After the last post, it seems completely fair to give it up for flip scenarios when experiences completely wow you with their awesomeness when you only expected “Let’s just get through this.”
Enter the Fresh Beat Band concert this past weekend–all the rage on Nickelodeon. Our kids love the Fresh Beat Band, and I–well, I love that the kids have something to love. It’s not that I don’t love the Fresh Beats; it’s just that their music has accompanied more tasks in my life than I would have chosen had I not had kids. Sometimes when I fall asleep to I got, I got, I got, I got, you got, you got, you got, you got, we got, we got, we got Loco Legs in my head, I imagine using my loco legs to kick the Fresh Beats one at time.
I had planned a while ago to take the girls to a concert in Boca. As it approached last week, I thought of a hundred other things I’d rather do with them than drive two hours to listen to “We Had a Great Day” for the eighteen thousandth time. I prayed I wouldn’t do something crazy like jump up on the stage and rip cords out of amps which thankfully I didn’t. What I wasn’t expecting though was to love it–every song, every synchronized dance move, every child who stood in her seat like Nella and waved like a crazed Beatles fan, every parent who looked on smiling.
It’s one thing for a musician to perform for adults and remain on for everyone who expects them to be fantastic; it’s another to do this for kids which takes, like,10 times the amount of energy–to make every child in that crowd feel like you are waving and pointing and singing just for them. And then after all that jumping and dancing and sweating and smiling (my God, the smiling! They never stop smiling!), to go sit and hug child after child, calling them by name, making them feel important, posing for photos, high fiving. There’s an “it” factor for this band and a reason they’ve been so successful with kids, and you can feel it the second the concert begins. We bumped into some friends from Naples who admitted this was their fourth Fresh Beat Band concert–true groupies–and I totally get it. It was special.
So there you have it. Unexpected WOW. Our friend manages the Fresh Beat Band’s VIP tour, and he hooked us up with their after party. I joked with my friend Nici (who just got hooked up with some VIP Pearl Jam passes) that she pulled her friend-of-famous-band card to see Pearl Jam and I pulled my freind-of-famous-band card to meet the Fresh Beat Band. I knew I pulled the right card when I watched Nella sit on Kiki’s lap and later, after the long drive home, tucked her into bed to see she was still clutching the VIP pass in her hand. I figure she passed her first rock concert much like the great groupies of the past–with flying colors: dance the night away, sit on a band member’s lap, get a picture to prove it happened and then pass out in bed with your party clothes, still holding your backstage pass. Touche’, Nella.
Enjoying this week:
Rousing the wind chimes when the air is still…
Big brothers who swoop and scoop when you’re least expecting it…
Sweaters at the beach…
…and books.
Yes, let’s talk books for a moment.
I did the whole “I don’t have time to read” thing for a while, but the excuse got old and the truth is, I’m a better person in all areas of life when I read. So this was my year. I have aced reading books this year which unfortunately means I’ve spent a lot of money on books, but I like to think I’m supporting the book industry. Kind of like how I make sacrifices and support the shoe industry because I’m selfless like that. And I try to be responsible like borrowing books when I can and paying it forward by passing my books on. Except this last one, I’m not sharing.
I expected hilarious and smart with Amy Poehler’s new book and was not disappointed in the least. There’s a bonus gift that comes with Yes Please though–spot-on advice for girls and women that goes far beyond her witty deliverance of it. Amy’s self awareness, vulnerability and humble expression of what she’s learned about everything from body image and career goals to loving her children was relatable and inspiring, and when the book was over I felt like I said goodbye to a friend–a very funny one. Favorite highlighted passages include “I believe great people do things before they are ready,” “it’s easier to be brave when you’re not alone” and “our ego is a monster that loves to sit at the head of the table, and I have learned that my ego is just as rude and loud and hungry as everyone else’s. It doesn’t matter how much you get; you are left wanting more. Success is filled with MSG.”
