by Linda Crew
PRMS discard, hardcover, 210 pages plus afterword
genre: YA historical fiction
This book intrigued me. I weeded it from the school collection because it had *never* been checked out, had an unappealing cover, and was about a cult from the early 1900s. I didn't ditch it because I wanted to read it.
It was distressing that so much of what these "Holy Rollers" said and did at the beginning of the story truly is Scriptural and not really bizarre at all. As it went on and Joshua put himself forward as the Messiah and made his own proclamations, though, their "church" was clearly not what God intended for His followers. Sigh. It was very interesting to read, especially knowing that it was based on real events and real people. I wonder if I could get another Christian to read and discuss it. Cults are creepy and lives are damaged when lies are believed and one's own sanity is in doubt.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
In the Belly of the Bloodhound
by L.A. Meyer
Scott County Library hardcover 515 pages
genre: YA historical fiction, adventure
Okay. I'm hooked on this series. Bloody Jack #4 and I am eager to read the next one! In this story, the girls go for a day trip but are kidnapped by slavers. Jacky is her usual amazing self at problem-solving and making things happen. I especially like the dynamic between her and Clarissa. There was an interesting twist on Constance. Initially, I thought she would be the stereotypical hyper-religious, judgmental foil. But the author really did some interesting things with this story. I love when Katy confides in Jacky about her background. This was a very good story (but I definitely recommend that you read these books in order!) Hughie's part in this story was very well-done.
Scott County Library hardcover 515 pages
genre: YA historical fiction, adventure
Okay. I'm hooked on this series. Bloody Jack #4 and I am eager to read the next one! In this story, the girls go for a day trip but are kidnapped by slavers. Jacky is her usual amazing self at problem-solving and making things happen. I especially like the dynamic between her and Clarissa. There was an interesting twist on Constance. Initially, I thought she would be the stereotypical hyper-religious, judgmental foil. But the author really did some interesting things with this story. I love when Katy confides in Jacky about her background. This was a very good story (but I definitely recommend that you read these books in order!) Hughie's part in this story was very well-done.
Mark Twain's Book for Bad Boys and Girls
text by Mark Twain
edited by R. Kent Rasmussen
gift to me, hardcover 173
genre: stories, sayings, humor
I don't remember who gave this to me or why, but it's been on my shelf of books for a long time. At times, I enjoyed reading it. Twain is funny, sarcastic, smart, observant . . . or was, rather. At times, it made me sad. As amazing a writer as he was, he's dead now. From the way he writes about religion, God, faith, etc. it doesn't seem that he believed in God or salvation. How sad for him.
The section of the book on "Divine Providence" and especially the story "The Drownings of Lem Hackett and Dutchy" seem to prove his point that it doesn't matter how you live your life - whether you are good or bad, you'll die. So you may as well have fun being bad. Ugh.
Many of the stories were from his autobiography, which I've not read. The excerpts from Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn were familiar. There were also many stories from shorter pieces and those were new to me, too. He had a very sardonic wit!
edited by R. Kent Rasmussen
gift to me, hardcover 173
genre: stories, sayings, humor
I don't remember who gave this to me or why, but it's been on my shelf of books for a long time. At times, I enjoyed reading it. Twain is funny, sarcastic, smart, observant . . . or was, rather. At times, it made me sad. As amazing a writer as he was, he's dead now. From the way he writes about religion, God, faith, etc. it doesn't seem that he believed in God or salvation. How sad for him.
The section of the book on "Divine Providence" and especially the story "The Drownings of Lem Hackett and Dutchy" seem to prove his point that it doesn't matter how you live your life - whether you are good or bad, you'll die. So you may as well have fun being bad. Ugh.
Many of the stories were from his autobiography, which I've not read. The excerpts from Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn were familiar. There were also many stories from shorter pieces and those were new to me, too. He had a very sardonic wit!
All She Left Behind
by Jane Kirkpatrick
Carver County Library paperback 319 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
* There are spoilers below! Stop after the page 141 note if you don't want the plot revealed.*
The discussion at book club last night was very interesting, but we didn't talk in depth about the book itself as much as the themes it raised: alcoholism, marriage, divorce, parenting, etc. I have a lot of post-its, but overall this was not a book that I really enjoyed deeply. I'm pretty sure it's my own attitude; Kirkpatrick is a lovely writer. She has clearly done an extensive amount of research, basing her book on actual people.
page 20 - "Justice and mercy both are required of us" - Jennie says to her husband as they're talking about people who end up in prison. Charles shoots her down, of course, and it's ironic in light of what his future holds.
page 27 - "Jennie didn't believe in coincidences, but rather accepted that a larger hand turns the world and humans were small parts within it." That made me think of the phrase "God-incidences" to observe how God can provide opportunities for us that seem happenstance but are actually very purposeful.
