The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery

by Amanda Cox

Scott County Library paperback 313 pages

Published: 2021

Genre: Christian historical fiction

Back cover blurb: "Present Day. After tragedy plunges her into grief and unresolved anger, Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home determined to finally follow her long-denied dream of running Old Depot Grocery alongside her mother and grandmother. But when she arrives, her mother, Rosemary, announces to her that the store is closing. Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, make a pact to save the store, but Rosemary has worked her entire life to make sure her daughter never follows in her footsteps. She has her reasons--but she'll certainly never reveal the real one.

1965. Glory Ann confesses to her family that she's pregnant with her deceased fiancé's baby. Pressured into a marriage of convenience with a shopkeeper to preserve the family reputation, Glory Ann vows never to love again. But some promises are not as easily kept as she imagined.

This dual-timeline story from Amanda Cox deftly explores the complexity of a mother-daughter dynamic, the way the secrets we keep shape our lives and the lives of others, and the healing power of telling the truth."

 

I liked this book, but didn't love it. It kept me engaged as a reader to find out how the characters resolve their stories. Glory Ann, Sarah, and Clay were my favorite characters. We'll discuss this at book club tomorrow night (5/22/2023).

 

Page 51: "Most wouldn't consider him classically handsome, but she had witnessed firsthand the selfless way he loved, and he'd become so incredibly beautiful to her."

 

This is referring to Clarence and Glory Ann. Some people don't like referring to males as "beautiful," but I think it fits so well. Clarence was a beautiful human being - gentle, honest, loving, loyal. He was such a good man! (So what that he wasn't really good looking.)

 

Page 51: "'Then what do we have to fear? Tell me what troubles you. It's the things we don't say that have the power to rule our lives without our permission.'"

 

Clarence, again, being wise and compassionate as he talks to Glory Ann.  Expressing our fears and concerns can be a powerful first step toward resolving them.

Page 109: "Glory Ann offered up a quick prayer for Mable as she straightened the newspaper stack. She didn't mind the idea of growing older one bit. It was a privilege to see this much life. But the thought of losing her memories? That was a beast she couldn't fathom facing."

I value being able to remember and think. My mom's dementia really took a toll on her, especially as she knew she was losing the ability to think clearly and remember. I agree with Glory Ann here!

Page 121: 'Maybe you and Aaron both made mistakes you can't undo, but you still have breath in your lungs and life to live. You have the chance for that fresh start you're craving. And you don't have to feel guilty about that. I've learned the hard way that punishing yourself doesn't help anyone.'"

Here Clay is giving life advice to Sarah. It was the idea of "punishing yourself" that caught my attention. I think we can be incredibly hard on ourselves sometimes. Grace is grace, and we all need it.

Page 125: "'The Good Book has a lot to say about giving. And about avoiding the bread of a selfish man. Old Depot Grocery isn't the selfish man of Proverbs. We don't give and lord it over people, forcing them to vomit it out for all to see what we gave them. We don't give store credit with the perspective of a lender. We give. And if it so happens they repay, we count it a blessing. I give carefully, Rosemary, as I can afford to do so. It might mean less lining my pockets, but my heart is fuller for it.'"

Clarence (in the past) taught Glory Ann so much by his words and actions about what it meant to follow Jesus!

Page 156: "Her grandparents were old and bent. Their expressions perpetually a bit resigned. Not at all how she'd pictured them based on Mom's sparse descriptions. Of how rigid and unyielding they were. Maybe that was true at one point, but now it appeared the years had not been kind. Or perhaps it was they who had not been kind to the years."

I disliked Glory Ann's mom and dad from the get-go. And the more I learned about them, the more I disliked them. They had some valid concerns, but did NOT deal with hard issues in a loving, Christ-like manner. They were awful! (The passage is from adult Rosemary going to visit them.)

Page 162:     Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

                    Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

                    Where there is injury, pardon;

                    Where there is doubt, faith;

                    Where there is despair, hope; 

                    Where there is darkness, light;

                    Where there is sadness, joy.

                    O Divine Master,

                    Grant that I may not so much seek

                    To be consoled as to console;

                    To be understood as to understand;

                    To be loved as to love.

                    For it is in giving that we receive;

                    It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; 

                    And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

I have heard this prayer before, but it truly is a beautiful one. Reading it made me want to linger over the words, pray it, and savor it. Glory Ann is praying this as she ponders the future after Clarence has been murdered by a robber at the store.

Page 179: Rosemary finds a letter addressed to her mother and opens it! It's from a man named Jimmy and she is horrified by what she assumes the letter means. So she hides it from her mother. Ugh! I hate this! Secrets and misunderstandings are the basis of this book, but the cost of heartbreak is too high!

Page 189: "Call me anytime you are tempted to freak out about bringing a new life into this crazy ol' world. I've got your back."

 

Libby is such a delightful character. She is just the kind of person Sarah needed to reconnect with as her life changes dramatically. I like that Rosemary had Connie (?) the travel agent friend and Glory Ann had her friends (the poker and prayer group).

 

Page  210: "'Because you are drawn to the way the stories of the past help you make sense of the present.'"

 

Clay is observant and sees Sarah's love of memoirs, reality shows, etc. She is a very story-driven person.

 

Page 261: "I had been a good person who just wanted to make the world a better place, but I'd become so tainted by darkness I couldn't feel the warmth of the sun anymore. And while I was praying, it was like this calm came over me. Even though it was dead silent during that dark night, it was like I heard the words, 'It's not too late.'"

Jimmy sharing his life and what Vietnam did to him . . . powerful.

Page 295: "Thought I'd get a spanking for sure when I told them I did it on purpose, but they prayed with me instead and told me about the importance of confessing and repenting for the wrong I'd done."

(Adult Jessamine telling adult Rosemary that she had found BOTH their parents gluing together the little ceramic dog that had been given to Rosemary as a child.)

How could Clarence and Glory Ann have been so thoughtful and thorough with teaching Jessie life's important lessons (helping her to become a happy, healthy adult) and have missed the mark so much with Rosemary? I honestly didn't like Rosemary very much as a character. She spends her entire adult life playing the role of miserable martyr, which doesn't help anyone!

 

Page 296: "Live, Rosemary. Do the things you want to do. That can mean staying here in Brighton and never leaving. Or it can mean seeing the whole world. Living is about seeing past the challenges and not letting fear or false guilt be the decider for your life. Listen to the passions in your heart that your Creator put there. Maybe it's to stay. Maybe it's to go. Just listen for once instead of coming up with a list of reasons why you can't."

 

You tell her, Jessie!

 

Page 312: The wedding. The misleading info. Duh. Why?

 

Faves: Most of the men, but especially Clay. Jimmy. Sarah's resolve to do things differently. Glory Ann's attitude.

 

Least Fave: Rosemary. Glory Ann's parents. The lame ending.

 

Where Is God When It Hurts

by Philip Yancey

Hennepin County Library hardcover 183 pages

Published: 1977

Genre: Christian theology

 

Ugh! This was due a week ago and I've had too many books to read. I have vacillated between hurrying to finish it, buy a copy, or . . . return it and request it again. I've decided on the last one. I'm trying to NOT buy things that I don't NEED. But this book is worth a read!

 

When I was a teen struggling with the idea of faith, I had questions about how a good God allowed so much suffering and evil. Someone recommended a book that I bought and read . . . and had even more questions after! (If you're curious, it was Rabbi Kushner's When Bad Things Happen to Good People.)

 

This book is what I needed four decades ago!

 

I've marked a few spots, but need to finish this entry later after I've finished the book.

Page 44: "The more you coddle children, he says, the more you set them up for an insulated, sensation-starved life." 

Yancey is referring to Dr. Brand, the man who spent his life working with lepers (rather, people with Hansen's Disease). Some parents seek to shield their children from any and every unpleasantness in life. But life is full of pain - physical, emotional, social - and it's helpful to learn how to deal with it while young.

Page 52: "And these are the people who raise the question 'Where is God when it hurts?' most shrilly. If our faith cannot answer them, then we have nothing to say to a broken world."

I like the way Yancey confronts his fellow Christians head on. As believers, we *should* be able to talk with people about God's role in their lives. That said, it was hard to read some of the "Christian" responses to people's suffering. Some of the insensitive platitudes do little to show the love and compassion of Christ. Ouch!

Page 57: "Pain, God's megaphone, can drive me away from Him. I can hate God for allowing such misery. Or, on the other hand, it can drive me to Him. I can believe Him when He says this world is not all there is, and take the chance that He is making a perfect place for those who follow Him on pain-wracked earth."

I forget sometimes that this (earth) is NOT my home! It's very liberating to remember that there's an eternity (pain-free, anger-free) waiting for me after this life.

Page 73: "We make faith not an attitude of trust in something unseen but a route to get something seen - something magical and stupendous, like a miracle or supernatural gift. Faith includes the supernatural, but it also includes daily, dependent trust in spite of results. True faith implies a belief without solid proof - the evidence of things not seen, the substance of things hoped for. God is not mere magic."

Yancey is referring to healing. While it is exciting to celebrate God's healing power, it can certainly leave those who believe and are NOT physically healed feeling discouraged.

I didn't finish chapter 6 because my to-do list exceed my allowed time. I am on page 75 (almost to part 2). 10.6.22

<Above started on 10.6.22. Below added on 5.16.23.>

It's overdue again, but at least I've finished it! Actually, I re-read from the beginning and I have a LOT more post-its in there. (Yes, I should probably just buy my own copy, but I didn't.) I may not add commentary, but these passages really spoke to me.

