Thursday, March 27, 2014

Courting Greta by Ramsey Hootman


This unconventional love story stars Samuel Cooke, a cripple with crutches who is a computer genius. He leaves his successful career to teach computers at a high school. He is definitely looking for meaning in his life - but love?
He asks Greta Cassamajor , the gym teacher, out to dinner, never expecting her to say yes. So begins a year in Samuel's life that is like none other he has before, and it is a life changer to boot. The events that occur are messy and true to life. His physical and medical problems are always there to contend with. Both he and Greta have scars from there past that definitely inhibit the development of a healthy relationship. However, these things help them to keep trying as well.
This story is an interesting look at what it must be like to live daily as a handicapped person. Despite their glaring problems, this couple manages to have a positive impact on several of the students they work with every day. Yes, it was realistic and painful at times, but still managed to be uplifting.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Still Life With Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen

Trying to increase her income, a formerly successful photographer, Rebecca Winter, sublets her New York City apartment and moves to the country where she hopes to revamp her career.  The cottage is a disappointment.  With the help of Jim Bates, a roofer, who is a complete opposite to her ex-husband, Rebecca seems to have found more than a friend. 
Puzzled by a series of crosses along with mementos she found when she was out walking, Rebecca took photos of them and pondered their meaning...  Who put them there?
Although the novel was enjoyable, the ending seems a bit clichés.  While Quindlen delves into the parent-children relationship, gives women hope in reinventing themselves and that it is never too late for a second chance, there is also the grim reality that some are not so lucky.