page 73 - "Charles has promised to help me with the love apples we've planted. Tomatoes, I believe they call them now." I've heard that expression "love apples" before, but this is one of those times that reading something in a novel made me search out more info. I love that!
page 78 - "'That Danish philosopher Kierkegaard said he'd give up wealth and power for the "passionate sense of the potential, for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possibilities."'" I should read more Kierkegaard (and/or talk with smarter people than myself) to dig into the meaning of this. We talked about it a little last night, but got off-track.
page 83 - When Jennie brings to mind "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we shall reap, if we do not lose heart," it almost seems out of place. Her husband is behaving erratically, has taken their child, and has stayed out all night. I get the encouragement to not lose heart, but how was she doing good? Feeding her son's hedgehog?
page 133 - "'I myself, do not do well with sick people. I so admire those who do.' . . . 'Meeting the needs of another is a gift not everyone has.' Jennie blushed but inhaled her words." When Henrietta (Elizabeth's and Josiah's daughter-in-law) made these observations, I love how she expressed them. I also love how this encouragement blessed Jennie. Encouragement is so important!
page 139 - "In that moment she knew that she would do whatever it took to stay alive, to be there for her son." Finally! I was glad Jennie fought back against the abusive addict Charles! I just wish she had been more transparent with her son instead of "protecting" him from the truth of how horrible his dad was. (Though again, we had a great conversation about this last night. Sometimes putting the child's well-being first means couching the truth in age-appropriate language.)
page 141 - "She couldn't tell him that his father had come back for money to feed his addiction. It wouldn't matter. Douglas' broken heart filtered the memory." Yeah. Kids get hurt no matter which way this falls out.
page 147 - "To ask to love and grieve at the same moment can only be accomplished with the strength of God's cradling." Her observations about the end of life and new life (Elizabeth's impending death and Baby Winifred) remind Jennie of her daughter who died at birth. God makes all the difference in the world!
Page 169 - Yuk. My post-it says "26 and 63? Just no." Again, we had a great discussion about this last night. I get that age gaps of this kind weren't that abnormal. I get that Josiah was an amazing man. But I still think a man marrying a woman almost young enough to be his GRANDdaughter is gross! (Though I appreciate the author's notes at the end and the fact that he ended up marrying a third time after Jennie died.)
page 177 - "Then we'll decide if it's worth the risk." "Every step forward is." . . . "My father once told me, a carriage is safest in the livery stable, but a carriage isn't built for that sedentary place. It's built to roll upon the roads to unknown places." "And on to unknown trails, making new ones." I love this conversation between Jennie and Josiah. It's so true - what is safest isn't always what's best, or even what's intended. I think of that with our faith. It's "safest" to keep it to ourselves and just carry the knowledge of salvation in our hearts . . . but that is not at all what God intends for us to do with the awesome gift!
page 223 - "She even expressed a word of thanks to Charles who had left her and again forgave him, forgiveness being a journey rather than a destination." There were so many times I really liked Jennie's attitude. This is one of them. As much pain as he inflicted on her, she was able to move on and reflect in a healthy way.
I love her friend Ariyah! I appreciate Jennie's kindness to the madam when they saw her in the milliner's shop. I like her brother George who built a distillery for her oils for her (and encouraged her). I like chapter 33 (starting on page 256) and all the conversation about guilt and forgiveness. Ariyah is helping Jennie after Nora's death. "Nicholas Rowe, the English writer. He said that guilt was 'the avenging fiend that follows us behind with whips and stings.' You've whipped yourself enough about Charles and Douglas and now dear little Nora. It's time you looked through a new lens." So much good stuff in this chapter! But I'm mostly glad for our discussion last night. What a great group of women!
Carver County Library paperback 319 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
* There are spoilers below! Stop after the page 141 note if you don't want the plot revealed.*
The discussion at book club last night was very interesting, but we didn't talk in depth about the book itself as much as the themes it raised: alcoholism, marriage, divorce, parenting, etc. I have a lot of post-its, but overall this was not a book that I really enjoyed deeply. I'm pretty sure it's my own attitude; Kirkpatrick is a lovely writer. She has clearly done an extensive amount of research, basing her book on actual people.
page 20 - "Justice and mercy both are required of us" - Jennie says to her husband as they're talking about people who end up in prison. Charles shoots her down, of course, and it's ironic in light of what his future holds.
page 27 - "Jennie didn't believe in coincidences, but rather accepted that a larger hand turns the world and humans were small parts within it." That made me think of the phrase "God-incidences" to observe how God can provide opportunities for us that seem happenstance but are actually very purposeful.
