Review of The Volunteer by Adam Haslett

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 

Genre = Novel

Collection = You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett

Watch Short Review

Review

Is This An Overview?

Elizabeth has been hospitalized for a long time, due to a history of seeing the dead.  Having a visceral experience with the dead.  The dead guide Elizabeth’s behaviors.  While institutionalized, Elizabeth is being visited by Ted.  Ted is volunteering to visit Elizabeth.  Ted is in school, on the verge of adulthood.  Elizabeth feels better when Ted visits, while Ted is able to talk to Elizabeth about relationship advice.  Elizabeth and Ted bond, but Elizabeth’s past intertwines with their present.  How does Elizabeth’s past effect Ted? 

Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?

•What are some limitations of the book?

•To whom would you suggest this book?

•Who is Elizabeth?

•Who is Ted?

•What is Elizabeth’s mental status?

•Why does Ted volunteer to visit Elizabeth?

•What does Elizabeth gain from the visits?

•Who is Hester?

•What happened when Elizabeth was not allowed visitors anymore? 

•Who is Lauren? 

Book Details

Edition:                   First Anchor Books Edition

Publisher:               Anchor Books [Random House]

Edition ISBN:         0385509529

Pages to read:          237

Publication:             2003

1st Edition:              2002

Format:                    Paperback 

Ratings out of 5:

Readability    3

Content          1

Overall          1

 

Review of My Father's Business by Adam Haslett

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 

Genre = Novel

Collection = You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett

Watch Short Review

Review

Is This An Overview?

Daniel has many mental health problems, some of which have been inherited from Daniel’s father.  Daniel is bipolar, alternating between mania and depression.  Therapists had tried to give Daniel various medications, which did not work.  To get to know oneself, Daniel makes various tapes which are left with the therapist. 

 

Before taking a trip to visit a friend, Daniel obtains the interview tapes, and some therapists notes.  Daniel is a bit afraid to look over the content, while does not want to be afraid of the information.  Then begins to get to know oneself, with the therapists’ notes providing a grim conclusion to Daniel’s health.  The taped interviews are of Daniel’s various friends and family members.  Who is Daniel interviewing?

Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?

•What are some limitations of the book?

•To whom would you suggest this book?

•Who is Daniel?

•Why does Daniel obtain Daniel’s therapy records?

•What is Daniel’s mental state?

•Who does Daniel have interviews with?

•What was the purpose of the interviews?

Book Details

Edition:                   First Anchor Books Edition

Publisher:               Anchor Books [Random House]

Edition ISBN:         0385509529

Pages to read:          237

Publication:             2003

1st Edition:              2002

Format:                    Paperback 

Ratings out of 5:

Readability    4

Content          2

Overall          2

 

Review of Divination by Adam Haslett

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 

Genre = Novel

Collection = You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett

Watch Short Review

Review

Is This An Overview?

Samuel is a 12-year-old boy, who believes that Samuel can foresee someone’s death.  The observation started with Samuel’s teacher, Jevins.  Samuel had a bad feeling about Jevins, who was an elderly fellow.  Samuel was imagining the death of Jevins, and felt uncomfortable with those thoughts.  Shortly after, Jevins passed away.  Samuel becomes emotional about Jevins death, having foreseen it coming. 

 

Samuel’s mother referenced that Samuel was overcome with emotions when a grandparent passed.  Samuel’s older brother Trevor references something similar with their father.  Their father had a dream of a cousin’s death, and the cousin died shortly after.  Then Samuel has a dream, of Trevor dying during a forthcoming trip.  The parents use various methods to tell Samuel that Samuel cannot predict when people die, to not confuse what is real and what is not real.  But Samuel cannot let go of the feeling that something bad is going to happen to Trevor.  What happens to Trevor?

Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?

•What are some limitations of the book?

•To whom would you suggest this book?

•Who is Samuel?

•Who is Mr. Jevins?

•Who is Trevor? 

•What happened to William?

•How do Samuel’s parents explain Samuel’s emotions?

•What happens to Trevor?

Book Details

Edition:                   First Anchor Books Edition

Publisher:               Anchor Books [Random House]

Edition ISBN:         0385509529

Pages to read:          237

Publication:             2003

1st Edition:              2002

Format:                    Paperback 

Ratings out of 5:

Readability    5

Content          2

Overall          2

 

Review of Reunion by Adam Haslett

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 

Genre = Novel

Collection = You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett

 

Watch Short Review

Review

Is This An Overview?

