Jacob Jankowski is a 93 year old man living in a retirement home. He is told what to do and what to eat - too old to take care of himself. He begins to tell the story of his life in the circus, when he was young. He had devastated to learn that both his parents were killed in an automobile accident. Their house had also been mortgaged to pay for his tuition. He leaves cornel university a mess, and stumbles upon a train. He jumps aboard, in search of a new life. The train belonged to the Benzi Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, and they quickly hire him as a veterinarian, (what he was studying before he left Cornel). It is then that he meets Uncle Al, the owner, August, the head trainer, who is mean and abusive to people, and animals. He also meets his Augusts wife, Marlena. He also meets Rosie, the elephant that is assumed to be useless until Jacob meets her. It just so happens that Jacob new Polish, and Rosie only responded to polish. As Jacob begins to train Rosie, he starts to develop feelings for Marlena - until August steps in.
I enjoyed this book. Wasn't my favorite, but I definitely liked it for not being the kind of book I would read. It was a little long, but not bad. The characters were in depth, and the setting was interesting, (depression era circus). I also liked the voice it was written in - the word choice, and descriptions. I would recommend this book to really anyone, but don't read it if you don't like love stories.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
Slice of Life Vol. 2. Thrill Rides.
The gate closes with a clang. The rusty light blue cage that surrounds the seat feels more like a death trap than a life saving barrier. The seat is hard and small, the seatbelt old and tight. The cage leaves just enough room for my legs, and just enough room for me to sit up straight. The ride operator moves over the control panel, and flips a switch. We move forward and up in a smooth arc, at a surprisingly fast speed. two or three times faster than a regular ferris wheel. But this is not a regular ferris wheel, I think. It's a ferris wheel from hell.
I flash back to the moment four summers ago, right after third grade. Somehow I had willed myself to wait in line of the Tower of Doom without totally losing my s***, feeling the whoosh of air as the most recent set of falling seats came back down to Earth, and the daze, sometimes nauseated riders fumbled out of their seats; and hearing the automated voice say: "this ride contains high speeds and vertical drops, and is not recommended for pregnant women, or people with health conditions." Which just amplified my terror. But I had to impress the others in my summer camp, so I waited in line. Too soon it was our turn. I didn't know what I was afraid of exactly - I didn't think the ride would break, I just was horrified at the thought of dropping 220 feet in two or three seconds.
Someone next to me was counting. "I think the whole thing takes 17 seconds." He said. That makes it much better. I thought. Our ride was down now, and the operator was opening the gate. I walked to my seat in a dream like state. I fastened myself into seat. "All clear for dispatch" the operator said. He might as well have said: "Get ready to die," because that's what it felt like. Sealing my doom. The ride started moving, and my cousin yelled "I heard someone got their legs cut off!" and then made a cutting motion at her legs. We had talked about it earlier - someone had also had their hair and scalp ripped off. Now, it wasn't funny even a little bit. Go die in a hole I thought.
We moved up, and I didn't move. I couldn't, I was so scared. The warm summer sun beamed down on me. I could hear playful yells and laughing, and lots of talking. First I saw the top of the shelter we had just waited under, then the people milling about, then my cousin's mischievous face, then the Sea Dragon gently swaying, it's occupants screaming. Like a big swing is scary, I thought. Then I saw the enormous splash of shipwreck cove. More people came into view, more colorful umbrellas, tables, the mammoth wooden roller coaster, twister II in the distance. I still didn't move. I hardly thought, nothing mattered. Finally we reached the top, and I still didn't flinch. My life flashed before my eyes (just kidding). Then we dropped. I lifted off the seat, air rushed past me, and I had the sickening sensation of falling.
I then remember where I am, forty feet above the ground at the top of this weird ferris wheel that goes really fast, and has a cage around the seats. There was one more thing - the seats rocked. It could also be locked in position by the occupant, so the rider could keep it in the same position all the way around. Thats right, you could ride it upside down at some points. I am glad that I am not on the Tower of Doom right now, but then Daniel makes that same mischievous smile my cousin made. Oh, s*** I think as he pulls the bar that locks the seat into position.
We begin to move into a position so that the back of the seat is facing the ground. "No Daniel!" The seat goes even further back, so our heads are closest to the ground. The sun blinds me. He lets go. The cage rocks so much that suddenly we were facing the ground, then back to a lying down position. I scream, like super hardcore. After a few more times like this of me desperately trying to control him, I begin to enjoy it. We go longer in the same position, so that we sit upside down, then let go so it rocks 180 degrees. We even rode it in the same position for a whole cycle. More than once, in fact. It ended up being some of the best moments that summer. I had conquered my fear of a thrill ride from hell once more.
