I’m part of a virtual book club called From Left to Write and for July, we read this book called The Execution of Noa P. Singleton by Elizabeth L. Silver. I’m excited to be part of this group because it gives me a chance to not only get back to something I love (reading!) but also to get some reviews that are wonderfully non-traditional.
That said, you can read all of the reviews here; and mine is below.
As I read the book, I struggled to complete it and I tried to figure out why. Then it came to me – I hated that the main character had this “whoa is me” and “I’m damaged because of what everyone has done to me” attitude, and didn’t want to defend herself. Funny thing is, even as I was just reading a work of fiction, I looked for real-world relevance in this work of fiction (and secretly I think it’s something we all do)…..
I try to live my life so that people will be inspired by what I do. I try to live myself so that I can laugh often and share that with others. I try to live my life so I can smell the roses I see along with way and provide that outlet to others. I try to live my life to the fullest because, as someone once said, life is not a dress rehearsal. And that is precisely why when I read novels like this, I’m so annoyed…. Noa took no responsibility for rectifying her own situation and thus, never seemed to find the joy in life – so sad.
So my review is less of a review and more of an admonishment to find the joy in life – the silver lining in the rain cloud; and to remember that life is not a dress rehearsal. I strive to inspire you and only want to show you the wonderful things that can enhance your life….stylishly.
What is the one thing you’ll do this week to ensure you’re living life to the fullest? Share!!
Note: As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes
5 Responses
I couldn’t agree more and take the same approach to life. The interesting thing to me was that there was a quick mention of borderline personality disorder. I have a relative with that mental illness and I couldn’t help but think of her through the entire book. It’s amazing how people can see things so differently, isn’t it?
I was pretty annoyed by Noa’s attitude also, and frustrated by it, too but by the end of the book, it all made sense and I understood why she was behaving that way. She couldn’t live her life to the fullest because her guilt over ending another life was too heavy a burden to shake, I think.
Nancy- I hear you but can’t get myself past the idea that you can’t let yesterday take up too much of today! I wanted and needed her to fight- it was her LIFE and she didn’t! But I do understand what you’re saying…
Yes Amy- we all have down days and time when getting up and moving forward seemed HUGE but, we’ve got push forward thinking about the positives. Noa got in a rut and just couldn’t get out…..perhaps the mental disorder played a factor in that?