CHAINS by Laurie Halse Anderson

I've just read the last page and gently closed the back cover on the story of Sal (Isabel) of Rhode Island.  What a gripping story!  Chains is a work of historical fiction by the author of Speak and Fever 1793.  A wonderful author whom I discovered while working as a library assistant in our local elementary school.  The age level is 10 and up.  I would say a very high 4th grade reader would be able to read this book, although it would take quite some time as the story is deep and emotionally complex.  I found myself reflecting on Sal's feelings, her experiences as a child slave in 1776 New York, owned by Loyalists, spying for rebels, carrying messages, mistreatment at the hands of her master's wife.  

This is definitely a book that should be discussed with your child as there are a few disturbing scenes -- such as when Sal gets branded on her face, and when her friend Curzon is imprisoned and the conditions are revolting, as you can imagine. 

The story is brought to life by the descriptions of the author.  You can feel the sweltering heat of the summer and the bitter cold of the winter through Sal's thoughts.  Her pain and sorrow, her fears and courage.  She is a strong, bold character and you will find yourself cheering for her and encouraging her throughout the story.  Many times I found myself exclaiming out loud, "Oh, no!" or "Oh, good!" to the amusement of my family.  

I thoroughly enjoyed Chains and I encourage everyone to read this interesting step into the history of our country and how it affects a courageous young girl.

Taking Stock of "Taking Woodstock"

Last night my daughter and I went to the preview for Taking Woodstock, a "comedy" directed by Ang Lee, starring Dimitri Martin (who?), Eugene Levy, Imelda Staunton, Liev Schreiber, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, etc. The movie was based on the novel of the same name by Elliot Tiber. I was 13 years old for most of 1969. I remember the mid 60's to the early 70's as being one of the best times in my life for music. Was ANY of that music of the day in this movie? NO! Except for about 60 seconds of Hendrix's guitar, I didn't recognize or care to remember ANY of the music of the movie. And the acting? Couldn't they find a REAL actor with acting skills to play Elliot? Imelda Staunton's character was so vile, evil, wicked, loathsome, filthy and greedy, I couldn't stand when she was on screen. Eugene Levy played Max Yasgur and he was on screen for about 5 minutes total. There went the so-called "comedy." And he wasn't funny. Not at all. Jeffrey Dean Morgan played a self-loathing homosexual. Need I say more? Oh, yes, I do! The full-frontal nudity throughout was unnecessary and gross. Do I really want to see tallywhackers and boobies bobbing about while their owners frolic through grass and the lake? I think not. Even the 'psychedelic' scene was LAME. Across the Universe was so much better and I didn't love that movie. Don't waste your money or time.