First Quarter Outside Reading Book Review

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards. Penguin Books, 2006.
Genre: Realistic fiction

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter is an intriguing story about Dr. David Henry who decides to give his handicapped child away without his wife knowing it saying that she had passed away during birth. The book is based around how she grows up with another women who was supposed to bring her to a special needs home, and the struggle of the relationship between the doctor, his wife, and their daughters pretend “death” that the doctor had lied about. Set in Lexington, the book is interesting and a wonderful read.

Jodi Picoult states about the authors work, “Kim Edwards has created a tale of regret and redemption...of characters haunted by their past.” While the book jacket reads, “For motives he tells himself are good, [Dr. Henry] makes a split-second decision that will haunt all their lives forever.”

In this book, the reader is able to see two different separated lives through different people’s eyes. The book puts you in question about what’s to happen next, mysterious, about love, loss, and secrets. There were good descriptions about the times when Norah was actually happy, or in great despair, and I could always picture what was going on very well.
This book is shows two different separated lives, intertwining with sadness, regret, and redemption. This book reminds me a lot of My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult, not only because of the name, but by how it shows views from different people, and how much of the story is about family troubles, love, and hardship. Both of the books kept me thinking about what the person could have done to make the situation better and about what would happen next.

“It was true that he’d once sought unity, as if the underlying correspondences between tulips and lings, weins and tress, flesh and earthm might reveal a pattern he could understand...he would stand watching her- this mystery, a person he would never really know, curled around her secrets” (202).

Having a cousin with down-syndrome who is my age, I could never picture my aunt or uncle ever even think about haven given her away. But in this story, I knew that it was only from his past bad experiences that Dr. David Henry made these decisions. Everyone has felt it in their lives, the feeling of regret, and doctor Henry kept this lifelong secret. I really liked this book and felt that I learned something from the relationships, hard times, and love that happened in this book.

The Value of Cozy Feet and Good Vacations

What defines value? How does one know what he or she truly values when they are surrounded with great things every day? Moments and events seem to be such precious memories but great things and objects surround us on a daily basis.

I slide my left foot down through the boot; warmth suddenly makes my foot content on such a cold morning. I repeat the same steps on the right. These aren’t just any boots; they’re Uggs; shoes made from sheepskin, warm and cozy as if I am wearing slippers all day.

To me, no other winter boots can compare to my Uggs. These are shoes that I work hard to earn money for, and it definitely pays off all winter. They are chestnut, classic tall, at least for this year. I receive my new Uggs in the mail, packed securely to endure the trip over from California. One hundred and sixty dollars in one package, I can’t wait to open it.

I sometimes wear my old ones, fit perfectly to the sole of my foot, but they just aren’t as good looking and clean as my new ones. The sheep wool inside is not as soft, and there are old marks of dirt.

The soft shade of chestnut brown always seems to complement my cozy winter outfit perfectly, with suede heel guards and a flexible sole. Twin-faced sheepskin keeps my feet snug so I can still be fashionable throughout the winter months. On some days to mix it up I can roll the boot down to give it a different feel.

I wake up with a light ray of sunshine coming through my window; I can smell the faint smell of the ocean and hear the soft waves crashing gently up onto the seashell covered shore. Outside I hear two neighbors starting their morning jog. Moments like these I wait for all year.

Going to Shelter Island is hands down the best vacation for me. I get up at my own pace, and eventually walk out to the kitchen for breakfast and to my brother’s annual favorite, crumb cake from the tiny supermarket on the island; IGA George’s. We decide it’s a beach day, pack up some sodas and snacks, and head down to the beach. My family chooses to go to a farther beach today, so we pile into the car and head off, woods all around, no stop lights to be seen. No one goes through the day without seeing at least one deer.

My aunt takes me on our annual little trip to Marika’s, a small antique store where I love to look at all the old things. I get a new ring there every year. On rainy days we go on the small ferry to get to the Island over, Greenport, to go to all the shops. Every night the family gathers downstairs to play pool, ping pong, shuffleboard, and to hang out, a tradition that I don’t think will ever die.

One day for lunch we go down to the drug store, where inside there is a small diner counter. My mom has been going here since she was born, my Dad since he was around 16, and the island has barely changed since they can remember. Just the laid back feel of these few days brings back old memories.

My aunt and uncle also bought a house there this past year, making the trip even more fun with two houses to go to now. My aunt and I love to make sea glass jewelry from glass found on Shelter Island beaches. My uncle takes the kids clamming every year. Coming home with our clams so that my aunt can make her delicious buttery stuffed clams. I’ve never tasted others as good. On the last day, we head out to Pat and Steve’s, another custom of our family, to have breakfast.

I love these quiet trips to Shelter Island, relaxing and having fun. Going rollerblading with my cousin when she comes up, just sun bathing on the beach, going out to ice cream at the Tuck Shop, or going on night walks along the beach, I’m always having fun.

Between my Uggs and my vacations to Shelter Island, these two values seem extremely different, but also have similarities. My Uggs keep my feet warm and are a fashion statement during the winter. They have to be my favorite pair of shoes I own. I work hard babysitting and doing chores for the money, and when I finally get them I am just so happy.

On Shelter Island, I get to spend quality relaxing time with my family. Repeating traditions I have been since I was born. Sunny ferry rides and beach days to die for. I never want to leave.
Whether wearing my boots, or wearing a bathing suit, I always have a smile on my face. Both of these things make the seasons better, either an item or an event that I can look forward to. They both have memories, they both are worn and overused, but I never get tired of these things. Sometimes, I just love snuggling up in my sweats and my Uggs, with snow falling gracefully onto the ground, but then again, its great to be able to lie back, read a book and relax on the beach in Shelter Island.