Title: A
Madness so Discreet
Author: Mindy McGinnis
This book was fantastic; there were times when I had
to stop myself from reading because I flew through it so fast. This historical
fiction novel follows Grace Mae, a woman thrown into an Insane Asylum because
she is pregnant. It seems that her fate is sealed until a fellow into
introduces her to Dr. Thornhollow, who recognizes her sharp memory and
ultimately employs her as his assistant in crime solving under the guise of a
lobotomized inmate.
I love historical fiction and it has actually been a
while since I’ve red one. This book got me back into the genre and this novel
renewed my love for it. I’ve never read a book that dealt with the workings of
mental institutions, although I have done research on them. The historical
depiction was spot on; in the case of the asylum Grace is first put in a majority
of women were thrown into it because their husbands had no use for them. Later
on the asylum she goes to in Ohio is one that treats the patients like people
as opposed to burdensome animals.
There were still women put there because of their
actions against social norms. One of the characters was put there because she
slept with multiple men. Another character did, in fact, have a mental
disorder; she claimed to have a piece of string on her shoulder that told her
everything that went on or was going to happen. Dr. Thornhollow and Nurse Janey
have apathy towards the inmates and help the best they can.
This novel shows the extant of cruelty towards
women, the enduring love of friendship, and the prosperous and the hurtful
consequences of using one’s head.
QUOTES
“I think we’re all quite mad. Some of us are just
more discreet about it.”
“Just because the insane tell the tales doesn’t make
them false.”
“From one asylum to another, greetings.”
“She thought her heart had never felt so full as it
did standing next to the defiled grave of a whore while lunatics sang the
national anthem.”
Book: Ghosts
Author: Raina Telgemeier
I’ve been on a bit of a graphic novel kick this
summer and Raina Telgemeier’s are absolutely adorable! Along with this one I’ve
also finished Drama ,which qillbe
in another post; I also want to read her other two: Smile and Sisters
.What’s nice about graphic novels is, of course, the pictures, and, personally,
I don’t find them too emotionally investing. Unless they’re a Joker graphic
novel, I still have to finish the one a friend leant me. You can just fly
thtough them, which makes them perfect for reading slumps. This one is about a
pair of sisters, Cat and Maya, who move to a seaside town because it is
beneficial for Maya’s health since she has Cystic Fibrosis; but there’s more to
La Bahia de la Luna than meets the eye. On El Dia de los Muertos-The Day of the
Dead- spirits come to visit the living and have a grand party at midnight.
I’ve never read anything about the Day of the Dead
and it was so cute! Maya is instantly drawn to the magic of the holiday and
decides to make an Oferenda, an altar covered in marigolds, pictures of the deceased, and food for the visiting
spirit. In the case of this story it is for their abuela. Cat is apprehensive,
but is reluctantly dragged along in the preparations, but soon she discovers
the wonders of it all and makes a couple new friends in the process.
Telgemeier’s graphic novels are geared towards
middle grade readers but I believe that no matter your age you’ll enjoy them.
The artwork is simle and colorful, all the characters are memorable. This book is highly recommended if your looking for something light, warm, and a little magical for the month of October (and the first 2 days of November, since that's when El Dia de Los Muertos takes place).