James received a letter, which had prompted an immediate vacation from work.  The vacation was a pretext, as James left work completely.  James’s behavior changed drastically after receiving the letter, for James did not have long to live.  James initially becomes more involved, experimenting with what life has to offer.  But then becomes reclusive, with people noticing how James does not appear well.  Since getting the letter, James has been writing letters to James’s father.  Reflecting on one’s life, without sharing the cause of the letters.  What does James’s father think of the letters?

Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?

•What are some limitations of the book?

•To whom would you suggest this book?

•Who is James?

•How is James’s health?

•How does James respond to the letter that was received?

•How would you respond to such a letter?

•How does James’s behavior change?

•What letter does James write to James’s father?

•What does James’s father think of the letter?

Book Details

Edition:                   First Anchor Books Edition

Publisher:               Anchor Books [Random House]

Edition ISBN:         0385509529

Pages to read:          237

Publication:             2003

1st Edition:              2002

Format:                    Paperback 

Ratings out of 5:

Readability    4

Content          2

Overall          2

 

Review of War's End by Adam Haslett

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 

Genre = Novel 

Collection = You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett

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Review

Is This An Overview?

Ellen and Paul are visiting another country.  Primarily for Paul’s mental health, but under the pretext of Ellen’s research.  Paul has become lethargic, depressed, barely able to make decisions for oneself.  The change of scenery was meant to help.  Years have already been spent on going from doctor to doctor when Ellen finds a better doctor.  Paul feels like a burden on Ellen. 

 

While waiting for Ellen, Paul meets McLaggan who is a grandmother of a dying grandchild, Albert.  Albert liked medieval history.  McLaggan asked if Paul can share stories of the era to Albert.  Medieval history was not Paul’s topic of expertise, but begins to speak.  Paul finds the energy to speak to Albert for a long duration.  Paul’s teaching appears to be a form of therapy.  What choice does Paul make when the trip comes to an end?

Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?

•What are some limitations of the book?

•To whom would you suggest this book?

•Who is Ellen

•Who is Paul?

•What is Paul’s mental status? 

•How does Paul feel about Ellen?

•Why does Ellen stay with Paul? 

•Who is Mrs. McLaggan?

•How did Mrs. McLaggan and Paul meet?

•Who is Albert?

•What is Albert’s health condition?

•Why does Paul teach Albert history?

•What choice did Paul make on the train?

Book Details

Edition:                   First Anchor Books Edition

Publisher:               Anchor Books [Random House]

Edition ISBN:         0385509529

Pages to read:          237

Publication:             2003

1st Edition:              2002

Format:                    Paperback 

Ratings out of 5:

Readability    5

Content          2

Overall          2

 

Review of Devotion by Adam Haslett

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 

Genre = Novel

Collection = You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett

 

Watch Short Review

Review

Is This An Overview?

Owen and Hillary are brother and sister who are devoted to each other.  Their bond developed due to a loss of a parent when they were young.  Both end up liking Ben, for Ben can sympathize with their sadness.  Ben also experienced a tragic loss of a parent at a young age.  Hillary and Ben were together for a time until Ben had to move away due to a job.  Coming back into their lives many years later, married with children.  The siblings still care for Ben, but do not want to get in each other’s way.  They are more devoted to each other.  How did Ben effect the siblings? 

Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?

•What are some limitations of the book?

•To whom would you suggest this book?

•Who is Owen?

•Who is Hillary?

•Who is Ben?

•Why are Owen and Hillary close?

•What about Ben do the siblings like?

•How did Ben affect the siblings’ lives?

Book Details

Edition:                   First Anchor Books Edition

Publisher:               Anchor Books [Random House]

Edition ISBN:         0385509529

Pages to read:          237

Publication:             2003

1st Edition:              2002

Format:                    Paperback 

Ratings out of 5:

Readability    5

Content          2

Overall          2

Review of The Beginnings Of Grief by Adam Haslett

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 

Genre = Novel

Collection = You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett

Intriguing Connections = The Persecuted and The Persecutors

Watch Short Review

Review

Is This An Overview?