Page 14: "Why was Claudia moaning in a hospital bed while I stood beside her, healthy? What new words of Christian advice could I add? Something inside me recoiled as I heard the cliched comments to sufferers floating through the hospital corridors. Is Christianity supposed to confuse the sufferer or, rather, help him?"

This situation led to Yancey researching and writing this book. His conversational style makes me feel as though we're chatting about these issues.

Page 16: "'You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you.'"

This quote from C.S. Lewis reflects the pain he went through seeing his beloved wife suffer from bone cancer.

Page 38: "Examples of 'painless hell' are numerous and tragic. They should make all of us discard the common notion that pain is an unpleasantness to be avoided at all costs. Generally, pain does not dampen life. More than anything, it frees us to enjoy normalcy on this planet. Without it, we would lead unbalanced, paranoid lives, encountering unknown dangers, never confident that we weren't destroying ourselves."

Page 44 - I marked the line about coddling children again. Being protective and being overprotective result in very different kinds of people. Getting the balance right is important and not always easy! But parents should NOT try to shield children from every unpleasantness. Life needs to be dealt with!

Page 52: "Later in this book you will meet people with broken spinal cords and Jewish survivors of the Holocaust. These are the people we must face head-on. No amount of mushy rationalizing can resolve their piercing question 'Where is God when it hurts?' most shrilly. If our faith cannot answer them, then we have nothing to say to a broken world."

Wow. He doesn't pull punches. And I love the title of this book . . . 

Page 57: "I had often called myself an optimist, to avoid the too evident blasphemy of pessimism. But all the optimism of the age had been false and disheartening for this reason, that it had always been trying to prove that we fit in to the world. The Christian optimism is based on the fact that we do not fit in to the world."

This quotation from G.K. Chesterton is a great reminder that believers are NOT at home on Earth. Our home is waiting for us in Heaven. Eternity is a long time!

Page 63: "If you believe in a world of chance, what difference does it make whether Yuba City's bus or Salina's bus crashes? But if you believe in a world ruled by a powerful God who loves you tenderly - then it makes an awful difference. . . . Posing the questions may sound sacrilegious. But they've haunted me and other Christians I know. And they've been tossed at me like spears by scoffing friends."

His reference to the Yuba City bus is based on a 1976 accident that killed 29 choir students. Grief, sorrow, loss, pain . . . people wonder if it's God's punishment, or conversely why he allowed it to happen. This is the crux of this book - why?

 

Page 65: "The New Testament, however, seems to pull away from the Old Testament pattern of reward / punishment, possibly because of a shift in God's manner of acting in the world."

 

Yancey is referring to the difference that Jesus Christ makes. 

 

Page 67: "Maybe God isn't trying to tell us anything specific each time we hurt. Pain and suffering are part and parcel of our planet, and Christians are not exempt. Half the time we know why we get sick: too little exercise, a poor diet, contact with a germ. Do we really expect God to go around protecting us whenever we encounter something dangerous?"

 

Page 69: "God wants us to freely choose to love Him, even when that choice involves pain - because we are committed to Him, not to our own good feelings and rewards. He wants us to cleave to Him, as Job did, even when we have every reason to hotly deny Him."

 

Page 73: "A sick person is not unspiritual. The Bible does not pretend that a Christian should expect life to be easier, more antiseptic, or safer than for a non-Christian."

 

Page 86: "'Pain turned you to God' - in my view, this is probably the most accurate, succinct summary of the role of suffering.It blends with the Bible's tone of emphasizing the Christian's response, not the cause of the suffering."

Yancey quotes from 2 Corinthians 7:8-11. (Read it. Good stuff!)

Page 90: "God does not need our good responses for Himself, to satisfy some parental hunger. He focuses attention on our response, I believe, for our sakes, not His. Would it help our condition to know exactly why God is permitting our suffering? Such knowledge may engender even more bitterness. But it does help our condition when God asks us to turn to Him. It can break down our self-sufficiency and create in us a profound new sense of faith in God. And, it can produce changes of lasting value inside us."

Yes! We need God, even when we think we're self-sufficient! The more we think we're in control, the harder life gets.

Page 97: "'God did not rescue me and make my suffering easier. He simply proved to me that He was still alive, and He still knew I was here. We Christians drew together . . . . I can only speak for myself. Others turned from God because of Dachau. Who am I to judge them? I simply know that God met me. For me, He was enough, even at Dachau.'"

I have no idea how my faith might sustain me if I were ever in such a horrible situation. I want to build up my faith and memorize God's Word so that I am ready if ever tested! This quotation is from Christian Reger, a pastor who was rounded up by the Nazis. His physical and spiritual health were at stake.

Page 104: "Yet he also know that his faith in God couldn't be a bargain: 'You heal me, God, and I'll believe.' He had to believe because God was worthy of his faith. He took that risk and committed his life to Jesus Christ."

This chapter is about Brian Sternberg, an athlete who broke his spinal cord in a 1963 training accident. He and his parents were confident that God could heal him completely (and that's what they prayed and hoped for). I had to Google him to find out what happened . . .  I like this example of knowing that we don't "bargain" with God. Our prayers are part of our relationship with Him.

Page 137: "Medical scientists are discovering that our attitude about a particular pain is one of the chief factors in intensifying its effects."

Yes! Attitude matters a lot! This chapter dealt with things that can make pain seem much worse, including fear and helplessness.

Page 142: "Strong feelings of fear or helplessness not only worsen a sick patient's condition, they actually may make healthy people more susceptible to illness."

Page 143: "A warning, then, to any person facing prolonged illness, is to look for ways to avoid feelings of helplessness."

Page 146: "A majority of people turned to God with a dramatic prayer. Church attendance swelled to record numbers, but within a year it had dropped back to normal."

Here he's referring to a 1964 earthquake in Alaska. It's a really interesting chapter. But this one line reminded me of people turning to churches after 9/11 . . . then fading away. We go to God in crisis, but don't want to commit to a long-term relationship with him. Complacency and selfishness . . . .

Page 149: "Sufferings can become a trap for self-pity, wounded pride, martyr feelings, and a negative self-image. Other people can represent the only way to help a person climb out of his helpless despair."

He goes on to talk about how happy success stories can be overemphasized. (Think Chicken Soup for the Soul resolutions . . . ) This made me think of the phrase "toxic positivity." I don't want to be guilty of lacking compassion for others' suffering. (But I definitely thought about people I know when I read the excerpt above. Some people definitely seem to thrive on sharing their sufferings and misery.)

Page 155: "'I think God has planned the strength and beauty of youth to be physical. But the strength and beauty of age is spiritual. We gradually lose the strength and beauty that is temporary so we'll be sure to concentrate on the strength and beauty which is forever. And so we'll be eager to leave the temporary, deteriorating part of us and be truly homesick for our eternal home. If we stayed young and strong and beautiful, we might never want to leave!'"

I love this! Yes, we age and weaken and have more physical problems. God designed us to go home to Him with new bodies!

Page 160: "The scene, with the sharp spikes and bleeding death and wrenching thud as the cross was dropped in the ground, has been told so often, that we, who shrink from a news story on the death of a race horse or of baby seals, flinch not at all at its retelling. It was a bloody death, an execution quite unlike the quick, sterile ones we know today - gas chambers, electric chairs, hangings. This one stretched on for hours in front of a jeering crowd."

Reading this made me think of the teen who watched The Passion of the Christ when it came out and said it was no big deal. We have become desensitized to violence in our culture.

 

Page 170: ". . . Do we listen to them, hear them, respond? Or do we, through numbness, allow them to self-destruct, sacrificing a limb of the body of Christ? The screams of pain are not always so far away: there are some in every church and office. The unemployed, divorced, widowed, bedridden, aged . . . are we listening to them? The Christian church, by all accounts, has done a mediocre job of acting as Christ's body through the ages. Sometimes it has seemed to devour itself (the Inquisition, religious wars). Yet Christ, committed to human freedom, still relies upon us to flesh out His will in the world, empowered by the Holy Spirit."

 

Again, I love that Yancey is straightforward. The body of Christ needs to wake up! We have a job to do.

Page 171: "Bear one another's burdens, the Bible says. It is a lesson about pain that we all can agree to. Some of us will not see pain as a gift; some will always accuse God of being unfair for allowing it. But, the fact is, pain and suffering are here among us, and we need to respond. The response Jesus showed was to bear the burdens of those He touched."

I want to live out my life in faith as a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ.

Page 173: "Christ brought us the possibility of an afterlife without pain and suffering. All our hurts, then, are temporary. Our future will be painless. Today, we are almost embarrassed to talk about belief in an afterlife . . . "

Thank you, Jesus. Help me to not be embarrassed to talk about my hope and your promises.

Page 181: "As I visited those whose pain far exceeded my own, though, I was surprised by its effects. Suffering was as likely to produce strengthened faith as to sow agnosticism. . . . In one sense, there will be no solution to pain until Jesus returns and recreates the earth. I am sustained by faith in that great hope."

I'm glad I read this. I need to return it to the library so others can read it! And perhaps I'll end up buying myself a copy anyhow . . .

The Magician's Nephew

 by C.S. Lewis

Libby audiobook 4 hours

read by: Kenneth Branagh

Published: 1955 (this version in 2005)

Genre: children's fantasy fiction

I have read this book before in print, but hadn't read it for quite a while. I like having audiobooks on my phone, especially for drive time. I didn't realize until just now (getting ready to blog it), that Kenneth Branagh was the narrator! I almost want to get it again and re-listen . . . 

