I have this vague feeling that one of my New Year's resolutions from last year had something to do with more blog posts but I can't be sure. Regardless, at different points throughout the year I have tried to increase my posting in order to work on my writing and making myself more disciplined... etc. (my New Year's resolution for 2007 is gradually coming back to me but I won't say anything definitive on it ;) )
When I joined the reading challenge(s) I used the posts I wrote for the reviews of the books I read as my way to increase posts. As a result for the past few months I have written posts about as informative about my life as not posting at all.
The funny thing is... I keep thinking in posts. I'll think of an idea that I could craft a brief few paragraphs about but I'll never get around to making it a post. That seems to happen to me a lot.
No. Writing more in my blog is not my New Year's Resolution... the three above paragraphs were just something I wanted to get off my chest... and the topic is somewhat related to my 2007 New Year's resolution.
Now, onto 2008. I'm actually pretty excited about this year. I don't know why but I think great things are going to happen in 2008. Perhaps it's the fact that 8 is an even number and a multiple of 4 (just an idiosyncrasy of mine).
About resolutions. I've made them before. I've avoided the common ones. Well, I should say that I've avoided declaring the common resolutions like getting fit and staying healthy. I kind of make those resolutions throughout the year. Usually, I forget the resolution part-way through the year and make other goals.
This year is different. I plan on keeping my New Year's Resolution in plain sight. This is my Resolution. I want to memorize more Scripture. I'm not setting a certain amount or time limits on the goal but that is my goal. I consider memorizing Scripture something important and a way that I want to grow in Christ.
Starting tomorrow I will be working on memorizing Psalm 119. It may take me the entire year to memorize it but I plan on working on it until I have the entire chapter memorized. (oh... I'm also trying to be healthy... start eating healthier and working out but that's not my resolution)
Monday, December 31, 2007
On... Speak through the Wind by Allison Pittman
Once again I came across a book that I cannot remember putting on my list or why I did so but I was not disappointed.
A review that I read... or a snippet about the book... somewhere compared the book to Redeeming Love (one of my absolute favorite books of all time) to Janette Oke... a beloved author from my childhood but not one now. (Her writing style is very cliche).
With that sort of information in my mind before I opened the book I had no idea what to expect. I didn't even really know what the basic idea of the story was because of the library stickers on the back covering half of the summary.
Mrs. Pittman did not disappoint. I never thought that I would discover a story so like Redeeming Love but this book rivals that story. Of course, I would not have liked the book if the plots had been similar or dealt with similar things. This book certainly was not a copy but dealt with many of the same issues.
Mrs. Pittman creates such a well of sympathy and empathy for Kassandra. Her life is so full of trials and things that happen beyond her control that seem to knock her down just when she gets her feet under her again. This series of events draws on the well of sympathy in the reader. In addition, Kassandra makes her own horrible mistakes... things that we finite humans are so prone to do. ("prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love") The trouble that Kassandra's poor decisions plunge her into draws on the well of empathy in the reader. I wonder what I would do if I were faced with the same choices as Kassandra.
Allison Pittman is a new favorite author of mine. I definitely am going to sample more of her work.
A review that I read... or a snippet about the book... somewhere compared the book to Redeeming Love (one of my absolute favorite books of all time) to Janette Oke... a beloved author from my childhood but not one now. (Her writing style is very cliche).
With that sort of information in my mind before I opened the book I had no idea what to expect. I didn't even really know what the basic idea of the story was because of the library stickers on the back covering half of the summary.
Mrs. Pittman did not disappoint. I never thought that I would discover a story so like Redeeming Love but this book rivals that story. Of course, I would not have liked the book if the plots had been similar or dealt with similar things. This book certainly was not a copy but dealt with many of the same issues.
Mrs. Pittman creates such a well of sympathy and empathy for Kassandra. Her life is so full of trials and things that happen beyond her control that seem to knock her down just when she gets her feet under her again. This series of events draws on the well of sympathy in the reader. In addition, Kassandra makes her own horrible mistakes... things that we finite humans are so prone to do. ("prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love") The trouble that Kassandra's poor decisions plunge her into draws on the well of empathy in the reader. I wonder what I would do if I were faced with the same choices as Kassandra.
Allison Pittman is a new favorite author of mine. I definitely am going to sample more of her work.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
On... The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
I don't know of another author that can toy so with my emotions. Khaled Hosseini must be a jinn (to use a reference from Arabian Nights) in the way that can raise a readers hope in one instance and then without even saying exactly what happened make the reader's stomach clench hoping against hopes that the most terrible thing has not occurred when in actuality it has.
I remember at one point thinking that the story moved along much slower than A Thousand Splendid Suns and wondered where Hosseini would take the story in order to fill up the remaining hundred fifty pages remaining.
That memory is vague now. I came to the last page and read Amir's words. Tears came to my eyes. I could not believe how absolutely beautifully Hosseini tied the story together... the story of a man searching for redemption from an act he fled from as a young man, an act that tortured him for years.
Hosseini's books are so terribly beautiful. They are full of terrible regrets and heinous events yet so far Hosseini has ended his stories with hope that seems so absolutely impossible to believe but yet so right.
I remember at one point thinking that the story moved along much slower than A Thousand Splendid Suns and wondered where Hosseini would take the story in order to fill up the remaining hundred fifty pages remaining.
That memory is vague now. I came to the last page and read Amir's words. Tears came to my eyes. I could not believe how absolutely beautifully Hosseini tied the story together... the story of a man searching for redemption from an act he fled from as a young man, an act that tortured him for years.
Hosseini's books are so terribly beautiful. They are full of terrible regrets and heinous events yet so far Hosseini has ended his stories with hope that seems so absolutely impossible to believe but yet so right.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
On... The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
I start this post with a disclaimer. I did not read it with as much attention as I read Angela Hunt's for two reasons. I enjoy Angela Hunt's books more and they are also half the size of this one.
I've had mixed experiences with Alexandre Dumas. For instance, one of the sequels to The Three Musketeers... The Man in the Iron Mask... absolutely bored me to tears but I persevered to the end. I will not own a book without having read it at least once. On the other hand I also own The Count of Monte Cristo and absolutely adore that book. I almost could not put the book down as soon as I picked it up. The story is so compelling and the plot moves along at a much more reasonable pace than The Man in the Iron Mask.
Thus you can probably understand my dilemma when I started to read The Three Musketeers. Which of the two experiences would this book most identify with. For the sake of my sanity I hoped that the book would be most like the Count of Monte Cristo.
Thankfully it was.
I still prefer The Count of Monte Cristo but the plot of The Three Musketeers moves along at such a rapid pace that I had to back track at least two or three times (only pages of course) to get my head around what just happened. In fact, this rapid pace actually was a benefit and a distraction. Due to the serial nature of the original publication the events of the book seem to cycle in and out of anticipation, climax and denouement many more times than would be recommended for a healthy novel.
In the end I learned a whole lot more about Porthos, Aramis, Athos and d'Artangan than I ever knew before (even having read the sequel where all of these characters appear as well) and developed a sense of appreciation for Dumas' ability to weave information about the characters throughout the seemingly endless cycles in such a way that one could not have the ending without all of the cycles.
I've had mixed experiences with Alexandre Dumas. For instance, one of the sequels to The Three Musketeers... The Man in the Iron Mask... absolutely bored me to tears but I persevered to the end. I will not own a book without having read it at least once. On the other hand I also own The Count of Monte Cristo and absolutely adore that book. I almost could not put the book down as soon as I picked it up. The story is so compelling and the plot moves along at a much more reasonable pace than The Man in the Iron Mask.
Thus you can probably understand my dilemma when I started to read The Three Musketeers. Which of the two experiences would this book most identify with. For the sake of my sanity I hoped that the book would be most like the Count of Monte Cristo.
Thankfully it was.
I still prefer The Count of Monte Cristo but the plot of The Three Musketeers moves along at such a rapid pace that I had to back track at least two or three times (only pages of course) to get my head around what just happened. In fact, this rapid pace actually was a benefit and a distraction. Due to the serial nature of the original publication the events of the book seem to cycle in and out of anticipation, climax and denouement many more times than would be recommended for a healthy novel.
In the end I learned a whole lot more about Porthos, Aramis, Athos and d'Artangan than I ever knew before (even having read the sequel where all of these characters appear as well) and developed a sense of appreciation for Dumas' ability to weave information about the characters throughout the seemingly endless cycles in such a way that one could not have the ending without all of the cycles.
Friday, December 28, 2007
On ... Doesn't she look natural? by Angela Hunt
Finally reading this book after having read about almost every part of the process on Mrs. Hunt's blog was quite enjoyable. I saw how different points she mentioned fit into the overall story.
Like usual Mrs. Hunt does not fail to please. She changes between first person scenes narrated by the main character Jennifer and several other third person scenes most of which are seen through the point of Joella, Jennifer's mother.
This book deals with many issues.. at least one of which touches close to my life... and deals with them in such a way that I can actually understand how being a mortician is not as morbid as it may seem. I honestly couldn't believe it when at the end I understood how taking care of a dead body can be such a ministry to the living.
I would tell more about the plot but I really can't without giving away spoilers that would ruin a first time read. :D
I loved this book and am amazed that I have yet to read an Angela Hunt book that I do not thoroughly enjoy.
Like usual Mrs. Hunt does not fail to please. She changes between first person scenes narrated by the main character Jennifer and several other third person scenes most of which are seen through the point of Joella, Jennifer's mother.
This book deals with many issues.. at least one of which touches close to my life... and deals with them in such a way that I can actually understand how being a mortician is not as morbid as it may seem. I honestly couldn't believe it when at the end I understood how taking care of a dead body can be such a ministry to the living.
I would tell more about the plot but I really can't without giving away spoilers that would ruin a first time read. :D
I loved this book and am amazed that I have yet to read an Angela Hunt book that I do not thoroughly enjoy.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
On... the Elevator by Angela Hunt
Yet again Angela Hunt does not fail to captivate. She can take a seemingly fragile premise and turn it into a captivating book. At certain points I could not pull myself away from the book because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next and how things would be resolved. She even surprised me with a twist at the end. I won't say anything about it because that wouldn't be fair for those who have yet to read the book. :D
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
On... Uncharted by Angela Hunt
Once again Angela Hunt does not fail to please. For Christmas I received three of her most recent book (with one more on the way) and just finished Uncharted. Boy do I love that book!
I knew, having read Mrs. Hunt's blog and from reading other reviews of the book, that this book is definitely "out there" even in comparison to other books of hers. I absolutely loved it. In fact, her "expect the unexpected" is one of the reason why I absolutely love the book.
I can't really review the book adequately because that would give away a good part of the book that should not be learned until Mrs. Hunt reveals it in the book. This plot twist definitely stretches the imagination for believers and many (including some of my own relatives) would not like this twist at all.
Me on the other hand... I love that kind of stuff. I'm not one to limit God. Who says that there can't be any time traveling? (No. There's no time traveling in the book. That's just the example that I normally use. :D)
I love Mrs. Hunt's style. For the prologue and epilogue she uses present tense verbs, not a technique that is commonly used, and shifts to past tense... the most common... for the majority of the book which takes place a year earlier than the prologue and epilogue. That eliminates a lot of the awkward had + verb constructions.
I cannot possibly say enough about this book. I strongly recommend it to anyone willing to take a ride!
I knew, having read Mrs. Hunt's blog and from reading other reviews of the book, that this book is definitely "out there" even in comparison to other books of hers. I absolutely loved it. In fact, her "expect the unexpected" is one of the reason why I absolutely love the book.
I can't really review the book adequately because that would give away a good part of the book that should not be learned until Mrs. Hunt reveals it in the book. This plot twist definitely stretches the imagination for believers and many (including some of my own relatives) would not like this twist at all.
Me on the other hand... I love that kind of stuff. I'm not one to limit God. Who says that there can't be any time traveling? (No. There's no time traveling in the book. That's just the example that I normally use. :D)
I love Mrs. Hunt's style. For the prologue and epilogue she uses present tense verbs, not a technique that is commonly used, and shifts to past tense... the most common... for the majority of the book which takes place a year earlier than the prologue and epilogue. That eliminates a lot of the awkward had + verb constructions.
I cannot possibly say enough about this book. I strongly recommend it to anyone willing to take a ride!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
On... Mixed Signals by Liz Curtis Higgs
I absolutely adore Ms. Higgs Scottish series. In all honesty I cannot get enough of those characters and love her writing style. I've never read anything else of hers before and I was not disappointed in this book.
Ms. Higgs drew me in to the lives of her characters: the main character and the other secondary characters. Even though I had accidentally read a few sentences from the last couple pages and knew how things ended up I wanted to know how Belle would get there.