A teenage boy has his life unraveled.  The death of both parents in quick succession.  Having to move into a home of strangers.  This is a story of how the boy handles grief, along with one’s gender identity.  During a time of stigma against homosexuality, the boy enjoys school to get closer to another boy.  The way the grief ridden boy gets attention from the boy he wants, is by antagonizing the boy he wants.  Antagonism that has a psychical response.  A cycle of self-harm forms.  Why does the grief ridden boy behave in a self-harming way?  What happens to the boy he wants?

Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?

•What are some limitations of the book?

•To whom would you suggest this book?

•To whom would you suggest the book?

•What happened to the teenage boy?

•How does the teenage boy handle the emotional situation?

•Who is Gramm? 

•How does the teenage boy use Gramm?

Book Details

Edition:                   First Anchor Books Edition

Publisher:               Anchor Books [Random House]

Edition ISBN:         0385509529

Pages to read:          237

Publication:             2003

1st Edition:              2002

Format:                    Paperback 

Ratings out of 5:

Readability    5

Content          3

Overall          3

Review of The Good Doctor by Adam Haslett

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 

Genre = Novel

Collection = You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett

Intriguing Connections = War for Your Attention

Watch Short Review

Review

Is This An Overview?

Frank Briggs is a doctor who is helping a mother handle the depression after losing a child.  Buckholdt tells the story of how the child died.  The story of the toll that drugs took on the child.  How erratic the child’s behavior had become.  As a mother, Buckholdt wanted to help, but the child made decisions that led to death.  To handle the depression, Buckholdt sometimes takes prescription medication. 

 

Frank knows and can provide the medication needed for Buckholdt, but wants to help more.  Wants more than the prescriptions, wants to have more regular conversations to help with the depression.  Buckholdt does improve with the medication, but claims to handle life without them.  Frank tries to impose more regular therapy sessions.  Why does Frank want to have proximity to Buckholdt?

Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?

•What are some limitations of the book?

•To whom would you suggest this book?

•Who is Frank Briggs?

•Who is Mrs. Buckholdt?

•What is Mrs. Buckholdt’s condition?

•How did Mrs. Buckholdt’s child die?

•How did drugs effect Buckholdt’s child?

•What does Frank prescribe to Buckholdt?

•Why is Frank a doctor? 

Book Details

Edition:                   First Anchor Books Edition

Publisher:               Anchor Books [Random House]

Edition ISBN:         0385509529

Pages to read:          237

Publication:             2003

1st Edition:              2002

Format:                    Paperback 

Ratings out of 5:

Readability    5

Content          2

Overall          2

Review of Notes To My Biographer by Adam Haslett

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 

Genre = Novel

Collection = You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett

Intriguing Connections = Ways To Help Oneself and Life Lessons

Watch Short Review

Review

Is This An Overview?

This is a story of Franklin Caldwell Singer, who is supposed to take medication, but does not take the medication.  Not wanting to take the medication, to not become docile.  A story of how the mind shapes how the individual perceives oneself and others.  Franklin is a supposed engineer, an entrepreneur.  Uses one’s mind in creative ways.  Seeing opportunities to improve everyone’s quality of life.  Seeing opportunities has consequences, of not seeing the consequences. 

 

This story is about Franklin wanting to see Franklin’s children.  With only Graham responding.  But when Franklin arrives, Franklin becomes distracted by the opportunities for projects.  Barely noticing, barely hearing Graham.  As Franklin spends time with Graham, Franklin becomes ever more anxious as Franklin sees that everyone in public is trying to steal Franklin’s ideas.  How can Graham be heard?

Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?

•What are some limitations of the book?

•To whom would you suggest this book?

•Who is Franklin Caldwell Singer?

•How does Franklin’s mind operate?

•Why is Franklin not taking medication?

•Who is Graham?

•Why does Franklin want to see Graham?

•What happens when Franklin visits Graham?

•Who is Eric?

•What are Franklin’s ideas?

•Who is after Franklin’s ideas?

•What does Graham think of Franklin?

Book Details

Edition:                   First Anchor Books Edition

Publisher:               Anchor Books [Random House]

Edition ISBN:         0385509529

Pages to read:          237

Publication:             2003

1st Edition:              2002

Format:                    Paperback 

Ratings out of 5:

Readability    5

Content          3

Overall          3

Review of You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 

Genre = Novel

Collection = You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett

Intriguing Connections = Ways To Help Oneself and Life Lessons

Watch Short Review

Review

Is This An Overview?