page 73 - "Charles has promised to help me with the love apples we've planted. Tomatoes, I believe they call them now." I've heard that expression "love apples" before, but this is one of those times that reading something in a novel made me search out more info. I love that!
page 78 - "'That Danish philosopher Kierkegaard said he'd give up wealth and power for the "passionate sense of the potential, for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possibilities."'" I should read more Kierkegaard (and/or talk with smarter people than myself) to dig into the meaning of this. We talked about it a little last night, but got off-track.
page 83 - When Jennie brings to mind "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we shall reap, if we do not lose heart," it almost seems out of place. Her husband is behaving erratically, has taken their child, and has stayed out all night. I get the encouragement to not lose heart, but how was she doing good? Feeding her son's hedgehog?
page 133 - "'I myself, do not do well with sick people. I so admire those who do.' . . . 'Meeting the needs of another is a gift not everyone has.' Jennie blushed but inhaled her words." When Henrietta (Elizabeth's and Josiah's daughter-in-law) made these observations, I love how she expressed them. I also love how this encouragement blessed Jennie. Encouragement is so important!
page 139 - "In that moment she knew that she would do whatever it took to stay alive, to be there for her son." Finally! I was glad Jennie fought back against the abusive addict Charles! I just wish she had been more transparent with her son instead of "protecting" him from the truth of how horrible his dad was. (Though again, we had a great conversation about this last night. Sometimes putting the child's well-being first means couching the truth in age-appropriate language.)
page 141 - "She couldn't tell him that his father had come back for money to feed his addiction. It wouldn't matter. Douglas' broken heart filtered the memory." Yeah. Kids get hurt no matter which way this falls out.
page 147 - "To ask to love and grieve at the same moment can only be accomplished with the strength of God's cradling." Her observations about the end of life and new life (Elizabeth's impending death and Baby Winifred) remind Jennie of her daughter who died at birth. God makes all the difference in the world!
Page 169 - Yuk. My post-it says "26 and 63? Just no." Again, we had a great discussion about this last night. I get that age gaps of this kind weren't that abnormal. I get that Josiah was an amazing man. But I still think a man marrying a woman almost young enough to be his GRANDdaughter is gross! (Though I appreciate the author's notes at the end and the fact that he ended up marrying a third time after Jennie died.)
page 177 - "Then we'll decide if it's worth the risk." "Every step forward is." . . . "My father once told me, a carriage is safest in the livery stable, but a carriage isn't built for that sedentary place. It's built to roll upon the roads to unknown places." "And on to unknown trails, making new ones." I love this conversation between Jennie and Josiah. It's so true - what is safest isn't always what's best, or even what's intended. I think of that with our faith. It's "safest" to keep it to ourselves and just carry the knowledge of salvation in our hearts . . . but that is not at all what God intends for us to do with the awesome gift!
page 223 - "She even expressed a word of thanks to Charles who had left her and again forgave him, forgiveness being a journey rather than a destination." There were so many times I really liked Jennie's attitude. This is one of them. As much pain as he inflicted on her, she was able to move on and reflect in a healthy way.
I love her friend Ariyah! I appreciate Jennie's kindness to the madam when they saw her in the milliner's shop. I like her brother George who built a distillery for her oils for her (and encouraged her). I like chapter 33 (starting on page 256) and all the conversation about guilt and forgiveness. Ariyah is helping Jennie after Nora's death. "Nicholas Rowe, the English writer. He said that guilt was 'the avenging fiend that follows us behind with whips and stings.' You've whipped yourself enough about Charles and Douglas and now dear little Nora. It's time you looked through a new lens." So much good stuff in this chapter! But I'm mostly glad for our discussion last night. What a great group of women!
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Dreaming With God: Co-laboring with God for Cultural Transformation
by Bill Johnson
Loaned by Kelly Harvey, paperback 181 pages
genre: non-fiction, Christianity
This book challenged me in a good way. Whenever I read a book like this, it leads me back to Scripture (always a good thing). I am so glad that Kelly wanted me to read this; I hope she and I get time to talk about it!
Page 30 - "There is no question that spending time with God changes our desires. We always become like the one we worship." I love that! I love drawing near to God and caring more about laying up treasures in Heaven and not as much about the material things the world values.
Page 38 - "It's difficult to build something substantial on a negative." Johnson writes about how being convicted of one's sinfulness is only part of revival. We also need to be aware of God's holiness and how our identity changes when we accept that.
Page 48 - "There is a misconception that often exists in the artistic community; creativity must come from pain." Oh my! I vividly remember a fellow theater student at the U dismissing me as any kind of artist or performer - I just didn't have enough pain and trauma in my life. I was so discouraged by this idea that you had to be miserable to create! Praise God - He designed us to be creative!
