“Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness in not religion.” –Charlotte Bronte
Hark! Remember the good old-fashioned novel? Not an article, feature, broadcast, moving picture, essay, memoir, debate, speech, blog….
Albeit, you can now read the first chapter or so of any book on your Kindle or Nook. You can do this at the bookstore too. Hell, you can read the whole thing at the bookstore or through the library for free. Though, if you try to finish it in one sitting, you’ll need your sleeping bag.
I realize in many respects I am woefully late to the table. But, in reading The Cider House Rules by John Irving like climbing effervescent, lime green, singing trees to the sky to eat ruby, juicy apples (only if you like them so you choose to). The sun is tickling you from the inside, giving you everything you need. Right. Everything you do is right.
In other words, if you haven’t read The Cider House Rules, you must. In fact, I’m pretty sure if it hasn’t been an Oprah Book Club pick, such oversight is entirely her mistake. Reading The Cider House Rules will make you think there is hope that Abortion will be Oprah’s guest on her last show.
I won’t say much more about it except that a part of me felt so silly for missing the single most endearing novel about abortion up to now in my humblest but awe-stupefied mind’s eye, but most of me was wallowing in gratitude and delightedness for just the moment I experienced a brilliant, truly storytelling.
I was traveling across the state of Texas for a while and was fortunate enough to get this incredible story on CD. I don't know who read it, but he was magnificent in his voices and personalities as he was telling the story. I learned right then about my own need to "be of use", especially on this front. I loved the story too, and I am glad to find a fellow reader/traveler who feels the same way.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved John Irving's work, and Cider House Rules is one of my favorite novels by him.
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