So many times Ms. Higgs threw another wrench in the path of Belle and David. I kept wondering how they were going to overcome those obstacles in the remaining pages of the book. Although I think that Ms. Higgs resolved them reasonably there were a few times that I wondered how Belle could get over her anger/impatience with David within the space of just a few seconds.
The ending of the book even though I knew it was coming is a little on the too perfect side (or the side that I would love to be on some day).
Ms. Higgs drew me in to the lives of her characters: the main character and the other secondary characters. Even though I had accidentally read a few sentences from the last couple pages and knew how things ended up I wanted to know how Belle would get there.
So many times Ms. Higgs threw another wrench in the path of Belle and David. I kept wondering how they were going to overcome those obstacles in the remaining pages of the book. Although I think that Ms. Higgs resolved them reasonably there were a few times that I wondered how Belle could get over her anger/impatience with David within the space of just a few seconds.
The ending of the book even though I knew it was coming is a little on the too perfect side (or the side that I would love to be on some day).
On... doing it again... Winter Reading Challenge
I know. I know. I'm a glutton for punishment. lol Actually I'm pretty excited about this. I know what I'm getting into this time.
This reading challenge is hosted by inksplasher.blogspot.com and without further ado I introduce my new list!
Mixed Signals by Liz Curtis Higgs (12/23/07)
Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism (02/17/08)
Arabian Nights (12/ /07)
Cards on the table by Agatha Christie (12/25/07)
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie (01/04/07)
The Golden Compass (01/12/08)
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie (01/01/08)
Murder in Mesopotamia by Agatha Christie (01/02/08)
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas (12/29/07)
Speak Through the Wind by Allison Pittman (12/31/07)
My War by Andy Rooney (01/05/07)
Young Merlin Trilogy (02/24/08)
Bhagavad Gita (01/30/08)
The Parting by Beverly Lewis (01/03/07)
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden (01/12/08)
Doesn't she look natural? by Angela Hunt (12/28/07)
Dawn of the Golden Promise by B. J. Hoff (01/11/08)
Sons of an Ancient Glory by B. J. Hoff (01/11/08)
Song of the Silent Harp by B. J. Hoff (01/08/08)
Heart of the Lonely Exile by B. J. Hoff (01/09/08)
Land of a Thousand Dreams by B. J. Hoff (01/09/08)
Magdalene by Angela Hunt (01/02/07)
The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama (01/07/08)
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall by Barry Denenberg (01/09/08)
One Eye Laughing by Barry Denenberg (01/14/08)
Stones of Jerusalem by Bodie Thoene (01/21/08)
Of Men and of Angels by Bodie and Brock Thoene (01/23/08)
The Return to Zion by Bodie Thoene (01/14/08)
Jerusalem's Heart by Bodie Thoene (01/19/08)
The Key to Zion by Bodie Thoene (01/17/08)
Stones of Jerusalem by Bodie Thoene (01/21/08)
Jerusalem Vigil by Bodie Thoene (01/17/08)
A Light in Zion by Bodie Thoene (01/16/08)
The Gates of Zion by Bodie Thoene (01/13/08)
A Daughter of Zion by Bodie Thoene (01/14/08)
The Jerusalem Scrolls by Bodie Thoene (01/20/08)
Thunder from Jerusalem by Bodie Thoene (01/18/08)
The Twilight of Courage by Bodie and Brock Thoene (01/22/08)
Uncharted by Angela Hunt (12/26/07)
Triss by Brian Jacques (01/26/08)
Lord Brocktree by Brian Jacques (01/25/08)
High Rhulain by Brian Jacques (01/26/08)
The Divine Comedy Vol I: Inferno by Dante (02/02/08)
Jerusalem's Hope by Brock Thoene (01/22/08)
Ashes of Remembrance by Brock Thoene (01/24/08)
The Elevator by Angela Hunt (12/27/07)
The Marriage Wish by Dee Henderson (01/27/08)
Hear My Sorry by Deborah Hopkinson (01/28/08)
Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington (01/28/08)
God in the dock (01/29/08)
Eldest by Christopher Paolini (02/04/08)
Ten Thousand Charms (03/05/08)
This reading challenge is hosted by inksplasher.blogspot.com and without further ado I introduce my new list!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Fall into Reading Wrap-up
Well, there's finally a new post at the top of my page. :D The reading challenge has ended and I feel quite successful.
I had to change the list from the initial list that I posted. I did not check to see if I could get all of the books from the library so some of the titles had to be changed because I was unable to get them. (I'm poor so buying them was not really an option... especially since I knew nothing about some of these books.) A few of the books I had to take off the list just a couple days ago because I'm still on the waiting list at the library with no chance to get it before yesterday.
I discovered a lot by reading the books on this list.
First, I discovered how much I do not like a few authors on my list. I remembered as soon as I read the first Gilbert Morris book on my list I remembered how absolutely pathetic his writing is. I won't belabor the point. The most disappointing find was my experience with all of the Lauraine Snelling books on the list. I once absolutely loved her books but I guess the years away from her writing have matured my tastes. Her style approached that of Morris'.
Second, I discovered several authors that I definitely want to read more of... namely Kahled Hossani. His book "A Thousand Splendid Suns" absolutely captivated me and was the best book I have read in a really long time... definitely well worth the wait at the library. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Lemony Snicket books but since I've read all of them so far I don't have anything to look forward to. :D
I'm already looking forward to the Spring Reading challenge. :D
I had to change the list from the initial list that I posted. I did not check to see if I could get all of the books from the library so some of the titles had to be changed because I was unable to get them. (I'm poor so buying them was not really an option... especially since I knew nothing about some of these books.) A few of the books I had to take off the list just a couple days ago because I'm still on the waiting list at the library with no chance to get it before yesterday.
I discovered a lot by reading the books on this list.
First, I discovered how much I do not like a few authors on my list. I remembered as soon as I read the first Gilbert Morris book on my list I remembered how absolutely pathetic his writing is. I won't belabor the point. The most disappointing find was my experience with all of the Lauraine Snelling books on the list. I once absolutely loved her books but I guess the years away from her writing have matured my tastes. Her style approached that of Morris'.
Second, I discovered several authors that I definitely want to read more of... namely Kahled Hossani. His book "A Thousand Splendid Suns" absolutely captivated me and was the best book I have read in a really long time... definitely well worth the wait at the library. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Lemony Snicket books but since I've read all of them so far I don't have anything to look forward to. :D
I'm already looking forward to the Spring Reading challenge. :D
Thursday, December 20, 2007
On... Fall into Reading 2007
This post is dated ahead in order to keep it at the head of the list. :D For reviews of the books I read during the challenge scroll down below this entry.
I just randomly stumbled across this site a moment ago and have decided to join. For some reason I can never resist a good challenge and when it involves reading...sign me up. For more info or to sign up visit http://callapidderdays.blogspot.com/
Here's my tentative list (I have to see if I can get a hold of all of these books though)
The Yellow Rose Gilbert Morris (10/02/07)
Shirley Charlotte Bronte (11/16/07)
Flags of our Fathers James Bradley (11/08/07)
The Miserable Mill Lemony Snicket (11/21/07)
A Long Way From Home Tom Brokaw (9/24/07)
The Arkadians Lloyd Alexander (11/17/07)
As Good as Dead Patricia H. Rushford (9/26/07)
Brave Companions David McCullough(11/08/07)
Mornings on Horseback David McCullough (12/01/07)
Johnstown Flood David McCullough (11/29/07)
Path Between the Seas David McCullough (10/07/07)
John Adams David McCullough (9/29/07)
The Carnivorous Carnival Lemony Snicket (12/18/07)
Mere Chrisitanity C. S. Lewis (11/30/07)
Truman David McCullough (12/01/07)
Our Town Thornton Wilder (10/13/07)
Funeral in Blue Anne Perry (10/14/07)
Mary Poppins P. L. Travers (11/09/07)
The Still of Night Kirsten Heitzmann (10/22/07)
Where the Red Fern Grows Wilson Rawls (11/25/07)
Rinkitink in Oz Frank L. Baum (11/27/07)
The Virtuous Woman Gilbert Morris (10/11/07)
The Royal Handmaid Gilbert Morris (10/01/07)
The Pilgrim Song Gilbert Morris (11/22/07)
The Beloved Enemy Gilbert Morris (10/01/07)
The Heavenly Fugitive Gilbert Morris (10/08/07)
The Rough Rider Gilbert Morris (11/18/07)
The Silent Harp Gilbert Morris (10/10/07)
The Gypsy Moon Gilbert Morris (10/13/07)
The Hesitant Hero Gilbert Morris (10/12/07)
The Widows's Choice Gilbert Morris (10/08/07)
Land of the Buffalo Bones Marion Dane Baur (11/21/07)
All Good Gifts Kathleen Morgan (9/23/07)
1984 George Orwell (10/18/07)
Farenheit 451 Ray Bradbury (10/18/07)
Of Mice and Men John Steinbeck (10/15/07)
Deadly Aim Patricia Rushford (9/24/07)
The Lord of the Flies Golding (10/21/07)
The Vicar of Nibbleswicke Roald Dahl (11/19/07)
Danny the Champion of the World Roald Dahl (10/21/07)
The Hostile Hospital Lemony Snicket (12/17/07)
A Wind in the Door Madeline L'Engle (11/26/07)
Matilda Roald Dahl (11/19/07)
The Witches Roald Dahl (12/03/07)
Boy: Tales of Childhood Roald Dahl (10/19/08)
The Vile Village Lemony Snicket (12/17/07)
The Enormous Crocodile Roald Dahl (10/15/07)
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar... Roald Dahl (12/04/07)
The BFG Roald Dahl (10/21/07)
James and the Giant Peach Roald Dahl (11/18/07)
George's Marvelous Medicine Roald Dahl (11/17/07)
Fantastic Mr. Fox Roald Dahl (11/17/07)
The Slippery Slope Lemony Snicket (12/19/07)
Wicked Gregory Maguire (12/03/07)
The Shining Badge Gilbert Morris (9/30/07)
A Swiftly Tilting Planet Madeline L'Engle (11/25/07)
A Thousand Splendid Suns Khalid Husseni (12/05/07)
Peony in Love Lisa See (11/24/07)
Into the Long Dark Night Michael Phillips (11/18/07)
The Preacher's Daughter Beverly Lewis (10/20/07)
The Covenant Beverly Lewis (11/23/07)
The Betrayal Beverly Lewis (10/04/07)
The Prodigal Beverly Lewis (10/20/07)
The Sacrifice Beverly Lewis (11/23/07)
The Revelation Beverly Lewis (11/24/07)
The Healing Quilt Lauraine Snelling (12/02/07)
Amethyst Lauraine Snelling (12/13/07)
The Brethryn Beverly Lewis (10/03/07)
The Englisher Beverly Lewis (11/24/07)
Saturday Morning Lauraine Snelling (11/26/07)
The Penultimate Peril Lemony Snicket (12/20/07)
The Grim Grotto Lemony Snicket (12/20/07)
Ruby Lauraine Snelling (12/06/07)
Opal Lauraine Snelling (12/11/07)
Believing the Dream Lauraine Snelling (12/08/07)
More Than a Dream Lauraine Snelling (12/08/07)
Pearl Lauraine Snelling (12/10/07)
A New Day Rising Lauraine Snelling (12/16/07)
A Land to Call Home Lauraine Snelling (10/18/07)
The Reaper's Song Lauraine Snelling (12/15/07)
Tender Mercies Lauraine Snelling (10/19/07)
A Blessing in Disguise Lauraine Snelling(10/15/07)
The Burning Tigris Peter Balakian (9/21/07)
A Promise for Ellie Lauraine Snelling (12/08/07)
Sophie's Dilemma Lauraine Snelling (12/14/07)
The Austere Academy Lemony Snicket (12/09/07)
The End Lemony Snicket (12/20/07)
The Bad Beginning Lemony Snicket(10/25/07)
The Journal of Finn Reardon Susan Cambell Bartoletti (11/22/07)
A Coal Miner's Bride Susan Cambell Bartoletti (11/22/07)
The Wide Window (11/20/07)
The Measure of a Lady Deeanne Gist (12/16/07)
The Reptile Room Lemony Snicket (11/20/07)
Lemony Snicket: the unauthorized autobiography Lemony Snicket (12/09/07)
I just randomly stumbled across this site a moment ago and have decided to join. For some reason I can never resist a good challenge and when it involves reading...sign me up. For more info or to sign up visit http://callapidderdays.blogspot.com/
Here's my tentative list (I have to see if I can get a hold of all of these books though)
Monday, December 17, 2007
On The Measure of a Woman by Deeanne Gist
I don't know why I added this book to my list because before seeing her name on my list I had never heard of her. I am wary of reading books by authors I have heard nothing about or read nothing by them... simply because of past experience.
Unfortunately I am even more wary when I dive into a book by a new Christian author because many times the writing is so pedestrian and trite... especially when the book is historical/western fiction.