Page 49 - "Yet many believers have simply tried to make the good news more intellectually appealing. This must stop! The natural mind cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God (see 1 Cor. 2:14). The wisdom of God is foolishness to men. It's time to be willing to appear foolish again, that we might provide the world with a message of power that delivers, transforms, and heals. This is true wisdom. It alone satisfies the cry of the human heart."
Page 56 - "Not understanding is OK. Restricting our spiritual life to what we understand is not. It is immaturity at best." I'm so glad that God is patient with me as I struggle to understand and to trust Him completely!
Page 63 - The section on Mary's mystery was so interesting to read as a mom . . . "Her pondering gave place for the roots to be established and the word to grow until the promise became manifest. God's Word grows in the heart of the believer." Maybe "ponder" should be my word next year . . .
Page 71 - "Few things are more devastating to pastors than when people leave the church. It feels like a personal rejection (and often times it really is). Those in ministry are certainly not immune to these feelings. Pastors are a unique breed - there are times when people who hate us leave the church and we still feel bad." This is food for thought for me . . . the rest of the paragraph is quite good. Seeking God's will makes all the difference in the world!
Page 89 - "There is no such thing as secular employment for the believer. Once we are born again, everything about us is redeemed for Kingdom purposes. It is all spiritual. It is either a legitimate Kingdom expression, or we shouldn't be involved at all." I love this! What a wonderful perspective!
Page 90 - Covert and overt ministry . . . covert ministry "works within the systems of this world to bring about change by reestablishing the proper norms of thought, beliefs, disciplines, and relational boundaries. In other words, we work to change the culture. This requires more time, as the goal is not a specific healing or conversion. The goal is the transformation of society itself by invading the systems of the city in order to serve." This is the heart of the book, in a way. It's a challenging idea.
Chapter 6 - The Practical Side of Things - this is my favorite chapter. "If it matters to you, it matters to Him." "It is because of my passion for Jesus that I love the Church the way I do. My love for God is my love for life. They cannot be separated." "When we live with genuine passion for God, it creates a passion for other things." The three specific stories within the chapter really captivate me. God is so good!
Page 146 - In the chapter on "Celebrating the Living Word," I finally put a post-it note with a question. "Why do these ideas challenge me so much?" Some of his writing about truth - "All Truth is not created equal" and Bible interpretation and the Holy Spirit not following rules . . . I wasn't completely sure I agreed with him or even understood him! I probably ought to re-read the chapter and grapple with it, but I want to return the book to Kelly and move on.
Page 149 - I struggled with this, too. "We prophesied the best we knew how. When the day of delivery came, the baby was in fact born dead. There was great mourning; first because of their heartbreak and loss, and second, because we didn't actually hear from God and missed it with all of our prophetic pronouncements. We met as a church family to review the tragedy and our mistakes." Sometimes I think I simply lack faith. Other times, I realize that God performs miracles but that *I* cannot make them happen on my desire or prayer. This is something I need to pray about more.
Page 151 - "Christianity was never to be known by its disciplines. It's to be known by its passion; and those without passion are in far more danger than they know. Demons are attracted to religiously sanitized environments where there is no power." I'm so glad that my God inspires passion!
Page 157 - "We have been given this amazing tool to fulfill our stewardship role: 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue . . . ' (Prov. 18:21 NASB)." Yes! This is one of the reasons I wanted to move on from this book. Lois lent me one on words. God is working on me in this area!
Page 158 - "One of the essential tools necessary to redefine the nature of the world around us is the gift of encouragement." Praise God! That's one of my favorite things to do!
Page 166 - "We have the honor of living at a time when our lives make a dramatic difference in the outcome of world events. We were born for this hour. Our assignment is to live as though nothing were impossible." This is a wonderful way to look at things, instead of bemoaning all that is happening that is discouraging.
Page 176 - "Is there anyone hungry enough for what He has shown us in the Scriptures that we will pull into our day something that is reserved for another? Is there anyone willing to lay themselves down to bring more of God's promises across another great divide? Or how about the promise that says everyone will know the Lord?" This is a "get off your butt and do what God is calling you to do" message.
Page 177 - "It's a New Day" I love this and thought of Kelly instantly: "Brand-new believers are not waiting for the mature to tell them that something is possible. They've read the Book, and they know it's legal. This tattooed generation with their body piercings and little fear of death has locked into the possibility of significance. They have seen what prior generations have called impossible, and will settle for nothing less." This sounds like a call to stop being an old fogey and join the young'uns who are moving forward for God . . .
Page 179 - "We are in a race. It's a race between what is and what could be. We are uniquely positioned with the richest inheritance of all time." I want to re-read Hebrews . . . I'm so grateful to God for inspiration, creativity, Truth, mercy, love, and grace.
