by Darynda Jones
Scott County Library audiobook 8 CDs
read by Lorelei King
genre: paranormal mystery fiction
This was fun, but won't become a series I go back to. What I liked: the humor and mystery, as well as the fact that I listened to the first two discs with my sister Louise who *loved* the main character and the author's style.
What I didn't like: the cavalier attitude toward Heaven and Hell, God and Satan . . . that was not apparent at first and yet I couldn't get past it.
"Charley Davidson is a part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper. Meaning, she sees dead people. Really. And it's her job to convince them to 'go into the light.'"
There were many funny lines and parts in the story. (I loved when she called her Uncle Bob "UB" / "Eubie" . . . ) And I was very curious about the "whodunnit" aspects of the story. But I thought her having sex with an incorporeal being was a bit too odd . . . especially when I found out the connections.
I made a cheat sheet about her encounters with "The Big Bad" as I was reading - the day of her birth, when she was four years old and abducted, when she was five years old with the Johnson girl, in high school when a guy tried to run her down with his dad's SUV, in college when a guy attacked her. When she met with Reyes' sister, it was nice to have a little clarity.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
As Bright As Heaven
by Susan Meissner
Carver County Library hardcover 387 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Generalities - well-written, fascinating look at the era (1918-1925), great characters, chapters told from POV of the mom and each of the daughters. Don't remember if any were told by male characters.
Pauline, her husband Thomas, and their three daughters Evelyn (15), Maggie (12), and Willa (6) move to Philadelphia when baby Henry dies at six months old. Thomas goes from working in the tobacco barns for his dad to working as an undertaker with his uncle Fred. The impact of the war and the Spanish influenza affect this family deeply. Death is a main character in this book!
Page 70 - ". . . I think that grief is such a strange guest, making its home in a person like it's a new thing that no one has ever experienced before. It is different for every person." So true! This just struck me. Grief is a strange guest that makes itself at home.
Page 116 - "I am suddenly overcome by my inability to understand why some will survive the flu and some won't. Why some babies live and some don't. Why some people pass away in a warm bed full of years while others have their breath snatched from them before they've earned so much as one gray hair." The essential unfairness of this is something I've struggled with. I trust God completely, but would love to ask Him why things are this way.
Page 180 - Without putting a spoiler here, I'll just say that I was sobbing after reading this page . . .
Page 211 - This was almost too much! "Evie was already home and she was sad. Her favorite teacher, Mr. Galway, is dead. And a boy she liked named Gilbert." Enough with the dying! This started to make me think of Laurie Halse Anderson's Fever 1793 . . . what a wonderful way to study history - through fiction! Even depressing aspects of history . . .
Page 225 - "That's how it is. Something breaks, you fix it as best you can. There's always a way to make something better, even if it means sweeping up the broken pieces and starting all over. That's how we keep moving, keep breathing, keep opening our eyes every morning, even when the only thing we know for sure is that we're still alive." Although this is a somewhat bleak place to be, it rings true. Looking for the positives, looking ahead - that's important.
Page 379 - "When something good happens, and even when something bad happens, you want to share it with the person who holds your heart." This is so true! I'm so grateful that I can share with Louie - the good, the bad, the everyday. This is one of the things that was hard about losing my mom; some of the things I wanted to share with her (about teaching, life, etc.) I couldn't anymore.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but was disappointed that Meissner's writing seems to be getting more secular and less faith-focused. She's an excellent writer, but I want to read Christian fiction that challenges and / or grows my faith. This was just a good book set in an interesting era with interesting characters.
Carver County Library hardcover 387 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Generalities - well-written, fascinating look at the era (1918-1925), great characters, chapters told from POV of the mom and each of the daughters. Don't remember if any were told by male characters.
Pauline, her husband Thomas, and their three daughters Evelyn (15), Maggie (12), and Willa (6) move to Philadelphia when baby Henry dies at six months old. Thomas goes from working in the tobacco barns for his dad to working as an undertaker with his uncle Fred. The impact of the war and the Spanish influenza affect this family deeply. Death is a main character in this book!
Page 70 - ". . . I think that grief is such a strange guest, making its home in a person like it's a new thing that no one has ever experienced before. It is different for every person." So true! This just struck me. Grief is a strange guest that makes itself at home.
Page 116 - "I am suddenly overcome by my inability to understand why some will survive the flu and some won't. Why some babies live and some don't. Why some people pass away in a warm bed full of years while others have their breath snatched from them before they've earned so much as one gray hair." The essential unfairness of this is something I've struggled with. I trust God completely, but would love to ask Him why things are this way.
Page 180 - Without putting a spoiler here, I'll just say that I was sobbing after reading this page . . .
Page 211 - This was almost too much! "Evie was already home and she was sad. Her favorite teacher, Mr. Galway, is dead. And a boy she liked named Gilbert." Enough with the dying! This started to make me think of Laurie Halse Anderson's Fever 1793 . . . what a wonderful way to study history - through fiction! Even depressing aspects of history . . .
Page 225 - "That's how it is. Something breaks, you fix it as best you can. There's always a way to make something better, even if it means sweeping up the broken pieces and starting all over. That's how we keep moving, keep breathing, keep opening our eyes every morning, even when the only thing we know for sure is that we're still alive." Although this is a somewhat bleak place to be, it rings true. Looking for the positives, looking ahead - that's important.
Page 379 - "When something good happens, and even when something bad happens, you want to share it with the person who holds your heart." This is so true! I'm so grateful that I can share with Louie - the good, the bad, the everyday. This is one of the things that was hard about losing my mom; some of the things I wanted to share with her (about teaching, life, etc.) I couldn't anymore.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but was disappointed that Meissner's writing seems to be getting more secular and less faith-focused. She's an excellent writer, but I want to read Christian fiction that challenges and / or grows my faith. This was just a good book set in an interesting era with interesting characters.
Monday, June 11, 2018
You Need a Budget: The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting Out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want
by Jesse Mecham
Hennepin County Library hardcover 200 pages
genre: non-fiction, financial literacy
I read through page 45 before it was due back at the library. Now I'm #31 on the waiting list, so here are some thoughts before they fade:
- this is similar to Dave Ramsey's stuff, but without a Christian perspective and with some small differences.
- the author's style is appealing and accessible
- that said, I thought about buying a copy of this book from Amazon to share with some people . . . except they don't have children and there are lots of references to child care expenses, saving for a child's college education, etc. That might be off-putting for the folks I'm thinking of . . .
- I am curious enough and engaged enough by his writing style to finish the book when I get it again.
I wrote the above in early April 2018, below on 6.11.18:
His four rules are:
1. Give Every Dollar a Job
2. Embrace Your True Expenses
3. Roll With the Punches
4. Age Your Money
I won't explain them here - just read the book! This is more a reminder for me.
Page 53 - "Question everything. Once a year (I like to do this in January), question every one of your expenses. . . . Every single item should be on the table. Following the tactic of asking why six or seven times as it relates to any one of your line items will help you peel back the layers of that priority and really see it for what it is." This is tough for me because Louie and I have different priorities and perspectives. It's good for us to talk about it, though!
Pages 106-7 - ways to "sprint" to get where you need to be with budgeting: pick up freelance work or do odd jobs, sell your stuff, get intense about not spending, outsource your stuff. I'm not good about these things, but then we aren't in a really tough place right now, either.
Page 121 - "Navigating Yours, Mine, and Ours" - I thought about scanning or copying this entire section. Or just asking Louie to read it. This is a bit different from how we currently plan our budget. "It's too easy to assume that your priorities are the same as mine. Or that our priorities are always more important than mine. These quiet assumptions are what make budgeting as a couple stressful when it absolutely doesn't have to be. The key to keeping your priorities clear, and your budget stress-free, is communicating."