I knew this was the Narnia "origin" story, but I didn't remember the details. (It's possible that more than twenty years have passed since I last read the book.) Uncle Andrew is a completely selfish jerk. Polly and Diggory are curious children. I liked the description of the "between" world. I really liked when they saw the guinea pig there!

 

The magic rings that transport them from world to world is an interesting device. (Lewis and Tolkien were contemporaries . . . )

The children going through the empty attic crawlspaces - such a kid thing to do!

The witch. Aslan. The animals. I had forgotten about Strawberry's master and his wife coming to be in Narnia. 

I very much enjoyed listening to this story.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

by Kelly Barnhill

Libby eBook 500 or so pages

Published: 2016

Genre: YA fantasy

This book surprised me. I didn't care for it at first, but the characters drew me in.

Xan, the elderly witch who rescues the babies abandoned by The Protectorate each year.

Glerk, the ancient bog monster poet

Fyrian, the tiny dragon who thinks he's Simply Enormous

Antain, the kind-hearted young man who wants to be a carpenter

The madwoman . . . 

And of course, Luna, the title character (though she's the one it took me a while to like!)

Chapter 5 (Glerk) - "She is being adorable as some sort of hideous ruse, to spite me. What a mean baby!"

I love how he falls in love with Luna against his better judgment. He is so sweet!

Chapter 5 (narrator) - "Even when Luna was content, she still was not quiet. She hummed; she gurgled; she babbled; she screeched; she guffawed; she snorted; she yelled. She was a waterfall of sound, pouring, pouring, pouring."

That is so true of babies!

Chapter 7 (Xan) - "Memory was a slippery thing - slick moss on an unstable slope - and it was ever so easy to lose one's footing and fall."

The whole theme of memories and forgetting . . . that wasn't my favorite aspect of the book. But I love the language the author uses.

Chapter 8 (storyteller) - "But he didn't kill the Witch. The Witch killed him instead. This is why it doesn't pay to be brave."

I wasn't entirely sure who was telling the story in each storytelling part, but the stories definitely helped fill in some of the legend aspects. The idea that the moral of the story is that "it doesn't pay to be brave" made me laugh.

Chapter 9 (Xan's perspective) - "When Zosimos rescued her and bound her to his allegiance and care, she was so grateful that she was ready to follow any rule in the world. Not so with Luna. She was only five. And remarkably bullheaded."

Oh my! To love and try to teach a small child, especially one who is overflowing with magic and exuberance . . . a distinct challenge!

Chapter 13 (Sister Ignatia) - "Sister Ignacia laughed. 'Oh, sweet Antain! There is no cure for sorrow.' Her lips unfurled into a wide smile, as though this was most excellent news."

She was so clearly evil! It was interesting how the author let us know more about the characters with each successive chapter. The concept of sorrow and how it impacts people was another interesting theme in this story.

Chapter 17 (Luna) - "She loved the moon so much, she wanted to wrap her arms around it and sing to it. She wanted to gather every morsel of moonlight into a great bowl and drink it dry. She had a hungry mind, an itchy curiosity, and a knack for drawing, building, and fashioning."

I do love that Luna was eager and curious. The idea of drinking moonlight is interesting.

Chapter 39 (Luna, about Xan) - "Was love a compass? Luna's mind was pulled to her grandmother's mind. Was knowledge a magnet?"

The idea of love being a compass appeals to me. Love is a powerful force!

Chapter 41 (Xan) - "Everything you see is in the process of making or unmaking or dying or living. Everything is in a state of change."

This is so true, but not a truth that we think about often. I'm often uncomfortable with change, yet it is a constant in life.

Chapter 46 (Luna) - "'Like you, I was brought to a family who loved me and whom I love. I cannot stop loving that family, and I don't want to. I can only allow my love to increase.' She smiled. 'I love the grandmother who raised me. I love the mother I lost. My love is boundless. My heart is infinite. And my joy expands and expands. You'll see."

The ending of the story was very satisfying. I see why this book has won so many awards!

4:50 from Paddington

by Agatha Christie

Libby audiobook 1 hour

Read by full cast

Published: 1957 (this version 2010) 

Genre: Murder mystery, Miss Marple detective

This is another Miss Marple book I've read before but not blogged. I remembered many of the details, but not who the killer was! I love how Miss Marple used her friend Mrs. McGillicuddy's info to report the murder and then investigate. I also love how she got Lucy Eyelesbarrow to help. Such a great story with unexpected twists and turns. Greed is evil!

A Caribbean Mystery

by Agatha Christie

Libby audiobook 2 hours

Read by full cast

Published: 1964 (this version in 2010)

Genre: murder mystery, Miss Marple detective

 

I know I've read this before, but since I didn't have a blog entry it was either one that I read before I started blogging or one that fell through the cracks . . . 

 

Although I liked the vocal work of the full cast, some of the necessary abridgements bothered me. Miss Marple is a favorite of mine, but this version made her seem like a horrid gossip who only knitted and chatted.

 

I ended up liking Mr. Rafael much better, though. I remembered who the murderer was, but not how the whole story came together. Now I'd almost like to re-read the full text for myself . . . 

 

"reminders of mortality" . . . I think those are helpful! Marriage and partners . . . interesting observations made by different characters. I'm glad I'm in a positive marriage!

 

St. Honore' and "West Indies" - does anyone refer to the Caribbean that way any more? (I thought this was an actual place. I googled it and learned about the pastry before I found that it is a fictional island. Part of my love of reading ties into my love of learning!)

 

Sorry for all my ellipses in this entry. I'm not feeling very expressive today.

Prison to Praise

by Merlin Carothers

personal collection paperback 106 pages

Published: 1970

Genre: Christian faith, witness, memoir

This is one of those books that has been sitting around my house for too long. I'm so glad I read it! My plan is to donate it to The Recovery Church, but I am very glad I read this book.

Carothers has a wonderful personal story filled with action. After being determined to get his own way, God got hold of him! I started putting post-it notes on pages, but instead just started underlining. (I hope that doesn't irritate the next person who reads it too much.)

I love that Carothers shared his struggles and doubts as well as how God worked powerfully in his life. He is very relatable. (I looked online and see that he published lots of books and ministered until his death in 2013.

The power of praise. Praising in ALL circumstances. There is so much Scripture to support his ministry of praising God continually. 

I love this book. I hope other readers of it are blessed!

Also, I think it's weird that there's no Wikipedia page for him. Perhaps I should author one . . . but I've not yet done any of that.

Count the Nights by Stars

by Michelle Shocklee

Scott County Library paperback 381 pages plus author's note and acknowledgements

Published: 2022

Genre: Christian historical fiction

 

This story is told from Priscilla's perspective in the late 1890s and from Audrey's perspective in 1961. Both women have a lot to say about life! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading Shocklee's Under the Tulip Tree . . . whether or not we read it for book club! (I just checked. It was published in 2020 and is available.)

I'm sorry I'll miss our discussion of this book, but I'll note here the places I put post-it notes.

Page 64 (Audrey): "Perhaps I was just as bad as that school principal and my classmate. Being angry about injustice was a good thing, but words without action to back them up are worthless."

She recognizes that there were times she resented her brother Emmett or just didn't want to be associated with him because of his mental retardation (what it was called in the 1960s). I sometimes think, "So what am I going to do about it?" when I'm faced with a frustrating injustice. The proverbial "thoughts and prayers" seem to be too trite of a response.

Page 80 (Audrey): "Since Mama's passing, Mrs. Ruth had done her best to fill the emptiness I hadn't even known was there until recently. Women need women to talk to, she'd say and encourage me to share my mind and feelings."

I wish we'd gotten to know Mrs. Ruth a little better. She was so sweet to help with Emmett and give Audrey this advice, but she never came out of the background. I've known some women who don't seem to want to form relationships with other women. I appreciate the women in my life who have offered advice, compassion, contrasting thoughts, etc. I'm blessed with amazing friends!

Page 91 (Audrey): "I don't think I'll ever understand why some people hate others for no reason other than they're different from themselves," I said, thinking of Emmett and how he was often mistreated by strangers.

"That seems to be a question for every generation that has ever existed."

Audrey and Jason were sweet together. I like how they were able to talk about the important things in life. Sometimes mindless hatred absolutely baffles me.

Page 153 (Audrey): "But that was a secret I hadn't told anyone. The very thought of pursuing it terrified me, yet the idea continued to float through my mind every so often."

She is contemplating a future working with children who have mental disabilities. I liked this line because  the "idea continued to float through my mind." I find that when I have a recurring idea like this, God is prompting me to do something!

Page 167 (Audrey): "A slow smile spread across his face. 'As you wish.'"

I immediately pictured The Princess Bride and Westley!

Page 175 (Audrey): "'I'm sorry I wasn't kinder to you,' I whispered, tears once again springing to my eyes and flowing down my cheeks. Guilt made my chin tremble. 'I'm sorry I didn't take the time to get to know you the way Emmett did.'

I sniffled and closed my eyes. I hadn't prayed much since Mama died, but now seemed a good time to start.

'God,' I whispered as tears dripped off my chin. 'Please don't take Miss Nichols. Not yet.'

The brief prayer was wholly inadequate and completely ineloquent, but it covered everything I wanted to say."

I love that Audrey realized that Miss Nichols had a whole life and history that made her a unique and special person! And I love that she started turning back to prayer.

Page 193 (Audrey): "'The truth is, Audrey, death and sorrow are part of this world. I don't know why Miss Nichols couldn't have been spared her suffering or why my husband was killed in the war or why your mother died when she was still needed by her family.' She walked over and handed the Bible to me. 'But what I am certain of is if we believe what this book says about God and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord, then death isn't the end. It's only the beginning of something so wonderful we can't fully understand it.'"