Loaned by Kelly Harvey, paperback 181 pages
genre: non-fiction, Christianity
This book challenged me in a good way. Whenever I read a book like this, it leads me back to Scripture (always a good thing). I am so glad that Kelly wanted me to read this; I hope she and I get time to talk about it!
Page 30 - "There is no question that spending time with God changes our desires. We always become like the one we worship." I love that! I love drawing near to God and caring more about laying up treasures in Heaven and not as much about the material things the world values.
Page 38 - "It's difficult to build something substantial on a negative." Johnson writes about how being convicted of one's sinfulness is only part of revival. We also need to be aware of God's holiness and how our identity changes when we accept that.
Page 48 - "There is a misconception that often exists in the artistic community; creativity must come from pain." Oh my! I vividly remember a fellow theater student at the U dismissing me as any kind of artist or performer - I just didn't have enough pain and trauma in my life. I was so discouraged by this idea that you had to be miserable to create! Praise God - He designed us to be creative!
Page 49 - "Yet many believers have simply tried to make the good news more intellectually appealing. This must stop! The natural mind cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God (see 1 Cor. 2:14). The wisdom of God is foolishness to men. It's time to be willing to appear foolish again, that we might provide the world with a message of power that delivers, transforms, and heals. This is true wisdom. It alone satisfies the cry of the human heart."
Page 56 - "Not understanding is OK. Restricting our spiritual life to what we understand is not. It is immaturity at best." I'm so glad that God is patient with me as I struggle to understand and to trust Him completely!
Page 63 - The section on Mary's mystery was so interesting to read as a mom . . . "Her pondering gave place for the roots to be established and the word to grow until the promise became manifest. God's Word grows in the heart of the believer." Maybe "ponder" should be my word next year . . .
Page 71 - "Few things are more devastating to pastors than when people leave the church. It feels like a personal rejection (and often times it really is). Those in ministry are certainly not immune to these feelings. Pastors are a unique breed - there are times when people who hate us leave the church and we still feel bad." This is food for thought for me . . . the rest of the paragraph is quite good. Seeking God's will makes all the difference in the world!
Page 89 - "There is no such thing as secular employment for the believer. Once we are born again, everything about us is redeemed for Kingdom purposes. It is all spiritual. It is either a legitimate Kingdom expression, or we shouldn't be involved at all." I love this! What a wonderful perspective!
Page 90 - Covert and overt ministry . . . covert ministry "works within the systems of this world to bring about change by reestablishing the proper norms of thought, beliefs, disciplines, and relational boundaries. In other words, we work to change the culture. This requires more time, as the goal is not a specific healing or conversion. The goal is the transformation of society itself by invading the systems of the city in order to serve." This is the heart of the book, in a way. It's a challenging idea.
Chapter 6 - The Practical Side of Things - this is my favorite chapter. "If it matters to you, it matters to Him." "It is because of my passion for Jesus that I love the Church the way I do. My love for God is my love for life. They cannot be separated." "When we live with genuine passion for God, it creates a passion for other things." The three specific stories within the chapter really captivate me. God is so good!
Page 146 - In the chapter on "Celebrating the Living Word," I finally put a post-it note with a question. "Why do these ideas challenge me so much?" Some of his writing about truth - "All Truth is not created equal" and Bible interpretation and the Holy Spirit not following rules . . . I wasn't completely sure I agreed with him or even understood him! I probably ought to re-read the chapter and grapple with it, but I want to return the book to Kelly and move on.
Page 149 - I struggled with this, too. "We prophesied the best we knew how. When the day of delivery came, the baby was in fact born dead. There was great mourning; first because of their heartbreak and loss, and second, because we didn't actually hear from God and missed it with all of our prophetic pronouncements. We met as a church family to review the tragedy and our mistakes." Sometimes I think I simply lack faith. Other times, I realize that God performs miracles but that *I* cannot make them happen on my desire or prayer. This is something I need to pray about more.
Page 151 - "Christianity was never to be known by its disciplines. It's to be known by its passion; and those without passion are in far more danger than they know. Demons are attracted to religiously sanitized environments where there is no power." I'm so glad that my God inspires passion!
Page 157 - "We have been given this amazing tool to fulfill our stewardship role: 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue . . . ' (Prov. 18:21 NASB)." Yes! This is one of the reasons I wanted to move on from this book. Lois lent me one on words. God is working on me in this area!
Page 158 - "One of the essential tools necessary to redefine the nature of the world around us is the gift of encouragement." Praise God! That's one of my favorite things to do!
Page 166 - "We have the honor of living at a time when our lives make a dramatic difference in the outcome of world events. We were born for this hour. Our assignment is to live as though nothing were impossible." This is a wonderful way to look at things, instead of bemoaning all that is happening that is discouraging.