The chapter on "Budgeting as a Couple" is another one I wanted to copy from . . . "Technicalities aside, joint accounts also keep you from worrying about who earned what money. You've committed to being partners for life. It doesn't matter who earned what. It's one shared pool of money that is funding your shared life together. Embrace that and support one another on the journey." (pg. 125)
I also really liked the chapter on "When You Feel Like Quitting." Good stuff here. I may still want to buy a copy of this book!
Pages 199-200 have lots of other resources:
www.youneedabudget.com/classes
www.youtube.com/YouNeedABudget
www.youneedabudget.com/blog
etc. . . .
Hennepin County Library hardcover 200 pages
genre: non-fiction, financial literacy
I read through page 45 before it was due back at the library. Now I'm #31 on the waiting list, so here are some thoughts before they fade:
- this is similar to Dave Ramsey's stuff, but without a Christian perspective and with some small differences.
- the author's style is appealing and accessible
- that said, I thought about buying a copy of this book from Amazon to share with some people . . . except they don't have children and there are lots of references to child care expenses, saving for a child's college education, etc. That might be off-putting for the folks I'm thinking of . . .
- I am curious enough and engaged enough by his writing style to finish the book when I get it again.
I wrote the above in early April 2018, below on 6.11.18:
His four rules are:
1. Give Every Dollar a Job
2. Embrace Your True Expenses
3. Roll With the Punches
4. Age Your Money
I won't explain them here - just read the book! This is more a reminder for me.
Page 53 - "Question everything. Once a year (I like to do this in January), question every one of your expenses. . . . Every single item should be on the table. Following the tactic of asking why six or seven times as it relates to any one of your line items will help you peel back the layers of that priority and really see it for what it is." This is tough for me because Louie and I have different priorities and perspectives. It's good for us to talk about it, though!
Pages 106-7 - ways to "sprint" to get where you need to be with budgeting: pick up freelance work or do odd jobs, sell your stuff, get intense about not spending, outsource your stuff. I'm not good about these things, but then we aren't in a really tough place right now, either.
Page 121 - "Navigating Yours, Mine, and Ours" - I thought about scanning or copying this entire section. Or just asking Louie to read it. This is a bit different from how we currently plan our budget. "It's too easy to assume that your priorities are the same as mine. Or that our priorities are always more important than mine. These quiet assumptions are what make budgeting as a couple stressful when it absolutely doesn't have to be. The key to keeping your priorities clear, and your budget stress-free, is communicating."
The chapter on "Budgeting as a Couple" is another one I wanted to copy from . . . "Technicalities aside, joint accounts also keep you from worrying about who earned what money. You've committed to being partners for life. It doesn't matter who earned what. It's one shared pool of money that is funding your shared life together. Embrace that and support one another on the journey." (pg. 125)
I also really liked the chapter on "When You Feel Like Quitting." Good stuff here. I may still want to buy a copy of this book!
Pages 199-200 have lots of other resources:
www.youneedabudget.com/classes
www.youtube.com/YouNeedABudget
www.youneedabudget.com/blog
etc. . . .
Glass Sword
by Victoria Aveyard
Scott County Library audiobook 12 CDs
read by
genre: YA dystopian
Ugh! This has taken me forever to get through! Louie and I started it on a car trip, but didn't enjoy it as much as the first book. Then we listened to some more on another car trip. Then I fell asleep and got the CDs from the library again to re-listen. Why wasn't I getting into this story? Why didn't I care about Mare and Cal? Who was this nasty Colonel dude?
Here are some notes to my "re-listen":
- Gisa's broken hand is Mare's "fault" . . . how? Why does she think everything is about her? Gisa made her own choices and the silver guards were cruel.
- so much of this is overwrought, filled with self-recriminations, teen angst . . . how much is the text and how much is the narrator? Would I like this story better in print?
- Bree, Tramy, Shade, Mare, and Gisa . . . the Barrows are quite the family.
- She is so condescending to Kilorn! "Fish Boy" and thinking she has to protect him all the time
- She's a bit bloodthirsty about wanting to exact revenge on Maven by killing him with her own hands . . . then she's still somewhat lovelorn toward him and the closeness they shared. Yuk on both.
- she agonizes over stupid stuff, then kills mercilessly (the silvers in the control tower at the prison)
- I actually appreciate that I know the ending of the story already (I was awake for that part) because there are little snippets that make sense in light of how the ending goes.
- I'm pretty sure Louie and I totally skipped disc 8 by accident! I kept asking him "Who is John?" and he didn't know . . . but there was a large chunk of the story that we didn't get. It makes a bit more sense when you hear it all.
- Her lack of logic in cause / effect reasoning and if / then statements . . . this was crazy-making!
- This isn't a spoiler alert, but rather an idea that the text suggested . . . We infer that Shade and Farley were both in love and physically intimate, but there's a part toward the end that made me think, "Is Farley pregnant with Shade's child?!" I may have to read the next book to find out!
Scott County Library audiobook 12 CDs
read by
genre: YA dystopian
Ugh! This has taken me forever to get through! Louie and I started it on a car trip, but didn't enjoy it as much as the first book. Then we listened to some more on another car trip. Then I fell asleep and got the CDs from the library again to re-listen. Why wasn't I getting into this story? Why didn't I care about Mare and Cal? Who was this nasty Colonel dude?
Here are some notes to my "re-listen":
- Gisa's broken hand is Mare's "fault" . . . how? Why does she think everything is about her? Gisa made her own choices and the silver guards were cruel.
- so much of this is overwrought, filled with self-recriminations, teen angst . . . how much is the text and how much is the narrator? Would I like this story better in print?
- Bree, Tramy, Shade, Mare, and Gisa . . . the Barrows are quite the family.
- She is so condescending to Kilorn! "Fish Boy" and thinking she has to protect him all the time
- She's a bit bloodthirsty about wanting to exact revenge on Maven by killing him with her own hands . . . then she's still somewhat lovelorn toward him and the closeness they shared. Yuk on both.
- she agonizes over stupid stuff, then kills mercilessly (the silvers in the control tower at the prison)
- I actually appreciate that I know the ending of the story already (I was awake for that part) because there are little snippets that make sense in light of how the ending goes.
- I'm pretty sure Louie and I totally skipped disc 8 by accident! I kept asking him "Who is John?" and he didn't know . . . but there was a large chunk of the story that we didn't get. It makes a bit more sense when you hear it all.
- Her lack of logic in cause / effect reasoning and if / then statements . . . this was crazy-making!
- This isn't a spoiler alert, but rather an idea that the text suggested . . . We infer that Shade and Farley were both in love and physically intimate, but there's a part toward the end that made me think, "Is Farley pregnant with Shade's child?!" I may have to read the next book to find out!
Viva Jacquelina!
by L.A. Meyer
Scott County Library hardcover 360 pages
genre: YA historical adventure
(Bloody Jack #10)
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the last few . . . but they're all quick little adventures that are very readable. In this book, Jacky is again sent as a spy. This time she ends up in Spain with the very unpleasant General Wellesley. Richard is near and dear until he is injured in battle. Jacky ends up in Madrid at Goya's studio (where she works, models, learns, flirts, etc.). The author brings in fine art and the Inquisition as well as the French and Spanish fighting forces and politics. Jaime, meanwhile, is recuperating at Charlie Chen's in the Far East. Oh, and there's also a little bullriding at the running of the bulls . . .