I flash back to the moment four summers ago, right after third grade. Somehow I had willed myself to wait in line of the Tower of Doom without totally losing my s***, feeling the whoosh of air as the most recent set of falling seats came back down to Earth, and the daze, sometimes nauseated riders fumbled out of their seats; and hearing the automated voice say: "this ride contains high speeds and vertical drops, and is not recommended for pregnant women, or people with health conditions." Which just amplified my terror. But I had to impress the others in my summer camp, so I waited in line. Too soon it was our turn. I didn't know what I was afraid of exactly - I didn't think the ride would break, I just was horrified at the thought of dropping 220 feet in two or three seconds.
Someone next to me was counting. "I think the whole thing takes 17 seconds." He said. That makes it much better. I thought. Our ride was down now, and the operator was opening the gate. I walked to my seat in a dream like state. I fastened myself into seat. "All clear for dispatch" the operator said. He might as well have said: "Get ready to die," because that's what it felt like. Sealing my doom. The ride started moving, and my cousin yelled "I heard someone got their legs cut off!" and then made a cutting motion at her legs. We had talked about it earlier - someone had also had their hair and scalp ripped off. Now, it wasn't funny even a little bit. Go die in a hole I thought.
We moved up, and I didn't move. I couldn't, I was so scared. The warm summer sun beamed down on me. I could hear playful yells and laughing, and lots of talking. First I saw the top of the shelter we had just waited under, then the people milling about, then my cousin's mischievous face, then the Sea Dragon gently swaying, it's occupants screaming. Like a big swing is scary, I thought. Then I saw the enormous splash of shipwreck cove. More people came into view, more colorful umbrellas, tables, the mammoth wooden roller coaster, twister II in the distance. I still didn't move. I hardly thought, nothing mattered. Finally we reached the top, and I still didn't flinch. My life flashed before my eyes (just kidding). Then we dropped. I lifted off the seat, air rushed past me, and I had the sickening sensation of falling.
I then remember where I am, forty feet above the ground at the top of this weird ferris wheel that goes really fast, and has a cage around the seats. There was one more thing - the seats rocked. It could also be locked in position by the occupant, so the rider could keep it in the same position all the way around. Thats right, you could ride it upside down at some points. I am glad that I am not on the Tower of Doom right now, but then Daniel makes that same mischievous smile my cousin made. Oh, s*** I think as he pulls the bar that locks the seat into position.
We begin to move into a position so that the back of the seat is facing the ground. "No Daniel!" The seat goes even further back, so our heads are closest to the ground. The sun blinds me. He lets go. The cage rocks so much that suddenly we were facing the ground, then back to a lying down position. I scream, like super hardcore. After a few more times like this of me desperately trying to control him, I begin to enjoy it. We go longer in the same position, so that we sit upside down, then let go so it rocks 180 degrees. We even rode it in the same position for a whole cycle. More than once, in fact. It ended up being some of the best moments that summer. I had conquered my fear of a thrill ride from hell once more.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Slice of Life
I reach to top of the burm, the rows of houses, the buildings in the distance, and the great, majestic, snow capped mountains emerging from behind grasses that gently sway in the wind. It takes my breath away. I begin to walk along the top of the burm, observing to gracefully winding creek to my left, and the neighborhood to my right. A soft breeze swirls around me, and I put in my earphones. I am lost in my music, admiring the unnoticed beauty of the sights around me.
I stroll down the burm, walking along the busy road where fellow student are being driven home - 11th, then walking along the rows of houses I observed minutes before. After ten minutes, I reach Quebec and Carefully cross the street. A man and his son walk in from of me, peering back down the street, hurrying to get to a bus stop I assume. I hope they make it in time. I continue into the neighborhood of Mayfair, and walk past the school. Memories of this neighborhood bounce around in my mind, and it brings warmth to my heart. Students mill about, softly talking to one another.
I finally get across Monaco, where I walk between the tall trees and under their long, twisting, knobbly branches that claw at the bright blue Colorado Sky. I am careful to walk half a block down to get on the right street. I reach the big, black, shaggy dog that always barks at me and I smile, because I remember once more how he has made a full recovery. I then drift through my neighborhood, my feet growing tired, my thought no longer on the sweeping views I can see from the burm - now I think of home. I see my street in the distance and feel like this road keeps stretching on and on before me. Finally I reach my street, and I take a right. Finally I am home, and I unlock the door, and make a sigh of relief.