Betty Ann was a pretty cool character. I liked her a lot! 

Page 225 (Audrey): "'I think I understand. Young people like us forget older people were young once, too.' He smiled at me. 'This whole experience has made me want to spend more time with my grandparents. I think I'd like to record their life stories. Who knows what family secrets I might uncover.'"

As Jason and Audrey go through Miss Nichols' scrapbook, they try to figure out some of the questions that arise. It's a cool journey!

Page 229 (Audrey): "His eyes sough mine. 'I miss your mother every day,' he said softly. 'She's never far from my thoughts.'"

Audrey's dad was so sweet! He and Audrey had some really neat conversations. I don't think most 1961 dads were this sensitive and communicative, but I loved it in this story!

Page 284 (Priscilla Nichols): "'Count your nights by stars, not shadows. Count your life with smiles, not tears.'"

When Luca said this to Priscilla, I knew the meaning right away (and love the connection for the title). He was such a gem of a guy! He truly wanted the best for her. Such a sweet romance.

Page 304 (Priscilla): "Wasn't that what we all longed for? To be seen? Truly seen?"

I love her boldness and her courage! I was surprised and pleased at her dad's response to her life choices (That comes a bit later, and on page 345, her mom finally makes nice.). (Priscilla decided to help Reverend Meyers and his wife to rescue girls out of prostitution work.)

Page 330 (Priscilla): "'The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.'"

Mrs. Meyers was another cool character!

Page 361 (Luca to Priscilla): "'Who are we to tell God what he should or shouldn't do? I, too, wish things had turned out differently, but we cannot live in regrets. Choices were made that cannot be unmade.'"

Luca was the most fantastic male hero! Too bad how it ended . . . but I'm glad we finally found out! 

Page 371 (Luca to Priscilla): "'There are so many of them.' He grew somber. 'All so young. They need you. They need someone who cares if they live or die.'"

Sex trafficking is not new. And the young are preyed upon. This is a hard topic, but one that affects too many people!

 

 

Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship

by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes

illustrated by Scott Magoon

Hennepin County Library hardcover unpaged

Published: 2018

Genre: Children's realistic fiction

The authors were injured in the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. This story is based somewhat on their experiences as amputees and connecting with a service dog.

I love that Rescue's POV is included. I love the bond between main character Jessica and Rescue. What a lovely book about overcoming adversity and being supportive!

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Libby audiobook 10 hours

Read by Alexander Spencer

Published: 1985 (this version)

Genre: Detective Mystery

This collection of short stories opened with Silver Blaze! Since I had just listened to that one in a different collection, I skipped ahead to the next story.

The Yellow Face - little girl with a mask. Kind of sad, really. Definitely more a product of the age it was written (1893).

The Stockbroker's Clerk - interesting. Didn't really seem like a typical Holmes story.

The Gloria Scott - dude ruins former shipmates' lives . . . 

The Musgrave Ritual - The trigonometry was great, but would the trees cast the same shadows after a few hundred years? I don't think so. The gruesome end was creepy.Butler, Charles I crown, familiar

The Reigate Puzzle - father / son - murder of coachman

The Crooked Man - long, boring, drawn out, mongoose named Teddy

The Resident Patient - nerves, hanging, weird

The Greek Interpreter - so sad! Some people will do any unscrupulous thing for money. Mycroft / Diogenes Club

The Naval Treaty - stolen document, brother of fiancee, Sherlock doing battle

The Final Problem - Professor Moriarty and Sherlock's end . . . reminded me of the play I saw with Ann that reinterpreted this story. 

I published this blog a week ago before I'd finished writing about these last three stories! Oops. Four people read this entry before I could complete it. I'm getting too careless.

Sherlock Holmes: Three Tales of Betrayal

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Libby audiobook 3 hours

read by Edward Hardwicke

Published: 2017 (this version)

Genre: Detective Mystery

This audio contained "A Scandal in Bohemia," which I've read before. I love how Holmes actually comes to admire Irene Adler. The photograph. The elaborate attempt to figure out where she hid it. Disguises.

"Silver Blaze" was a new one to me. I kind of liked who the killer of the trainer turned out to be . . . but I was super startled when one line of the story leaped out at me: "the curious incident of the dog in the nighttime." That made me want to re-read Haddon's book by that name. I don't recall if he credits Doyle with his title. The lame sheep . . . did not tip me off to what was happening. I'm no Holmes!

"The Adventure of the Copper Beeches" was somewhat familiar to me, but I didn't remember most of the story line. In the introductory part with the young housekeeper being interviewed, my blood almost curdled when the dad spoke admiringly of his son smacking cockroaches with a slipper. There was definitely something off. And asking her to wear a certain dress, cut off her hair, and sit in a  certain spot. Just creepy. Even before we get to the starved attack dog.

The vocal work was great.

206 Bones

by Kathy Reichs

Libby audiobook 10 hours

read by Linda Emond

Published: 2009

Genre: murder mystery

I used to love watching the TV show Bones, so when I saw this book I thought I'd give it a try. Some of it was too focused on the forensic science aspect, but I definitely liked this narrator's voice much more than actress Emily Deschanel. Temperance Brennan is an interesting character. I was surprised that she was more of a pushover than I expected. It was easy to see that there was trouble brewing in the lab!

My favorite part was when a character named Otto was asked about his mother's death. His given name was Othello (and his sister was Desdemona). He said he "added a T and got the hell out!" I genuinely thought that was a funny line . . . but then the other characters snidely commented about how funny he thought he was.

The murdered elderly women, the missing bones, the young pathologist determined to make her way in the lab (unethically, to raise her own profile), the moody lab assistant Joe, the neighbor "Sparky" who hated Brennan's cat, the underground graves, detective Ryan,  . . . there was a lot going on here!

So funny! I didn't realize I had read and blogged a different "Temperance Brennan" book until I published this one. Apparently I blogged Break No Bones on 7.30.2019 and vowed to not read any more of her books! Perhaps watching the TV show ruined the books for me.

I also forgot to add that it was frustrating that in a couple of places, the audio track SKIPPED. It's an mp3 and it sounded like I was listening to a scratched CD! To whom would I even comment? Libby? My local library? Ugh.

Letters for Emily

by Camron Wright

Scott County Library hardcover 214 pages

Published: 2001

Genre: Realistic fiction

 

Oh! I loved this on so many levels, though it isn't quite as good as his book The Rent Collector. Right away, the elderly Harry Whitney and his struggle with Alzheimer's reminded me of dealing with my own mom's end of life. I did NOT like the marriage struggles for Laura and Bob.

 

Page 1 - "My garden has taught me that every living thing must die. I have watched it happen now for scores of years - I only wish I could have a few more summers in my garden with Emily."

 

 Although I am most certainly not a gardener, this line highlights one of the best things about being connected to the natural world. Death is indeed a part of life. This was Harry's recollection in a time of having clear thoughts. I love that he and his granddaughter Emily had a strong connection, but I don't think playing favorites is very nice. (He didn't really have a relationship with his other grandchildren.)

Page 43 - "Actually, they've been known to sneak in a hand of that (poker) as well. But don't play against Mrs. Wellington, trust me on that one. She used to be a dealer in Vegas - she'll have you sitting in your underwear in no time."

The whole scene where they're visiting nursing homes was so sad to me. I understand why it happens, but I'm also super glad that my parents were able to live at home until their deaths. This lighthearted observation about some of the elderly card players brought a smile to my face.

 

Page 145 - "I don't mean to compare you to an old mule, Emily, but in life, there will be people who throw dirt on you. If you shake it off and don't let it build up, like that old mule, you'll be able to rise above those dark situations that will occur in your life."

 

In a series of poems and letters, Harry shares his life wisdom and "treasures" of loving family. As Laura observes later, though the letters are directed to Emily, Harry actually is "speaking" to Bob and his sister Michelle as well. Some of these poems and letters were spot on (and interesting!) while others were less meaningful (to me, at least). I like puzzles but some of the code-breaking on the poems was way out of my league. Michelle (Bob's sister) and her husband Greg were not very well-developed characters. Greg just wanted more money and to find "the treasure." I loved the story about the mule who fell into a deep well! I also loved learning more about Kathryn (Harry's wife) who had died much earlier.

Page 187 - "Emily always try your best - be honest, make your best effort. If you do, you will be richly rewarded in the end. I am thinking of you."

In this letter, Harry tells a story of a king with three sons. He sends the sons off with a quest. The ending surprised me. I hadn't heard this story before and I really liked it.

I have lots of other books to read, but I look forward to reading Wright's other published work in the future. He may be one of my favorite authors now! (And I love that his author photo is of him at a young age with his grandfather.)

The Blackout Book Club

by Amy Lynn Green

Scott County Library paperback 366 pages

Published: 2022

Genre: Christian historical fiction (WWII)

 

I read this over a week ago (and our book club discussion was also over a week ago), but I have to blog it before I return it to the library!) It took me a little to get into the book (mostly because it starts out with four different characters. Dude. Do I need to take notes? Why is this the way so many books start out nowadays?) Once I got past that, I read it in one sitting! Ginny was most definitely my favorite character. She was very spunky.

 

My quick notes: 

• Avis (& Russell) - reluctant librarian, brother Anthony, Derby Maine
• Ginny Atkins - beau Mack Conway, fishing, Long Island Maine
• Martina Bianchini - Italian, Gio & Rosa, mom, Boston moving to Maine
• Louise Cavendish - 50+, lives with GSD Jeeves and deaf-ish cook Delphie

 

I also really liked Delphie. She was sassy!