My notes said "more innuendo, flirting, etc. / Spain / Goya / gypsies"
Scott County Library hardcover 360 pages
genre: YA historical adventure
(Bloody Jack #10)
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the last few . . . but they're all quick little adventures that are very readable. In this book, Jacky is again sent as a spy. This time she ends up in Spain with the very unpleasant General Wellesley. Richard is near and dear until he is injured in battle. Jacky ends up in Madrid at Goya's studio (where she works, models, learns, flirts, etc.). The author brings in fine art and the Inquisition as well as the French and Spanish fighting forces and politics. Jaime, meanwhile, is recuperating at Charlie Chen's in the Far East. Oh, and there's also a little bullriding at the running of the bulls . . .
My notes said "more innuendo, flirting, etc. / Spain / Goya / gypsies"
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Unsung Lullabies: Understanding and Coping with Infertility
by Janet Jaffe, Ph.D.; Martha Ourieff Diamond, Ph.D.; and David J. Diamond, Ph.D.
Great River Regional Library via Scott County Library, paperback 261 pages
genre: non-fiction, infertility
I read this on behalf of someone I care about very much. She suggested it to help me understand what she was going through. Although I can't "relate" to infertility (pregnant one month after my wedding at age 20 . . . three healthy children by the time I was 25), I completely understand personal pain and struggle. I'm glad I read it (and am already thinking that anyone struggling with infertility would already by horrified by my personal comment about pregnancies that happened quickly and easily . . . ). I'm going to leave that as part of my post, though, because it's true. I personally did not struggle with this issue at all.
Chapter 3 - The Losses of Infertility - this chapter really helped me to understand a little bit of how huge, painful, and challenging this issue can be. It affects so many aspects of a person's life! Identity, marriage, communication, emotions, finance . . . I marked a sentence on page 58 that really stood out. "Perhaps it's because our partner is a constant reminder of our loss, but it is ironic that the very person we need the most at this time turns out to be the person that we get angry and frustrated with, and can't stand to look at anymore." This dynamic is completely understandable, yet makes me so sad!
Page 75 deals with some of the "grandparent" generation and their relationships with adult children struggling with infertility. "Even when I try to be supportive, she rebuffs me, like I'm not good enough for her." So often, these miscommunications and challenges grow instead of resolving. I'm thinking hard about my own communication and my need to be a better listener.
I tagged a point of view on page 108 that resonates strongly with me! "Rather than thinking of infertility as if you entire self is flawed (both physically and emotionally), you need to view it as a part of your physical body that is not working correctly. If Fran had a broken arm or needed to wear glasses, would she still worry that her husband would no longer love her? Of course not, but because the effects of infertility are so pervasive, it is difficult to keep perspective so we question the very essence of who we are."
Communication! Page 146 had a great analogy ' "Consider your three-year-old nephew throwing a tantrum - he's communicating, but it's hard to figure out how to soothe his frustration while he's screaming. When your husband withdraws into silence, he is communicating, but you must guess what he is trying to say - is he angry? Sad? Tired? Depressed? Just quiet?" Communication is so important, but it doesn't always come naturally!
The second paragraph on page 159 . . . is one I want someone else to read and think about. . .
Page 189 has great advice for *any* issue that you aren't comfortable talking about! "And always know that if a question arises that you aren't willing to discuss, you can simply respond, 'That's off limits' or 'I don't want to talk about that.'" I've used that tactic! I like to be completely honest, but if someone asks me something I don't want to share, I just say so! It's very liberating to maintain complete honesty while not sharing that which you prefer not to share.
I loved the way the authors laid out different options on page 212. As part of a couple's "reproductive story," they ask questions to help them figure out what to do next. Here's one example: "Is having a biological child the most important? If so, then you might be willing to relinquish your wish to conceive 'naturally' and use IUIs or IVF, if it would mean that the baby carried your and your partner's genetic selves."
The authors are all doctors, but they are also all human beings who have personally struggled with infertility. They use a lot of patient stories and examples. This is a well-written book.
Great River Regional Library via Scott County Library, paperback 261 pages
genre: non-fiction, infertility
I read this on behalf of someone I care about very much. She suggested it to help me understand what she was going through. Although I can't "relate" to infertility (pregnant one month after my wedding at age 20 . . . three healthy children by the time I was 25), I completely understand personal pain and struggle. I'm glad I read it (and am already thinking that anyone struggling with infertility would already by horrified by my personal comment about pregnancies that happened quickly and easily . . . ). I'm going to leave that as part of my post, though, because it's true. I personally did not struggle with this issue at all.
Chapter 3 - The Losses of Infertility - this chapter really helped me to understand a little bit of how huge, painful, and challenging this issue can be. It affects so many aspects of a person's life! Identity, marriage, communication, emotions, finance . . . I marked a sentence on page 58 that really stood out. "Perhaps it's because our partner is a constant reminder of our loss, but it is ironic that the very person we need the most at this time turns out to be the person that we get angry and frustrated with, and can't stand to look at anymore." This dynamic is completely understandable, yet makes me so sad!
Page 75 deals with some of the "grandparent" generation and their relationships with adult children struggling with infertility. "Even when I try to be supportive, she rebuffs me, like I'm not good enough for her." So often, these miscommunications and challenges grow instead of resolving. I'm thinking hard about my own communication and my need to be a better listener.
I tagged a point of view on page 108 that resonates strongly with me! "Rather than thinking of infertility as if you entire self is flawed (both physically and emotionally), you need to view it as a part of your physical body that is not working correctly. If Fran had a broken arm or needed to wear glasses, would she still worry that her husband would no longer love her? Of course not, but because the effects of infertility are so pervasive, it is difficult to keep perspective so we question the very essence of who we are."
Communication! Page 146 had a great analogy ' "Consider your three-year-old nephew throwing a tantrum - he's communicating, but it's hard to figure out how to soothe his frustration while he's screaming. When your husband withdraws into silence, he is communicating, but you must guess what he is trying to say - is he angry? Sad? Tired? Depressed? Just quiet?" Communication is so important, but it doesn't always come naturally!
The second paragraph on page 159 . . . is one I want someone else to read and think about. . .
Page 189 has great advice for *any* issue that you aren't comfortable talking about! "And always know that if a question arises that you aren't willing to discuss, you can simply respond, 'That's off limits' or 'I don't want to talk about that.'" I've used that tactic! I like to be completely honest, but if someone asks me something I don't want to share, I just say so! It's very liberating to maintain complete honesty while not sharing that which you prefer not to share.
I loved the way the authors laid out different options on page 212. As part of a couple's "reproductive story," they ask questions to help them figure out what to do next. Here's one example: "Is having a biological child the most important? If so, then you might be willing to relinquish your wish to conceive 'naturally' and use IUIs or IVF, if it would mean that the baby carried your and your partner's genetic selves."
The authors are all doctors, but they are also all human beings who have personally struggled with infertility. They use a lot of patient stories and examples. This is a well-written book.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
The Woman at the Well
by Dale Evans Rogers
Hennepin County Library hardcover 191 pages
(copyright 1970!)
genre: autobiography, Christian witness
I don't remember why I requested this book . . . a conversation with someone or a reference in something else I read. I vaguely knew who Dale Evans and Roy Rogers were, but am always curious to learn more. Born in 1912, Frances Octavia Smith eloped at age 14 and got divorced when she was just 16 (and her firstborn was six months old)!
She condenses much of her early life into the first few chapters so that she can focus on her life as a Christian. At times, I loved this book. At other times, I cringed. (Like when she referred to her daughter Robin as a "Mongoloid" . . . even if that's the terminology of the time, I actually had to search it online to ascertain that it referred to Down Syndrome.)
She was an entertainer all her life, and this paragraph on page 48 really caught my eye!
