Have you ever read a book that really gives you shivers, that you wish you had written yourself, that is soo good you hesitate to turn that last page?
For one more day is such a book for me today. "I saw in her expression that old, unshakeable mountain of concern. And I realised when you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know" - wonderful. But then again, I'm lucky to have a mother who I know this is true of. Fantastic sad but hopeful book, and I'm not sure if it means more to me because I am a mother myself or because I am a half-orphan and my mother is so very precious to me and my daughters.
I had to get up very early today (well, early for me that is) and drive in the pouring rain to Ashburton to conduct some Drug and Alcohol training for our delegates. Before I leave on any trip that takes me out of the city I leave a wee note in the kids lunchboxes, and also draw love hearts and a message on the family whiteboard. The mother in "For one more day" also did that for her children - I found it hard to keep back tears during some of this book. I love it when a book can move me so. It is grounding and inspirational, it was a snuggle under the blankets on a cold day. I didn't want it to end.
7 comments:
Yes, you are lucky. I remember at one point I would have given almost anything to see that. These days I just try to ensure that history does not repeat itself for my own children. But I suspect my sons would be mortified if I put messages in their lunchboxes, I get dirty looks these days when I kiss them goodbye on the playground - they wipe it away with a theatrical swish of the hand!! It's a different thing at home of course.
I should have tagged you for my book meme shouldn't I? You have half done it with this post anyway. Never mind, another time.
For me, it is an American author named Jim Harrison. The man writes what I think and he speaks to me in ways no one else ever has. It is always nice to find that connection, even if it is a remote one.
My favorite book right now is Crescent by Diana Abu-Jaber. I laughed hysterically and cried in the same 20-minute public transit ride....
RB - I tell ya, I cherish every hug and "I wuv you mummy" that I get!!
Mike - glad you got off your drugs long enuf to comment!! I must check out that author. My all time fave is actually Ivan Klima (after Katherine Mansfield) but they are so different its hardly fair to compare.
Fleagirl - welcome very much! I might find that book too, I love a book that can do that. Incidentally, you might have noticed I had that Pixie visit me the other weekend...am finally recovered!
I came just so close to listing The Velveteen Rabbit on my list, you know. I just didnt' feel it fit any of the categories (it didnt really change my life!!!) but if someone said "you have an hour to live and all you are allowed to do is read a book," it is that one I would choose!!!
My favourite book of the moment is 'I Didn't Get Where I Am Today...'by my comedy scriptwriting hero David Nobbs, responsible for 'The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin' (a seminal 1970s comedy series - did you receive it in NZ(?) David had me howling on virtually every page of his extraordinary life story with his incredible eye for co-indcidence and the absurdities of life/people. It was also a riveting insight into the world of television production for anyone interested in that sort of thing.
A book like that needs to be treasured...
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