I say all of that to say that I was pleasantly surprised by Ms. Gist. As I read the book and became more familiar with the characters. I started to become frustrated with Rachel's behavior because she was so stubbornly holier than thou. Yet at the same time I couldn't help but be drawn to her and her struggle to mesh her beliefs with a land that runs contrary to almost all of them. Every time it looked like Rachel could resolve her difficulties something else would crop up and make things all that more complicated.
When the book ended I found myself wanting more. I wanted a resolution to Lissa's story and perhaps Ms. Gist will write about that in the future. I don't know. I appreciate though Ms. Gist's lack of deus ex machina. Stories simply flow a whole lot better and are much more enjoyable without that particular hackneyed technique.
I can't wait to read more of her works.
Unfortunately I am even more wary when I dive into a book by a new Christian author because many times the writing is so pedestrian and trite... especially when the book is historical/western fiction.
I say all of that to say that I was pleasantly surprised by Ms. Gist. As I read the book and became more familiar with the characters. I started to become frustrated with Rachel's behavior because she was so stubbornly holier than thou. Yet at the same time I couldn't help but be drawn to her and her struggle to mesh her beliefs with a land that runs contrary to almost all of them. Every time it looked like Rachel could resolve her difficulties something else would crop up and make things all that more complicated.
When the book ended I found myself wanting more. I wanted a resolution to Lissa's story and perhaps Ms. Gist will write about that in the future. I don't know. I appreciate though Ms. Gist's lack of deus ex machina. Stories simply flow a whole lot better and are much more enjoyable without that particular hackneyed technique.
I can't wait to read more of her works.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
On... A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
I did not know what to expect when I opened this book. I closed it fifteen minutes ago with one word on my mind.
Wow.
(Some spoilers ahead)
Hosseini's writing style drew me in and just didn't let go. I couldn't help wondering how on earth Mariam and Laila were going to get out from under the oppressive thumb of Rasheed but I'm getting ahead of myself.
The first part of the book focuses on Mariam as a young girl, the illegitimate daughter of a prominent local merchant. I perceived Jalil--Mariam's father--through her young eyes as a man who came against her mother's negative words and showered her with gifts and attention. I saw her father as a positive character until Mariam's own eyes are opened when she journeys into town and finds only rejection at her father's house. Her entire life changes that day. Her mother, who suffered from some unnamed mental illness (clear from Mariam's recollection), committed suicide when Mariam left.
I came away from that first part feeling such utter sadness at Mariam's plight and in awe at Hosseini's writing which showed me exactly what he wanted me to see. I viewed Jalil as the man Hoseeini crafted with his words and felt such a connection to Mariam especially who took the fall for Rasheed's death so that Laila and her children could have a chance at a new life... a much more stable life than one on the run.
I havent read a book this good in a very long time. The only thing that I regret is that these characters (they seem so real to me) have no real hope... no hope in Christ.
Wow.
(Some spoilers ahead)
Hosseini's writing style drew me in and just didn't let go. I couldn't help wondering how on earth Mariam and Laila were going to get out from under the oppressive thumb of Rasheed but I'm getting ahead of myself.
The first part of the book focuses on Mariam as a young girl, the illegitimate daughter of a prominent local merchant. I perceived Jalil--Mariam's father--through her young eyes as a man who came against her mother's negative words and showered her with gifts and attention. I saw her father as a positive character until Mariam's own eyes are opened when she journeys into town and finds only rejection at her father's house. Her entire life changes that day. Her mother, who suffered from some unnamed mental illness (clear from Mariam's recollection), committed suicide when Mariam left.
I came away from that first part feeling such utter sadness at Mariam's plight and in awe at Hosseini's writing which showed me exactly what he wanted me to see. I viewed Jalil as the man Hoseeini crafted with his words and felt such a connection to Mariam especially who took the fall for Rasheed's death so that Laila and her children could have a chance at a new life... a much more stable life than one on the run.
I havent read a book this good in a very long time. The only thing that I regret is that these characters (they seem so real to me) have no real hope... no hope in Christ.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
On... The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl
I've gradually grown more disappointed by Dahl... not with his writing style mind you but with the tone of his writing. I wondered what I was getting into when reading these books.
This book is a compilation of seven short stories. I won't delve into the details of the plots of all but I will say that the tone of most of these stories are more for an adult than a child. With that in mind the slightly negative or serious tone to the stories I think is more appropriate.
Still, one of the stories disturbed me. Two bully boys constantly pestered (for lack of a better word) a much smaller and very passive boy. The story ended with the bullies cutting the wings off of a dead swan, (that they killed) and tying them on the bullied boy, making him climb a tree and then ending up shooting him in the thigh. Yes. That definitely disturbed me.
Otherwise I enjoyed the other stories in the book which included two nonfiction stories. Dahl's writing style remains captivating.
This book is a compilation of seven short stories. I won't delve into the details of the plots of all but I will say that the tone of most of these stories are more for an adult than a child. With that in mind the slightly negative or serious tone to the stories I think is more appropriate.
Still, one of the stories disturbed me. Two bully boys constantly pestered (for lack of a better word) a much smaller and very passive boy. The story ended with the bullies cutting the wings off of a dead swan, (that they killed) and tying them on the bullied boy, making him climb a tree and then ending up shooting him in the thigh. Yes. That definitely disturbed me.
Otherwise I enjoyed the other stories in the book which included two nonfiction stories. Dahl's writing style remains captivating.
Monday, December 03, 2007
On Wicked by Gregory Maguire and The Witches by Roald Dahl
Two books on witches and I wasn't impressed by either one.
I anticipated a much better read when I picked up Wicked. I've heard so much about the Broadway show and my own sister raves about the music. I thought that this story would actually be pretty decent.
Instead I kept waiting to learn about what the main plot of the story was. Honestly, there didn't seem to see any one thing that the plot revolved around. Time and places jumped sometimes so quickly that I couldn't grab ahold and fully understand or ever empathize Elphaba. Along the way Maguire disappointed with his use of unnecessary swear words--not a lot but still... they were there-- and overtures to sexual things that simply made me uncomfortable.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
I followed Wicked with The Witches, a book by Dahl and I figured that this one would be a little strange... along the same lines as other of his books. Although I do like the fact that the young boy who finds himself transformed into a rat by "the witches" is content to stay in his current shape and looks for ways to utilize his new abilities... the rest of the book simply did not satisfy. As usual Dahl's writing style is captivating. I just wish that he had a more positive tone to his books.
I anticipated a much better read when I picked up Wicked. I've heard so much about the Broadway show and my own sister raves about the music. I thought that this story would actually be pretty decent.
Instead I kept waiting to learn about what the main plot of the story was. Honestly, there didn't seem to see any one thing that the plot revolved around. Time and places jumped sometimes so quickly that I couldn't grab ahold and fully understand or ever empathize Elphaba. Along the way Maguire disappointed with his use of unnecessary swear words--not a lot but still... they were there-- and overtures to sexual things that simply made me uncomfortable.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
I followed Wicked with The Witches, a book by Dahl and I figured that this one would be a little strange... along the same lines as other of his books. Although I do like the fact that the young boy who finds himself transformed into a rat by "the witches" is content to stay in his current shape and looks for ways to utilize his new abilities... the rest of the book simply did not satisfy. As usual Dahl's writing style is captivating. I just wish that he had a more positive tone to his books.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
On... The Healing Quilt by Lauraine Snelling
I loved this book even though I entered the book and picked out some things that I didn't like... such as the set up: several women acting as the main character(s) and some aspects of Mrs. Snelling's writing but by the end of the book I had grown to love it.
I'm still not all that adept at writing reviews of books and I think that I'm going to leave this one at this. I strongly recoomend the book. :D
I'm still not all that adept at writing reviews of books and I think that I'm going to leave this one at this. I strongly recoomend the book. :D
Saturday, December 01, 2007
On... Truman by David McCullough
I cannot believe that I finished this book today. Pretty much the whole day has been devoted to reading all 992 pages.
Once again I learn much more about a President that previously I knew very little. This book as opposed to Mornings on Horseback spends the bulk of the time covering Truman's time as vice president(brief) and as president. I wish though that McCullough had spent more time talking about Truman's background.
Perhaps he did not spend that much time because there just isn't as much information as there is with Theodore Roosevelt. THe two men come from completely different social backgrounds and there's just more information for the upper class than there is for the lower class.
Overall this book was a tremendous read and a very good exhibition of David McCullough's talent, very long but very good.
Once again I learn much more about a President that previously I knew very little. This book as opposed to Mornings on Horseback spends the bulk of the time covering Truman's time as vice president(brief) and as president. I wish though that McCullough had spent more time talking about Truman's background.
Perhaps he did not spend that much time because there just isn't as much information as there is with Theodore Roosevelt. THe two men come from completely different social backgrounds and there's just more information for the upper class than there is for the lower class.
Overall this book was a tremendous read and a very good exhibition of David McCullough's talent, very long but very good.
On... Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough
Just like John Adams, I never knew all that much about Theodore Roosevelt. Unlike John Adams, I also did not know much about the time period in which Theodore or "Teedie" as he is called. This time period though is notoriously overlooked by many in the study of US history... the time between the civil war and the turn of the century and WWI.
This book spends nearly four hundred pages telling briefly about the histories of Theodore Roosevelt's parents and then Theodore's own history up until the end of his days as a cowboy in the badlands of the Dakotas. McCullough does not delve into Roosevelt's time as a Rough Rider in Cuba, his presidency or anything that happened afterwards. I assume that if he had this book would be more along the length of the book I am about to read next... Truman.
The fact that McCullough did not tell of Roosevelt's entire history did not disappoint me as I thought it would. I do know much more about Roosevelt's history after he entered national politics... his time as a Rough Rider, his service in national politics, his vow to not seek reelection and the ill-fated Bull Moose party. I learned so much more by studying about the events that shaped Roosevelt into the man he became.
One more comment about McCullough's writing style and I will end the entry. Instead of using the legal or given names of many of the actors in the story... such as Anna--Roosevelt's older sister--McCullough uses the nicknames that other members of the family used. At the end of the book McCullough summarizes the remaining events in the lives of the four Roosevelt siblings. He begins with Anna but I thought he was talking about the wife of Roosevelt's brother Elliot because up until this point in the book McCullough referred to Anna by the nickname her father gave her... Bamie.
I enjoyed this book and hope that I will enjoy Truman just as much.
This book spends nearly four hundred pages telling briefly about the histories of Theodore Roosevelt's parents and then Theodore's own history up until the end of his days as a cowboy in the badlands of the Dakotas. McCullough does not delve into Roosevelt's time as a Rough Rider in Cuba, his presidency or anything that happened afterwards. I assume that if he had this book would be more along the length of the book I am about to read next... Truman.
The fact that McCullough did not tell of Roosevelt's entire history did not disappoint me as I thought it would. I do know much more about Roosevelt's history after he entered national politics... his time as a Rough Rider, his service in national politics, his vow to not seek reelection and the ill-fated Bull Moose party. I learned so much more by studying about the events that shaped Roosevelt into the man he became.
One more comment about McCullough's writing style and I will end the entry. Instead of using the legal or given names of many of the actors in the story... such as Anna--Roosevelt's older sister--McCullough uses the nicknames that other members of the family used. At the end of the book McCullough summarizes the remaining events in the lives of the four Roosevelt siblings. He begins with Anna but I thought he was talking about the wife of Roosevelt's brother Elliot because up until this point in the book McCullough referred to Anna by the nickname her father gave her... Bamie.
I enjoyed this book and hope that I will enjoy Truman just as much.
Friday, November 30, 2007
On... Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
While I've read the Chronicles of Narnia I have never read any non-fiction by Lewis. I've always been intrigued by this book... thus why I added it to my list of course. :D
Lewis utilizes all kinds of illustrations which put heady, complicated truths into easy to understand nuggets that the every day person can grab. Occasionally as I read along I had some aha moments and then again some moments where I understood the analogy or illustration but disagreed with the underlying point.
The above happened several times in the last chapter where Lewis uses the Theory of Evolution as an illustration. No where does he say that he does or does not believe in evolution. For me, though, the illustrations just weren't as poignant because I do not believe in evolution.
I found this book to be an interesting read. I suppose that I could have gleaned more from the book had I had the time to read the book much slower but still... I enjoyed the read.
Lewis utilizes all kinds of illustrations which put heady, complicated truths into easy to understand nuggets that the every day person can grab. Occasionally as I read along I had some aha moments and then again some moments where I understood the analogy or illustration but disagreed with the underlying point.
The above happened several times in the last chapter where Lewis uses the Theory of Evolution as an illustration. No where does he say that he does or does not believe in evolution. For me, though, the illustrations just weren't as poignant because I do not believe in evolution.