"I worked harder than hard, and things seemed to be OK until I turned down the invitation of a top executive . . . I never meant to insult him, but he took it as a personal affront . . . I had too much pride in accomplishment to buy my way. I did not want to become obligated to anyone, in any way, to further my career. I had promised myself that I would never get trapped in such an involvement. I have always been infuriated with men who used their high position to acquire the scalps of hapless and heedless women. This was one area where I stuck to my guns, and I have never regretted it."
Good for her! What a tough cookie!
I also loved this on page 84: "I am Baptist, Episcopalian, Methodist, Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian! I don't think of the Church as a building or as a denomination; it is a body of believers in Christ - in His birth and Person and ministry, in His Atonement, His Resurrection, His Coming Again to receive us unto Himself. Denominations are fellowships. The Church is His body, and it has many members - not all of which function in exactly the same way. Who is to say that one denomination (or function) is 100 percent right and another 100 percent wrong? God is the judge of all that."
I am so glad that God judges and knows our hearts!
Page 113 horrified me . . . I understand that some people lack the idea of boundaries and compassion with celebrities . . . but to have a carload of fans and autograph seekers show up at her dad's FUNERAL to ask for autographs!?!? That is just horrifying.
That said, I love that she included some photos. They really added to the book. It would have been nice to see even more! (Thanks to Google, I got to see more pictures.)
Page 136-146 was a bit too much for me. I liked an early statement: "It was God who made the races, not man. And nowhere do we hear God saying that He prefers any one race to another." She talks about pride (as in thinking you're better than someone with a different skin color) as a sin and a stench in God's nostrils.
But then she basically says that she's against "intermarriage" of people of different races. As she's going on and on about race and animals and interbreeding, it just gets messy and unpleasant. "Basically I am opposed to such intermarriage, because I know that it seldom works, and that it can have a terrible effect upon the children of such a marriage. And basically I believe that each race has its own beauty and its particular value in God's creation. Would we like our pretty bouquets of many-colored flowers, if they were all red roses, or all yellow, or all white roses?"
She does explain that love is the key component for dealing with differences and conflict, but this chapter went on way too long and was too jarring (especially considering her pride in having adopted two children who were clearly of different ancestry . . . who according to her, should only be allowed to marry men of similar skin color to them?)
There were many places throughout the book where I silently cheered her for sharing her faith and trust in Jesus so boldly! (She died in 2001 at age 88.) There were many great lessons in her life story about relying on the Lord and boldly sharing his love.
"I have also learned that Satan loves nothing better than a chance to split every Christian fellowship on the face of the earth; he loves to divide and conquer, and we should think twice before helping him do that."
Amen! Unity, love, and faith. The threads of her story are strongly woven.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 191 pages
(copyright 1970!)
genre: autobiography, Christian witness
I don't remember why I requested this book . . . a conversation with someone or a reference in something else I read. I vaguely knew who Dale Evans and Roy Rogers were, but am always curious to learn more. Born in 1912, Frances Octavia Smith eloped at age 14 and got divorced when she was just 16 (and her firstborn was six months old)!
She condenses much of her early life into the first few chapters so that she can focus on her life as a Christian. At times, I loved this book. At other times, I cringed. (Like when she referred to her daughter Robin as a "Mongoloid" . . . even if that's the terminology of the time, I actually had to search it online to ascertain that it referred to Down Syndrome.)
She was an entertainer all her life, and this paragraph on page 48 really caught my eye!
"I worked harder than hard, and things seemed to be OK until I turned down the invitation of a top executive . . . I never meant to insult him, but he took it as a personal affront . . . I had too much pride in accomplishment to buy my way. I did not want to become obligated to anyone, in any way, to further my career. I had promised myself that I would never get trapped in such an involvement. I have always been infuriated with men who used their high position to acquire the scalps of hapless and heedless women. This was one area where I stuck to my guns, and I have never regretted it."
Good for her! What a tough cookie!
I also loved this on page 84: "I am Baptist, Episcopalian, Methodist, Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian! I don't think of the Church as a building or as a denomination; it is a body of believers in Christ - in His birth and Person and ministry, in His Atonement, His Resurrection, His Coming Again to receive us unto Himself. Denominations are fellowships. The Church is His body, and it has many members - not all of which function in exactly the same way. Who is to say that one denomination (or function) is 100 percent right and another 100 percent wrong? God is the judge of all that."
I am so glad that God judges and knows our hearts!
Page 113 horrified me . . . I understand that some people lack the idea of boundaries and compassion with celebrities . . . but to have a carload of fans and autograph seekers show up at her dad's FUNERAL to ask for autographs!?!? That is just horrifying.
That said, I love that she included some photos. They really added to the book. It would have been nice to see even more! (Thanks to Google, I got to see more pictures.)
Page 136-146 was a bit too much for me. I liked an early statement: "It was God who made the races, not man. And nowhere do we hear God saying that He prefers any one race to another." She talks about pride (as in thinking you're better than someone with a different skin color) as a sin and a stench in God's nostrils.
But then she basically says that she's against "intermarriage" of people of different races. As she's going on and on about race and animals and interbreeding, it just gets messy and unpleasant. "Basically I am opposed to such intermarriage, because I know that it seldom works, and that it can have a terrible effect upon the children of such a marriage. And basically I believe that each race has its own beauty and its particular value in God's creation. Would we like our pretty bouquets of many-colored flowers, if they were all red roses, or all yellow, or all white roses?"
She does explain that love is the key component for dealing with differences and conflict, but this chapter went on way too long and was too jarring (especially considering her pride in having adopted two children who were clearly of different ancestry . . . who according to her, should only be allowed to marry men of similar skin color to them?)
There were many places throughout the book where I silently cheered her for sharing her faith and trust in Jesus so boldly! (She died in 2001 at age 88.) There were many great lessons in her life story about relying on the Lord and boldly sharing his love.
"I have also learned that Satan loves nothing better than a chance to split every Christian fellowship on the face of the earth; he loves to divide and conquer, and we should think twice before helping him do that."
Amen! Unity, love, and faith. The threads of her story are strongly woven.
Monday, May 21, 2018
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963
by Christopher Paul Curtis
Scott County Library audiobook 4 CDs
read by Levar Burton
genre: YA historical fiction
I'm kind of shocked that I don't have an entry for this book already in my blog. I just checked and I started blogging about books in 2007. That means I read this well over a decade ago!
I didn't realize until I started typing this entry that the vocal work was by Levar Burton. I love him! He did an excellent job, of course.
I was struck by the first part of the story not being quite as funny as I had remembered it. (Kenny's brother Byron scraping the ice off the car was as I remembered, though.) I felt much more sadness this time around, especially the last part in Birmingham.
The TruTone record player in the car - this blows me away! What a weird concept - to have a record player in a car!
*** SPOILERS AHEAD! STOP READING HERE IF YOU'VE NOT READ THE BOOK.
The humor mixed with the seriousness really shifted for me when Kenny went into the pond and the "Wool Pooh" (whirlpool) got him. I wasn't surprised that Byron came to the rescue, but I had forgotten many of the details of the scene (and the fact that they didn't tell anyone what happened).
The bombing scene and Kenny's subsequent withdrawl were so sad! Hiding behind the couch, not interacting with anyone, . . . made the scene when Byron got him into the bathroom to look in the mirror all the more poignant. "How's it fair?" Indeed, there was nothing fair for the children who died in Sunday school that morning.
Christopher Paul Curtis is an amazing author and this is one of my favorite middle school historical fiction books. It is funny, sad, and realistic.
Scott County Library audiobook 4 CDs
read by Levar Burton
genre: YA historical fiction
I'm kind of shocked that I don't have an entry for this book already in my blog. I just checked and I started blogging about books in 2007. That means I read this well over a decade ago!
I didn't realize until I started typing this entry that the vocal work was by Levar Burton. I love him! He did an excellent job, of course.
