![]() ![]() It must also be said that Tartt gives Pittu exemplary material with which to work. Pittu’s narration naturally flows from each stage of Theo’s life to the next. The Goldfinch is an engaging novel that begins when the main character, Theodore Decker, is a young adolescent and follows him throughout his teenage years, early adulthood, and through to his late twenties. It was easy to understand why immediately upon hearing his narration. ![]() A quick Google search revealed that he is mostly known for his narration of children’s books and has won awards for this work. The audiobook is narrated by a very talented voice actor named David Pittu. I knew I’d be able to listen to a book while I did chores or nursed our baby. So, I opted to take advantage of our library’s affiliation with NH Downloadable Books and put my name on the (rather lengthy) waiting list. Curious, but also a new mom, time to sit and read was nonexistent. That book was Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch. I was intrigued when one book in particular kept turning up on multiple “Best Books of 2013” lists. We appreciate having reviews from our users, and invite anyone who is interested to give it a shot. ![]() This review was written by Tiffany, one of our patrons here at Griffin Free. REVIEW: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (Audio version) ![]()
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![]() ![]() The details about the life of the courtesans and the etiquette involved in courting a courtesan, as well as the details of what happens to the courtesans when they get older, was detailed, colorful, and felt very genuine. We see how she copes with the change in circumstances that lead to her becoming a virgin courtesan herself. I really loved the first 3/4 of this book as we followed Violet growing up in a high class courtesan house run by her American mother. But, as she struggles to understand her heritage, it is Violet’s determination to forge her own destiny that propels this bittersweet tale of family secrets, changing identities and lost love.īook Worm’s Thoughts: I am counting this book for my read different challenge because the author is a female, first generation Asian American and the book is set in Shanghai (different from my own background and location). ![]() ![]() ‘The Valley of Amazement’ is the story of three women, bound by blood and betrayal. When the revolution comes, a cruel deception forces Violet to become a virgin courtesan. In turn-of-the-century Shanghai, Violet Minturn is raised by her American mother, the mistress of the city’s most renowned courtesan house. ![]() Synopsis from Amazon (as Goodreads had too many spoilers): An expansive, heartbreaking novel from the internationally bestselling author of ‘The Joy Luck Club’. ![]() ![]() ![]() I want you to give a little fist-bump to the heavens in honor of Betty Friedan. Ladies, the next time you decide you don't want to cook dinner that night, that you'd rather read a book instead. This 50th–anniversary edition features an afterword by best-selling author Anna Quindlen as well as a new introduction by Gail Collins. Part social chronicle, part manifesto, The Feminine Mystique is filled with fascinating anecdotes and interviews as well as insights that continue to inspire. Writing in a time when the average woman first married in her teens and 60 percent of women students dropped out of college to marry, Betty Friedan captured the frustrations and thwarted ambitions of a generation and showed women how they could reclaim their lives. ![]() ![]() Published in 1963, it gave a pitch-perfect description of “the problem that has no name”: the insidious beliefs and institutions that undermined women’s confidence in their intellectual capabilities and kept them in the home. ![]() "If you’ve never read it, read it now." ―Arianna Huffington, O, The Oprah Magazine Landmark, groundbreaking, classic―these adjectives barely do justice to the pioneering vision and lasting impact of The Feminine Mystique. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() In this novel, friendship is largely established by the act of giving. ![]() Together they are stronger than when they are apart, able to work through their problems using their combined imagination. At the same time, their friendship is a refuge from real-world troubles, such as Jess’s conflicts with his father and Leslie’s alienation at school. ![]() Their friendship is a healthy one, in which they encourage each other to grow and try new things and face their fears. Most of the story revolves around the growing friendship between Jess and Leslie, and the impact it has on their lives. Note: This discussion draws from every part of the book, and so contains spoilers for those who haven’t read it yet. This article explores the book’s major themes, identifying and describing how each is revealed over the course of the story. These themes are important and central to our own lives, touching on universal fears and experiences like death and friendship, and are identified by teachers who wish to teach lessons about bullying and other issues. Much of the power of the book, the reason it has been loved by both students and teachers, lies in the themes woven throughout the narrative. It has been read and taught for decades, and even recently made into a motion picture. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is a novel that has resonated with more than one generation of children. ![]() |