Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

I'm going to have to stop reading books that get great reviews — I just don't seem to like the same things as everyone else.

I just finished The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards.  I found this book depressing.  I don't enjoy reading about dysfunctional families — infidelity, teenage angst, unwed mothers, drug use, inability to communicate, misunderstandings, etc.  There's enough of that in real life.  The story really seemed to go on too long.

I did enjoy the sympathetic way the author highlighted some of the issues faced by people with Down's Syndrome, but, all in all, I'm glad I'm done with that book!

Friday, March 5, 2010

2008 Harvard Commencement Speech by J. K. Rowling

My friend, Sharon, at The sunlit desk pointed me to this speech given nearly two years ago.  I had never heard J. K. Rowling speak before, and I was quite moved.  If you have a moment, listen for yourself.