Friday Memes and 'The Wacky Man' by Lyn G. Farrell

Today is a ridiculously busy day. Within 6 hours I have one exam to pass, one train to catch and one flight to make! I'm sure I'll survive but cross your fingers for me anyway. But I've decided this is the perfect day to go back to being a part of the Book Blogger Hop, hosted by Billy over at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer. This week's question was submitted by Elizabeth over at Silver's Reviews:


Why did you start your blog?

There are actually two answers to this, which is probably cheating a little bit. The official, technical reason is, I guess, because my English teacher in high school told us so. She thought it would be a great idea for everyone to get some writing practice for the exams while also making us engage with our reading. But I sort of ignored that part once I discovered the book blogging community, which leads me to the second reason, which feels more important to me. I really wanted a place where I could talk about my books, be passionate about what I was reading and find other people who are equally passionate. And I found that, hence why I'm still hanging around ;)

This week I'm also sharing a read which I had actually planned to have reviewed already but essays and exams got in the way. I'm talking about The Wacky Man by Lyn G. Farrell!

Amanda secludes herself in her bedroom, no longer willing to face the outside world. Gradually, she pieces together the story of her life: her brothers have had to abandon her, her mother scarcely talks to her, and the Wacky Man could return any day to burn the house down. Just like he promised. As her family disintegrates, Amanda hopes for a better future, a way out from the violence and fear that has consumed her childhood. But can she cling to her sanity, before insanity itself is her only means of escape?

Book Beginnings and Friday 56 are hosted by Gillion over at Rose City Reader and Freda over at Freda's Voice, respectively.

BB:

"My new shrink asks me, 'What things do you remember - about being very young?'It's like looking into a murky river, I say. Memories flash near the surface like fish coming up for flies. The past peeps out, startles me, and then is gone." 1%

I really like this description of the past because it does seem to occasionally just pop up and affect you before disappearing behind the present again. I also wonder why our protagonist has a new shrink. Maybe he's worn out the last one?


F56:

"She watches her mum's slender hands working, cutting meat or raising a forkful of roast potato or a glass of water to her mouth and when Amanda smiles, her mum smiles back, and Amanda knows that her grandad would say that smiles are one thing never rationed.' 56%

I love the grandad's saying, it's beautiful. And I also really liked the description of this small childhood moment of Amanda's because it feels so recognizable. Watching my mother cook or bake and the happiness that often came with it is a really fond memory of mine.