I was struck by the first part of the story not being quite as funny as I had remembered it. (Kenny's brother Byron scraping the ice off the car was as I remembered, though.) I felt much more sadness this time around, especially the last part in Birmingham.
The TruTone record player in the car - this blows me away! What a weird concept - to have a record player in a car!
*** SPOILERS AHEAD! STOP READING HERE IF YOU'VE NOT READ THE BOOK.
The humor mixed with the seriousness really shifted for me when Kenny went into the pond and the "Wool Pooh" (whirlpool) got him. I wasn't surprised that Byron came to the rescue, but I had forgotten many of the details of the scene (and the fact that they didn't tell anyone what happened).
The bombing scene and Kenny's subsequent withdrawl were so sad! Hiding behind the couch, not interacting with anyone, . . . made the scene when Byron got him into the bathroom to look in the mirror all the more poignant. "How's it fair?" Indeed, there was nothing fair for the children who died in Sunday school that morning.
Christopher Paul Curtis is an amazing author and this is one of my favorite middle school historical fiction books. It is funny, sad, and realistic.
Monday, May 14, 2018
Lady Jayne Disappears
by Joanna Davidson Politano
Hennepin County Library paperback 395 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
I read our monthly book club title two weeks before discussion! I can't believe I've been unfinished the last two months.
The first third of this book seemed a bit too trite and formulaic to me. This is a debut novel, so I didn't get too hung up on it. But then it actually caught my curiosity and had a few surprises in store. I'm eager to read her next book, which will be out this summer.
Aurelie Harcourt is a sweet twenty-something who has lived her entire life in debtor's prison with her father. She loves the Lord and is a kind person who ministers to others. When her father dies, she goes to live with her father's wealthy family.
Some questions I had as I read (which were mostly resolved):
Why didn't her father use the royalties from his writing to get them out of debtor's prison?
How could he raise a child for two decades in a prison?!? (And why?)
What is the deal with Lady Jayne and why won't anyone talk about her?
Does Glenna know about her husband's past?
There were more, but I don't remember them all. I liked the mysteries woven into the story. I started suspecting things around every corner. Many twists that I anticipated didn't happen! Finding out the truth about Kendrick surprised me.
Page 76 - "It's always a choice, Aura Rose. Happiness is always a choice." Her father's wise words came back to me. I love right before this, when she recalled Scripture that helped strengthen her!
Page 120 - ". . . he would set about righting the lies she believed about herself and her worth. How great was God to use husbands so often in that task." I often praise God for letting me experience overwhelming love via Louie! It's wonderful to think that the Lord loves me even more than my spouse does! I am so blessed.
Page 322 - "Standing in place, I bowed my head and wordlessly connected my soul to God. I remained in this posture, submissive and trusting, breathing slowly. Peace did not come. Instead, I felt an energy firing through my chest, compelling me to move, to act. Go. Go find her." I think Aurelie is one of the absolute best faith-filled heroines in the stories we've ever read! And her cousin Juliette . . . a great counterpoint.
Page 348 - I liked the carriage scene between Aunt Eudora and Aurelie. It was beautiful.
Hennepin County Library paperback 395 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
I read our monthly book club title two weeks before discussion! I can't believe I've been unfinished the last two months.
The first third of this book seemed a bit too trite and formulaic to me. This is a debut novel, so I didn't get too hung up on it. But then it actually caught my curiosity and had a few surprises in store. I'm eager to read her next book, which will be out this summer.
Aurelie Harcourt is a sweet twenty-something who has lived her entire life in debtor's prison with her father. She loves the Lord and is a kind person who ministers to others. When her father dies, she goes to live with her father's wealthy family.
Some questions I had as I read (which were mostly resolved):
Why didn't her father use the royalties from his writing to get them out of debtor's prison?
How could he raise a child for two decades in a prison?!? (And why?)
What is the deal with Lady Jayne and why won't anyone talk about her?
Does Glenna know about her husband's past?
There were more, but I don't remember them all. I liked the mysteries woven into the story. I started suspecting things around every corner. Many twists that I anticipated didn't happen! Finding out the truth about Kendrick surprised me.
Page 76 - "It's always a choice, Aura Rose. Happiness is always a choice." Her father's wise words came back to me. I love right before this, when she recalled Scripture that helped strengthen her!
Page 120 - ". . . he would set about righting the lies she believed about herself and her worth. How great was God to use husbands so often in that task." I often praise God for letting me experience overwhelming love via Louie! It's wonderful to think that the Lord loves me even more than my spouse does! I am so blessed.
Page 322 - "Standing in place, I bowed my head and wordlessly connected my soul to God. I remained in this posture, submissive and trusting, breathing slowly. Peace did not come. Instead, I felt an energy firing through my chest, compelling me to move, to act. Go. Go find her." I think Aurelie is one of the absolute best faith-filled heroines in the stories we've ever read! And her cousin Juliette . . . a great counterpoint.
Page 348 - I liked the carriage scene between Aunt Eudora and Aurelie. It was beautiful.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
by Cheryl Strayed
Scott County Library audiobook 11CDs
read by Bernadette Dunne
genre: memoir
I only knew about this story because of the movie with Reese Witherspoon. I'm still undecided about my reaction to it . . . Here are some of my car jottings:
Scott County Library audiobook 11CDs
read by Bernadette Dunne
genre: memoir
I only knew about this story because of the movie with Reese Witherspoon. I'm still undecided about my reaction to it . . . Here are some of my car jottings:
- not believing in God, not wanting mercy, etc. pretty adamant
- losing mom . . . cancer and logic, mother love
- her theology is so messed up!
- grief / after mom's death, dreams of killing her . . . morbid
- Ugh! Sleeping around as a "healing process"?!?!
- lifestyle choices . . . sex, heroin, etc.
- Ugh! "Abortion - no question." How does she live with herself?
- unleaded gas instead of white gas in a cook stove!
- I like Albert - "50-something Christian from Georgia - Eagle Scout"
- PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) / Sierra Nevada . . . I'm curious to learn more!
- "Monster" - her huge, heavy backpack
- horse Lady / Eddie agreeing to put her down / Cheryl finding her emaciated and shivering on Christmas Eve. This scene was so horrible! I'm not a huge horse lover, but this was hard to listen to!
- She is a very talented writer! I love how she wove her back story into the trail experience. It was very natural and not "flashback" seeming.
- REI boots, Snapple . . . I wonder if she got any attention or appreciation from them after this book was published!
- I loved the llama, the old woman, and Kyle! What a delightful scene.
- It was published in 2012, but she walked the trail in the 1990s. I was shocked at how little she paid for things, even twenty some years ago.
The Outsiders
by S.E. Hinton
personal copy, paperback 156 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
I knew I was "teaching" this for seventh grade language arts and wanted to be prepared. I hadn't read this in about (or over?) thirty years! It was a much quicker read than I remembered. And for some reason, I thought that either Ponyboy or Sodapop died in the story . . . so clearly I needed to re-read it to actually remember the story correctly.
It wasn't as well-written as I remembered it to be, but I went online to check the veracity of a tag on my copy: "a revealing novel about teenagers - by a teenager." I knew that Susan Hinton published as "S.E." because of her gender and publishers' belief that boys wouldn't write a book by a girl. But I didn't know that she was only 15 when she wrote it and 17 when it was published! That's amazing!
Even though it was written several decades ago, the story still seems to resonate for teenagers. Interesting.
personal copy, paperback 156 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
I knew I was "teaching" this for seventh grade language arts and wanted to be prepared. I hadn't read this in about (or over?) thirty years! It was a much quicker read than I remembered. And for some reason, I thought that either Ponyboy or Sodapop died in the story . . . so clearly I needed to re-read it to actually remember the story correctly.