There are a variety of mental health problems that someone can face.  States of mind that makes the person feel isolated, alone, a stranger to everyone around them.  No one else can understand what the person is going through.  The person is in a state of mind that makes it difficult to connect with, makes their thoughts and behavior strange to others.  This is a book sharing a diverse set of people with various mental health problems.  To show that there are others who are going through mental health problems of their own.  To show that a person can find others, that the person is not a stranger to these characters.  Not a stranger within these pages. 

 

Caveats?

This is a collection of various short stories, which have mixed qualities.  Sometimes the short stories can bring an understanding of what other people are going through, sometimes more details would be advisable.  The stories show a variety of ways people resolve their problems, which are based on real choices, but there are some resolutions that are not advisable.  Better to seek help, then use the characters methods.  

Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?

•What are some limitations of the book?

•To whom would you suggest this book?

•Why would a person feel like a stranger? 

•Why is a person not a stranger?

•What are the represented mental health problems?

•How do the characters respond to what is happing to them?

•What are the represented resolutions to mental health problems? 

Book Details

Edition:                   First Anchor Books Edition

Publisher:               Anchor Books [Random House]

Edition ISBN:         0385509529

Pages to read:          237

Publication:             2003

1st Edition:              2002

Format:                    Paperback 

Ratings out of 5:

Readability    4

Content          2

Overall          2

Review of Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 

Genre = Novel

Intriguing Connections = 1) The Persecuted and The Persecutors, 

2) Get To Know The Peoples Of The World (United Kingdom), 3) Some Kind of Friendship, 

4) Some Type of Romance,

Watch Short Review

Excerpts

“Amma then spent decades on the fringe, a renegade lobbing hand grenades at the establishment that excluded her | until the mainstream began to absorb what was once radical and she found herself hopeful and joining it | which only happened when the first female artistic director assumed the helm of the National three years ago” – Bernardine Evaristo, Chapter 1: Amma, Page 13

 

“Before arriving at Spirit Moon, Dominique had naively thought of housebuilding in purely romantic terms; she’d imagined her lean, long, much admired body becoming even more toned, supple and strong through using it as nature intended – working in the great outdoors, doing strenuous physical exercise, enjoying camaraderie with her co-workers, getting sweaty and dusty and looking forward to showering it of at the end of the day before sitting down to a hearty meal | work would be simple, vigorous and life-enhancing| well, it didn’t quite work out like that” – Bernardine Evaristo, Chapter1: Dominique, Page 78

 

“Bummi | did not foresee the long-term negative impact of her daughter going to the famous university for rich people | especially when she returned home after her first term wailing that she could not go back because she did not belong there | whereupon Bummi applied a tissue or two to her daughter’s eyes and cheeks and asked her outright and forthrightly, Carole, have I raised a fighter or a quitter?  you must return to the university and get your degree by hook or by crook or I cannot vouch for the consequences of my actions” – Bernardine Evaristo, Chapter 2: Bummi, Page 115

Review

Is This An Overview?

People and society change.  These are stories of diverse characters reacting to the changes of their life.  Stories that can be read independently, but are tied together as some characters interact with each other.  The same events are perceived by a different character, who has their own interpretation of what happened.  From the perspective of friends, or family.  These stories are about people who were or are in some ways repressed by society, but gained power. 

 

Some were excluded from opportunities and were active in fighting for inclusion.  Had become included and established.  Some had relied on their family for support, a family who fought for the opportunities to give to their successors.  The successors had become success stories but were distant and seemingly lost their cultural heritage. 

 

There are many ways to be an activist, but activists have problems of their own.  Being an inclusive activist means having to negotiate with diverse wants.  Wants that are difficult to reconcile.  Being an activist and appreciating activist partners, does not mean that the activists work well together.  Like any organization, they have to find ways to work together. 

 

Caveats?

The writing style is different, having no clear end to a sentence.  This can sometimes be poetic, but the quality is mixed.  The stories can be engaging, or a reader can get lost in what had happened.  

Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?

•What are some limitations of the book?

•To whom would you suggest this book?

•Who is Amma?

•Who is Yazz?

•Who is Domonique?

•Who is Nzinga?

•Who is Carole?

•Who is Bummi?