I stroll down the burm, walking along the busy road where fellow student are being driven home - 11th, then walking along the rows of houses I observed minutes before. After ten minutes, I reach Quebec and Carefully cross the street. A man and his son walk in from of me, peering back down the street, hurrying to get to a bus stop I assume. I hope they make it in time. I continue into the neighborhood of Mayfair, and walk past the school. Memories of this neighborhood bounce around in my mind, and it brings warmth to my heart. Students mill about, softly talking to one another.
I finally get across Monaco, where I walk between the tall trees and under their long, twisting, knobbly branches that claw at the bright blue Colorado Sky. I am careful to walk half a block down to get on the right street. I reach the big, black, shaggy dog that always barks at me and I smile, because I remember once more how he has made a full recovery. I then drift through my neighborhood, my feet growing tired, my thought no longer on the sweeping views I can see from the burm - now I think of home. I see my street in the distance and feel like this road keeps stretching on and on before me. Finally I reach my street, and I take a right. Finally I am home, and I unlock the door, and make a sigh of relief.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Limericks
Oh what a dazzling light
how wonderfully bright
the stars are out
out and about
what an amazing sight
Once again it's winter break
now the desserts start to bake
I'm so excited
I'm so delighted
Now it is time to eat the cake!
There once was a boy from Logan
he wanted to be the shogun
he made a yelp
but got no help
now he's stuck in hoboken
how wonderfully bright
the stars are out
out and about
what an amazing sight
Once again it's winter break
now the desserts start to bake
I'm so excited
I'm so delighted
Now it is time to eat the cake!
There once was a boy from Logan
he wanted to be the shogun
he made a yelp
but got no help
now he's stuck in hoboken
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
The Sad End of the Last Russian Royal Family
it had been a long time since the protesters filled the square
a long time since the soldiers took them away from their home
a long time since the cold, frigid day
that the train came screeching to a halt, along with their dreams and hopes
It had been a long time since their mother had the vibrant warmth she used too have
a long time since the youngest girl had been on an adventure
a long time since their father had the respect of his people
a long time since they had had no fear
now they were here - abandoned, rotting away, shells of the people they once were
playing cards to pass the time, sewing jewels and precious metals into their clothes
for a future they would never have
their glory, wealth and dignity taken away
now they were being woken up in the middle of the night
now they were being taken down the stairs
now they were being lined up
it had been a long time since they had been happy, but now
they wouldn't be anything
ever again
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Stream of Consciousness
the deep and desolate void fills me up. It's silky blackness and utter silence are menacing. bright clusters of vibrant stars and dream like colorful gasses trick me into thinking this environment could sustain any life. Far away planets have an elegant beauty, with their soft colors and perfect spherical shape. A closer star has a dazzling white light. I soar through the abyss, gently drifting passed spectacular nebulas. suddenly I land on my feet, and slowly return to reality. a jungle of winding and twisting plants struggle for their way to sunlight. I fall back onto a bed of moss and leaves. I drift to sleep. When I wake up I am back in my bed. Time for school. Stress and sleep deprivation consume me. my mind floats away. I find myself in a magical wonderland. Anything is possible here, all you have to do is dream it. No sadness, no anger, no jealousy. Just happiness, warmth, and love. It crumbles away. Ashes in the wind. I am sucked away, unable to stop it. As I am sucked away into blackness, the deep desolate void fills me up.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
A Curse to King Jeoffrey
A curse poem for King Jeoffrey, a total @#$%^&*
may you accidentally pour acid into your eyes
may parasites infest your skin
may your teeth fall out
may you lose all your money at a casino in Las Vegas
may your kidneys get stolen by some random guy
may you throw a boomerang and jab your already burned eye out
may you slip on a banana peel, fall into a man hole, and get eaten by sewer alligators
may you drop your keys in a sewer drain, and have to break a window to get into your house, but then get mistaken by your girlfriend for an intruder so she tazes you and hits you on the head with a skillet before realizing it's you
may you go to jail on every turn whilst playing monopoly
may you burn yourself like really, really, super bad
may you run out of toilet paper at every bathroom you ever go in
may you walk into the street while texting and get hit by a car, and then have to pay the damage
may you accidentally hit "Send to all" when you write a late night booty call to your girlfriend
may a porta-potty get tipped while you are in it, so
may you accidentally send an embarrassing text to your mom
may you wet your pants and then get laughed at
may the milk always be gone by the time you get up, so you have to rinse it out
may you get Tourette's Syndrome and then say "I like to #@! #$%&*^#" In the middle of a crowded place then get super embarrassed and slowly back away
may your grocery bags break, and your really embarrassing purchases fall out, like your...
