Fox's: Part 1

I'm having a slow start to reading this book. We have a lot of things going on at home, but I finally put aside some time to settle my brain, and read.

As I read, it quickly and easily became apparent that Fox is inherently a humorous individual, who has a lighthearted approach to life, despite the severity of the situation he faces, including his PD condition. He's able to make himself the to butt of jokes, and poke fun at himself constantly. I believe it takes strong sense of one's self-worth and contentedness with life to be able to do so. Such an attribute might even be necessary to "always looking up."

Although not directly tied to the theme of the book, I appreciate some of the insights he's shared, which confirm some of my own beliefs.

• "'Some of the best friends you'll ever meet in your life, you'll meet through your children--mothers and fathers of their friends, parents from school. [...] It's one of the many gifts of parenting.'" Not a parent yet myself, I'm whole heartedly hoping that when we do become parents, that we're able to grow our circle of friends here in California. 

• "Every failure I have considered my own, but every success has been shared." I tend to agree with this statement, in hindsight with any of my successes related to school, work or family. I couldn't have done it without support of my family and friends. They keep me motivated when I feel defeated, and the encouragement they provide fuels me to strive further. 

• "[...] I asked him what he thought was the essential ingredient for a successful foundation. "It's all about the people you surround yourself with," he said. "You can't do it alone.'" 

Continuing onto Part 2...

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

Passing the baton...Who will pick next?

With the new year around the corner, it's the ideal time to pick up where we left off, and start another book.

To make the selection process more efficient, we can skip the voting process, and take turns selecting books to read. 

I came across a book that I found a few years ago that I wanted to read then, but never got around to it. At this stage in our lives, with all the different issues we face day-to-day, this book may help up embrace a more optimistic approach to the coming year.

Check out the next post for our next book...

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Sana and I started reading this book together, but from my knowledge, she wasn't able to get past the first few pages. I know Zainab was reading something else--Asma did you start (or finish)?

I had a hard time adapting to the author's writing style. It was very stripped down, and simplified. For example, conversations were not denoted with quotation marks, so it was difficult to follow who was saying what during the character interactions. However, as I continued to read, it was understood who was saying what as the characters developed and we come to understand what they would say. On the same note, the book is not separated by chapter. It's just one, long read.

I did enjoy the book, and at times didn't want to put it down. This said, I don't think it would be everyone's cup of tea. It's a very simple plot, and simple setting, but the author is able to create vivid imagery. The relationship between father and son was touching. They loved each other very much, and rightfully so.

At the farther edge of the town they came upon a solitary house in a field and they crossed and entered and walked through the rooms. They came upon themselves in a mirror and he almost raised the pistol. It's us, Papa, the boy whispered. It's us.

I would recommend this book to others to read-- just have to get past the first few pages.

So vivid, that I now want to see the film.

On to the next book...

Next Book: The Road by Cormac McCarthy

If anyone has an e-book they are able to share, please do so.
I am pretty sure all libraries own a copy of this read. 

Suggestions for our next book?

Do you guys have suggestions for our next reading? 

I was thinking of a lighthearted, easy read that we can all manage with a busy work schedule. I'm looking for something entertaining, that keeps me excited and wanting to talk about. Our last book was emotionally heavy in content.

I started reading Bridget Jones's Diary, as mentioned in my previous comment. That is one suggestion from my end. 

What do you ladies have in your back pocket?

Rapp's Part 3: Chapter 8 - 23

I changed this to the last chapter of the book, since Sana and I posted our final thoughts in this post.

-Sara