Page 176 - "Is there anyone hungry enough for what He has shown us in the Scriptures that we will pull into our day something that is reserved for another? Is there anyone willing to lay themselves down to bring more of God's promises across another great divide? Or how about the promise that says everyone will know the Lord?" This is a "get off your butt and do what God is calling you to do" message.
Page 177 - "It's a New Day" I love this and thought of Kelly instantly: "Brand-new believers are not waiting for the mature to tell them that something is possible. They've read the Book, and they know it's legal. This tattooed generation with their body piercings and little fear of death has locked into the possibility of significance. They have seen what prior generations have called impossible, and will settle for nothing less." This sounds like a call to stop being an old fogey and join the young'uns who are moving forward for God . . .
Page 179 - "We are in a race. It's a race between what is and what could be. We are uniquely positioned with the richest inheritance of all time." I want to re-read Hebrews . . . I'm so grateful to God for inspiration, creativity, Truth, mercy, love, and grace.
Monday, November 13, 2017
Under the Jolly Roger
Jacky Faber - book 3
by L.A. Meyer
Hennepin County Library paperback 518 pages
genre: YA historical adventure
I'm really enjoying these books. Jacky is sassy and impulsive (at all of fifteen years old), but essentially a clever, kind person. She kind of reminds me of Tom Sawyer and his fence-painting scheme . . . This book mostly takes place along the coast of France, in London, and in Ireland.
I actually put a post-in note in this time. Here's the passage from page 343:
"I've found that a good deal of the pleasure in eating oysters is in watching the disgust on the faces of people who do not enjoy them, as you hoist them up and slide them down your neck."
I have no desire to eat oysters, but this made me laugh. It kind of sounds like something I might do; eat oysters primarily to gross out someone else!
I need to read some of the other books on my ledge, but I will order the next book in the series. Jacky Faber is an engaging heroine!
by L.A. Meyer
Hennepin County Library paperback 518 pages
genre: YA historical adventure
I'm really enjoying these books. Jacky is sassy and impulsive (at all of fifteen years old), but essentially a clever, kind person. She kind of reminds me of Tom Sawyer and his fence-painting scheme . . . This book mostly takes place along the coast of France, in London, and in Ireland.
I actually put a post-in note in this time. Here's the passage from page 343:
"I've found that a good deal of the pleasure in eating oysters is in watching the disgust on the faces of people who do not enjoy them, as you hoist them up and slide them down your neck."
I have no desire to eat oysters, but this made me laugh. It kind of sounds like something I might do; eat oysters primarily to gross out someone else!
I need to read some of the other books on my ledge, but I will order the next book in the series. Jacky Faber is an engaging heroine!
Friday, November 10, 2017
The Hangman
by Louise Penny
Scott County Library paperback 87 pages
genre: mystery, quick read
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. It's not really a novella . . . but a bit more like an "I can read" book for adults . . . Part of Canada's "Good Reads" series.
The story takes place between The Brutal Telling and Bury Your Dead without really mentioning them. A man is found hanged - suicide or murder? Of course it's murder! Gamache and Beauvoir sort things out quickly.
I'm glad I read it, and hope that this program gets more adults reading. Not a problem for me . . . I'll move on to the next book now!
Scott County Library paperback 87 pages
genre: mystery, quick read
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. It's not really a novella . . . but a bit more like an "I can read" book for adults . . . Part of Canada's "Good Reads" series.
The story takes place between The Brutal Telling and Bury Your Dead without really mentioning them. A man is found hanged - suicide or murder? Of course it's murder! Gamache and Beauvoir sort things out quickly.
I'm glad I read it, and hope that this program gets more adults reading. Not a problem for me . . . I'll move on to the next book now!
Thursday, November 09, 2017
Understanding the Fundamentals of Music (The Great Courses)
Professor Robert Greenberg
(San Francisco Performances)
Hennepin County Library audiobook 16 discs
genre: non-fiction, music
I liked this less than his classical music course, but it was educational. I was very interested for the first seven discs, then started zoning out when he got to "intervalic profiles," "chromatic collections," "pitch gravity," and the "circle of fifths." He made a comment about assuming that people would listen to the lectures multiple times to really gain an understanding . . . nah.
I loved the early stuff, like the instrument families and timbre. I jotted down the basic tempos - presto (very fast), allegro (fast), andante (moderate), adagio (moderately slow), lento (slow), and largo (very slow). I really am not very good with my knowledge of some of this, so I hope I spelled those all correctly. I made sure my car was parked when I wrote those down!
When he was going on and on about Pythagoras and explaining tones, I just wrote "TMI." It really was a "too much information" course for someone like me. I'm not that passionate about music. I just like it.