It wasn't as well-written as I remembered it to be, but I went online to check the veracity of a tag on my copy: "a revealing novel about teenagers - by a teenager." I knew that Susan Hinton published as "S.E." because of her gender and publishers' belief that boys wouldn't write a book by a girl. But I didn't know that she was only 15 when she wrote it and 17 when it was published! That's amazing!
Even though it was written several decades ago, the story still seems to resonate for teenagers. Interesting.
The Mark of the Golden Dragon
by L.A. Meyer
Scott County Library hardcover 378 pages
genre: YA historical adventure fiction
Another Jacky Faber book. This one was a bit more enjoyable than the last few. She is trying to clear her name and Jaime's name. He thinks she is dead and goes off the rails, becoming the Black Highwayman and getting revenge on the two men who he thinks responsible for Jacky's "death." She makes more amazing alliances and deals. I think it's good that this book was shorter and more focused.
Scott County Library hardcover 378 pages
genre: YA historical adventure fiction
Another Jacky Faber book. This one was a bit more enjoyable than the last few. She is trying to clear her name and Jaime's name. He thinks she is dead and goes off the rails, becoming the Black Highwayman and getting revenge on the two men who he thinks responsible for Jacky's "death." She makes more amazing alliances and deals. I think it's good that this book was shorter and more focused.
Until We Find Home
by Cathy Gohlke
Hennepin County Library hardcover 3 or 4 hundred pages
genre: Historical Christian fiction
This was a book club book that I didn't finish before discussion. Set in World War II, Claire is a super romantic (and pretty immature) American living in Paris. Part of the underground resistance, she helps five Jewish children escape. But when her "love" doesn't show up, she crosses to England with the children. Ending up at her aunt's home in the lakes country, there is intrigue, danger, romance, etc.
I liked the literary threads (neighbor Mrs. Heelis, aka Beatrix Potter; the Secret Garden; C. S. Lewis; etc.) I also liked little Gaston - he was a firecracker!
But the story was pretty lightweight. I didn't even mind the discussion and its inevitable "spoilers" because I just didn't care that much. It was fine but not a re-read or "must" recommend book.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 3 or 4 hundred pages
genre: Historical Christian fiction
This was a book club book that I didn't finish before discussion. Set in World War II, Claire is a super romantic (and pretty immature) American living in Paris. Part of the underground resistance, she helps five Jewish children escape. But when her "love" doesn't show up, she crosses to England with the children. Ending up at her aunt's home in the lakes country, there is intrigue, danger, romance, etc.
I liked the literary threads (neighbor Mrs. Heelis, aka Beatrix Potter; the Secret Garden; C. S. Lewis; etc.) I also liked little Gaston - he was a firecracker!
But the story was pretty lightweight. I didn't even mind the discussion and its inevitable "spoilers" because I just didn't care that much. It was fine but not a re-read or "must" recommend book.
Friday, April 27, 2018
Obama: An Intimate Portrait
by Pete Souza
Hennepin County Library hardcover 346 pages
genre: photojournalism, presidential history
I almost bought this at Costco for $30 but waited on the list at the library for over two months instead! I love Souza's work and the way he captured many of the moments and moods in President Obama's White House. This is a lovely book and it made me appreciate Obama's personality and leadership even more than I did before looking at it. I think he is a kind, thoughtful, intelligent, caring human being with a fun sense of humor.
Souza took millions of photographs over the eight years of the Obama WH! (Literally, millions.) I don't know how he decided on these, but it's a wonderful book.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 346 pages
genre: photojournalism, presidential history
I almost bought this at Costco for $30 but waited on the list at the library for over two months instead! I love Souza's work and the way he captured many of the moments and moods in President Obama's White House. This is a lovely book and it made me appreciate Obama's personality and leadership even more than I did before looking at it. I think he is a kind, thoughtful, intelligent, caring human being with a fun sense of humor.
Souza took millions of photographs over the eight years of the Obama WH! (Literally, millions.) I don't know how he decided on these, but it's a wonderful book.
Playing for Pizza
by John Grisham
Scott County Library audiobook 6 CDs
read by Christopher Evan Welch
genre: realistic fiction
A friend recommended this to me. I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped, but haven't read a lot of Grisham and may need to see if this is typical for him.
Rick Dockery is a much-maligned NFL quarterback who has had one concussion too many. At the story's outset, he is thoroughly dislikable! Arrogant, selfish, brash womanizer . . . pretty typical portrayal of a handsome pro athlete. Even when he ends up in Italy to play for Parma's football team (American football, not soccer), he is a jerk.
But over the course of the story, Rick changes. It is gradual and it is pleasant, but I found myself cheering for him.
Even more than the human characters, the town of Parma, the food, the Italians beckoned. I wanted to book a trip! That reminded me of seeing "Under the Tuscan Sun." Hated the movie, but wanted to travel there!
Enjoyable story. The ending fell flat for me, but it was minor. Rick's story arc and the Parma football season were the important parts.
Scott County Library audiobook 6 CDs
read by Christopher Evan Welch
genre: realistic fiction
A friend recommended this to me. I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped, but haven't read a lot of Grisham and may need to see if this is typical for him.
Rick Dockery is a much-maligned NFL quarterback who has had one concussion too many. At the story's outset, he is thoroughly dislikable! Arrogant, selfish, brash womanizer . . . pretty typical portrayal of a handsome pro athlete. Even when he ends up in Italy to play for Parma's football team (American football, not soccer), he is a jerk.
But over the course of the story, Rick changes. It is gradual and it is pleasant, but I found myself cheering for him.
Even more than the human characters, the town of Parma, the food, the Italians beckoned. I wanted to book a trip! That reminded me of seeing "Under the Tuscan Sun." Hated the movie, but wanted to travel there!
Enjoyable story. The ending fell flat for me, but it was minor. Rick's story arc and the Parma football season were the important parts.
Monday, April 23, 2018
Witness in Philadelphia
by Florence Mars, with the assistance of Lynn Eden
Hennepin County Library hardcover, 281 pages
genre: non-fiction history, Civil Rights
I had a piece of paper with three titles on it - Mississippi Burning (a DVD), Murder in Mississippi (an account of the court case), and this one which is a personal eyewitness to the events of 1964.
I was intrigued by the thought of a white woman in Mississippi sharing her perspective of the murder in 1964 of three civil rights workers (James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner). A previous book I had read about the three young men dealt with the horrific murder, cover-up, and publicity (noting that had two of the men not been white, no one would know about it).
Sigh. This was interesting but also depressing. First, it is definitely a product of its time and place. Published in 1977 in Louisiana, it certainly retains some of the tone of that era and place. The preface has two quotes on it:
"Outsiders who come in here and try to stir up trouble should be dealt with in a manner they won't forget." (Neshoba Democrat, April 9, 1964)
"To understand Neshoba County, you have to live here a hundred years." (common saying)
Though Florence Mars is sympathetic to the "Negroes" who are treated so horribly in her home community and she also is persecuted by the KKK for her outspokenness, she still seems quite sympathetic to the majority of the white residents of Neshoba county and the culture shock they experienced in the 1960s. The sentiment that white people had "treated them" (African Americans) so well and it just wasn't appreciated . . . well, please! I just can't stomach it.
The other aspect of the book that truly distressed me is that the men of the KKK identify themselves as Christians! What?!?!?! What Scriptures are they reading? How does brutalizing people, denigrating them, and murdering them fit with what Jesus taught?!?! Ugh!
Since I've never been a great student of history, I think it's important to read a lot of perspectives. In that sense, this was a worthwhile book with lots for me to think about. (And I am so very grateful for all the people who have fought for equal rights in the past and continue to strive for justice today!)