Upon starting this book, I asked my sister and several friends to read it with me because I need to talk about passages and discuss the important stuff (this is all about me, clearly). For the ones who didn’t listen, I began texting pictures of passages they needed to read with “Get this book. Now. We need to talk about it.” If they still didn’t listen, I bought the book and had it sent to them. Ten pages in, they’re all, “this book is amazing, can’t put it down.” Moral of the story: this book–yes please.
I’ve had to since switch up the book genre because everything I tried to start that was within the “If you liked Yes Please, you’ll love…” recommendation tasted like powdered creamer when I wanted more half & half.
So I finally picked up this beautiful thing. And, oh my. This book should be required reading for every middle school child, every parent, every teacher. I wish I wrote this book. Wonder is the story of August Pullman, a boy with a rare syndrome that leaves his face severely deformed. The story begins with August entering middle school after years of being homeschooled and follows the events of the year from the perspective of August, his sister and several of his classmates. The language is simple, the story is truthful and without over-sentimentalizing anything, the author had me wiping tears several times. I felt each character’s struggle. And August’s mom? You know her because you are her. Even if you don’t have a child with special needs. You feel her struggle, her love, her choices because you’ve imagined them a hundred thousand times in your own parenting. I wanted to read this through before reading it aloud to Lainey so I know what things we’ll discuss, and I’m waiting for the right time to introduce this to her–maybe a little later, but still. I can’t wait.
I just went all Siskel and Ebert on you. Sorry, this is new. Maybe next year, we can do a blog book club. (book suggestions?)
Also, I’ll be popping in here more often and with some more fun Friday posts–holiday ideas, gift lists, things to make, things to sing about, things to put interpretive dance moves to because–hello, holiday cheer.
Happy Monday, Friends!
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Also, I’m over at eHow this week talking about how to stay true to yourself on social media among all the noise.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. Couldn’t put it down and couldn’t stop thinking about it after reading.
I don’t know if you even read comments anymore, but this was good. And you made me want to read both books. 🙂
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I just bought Amy Poelers’s book! Can’t wait to start it. And my husband reads Wonder to his fifth grade class every year. His students absolutely love it! It’s an amazing story that everyone can connect to. Thanks for sharing!
I just started Wonder…so far, amazing. I also cannot wait until my girls of the appropriate age to understand and comprehend this book. So special.
Also, thank you for admitting that the line “I don’t have time to read” is just an excuse. I use this excuse a ton as a busy full time working mama with two crazy little running around- but it is just that. An excuse. Time for more reading- I agree! Going to have to pick up “Yes Please!” too.
Blog Book Club- yes please and thank you!
I am literally on my couch still wiping away tears from finishing Me Before You minutes ago. Block out enough time to read it start to finish because you won’t be able to concentrate on much else. Perfection
I purchased ‘Wonder” for my granddaughter and she read it in 5th grade. We discussed how she would act towards August if she was one of the kids in his class. I am happy to report that she would have befriended him, stood up for him and helped him when he needed help. It is a terrific book and opens the door to talk about not only being different but bullying as well.
You must read Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichier, she is absolutely amazing!
Ive got Yes Please locked and ready to go on my Kindle, also Not That Kind of Girl. Bring on holidays!!
Nicola
Two absolute reads for you: Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon and Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper. You. won’t. regret. Have a great November! spot
Wonder. I teach middle school Sunday Scool and we read this book last year and the students then lead a multi generational book discussion about it to the congregation. It was amazing.
So glad to hear you were all about the mom. I was too, and if I had another daughter I must just name her Summer.
We are reading Inside Out and Back Again this year. Check it out.
Hi K,
You might want to read “Out of My Mind” by Sharon Draper to L first. It is very similar. A little less of the middle school stuff. I teach 4th and start the year with that when we are talking about kindness and accepting others. Don’t miss it. K.
The smiles on Lainey & Nella say it all. Your hair looks lighter, and your bangs grown out….. love it. I’ll have to get Amy’s book.
If you are looking for a beautiful book to share with her now, try The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.
i’m trying hard to break out of my non-fiction rut; as in, I feel like because I only have 10 minutes a day to read (before bed) and I probably should spend it learning something. Although I did finish The Black Count by Tom Reiss, and I loved it so much more than I thought I would. I’ll be checking out the books you mentioned, as well.