I found this book to be an interesting read. I suppose that I could have gleaned more from the book had I had the time to read the book much slower but still... I enjoyed the read.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
On... The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough
Once again, a David McCullough book has not failed to satisfy. In other words, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I have heard of the great Johnstwon flood before but never any of the details. David McCullough brought the flood to life and several times I almost felt like wondering if I were reading a novel. McCullough weaves together the stories of many very interesting people in an almost flawless manner. Although it would have been interesting to learn about the individual stories of people that McCullough introduces into the story but that wouldn't have been the same. Instead McCullough tells the story... obviously enough... of the flood and the resevoir that held the flood waters.
What makes this story about an event different in my eyes is the fact that just like the Panama Canal in another McCullough book, is that the flood... the resevoir... becomes a character whose life story is being told. McCullough uses descriptions that are generally reserved for writers of fiction but he uses them in a manner that enhances the story without cutting back on the historicity of the information. I remember reading one description that I had to stop and read again. It was like eating a piece of good chocolate... the kind that doesn't go to one's waistline. :D
I look forward to reading about Teddy Roosevelt and Truman but those books are going to take a couple days to get through. :D
I have heard of the great Johnstwon flood before but never any of the details. David McCullough brought the flood to life and several times I almost felt like wondering if I were reading a novel. McCullough weaves together the stories of many very interesting people in an almost flawless manner. Although it would have been interesting to learn about the individual stories of people that McCullough introduces into the story but that wouldn't have been the same. Instead McCullough tells the story... obviously enough... of the flood and the resevoir that held the flood waters.
What makes this story about an event different in my eyes is the fact that just like the Panama Canal in another McCullough book, is that the flood... the resevoir... becomes a character whose life story is being told. McCullough uses descriptions that are generally reserved for writers of fiction but he uses them in a manner that enhances the story without cutting back on the historicity of the information. I remember reading one description that I had to stop and read again. It was like eating a piece of good chocolate... the kind that doesn't go to one's waistline. :D
I look forward to reading about Teddy Roosevelt and Truman but those books are going to take a couple days to get through. :D
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
On ... Rinkitink in Oz by Frank L. Baum
It's been a while since I read the Wizard of Oz and I've never read anything else by Frank L. Baum so I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I opened this book. In addition, I'd heard that some of Baum's books get a little dark. I didn't know if this book was one of them. Thankfully I was wrong.
I loved this cute book. Of course everything works out for the protagonist, young Prince Inga, and he learns some life lessons along the way. Even though this type of story has been told many times before in countless slightly varied ways I enjoyed Baum's take on a traditional theme and the lovable... somewhat hilarious King Rinkitink. I still don't understand though why the book is named for Rinkitink when the story centers around Inga, his home and kingdom, and not in Oz at all. The only connection to Oz is the fact that Dorothy enters the book at the very end. Hmm... I guess this means that I'll just have to read the other books about Oz. :D
I loved this cute book. Of course everything works out for the protagonist, young Prince Inga, and he learns some life lessons along the way. Even though this type of story has been told many times before in countless slightly varied ways I enjoyed Baum's take on a traditional theme and the lovable... somewhat hilarious King Rinkitink. I still don't understand though why the book is named for Rinkitink when the story centers around Inga, his home and kingdom, and not in Oz at all. The only connection to Oz is the fact that Dorothy enters the book at the very end. Hmm... I guess this means that I'll just have to read the other books about Oz. :D
Monday, November 26, 2007
On... A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle and Saturday Morning by Lauraine Snelling
Once again I chose books to read that are almost completely different.
First, A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle
I enjoyed this book a little bit more than A Swiftly Turning Planet. To be completely honest the fact that I enjoyed it more has the most to do with the fact that I understood this book much more than A Swiftly Turning Planet. This book did not delve into several other connected stories like A Swiftly Turning Planet but A Wind in the Door did enter the realm of the almost unbelievable. I enjoy fantasy because it makes myself think but the mental workout given to me by A Wind in the Door was almost too much. That's something I noticed about both books so far. The whole thing is very mental, very ethereal. The entire book hinges on the ability of Meg, the main character, to kythe (communicate soley mentally) with various other characters. I don't actually understand the whole thing very well but I did enjoy the book. It's written very well.
Second, Saturday Morning by Lauraine Snelling
The last book I read by Lauraine Snelling was a historical novel. This book is set in contemporary times with several very modern women. There isn't one main character. Instead that role is shared by four different women. Most of the time I would much rather explore the story of simply one of these characters and I admit that I did get lost just a little trying to sort between the different characters and their stories. Mrs. Snelling demonstrates her ability as a writer when she carefuly weaves together the lives of these very different yet very similar women. In the first part of the book I kept reading as fast as I could because I wanted to see just how these character's would meet and how their lives would intertwine. I enjoyed the book very much.
First, A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle
I enjoyed this book a little bit more than A Swiftly Turning Planet. To be completely honest the fact that I enjoyed it more has the most to do with the fact that I understood this book much more than A Swiftly Turning Planet. This book did not delve into several other connected stories like A Swiftly Turning Planet but A Wind in the Door did enter the realm of the almost unbelievable. I enjoy fantasy because it makes myself think but the mental workout given to me by A Wind in the Door was almost too much. That's something I noticed about both books so far. The whole thing is very mental, very ethereal. The entire book hinges on the ability of Meg, the main character, to kythe (communicate soley mentally) with various other characters. I don't actually understand the whole thing very well but I did enjoy the book. It's written very well.
Second, Saturday Morning by Lauraine Snelling
The last book I read by Lauraine Snelling was a historical novel. This book is set in contemporary times with several very modern women. There isn't one main character. Instead that role is shared by four different women. Most of the time I would much rather explore the story of simply one of these characters and I admit that I did get lost just a little trying to sort between the different characters and their stories. Mrs. Snelling demonstrates her ability as a writer when she carefuly weaves together the lives of these very different yet very similar women. In the first part of the book I kept reading as fast as I could because I wanted to see just how these character's would meet and how their lives would intertwine. I enjoyed the book very much.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
On... Where The Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls and A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle
I don't think that I could have chosen two more different books to read in the same day.
I started with Where the Red Fern Grows. It's chilly here where I live. Perfect weather for curling up on the couch with a feel-good book. This book fit the description. I've read many books like this before. There's something simply American feeling about a boy that loves his coon dogs. Something I noticed throughout teh book is that there was no driving plot line through the book. Different sections of the book have different driving motivations. The first part centers around Billy's drive to buy his coon dogs. Of course, thoughout the book I knew that the dogs would end up dead. How else could a book liek this end? I enjoyed the book but almost wonder why Rawls named the book for something that doesn't appear until the last chapter of the book.
Then, after brewing some coffee, I sat down with A Swiftly Tilting Planet. I'm acquainted with Madeleine L'Engle but I don't think that I've ever read any of her books before. The series that I jumped into with this book begins (I believe) with A Wrinkle in Time. One thing that I enjoy about L'Engle's style is her lack of recapping of previous stories. Yes, it does take a little longer to become oriented to the characters and their situation but I enjoy having to pay attention to subtle clues in order to gain my information. This book though messed with my mind. I had to reread sections in order to understand what was going on. In the end Meg and Charles Wallace saved the earth from nuclear destruction but some of the things they did in the mean time I don't understand.
One other thing I noticed is L'Engle's worldview. I enjoy fantasy and exploring the realms of possibilities but there is something somewhat depressing about fantasy that comes from a secular worldview. These writers have to design ultimate purposes and powers in order for their worlds but of course whatever man's creates is ultimately so much less than God's original design.
I started with Where the Red Fern Grows. It's chilly here where I live. Perfect weather for curling up on the couch with a feel-good book. This book fit the description. I've read many books like this before. There's something simply American feeling about a boy that loves his coon dogs. Something I noticed throughout teh book is that there was no driving plot line through the book. Different sections of the book have different driving motivations. The first part centers around Billy's drive to buy his coon dogs. Of course, thoughout the book I knew that the dogs would end up dead. How else could a book liek this end? I enjoyed the book but almost wonder why Rawls named the book for something that doesn't appear until the last chapter of the book.
Then, after brewing some coffee, I sat down with A Swiftly Tilting Planet. I'm acquainted with Madeleine L'Engle but I don't think that I've ever read any of her books before. The series that I jumped into with this book begins (I believe) with A Wrinkle in Time. One thing that I enjoy about L'Engle's style is her lack of recapping of previous stories. Yes, it does take a little longer to become oriented to the characters and their situation but I enjoy having to pay attention to subtle clues in order to gain my information. This book though messed with my mind. I had to reread sections in order to understand what was going on. In the end Meg and Charles Wallace saved the earth from nuclear destruction but some of the things they did in the mean time I don't understand.
One other thing I noticed is L'Engle's worldview. I enjoy fantasy and exploring the realms of possibilities but there is something somewhat depressing about fantasy that comes from a secular worldview. These writers have to design ultimate purposes and powers in order for their worlds but of course whatever man's creates is ultimately so much less than God's original design.
On... Peony in Love by Lisa See
I will admit at the outset of this review that I chose not to finish the book. This being a Sunday I didn't feel that it would be honoring to God to finish a book like this.
Now that I have that warning out there I need to make a couple of clarifications. There is nothing explicitly wrong with this book... there are no curse words and it doesn't get into anything else like that. I would put the book down right away and never look back at it if I did. Look to the review to see why I chose not to finish this book.
As I delved into the book I realized that I might possibly enjoy a book like this. It is historical fiction, set just after the fall of the MIng dynasty in China. Unfortunately, I do not know all that much about the time period so I can't tell you if Ms. See's information was accurate or not. To the historical eye such as mine, the information does seem reliable. Ms. See weaves together traditions of Chinese religion and daily life in a way that is not obnoxious or in anyway boring.
This book explores the life of Peony or Chen Tong. She is a young, barely sixteen year old girl, given in marriage to a man that she has never met before. She absolutely loves and opera called "The Peony Pavilion" that her father puts on in honor of her sixteenth birthday. She idolized the main character of the opera who dies of lovesickness because she is unable to marry the man she loves yet is brought back to life by this very man. Peony herself also falls in love with a man and succombs to lovesickness because she thinks that she will never be able to love this man again. Only when she is just minuts away from death does her father return and tell her that the very man she fell in love with is the same man that her father arranged to have her marry.
This point in the book marks the end of just the first third of the book. Peony continues to be the main character throughout the rest of the book but she is no longer alive. She is a ghost. She becomes a hungry ghost because her father is obviously concerned with having a son (in this case an adopted son) in order to carry on the final name. Besides, Peony never married, she died just two or three days before her marriage.
I reached an uncomfortable point when I discovered that the rest of the book would be told from the point of a ghost. I read on with trepidation because I didn't know where this would go from there. I'm not sure how the book will end but I am not going to go there.
The final two thirds of the book, where Peony continues to tell her story, as a ghost, explores the afterlife from the view of traditional Chinese religion. When I look at it from that view I am both intrigued and weighed down. I feel sorry for people who believe that the afterlife is still full of heartache because they didn't do the right things when they were dead... because they or their family didn't follow the proper rituals.
It is because of the above that I choose not to read the rest of the book. I feel that I do not need to dwell on such things. Instead, on this Sunday I choose to focus my mind on things above and the great grace that God has given me to know the truth. I know that without Him I would be just as lost as the fictional Peony or the very real Lisa See.
Now that I have that warning out there I need to make a couple of clarifications. There is nothing explicitly wrong with this book... there are no curse words and it doesn't get into anything else like that. I would put the book down right away and never look back at it if I did. Look to the review to see why I chose not to finish this book.
As I delved into the book I realized that I might possibly enjoy a book like this. It is historical fiction, set just after the fall of the MIng dynasty in China. Unfortunately, I do not know all that much about the time period so I can't tell you if Ms. See's information was accurate or not. To the historical eye such as mine, the information does seem reliable. Ms. See weaves together traditions of Chinese religion and daily life in a way that is not obnoxious or in anyway boring.
This book explores the life of Peony or Chen Tong. She is a young, barely sixteen year old girl, given in marriage to a man that she has never met before. She absolutely loves and opera called "The Peony Pavilion" that her father puts on in honor of her sixteenth birthday. She idolized the main character of the opera who dies of lovesickness because she is unable to marry the man she loves yet is brought back to life by this very man. Peony herself also falls in love with a man and succombs to lovesickness because she thinks that she will never be able to love this man again. Only when she is just minuts away from death does her father return and tell her that the very man she fell in love with is the same man that her father arranged to have her marry.
This point in the book marks the end of just the first third of the book. Peony continues to be the main character throughout the rest of the book but she is no longer alive. She is a ghost. She becomes a hungry ghost because her father is obviously concerned with having a son (in this case an adopted son) in order to carry on the final name. Besides, Peony never married, she died just two or three days before her marriage.
