Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More


Dec 09

29

Aunt Cyrilla’s Christmas Basket by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on December 29, 2009
Posted in Short Story Read in 2009  | 3 Comments

 John of The Book Mine Set reviewed this story a couple of weeks ago, here and enticed me to read it as well.
Aunt Cyrilla and Lucy were going to visit family in the city, Pembroke for Christmas.  Aunt Cyrilla took out her big clunky basket and started packing all kinds of food into it.  This was an embarrassment to Lucy.  To her it’s a symbol of the old county way of life.  She didn’t want to be seen with her Aunt and that basket.
It turned out to be a good thing that Aunt Cyrilla brought that basket full of food.  Read the story to find out.
I think as children, we have all had things that embarresed us about our parents or relatives.  Even though this is a really old story, I could relate to the characters.  I laughed at all of the things Aunt Cyrilla put in that basket.  In fact, I would have thought it was the size of a Hummer, if she hadn’t carried it on her arm.  LOL! I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
If you would like to participate in Short Story Mondays or just find out about some great short stories, go to John of The Book Mine Set. He has a short story review every Monday and a place for you to link your short story reviews. Come join in the fun!
Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Dec 09

22

"Hanukkah Candles" by Deborah Rochford-Kellerman

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on December 22, 2009
Posted in Short Story Read in 2009  | 2 Comments

John of The Book Mine Set, reviewed this short story a couple of weeks ago and peeked my curiosity, so I decided to read it.
We never learn the name of the protagonist in this story but she lives in a blended faith home.  She is Christian, while her husband David is Jewish.  They practice both Christmas and Hanukkah with their children, with mixed results. 
It seems that David does not show the same support for his wife over Christmas, as she shows him support over Hanukkah. 
Deborah Rochford-Kellerman captures the lights of the menorah and mood of the story in a stunning way.  Her writing is clean, crisp, and awesome.  I could relate to her story somewhat.  One of theprotagonist’s children decides not to take part in Christmas.  It is not clear if he does take part in Hanukkah.  As a child, by the time I was 12, I did not “buy in” to the Jewish faith of which I was raised.  I went through the motions of the holidays and enjoyed the festivities but I did not believe.  I was honest with my parents and they we very upset, as you can imagine.  I think they would havepreferred to be blissfullyignorantof my dis-beliefs. 
To this day, I don’t practice a religion but I do take part in and contribute to the festivities, which now include both Christmas and Hanukkah.  I married a Christian as did my brother, who also lives in Vancouver.  Our families get together for Christmas every year when Hanukkah happens to still be going we light the candles together.  My brother and SIL like to expose my niece to both holidays.
This is a short story worth checking out no matter what you believe.
If you would like to participate in Short Story Mondays or just find out about some great short stories, go to John of The Book Mine Set. He has a short story review every Monday and a place for you to link your short story reviews. Come join in the fun!
Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Jul 09

7

Short Story Monday: Promise by Daniel Griffin

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on July 7, 2009
Posted in Short Story Read in 2009  | 7 Comments

John of Book Mine Set reviewed this short last week, here. After reading his wonderful review, I just had to read this myself and I am so glad I did!
In its basic form, this story is about a dysfunctional family. As the story opens, Doug pulls up in his car, at his brother’s house with his daughter Tracy. It looked like no one was home but his brother, Marshall opened the door.

Doug was there because his mother was worried. Marshall’s wife or girl friend , Susan left him. There was talk of a restraining order and gun. Marshall denied the restraining order but the gun was right there in his house all taken a part for cleaning. Marshall told Doug that him and Susan were working it out but there was a lot of tension in the conversation. The two brothers saw each other about once a year, for Christmas. Resentment came out loud and clear.
Like John of Book Mine Set, my own family dynamics popped into my head well I was reading the story. I have three siblings. Two which I see once a year, when I’m lucky, because I moved away. To be honest, we weren’t on the best of terms as it was and still aren’t. My other brother lives here, in Vancouver and we get along really well.

I don’t want to give any spoilers away but believe me when I say this story packs a punch and is disturbing. Daniel Griffin is obviously a master at his craft! I must read more by him. I highly recommend that you read this story! Here is the link: Promise.

If you would like to participate in Short Story Mondays or just find out about some great short stories, go to John of The Book Mine Set. He has a short story review every Monday and a place for you to link your short story reviews. Come join in the fun!
Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.

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