Also, I’m not sure if I’m the first of your Canadian readers to pass this along (it links to an article about a young man discussing his life with Down Syndrome), but I thought it was great: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/nicholas-popowich-talks-about-life-with-down-syndrome-1.2820949
I read this post as a “Part A” and “Part B” and enjoyed both. It was fun to hear about what a delight that band was, and that ending line about Nella falling asleep in her party clothes, clutching her backstage pass was spot on humor. I also really enjoyed “Part B” when you talked about those two books you read. I know now that I have to read Amy Pohler’s book, but I have to time is carefully, since other books I want to read might fall flat if they follow it. Thanks! Your voice is strong and honest, fun and funny as always. 🙂
Kelle,
I am a 5th-grade teacher in Texas – this book is absolutely THE BEST read-aloud we read each year at our school. We each read it to our classes all at the same time, so everyone gains from it. Please encourage all your 5th-grade teacher friends (and the 5th-grade teachers at your daughter’s school) to read this book aloud to their classes – it will change everyone – students and teachers alike – for the better. So glad you found it! You would also love Out of My Mind. You’ll cry through the prologue, but keep going – it is also WELL worth it. Then, try So Be It. Happy reading! :o)
Just wanted you to know that my kids go to an urban public school with an Arts focus. They also have all the deaf students from the entire county in this school. It’s amazing … But that’s another story.
At any rate, they are in Kdg, 6th & 8th grade (yes. All in the same urban public school)
My 6th and 8th grader both read “Wonder” they are spending the entire year on it. They are studying the music included, etc. it’s sparked some amazing conversations in our home.
So somebody heard you … My middle schoolers are highly integrated into “wonder.”
After reading up on Wonder, I know what the next book is on my list once I’m finished with Gone Girl. I’m fascinated…..
Kelle,
Wonder is an absolutely amazing book!! It was our summer read and by boys (10 & 13) loved it!! A hard one to put down for sure! It heightened their curiosity and started many conversations about self-awareness, friendships, perspective taking and acceptance. It had me wiping tears several times too!!
It was the first novel study in my son’s grade 5 class this year.
Thanks for the recommendation of Yes Please!
Happy reading!!
Monique
For the holiday season, I recommend “Holidays on Ice” by David Sedaris! Absolutely hilarious!
🙂 Molly
Wonder = AMAZING. Oh, tears. I love it.
I miss her more every day. 😉
Loved Wonder so much!
on the waiting list at the library for yes please! cannot wait!!! 🙂
I’m a fifth grade teacher currently reading Wonder aloud to my class. The story is funny and relatable to my students since they are the same age as August and his peers, yet its message is incredibly powerful–in the classroom and beyond. It is the best book I have read in a long time with a message so simple: Choose kindness. I also recommend you pick up the 365 Days of Wonder book that is full of precepts for each day.
Cant wait for some amazing gift ideas!! Last year with the Pinhole Press memory game, that was the best gift my child got last year! I ended up buying 2! Cant wait!!
Kelle- if you liked Wonder you might also like Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper. It’s about a little girl with CP figuring out a way to communicate with her family and the people around her. Great books!
Love Wonder SOOOOO much! At my kids’ (public) school, every third grade teacher reads it aloud to his/her class. I love the synergy of all 100 (ish) kids hearing the same story at the same time.
Check out Counting by 7s, which is another really powerful YA book with similarities to Wonder.
If you loved Amy’s book, you HAVE to read Bossy Pants by Tina Fey! It’s SO funny! Also, we’re going to Yo! Gabba Gabba live in two days–we went a few years ago & felt the same way you did . . . loved it as much (maybe more!) as the kids!
I will be putting both books on my reading list! Do you use Goodreads? It is an awesome website/app that allows you to put books on a “to read” list and to review them once you are done. If friends are on it, you can see what each other are reading, or wanting to read, and discuss. I love it…when I am looking for another good book to read, I just check my “to read” list and get going! Anyway, I just finished “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes. READ IT! I haven’t loved a book (or cried at a book) like that in a long time.
