Good Evening Humble Readers & A to z Visitors...I confess it took me a while to come up with a fictional character for the letter C whom I love or connect with. I debated the merits of Cookie Monster and Charlie Brown. I considered
But ultimately, I decided on the Chairman from Memoirs of a Geisha.
I have this habit. There are lots of books on my to be read list, and it's always growing. Whenever I see a movie trailer that intrigues me, one of my first 'to dos' is to check and see if there is a book that it's based on. Yes, I'm one of those people... I have to read the book before I see the movie. I have to get my own image of what the characters and settings look like. I have to see it play out in my mind before I can see it on the screen.
Now, combine that with a stubborn streak about half a mile wide. You see, I haven't exactly bought into the whole Op.rah thing. Again, I'm contrary. So when Memoirs of a Geisha started flying off the shelves at every bookstore around because Op.rah said it was good... well, that made it certain that I was *never* going to read it.
Until I saw the movie trailer.
So I went out and found a copy of the book without that big O on the cover, and proceeded to devour it in about three days. I loved it (dang that Op.rah!).
The story of a young Japanese girl, sold by her father into indentured servitude, intrigued me. All of little Chiyo's missteps as she struggles to find her way in her new world amused and fascinated me, but it was when she first met the Chairman that my heart was stolen.
The Chairman... the man she strives to be worthy of. The man she dreams about and works hard to prove herself good enough for. He is her motivation, and her guiding star. He is a quiet presence, who rarely speaks, but shapes every hope and dream that Chiyo/Sayuri dreams. Sadly, even as her career as a leading geisha gains speed, she appears to be forever separated from the Chairman.
I think we all have motivators in our lives. There is always someone or something that drives us to better ourselves and reach beyond our grasp. I don't think we should focus solely on these factors as we strive to improve our lives, but it certainly helps to have a dream to be looking toward on our way.
Who is/was a motivator in your life?
It makes me smile how much we are alike! I love this book and the Chairman was my favourite character! I have to say I didn't know it was an Op.rah pick because I wouldn't have read it then. Fortunately, I was in England when I read it, so didn't know about its notoriety.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest motivator in my life has to be The Hubs. He always encourages me to work towards my goals, whatever they may be.
I know... most of Op.rah's picks are so depressing and dreary that I never wanted to read them. But like I said above, as soon as I saw the trailer for the movie I knew I was going to have to break down and read the book. And I'm glad I did.
DeleteWe would SOOOO get along! I love Memoirs and I actually taught it to a few senior classes when I used to teach. It is such a great book. I often find myself comparing McRuger to the Chairman. They are alike in many ways.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
LOL... we keep finding more and more things we have in common. Are you a long lost relative perhaps? :)
DeleteI read this book years ago but I remember really liking it. That's the worst thing about me reading....I love the book but then I'm terrible at remembering the details. I usually remember the general gist of the plot, but unless I've read it or taught it several times it is sort of like reading it again for the first time! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm an avid re-reader. I used to finish a favourite and automatically start reading it again. I'm geeky like that. :)
DeleteOkay, I haven't read the book...but I have seen the movie multiple time...
ReplyDeleteOops, sorry, the girl woke up so had to leave the comment in between.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, I have seen the movie multiple times...and I really like the chemistry between Sayuri and the Chairman....
And btw, Sayuri is a favourite name for me. I had given it serious consideration, and there was just one reason why I did not use it actually.
I am currently out of inspiration so can't answer you...
I'm really glad you're doing this. I'm in a bit of a book slump, and really need some new suggestions. I never would've considered reading an "Oprah" book. *gasp* LOL. Glad to hear that this one is actually good. But when I saw "Chairman" all I could think of was Frank Sinatra. Ha! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the look and theme of your blog. Nice to meet you on the challenge.
ReplyDelete