Mary E. Trimble

Blind Man’s Bluff: A Memoir by James Tate Hill is a humorous story of a not-so-funny condition. From his teen years, Tate’s eyes began to fail due to a rare degenerative disease, Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, that left him legally blind. The story begins in 1998, when Hill has just graduated from college. The narration uses flashbacks to his childhood struggle to cover up his disability.

The title of the book refers to a children’s game, but also refers to Tate’s efforts to hide his disability, and to attempt to live a normal life rather than appear needy. As a teen he manages to get by at school by accepting mediocre grades, rather than admit he couldn’t see the blackboard or read assignments.

At college, he refuses to use a cane or a guide dog. At times he puts himself in danger, trying to navigate walking along busy streets. Since he can’t read a menu, he usually orders the same food in restaurants. When shopping for groceries, he can distinguish eggs from canned goods, but he can’t read labels, so he learns to eat strange combinations of food. He marries, but because of his choice not to disclose his blindness to others, the relationship is strained and his marriage is in trouble.

Despite the gravity of Tate’s condition, Blind Man’s Bluff is laced with humorous situations, anecdotes, and hope. I enjoyed the reference to books, movies and music of the 80s and 90s. As an observer, I often wondered why Tate didn’t just tell people of his blindness. His life would have been so much easier. But it wasn’t my choice, and I enjoyed reading the author’s perspective of dealing with the challenging circumstances of a very personal debilitating condition. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those dealing with personal challenges. The book is available in print, in e-book format, and also in audio.

Book Review: Ordinary Wolves

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Mary

Ordinary Wolves: A Novel by Seth Kantner offers an extraordinary look at life in Alaska from the viewpoint of a white boy who longs to be native.

Cutuk Hawcley was born and raised in the Arctic. Before he was born, his parents moved to Alaska, built a sod igloo and subsisted in the wilderness. His father earned a living by hunting, trading, and selling his paintings. His mother grew weary of the Alaska wilds and abandoned the family, leaving the father to raise their three children. The novel is written in first-person in the voice of their youngest child, Cutuk.

Cutuk becomes expert in dealing with the hardships of the far north, the endless freezing cold, the caring for sled dogs, subsisting on caribou and bear they have killed, or berries they have gathered. Eventually his older brother leaves home, and then his sister leaves to attend college.

Although proficient at providing for himself, Cutuk is never accepted by many of the native peoples, especially the boys. When he travels to the nearby Iñupiaq village, he is jeered and pummeled by the native children for being white. Cutuk observes how many of the native people live—excessive drinking, disinterest in planning for the future, and mismanagement of money. However, he idolizes the indigenous hunters who taught him how to survive.

As a young man Cutuk moves to Anchorage only to realize he doesn’t fit in with that society either. He gives up his Iñupiaq name and becomes known as Clayton. He is amazed by the consumer culture, and the appalling waste. He’s bewildered and confused by urban slang. Although he finds work, he never finds “home” in Anchorage.

When Cutuk returns to Alaska’s far north, he finds a different environment than when he left. He is disappointed in the Iñupiaqs’ adoption of American fast food, gadgets and fads. He’s angered by hunters who kill for the sake of killing, who shoot for sport from airplanes. Cutuk realizes he must make his own world, follow his own sense of living in the frozen tundra.

Ordinary Wolves is an amazing, insightful novel written by a man born and raised in northern Alaska. What he writes about Alaska rings true—the good and the bad. This is a coming-of-age story people of all ages would enjoy.

Book Review: The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Posted on July 4, 2022 by Mary

The Five People You Meet in Heaven, a novel by Mitch Albom, more than met my expectations. I loved Albom’s excellent Tuesdays with Morrie and hoped this book would be as inspirational. It was.

Eddie, an old, wounded war veteran, is really too old to be the head maintenance man at the Ruby Point Amusement Park. But he’s worked there for years and knows the inner workings of the rides better than anyone. An accident is about to happen with one of the daredevil rides and Eddie rushes to try to fix the problem.

The next thing Eddie knows he is in heaven. While in this surreal place, he meets five people who made important impacts during the different stages of his life. He has lived a long, rather ordinary life, had a difficult childhood, fought in a terrible war, married the love of his life, and was widowed.