Sometimes he's clever and fun. Other times, he's snarky and arrogant. I love these Great Courses and will gladly listen to more!
(San Francisco Performances)
Hennepin County Library audiobook 16 discs
genre: non-fiction, music
I liked this less than his classical music course, but it was educational. I was very interested for the first seven discs, then started zoning out when he got to "intervalic profiles," "chromatic collections," "pitch gravity," and the "circle of fifths." He made a comment about assuming that people would listen to the lectures multiple times to really gain an understanding . . . nah.
I loved the early stuff, like the instrument families and timbre. I jotted down the basic tempos - presto (very fast), allegro (fast), andante (moderate), adagio (moderately slow), lento (slow), and largo (very slow). I really am not very good with my knowledge of some of this, so I hope I spelled those all correctly. I made sure my car was parked when I wrote those down!
When he was going on and on about Pythagoras and explaining tones, I just wrote "TMI." It really was a "too much information" course for someone like me. I'm not that passionate about music. I just like it.
Sometimes he's clever and fun. Other times, he's snarky and arrogant. I love these Great Courses and will gladly listen to more!
Tuesday, November 07, 2017
Arthritis
subtitled "Your comprehensive guide to pain management, medication, diet, exercise, surgery, and physical therapies"
by ten people within the Dorling-Kindersley company
Hennepin County Library hardcover 213 pages with glossary, index, etc.
genre: non-fiction health
This book is beautiful to look at and has helpful information. As is true of all D-K books I've ever seen, the photographs, illustrations, etc. really help communicate the information well. With the Q and A sections, Myth or Truth?, inset diagrams and photographs, reading the main text can become disjointed.
Since I found the Stokes and Helewa book so incredibly helpful, I mostly skimmed this book looking at the "cool stuff" (since this also has to go back to the library). The sections on Maintaining Your Mobility and Protecting Your Joints are probably worth copying, but I'll focus on the other book for now and return to this blog entry (and this book) if I feel the need for more ideas!
by ten people within the Dorling-Kindersley company
Hennepin County Library hardcover 213 pages with glossary, index, etc.
genre: non-fiction health
This book is beautiful to look at and has helpful information. As is true of all D-K books I've ever seen, the photographs, illustrations, etc. really help communicate the information well. With the Q and A sections, Myth or Truth?, inset diagrams and photographs, reading the main text can become disjointed.
Since I found the Stokes and Helewa book so incredibly helpful, I mostly skimmed this book looking at the "cool stuff" (since this also has to go back to the library). The sections on Maintaining Your Mobility and Protecting Your Joints are probably worth copying, but I'll focus on the other book for now and return to this blog entry (and this book) if I feel the need for more ideas!
Arthritis: How to Stay Active and Relieve Your Pain
by Barbara Stokes and Antoine Helewa
Hennepin County Library paperback 406 pages plus resources and index
genre: non-fiction health
Oh my! I wish I had started with this arthritis book instead of spending time on that first one. Speaking of time, as I renewed this book the *second* time, I thought about just buying my own personal copy off Amazon. I probably should have! But I will blog it, photocopy some pages, and return it today.
This book was helpful, well-organized, and easy to understand. I made a list of some questions to discuss with my doctor and I made a list of things I can do to make a positive difference in mitigating the impact of arthritis pain in my life. (My left knee has been challenging lately . . . )
I want to photocopy pages 65-68 with the look at osteoarthritis. I am so grateful that I am as healthy as I am, but would like to be proactive. When my knee pain is really bad, it's hard to do the things I enjoy.
Pages 71-74 on fibromyalgia are pages I wanted to share with my friend Kim. They are probably not "news" to her, but it helped me understand what she is dealing with so much better.
Pages 220-228 are the range of motion exercises that I want to start doing! The directions and drawings are very clear and helpful.Pages 230-233 have the stretches that I want to start doing.
Pages 247-256 have the strengthening exercises. That's a lot of copying! I almost wish I'd just ordered my own personal copy of the book . . .
My personal list of "What I can do" items is from various places in the book. I'm excited to focus on what I CAN do instead of bemoaning my pain and challenges. My personal list:
Hennepin County Library paperback 406 pages plus resources and index
genre: non-fiction health
Oh my! I wish I had started with this arthritis book instead of spending time on that first one. Speaking of time, as I renewed this book the *second* time, I thought about just buying my own personal copy off Amazon. I probably should have! But I will blog it, photocopy some pages, and return it today.
