The Biblio Blogazine

Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho
Translated from the Portuguese by Jull Costa
Fiction, 191 pages
Harper Collins Publishers

Inspired by personal experience, Coelho brings us this novella which explores the perceptions of those with mental illness and those who have to deal with it – or choose not to.

At the core is a story about finding acceptance, facing denial, and finding the freedom to takes one’s fate into their own hands regardless of the obstacles.

The only detraction, for some readers, may be way the author handles the narration, at times literally placing himself within the story. In addition, there is sexual content which didn’t bother me, but may put off others.

This was a good introduction to Coelho, but not the best one. I have a feeling The Alchemist may be a much better story. I’m looking forward to reading it, hoping to appreciate this author more.

If you would like to learn more about the this work, the author, or any of his other stories, please visit the links below:

• Paulo Coelho’s website
• Paulo Coelho’s blog
• Author discussing writing this book
• My reading notes posted November 19, 2009 which gives you a bit more in detail about thoughts I had regarding this read. If I had chosen to do an in depth review, much of this material would have been used.

This is my very first “Review In A Flash” [mentioned in this post]. I know I went over the limit a bit, but overall I had fun with it. I am feeling much better about catching up now. Finally.

  One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
  Fiction, 355 pages
  Signet/First American Library/Penguin Books

  First published 1963

One of the better quotes from this book is actually its dedication:

To Vik Lovell who told me dragons did not exist, then led me to their lairs

We have been told throughout childhood and beyond there are no such things as monsters and demons. But ask anyone who has found themselves on the outside of society’s definition of “normal”, and you will find a fearful world where they really do exist, but not always in the guise of evil wishing to do us harm.

To maintain a healthy community of individuals, society demands that we rarely act like one, and only in a manner that still must conform to some type of moral and ethical standard.

Those finding themselves outside those boundaries are often “judged”, or in this case diagnosed, as needing psychiatric help.

Truly, who gets to define sanity? Where does rationality and irrationality begin and end?

Not to long into this read, you will be asking yourself just that.

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The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Fiction, 321 pages
HarperCollins Books

Review copy courtesy of Terra Communications

Read Author Interview

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn’t simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life’s ordeals.

I knew I was in trouble when I found myself crying at the end of the first chapter.

This is a story about relationships and how they are buffeted, and sometimes battered, by outside elements that one has little control over. Continually, Enzo and his owner Denny, help us learn about the importance of how we react to those forces continually pressuring us.

One reviewer called this story a “fable with a heart”. However, a classic fable is not based in fact. Except for Enzo, a dog, who is the narrator, the theme is universal and tangible; its moral applicable to everyone.

At first, I wasn’t sure about Enzo’s telling the story. However, I soon realized it was a wonderful method for using the third-person omniscient. This style immediately engages the reader and holds their attention throughout. I could not tear myself away, not for one moment.

While reading, I constantly thought of how the author handled the idea of fate and destiny versus control. Which is the stronger force? Thematically, this is what played upon my mind when thinking of what the author was trying to get across. Are our lives reactive or active? Or a combination of both?

I was especially touched with Eve, Denny’s wife, as she faces death and what this teaches Enzo, and us. I am a cancer survivor, and the following touches upon similar feelings I had during Chemo:

To live every day as if it had been stolen from death, that is how I would like to live. To feel the joy of life, as Eve felt the joy of life. To separate oneself from the burden, the angst, the anguish that we all encounter every day. To say I am alive. I am wonderful . . . This is something to aspire to.

Eventually the reader comes to see that life has a habit of showing us, sometimes in painful ways, how little control we have, and that it is the reactive or active sides of us that see us through the challenges.

This is truly a story about transitions and transformations. I couldn’t help but feel that when I was done, I had read a book that had much more depth and meaning than initially perceived.

I highly recommend you read this book and also that you apprecaite the messages and lessons contained within. I know I do.

Garth Stein’s previous novel, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets won a Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award, and was a BookSense Pick in both hardcover and paperback. Raven Stole the Moon was his first novel.

He has also written a full-length play, Brother Jones, and produced a number of award-winning documentaries.