•Who is La Tisha?

•Who is Shirley?

•Who is Winsome?

•Who is Penelope?

•Who is Megan/Morgan?

•Who is Hattie?

•Who is Grace?

•How to be an activist?

•How to be inclusive?

•How to people get opportunities?

•How does society treat other people?

•How to work together with different people?

•What is the Bush Women Theatre?

Book Details

Publisher:               Hamish Hamilton [Penguin Random House]

Edition ISBN:         9780802156990

Pages to read:          303

Publication:             2019

1st Edition:              2019

Format:                    eBook 

Ratings out of 5:

Readability    3

Content          2

Overall          2

Review of From Plato To NATO: The Idea of the West and Its Opponents by David Gress

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 

Genre = History

Intriguing Connections = 1) Get To Know The Peoples Of The World (European States, Germany, Greece, Roman Empire, Russia, United States of America), 

2) What Is The Power Of Belief Systems?, 3) To Cooperate Or To Defect?, 

4) Capitalism, Socialism, their Alternatives and Critiques, 

Watch Short Review

Excerpts

“Western liberty was not something marvelously distinct from historical reality, but the initially unintended side effect of the drive for power.  Rulers competing for power found that the niches of liberty of local communities made their societies stronger and more prosperous, hence more fit to compete.” – David Gress, Introduction, Page 2

 

“The Grand Narrative was both a version of history and a description of the ideal modern Western identity.  In its basic form, the Grand Narrative followed an axis that spanned five millennia, from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to mid-twentieth-century America.  It was a history of reason, democracy, and economic growth.  Its authors assumed that progress was real, objectively definable, and universally desirable.  Being free was better than being enslaved, being rich was better than being poor, being healthy better than being sick, being enlightened better than being superstitious, being at peace better than being at war.  Progress meant moving from subjection, poverty, disease, superstition, and violence to democracy, prosperity, health, science, and peace both domestic and international.” – David Gress, Chapter One: The Grand Narrative and Its Fate, Page 40

 

“In Western history, the drama of power was inseparably tied to two other fundamental and recurrent themes – empire and universalism.  Power was necessary for empire, which was a constant aspiration of the greatest Old Western rulers, because they believed that a universal empire was the only order for humankind; just as there was only one God in heaven, so there should be only one world ruler on earth.” – David Gress, Chapter Five: Germanic Freedom and the Old Western Synthesis, Page 171

Review

Is This An Overview?

As Western ideas have become dominant, they have also come under attack.  There is a lot to criticize about the West, but there is also confusion about what the identity of the West is.  Confusion that seeks to share the negative consequences without reference to the values. 

 

The West’s defining feature is the contrasting evolution of liberty and power.  Liberty came from the competition of power, as liberty enables societies to be more effective competitors.  The benefits of Western ideas were thought to be universally desirable, which has totalitarian features.  Universal values that leaders wanted to apply to everyone, wanted to rule over everyone.  In response to the totalitarian imposition, people sought for liberty.  A search for power lead to liberty, individualism.  But liberty without an appropriate administration, without governance, lead to totalitarian regimes. 

 

Caveats?

This book uses nonfiction and fiction to explain the Western identity.  Uses history and mythology.  The interpretations have mixed qualities.  Misinterpreting certain information for a simplified narrative.  Creating an essence of other authors, and the West.  Various authors presented have more complex claims than a single underlying theme provided.  The same narrative of the West, can apply to other societies as well, as the same aspects exist throughout various societies.  

Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?

•What are some limitations of the book?

•To whom would you suggest this book?

•What are Western values?

•What are the criticisms of the West?

•What is the Grand Narrative?

•What is the Western identity? 

•How did the Greeks effect the West’s identity?

•How did the Roman Empire effect the West’s identity?

•How did the Germans effect the West’s identity?

•Who are the Germans?

•How did Christianity effect the West’s identity?

•How did Russia effect the West’s identity?

•Who are the Bolsheviks? 

•How did the U.S.A. effect the West’s identity?

•How does democracy effect military capacity?

•How does capitalism effect the West?

Book Details

Publisher:               The Free Press [Simon & Schuster]

Edition ISBN:         0684827891

Pages to read:          563

Publication:             1998

1st Edition:              1998

Format:                    Hardcover 

Ratings out of 5:

Readability    3

Content          2

Overall          2