2015 Hub Reading Challenge Check-In #6

This week, I finished two books for the HUB reading Challenge. Quite frankly, with report cards to finish, I am amazed that I read any!

First, I read, the graphic novel  This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki.

This was FANTASTIC! Here is the publisher’s summary:

Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It’s their getaway, their refuge. Rosie’s friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose’s mom and dad won’t stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. It’s a summer of secrets and sorrow and growing up, and it’s a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.

This book felt so real. I could have been either of those girls, doing what they did, thinking like they thought. I think the Tamaki cousins really captured the essence of girls on the edge of adolescence.

Then, I read the book I’ve picked up & put down a lot this year.

The earlier picking up & putting down did not involve any reading of this book. It involved me, picking up the book and thinking “UGH, a basketball book.” And putting it down. So, I finally opened it and read it. So not what I was expecting. I will be honest, I skimmed some of the basketball parts, but the story of the family really got me. As a twin, I loved the twin angle and I think Alexander really gets the complicated relationship twins can have. It isn’t always Hayley Mills in The Parent Trap. Written in verse, the book moves quickly. At first, I had a little trouble distinguishing which of the two boys was talking, but eventually, I got it.

I highly recommend both of these books.

Should I call? #SOL15

I live in a quiet neighborhood. And the ten-unit condominium I live in is very quiet. Most of us are over 40, and one person has a 3-year old. All the units but one are owner occupied. It’s not Melrose Place, and thank goodness.

Our peace was disturbed a few nights ago, when I was sleeping with my window open. I was awoken just after midnight by a neighbor yelling  and pounding on her door. As I listened to “Open the f***ing door,____!” over and over, I lay in bed trying to figure out what was happening.  There are three couples in our condo. The voice didn’t sound like Jennifer next door, or Sue two doors the other way. Could it be the renter? She and I seem to move on very different schedules and I’ve only seen her twice, What was her name? donna? Debbie? I’m pretty sure it was something with a D.

I listened some more, trying to determine the exact location of the door as she continued. I also learned more as she yelled.  I finally made out the name she was yelling: Duncan. Duncan, inside the home, had stolen her keys and she was locked out. Apparently some jealousy was involved and Duncan had been drinking. I couldn’t determine if she had been drinking, too. her words seemed clear, but she was yelling loudly around midnight on a Wednesday.

Once it was clear in my mind, I wondered, should I help? If so, how could I help? I am 50, short and in no condition to help if this becomes violent, so going outside was not an option. Should I call the police? I should call the police. Just as I came to that conclusion, the tone changed outside. I could hear a conversation. Then I heard a whisper, “The police are on their way.” It seems Sue and Andrew discussed all that was going on in my head and had reached the same conclusion a little more quickly.

After that, the yelling stopped, the police arrived. Discussions, doors opened. I haven’t seen Donna/Debbie  since that evening. Things have quieted down and I hope everything is OK.