I reached an uncomfortable point when I discovered that the rest of the book would be told from the point of a ghost. I read on with trepidation because I didn't know where this would go from there. I'm not sure how the book will end but I am not going to go there.
The final two thirds of the book, where Peony continues to tell her story, as a ghost, explores the afterlife from the view of traditional Chinese religion. When I look at it from that view I am both intrigued and weighed down. I feel sorry for people who believe that the afterlife is still full of heartache because they didn't do the right things when they were dead... because they or their family didn't follow the proper rituals.
It is because of the above that I choose not to read the rest of the book. I feel that I do not need to dwell on such things. Instead, on this Sunday I choose to focus my mind on things above and the great grace that God has given me to know the truth. I know that without Him I would be just as lost as the fictional Peony or the very real Lisa See.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
On ... The Revelation and The Englisher by Beverly Lewis
The Revelation concludes a long, intertwining story that spanned five novels. I fell in love with these characters and greatly appreciated the chance to read three of the five books in the series within two days. :D In this book Lewis ponders the outcomes of long ago sins and mistakes of the characters, things that occurred in the first and second books in the series. I appreaciate a series like this because it takes the time to explore the outcome of choices. Often we can't see the outcome when we see the initial choice. Thus the saying "hindsight is 20/20". I admit that I scanned through the last twenty pages rather quickly to get into the restaurant where my family was eating breakfast this morning but I kind of already knew how the story was going to end (and read the little epilogue before I read the book. ;) )
The Englisher is the second in a three book series. I have already read the first and last in the series so this book simply filled in the gaps. I suppose that if I hadn't already read the conclusion I would desperately want to know if Zeke really did kill little Isaac all of those years ago and what was wrong with Zeke in the first place. Since I already know the outcome of all of those questions this book wans't as compelling as I think it would have been otherwise but I still enjoyed it. Beverly Lewis deals with subjects in this book that aren't pretty... spousal abuse, mental illness... and how these issues are handled in the Old Order Amish church. A very interesting read.
I can't wait to read more of Lewis' books. :D
The Englisher is the second in a three book series. I have already read the first and last in the series so this book simply filled in the gaps. I suppose that if I hadn't already read the conclusion I would desperately want to know if Zeke really did kill little Isaac all of those years ago and what was wrong with Zeke in the first place. Since I already know the outcome of all of those questions this book wans't as compelling as I think it would have been otherwise but I still enjoyed it. Beverly Lewis deals with subjects in this book that aren't pretty... spousal abuse, mental illness... and how these issues are handled in the Old Order Amish church. A very interesting read.
I can't wait to read more of Lewis' books. :D
Friday, November 23, 2007
On... The Covenant and The Sacrifice by Beverly Lewis
I've already read books two and four in this series so now reading books one and three I am simply filling in the gaps, learning information that simply existed in the other books. I think I almost prefer it this way. The information that I learned in say Book four is enhanced by the initial revelation in book three (The Sacrifice)
I found myself drawn into these books like I haven't been for a long time. Many of these books on my list are not books that I would normally read for pleasure. The reasons for that are various. Many of the books from the past week aren't my normal fare simply because I am a college graduate and not in elementary school or middle school. That's not to say that they aren't good books of course. Some of the other books fall outside my normal range because I have matured in my tastes in reading (books like that are all of the Gilbert Morris books). Even as I sit and write this review I can't wait to dive into the last book, the conclusion of this story and finally see Leah become Jonas' Leah. :D
I have always been intriqued by the Amish and reading Mrs. Lewis' books have often satisfied or intensified that curiosity. I also find it interesting how she deals with the question of the right way to find God and whether an Amish person can truly be a child of God. She doesn't have a pat answer for every character. For every character that rebels against the Old Order Amish ways and finds God outside the Amish church she has one that finds truth in the church but obviously more so than that... in a desire to serve God in the best way possible.
I found myself drawn into these books like I haven't been for a long time. Many of these books on my list are not books that I would normally read for pleasure. The reasons for that are various. Many of the books from the past week aren't my normal fare simply because I am a college graduate and not in elementary school or middle school. That's not to say that they aren't good books of course. Some of the other books fall outside my normal range because I have matured in my tastes in reading (books like that are all of the Gilbert Morris books). Even as I sit and write this review I can't wait to dive into the last book, the conclusion of this story and finally see Leah become Jonas' Leah. :D
I have always been intriqued by the Amish and reading Mrs. Lewis' books have often satisfied or intensified that curiosity. I also find it interesting how she deals with the question of the right way to find God and whether an Amish person can truly be a child of God. She doesn't have a pat answer for every character. For every character that rebels against the Old Order Amish ways and finds God outside the Amish church she has one that finds truth in the church but obviously more so than that... in a desire to serve God in the best way possible.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
On... The Journal of Finn Reardon and A Coal Miner's Bride
Both of these books are part of the Dear America Series although the first is part of an off shoot series "My Name is America".
The Journal of Finn Reardon is the story of a young newsie who manages to rise above all of the hardships of a life in the Five Points of New York City to become a college graduate and successful newspaper reporter. While the fact that Finn was successful is a little hard to believe the rest of the story was very fun to read including a grandfather figure that made me laugh out loud a couple of times.
A Coal Miner's Bride drew me in from the beginning. Anetka is a spunky girl who ends up traveling to the United States to marry a man she's never met although she's already starting to fall in love with a young man traveling with her to America. I loved this story though it was hard to wrap my head around the fact that for the majority of the story Anetka is only thirteen and fourteen.
I'm definitely planning to read more of these books in the future.
The Journal of Finn Reardon is the story of a young newsie who manages to rise above all of the hardships of a life in the Five Points of New York City to become a college graduate and successful newspaper reporter. While the fact that Finn was successful is a little hard to believe the rest of the story was very fun to read including a grandfather figure that made me laugh out loud a couple of times.
A Coal Miner's Bride drew me in from the beginning. Anetka is a spunky girl who ends up traveling to the United States to marry a man she's never met although she's already starting to fall in love with a young man traveling with her to America. I loved this story though it was hard to wrap my head around the fact that for the majority of the story Anetka is only thirteen and fourteen.
I'm definitely planning to read more of these books in the future.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
On... The Land of the Buffalo Bones by Marion Bauer
I have always been intrigued by the Dear America series and the style that all of these books written by a diverse crop of authors strives to achieve... the diary or journal (whichever term one prefers).
Even though these stories are fictional and written by women or men living in the twentieth/twenty-first century I like the idea of taking a peek into the life of a girl that would in normal circumstances never have come into the mind of scholars of the time period or normal people today.
I really enjoyed the book and strongly recommend it.
Even though these stories are fictional and written by women or men living in the twentieth/twenty-first century I like the idea of taking a peek into the life of a girl that would in normal circumstances never have come into the mind of scholars of the time period or normal people today.
I really enjoyed the book and strongly recommend it.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
On The Reptile Room and The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket
Before the movie came out I had never heard of "A Series of Unfortunate Events". I wasn't consistently exposed to children's or young adult books seeing as how I was in college at the time.
Of all the books I've read Snicket (from a lack of knowledge of the author's real name :D) has a very unique style. I enjoy his frequent inserts of grammar rules or definitions of words. I guess that's the teacher coming out in me. The kids are learning the vocabulary whether they like it or not.
Of course, the fact that people die in every book I've read so far (three out of the thirteen) I really wonder. I would definitely recommend these books for a person of any age to read. :D
Of all the books I've read Snicket (from a lack of knowledge of the author's real name :D) has a very unique style. I enjoy his frequent inserts of grammar rules or definitions of words. I guess that's the teacher coming out in me. The kids are learning the vocabulary whether they like it or not.
Of course, the fact that people die in every book I've read so far (three out of the thirteen) I really wonder. I would definitely recommend these books for a person of any age to read. :D
Monday, November 19, 2007
On... James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Unlike Matilda which surprised me a little (a little different but not much than Dahl's normal style) James and the Giant Peach fell along much similar lines to the other two Dahl books I've read recently.
Of course, I've been acquainted with the book and even seen parts of the movie but have never actually read the story. For some reason most of Dahl's books begin with a poor child whose loving parents die in some tragic accident and are raised by horrible monsters or the parents are monsters in the first place. Matilda is one of these children.
Some touches of the positives exist in this story and I loved how bright and humble this little girl is. :D I loved the story and strongly recommend it.
Of course, I've been acquainted with the book and even seen parts of the movie but have never actually read the story. For some reason most of Dahl's books begin with a poor child whose loving parents die in some tragic accident and are raised by horrible monsters or the parents are monsters in the first place. Matilda is one of these children.
Some touches of the positives exist in this story and I loved how bright and humble this little girl is. :D I loved the story and strongly recommend it.
On... Matilda by Roald Dahl
I approached this book cautiously (see my reviews of Fantastic Mr. Fox and George's Marvelous Medicine) but found myself enjoying it as I delved into the book. Flashes of the movie came to mind as I read more about the precocious child. I fell in love again with Miss Honey who always stuck up for Matilda.
I really enjoyed the book. :D I don't really have much more to add.
I really enjoyed the book. :D I don't really have much more to add.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
On... Fantastic Mr. Fox and George's Marvelous Medicine by Roald Dahl
I've found myself reading many children's books that I never found an interest in as a child. Among these books are the any books of Roald Dahl (famous for his Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).
These two books... written for an upper elementary school level... intrigued me. First, even though everything works out in the end... the manner of getting to that end is rather... shall we say interesting.
First in Fantastic Mr. Fox, a show off Father Fox ends up getting his tail shot off by three farmers who have had enough of his stealing. Of course, these farmers are disliked by the entire town: human and animal, so all of Mr. Fox's actions are justified. When forced to dig deeper and deeper into the ground to avoid the heavy duty equipment of the farmers Mr. Fox creates an ingenious Robbin Hood like plan to steal from the rich (in this case, the farmers) in order to share with the poor (other digging animals that have found themselves unable to leave their homes because of the farmer's vigil above ground. The book finishes with a huge feast being put on while the farmers wait and continue to wait above ground while these animals continue to steal from them. Hmm... I'm not sure what I think about the purpose of the story but I must say that it is very cleverly written.
Second, in George's Marvelous Medicine, a poor young boy must spend his Saturday morning catering to the every whim of his nagging, rather evil looking and speaking grandmother who takes a disgusting medicine four times a day. In order to give her some "real" medicine George concocts a potion using just about everything in the house from toothpaste to laundary soap to antifreeze and shoe polish. The resulting potion gives Grandma a real height boost and way more energy than she'd ever had but does nothing to change her attitude. When George's father finds out he immediately wants to create more of this potion so that he can make all of his farm animals as large as the chicken which also imbibed of the first batch. Things don't work out so well in the next three successive batches culminating in a potion that shrinks the drinker. The grandmother discovers, drinks and ends up becoming so small that she disappears entirely. Thus ends the story.
I finished that book with a puzzled look as well. What is a child supposed to learn from this book?
Again, I must say that the book was written very well though.
These two books... written for an upper elementary school level... intrigued me. First, even though everything works out in the end... the manner of getting to that end is rather... shall we say interesting.
First in Fantastic Mr. Fox, a show off Father Fox ends up getting his tail shot off by three farmers who have had enough of his stealing. Of course, these farmers are disliked by the entire town: human and animal, so all of Mr. Fox's actions are justified. When forced to dig deeper and deeper into the ground to avoid the heavy duty equipment of the farmers Mr. Fox creates an ingenious Robbin Hood like plan to steal from the rich (in this case, the farmers) in order to share with the poor (other digging animals that have found themselves unable to leave their homes because of the farmer's vigil above ground. The book finishes with a huge feast being put on while the farmers wait and continue to wait above ground while these animals continue to steal from them. Hmm... I'm not sure what I think about the purpose of the story but I must say that it is very cleverly written.
Second, in George's Marvelous Medicine, a poor young boy must spend his Saturday morning catering to the every whim of his nagging, rather evil looking and speaking grandmother who takes a disgusting medicine four times a day. In order to give her some "real" medicine George concocts a potion using just about everything in the house from toothpaste to laundary soap to antifreeze and shoe polish. The resulting potion gives Grandma a real height boost and way more energy than she'd ever had but does nothing to change her attitude. When George's father finds out he immediately wants to create more of this potion so that he can make all of his farm animals as large as the chicken which also imbibed of the first batch. Things don't work out so well in the next three successive batches culminating in a potion that shrinks the drinker. The grandmother discovers, drinks and ends up becoming so small that she disappears entirely. Thus ends the story.
I finished that book with a puzzled look as well. What is a child supposed to learn from this book?
Again, I must say that the book was written very well though.
On... The Arkadians by Lloyd Alexander
I finished this book yesterday and absolutely fell in love with it.
I remember loving Lloyd Alexander books as a kid and even purloined one of the names of his characters for the name of my own character. (Shh... don't tell anyone)
I haven't read any of his books in a very long time and don't even remember my overall opinion of them.