 

Page 19 - "She closed her eyes, longing to kneel by the books a little longer and let the latest trouble run its course. But only for a moment, because deeper than the weariness was the knowledge that she was a mother, so all trouble in the family was her trouble." 

This was Martina. Both the idea of books being an escape AND the idea that mom had to deal with all life's tough realities - this resonated for me.

Page 112 - "That was my favorite part of the book, actually. Put in straightforward terms - humans need stories because they appeal to our unconscious needs for love, justice, discovery, etc. - I could finally see what Anthony must have meant all along."

This was from Avis' notes from a book club meeting. I am very fond of stories. I love how Jesus used stories to connect with his audiences.(Anthony was her brother. He wrote letters to her throughout the war.)

Page 211 - "Good for me he didn't have a tuba handy, or I would've shown I don't remember much from high school except how to aim a spit valve at the school bully."

Russell wrote this in a letter to Avis and it's out of context, but it made me laugh. It brought back memories of band and how people could clear their spit valve carefully or not. There weren't a lot of laugh lines in this book, so I appreciated the comic relief. Also, I love that Russell got to be part of the beach patrol. 

Page 272 - This remembered conversation between Louise and her father dropped a bombshell, but I don't want to have spoilers in this entry. From the beginning, these flashbacks to WWI and her relationship with her dad were leading to something that made her such a bitter, lonely woman. The whole Oliver thing was part of it, but this is where the "more" was clear.

Page 280 - "When you think about it, we're all passing through, in and out of this world quick as a passenger boarding a train, on the way to something that lasts. Until then, you might as well make friends with your fellow travelers. Because, like it or not, you need us, Ginny. And we need you."

Freddy is talking to Ginny after she's become withdrawn. He's such a delightful character!

Page 356 - "For I have found that books make fine friends - but fellow readers even better."

This was in a letter for Louise from her dad. It had been inside a book for two decades. To me, it was too little too late. He wasn't much of a father, in my opinion. I do agree with the sentiment in the letter, though.

I liked how the "minutes" from the bookclub meetings were included. They added to the story AND provided some amusement. Not sure why I tagged them all . . . starting on pages 72, 84, 99, 111, 148, 161, 185, 215, 242, 263, 311, and 360.

I hope this author has written other books!

Proclaiming God's Grace and Glory: Mission Stories for Today

by H. Claude Young, Jr.

personal paperback 111 pages

published: 1979

genre: non-fiction Christian short stories

 

This is one of my read it and get rid of it books, but I only made it to page 14. The author was a superintendent in the United Methodist Church and I wish he were writing to a more general audience!

 

Some of the stories had really good pieces in them, but I stopped reading because it felt as though he were writing for other UMC "in the know" people. So many irrelevant and uninteresting names of people I've never heard of and truly don't care about. It's time to move this book along!

 

In his story Language of the Heart, he wrote: "All Christians who have worshiped in unfamiliar cultures can testify to this heart language. God speaks to worshipers in their hearts regardless of the particular tongue being used . . . " I love this idea that we can praise and worship together even if we don't speak the same language (English, French, etc.) 

In his story Mission Is Where You Find It, I love love love that after an initial hesitation about his position, people who were flagrantly sinning turned to him for prayer and compassion. I love that he chose to stay in a tourist home and show the other people living there that "being a minister does not take all the fun out of life, and that the Christian faith might offer them ways to 'the good life' that they were never going to find otherwise."

Yes! Too many people view Christians negatively - uptight, judgmental, etc. (Not without good reasons, sometimes.) It's a challenge to live out our faith joyfully and unapologetically. 

Although there were pieces of stories that I liked, I find I just cannot finish reading this little book of short stories. On to another book living on my shelf!

To Me, He Was Just Dad: Stories of Growing Up with Famous Fathers

by Joshua David Stein and the editors of Fatherly

Scott County Library hardcover 202 pages

Published: 2020

Genre: short story memoirs

 

I really enjoyed most of these stories, even though I'd never heard of some of the dads (like  clown Glen "Frosty" Little). Some made me sad ("My Father the Murderer George Hodel"). I love storytelling and these stories are well told.

I wanted Louie to read the one about Evel Knievel, but he wasn't interested. Kneivel was such a big deal in my childhood! I think it's funny that he tried to steer his son away from that line of work, but Robert also became a dare devil.

I wanted to share "My Father the Dungeon Master Gary Gygax" by Lucion Gygax with Alex, but I don't see him very often. And he'd probably react like his dad - no, thanks.

I don't know much about the Black Dahlia murder, but reading Steve Hodel's story about his dad was shocking. As a police investigator, to learn that all evidence pointed to his father's guilt . . . "Two decades have passed since I established my father's guilt. I wrote a book about it and have, since then, discovered twenty-four other likely victims of my father's reign of terror. During those two decades, I have been through every conceivable emotion. Disbelief gave way to depression, followed by anger, hatred, and rage. Now those emotions have all melded together into sadness."

The childhood memory of going to the beach was such a vivid and personal story. His resolution after his father's death is painful and yet strong. Wow.

I loved the story about Cesar Chavez! ". . . you only lose when you stop fighting - you only lose when you quit." What great advice to a son!

Many of the dads in these stories were more focused on their work than on their families, yet their time with their children left indelible memories. Dads are important!

Magpie Murders

by Anthony Horowitz

Libby audiobook 16 hours

Read by: Samantha Bond and Allan Corduner

Published: 2016 (this version 2017)

Genre: murder mystery

I've long enjoyed Horowitz' YA books, especially the Alex Rider series. But I didn't realize until recently that he had mystery books written for adults. What fun!

This is a story-within-a-story, which got a bit confusing for me. But it is so very reminiscent of Agatha Christie mysteries and yet very self-aware! I really enjoyed this and the vocal work was excellent, but I kind of wished I were reading it in print. I would have made quite a character map!

Editor Susan Ryeland gets a manuscript and starts to read. It is the story of a village and a curious death. Detective Atticus Pünd is called in to investigate, but he is dealing with serious end-of-life news from his doctor. There are so many characters and clues! Sir Magnus Pye and his wife, Johnny Whitehead, the vicar and his wife, the doctor and her artist husband, . . . 

When Susan finds the final chapters missing and then the author dies in mysterious circumstances, she plays detective. I didn't figure out either the "novel" mystery nor the overarching mystery of who killed the author. It definitely kept my attention!

Oh, there were also loads of anagrams and other word games. That's another reason I would have enjoyed seeing the text rather than listening. 

I'm going to get another of these books now that I know they exist!

I had initially read an article in the Costco Connection recommending this book. The article was fascinating and I learned a lot about this author. 

<Above posted 3.14.23. Below added 6.7.24.>

I decided to re-listen to this book before reading book #2, which recently showed up on my "ready" list. Even having "read" it before, I didn't remember the ending of Alan Conway's "novel" - who killed Magnus? And why? I DID remember what happened to Susan at the end, but again hadn't remembered the why. 

The "novel" is set in 1955. Everyone seems a legit suspect! I love Joy (Josie) the best of all the characters. The ending of the novel - "A Secret Never to Be Told" - is the culmination of the story!

Anthony Horowitz is an extremely talented author. Since Alan Conway dies in this book, I know that the next one will focus on Susan .  . . she is the protagonist, after all. Will it be about her going to Crete with Andreas?

It fascinates me that this book refers to Atticus Pünd's many cases. The eight books "written" by Alan Conway before Magpie Murders seem so real . . . as though I could look in the library catalog and request them!

***Warning! Spoilers below! (Because I forgot some of this over the last year.)***

Spoilers:

• Tom's dog Bella killed by Robert (but if he was psycho enough for his mom to want to keep him under her thumb, how did a lovely person like Joy fall in love with him and want to spend her life with him?)
  
• Tom killed by Robert (in a fit of jealous rage - 12yo brother found pyrite before 14yo . . . how did Brent not suspect? Why did Mary protect her violent son?)
  
• Mary died by accident when her husband called (upstairs phone not working; ran to get downstairs phone and tripped over the cord)
• Robert murdered Magnus because of letter Mary had left in case of her untoward death
• Charles killed Alan because he was going to kill off Atticus Pund and tell a radio show that the character name was an anagram for "a stupid cunt" . . .
  

How to Make Your Money Last: The Indispensable Retirement Guide

by Jane Bryant Quinn

Libby audiobook 12:30 hours

AND my personal copy hardcover 348 pages

read by: Amanda Carlin

Published: 2015 (audio version 2016)

Genre: non-fiction finance advice

I got this audiobook back when I just wanted something to have on my phone while I drive. The narrator's voice is incredible and I enjoyed listening . . . but often I wanted to skip ahead (like the social security section on "if you were born prior to 1953" . . .). Sometimes the topics were just too complex for me to wrap my brain around, though she does explain things clearly.

I remembered this title and knew that I had loaned my print copy to a friend. I got that back but kept listening. Basically, I've listened to more than three-fourths of this book and have read about 100 pages of the book. I'm blogging just to be done for now.

I love love love that she offers different scenarios! In the health insurance chapter, she says, "If you haven't worked long enough to quality for Medicare, . . . " "If you 're in a Part D drug plan. . . " She does that for each of the sections to offer advice whether you have very few resources or great wealth.

