“Walking
With Elephants”- Book Review
By
Ms.Bhawana Bhowmik
Walking With Elephants
by Karen S Bell Published by K.S.B Press, first in August 10,2010, republished in November 17th, 2011. ISBN10:1934037699, ISBN13:978-1934037690, priced at $14.40, Kindle ASIN: B006BG7G90 priced $2.87
Genuine True story of every working mother!!
A women
centrist book as it seemed to me initially but as my journey progressed deeper
into Suez Halls chaotic life I was compelled to change my mind, it is an
exceptionally good read for men and women equally, it helps to truly understand
the life of a modern woman, super mom, Juggling personal aspirations, career
professional life and the responsibilities of being a mom to kids, a wife and
still smiling living.
There is more to a women’s life then what is
evident apparently, deeper self-searching side which usually is ignored or not
explored. Author has beautifully disguised these aspects of a women’s
personality subtly between the daily life scenes of Suez’s life.
I
completely related with this piece from the book:
“What if along with this visibility, the role
of mother was considered just as vital; just as important? What if motherhood
was a valid experience to put on a resume? What if telecommuting made it
possible to stay at home and be an executive? What if women could put their
children in schools near their work? Nursed them in their offices? What if
women were given a paid maternity leave of two-years so they cold imprint their
moral character on their children and still keep their jobs? . . . . And countless
other innovations that would be created from women’s needs and wants?”
Author
is adroitly asking some very deep questions. These are today’s global issues related to
gender inequality. Yes we have moved away from the basic yet the primary issues
dwell. The issue of child rendering, cooking etc. still considered to be a
woman’s domain, what has changed is that now she is also equally responsible
for providing financial support. The story of this book revolves around these
issues.
The
challenges of a women have not changed they still remain!
Suez Hall is the protagonist, a
woman struggling to balance all aspects of her life. Elliott is a dependable
male-gay coworker who successfully reached the status of being a friend in Suez’s
life. Marcia is her unmarried best friend - a soothing balm amidst the disarray
of her busy life.
I was greatly humored by the
author’s sense of humor there were multiple occasions while reading this book
where I was more than smiling.
Discreetly hidden philosophy is
another aspect of this book that I liked truly!
The story has quite a few side
characters, Harry Binder is Suez’s boss a moderate villain
like all regular real life boss. Author’s description of his character makes
him a cruel interesting piece to read there was a point when I secretly felt
sorry for him.
It is amazing how as a reader I
was feeling for the characters. In a way experiencing what the author wanted to
make the reader experience.
The name of the book completely
correlates with the story and this you will realize after reading it. It is a
great book to read for all.
A
poetic expression that comes to me after reading this great read, my mind says:
Walking with
elephants
Crazy giant
greedy beasts
A women’s silent
story!
Surrounded with
animosity
Diverse
responsibilities
Quite women’s
world!!
Longing for
change
Burdened
mother’s womb
Searching
solace!
This book seemed like it was my
story, written with deep insights similar to what I found deep inside.
I am not surprised that it is a
TOP-5 FINALIST in the Kindle Book Review's Best Indie Books of 2012 and is
awarded the AIA Seal of Excellence in independent fiction by Awesome
Indies, I feel the subject has great potential and the author failed to take
complete advantage it did not reach the next level. This is a great read but has an exceptionally great
potential to become the best books on women’s life.
The casual writing style I think an
imprint from author’s earlier professional roles, (she was mostly writing light
conversational pieces as a celebrity interviewer and as a critique) makes the
subject of the book sound not so serious.
I would however advocate for a
more mature writing style!
The
storyline is simple but the content and the way the author has used her skills
to bring out the hidden meaning of daily life occurrences in a woman’s life.
Her view is great on a lot of issues. The insightful comments make you wonder
and ponder over the thought.
I
would say this could have become the best book everybody’s read!
Author of Walking With Elephants
Published by K.S.B Press, first in August 10, 2010, republished in November 17,
2011
Karen S Bell wore many hats and has evolved to
be a writer she was a theater critic and celebrity interviewer for a weekly
tabloid in Jacksonville, Fl. She was also an editor/writer at a major
accounting firm, and technical editor for a monthly accounting magazine!
Holds a Master’s in Mass Communication from
Oklahoma State University, an ardent observer of life and has a keen eye for feminine
values this is demonstrated through her writing specially this book. Her
approach to human challenges is unique. She continues to search for answers in
the mundane as well as in the cosmic forces that surround us. She is working on
her third novel and lives in Ponte Vedra, Fl. with her husband and their two lovely
kids.
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