I'm not sure why I did this, but at some point this week, I ended up with my little point-and-shoot camera in hand. I took photos of some customers in Sam's, a row of strange little ceramic animals in Target, and the pizza we ate during the Super Bowl in a half-empty restaurant.
At home, I photographed of some of my favorite passages in two of the books I was reading. One of them was the second passage that moved me to tears in The Things They Carried. I'm not even sure why it made me cry -- maybe because I've experienced so much loss in my life. Maybe because and I can understand the concept of writing a story that contains an essential truth but isn't factual. Maybe because I'm just a little too much of an empath (I am; it's miserable). But, since I haven't said anything in a few days and I don't know when this inability to write coherent reviews is going to end, I thought I'd share a passage that moved me. Taken out of context, it might not mean anything, but it meant a great deal to me.
You've made me hungry!
ReplyDeleteI haven't started The Things They Carried Yet. I sounds like it's going to be an overwhelming, powerful book. I'm looking forward to your review.
--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
I'll be reading The Things They Carried soon - it sounds like I'll need a box of tissues near when I start it.
ReplyDeleteGood teaser excerpt. It gives me a feel for the book. And the pizza looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteI love that passage and that book. We at War Through the Generations are looking forward to your review.
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteThe pizza was good. :)
The Things They Carried is absolutely a powerful book and sometimes it can be overwhelming. I had to set it aside, now and then, when it began to get to me.
Kathy,
Definitely keep the tissues handy. You can't help but be moved. I cried several times.
Bonnie,
Even though that bit made me sob, so that I had to set the book aside till the next day, it's one of my favorite passages.
The pizza was excellent -- leftovers are almost gone. We've been hacking away at the leftover pieces all week.
Serena,
Thanks. That's one of my favorite passages.
Wow. Looking forward to your review.
ReplyDeleteI love taking photos of food on trips.
ReplyDeleteI really hope to read this book someday.
:)
Mynovelreviews,
ReplyDeleteThanks. I hope I get to it, soon!
Care,
I love taking food photos, too.
Definitely read this one. You won't regret it.
Amazing quote. I read this book a long time ago and had forgotten why I remembered liking it so much - thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to read one of his books for a long time but I admit war books are just not at the top of my list. I can get very sad over all that but I'm sure your review will want to make me read it ASAP! :)
ReplyDeleteDana,
ReplyDeleteYou should reread it to remind yourself why you remember liking it (apart from that page I photographed). It's not just a great book; it's an experience.
Iliana,
No, you're not really into war books, are you? Maybe it would be better to check the book out from your library, if you can. There are certain types of books (violence/gore, etc.) that I can't read or I'll just go to pieces. For some reason, I can handle war books, though.
I haven't read The Things They Carried in Years but this post def makes me want to revisit it. That's a really beautiful image of the page, btw!
ReplyDeleteHey Rosemary!
ReplyDeleteNice to see you! Yep, you should definitely return to TTTC. It's worth revisiting, hence the spot I'm going to make on the good shelves . . . after I review it (whenever that may be).
Thanks. My little point-and-shoot is such fun. I snapped that photo whilst lying on the futon with the book propped on a pillow. LOL
Wow. I remember that passage so vividly and I just looked back at my review and see that I read it over three years ago. I was completely blown away by this book! I gave it a perfect 5/5 (A+) rating, which is so rare for me. I really need to get some of his other books. I'm not sure why I haven't done so yet!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to dash over to read your review. If you remember that passage vividly, you've confirmed my suspicions that The Things They Carried is a book that sticks to your ribs. I can't imagine forgetting what happened to Norman or Kiowa or any of those guys -- especially those whose deaths he described. I feel a little inadequate trying to review it. I've got two more of his books, which I ordered from Paperback Swap, so I'll definitely read more O'Brien. Yep, you should, too. :)
ReplyDelete