many more that were written with only mediocrity.

I haven't completely shelved the book yet--the tiniest bit of curiosity remains--but I have moved it from reading heartily to skim in my brain. Maybe there is something there left for me, but having fallen hopelessly behind in my promise, it's time for me to press ahead.


Time: 40 minutes, 54 seconds
Place: Pikesville
Weather: 44 degrees
Distance: 4 miles
Feeling: Almost made it with the 'fast' group.
Overall grade: B-