The History of Us

                                      

     

The History of Us by Leah Stewart was an interesting read. I ended up enjoying the idea of the story, more than the actual book. The story starts with successful career woman, Eloise, navigating through the pain of her sister's death, and the sudden responsibility of caring for her three young nieces and nephews. 

This was only about one or two chapters, but I would have been happy if the entire book was this. I would have enjoyed a book showing her learning how to balance the children and work. Learning how to continue her life as a university professor while grieving and raising three grieving children, each of whom have different levels of understanding based on their ages. Alas, this is not what the book is about. 

It took me quite a while to get through the next few chapters. The book leaps seventeen years into the future. The kids are moving, or moved out. Eloise wants to sell the house that she grew up in, and in which she raised her nieces and nephew. The catch is that the house belongs to Eloise's mother (who had moved away a significant number of years before). Eloise had been promised that if she stayed, and took care of the children and the house, her mother would sign over the house to her. Eloise's mother decided that instead, she would create a competition. The first person (out of Eloise and the three grown kids) to get married, would become the owner of the house.

That is the moment where I completely lost interest. The characters all begin to reflect on their lives, their current relationships, and what they would do with the house if it was theirs. Secrets come out, relationships are started for the wrong reasons, and drama ensues. Family togetherness is reached. 

I could tell that the writer put a lot of research into this book, and I appreciate that. Unfortunately, I  found it difficult to relate to the characters. I actually found that through writing this, I thought of more relatable parts than I ever did while reading. I remember that it took quite a while to keep the characters straight in my head. I found the quick introduction to the characters, followed by a large break in time difficult to read.

Memoirs of an Imaginary Freind

                                    
                                     

    

I loved reading Memoirs of an imaginary friend by Mattew Dicks while at campmeeting this summer. It is a creative take on childhood imagination. I had certainly never thought of imaginary friends this way. I was surprised with all of the twists and turns that the story took, and found it a much more addictive read than I expected.

Max is different than the other kids, so Bodo (the imaginary friend) is different than the other friends. Imaginary friends only exist while their children believe in them and need them. Max still needs him, so Bodo lives as one of few remaining imaginary friends left at school. 

Max has autism. He needs Bodo more than other kids. This book follows Bodo as he tries to help his Max through everything from social interactions, to bullying and kidnapping. Bodo eventually must also face his own mortality. If Bodo does his job well Max will no longer need him, and this would mean his end.