Seeing that you read “Wonder,” I would highly recommend you looking up via Facebook or their website “My Mary Cate,” a little girl from my neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago who was diagnosed Apert Syndrome at birth. Mary Cate’s mom has taken on the mission to teach kids to “Choose Kind,” and visits schools all over the Chicagoland area with her daughter to teach the message that kindness is the choice to make–and that some kids are just a little different than others. I think you’d really enjoy learning their story 🙂
http://www.mymarycate.org/
This is Where I Leave You was really good…the movie was entertaining as well…but the book was better! Wonder….Best. Book. Ever.
Happy Day Kelle!
i love the story about nella’s first groupie / rock concert experience! so charming how you captured it.
Yes! Blog book club for sure! Please please please!! (And I love the rest of this post too! — sorry about all the crazy exclamation points. This post with book recommendations got me all excited.)
Have you come across the book “Down is Up for Aaron Eagle: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey with Down Syndrome”, by Vicki Noble? This author is an amazingly enlightened woman in a wide variety of areas. I went to a presentation of hers Sunday night on an entirely different topic, and in her bio was this book. Gotta love synchronicity!
Two more books to read. And the concert experience was totally me a few years ago. Only it was the Doodlebops. <3
Surprised by Motherhood by Lisa-Jo Baker was a fantastic book! I second the blog book club. 🙂
I am waiting in the hold line at the library for Yes Please (I’m something like number 72, so it will be awhile). I will see if they have Wonder as well. I want to recommend Carry On, Warrior as a book to consider for the book club. I loved it! It’s serious and funny and spot on!
My perfect book club book is The Space Between Us- it is reminiscent of the Kite Runner but set in the slums of India, full of unforgiving truths and characters so relatable it is difficult to not imagine ourselves in their places as I did with the college girl who worked her whole life to get there and is quickly cut down.
Thank you for the recommendation! They’re both on my list now.
I did the same thing as you did with “Yes, Please” with Bob Goff’s “Love Does,” and I’ll tell you too… Go. Read. That. Book. 🙂
Inside Out and Back Again. Written like no other book I’ve ever read. It’s part of our tween book club. (Wonder is this month, Out of My Mind was last month.) I love seeing how us moms are connected on so many levels, and the truth we want to share with our children. Thank you, beautiful authors, for helping us to do just that.
Kelle,
Do yourself a favor and listen to the Yes Please audio version. Listening to Amy read her own words with the extra comments is hysterical. It also includes readings by Kathleen Turner, her parents, Seth Meyers, etc. I promise it will make you love the book even more.
Kelle
PLEASE check out “Trout Fishing in America” band. Kids music that won’t make you pull your hair out–really funny, catchy lyrics and a Mumford sound. They were around and pretty popular about 15 years ago whey my kiddies were babies. Enjoy!
Shannon
I teach 8th grade and am reading “I am Malala”
Wonder. Was Wonder-ful. Yeah I know it’s not the exact same as us, but it’s pretty much the same. This book is one of the big reasons I feel so passionate about obvious physical differences being portrayed more in the media. I honestly thought about sending a copy of this book to your friends at Everybody plays… most differences can be categorized by visible or not-visible differences. Both come with challenges and both come with benefits. Neither is better or worse than the other. But both deserve to be more present in the media. Anyway…good reads.
I think book club is a great idea!!
Brain on Fire ~ Susannah Cahalan
The Last Lecture ~ Randy Pausch
Anything by Lisa Genova
Water for Elephants ~ Sara Gruen
The Happiness Project ~ Gretchen Rubin
Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love ~ Larry Levin
Great pictures!!!! So cute!
I know I am a little late to the party, but YES YES YES!!! to the idea of a blog book club. I love reading and I love reading a book that makes me think. I try to read books like that often, but since none of my friends or family will put down their dime-store smut novels (complete with hunky naked man on the cover), I have no one to discuss them with!
You really have me wanting to pick up Amy Poehler’s book now.
I LOVE the idea of a blog book club! Bring it on in the New Year!