may you run into your girlfriends parents while being persued by the authorities, holding a bong
may your girlfriend taze you, then hit you on the head with a skillet for a second time because she realizes it's you, then throws you out on the curb
may you get attacked by one of those face-grabbing-stomach-egg-laying aliens from that movie, alien, then get eaten from the inside out before Sigourney Weaver can mercy kill you
may you get a botched labotomy like Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's nest, then walk around like a zombie while nurse Ratchet laughs at you
may you be stuck in a room with "Boyfriend" playing really loud over, and over, and over
may your mom snuff you out with a pillow while your sleeping, then exclaim: "well someone had to do it," then celebrate your death with like everybody ever because you are a terrible person and literally nobody loves you
may god drop kick you into hell, and then go: "Phew!' and continue celebrating
may satan throw you back, because even satan does not want you near him
may god enlist Michael J. Fox from Back to the Future to go back in time and tell your parents to use protection
may you accidentally pour acid into your eyes
may parasites infest your skin
may your teeth fall out
may you lose all your money at a casino in Las Vegas
may your kidneys get stolen by some random guy
may you throw a boomerang and jab your already burned eye out
may you slip on a banana peel, fall into a man hole, and get eaten by sewer alligators
may you drop your keys in a sewer drain, and have to break a window to get into your house, but then get mistaken by your girlfriend for an intruder so she tazes you and hits you on the head with a skillet before realizing it's you
may you go to jail on every turn whilst playing monopoly
may you burn yourself like really, really, super bad
may you run out of toilet paper at every bathroom you ever go in
may you walk into the street while texting and get hit by a car, and then have to pay the damage
may you accidentally hit "Send to all" when you write a late night booty call to your girlfriend
may a porta-potty get tipped while you are in it, so
may you accidentally send an embarrassing text to your mom
may you wet your pants and then get laughed at
may the milk always be gone by the time you get up, so you have to rinse it out
may you get Tourette's Syndrome and then say "I like to #@! #$%&*^#" In the middle of a crowded place then get super embarrassed and slowly back away
may your grocery bags break, and your really embarrassing purchases fall out, like your...
may you run into your girlfriends parents while being persued by the authorities, holding a bong
may your girlfriend taze you, then hit you on the head with a skillet for a second time because she realizes it's you, then throws you out on the curb
may you get attacked by one of those face-grabbing-stomach-egg-laying aliens from that movie, alien, then get eaten from the inside out before Sigourney Weaver can mercy kill you
may you get a botched labotomy like Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's nest, then walk around like a zombie while nurse Ratchet laughs at you
may you be stuck in a room with "Boyfriend" playing really loud over, and over, and over
may your mom snuff you out with a pillow while your sleeping, then exclaim: "well someone had to do it," then celebrate your death with like everybody ever because you are a terrible person and literally nobody loves you
may god drop kick you into hell, and then go: "Phew!' and continue celebrating
may satan throw you back, because even satan does not want you near him
may god enlist Michael J. Fox from Back to the Future to go back in time and tell your parents to use protection
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Flygirl
Ida Mae Jones heart is in the sky. Ever since her dad taught her how to fly the crop duster for their berry farm in Louisiana, she has dreamed of being a pilot. However, being a black, female pilot in the 1940's is not a piece of cake. Especially once WWII goes into full tilt, Ida Mae's dream to fly is put on hold. An opportunity arises - the Woman's Airforce Service Program. Where women fly cargo cross-country. By forging a pilot's license, gathering the money for training, and passing for white (she has very pale skin) she may just pull it off - and live her dream of flying.
This was a good read. Easy, interesting, and a side of WWII you don't tend to see. Good characters, fine writing, good plot. It was nothing super special, but not bad at all. The main problem was the ending - it never really lead anywhere and didn't really have a climax to speak of. Maybe the author was trying to be realistic..? Who knows. It was a fine read; don't feel like your missing out if you don't read it, but it is definitely a good enough book.
This was a good read. Easy, interesting, and a side of WWII you don't tend to see. Good characters, fine writing, good plot. It was nothing super special, but not bad at all. The main problem was the ending - it never really lead anywhere and didn't really have a climax to speak of. Maybe the author was trying to be realistic..? Who knows. It was a fine read; don't feel like your missing out if you don't read it, but it is definitely a good enough book.
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