The Monk Downstairs

by Tim Farrington
Hennepin County Library, paperback, 276 pages

This was going to be our book club book, but Jodi changed to a different one. This didn't read much like a "Christian" book, but it was very interesting. The main conflict for Michael Christopher was the struggle between the contemplative life and the life of action. After twenty years in the monastery, he was trying to figure out what to do with his life. His landlord, Rebecca, is a single mom with struggles of her own and God has no part in her life.

The thing that didn't work for me is that the author seems to be saying (or trying to say) something significant about God. Only he doesn't really have anything to say. I read the author interview, the endnotes, the discussion questions, etc. It makes me sad, but I think this talented writer is another victim of the Catholic church and general detachment from the living Word of God. Jesus changes lives, He doesn't stifle them, especially not through prayer. Very sad.

My favorite parts of this book were the friendship that developed between Mary Martha and Michael, Rebecca's zany mom Phoebe, and Rebecca NOT "settling" for Bob. I'm glad I read it, but I won't rush out to get the sequel.

Notes from the Midnight Driver

by Jordan Sonnenblick
Hennepin County Library, paperback, 265 pages

This author nails the typical teenage voice well. Once again, he has created a character (Alex) who is self-centered at the start of the story, but grows up in a big way. I liked how he drew Steven and Annette (from Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie) into this story.

The reconciliation and family relationships piece was strong. This will be a fun book to talk about with kids. I cried, naturally. Laurie and Sol were my favorite characters. Sol was a blast!



Re-read it because I brought mostly non-fiction to the lake and I wanted to "zone out" with an easy book. (Some people zone out in front of the tv . . . )

Love this! Both funny and serious, it is so delightful.

Reconciliation - parents and kids. Owning your own responsibility.

Talking to the Dead

by Bonnie Grove
Hennepin County Library, paperback, 368 pages

Wow! This one surprised me! I enjoyed it, though it's actually pretty sad for most of the story. Kate's husband's sudden death has sent her spiraling into depression. She isn't sure of her sanity as she hears her dead husband talking to her and has conversations with him. Looking forward to book club!

Ten Tales from Shakespeare

by Charles & Mary Lamb
Scott County Library, hardcover, unpaged
illustrated by Janusz Grabianski

What an intriguing find! Originally written in 1807, this edition dates from 1969. The Lambs intended this volume as a prose introduction to Shakespeare for children. Since Shakespeare's plays were written to be performed on stage, not read in a book, this was a daunting task. The preface (from the 1807 original) is enlightening! I would love to own a copy of this book.

The plays themselves are more enjoyable when read singly, for the story-after-story makes them feel like ridiculous caricatures of humanity. The ones I enjoyed the most are the ones that I have either read or watched in the original Elizabethan language. I think this version of Hamlet is my favorite. :-) All in all, a very interesting collection of stories.

Come Thirsty

by Max Lucado
Hennepin County, hardcover, 155 pages

Considering how short this is, I can't believe it took me two months to read it! Pastor Jamie was using this for our Wednesday night Bible study, but I only got to two chapters' worth. I like to finish things!

In some ways, I don't like Lucado's writing style. In the past, I've thought of him as a bit too touchy-feely. He uses lots and lots of analogies, metaphors, and visual language. But I enjoyed this book. When I finally did start reading it, I was ready for a fresh look at God's love. The book is divided into four sections: accept His work, rely on His energy, trust His Lordship, and receive His love.

Though it didn't touch me deeply, I did enjoy the reminders woven throughout this book. God's power and love are real. No matter how sinful I am, God doesn't stop loving me. I especially liked the letter from God at the end. I could see the Scriptures pouring out. I think I'll copy this for Ann and put the verses in. . . God is good!

The Choice

by Nicholas Sparks
hard cover, Sue Kreuser loaned it out to us Minnesota folks, 272 pages

Of the three or four books of his that I've read, this one's my favorite. The first half of the book was a delightful romantic romp between Gabby and her neighbor Travis. The second half was typical Sparks - maudlin, misleading, and drippy. The "choice" isn't even clear until the last dozen or so pages. Whatever.

The reason Sue lent it out was to "show" us the area she lives in. Sparks showcases Morehead and Beaufort beautifully! The beauty and bounty were definitely appealing. I hope I get to go visit some time!

Words Unspoken

by Elizabeth Musser
Carver County, paperback, 395 pages

I didn't read this in time for the book club discussion (not sure what's up with me these days!) but finished it last week in Michigan. Although this one also had a lot of characters and storylines, it wasn't as overwrought as the last title we read. The main story was about Lissa Randall and her struggle to get over her mother's death. The other intertwining story lines dealt with Ev and Annie and their past. Beautiful story. I really liked this one. I'll need to find some more books by Musser. This contained a great message about hope and possibilities. Some of the characters are bogged down by depression and their struggles to find hope. This was a good story!