It has been nearly two years since Krissy recommended this book to me, or at least wondered what I would think of it. She probably figures I’d forgotten all about it. Actually I bought it not long after she recommended it but only got around to reading it this week. I did start into it once way back then but got distracted before it had a chance to hook me I guess.
It is the story of Sarah Prine beginning as she leaves with her parents and siblings to move from Arizona to a new place and a new life in Texas starting in 1881. It is told completely from her point of view and is in fact written in diary format.
It took me a while to get used to “her words”, the language of the old west and her intelligent but initially somewhat uneducated way of expressing things. I suppose that is part of what made it difficult for me to get into the story at first and why the book then sat waiting for so long. I do have several other books waiting patiently to be read but I guess I just ultimately have to wait for the right mood to strike for each particular one.
I’m not exactly sure why I chose this week to read it but its time had indeed come. A timely snow day off from work combined with ten hours sans electricity but with one large bright window created the perfect opportunity to experience the bulk of the story in one sitting. Knowing more what to expect this time around it was much easier to become immersed in. Sarah and her words felt much more familiar and charming. The bookmark from my feeble first attempt was still in place and as it turns out I was mere paragraphs away from getting hooked when I gave up before.
Although tempting I won’t give much of the story away because I’m a firm believer in the obscure theory that the best way to enjoy a story is by not knowing bits and pieces of it beforehand.
So without going into detail, this is Sarah’s story, the story of her life and the lives of her friends and family in the old west, the good times and the bad times all told in a refreshingly straight forward way without deception or flowery embellishment. Don’t get me wrong, her words are easy to read but are far from simple ramblings. There is much humour, emotion and the settings and situations are told so well you feel like you are there watching and listening rather than here reading. Indeed, the particular way she writes quickly becomes familiar and endearing and actually helps you sink deeper into the story and feel like you’re there with her. Sarah will make you love her and hope for her as she copes with the daily trials of building a life on the harsh and brutal frontier.
I must mention one small complaint. While telling a story in the language of a particular time and place can obviously have its advantages it can also cause disruption if the writing strays back to modern usage. When a certain child was hurt and used the word owie in the book my mind suddenly went from pot bellied stoves, bonnets and lassos to mini vans, sippy cups and superhero pajamas. I don’t know, maybe they did use the word owie way back then but it sent me back to present day quicker than finding a modern penny in your rented antique suit pocket.*
Oh yeah, by the way, I guess you could call this a love story as well. Although there is plenty of action, mayhem and real tragedy this is definitely a love story above all. It is a story about love that is real, love that is shown before it is spoken, love that is earned before it is spent and love that is truly treasured thereby making it priceless. (May I just add that it is my humble opinion that this book contains the finest and most perfect letter ever written.)
The old west setting plays a big part on one hand but is largely incidental on the other. Don’t let it put you off if you’re not really into that time period or the whole western thing. These is my Words is really about people, life and facing the hardships and tragedies that inevitably come along and treasuring and appreciating our fragile lives. It is about Sarah and her family. At the end I was sad to say goodbye and so happy to have known them. It’s a wonderful book! Thanks Krissy... again.
These is my Words - by Nancy E. Turner
* Obscure movie reference. Just curious to see if anyone recognizes it.
12 comments:
Thanks for the tip. I am always looking for a good book to read, and suggest at my book club!
I remember Krissy suggesting this book also. You make it sound really good. I'll have to check it out at the library.
I'm almost done reading "The Host" by Stephenie Meyer's. Loving it so far. I loved all her other 4 books in the "Twilight" series (not so much the movies). So I'm up for another good read.
It also took me two tries to get into it. The first I put it down because I had other books waiting to be read and just wasn't feeling it. Then I heard it was a love story, tried again and LOVED it. You described it perfectly and it's been a few years so I might have to read it again to find that perfect letter you're referring to. So I'm going to try and go 3 for 3 by recommending Hunger Games. If you have not read this go to your library, I want to say there's no question you'll enjoy it but I don't want to jinx it. Let me know when you get around to it!
Really, this one you can read so fast. Go to your library this week, you won't regret it. Ok, that's it for now.
Dennis and I were out tonight enjoying supper and an evening of hockey watching and Rook. Megan cooked a delightful Sunday meal on a Saturday and needed someone to help eat it. They invited us and we accepted. It was during the hockey game that Megan checked out the family blogs on the internet. She said, as I was relaxing on the couch, "Lorin has updated his blog". I jumped off the couch and went right over to the computer. I took a quick glance to see that you had changed your blog. I didn't get to read it at that moment, so as soon as we got home, I got on my computer to check it out.
And...just as before, enjoyed reading every bit of your book review. I have been checking your blog daily hoping for a new entry. As always, I am very impressed. I think about those movies that have the newspaper columnist that always struggle to write there column and then one day....BANG they come up with a hit.
You could be one of these guys, except you wouldn't ever struggle. Yours could be the most read column ever.
Outstanding as Always!
It makes me want to read it.
Tanis - I think this would be a great book for a book club.
Johy - I also have The Host but haven't read it yet.
Krissy - Thanks again for recommending this book. You are definitely two for two now so I have no choice but to trust you on your next recommendation as well. I promise to read The Hunger Games in the near future.
Leisel - Really, you're much too kind. It does make me happy though to know you look forward to reading my blog.
*Obscure movie reference - Somewhere in time?
sorry that last comment was mine.
Russ H.
Nice review. Makes me want to check it out of the library... one of these days!
Russ - That's right, Somewhere in Time.
AHH! I love the movie Somewhere In Time. It's one of my ultimate favorites! In fact, I've looked into going and staying on Mackinac island several times (that's where the hotel where they filmed it is). On they island, they still do not allow cars. It's all horse and buggies and bikes. I want to go there so bad!
I'm excited about this book. When the power was out I was wishing I had a book I wanted to read. Now I do!
Luci - Somewhere in Time came out when I was in grade 12 and then it was all the rage (rental) when I was at Ricks College my first year. I also think it would be cool to visit that island and hotel.
To everyone - I've just checked the Chinook Arch library system and it seems that These is my Words might be a bit difficult to get a hold of and Chapters in Lethbridge doesn't have any copies. If anyone is serious about wanting to read it and lives close enough I would glady lend you my copy when you are ready for it. Just let me know.
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