Today is special. I’m going to tackle all of the prompts:
1.) October is National Book Month, tell us about the best book you’ve read so far this year.
Maile read Ida B. and told me the book reminded her of herself, so naturally I had to read it too. I was relieved to find that Ida B. was not a serial killer, but rather is this sweet girl with some big thoughts and a really beautiful way of communicating what is happening in her brain. It reminded me of Maile too. Especially because Maile has always struggled with a bit of anxiety about going to school and Ida B. touches on that. She talks about how her teacher insisted on only calling her Ida (not Ida B.) and at the end of the day she would walk to meet her mom instead of running with excitement,
“But I’d been Ida all day long. Ms. Myer’s Ida, who sat still, stayed in line, kept her hands to herself, and didn’t have a single, tiny drop of fun. I felt stiff and tired and cramped into a too-small body with a too small name. So I just walked with slow, small steps to Mama.”
It also reminded me of myself at Maile’s age,
“Then, when no one was paying any mind, I’d go into my room, close the door, sit on the floor behind my bed, and cry and cry – for Mama and Daddy and me, and for all the love that seemed wasted because it couldn’t fix Mama.”
I adore young adult literature because it takes complex feelings and simplifies it so perfectly for just about anyone to relate to.
But if you’re looking for the book that had me literally sobbing on an airplane…I mean I had to have made a spectacle of myself but I could NOT put it down…that honor goes to The Storyteller. This book is unbelievably well told and absolutely destroyed me in Hawaii this summer.
“If you had to pack your whole life into a suitcase–not just the practical things, like clothing, but the memories of the people you had lost and the girl you had once been–what would you take? The last photograph you had of your mother? A birthday gift from your best friend–a bookmark embroidered by her? A ticket stub from the traveling circus that had come through town two years ago, where you and your father held your breath as jeweled ladies flew through the air, and a brave man stuck his head in the mouth of a lion? Would you take them to make wherever you were going feel like home, or because you needed to remember where you had come from?”
― Jodi Picoult, The Storyteller
2.) Share a recent text exchange that made you laugh.
I sort of insist on being the driver every time.
3.) A blog post inspired by the color orange.
One time I told a teacher that I aspired to write a book and he and was all, “what will it be about?” and I was all, “I don’t know, maybe a memoir…” and he started laughing and was all, “sounds riveting.”
I should send him a link to my blog with a message that says, “check out my Halloween Wreath. TOTES RIVETING!”
Yeah. That’ll teach him.
5.) Create a fall inspired bucket list.
First, I’d like it to start acting like fall any day now because I wore a tank top today and I’m not happy about it. What’s the point of living in Seattle if I can’t complain about the rain everyday? My bucket list is just rain and coffee. All season. I don’t ask for much. As pretty as the sunshine is.
Now it’s your turn!
Choose a prompt, post it on your blog, and come back to add your name to the link list below. Be sure to sign up with the actual post URL and not just your basic blog URL (click on the title of your post for that URL). For good comment karma try to comment on the three blogs above your name!!
The Prompts:
1.) October is National Book Month, tell us about the best book you’ve read so far this year.
2.) Share a recent text exchange that made you laugh.
3.) A blog post inspired by the color orange.
4.) A time you were teased.
5.) Create a fall inspired bucket list.
Link up!:
Tima says
All five???? Blimey!!!!
Now, if I didn’t have enough to read, I’ve just added two more to the list! Thanks!
Mama Kat says
All five…do photo answers count because I couldn’t even think to write actual words as a response to some of those. You won’t regret those reads!
Tina says
It’s funny that you’re on the other end of the country and we’re both wishing for the same weather. Bring on fall!
Mama Kat says
I mean seriously…what is up with all this sunshine!?! ;)
Lu says
A book that destroys you…I have to read it. Nothing like being broken down and built back up. Plus, it is called the Storyteller. I love stories and tellers.
Mama Kat says
You will love it!!
lady goo goo gaga says
Love this – If you really want to lose your shit – read this book “THE FIRST THING AND THE LAST” Sadly you can buy it for like 50 cents on Amazon now because it’s out of print – but I literally was rolling around in bed sobbing….Good times;)
Mama Kat says
What is it about books like that, that destroy us? And we come back for more every time. Gluttons for punishment. Can’t wait to read it!!
MJ says
What an exceptional post! I already have problems choosing THE ONE, never mind all five….Well done, Mama Kat!
Mama Kat says
I had trouble choosing one too! I think I could have made the book recommendation the full post, but I didn’t want to bore non-readers. Tackling a little bit for each one was kind of fun!
carol says
Now you have me all intrigued about the Story Teller. I’m going to have to read it. I like that you tackled all 5 prompts!
I’m writing from your October daily writing prompts and can’t believe how much more of my crazy and adventurous life is getting written down. My kids are really going to like it someday! Thanks for the inspiration.
Mama Kat says
The Story Teller is a story weaved together by individual character point of views and there’s a story within the story that is perfect on it’s own. Jodi Picoult must have earned her Masters degree just in research alone for this novel. You’ll love it!
And I love that you’re using those prompts! They are SO helpful to me when coming up with prompts to use for Writer’s Workshop each week…I’m glad to see at least one other person getting good use out of them too! I love that they’re pulling some words out of you. :)
Allie says
I like the way you approached this. I should have done that, because I couldn’t come up with anything for each prompt that was worth a whole blog (other than another book review). I can’t read Jodi Picoult, because I know she will upset me!
Mama Kat says
I couldn’t even come up with a SENTENCE for the post inspired by the word Orange. Who comes UP with these prompts!?! ;) And I agree. I should know better than to go back to Jodi Picoult after My Sister’s Keeper.
BalancingMama (julie) says
All five prompts today? Look at you, Ms. Overachiever! Thanks for the book recommendation. I may read both of them! I like kid books. Great post. TOTES riveting.
Lori says
Wow, all 5?? Great stuff! Both books sound wonderful. Your quotes from them make me want to read them. Orange inspires me to want to do all sorts of pumpkin crafts too. But I usually don’t because they rarely turn out the way they’re supposed to. And shame on your teacher for not encouraging your dream! He probably has no idea that comment stuck with you to this day. Thanks for the great prompts!
mzvanessa says
ALL five? whoa!
I hope that fall visits you soon! It finally looks & feels fallish over here . Maybe I can send some your way :)
kelley says
personally I’m loving the texting conversation, was that for real? fun post today.
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Melissa B. says
If you ask me, this entire post is totes riveting! PS: Thanks for the recs. Always looking for a good read!!
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Teresa (embracing the spectrum) says
I was good to tackle one prompt. You’re some kind of awesome. I’m braindead lately… oye. the opposite of riveting.