In alternating sections, the book flashes back to Eddie’s birthdays, to parties he never wanted which nevertheless marked important moments.

In heaven, as Eddie again sees the five people who impacted his life, new awareness arises. He sees purpose to his life, even in simple mundane things—the accidents he prevented, the rides he kept safe, unnoticed little things he did every day that brought joy to families. Even the tragedy of war is revisited, and the horrific part he was forced to play.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven is an inspirational book, poignant with everyday living that adds up to a lifetime of lessons to share. People of all ages would gain insights and hope from this book. It is a story to remember.

Book Review: Like Dust, I Rise

Posted on June 13, 2022 by Mary

Like Dust, I Rise, a novel by Ginny Rorby is an uplifting story written in the first-person voice of young Winona “Nona” Williams. The story begins in Chicago, 1928, when Nona is eleven years old.

Nona’s father works at a slaughterhouse. He comes home to their rooms at a boarding house, reeking of blood and raw meat. His job is depressing and he wants more out of life than killing animals. He wants to work in fresh air. He leaves Chicago for Texas when he hears of an opportunity to have their own land, homesteading in the Great Plains. Nona’s mother is hesitant to leave the known, but unhappily follows her husband with Nona and her two siblings to a scrubby ranch near Dalhart, Texas.

Inspired by Amelia Earhart’s heroic flights, Nona clings to the dream of becoming a pilot. She saves every penny toward the hope of learning to fly. She’s an optimistic girl, hopeful that her dad will succeed in work that he likes, and that her mother will eventually be happy with their new living arrangement.

Once on the ranch, the family manages to build a small house so they can live in something other than a dugout. The first year’s crop of wheat is encouragingly good. But then their dreams turn to dust, literally. Between the Dustbowl and The Great Depression, the family barely manages to survive. Her father, ever hopeful that things will turn around, works feverishly to eek out a living for his family. Her mother, never pleased with their desolate prairie life, struggles with trying to keep house in an environment that is constantly gritty and where food is scarce. People are dying of dust pneumonia. It’s impossible to grow crops with the constant sand and dust storms.

In the meantime, Nona clings to her dream of flying. She squirrels away pennies so that some day she can afford flying lessons. She takes on many responsibilities at home, trying to encourage her mother to accept their situation.

Like Dust, I Rise is a well written account of the Dustbowl and Depression days. I appreciated Nona’s strength and determination. I ached for her father, seemingly beaten at every turn. I became impatient with her mother, but realize that her character was not unusual for a woman at that time finding herself in a position she didn’t want, in a place she hated. Like Dust, I Rise is a story of determination, endurance and survival.

Book Review: The Summer House

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Mary

The Summer House, a poignant novel by Hannah McKinnon brings home the meaning of family and the value of cherished memories.

Flossy Merrill summons her children to their Rhode Island beach house, a place that holds treasured memories of summers past. On the agenda for the week-long gathering will be the celebration of the seventy-fifth birthday of Richard, her husband, their father and grandfather, a retired university professor.

As the families gather, we learn about each one. Clementine, the youngest and the mother of two young children, is still reeling from the sudden death of her husband. Next is Clem’s older brother and the middle child, Sam, who is gay. Sam and his husband are currently in the arduous process of trying to adopt a newborn baby. Paige, the eldest sibling, a super-charged achiever, is a veterinarian and the mother of two teens. Her husband has recently lost his job and is anxious about seeking another.

We discover how much a part of their lives the summer house has played. We also learn of old rivalries and misunderstandings, of teenage angst. The siblings fall back into their old arguments and accusations, but for all their talking, so much goes unsaid. They also enjoy good times with endless days of sun-drenched sandy beaches and nighttime bonfires.

Flossy, a loving mother and grandmother, is anxious about the coming party, wanting it to be flawless. She feels deeply about her family and endlessly strives to make things perfect for them and for the sixty-five expected party guests.

I enjoyed The Summer House. Family dynamics have always been of interest to me and I found the various family situations believable. The author does a good job of putting the reader right into the thick of various family endeavors, detailing the many aspects of combining families for an important occasion, but realizing that there will be bumps along the way. I enjoyed the seaside house, the salty, sandy beach with its endless waves, together with memories the place invokes. This novel is ultimately about family and the importance of memories shared.