Page 170 - When the police were beating Bud and his wife Beatrice was praying for his life to be spared . . . I got chills. I love that her faith and prayer were answered! (Though I wish they'd never been in a life-or-death situation just for being black and driving down a road . . . )
Page 205 - Pastor Clay was one of my favorite people in this book! His sermons and stances made a difference. "Whatever else the cross means - above everything it is God's way of saying to us, 'You can break my bones, you can drain my blood, you can crush my body, but you cannot stop me from being what I am: the Heavenly Father who loves you and cares for you.'"
Page
Hennepin County Library hardcover, 281 pages
genre: non-fiction history, Civil Rights
I had a piece of paper with three titles on it - Mississippi Burning (a DVD), Murder in Mississippi (an account of the court case), and this one which is a personal eyewitness to the events of 1964.
I was intrigued by the thought of a white woman in Mississippi sharing her perspective of the murder in 1964 of three civil rights workers (James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner). A previous book I had read about the three young men dealt with the horrific murder, cover-up, and publicity (noting that had two of the men not been white, no one would know about it).
Sigh. This was interesting but also depressing. First, it is definitely a product of its time and place. Published in 1977 in Louisiana, it certainly retains some of the tone of that era and place. The preface has two quotes on it:
"Outsiders who come in here and try to stir up trouble should be dealt with in a manner they won't forget." (Neshoba Democrat, April 9, 1964)
"To understand Neshoba County, you have to live here a hundred years." (common saying)
Though Florence Mars is sympathetic to the "Negroes" who are treated so horribly in her home community and she also is persecuted by the KKK for her outspokenness, she still seems quite sympathetic to the majority of the white residents of Neshoba county and the culture shock they experienced in the 1960s. The sentiment that white people had "treated them" (African Americans) so well and it just wasn't appreciated . . . well, please! I just can't stomach it.
The other aspect of the book that truly distressed me is that the men of the KKK identify themselves as Christians! What?!?!?! What Scriptures are they reading? How does brutalizing people, denigrating them, and murdering them fit with what Jesus taught?!?! Ugh!
Since I've never been a great student of history, I think it's important to read a lot of perspectives. In that sense, this was a worthwhile book with lots for me to think about. (And I am so very grateful for all the people who have fought for equal rights in the past and continue to strive for justice today!)
Page 170 - When the police were beating Bud and his wife Beatrice was praying for his life to be spared . . . I got chills. I love that her faith and prayer were answered! (Though I wish they'd never been in a life-or-death situation just for being black and driving down a road . . . )
Page 205 - Pastor Clay was one of my favorite people in this book! His sermons and stances made a difference. "Whatever else the cross means - above everything it is God's way of saying to us, 'You can break my bones, you can drain my blood, you can crush my body, but you cannot stop me from being what I am: the Heavenly Father who loves you and cares for you.'"
Page
Thursday, April 19, 2018
A Trick of the Light
by Louise Penny
Scott County Library audiobook 9 CDs
read by Ralph Cosham
genre: murder mystery
This is another Inspector Gamache / Three Pines mystery. There are things I love about this series and things that bug me. I honestly liked the very first one I "read" the best of all so far! (Book 5 - Bury Your Dead).
This one had an interesting theme of marriage and couples (and separations). Enid and Jean-Guy are separated. Jean-Guy is in love with Annie (Gamache) and finds out that she and her husband David are going to separate. Armand and Rene-Marie. Peter and Clara Morrow. The husband and wife artist team who were snarky at Clara's show. Inspector Brunelle and her husband Jerome.
There's also the ongoing use of poetry throughout her books. Ruth's poems, but also ones that Gamache's dad recited to him and that he recited to his own children.
I laughed at someone being referred to as an "emotional vampire" even though I don't remember which character this was about. The dead woman, probably. Lilian.
I also laughed at Beauvoir lying about his identification as an art critic for Le Monde while at the vernissage with all the snooty art world people! Funny! (I intuited what a "vernissage" was from context clues, but had to look it up just now to learn how to spell it! Blogger says it's wrong . . . I'm pretty sure it's just French. )
Ugh! I did not like the references to Clara's painting of the Virgin Mary / Ruth as "an angry old woman, forgotten, bitter . . . " Scripture clearly indicates that Jesus asked John to take care of his mother. The "irreligious" aspect of her books bothers me, as does some of the overly dramatic writing and responses of characters we know (to the point where their thoughts or words seem out of character!) Yet I continue to read her books!
Serenity Prayer / AA / Courage to Change . . . Not sure why I made note of this. It was interesting, if a bit skewed in tone (to the negative, I thought).
I liked the conversation that Beauvoir and Gamache had in the car, but was surprised by the end of the book at how much more talking they still need to do to work through some issues! I guess I'll have to keep reading the series.
Chiaroscuro, schadenfreude . . . dude! This almost made me feel illiterate! Good thing I love words so much!
"Do people change?" This was a key question in the case and in this story. I didn't love how she handled the answer, but that's me reading my perspective into the story again!
Ugh again. Psychology. Jean Guy watching the video on mega-repeat. Thinking that Gamache "left him to die." Taking more painkillers than he should and lying about it. Time to order the next book in the series.
Scott County Library audiobook 9 CDs
read by Ralph Cosham
genre: murder mystery
This is another Inspector Gamache / Three Pines mystery. There are things I love about this series and things that bug me. I honestly liked the very first one I "read" the best of all so far! (Book 5 - Bury Your Dead).
This one had an interesting theme of marriage and couples (and separations). Enid and Jean-Guy are separated. Jean-Guy is in love with Annie (Gamache) and finds out that she and her husband David are going to separate. Armand and Rene-Marie. Peter and Clara Morrow. The husband and wife artist team who were snarky at Clara's show. Inspector Brunelle and her husband Jerome.
There's also the ongoing use of poetry throughout her books. Ruth's poems, but also ones that Gamache's dad recited to him and that he recited to his own children.
I laughed at someone being referred to as an "emotional vampire" even though I don't remember which character this was about. The dead woman, probably. Lilian.
I also laughed at Beauvoir lying about his identification as an art critic for Le Monde while at the vernissage with all the snooty art world people! Funny! (I intuited what a "vernissage" was from context clues, but had to look it up just now to learn how to spell it! Blogger says it's wrong . . . I'm pretty sure it's just French. )
Ugh! I did not like the references to Clara's painting of the Virgin Mary / Ruth as "an angry old woman, forgotten, bitter . . . " Scripture clearly indicates that Jesus asked John to take care of his mother. The "irreligious" aspect of her books bothers me, as does some of the overly dramatic writing and responses of characters we know (to the point where their thoughts or words seem out of character!) Yet I continue to read her books!
Serenity Prayer / AA / Courage to Change . . . Not sure why I made note of this. It was interesting, if a bit skewed in tone (to the negative, I thought).
I liked the conversation that Beauvoir and Gamache had in the car, but was surprised by the end of the book at how much more talking they still need to do to work through some issues! I guess I'll have to keep reading the series.
Chiaroscuro, schadenfreude . . . dude! This almost made me feel illiterate! Good thing I love words so much!
"Do people change?" This was a key question in the case and in this story. I didn't love how she handled the answer, but that's me reading my perspective into the story again!
Ugh again. Psychology. Jean Guy watching the video on mega-repeat. Thinking that Gamache "left him to die." Taking more painkillers than he should and lying about it. Time to order the next book in the series.