I would love for Louie to read this book so we could talk about the topics! I don't think this is necessarily a cover-to-cover book to read. Here are the chapter headings:

The Joy and Challenge of Life After Work

Rightsize Your Life

How to Double Your Social Security Income (Well, Almost)

Getting the Most from Your Health Insurance  - Before and After 65

Pensions Are for Stre-e-e-etching

Should You Buy Yourself a Pension?

Powering Your Retirement Savings Plans

The Speed Limit on Retirement Spending: Still 4 Percent?

Investing for Income: Not What You Think

Home Sweet Income-Producing Home

Living on Your Life Insurance

Just Tell Me What to Do

I'm really enjoying her advice, wisdom, and experience in these matters!

Heirlooms

by Sandra Byrd

Libby audiobook 10 hours

read by: Melie Williams

Published: 2022

Genre: Christian historical fiction

 

This book was less enjoyable due to the narrator's voice. I now have a print copy, but am unsure if I am going to read it. Her voice was perfect for minor character Annika, who is autistic. It did not vary enough for Cassidy, Helen, or Eunhee. Disappointing.

 

The modern part of the story is about Cassidy inheriting the farm property when her grandmother Helen dies. Her best friend Grace needs to study to pass the bar exam. Cassidy needs to figure out how to do what she loves, save the farm, and pay the bills. Her old love interest, Nick, also plays an important role. (As do Annika and her friend DJ, who both work at the farm.)

 

The 1950s part of the story focuses on Helen, a Navy widow and a nurse. She is contacted by recently widowed Eunhee with a request for help. The two women forge a strong bond and each has the courage to step into new roles.

 

Liked the best: the cookbook with its recipes and personal notes. Annika's photography. The food Cassidy made. The happy ending. Grace finding her area of law. Grace's grandfather saying that he knew Eunhee's secret.

 

Liked the least: Captain Adams and all men of his ilk. The awkward way Cassidy approached problem-solving.  The sleazy banker.

(Below added on 2.28.23)

Since I hadn't read the print version by book club discussion last night, I'm moving on. I did read and appreciate the author's note, however. I wonder why that isn't included in the audio version. I re-read the first two chapters before last night and I am confident I would have enjoyed the book significantly more if I had experienced it in print rather than audio! Too bad, but this is headed back to the library. On to the next book!

All the Impossible Things

by Lindsay Lackey

Maud Hart Lovelace nominee 2022-23

Published: 2019

Genre: YA realistic fiction with some supernatural elements

Red (Ruby) is in foster care. It's time to change to a new house and she is simply counting down the days until her mother is out of jail and she can return to live with her.

But Jackson and Celine Groove are different. And they welcome Red with patience, gentleness, and the animals of the Groovy petting zoo. Tuck the tortoise becomes Red's special friend.

I loved the characters in this book! Celine and Jackson are fantastic and give Red room to be herself. Marvin is quirky and delightful. I love that the animals have literary names.

The supernatural aspect is that Red (and her mother) have the ability to control the wind and weather. Red's Gamma could "dance things to life." Celine can make the stars sing.

The realistic elements are stronger than the supernatural, though, and the author makes a great statement at the end about how sometimes young people's emotions are bigger than they can deal with - like a huge storm brewing. Actually, her entire Author's Note is worth reading!

Page 177: ""She thought of The Mom's three boys, how much they'd hated her. Bio kids had a way of making parents change their minds about being fosters."

This made me think about when Louie and I had talked about adoption. We weren't sure if it would be fair to our bio children to bring in other kids who might need more of our time, energy, and attention . . . Obviously a moot point now.

Chapter 46 (starting on page 268) - I'm amazed at how Marvin has a sense of storytelling in planning out one of his videos. It's pretty cool how he explains to Red what they need to do to make an effective video by using the analogy of a dog rescue video.

Page 333 (and once earlier) - each time the pills that Red's mom Wanda is addicted to get dumped in the sink and washed away, I cringe! Pills should NOT be put into the water system! This is terrible and can be detrimental to the health of an entire ecosystem! I'm so glad it's super easy to get them to a drop box in real life so they can be disposed of properly. I get what the author and characters were trying to do, but I don't like reading about medications being put into the water system.

Page 355: "I was sad. My rage was spent, but my grief wasn't. Grief isn't like anger. Anger can burn out. It can be released. But grief is something that becomes a part of you. And you either grow comfortable with it and learn how to live your life in a new way, or you get stuck in it, and it destroys you."

Celine is amazing! I love that she was able to listen to Red and encourage her.

Page 367: "Red would never forget what losing Gamma had been like. It was a sadness that would stay with her forever. Watching Celine go through surgery and chemotherapy and everything else would be hard. Red knew that. But it would be impossible - for both of them - if they didn't have each other."

Sorry for the spoiler! This is a really good book. Read it. I hope this author is going to write more. For a debut novel, this has a lot of heart and finesse.

Americanized: Rebel without a Green Card

by Sara Saedi

Libby ebook 

Published: 2018

Genre: YA memoir, humor, sociology

 

I saw a student reading this and was intrigued. I've had it for quite a while and just struggled to find time to read it. It is a very worthwhile book and would be fantastic for a discussion book!

 

Chapter 2: "When you're a kid and live under the same roof as your siblings, you're forced to tolerate them. But why would anyone choose to live near their siblings if they don't have to?"

 

 The author was able to tap into the emotions of her teenage self so well! Part of that was because she had journals to refer back to, but she captures the intensity of teenage life very effectively. This part reminded me of some teenagers I know right now who are constantly at one another's throats right now. When I insist that they will likely be good friends as adults, they don't believe me.

Chapter 2: "If there was anything that terrified us as much as getting deported, it was that the principal's office would discover our address scam and send us down the road to the rough-and-tumble streets of Cupertino."

It is so sad that they had to wait so long to get green cards! And they were in fear of getting caught and deported. 

Chapter 4: I'd walked away learning a very important lesson: it's no fun to do things you're crappy at."

Oh my. This section was so funny. The page before this quote says so much more: "But here's what my parents actually helped me discover by driving me to theater school every week: I totally sucked at acting. How did celebrities make it seem so easy? There were kids in my class who'd been taking courses at A.C.T. since they were toddlers. They could do Swahili accents and had mastered the Claire Danes chin tremble on cue. They thought improv games were fun, and dropped lines from Tennessee Williams plays in casual conversation. I was just there to get famous and win an Oscar someday. The most riveting performance I gave during the twelve-week session was portraying a stoner at a party."

Chapter 4: "In my not-so-humble opinion, I believe that immigrants are the true American patriots. We never take living in this country for granted."

The power of her observations about citizenship, belonging, and what it meant to be American were so clear. She never romanticizes it; she is brutally honest about the good and the bad in being American. She just paints a picture of what it is like (and what the sacrifices of her parents meant to her) in becoming an American.

"Frequently Asked Questions" between Chapters 4 and 5:

"I bought a book called Go Ask Alice. It's actually a teenager's diary. She's a really normal fifteen-year-old girl until she gets hooked on acid and pot."

Like Sara, I read this book when I was a teen (in the 70s, in my case). And I believed it. And it affected me deeply. But then I found out that it wasn't a true teen story and a therapist named Beatrice Sparks had most likely written it. 

Chapter 5: "His smoldering brown eyes (which were always bloodshot) and his perfectly gelled brown hair bore a striking resemblance to those of a young Luke Perry (Archie's dad in Riverdale)."

It was interesting that the author was able to connect with her target audience of today's teens. Luke Perry is her generations hottie on Friends . . . but a dad character in her readers' pop culture!

Chapter 5: "Little did I know that stoners would soon become my relationship kryptonite."

 

I like her writing style and her use of language. I like her honesty and her empathy for immigrants

Chapter 6: "I wish I had spent my adolescence less annoyed by and resentful of her presence. I wish I had made more of an effort to get to know her better."

Saedi is writing about her Muslim grandma. It's hard sometimes to appreciate the people around us until they're gone. And it's so powerful to get people's stories while they're still able to share them!

Chapter 7: "But no one told me that as the years went on, I'd actually be in charge of raising him. I would be a teen mom and a virgin. Arguably, the world's most depressing combination."

She is referring to her little brother Kia. Her older sister Samira had gone off to college and her parents worked long hours at their business. I'm so glad I didn't have that kind of responsibility as a youngest child!

Chapter 9: "I grew up among nineteen first cousins, and they each played a pivotal role in my childhood and teen years."

I did not grow up with my cousins. I'm amazed at how much other people's lives have been powerful impacted by relationships with their cousins. I just can't relate to that.

Chapter 10: "Iranians kind of have no shame. We're instantly bonded by our histories and our willingness to ask strangers for ridiculous favors."

I loved how she shared cultural insights in talking about her family and her culture.

Chapter 13: "My dad even tried to impress him by telling him that my parents had seen Ozzy Osbourne in concert. . . . 'He was onstage with all his brothers and sisters.' 'Those were the Osmonds!' my mom corrected. Despite my dad confusing Donny Osmond for Ozzy Osbourne, he and Slash were still able to bond . . . "

Oh my! She can be awfully funny in sharing her stories!

Chapter 14: "I was sick to death of visits to the INS that required standing in lines that made the DMV look like a spa day. Just renewing my employment authorization card required waiting outside at 6:00 a.m. for the doors to open three hours later."

There are so many things in this life that I simply have not had to deal with! I need to be more thankful on a daily basis for how incredibly blessed I am.

Chapter 15: "I'm not sure what I expected, but this wasn't it. As I made the long walk from my car to the entrance of the building that normally housed the county fair, I moved past vendors selling hot dogs, American flags, and T-shirts. It was like we were being welcomed into the country by capitalism and obesity. I decided not to shell out any of my hard-earned cash on cheap memorabilia . . . though celebrating with transfat was tempting."