This book was helpful, well-organized, and easy to understand. I made a list of some questions to discuss with my doctor and I made a list of things I can do to make a positive difference in mitigating the impact of arthritis pain in my life. (My left knee has been challenging lately . . . )
I want to photocopy pages 65-68 with the look at osteoarthritis. I am so grateful that I am as healthy as I am, but would like to be proactive. When my knee pain is really bad, it's hard to do the things I enjoy.
Pages 71-74 on fibromyalgia are pages I wanted to share with my friend Kim. They are probably not "news" to her, but it helped me understand what she is dealing with so much better.
Pages 220-228 are the range of motion exercises that I want to start doing! The directions and drawings are very clear and helpful.Pages 230-233 have the stretches that I want to start doing.
Pages 247-256 have the strengthening exercises. That's a lot of copying! I almost wish I'd just ordered my own personal copy of the book . . .
My personal list of "What I can do" items is from various places in the book. I'm excited to focus on what I CAN do instead of bemoaning my pain and challenges. My personal list:
- have a positive attitude
- focus on what I CAN do
- rest
- ice
- NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) - Ibuprofen
- practice positive self-talk (page 167)
- relax / breathe / yoga
- walk, swim, bicycle (gradually increase distance and duration)
- consider alternative ways to do things
- get good sleep at night!
- work with an OT or a PT
- change position often
- get shoes that fit well (good support)
- take frequent breaks (stand up, stretch, relax)
- maintain good posture
Thursday, November 02, 2017
The Foxman
by Gary Paulsen
audiobook 3 discs
performed by Johnny Heller
genre: YA realistic fiction
Overall, this was a wonderful story of a teenage boy growing up. Some of the language choices were odd - not exactly outdated, but weird. I can't remember the phrase Paulsen used for lip balm . . . it wasn't Chapstick, but close. An odd term I'd never heard before.
The north woods setting, the uncle and aunt who take him in when his alcoholic parents become abusive, the elusive and mysterious Foxman all add up to a wonderful coming-of-age story for Carl.
The ending was so sad, but fitting. Heller's vocal work is fine for the story.
(Above posted 11.02.2017. Below added 04.14.2020.)
We actually own this audiobook, so while the libraries were closed due to Covid-19, I grabbed it to re-listen in the car.
Carl is actually the cousin that the protagonist goes to live with. I can't remember the protagonist's name and now I'm wondering if Paulsen ever gave him one! He is the one who is drawn to the Foxman and who grows so much over the course of the story. (Though his cousin Carl gets his teenage girlfriend pregnant and will most definitely have some growing up going on!)
When he gets snow blindness and panics, I love the observation he makes about how easy it is to be level-headed when you're in the comfort of your own home and how hard it can be to think clearly when you're panicking.
Also, he let the books burn with the cabin?!?!? Why???
In the author's notes at the end of the story, I was again struck by Paulsen's reference to praying to luck or "whatever" is out there. After I read one of his other books where he basically said he had done too many bad things to be forgiven by God, I wrote him a letter explaining that ALL have sinned and fall short of God's glory. God loves all His creation, Mr. Paulsen. Just ask Him. (I never sent the letter . . . )
There was a lot of autobiographical info in the book. The author interview was very interesting.
audiobook 3 discs
performed by Johnny Heller
genre: YA realistic fiction
Overall, this was a wonderful story of a teenage boy growing up. Some of the language choices were odd - not exactly outdated, but weird. I can't remember the phrase Paulsen used for lip balm . . . it wasn't Chapstick, but close. An odd term I'd never heard before.
The north woods setting, the uncle and aunt who take him in when his alcoholic parents become abusive, the elusive and mysterious Foxman all add up to a wonderful coming-of-age story for Carl.
The ending was so sad, but fitting. Heller's vocal work is fine for the story.
(Above posted 11.02.2017. Below added 04.14.2020.)
We actually own this audiobook, so while the libraries were closed due to Covid-19, I grabbed it to re-listen in the car.
Carl is actually the cousin that the protagonist goes to live with. I can't remember the protagonist's name and now I'm wondering if Paulsen ever gave him one! He is the one who is drawn to the Foxman and who grows so much over the course of the story. (Though his cousin Carl gets his teenage girlfriend pregnant and will most definitely have some growing up going on!)
When he gets snow blindness and panics, I love the observation he makes about how easy it is to be level-headed when you're in the comfort of your own home and how hard it can be to think clearly when you're panicking.
Also, he let the books burn with the cabin?!?!? Why???
In the author's notes at the end of the story, I was again struck by Paulsen's reference to praying to luck or "whatever" is out there. After I read one of his other books where he basically said he had done too many bad things to be forgiven by God, I wrote him a letter explaining that ALL have sinned and fall short of God's glory. God loves all His creation, Mr. Paulsen. Just ask Him. (I never sent the letter . . . )
There was a lot of autobiographical info in the book. The author interview was very interesting.
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