Friday, April 06, 2018
Shadows (book two of the Ashes Trilogy)
by Ilsa J. Bick
Scott County Library paperback 518 pages
genre: YA dystopian fiction
Ugh! I "had" to read this book to see where the story arc goes / what happens to the characters. We still don't know what happened to Ellie (though there's a hint at the very end!), but we get to follow Alex's and Tom's paths. We also follow Chris, Nathan, Lena, and a LOT of other characters . . . to the point of confusion. I'd come to a new chapter and scan ahead to see which person's story we were following. And yet . . . I'll go get book three so I can get to the trilogy's resolution.
I'm not sure why so many authors feel a need to express their perspective on Christianity when that is not a theme of the book at all. On page 506, the absolutely crazy Finn says, "Every man breaks, eventually . . . even Jesus cracked at the end. But that wasn't because of what was being done to him. His pressure was doubt and came from within, but he always had a choice." As Finn is trying to find Peter's breaking point and torturing him, he makes a parallel with Jesus on the cross and says that doubt is what Jesus struggled with and made him "crack"? Really?! Everyone is entitled to their own interpretation of Scripture, but why even make a statement like this? Okay, probably just my pet peeve because I love Jesus and I believe in God's Word.
The other insane thing about my reading this series is that it is not just dark (hello - dystopian fiction) but downright gory and gruesome. The "Changed" are teenagers and young adults who have become cannibalistic zombie-like monsters . . . except now they're "evolving" into attackers who use weapons and strategy. The gross factor in this book was sky-high. It's worse than some of the zombie books I've read. So that made it especially strange when the author included this gem about Cindi on page 516 after Tom talks about the nightmare of what he experienced in combat: "She tried to imagine what that was like, to watch a little girl just blow apart. Her mother had never let her watch movies or play computer games like that. What made people think that killing, even when it was pretend, was something you should do for fun?" Is this author trying to be funny? Or add some kind of moral lesson in an extremely violent, bloody story?
And yet . . . I will read book three to find out what happens to the main characters. (I am curious about Ellie and I am a compulsive reader!)
Scott County Library paperback 518 pages
genre: YA dystopian fiction
Ugh! I "had" to read this book to see where the story arc goes / what happens to the characters. We still don't know what happened to Ellie (though there's a hint at the very end!), but we get to follow Alex's and Tom's paths. We also follow Chris, Nathan, Lena, and a LOT of other characters . . . to the point of confusion. I'd come to a new chapter and scan ahead to see which person's story we were following. And yet . . . I'll go get book three so I can get to the trilogy's resolution.
I'm not sure why so many authors feel a need to express their perspective on Christianity when that is not a theme of the book at all. On page 506, the absolutely crazy Finn says, "Every man breaks, eventually . . . even Jesus cracked at the end. But that wasn't because of what was being done to him. His pressure was doubt and came from within, but he always had a choice." As Finn is trying to find Peter's breaking point and torturing him, he makes a parallel with Jesus on the cross and says that doubt is what Jesus struggled with and made him "crack"? Really?! Everyone is entitled to their own interpretation of Scripture, but why even make a statement like this? Okay, probably just my pet peeve because I love Jesus and I believe in God's Word.
The other insane thing about my reading this series is that it is not just dark (hello - dystopian fiction) but downright gory and gruesome. The "Changed" are teenagers and young adults who have become cannibalistic zombie-like monsters . . . except now they're "evolving" into attackers who use weapons and strategy. The gross factor in this book was sky-high. It's worse than some of the zombie books I've read. So that made it especially strange when the author included this gem about Cindi on page 516 after Tom talks about the nightmare of what he experienced in combat: "She tried to imagine what that was like, to watch a little girl just blow apart. Her mother had never let her watch movies or play computer games like that. What made people think that killing, even when it was pretend, was something you should do for fun?" Is this author trying to be funny? Or add some kind of moral lesson in an extremely violent, bloody story?
And yet . . . I will read book three to find out what happens to the main characters. (I am curious about Ellie and I am a compulsive reader!)
Monday, April 02, 2018
Salt: A World History
by Mark Kurlansky
Hennepin County Library paperback 452 pages plus bibliography and index
genre: non-fiction, history
I don't remember where I saw the reviews for this book, but it sounded fantastic. I'm on page 130 and not sure I can force myself to keep reading it. Parts of it are interesting, but it seems too academic and dry. I loved The Disappearing Spoon about the periodic table! I expected something like that - interesting and informative.
As much as I love eating salt, my favorite part of this book is on the back blurb. "Salt - the only rock we eat - has made a glittering, often surprising contribution to the history of humankind."
The photographs, maps, recipes, and illustrations add to the text, but I think I'll return it to the library without finishing it.
Part One: A Discourse on Salt, Cadavers, and Pungent Sauces
Part Two: The Glow of Herring and the Scent of Conquest
Part Three: Sodium's Perfect Marriage
Some of the chapter titles (twenty-six in all) are very clever, but the text is just not compelling enough for me to want to invest more time in this book.
Hennepin County Library paperback 452 pages plus bibliography and index
genre: non-fiction, history
I don't remember where I saw the reviews for this book, but it sounded fantastic. I'm on page 130 and not sure I can force myself to keep reading it. Parts of it are interesting, but it seems too academic and dry. I loved The Disappearing Spoon about the periodic table! I expected something like that - interesting and informative.
As much as I love eating salt, my favorite part of this book is on the back blurb. "Salt - the only rock we eat - has made a glittering, often surprising contribution to the history of humankind."
The photographs, maps, recipes, and illustrations add to the text, but I think I'll return it to the library without finishing it.
Part One: A Discourse on Salt, Cadavers, and Pungent Sauces
Part Two: The Glow of Herring and the Scent of Conquest
Part Three: Sodium's Perfect Marriage
Some of the chapter titles (twenty-six in all) are very clever, but the text is just not compelling enough for me to want to invest more time in this book.
Murder in Mesopotamia
by Agatha Christie
Scott County Library audiobook 2 CDs
a BBC 4 full-cast dramatization
genre: murder mystery fiction
This was delightful! I was taken aback at first that it was all dialog and sound effects with virtually no narration at all . . . except a very little diary-like communication from the nurse. Having read plenty of other Christie books, I can tell there is a LOT of abridged content (which of course makes me want to read the original book). Especially since a lot of what Poirot reveals in the clincher scene is stuff we've not even had a hint about!
"Just as Amy Leatheran is about to return to England, she is hired by the celebrated archaeologist Dr. Leidner to work as nurse and companion for his wife - who is subject to fits of nervous terrors. As they travel to an ancient site deep in the Iraqi desert, Amy finds herself in a situation much stranger than she could ever have imagined. . . " I guessed the wrong killer (of course) but loved how the story and cast of characters played out the tale.
I loved the tiny twist at the end! When Nurse Leatheran and Monsieur Poirot are saying goodbye, he says he's going to get some rest and travel on a sleeper car on the Orient Express.
Scott County Library audiobook 2 CDs
a BBC 4 full-cast dramatization
genre: murder mystery fiction
This was delightful! I was taken aback at first that it was all dialog and sound effects with virtually no narration at all . . . except a very little diary-like communication from the nurse. Having read plenty of other Christie books, I can tell there is a LOT of abridged content (which of course makes me want to read the original book). Especially since a lot of what Poirot reveals in the clincher scene is stuff we've not even had a hint about!
"Just as Amy Leatheran is about to return to England, she is hired by the celebrated archaeologist Dr. Leidner to work as nurse and companion for his wife - who is subject to fits of nervous terrors. As they travel to an ancient site deep in the Iraqi desert, Amy finds herself in a situation much stranger than she could ever have imagined. . . " I guessed the wrong killer (of course) but loved how the story and cast of characters played out the tale.
I loved the tiny twist at the end! When Nurse Leatheran and Monsieur Poirot are saying goodbye, he says he's going to get some rest and travel on a sleeper car on the Orient Express.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