Book Review: Run Rose Run

Posted on May 30, 2022 by Mary

Run Rose Run, a novel by Dolly Parton and James Patterson, is a fun read written by two pros doing what they do best. Dolly Parton, singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist, coupled with James Patterson, the world’s bestselling author, have combined their impressive talents to produce an engaging, modern-day suspense thriller.

AnnieLee Keyes arrives in Nashville, broke and on the run with nothing going for her except a million-dollar voice and her determination to make a name for herself. She shows up at a bar and talks the bartender into letting her take a turn singing for the crowd. AnnieLee impresses the crowd, including Ethan Blake who is sitting at the bar and who plays studio guitar for the bar owner and famous retired country legend Ruthanna Ryder. Ethan convinces Ruthanna that she should hear AnnieLee sing.

Ruthanna Ryder, now retired from public life but still a famous name, takes AnnieLee under her wing. AnnieLee, feisty and independent, appreciates the help, but hesitates to fully embrace all that Ruthanna offers. AnnieLee and Ethan become close, but although Ethan shares his painful past with her, she holds back, giving him very little of her background, including her real name. Although AnnieLee is on the rise as a country music star, there’s always a hint of terror, of fear it will all come crashing down.

When AnnieLee’s past catches up to her, she runs away, leaving a promising career and people who care about her. Ethan goes in pursuit, not knowing what it is AnnieLee fears but determined to protect her.

I enjoyed Run Rose Run and particularly appreciated the combined talents of Dolly Parton and James Patterson. I’m a long-time fan of Dolly Parton, not only for her country music, but for her many philanthropic contributions. I found it interesting learning the ins and outs of writing, singing and recording country music. I’ve read, reviewed and enjoyed other books by James Patterson and I rate this one as favorably as the others. For an entertaining and satisfying read, I recommend Run Rose Run.

Book Review: Orphan Train

Posted on May 23, 2022 by Mary

Orphan Train, a warm, compassionate novel by Christina Baker Kline, hooked me from the start. The story is at times horrifying and shocking, but also reveals courage and resourcefulness.

The tale begins with Molly, 17, in Spruce Harbor, Maine, 2011. Molly has been in foster care for years. She isn’t really an orphan, but her father died and her mother was unable to care for her. She’s a bright girl, but with an attitude. Her foster mother isn’t tolerant of her Gothic style, nor her vegetarian tastes.

Orphan Train toggles between Molly and Vivian, whose story begins in New York, 1929. Vivian immigrated from Ireland to New York with her family. When the rest of her family dies in a tenement fire, she is suddenly an orphan and placed in the care of the Children’s Aid Society. Vivian, 9, along with many other orphans, is put on a west-bound train to be placed with families. At appointed train stations, the children are paraded out on a platform and inspected by possible future foster families, not all of whom have good intentions. Some are looking for strong boys for farm labor; some for girls to assist with child care and household chores. A few are looking for a son or daughter to be cared for and loved. Vivian’s situation goes from dire to dangerous as she’s shuttled from one home to another.

Back to 2011, Molly’s circumstances worsen when she steals her favorite book, Jane Eyre, from the library. To her credit, she steals the shabbiest copy, leaving two in better shape. Nevertheless, the incident is reported and she must serve time in community service hours. Arrangements are made for her to help an old woman clean out her attic.

Vivian, now 91, and Molly work together in Vivian’s attic and in the process get to know one another. They find similarities in their lives and their relationship grows.

I enjoyed Orphan Train and found the characters and situations realistic. From other research, I find the practice of children placed on orphan trains historically correct. Vivian’s situation was probably similar to many children, ranging from horror to love and security. Likewise, I think Molly’s story is typical of today’s foster care system. The author does a good job of weaving the two situations. The story kept my attention as it followed the lives of two girls with similar experiences but in different time periods. I recommend this book for its historical value, and also for its compassion and hope for second chances.

Book Review: The Blue Tattoo

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Mary

The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman by Margot Miffin, Book 23 of the “Women in the West” series, is an engrossing biography of a young girl torn from her family as they traveled west.