This book deftly weaves together versions of old Greek myths and a somewhat casual way, almost making fun of themselves. As I sit here and write this review I am reminded Lord of the Rings and how Tolkien often delves off into the stories, the histories of a group of people. This is what Alexander employed in the Arkadians but in such a lighthearted way that he almost is making fun of the technique that works so well in this book.
Also, I don't believe that Alexander is a Christian... but I'm not certain of course... but throughout the book Alexander interspersed beautiful nuggets of truth such as the King bearing the responsibility of the burdens of his people and being more than willing to do so. There were several other examples of that but I cannot remember them at the moment.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone willing to suspend belief in reality and indulge in a little fantastical journey.
I remember loving Lloyd Alexander books as a kid and even purloined one of the names of his characters for the name of my own character. (Shh... don't tell anyone)
I haven't read any of his books in a very long time and don't even remember my overall opinion of them.
This book deftly weaves together versions of old Greek myths and a somewhat casual way, almost making fun of themselves. As I sit here and write this review I am reminded Lord of the Rings and how Tolkien often delves off into the stories, the histories of a group of people. This is what Alexander employed in the Arkadians but in such a lighthearted way that he almost is making fun of the technique that works so well in this book.
Also, I don't believe that Alexander is a Christian... but I'm not certain of course... but throughout the book Alexander interspersed beautiful nuggets of truth such as the King bearing the responsibility of the burdens of his people and being more than willing to do so. There were several other examples of that but I cannot remember them at the moment.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone willing to suspend belief in reality and indulge in a little fantastical journey.
Friday, November 16, 2007
On Shirley by Charlotte Bronte
Combining the reading challenge with nanowrimo doesn't really mix well. I'm hoping to catch back up on my list as November ends. Moving on to the review for the day.
I hadn't actually heard of this book before I added it to my list and found myself intriqued by the description of the book on the dust jacket. I guess I did myself an injustice by trying to read the book as fast as I did. Books loaded with description as Bronte and Austin books are, cannot really be read so quickly.
Actually I just realized that hte fact that I wished I had read the book slower is a good sign. I know that from what I read and thoroughly injested much more deslicious morsels lay undiscovered in the sentences I simply scanned rather than actually read.
Towards the end of the book though things did get a little confusing as I tried to figure out the difference between Louis and Henry Moore (pretty important when it comes to the plot.
Though I didn't think I would enjoy the book I really did.
I hadn't actually heard of this book before I added it to my list and found myself intriqued by the description of the book on the dust jacket. I guess I did myself an injustice by trying to read the book as fast as I did. Books loaded with description as Bronte and Austin books are, cannot really be read so quickly.
Actually I just realized that hte fact that I wished I had read the book slower is a good sign. I know that from what I read and thoroughly injested much more deslicious morsels lay undiscovered in the sentences I simply scanned rather than actually read.
Towards the end of the book though things did get a little confusing as I tried to figure out the difference between Louis and Henry Moore (pretty important when it comes to the plot.
Though I didn't think I would enjoy the book I really did.
Friday, November 09, 2007
On... Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers
I was absolutely enchanted by this book. I always loved the movie and wondered what the book would be like. Obviously some things are different... such as the fact that different little stories are told in the book than are related in the movie but overall I think the book to movie transition worked well.
Now, onto the book itself.
Even if I didn't picture Julie Andrews in the role of Mary Poppins I would have loved to have a babysitter/nanny like Mary Poppins who could tell the most wonderful stories like that of the red dancing cow. I was reading along and din't quite catch the transition to Mary Poppin's story but once I figured things out I couldn't get enough of that little story.
As I turned each page I could definitely picture myself reading this book to my kids (if I ever have kids)... you know, the chapter a night thing.
I was also enchanted by the British spellings and sayings. Heh... I don't think I can say anything negative about the book.
Now, onto the book itself.
Even if I didn't picture Julie Andrews in the role of Mary Poppins I would have loved to have a babysitter/nanny like Mary Poppins who could tell the most wonderful stories like that of the red dancing cow. I was reading along and din't quite catch the transition to Mary Poppin's story but once I figured things out I couldn't get enough of that little story.
As I turned each page I could definitely picture myself reading this book to my kids (if I ever have kids)... you know, the chapter a night thing.
I was also enchanted by the British spellings and sayings. Heh... I don't think I can say anything negative about the book.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
On Brave Companions by David McCullough and Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley
After a brief hiatus (I was out of the country on a mission trip to Ecuador. Wow was that amazing) I am back.
Every time I pick up a David McCullough book I am amazed at his writing style. Brave Companions holds several smaller pieces of writing compiled according to similar subject. Some of the pieces describe in brief the life of a famous person. Others tell the history of an area. Each of these pieces taste like delicious chocolate. I suppose that's the History B.A. in me.
Flags of Our Fathers appealed to the writer in me. I've often wondered about the lives of people that I pass on the street or that I see in photos on the wall. I couldn't put down the book because I wanted to know all of the details about the lives of these six men united in history by 1/400th of a second. These men were so ordinary, almost like characters I would create in my head...ordinary yet extraordinary. Bradley's writing style is very similar to McCullough's...a storyteller...yet I still prefer McCullough probably because of his historical expertise.
Every time I pick up a David McCullough book I am amazed at his writing style. Brave Companions holds several smaller pieces of writing compiled according to similar subject. Some of the pieces describe in brief the life of a famous person. Others tell the history of an area. Each of these pieces taste like delicious chocolate. I suppose that's the History B.A. in me.
Flags of Our Fathers appealed to the writer in me. I've often wondered about the lives of people that I pass on the street or that I see in photos on the wall. I couldn't put down the book because I wanted to know all of the details about the lives of these six men united in history by 1/400th of a second. These men were so ordinary, almost like characters I would create in my head...ordinary yet extraordinary. Bradley's writing style is very similar to McCullough's...a storyteller...yet I still prefer McCullough probably because of his historical expertise.
Monday, October 22, 2007
On ... The Still of Night by Kirsten Heitzmann
With this book I returned to another author that I haven't read for several years. The previous books of hers that I've read are historical fiction so this was a new introduction to her writing style in contemporary fiction.
I fell in love with the characters in Heitzmann's two historical fiction series but I had a hard time connecting with the two main characters in this book. Most likely this was just something in my head because at the beginning I had the distinct feeling that I'd already read this book before or at least I'd read a book with this exact story line (or something very similar) before. Throughout the book I kept searching for hints that would remind me of the other similar book that I read or confirm that I had read this book before. I'm still not sure.
I think I will begin analyzing the books I read based on the following criteria: plot, characterization, revelation of backstory, grammar, imagery
Plot: I have to admit that I projected my own ideas on where the plot was going to go based on that idea in the back of head. Unfortunately, my projected ideas turned out to be true for the most part. What intrigued me was the interaction of the subplots, as characters came in and out of the story.
Characterization: Of course I wanted to know how each character's story developed. I learned much about the two main characters: Morgan and Jill and enjoyed watching them change, grow closer to God in believable steps (although extreme at some points). When I finished the book I wanted to know more about characters that made brief appearances in Morgan and Jill's life like Jill's learning disabled students or the troubled boy that Morgan mentors (or attempts to mentor). Now, I admit...Heitzmann would have needed to write a much bigger and weighty book if she intended to fully develop these characters. I guess what I wish is that she would have better tied off those subplots/character's stories.
Revelation of backstory: I don't have much too say here. Ms. Heitzmann did an excellent job.
Grammar: Thankfully no glaring errors jumped off the page. Something about significant grammar mistakes turns me off to an author. Not Ms. Heitzmann though.
Imagery: Occansionally, an author that I read wil create such striking word pictures that I can remember even after I put down the book. Now, Mrs. Heitzmann is noot one of those authors but she does paint a picture clear enough for me that I can see the action and the characters. My heart even skipped a beat (okay, speaking figuratively) when Ms. Heitzman introduced Santa Barbara as Morgan's place of residence. I absolutely love that city and also having been there I could more easily picture the locations Ms. Heitzman describes.
I fell in love with the characters in Heitzmann's two historical fiction series but I had a hard time connecting with the two main characters in this book. Most likely this was just something in my head because at the beginning I had the distinct feeling that I'd already read this book before or at least I'd read a book with this exact story line (or something very similar) before. Throughout the book I kept searching for hints that would remind me of the other similar book that I read or confirm that I had read this book before. I'm still not sure.
I think I will begin analyzing the books I read based on the following criteria: plot, characterization, revelation of backstory, grammar, imagery
Plot: I have to admit that I projected my own ideas on where the plot was going to go based on that idea in the back of head. Unfortunately, my projected ideas turned out to be true for the most part. What intrigued me was the interaction of the subplots, as characters came in and out of the story.
Characterization: Of course I wanted to know how each character's story developed. I learned much about the two main characters: Morgan and Jill and enjoyed watching them change, grow closer to God in believable steps (although extreme at some points). When I finished the book I wanted to know more about characters that made brief appearances in Morgan and Jill's life like Jill's learning disabled students or the troubled boy that Morgan mentors (or attempts to mentor). Now, I admit...Heitzmann would have needed to write a much bigger and weighty book if she intended to fully develop these characters. I guess what I wish is that she would have better tied off those subplots/character's stories.
Revelation of backstory: I don't have much too say here. Ms. Heitzmann did an excellent job.
Grammar: Thankfully no glaring errors jumped off the page. Something about significant grammar mistakes turns me off to an author. Not Ms. Heitzmann though.
Imagery: Occansionally, an author that I read wil create such striking word pictures that I can remember even after I put down the book. Now, Mrs. Heitzmann is noot one of those authors but she does paint a picture clear enough for me that I can see the action and the characters. My heart even skipped a beat (okay, speaking figuratively) when Ms. Heitzman introduced Santa Barbara as Morgan's place of residence. I absolutely love that city and also having been there I could more easily picture the locations Ms. Heitzman describes.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
On... Lord of the Flies by William Golding
I should have finished this book many years before. I went to a local public high school for one day my junior year. In English we were assigned Lord of the Flies to read but I never returned and thus never returned the book. (I didn't steal it intentionally of course). The book sat on my shelf for many years before I finally donated it somewhere I can't remember.
Thus, when I started adding books to my visual bookshelf application on facebook I added this book.
To be honest, I never really got a handle on the book. Golding drops the reader down into the middle of the story--boys shipwrecked or planewrecked (Golding never really clearly says) on some Island in the Pacific. Now, I appreciate a technique like that...if the backstory is gradually explained throughout the story. Unfortunately, the story continued to develop from the point at which the reader was introduced to the characters with absolutely no looking back to find out the rest of the story.
In addition to that, Golding never clearly names his characters and somethimes alternates between names for a few characters. Actually, I never really understood the Lord of the Flies character...I believe that it was a pig's head that talked to the poor boy like an English schoolmaster.
Also, the boys (the hunters specifically) turn into utter savages rather quickly...too quickly for believablity for my sake.
I would not recommend this book to anyone simply because I didn't enjoy it. Unfortunately, I will most likely be teaching this book to my students (or at least be required to do so) once I become certified.
Thus, when I started adding books to my visual bookshelf application on facebook I added this book.
To be honest, I never really got a handle on the book. Golding drops the reader down into the middle of the story--boys shipwrecked or planewrecked (Golding never really clearly says) on some Island in the Pacific. Now, I appreciate a technique like that...if the backstory is gradually explained throughout the story. Unfortunately, the story continued to develop from the point at which the reader was introduced to the characters with absolutely no looking back to find out the rest of the story.
In addition to that, Golding never clearly names his characters and somethimes alternates between names for a few characters. Actually, I never really understood the Lord of the Flies character...I believe that it was a pig's head that talked to the poor boy like an English schoolmaster.
Also, the boys (the hunters specifically) turn into utter savages rather quickly...too quickly for believablity for my sake.
I would not recommend this book to anyone simply because I didn't enjoy it. Unfortunately, I will most likely be teaching this book to my students (or at least be required to do so) once I become certified.
On ... Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl
I opened the book with a blank expectation slate. I enjoyed The BFG and hoped I would enjoy this book.
Danny the Champion of the World is a much older book...not in relation to publication date but according to subject level. The reading level is only slightly higher than The BFG but the story deals with much more serious issues.
I think that an accurate comparison would be To Kill A Mockingbird. Danny, the main character, is ten years old for the majority of the story... just a little bit older than Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird. In TKAM the serious undertone which becomes the main plot towards the end of the story is the trial of a black man. In DtCotW the serious undertone is dangerous poaching...an illegal activity.
I absolutely loved this story. Having read Boy: Tales from Childhood...Dahl's childhood memoir...I could easily see correlations, characters that Dahl compiled from his own history. I appreaciate that. Unlike a favorite movie of mine (Alex and Emma) Dahl draws from his past...mixes and matches...instead of verbatim telling his own story back again.