Again, her sense of humor but also her honesty shine through. After spending the majority of her life in America, finally getting to the citizenship ceremony was not at all what she expected or wanted. This book is worth reading. Some sections seemed a bit edgy, but genuine. Teens are curious about alcohol, marijuana, sex . . . and one of her older cousins seemed to like to help Sara learn about some of these things!

I'm No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts: Mini-Meditations for Saints, Sinners, and the Rest of Us

by Kristin Chenoweth

Libby audiobook 3 hours

intro written by Arianna Grande and read by Melinda Sewak

book read by the author

Published: 2023

Genre: part memoir, part advice, part philosophy

I'd heard of Kristin Chenoweth, but didn't know much about her. This book was available as an audiobook and it was short, so I checked it out. It was pretty interesting!

For some reason, I was surprised by her expressions of faith in God. True, she seems to be comfortable with forming her faith to what works for her . . . but it was a refreshing mix of faith, her perspective, and some saucy observations. I enjoyed it and learned a bit, too!

 

Since it's an audiobook, there were "notes" that I made in my head that won't make it into this blog entry. At 46 minutes, she shares a song list of upbeat music. It took me a while to find the place to list the songs here:

"Playlist for a Life Gone Sideways"

• "Oh Happy Day" - Edwin Hawkins Singers - Youtube
  
• "Heroes" - David Bowie - Youtube
• "Back in Baby's Arms" - Patsy Cline - Youtube
• "Raspberry Beret" - Prince - Youtube
• "I Will Survive" - Gloria Gaynor - Youtube
• "Walking on Sunshine" - Katrina and the Waves - Youtube
• "Hail, Holy Queen" - the nuns in Sister Act - Youtube
• "9 to 5" - Dolly Parton - Youtube
• "Free" - All Right Now - Youtube (I've listened to her say this almost a dozen times. It sounds like she's saying "Free - Alternaton" but I can't find that song by that name . . . )
  
• "Unwritten" - Natasha Bedingfield - Youtube
• "No Tears Left to Cry" - Ariana Grande - Youtube

 

She loves music and lives through her music! She's a very good storyteller.

 

I jotted down her "Simple Prayer for Starting Over": "Oh Lord, help me get off my butt, on my feet, over myself. Amen"

 

It would be interesting to read this book in print. It's quick and has a great mix of wisdom, fluff, and personal memoir. 

Small Miracles II: Heartwarming Gifts of Extraordinary Coincidences

by Yitta Halberstam and Judith Levinthal

paperback personal copy 254 pages plus acknowledgments

Published: 1998

Genre: True stories, faith

 

The intro reminded me too much of SQuire Rushnell and his Godwinks perspective. There is too much focus on what WE GET instead of on WHO GOD IS.

 

I had to reconcile my understanding of God's grace (freely given, unmerited) while looking for His presence and activity in our lives WITH any personal self-serving motives. I love the stories. I love seeing "God-incidences" instead of mere coincidences or luck or karma.

 

Once I got past the intro and this "issue" of mine, I read the stories quickly. They are short - just a few pages each - but packed with that "Guideposts" style of storytelling. I ended up putting post-it note flags on five that really affected me.

 

The first one starts on page 75 and tells the story of Father O'Reilly (a pseudonym) who needs respite from his demanding hospital chaplain duties. While in a quiet abandoned seminary, his pager went off but the message was not legible. Since he couldn't get a good signal inside the ruined building, he went outside to call each of the four different hospitals he reported to to see where he was needed. None of them had called. I got chills when I read the rest of the story. Sometimes when "weird" things happen, God is protecting us!

 

The next one I flagged (pages 104-107) was where two people had a series of mishaps and frustrating situations keeping them from a planned event. They got to a park area just as two little boys were drowning and saved their lives. The end comment was worth tagging. "It's a mistake to believe that 'coincidences' happen only for our sakes. Sometimes they happen to us, but they may not be happening because of us or for us. What seems to be happening to us is actually occurring for the sake of another. It's not really our script, even though we may be major players. When a coincidence occurs that makes no sense in how it impacted our lives, we must also ask: But did it impact someone else's?"

Page 115-116 tells of a woman who baked some rolls, then gave them away. This happened three times and then she had no more time to bake rolls before her guests came! Then her guest walked in with a freshly baked loaf of bread. "One day I'll learn. You just can't outgive the Lord." Amen to that! (Faye Fields' story is much much more lovely than my summary here.)

The story on pages 154-156 isn't one of my favorites, but the line I tagged resonated and made me sad. "Stephanie Osborne headed home, feeling dejected and down. She feared bitterness; she feared that the daily realities of her job in the school system would eventually whittle away the idealism that fed her soul." Wow. Too many teachers can relate to that one. The upshot of the story was that a former student called her and told her how much she had meant to him. The comment at the end of the story is "A gift of gratitude often rekindles inspiration gone dim."

 

The story on pages 157-160 is pretty cool, about a vacation deferred due to illness. The comment on the end really caught my eye. "When we reach beyond ourselves to care for another, we are often led past our own fears and limitations."

 

The upshot of these stories is that God is actively involved in our lives. He still performs miracles! We need to be receptive to his working in our lives. This book is going to the "Little Library" shelf at The Recovery Church to inspire someone else. 

Oh, not that it matters, but there were enough synagogue / rabbi / Jewish references that I wasn't surprised that the focus was on God, not on Jesus. ;-)

Danny the Champion of the World

by Roald Dahl

Libby audiobook 4 hours

Read by: Peter Serafinowicz

Published: 1975 (This version 2013)

Genre: YA fiction

 

What I liked about this story was the love that Danny and his father have for one another. It was often sweet and delightful, especially his dad teaching him to fix cars. 

 

The narrator did a great job.

 

I had never read this book before and I didn't like it very well. My primary dislike wasn't just the focus on poaching; it was an obsessive idolization of poaching. His dad (and some of the other characters) almost seemed like drug addicts in their fixation on poaching. I understand the "little guy" perspective toward the rich, selfish landowner . . . and I even agree with people hunting for food to stave off starvation . . . but Danny himself observed that they weren't starving. It was basically theft. 

 

When his dad comes up with a scheme that involves ruining the hunt for the horrible Mr. Victor Hazell, I assume he wants to simply relocate the pheasants. No. He fully intends on keeping or giving to friends over 100 birds. I actively disliked the story at points, but Danny was a sweet kid.

Fighting Words

by Kimberly Baker Bradley

Scott County Library paperback 259 plus Author's Note, discussion questions, and acknowledgements

Published: 2020

Genre: YA realistic fiction

Wow. I already knew that I really like this author. This book didn't grab me immediately, but it drew me in more and more. Protagonist Della is ten years old and has a very saucy vocabulary. Her older sister Suki has been her closest friend and protector. Right away, Della warns us that the "bad stuff" is coming in her story as she explains about how they got to Francine's foster home. 

The "bad stuff" is bad indeed, but the unfolding of the story is so incredibly powerful. I was even intensely moved by the author's note and acknowledgements. This book is phenomenal!

Page 144: '"Not really,' I said. 'I just wondered what, you know, normal families ate.' Nevaeh's mom laughed. 'Oh, honey. There's no such thing as a normal family.'"

I love that line! What is normal, anyhow? I completely understood Della's curiosity and perspective. At ten, she knows that what her childhood has included is NOT normal to most people.

Page 175: "I told you, nobody goes into foster care for good reasons. Foster care might be better than anything you've ever had in your life so far, and it will still never be as good as what you should have had. If the family you were born into was what it should have been."

Francine is an amazing foster mom! Tough, yes, but real. And steady. And concerned about the girls. After this, when Della says what happened was her fault, Francine tries to convince her that it was NOT! It makes me sad when kids take responsibility for the horrible things that adults do.

Page 201: "The good news is, people can and do heal. They can and do get better."

We didn't see a lot of Dr. Fremont, the psychologist working with Della, but she is a gem. Her encouragement and patience helped Della to work through her fears and guilt.

Page 209: "'Not your sister,' Maybelline said. 'I hope she's well, but I'm asking about you.'"

I loved Maybelline (the lady at the grocery store deli counter)! She treated Della with respect and love!

Page 209: "'It'll probably make you glow in the dark! Nothing that color is meant to go inside your mouth.'"

I agree with Teena - Mountain Dew is not for human consumption!

Page 213: "I'd been thinking about it. Brains were shut up inside the hard bone-box that was your skull. If someone or something banged you upside the head, stands to reason your brain could be hurt. But just someone scaring you? Touching you where they shouldn't?"

'It's complicated,' Dr. Fremont said, 'but it's true.'

She said that when bad things happened to people, it could make their brains change for the worse. 'Especially if the bad things happen when you're young,' she said."

So much about how trauma affects children makes me deeply, incredibly sad. I don't understand how people can let their addictions or selfish desires harm little kids.

Page 227: "Francine said, 'I wished someone had helped me when I was Suki's age. Or yours.' She blew out a cloud of cigarette smoke. 'Wish I'd had someone on my side.'"

Francine may not be an ideal person to raise children, but her heart is most definitely in the right place. She is providing care and stability for Della and Suki . . . like she wished she'd had when she was young. This book is so full of pain and sorrow, but it's not a downer!

Page 230: "'Well, sure,' Maybelline said. 'That's why I never got one. I changed my mind more often that some people changed their underwear.'"

They're talking about tattoos and this line made me laugh! Maybelline was such a delight.