In 1851, as the Oatmans traveled along the Gila River in what is now New Mexico, Olive Oatman, 13, witnessed the horrors of her Morman family’s brutal massacre by the Yavapais, a Native American tribe. Olive and her younger sister, Mary Ann, were taken captive and endured a brutal trip, all on foot, finally arriving in Arizona where they lived as slaves for a year. They were later traded to the Mohaves. From all indications, the girls were treated well by the Mohaves, though Mary Ann, who always had suffered health problems, died after two years. From all accounts from Olive herself, she was treated kindly. She learned the tribal language, Mohave customs, and considered herself a member of the tribe.

One of the customs of the Mohaves was to tattoo the chin. The tattoo was a specific pattern, blue, and the recipient had to cooperate, lie very still and afterward not move the mouth for a period of time so as to not smudge or mar the markings. This ritual was not given to captives, rather it was celebrated by tribal members. Olive willingly endured this tattooing process.

Olive was 19 when she was ransomed back to white society. Being reunited with white people was a painful experience. She missed her Mohave family. The ways of civilization were strange, uncomfortable and restrictive. Although she became an instant celebrity, she was often seen as sad.

Much has been written about Olive Oatman, some in her own lifetime, often portraying her years with the Mohave as savage and cruel. These accounts are contrary to many of the documented facts as explained in The Blue Tatoo. Author Margot Miffin’s account of Olive’s story represents factual research and arguments. I appreciated learning facts supported by true accounts and resources. For a more likely and probably less sensational version of Olive Oatman’s story, I highly recommend The Blue Tattoo.

From Coastal Defense to Outdoor Fun: Fort Ebey State Park

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Mary

Fort Ebey on Whidbey Island is one of Washington’s finest state parks. Our recent camping trip reminded me of what a treasure this 651-acre park is with its historical value, camping, and hiking/biking trails. The fort was acquired by Washington State Parks in 1968 and opened to the public in 1981.

Located on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey originally was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. The fort’s gun battery and underground rooms were built into a hillside and are great fun to explore. From there visitors can walk along the high bluff with magnificent views of Puget Sound’s Admiralty Inlet and Point Wilson Lighthouse across the bay. If you’re in luck, you might catch someone paragliding off the high bluff.

Fort Ebey offers 38 standard and 11 partial hook-up campsites, plus a group camp that accommodates up to 60 people. Picnic tables and fire rings are available at campsites with restrooms close by.

Day-use facilities at the fort offer two reservable log picnic shelters that will accommodate large groups. Several unsheltered picnic tables and BBQ grills are also available in the day-use area on a first-come, first-served basis.

One of the draws of Fort Ebey is its access to Kettles Trails for hiking and biking. Some of the trails are wide and flat, others winding and steep. The area, named for the depressions formed by melting blocks of ice that broke free from an ancient glacier, offers 25 miles of pristine forested trails sprinkled with pink big-leaf rhododendrons in season. Beach walking and surfing are also popular activities at the park.

We love Fort Ebey and over the years have camped there many times. We highly recommend this park for camping, picnicking and as a place to view an historical World War II defense fort.

Book Review: Stay

Posted on May 2, 2022 by Mary

Catherine Ryan Hyde has written a poignant novel about the power of friendship and kindness.

Lucas, 14, runs miles every day to burn off anxiety and excess energy. His parents constantly fight, and he’s worried about his brother who is a soldier in Viet Nam. Lucas’s best friend, Conner, is depressed and Lucas doesn’t know how to help him.

While running through the woods, Lucas comes across a little run-down cabin. Two large dogs emerge from a make-shift shelter and, much to Lucas’ joy, they join him on his run. This pattern goes on for many days when he finally meets their owner, Zoe, an older woman with an unfortunate past. They become friends and Lucas is able to unburden his worries to this no-nonsense woman.

The story is told in first-person by Lucas as an adult, and at the end the reader sees the whole picture of Lucas, his family and his friends. As in her other novels, this author brings the reader into the story as she unflinchingly describes the consequences of addiction, suicide, the terrible toll war inflicts, and the hardship of children caught in family strife.

Stay is a heartfelt novel that I enthusiastically recommend for teens and adults.