In fact, when I first started reading the book I was struck by how similar this book read to Dahl's childhood memoir.
I definitly highly recommend this book.
Danny the Champion of the World is a much older book...not in relation to publication date but according to subject level. The reading level is only slightly higher than The BFG but the story deals with much more serious issues.
I think that an accurate comparison would be To Kill A Mockingbird. Danny, the main character, is ten years old for the majority of the story... just a little bit older than Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird. In TKAM the serious undertone which becomes the main plot towards the end of the story is the trial of a black man. In DtCotW the serious undertone is dangerous poaching...an illegal activity.
I absolutely loved this story. Having read Boy: Tales from Childhood...Dahl's childhood memoir...I could easily see correlations, characters that Dahl compiled from his own history. I appreaciate that. Unlike a favorite movie of mine (Alex and Emma) Dahl draws from his past...mixes and matches...instead of verbatim telling his own story back again.
In fact, when I first started reading the book I was struck by how similar this book read to Dahl's childhood memoir.
I definitly highly recommend this book.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
On ... The Preacher's Daughter by Beverly Lewis
This is by far my favorite of Beverly Lewis' books that I have read during this challenge. Perhaps that is because this book is the first in the series and very well introduces the various characters without simply stating their various attributes.
Even though I have read the last book in the series and know how everything ends, Mrs. Lewis' writing compels me to keep reading the other books in the series and find out even more about these characters.
Although a couple subplots are evident underneath the primary plot Mrs. Lewis weaves them together to create a story so whole that one plot/story cannot be told without the other. Perhaps that comes fromt the fact that the lives of those in an Amish community are already so closely intertwined.
As always, reading one of Lewis' books makes me think about the Amish lifestyle in relation to a relationship with God.
Even though I have read the last book in the series and know how everything ends, Mrs. Lewis' writing compels me to keep reading the other books in the series and find out even more about these characters.
Although a couple subplots are evident underneath the primary plot Mrs. Lewis weaves them together to create a story so whole that one plot/story cannot be told without the other. Perhaps that comes fromt the fact that the lives of those in an Amish community are already so closely intertwined.
As always, reading one of Lewis' books makes me think about the Amish lifestyle in relation to a relationship with God.
Friday, October 19, 2007
On ... The BFG by Roald Dahl
I cannot say enough good things about this book. I have never read a children's book this absolutely magnificent.
To be honest, I could not put the book down.
I don't really know how to critique a children's book. I guess I'll just say that I absolutely loved the book...everything about it.
To be honest, I could not put the book down.
I don't really know how to critique a children's book. I guess I'll just say that I absolutely loved the book...everything about it.
On ... Boy by Roald Dahl
I laughed so many times as I read this book. Mr. Dahl has a ready wit that I remembered gradually from his other books as I delved further into this one.
While Mr. Dahl relates many stories from his childhood in this book I wouldn't call it an autobiography. Instead, I believe that Mr. Dahl...like my grandfather...elaborated and created full stories out of pictures from his memory.
Still, those elaborated pictures were quite enjoyable. I couldn't help but compare Hogwarts to Mr. Dahl's schools and see how the English school system is so much different than the US but also how "uniform" English schools are. I hope you know that I don't mean that all of the school are the same but that they have as a similar structure in contrast with a public high school in the US.
Throughout the book pictures are interspersed with handwritten captions...presumably handwritten by Dahl himself. Somehow this makes me like the book even more.
While Mr. Dahl relates many stories from his childhood in this book I wouldn't call it an autobiography. Instead, I believe that Mr. Dahl...like my grandfather...elaborated and created full stories out of pictures from his memory.
Still, those elaborated pictures were quite enjoyable. I couldn't help but compare Hogwarts to Mr. Dahl's schools and see how the English school system is so much different than the US but also how "uniform" English schools are. I hope you know that I don't mean that all of the school are the same but that they have as a similar structure in contrast with a public high school in the US.
Throughout the book pictures are interspersed with handwritten captions...presumably handwritten by Dahl himself. Somehow this makes me like the book even more.
On ... Tender Mercies by Lauraine Snelling
This book filled in a lot of the gaps that I was missing in the story line and fulfilled my desire to learn a little bit more about the characters. Sometimes I have an insatiable thirst to learn the stories of people I read about or see knowing that even if the story is similar to something or many things that I've already been acquainted with and this book fit that desire perfectly.
Mrs. Snelling limited the story--somewhat--to a couple lines and thus I wasn't too distracted trying to figure things out.
A few times Mrs. Snelling stretched the imagination in describing the reaction of a few characters to different events. Thankfully, unlike Mr. Morris, Mrs. Snelling avoids carrying out those tepid descriptions throughout the book.
The characters are nearly as fully developed as they can be in a book/series like this. Each has his own flaws and admirable qualities and no one character is completely alike.
Mrs. Snelling's book are a nice enjoyable read for a rainy afternoon or for any random time.
Mrs. Snelling limited the story--somewhat--to a couple lines and thus I wasn't too distracted trying to figure things out.
A few times Mrs. Snelling stretched the imagination in describing the reaction of a few characters to different events. Thankfully, unlike Mr. Morris, Mrs. Snelling avoids carrying out those tepid descriptions throughout the book.
The characters are nearly as fully developed as they can be in a book/series like this. Each has his own flaws and admirable qualities and no one character is completely alike.
Mrs. Snelling's book are a nice enjoyable read for a rainy afternoon or for any random time.
On ... Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Reading both 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 in the same day helped me compare the two writing styles I believe.
I come away from Fahrenheit 451 with a bad taste in my mouth. Of course, the main point of the book is about burning book...it did make me think about what life would be like without books. That would be a terrible place for me.
I kept getting confused though as I read. Things weren’t explained very well in my opinion. Bradbury did develop Montag quite well. When I first started reading the book I thought of Montag as a very calloused man, carefree in his job as a fireman but then as he watched something horrible happen on the job and actually picked up a book to read his character changed dramatically but it wasn’t a sudden turn around. His transformation was quite believable.
I wasn’t ready for the end of the book because I was expecting the end of the book to come at page 192...the number I’d seeno n the last page...but it turns out that two other of Bradbury’s short stories were also included at the end of the book. I blame that shortcoming on myself.
In my opinion Orwell has a much more enjoyable writing style than Bradbury but both authors leave me longing for a little something with hope.
I come away from Fahrenheit 451 with a bad taste in my mouth. Of course, the main point of the book is about burning book...it did make me think about what life would be like without books. That would be a terrible place for me.
I kept getting confused though as I read. Things weren’t explained very well in my opinion. Bradbury did develop Montag quite well. When I first started reading the book I thought of Montag as a very calloused man, carefree in his job as a fireman but then as he watched something horrible happen on the job and actually picked up a book to read his character changed dramatically but it wasn’t a sudden turn around. His transformation was quite believable.
I wasn’t ready for the end of the book because I was expecting the end of the book to come at page 192...the number I’d seeno n the last page...but it turns out that two other of Bradbury’s short stories were also included at the end of the book. I blame that shortcoming on myself.
In my opinion Orwell has a much more enjoyable writing style than Bradbury but both authors leave me longing for a little something with hope.
On ... A Land to Call Home by Lauraine Snelling
This book did explain a few details that I did not know when I read the last book of the series. One would expect that .
In comparison, I enjoyed Blessing in Disguise more than this particular book. Snelling, in my opinion tried too hard to tell the stories of at least three different women. All of those women had at least a page or two of “narration” in Blessing but the primary story was that of Augusta.
I have to admit that I was at least partially distracted because of the fact that I am currently sitting in the family waiting room of the surgical center while my dad has surgery to repair a herniated disk. Having a cheesy soap opera on just above my head and countless people walking by is not conducive to reading relatively quickly and thoroughly.
Other than the above-mentioned criticism--too many storylines and people to keep up with easily--I have nothing else to criticize about the story. In fact, Snelling developed her characters so well that I would rather read one story about each of them than one story about all.
In comparison, I enjoyed Blessing in Disguise more than this particular book. Snelling, in my opinion tried too hard to tell the stories of at least three different women. All of those women had at least a page or two of “narration” in Blessing but the primary story was that of Augusta.
I have to admit that I was at least partially distracted because of the fact that I am currently sitting in the family waiting room of the surgical center while my dad has surgery to repair a herniated disk. Having a cheesy soap opera on just above my head and countless people walking by is not conducive to reading relatively quickly and thoroughly.
Other than the above-mentioned criticism--too many storylines and people to keep up with easily--I have nothing else to criticize about the story. In fact, Snelling developed her characters so well that I would rather read one story about each of them than one story about all.
On ... 1984 by George Orwell
This book drew me in from the get go. I vaguely remembered reading about how the book ended and as I read I remembered more of the ending.
Overall the book is a hopeless book. I can’t imagine living in a world where I am literally told what to think. My mind is always moving at such rapid paces even when I’m not writing anything. I’m also very opinionated. :D
The book is bearable to read because at a few scattered points in the book Orwell infuses some sense of hope that Winston can overcome Big Brother but then once he is captured all hope flees.
The fantasy of this world that Orwell created absolutely fascinated me. My thoughts are often filled with what ifs. 1984 makes me very thankful that I live in the world that I live in and the fact that I was not born into this Orwellian society. (Isn’t it amazing how Orwell’s name has come to describe an entire society of people?)
Overall the book is a hopeless book. I can’t imagine living in a world where I am literally told what to think. My mind is always moving at such rapid paces even when I’m not writing anything. I’m also very opinionated. :D
The book is bearable to read because at a few scattered points in the book Orwell infuses some sense of hope that Winston can overcome Big Brother but then once he is captured all hope flees.
The fantasy of this world that Orwell created absolutely fascinated me. My thoughts are often filled with what ifs. 1984 makes me very thankful that I live in the world that I live in and the fact that I was not born into this Orwellian society. (Isn’t it amazing how Orwell’s name has come to describe an entire society of people?)
Monday, October 15, 2007
On ... Blessing in Disguise by Lauraine Snelling
Again I return to an old favorite, Lauraine Snelling. As a teenager I read her young adult novels voraciously. I loved horses...admit it...what teenage girl doesn't love those beautiful creatures. :D
The three books of hers that I checked out from the library this round were the third, fifth and sixth in the series. Dummy me accidentally picked up the sixth book from my own pile and just started reading.
To be honest, save for a few details about various relaitonships in the book I did not find myself at a disadvantage.
After reading those Morris books I braced myself at the beginning when I saw hints of pedistrian writing...but the hints remained only hints. While I saw a few things that I could do without I enjoyed the book and loved learning to love the characters.
Would I buy it? Probably not.
Was it a good book? Yes
Was it somewhat predictable? Yes
The three books of hers that I checked out from the library this round were the third, fifth and sixth in the series. Dummy me accidentally picked up the sixth book from my own pile and just started reading.
To be honest, save for a few details about various relaitonships in the book I did not find myself at a disadvantage.
After reading those Morris books I braced myself at the beginning when I saw hints of pedistrian writing...but the hints remained only hints. While I saw a few things that I could do without I enjoyed the book and loved learning to love the characters.
Would I buy it? Probably not.
Was it a good book? Yes
Was it somewhat predictable? Yes
On ... of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl
I should have remembered from my last trip through a Steinbeck novel that he doesn't refrain from profanity usage.
Steinbeck's skill is amazing. He crafts characters that are full and changing even if he doesn't give them a name. Unfortunately, Steinbeck...as mentioned in the previous paragraph...feels free to sprinkle profanity on almost every page. If Steinbeck had a positive story to tell with a happy ending or at least with hope of a happy ending than the profanity would be gratuitous.
Happiness and hope are two words not exemplified in any of Steinbeck's novels (at least the ones I've read and studied). I hurried through that book as quick as I could.
On other fronts...
I chose to read The Enormous Crocodile because I knew it would be completely different than of Mice and Men... a welcome relief.
Not being an active children's book reader I don't have that good of a base to judge The Enormous Crocodile. I enjoyed the read and even laughed at a couple of moments. :D
Steinbeck's skill is amazing. He crafts characters that are full and changing even if he doesn't give them a name. Unfortunately, Steinbeck...as mentioned in the previous paragraph...feels free to sprinkle profanity on almost every page. If Steinbeck had a positive story to tell with a happy ending or at least with hope of a happy ending than the profanity would be gratuitous.
Happiness and hope are two words not exemplified in any of Steinbeck's novels (at least the ones I've read and studied). I hurried through that book as quick as I could.
On other fronts...
I chose to read The Enormous Crocodile because I knew it would be completely different than of Mice and Men... a welcome relief.
Not being an active children's book reader I don't have that good of a base to judge The Enormous Crocodile. I enjoyed the read and even laughed at a couple of moments. :D
Sunday, October 14, 2007
On ... Funeral in Blue by Anne Perry
To be honest I can't remember how I ever heard about this book or why I even put it on my list.