Page 245: "I said, 'Even Ms. Davonte couldn't ignore all of us.' We'd worked as a pack, all us girls. A wolf pack."

I loved that Della resisted the urge to deck Trevor and used words! (And not swear words this time.) It would be fun to discuss this book and the meaning of the title. What a fantastic part of the story! I know some girls who could learn a lot from Della's "wolf pack" analogy.

Page 259: "Standing just inside the fourth-grade classroom, I look up at Ms. Davonte. I smile. I say, 'This is to remind me of the best day of my life.'

She looks down at me. For a wonder, she smiles back. 'When was that?' she asks.

'Tomorrow,' I say.

And that right there, that's the very best part of this story."

Yes! I love the hope enmeshed in that answer. I love that Della and Suki are looking toward the future and things they would like to do. This story is beautifully and powerfully written. I may buy a copy to keep and share.

The Invisible Man

by H.G. Wells

Libby audiobook 6:15 hours

Read by: Scott Brick

Published: 1897 (this version 2006)

Genre: Science Fiction

 

This book is one that I had "known" only by reference to it and through reading a Great Illustrated Classics version. I'm not even sure if I've ever watched a movie version . . . and Louie tells me that listening to the audiobook doesn't "count" as reading it. Whatever. Brick did a fantastic job with the reading. Wells is a genius but this is dark!

 

Griffin is an unlikable character. The first half of the book is full of mystery and hints, but the Invisible Man is a complete jerk and treats people like garbage. The second half of the book is him telling his story to Dr. Kemp. And then we learn that he's even worse than we thought!

 

It fascinates me to think of Wells coming up with this story in the late 1800s. His imagination at what science might develop is so amazing! Griffin starts out in medical school and then switches to physics. The "explanation" of how invisibility would work is nonsense, of course, but it is still fascinating. What is interesting is how his focus and selfishness devolves into completely maniacal tyranny.

 

Kemp refers to his behaviors as "brutal self-seeking." Even when he describes being at his dad's funeral, his lack of compassion or concern for other humans is startling. He has an incredibly bad attitude and is not a sympathetic character at all! 

 

I'm glad I "read" it . . . it's another of those books that is part of our culture and has some interesting things to say about humanity. Toward the end, though, I wondered why people didn't just have flour or ashes to throw at the Invisible Man so that they could capture him more easily.

 

And the tramp becoming an innkeeper . . . the ending left many possibilities open! Wells was a genius, but he certainly saw the potential for the worst in humanity!

The Last Thing He Told Me

by Laura Dave

Libby eBook approx 500 pages

Published: 2021

Genre: suspense, realistic fiction

I had never heard of this author before, but the story sounded interesting. 

 

"Before Owen Michaels disappears, he smuggles a note to his beloved wife of one year: Protect her. Despite her confusion and fear, Hannah Hall knows exactly to whom the note refers—Owen’s sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. Bailey, who lost her mother tragically as a child. Bailey, who wants absolutely nothing to do with her new stepmother.

As Hannah’s increasingly desperate calls to Owen go unanswered, as the FBI arrests Owen’s boss, as a US marshal and federal agents arrive at her Sausalito home unannounced, Hannah quickly realizes her husband isn’t who he said he was. And that Bailey just may hold the key to figuring out Owen’s true identity—and why he really disappeared."

It took me a bit to get into it. I didn't like that the teenage Bailey was such a pill (as teenage girls can be, even without losing their birth mom at a young age.) But once I got into it, it was hard to put down. I wasn't sure how it would end . . . and it's frustrating that there are at least THIRTY pages of extra stuff at the end of the book. I was expecting more from the story, but it ends a bit abruptly (because I was anticipating more to the story). The extra stuff is good - book club discussion questions, acknowledgements, author interview, etc. But I just wasn't ready for the story to end where it did.

I may look for more books by this author. I tagged one section. "This is the thing about good and evil. They aren't so far apart - and they often start from the same valiant place of wanting something to be different." I don't agree with that line, but it made me think of politics and how often people on the extreme ends of the spectrum want to "improve" things, but have very different ideas about what that is and how to get there.

Once Upon a Wardrobe

by Patti Callahan

Hennepin County Library hardcover 271 pages

Published: 2021

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction 

Based on C.S. Lewis and his Narnia books, this story focuses on Megs Devonshire and her little brother George. Megs is a math and physics student at Oxford. Her little brother has a sickness that will likely end his life early. A fan of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, he asks his big sister to find out where Narnia "came from" as author Lewis is a professor at Oxford. Only Megs' love for her brother brings her to seek out the famous man. Only his way of answering questions is through telling stories about his life. Megs wants certainty. 

I enjoyed this book very much, but it was not a page-turner for me. I really enjoyed the sister and brother dynamic (even more than Megs' evolution as a character and a thinker). 

Page 99: "I watch him. The thing is, I want a miracle for George. I want something or someone like Aslan to prowl through the door and save us, save us from the sorrow and the pain and the absolute loneliness of it all." 

Part of the reason I didn't connect as much with Megs is because I am NOT a logic-focused person. I love stories and imagination. When she read to George or told him stories, I connected best with that relational aspect of her character. Wanting an Aslan, a saviour, resonates for me!

Page 120: "It took months, but Jack saved up his money, and Warnie, out of love, chipped in. Jack bought the book for fifteen schillings."

I love the brother relationship between Clive Staples / C.S. / "Jack" and his brother Warner. I love that he wanted to own a book so much that it became his focus. (This book was Twilight of the Gods). 

Another book that was raved about was Phantastes by George McDonald. This came up as SUCH a big deal, that I added a post-it note about reading it myself. I have soooo many books on my shelf already, but I'm curious. I may have to request it from the library just to appease my curiosity.

Page 154: "Warnie walks ahead as if he has somewhere to be, while Jack continues chatting. 'Every life should be guided and enriched by one book or another, don't you agree? Certainly, every formative moment in my life has been enriched or informed by a book. You must be very careful about what you choose to read - unless you want to stay stuck in your opinions and hard-boiled thoughts, you must be very careful.' "

I love the idea of going for a walk and talking and listening and thinking about meaning. 

Page 204: ". . . Jack had known that his intellect stood over his imagination, that the two hemispheres, as it were, of his mind were in sharp contrast. He realized that all he'd loved, he believed to be imaginary, and all he'd believed was real, he thought grim and meaningless.

Near dawn, Jack went home, and morning rose over the Kilns to see him a different man.

Something within him had shifted.

'Even if Christianity isn't my favorite myth,' he told Warnie,' it's the only one that is true.'"

I love when atheists come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ! I love how the thinking and talking of the Inklings made such a difference for Lewis and others. 

Page 205: "He wants to know if it's true that there's something more when this something ends. Not whether there is a doorway in the back of his wardrobe; he know that is just a way to tell a story about something more. But maybe in the back of his life there is a place he will go, a place they will all go."

George, as young as he is, knows that his life will not be long. He wants the answer to that big question: what happens when I die? His hunger for more of Mr. Lewis' stories is deeper than mere curiosity about Narnia.

Page 218: "'Megs, every human interaction is eternally important.' He smiles, and I swear those eyes that usually twinkle are swimming with tears."

That phrase struck me - every human interaction is eternally important. I want my interactions with people to point them to Jesus. I want to glorify God each and every day, through my thoughts, words, and actions.

Page 233: ". . . I think of George in front of the fireplace asking for only this for Christmas. I think of next Christmas when George likely won't be here, and me wishing I'd taken the chance, broken through the stone wall of logic and fear."

I was so worried that Megs would not take advantage of Padraig's offer to drive her and George to see Dunluce Castle in Ireland. What a bold adventure! I loved Padraig as a character! What a delight. And I'm so glad she overcame her fears. (And I had to look up info about the castle online . . . tourist visit someday?)

Page 259: "I think the lion follows all of us around. We just have to look for him."

George has wisdom beyond his years. I love that he drew Aslan into the different scenes he drew of the stories of Jack Lewis' life.

Page 266: "I'd believed - fool that I was - that because I knew this end was coming, I was prepared, that I would not grieve as I had. As if one can pre-grieve and get it out of the way. It's not true. Grief is the price I paid for loving fiercely, and that was okay, because there was no other choice but to love fiercely and fully."

Yes. Grief is the payment for loving deeply and losing someone.

I look forward to our book club discussion in three and a half weeks!

The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People

by John Ortberg 

my personal copy, paperback, 222 plus extra material

Published: 1997

Genre: Christian Living

I was looking through my bookshelf for books to donate to Recovery Church in St. Paul. This caught my eye. Part of me wants to keep it to re-read it . . . but I have SO many books and time is limited. I probably read this twenty years ago. I marked up lots of pages. In the flyleaf, I noted the spiritual disciplines: joy! (celebration), slowing, prayer, servanthood, confession, and listening. (Do you see why I'm tempted to re-read it?!)

Page 45: "Spiritual disciplines are to life what calisthenics are to a game." This quote is in the section with the heading, "Spiritual disciplines are NOT a barometer of spirituality." (Emphasis mine.)

My hope is that this book will be an incredible blessing to someone who needs the encouragement in living a life for God. I've put this title in my Amazon cart so I can think about it / pray about it / consider doing it as a group study at my church. How ironic!

Oh! I also had a piece of paper in it that had the word "chiaroscuro" and its Merriam-Webster definition. "Kee-ar-uh-scur-oh" Chiaro (clear, light) + (o)scuro (obscure, dark). The quality of being veiled or partly in shadow, a pictorial representation in terms of light and shade.