Invisible Man Ralph Ellison

I finally finished this book. It was a tough read, depressing and yet powerful. I spent the first half of the book struggling to stay with it, dreading the turn of each page wondering what other hardships the narrator would have to endure before the end of the story. 

Ellison relies heavily on symbolism, cultural references and literary motifs. Several times throughout this book I had to snoop around the internet researching context to better understand this story. Themes of blindness, invisibility, racism and cultural stereotypes play a role in this story. 

The fight scene from chapter one really stood out to me as horrific and an indication of what was to come for the narrator. In this scene, our narrator has been invited to give a speech to a group of drunk wealthy white businessmen and other important officials.  Before he is able to give his speech, the narrator is blindfolded, given boxing gloves and forced to participate in a "battle royal." The narrator makes it to the final round before his is beat by another fighter. After the fight is over, the narrator is led to a rug covered with money. He lunges for the money, only to discover that the rug was electrified. After this the narrator is able to give his speech. In his speech, he talks about how humility and submission is the key to success for the African American. While choking on blood, the narrator "accidentally" says "social equality" instead of "social responsibility." The drunk wealthy white businessmen and other important officials angrily demand an explanation.  The narrator appoligizes and explains it "was an mistake and that he was choking on blood." He finishes his speech and rewarded with a briefcase and a college scholarship. He was overjoyed about the scholarship and he didn't mind that the gold pieces that he was forced to scramble for on the rug were brass tokens and were worthless.

Would I recommend this book? It depends. I understand the importance of stories like Invisible Man, however I do feel that Ellison was a bit heavy handed. At times I wanted to slap the narrator, and other times I wanted to hug him. I think Invisible Man is a one time read for me. 

a road trip and a wedding

This weekend, my husband and I drove up coast to Avila Beach for a friend's wedding. It's been several years since I've been up the California coast line, and it was a lovely drive. The wedding was beautiful! The ceremony was right on the beach front. For wedding favors, the coordinator and cousin of the bride passed out blue Debra and Hans's sandals. As this was my first beach wedding, I was a bit over dressed and the sandals were a lifesaver - once those puppies were on my feet I never went back. The reception was held in a basement banquet hall below a row of beach front shops and restaurants. The cool air was welcoming after being outside in the warm sun. I loved the little details at this wedding - especially the sign post and cake topper. The best part of course was seeing the simile on the bride's face as she said "I do" to her wonderful husband. 

Sabbath afternoon we ended our road trip with a tour of Hearst Castle. Several years ago, I actually tried to tour the castle, however due to a lack of planning I wasn't able to do so. I was excited for this tour and it was definitively worth the extra drive time. It was perfect weather for exploring the castle. We took the grand room tour, which included the assembly/front room, the dinning hall, the billiard/game room and theater. In addition, after the guided tour we were able to walk around the grounds of the castle. 

It's wedding time

This weekend my little sister married her sweetheart at The Grand Tradition in Fallbrook. It was a beautiful wedding. The bride looked amazing, the groom looked sheller and all eight bridesmaids were dressed to impressed. I've complied several pictures starting with the rehearsal, the morning of the wedding, and the actual wedding itself. I'm so happy for my sister and I wish her the best as she starts her life as the new Mrs. Campbell.

23 months

The Kite Runner

I feel a bit behind the times having finally read this book. It is a historical novel, set during the Russian invasion and early Taliban rule of Afghanistan. Although The Kite Runner is a work of fiction, much of the information regrading the political, social and cultural climate Afghanistan is true.

If Atonement by Ian McEwan hadn't already been published, Hosseini could have used the title. After Amir cowardly ignores his friend in a time of need, he spends the rest of the novel attempting to redeem himself. It is only have he returns to Afghanistan in search of Hassan's son dose he finally feel redeemed.

I  enjoyed the use of Afghan words, and cultural references. I am unfamiliar with the country and cultural so having those little tidbits only made the story more enjoyable.

I liked how Amir and Hassan didn't have the perfect relationship. Amir was the son of a wealthy businessman, and Hassan was a servant. Amir was a Pashtun and Hassan was a Hazara. The friendship was flawed, but realistic. Nevertheless, the boys still played together, forming a brother like bond. What Amir did to betray Hassan was wrong, but would any other boy his age have done things differently?

I had a hard time with Assef as a character. In the story, Assef is the main antagonist and is described as blond haired and blue eyed with a German mother and Afghan father. Early on in this story, Assef is portrayed as someone who is absolutely evil - a sociopath - who also happens to be a Nazi. He has a well earned reputation for savagery that follows him into adulthood. While reading this passage I couldn't help but shiver a little - "You [Assef speaking to Amir] don't know the meaning of the word liberating until you've done that, stood in a roomful of targets, let the bullets fly, free of guilt and remorse, knowing you are virtuous, good and decent. Knowing you're doing God's work"(277).  As a reader, It bothers me that his source of evil is never explained. His parents are described as timid, and scared of him. Hosseini wants the reader to accept Assef as evil, someone who destroys lives and someone without a conscience.

I think it's interesting that Hosseini chose a half German blond haired, blue eyed, Hitler loving villain for his novel. It felt like a safe choice - most everyone can hate a nazi.

My sister's bridal shower

 

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that my little sister is getting married at the end of this month. Where did the time go? Wasn't it just yesterday that we were running around our yard playing dress up, imagining wild adventures with our barbie dolls and having random photo shoots while we were suppose to be doing our school work. This Sunday I had the honor of hosting - with lots of help from bridesmaid Mackenzie and my wonderful Mom - the bridal shower. We had perfect weather and everything came together nicely.  

rain and shopping

Has winter finally arrived? This weekend ushered in the rain, and I'm not complaining. All afternoon Lucas kept asking to "go see shower." He loved jumping in mud puddles, and splashing around in the rain. As much as I am enjoy the much needed rain, I do need my backyard to be ready for next weekend's party.  

Thursday, my Mother and I accomplished the near impossible. We took four boys, under the age five, to Hobby Lobby for a bridal shower shopping extravaganza. With half off sale signs plastered throughout the wedding section of the store, I knew that it was now or never to score the best deals for this upcoming party.  And score we did! We were able get everything for the party, and left the store feeling accomplished and exhausted. Our shopping carts became choo choo trains and the aisle-ways became freeways. While in line, the woman behind us couldn't help but exclaim "look at all those boys, you two are brave." I had to laugh. It wasn't easy, but we managed it...somehow.