Obviously I approached the book wary of what I would find, especially after I read what was on the dust jacket cover. I was so afraid that it would delve into the seemier side of things that I never want to expose myself to. I think what I'm trying to say is understandable.
I told myself that I would put the book away if I ever encountered anything like that. I finished the book.
Now, I realized as I delved into the book that I picked up a book that occurs after several other books in the development of a character by this author...the private detective. Because of that I found myself at a disadvantage trying to figure out the relationships between the characters.
Ms. Perry didn't (thankfully) explicitly state the relationships between the characters with the exception of the relationship between the accussed and the deceased (husband/wife). Perhaps a little more of that could be stated and Ms. Perry would still be miles away from the cliche mill that is Gilber Morris. (I'm afraid that Mr. Morris...nice man he may be... will end up being the bottom standard of my comparisons for the near future).
Although I cringed a few times...I remember only two specific examples...in general Ms. Perry's writing tells a murder story with the hint of a CSI show (without all the modern crime scene forensic analysis).
Unfortunately, even though the writing was technically proficient, she never drew me into the story. I honestly did not care whether the accused was found guilty or not...or even if he was actually guilty. Ms. Perry even failed to create a sense of sympathy or empathy within me for the main character.
I probably won't be reading any more Anne Perry books--not because the writing was bad but because I would rather read books where I connect with the characters...at least one.
Obviously I approached the book wary of what I would find, especially after I read what was on the dust jacket cover. I was so afraid that it would delve into the seemier side of things that I never want to expose myself to. I think what I'm trying to say is understandable.
I told myself that I would put the book away if I ever encountered anything like that. I finished the book.
Now, I realized as I delved into the book that I picked up a book that occurs after several other books in the development of a character by this author...the private detective. Because of that I found myself at a disadvantage trying to figure out the relationships between the characters.
Ms. Perry didn't (thankfully) explicitly state the relationships between the characters with the exception of the relationship between the accussed and the deceased (husband/wife). Perhaps a little more of that could be stated and Ms. Perry would still be miles away from the cliche mill that is Gilber Morris. (I'm afraid that Mr. Morris...nice man he may be... will end up being the bottom standard of my comparisons for the near future).
Although I cringed a few times...I remember only two specific examples...in general Ms. Perry's writing tells a murder story with the hint of a CSI show (without all the modern crime scene forensic analysis).
Unfortunately, even though the writing was technically proficient, she never drew me into the story. I honestly did not care whether the accused was found guilty or not...or even if he was actually guilty. Ms. Perry even failed to create a sense of sympathy or empathy within me for the main character.
I probably won't be reading any more Anne Perry books--not because the writing was bad but because I would rather read books where I connect with the characters...at least one.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
On ... Our Town by Thorton Wilder
When I placed this play on my reading list I did not know anything about it. Actually, I thought it was a book. Imagine my surprise when I picked it up from the library and saw written on the cover of the diminutive book "three-act play".
I opened the book and almost immediately became enraptured with the small New Hampshire town. I tried to recall as much as I could from my Creative Writing class nearly four months ago. Some of the plays I read there (student works) were barely tolerable.
Wilder cleverly reveals information about the town and the characters a piece here and a piece there. Even though the stage manager simply states seemingly random information, Wilder has a purpose. Coming off of several Gilbert Morris books this sort of plot/character/and etc this was definitely refreshing.
An example of something that struck me and lured me deeper into the play was the Stage Manager's aside about a character whose name escapes me at the moment. This young newspaper-delivering boy would grow up get a great eduacation but just when he was poised to do great things in the world he dies in France in WWI. By so abruptly introducing this information Wilder jerked my heartstrings and lured me deeper into his profoundly moving play.
Once I reached then end I wanted to go back to the days of innocence just like Emily as and after she revisited her twelfth birthday.
I opened the book and almost immediately became enraptured with the small New Hampshire town. I tried to recall as much as I could from my Creative Writing class nearly four months ago. Some of the plays I read there (student works) were barely tolerable.
Wilder cleverly reveals information about the town and the characters a piece here and a piece there. Even though the stage manager simply states seemingly random information, Wilder has a purpose. Coming off of several Gilbert Morris books this sort of plot/character/and etc this was definitely refreshing.
An example of something that struck me and lured me deeper into the play was the Stage Manager's aside about a character whose name escapes me at the moment. This young newspaper-delivering boy would grow up get a great eduacation but just when he was poised to do great things in the world he dies in France in WWI. By so abruptly introducing this information Wilder jerked my heartstrings and lured me deeper into his profoundly moving play.
Once I reached then end I wanted to go back to the days of innocence just like Emily as and after she revisited her twelfth birthday.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
On... the Path Between the Seas by David McCullough
This book is not for the light-hearted, fair-weather history reader. While David McCullough writes many books that appeal to a much larger audience than most historians this book is thick and very full of information.
I suppose that it was a little more difficult to read this book because I'm not familiar with the subject in any way at all. Of course I know about the Panama Canal but not much about the building (the main theme of the book).
There isn't one central character...unless one counts the Canal itself... so many names flow in and out of the book. I often had to flip back to reacquaint myself with a character if the name (usually the last name) reappears.
I learned an awful lot about the building of the canal and about David McCulough's writing style. I'm amazed at the amount of knowledge this man has if he can write a 600 thoroughly researched book in a subject area that is not his area of expertise. (That would be the American Revolution).
I suppose that it was a little more difficult to read this book because I'm not familiar with the subject in any way at all. Of course I know about the Panama Canal but not much about the building (the main theme of the book).
There isn't one central character...unless one counts the Canal itself... so many names flow in and out of the book. I often had to flip back to reacquaint myself with a character if the name (usually the last name) reappears.
I learned an awful lot about the building of the canal and about David McCulough's writing style. I'm amazed at the amount of knowledge this man has if he can write a 600 thoroughly researched book in a subject area that is not his area of expertise. (That would be the American Revolution).
Thursday, October 04, 2007
On ... The Betrayal by Beverly Lewis
Once again I entered the series at a disadvantage. This book is the second in the series.
I didn't want to put the book down.
Everything positive I said about the other book of hers I can say about this.
I enjoyed this book even more.
I didn't want to put the book down.
Everything positive I said about the other book of hers I can say about this.
I enjoyed this book even more.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
On... The Brethren by Beverly Lewis
Once again I returned to a favorite author after a few years hiatus. After reading Gilbert Morris I didn't raise my expectations. Thankfully I wasn't disappointed. In fact I was quite impressed.
I did enter the book at a slight disadvantage by reading the last book in the series before the first two. (That's what happens when one gets the books from the library. Whatever was available on my list I grabbed)
My disadvantage was caused by something I admire...the lack of recap of the previous books in the beginning of the book. As I journeyed through the book I learned more about the subtlties of the characters and plot.
Another positive: Even though the plethora of characters confused me at first but Lewis didn't introduce too many and deftly weaved the stories together so that I soon sorted out the identities of the characters.
Honestly, I can't really think of a negative to tell about the book though I believe that I thought of one or two as I was reading.
Even now the end choices of the two main characters make me think, a positive thing I think.
I did enter the book at a slight disadvantage by reading the last book in the series before the first two. (That's what happens when one gets the books from the library. Whatever was available on my list I grabbed)
My disadvantage was caused by something I admire...the lack of recap of the previous books in the beginning of the book. As I journeyed through the book I learned more about the subtlties of the characters and plot.
Another positive: Even though the plethora of characters confused me at first but Lewis didn't introduce too many and deftly weaved the stories together so that I soon sorted out the identities of the characters.
Honestly, I can't really think of a negative to tell about the book though I believe that I thought of one or two as I was reading.
Even now the end choices of the two main characters make me think, a positive thing I think.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
On... The Shining Badge and all other Winslow series books by Gilbert Morris
It's been a couple of years since I read any books by Gilbert Morris. I held out hope that they wouldn't be terrible and I could at least read them and derive some pleasure.
The writing is so absolutely pedestrian I could barely stand it.
There are several other books of his on my list. I think that I will read them in order to learn exactly what my own writing should look like.
Most of the time when I criticize something in detail it is because the writing shows great promise but there are things that can be improved to make the writing closer to perfect. When something is extremely terrible I don't really feel like criticizing it at all.
There will not be any more reviews of any Gilbert Morris books that I read, unless somehow a jewel is hidden among the junk.
The writing is so absolutely pedestrian I could barely stand it.
There are several other books of his on my list. I think that I will read them in order to learn exactly what my own writing should look like.
Most of the time when I criticize something in detail it is because the writing shows great promise but there are things that can be improved to make the writing closer to perfect. When something is extremely terrible I don't really feel like criticizing it at all.
There will not be any more reviews of any Gilbert Morris books that I read, unless somehow a jewel is hidden among the junk.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
On ... John Adams by David McCullough
I knew when I picked up this book that it would be a good read. Having learned about the author and already read a highly popular recent publication (1776) I hoped I would find this biography as enjoyable.
I was not disappointed.
In my senior year of college as a history major I took a class on Historical Writing...the things to do and not to do. David McCullough manages to write an enjoyable read while being historically accurate and delicately weaving in primary sources (things written at the time) without boring the reader.
Since I was a child I knew that John Adams was the second president of the US, kind of chubby, served only one term and had a son that did the same. To be honest, Adams' physical appearance was sort of a turn off to learning any more about him. How foolish I was.
McCullough paints a realistic picture. Emerging from this book I feel like I know John Adams as a person. To be perfectly honest I have even more admiration for him now than his contemporary Thomas Jefferson. I learned about Adams and his wife along with his entire family without being concerned about the fact that this man (and his wife) was rather stout. That's the amazing thing about words.
I digress.
The one thing I wish that McCullough would have elaborated on is John Adams' flurry of appointees during the lame duck period of his presidency. McCullough mentions that Adams' prudence of the beginning of his term contrasted with these appointments but doesn't attempt to explain them or mention that there is no primary informaiton on Adams' reasoning behidn this.
I can't wait until I read another of McCullough's books.
I was not disappointed.
In my senior year of college as a history major I took a class on Historical Writing...the things to do and not to do. David McCullough manages to write an enjoyable read while being historically accurate and delicately weaving in primary sources (things written at the time) without boring the reader.
Since I was a child I knew that John Adams was the second president of the US, kind of chubby, served only one term and had a son that did the same. To be honest, Adams' physical appearance was sort of a turn off to learning any more about him. How foolish I was.
McCullough paints a realistic picture. Emerging from this book I feel like I know John Adams as a person. To be perfectly honest I have even more admiration for him now than his contemporary Thomas Jefferson. I learned about Adams and his wife along with his entire family without being concerned about the fact that this man (and his wife) was rather stout. That's the amazing thing about words.
I digress.
The one thing I wish that McCullough would have elaborated on is John Adams' flurry of appointees during the lame duck period of his presidency. McCullough mentions that Adams' prudence of the beginning of his term contrasted with these appointments but doesn't attempt to explain them or mention that there is no primary informaiton on Adams' reasoning behidn this.
I can't wait until I read another of McCullough's books.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
On ... As Good as Dead by Patricia Rushford
I have to say that I was rather disappointed with this book.
As the book drifted to the end I became completely confused with the jumps in narration and the seeming "too-nice" bad guys. I couldn't figure out who was good or who was bad. Usually with a mystery that's a good thing. In this case the confusion caused the ending to be anti-climactic.
One other thing that I noticed about the book (the author actually because I noticed this with the other book in the series that I read) is that Patricia Rushford gives far too much backstory in the beginning of the book. It is almost as if she hands the backstory to the reader on a silver platter. Hmm...perhaps that's why I love Angela Hunt's books so much. She makes a concerted effort to avoid ang backstory until after page 30 (or 50 but I can't remember),
Overall though the book was decent and served its purposed...nice light reading for the evening.
As the book drifted to the end I became completely confused with the jumps in narration and the seeming "too-nice" bad guys. I couldn't figure out who was good or who was bad. Usually with a mystery that's a good thing. In this case the confusion caused the ending to be anti-climactic.
One other thing that I noticed about the book (the author actually because I noticed this with the other book in the series that I read) is that Patricia Rushford gives far too much backstory in the beginning of the book. It is almost as if she hands the backstory to the reader on a silver platter. Hmm...perhaps that's why I love Angela Hunt's books so much. She makes a concerted effort to avoid ang backstory until after page 30 (or 50 but I can't remember),
Overall though the book was decent and served its purposed...nice light reading for the evening.
Monday, September 24, 2007
On...A Long Way from Home by Tom Brokaw and Deadly Aim by Patricia Rushford
First, A Long Way from Home by Tom Brokaw
Having read Brokaw's Greatest Generation books I knew that I would not have to suffer from a pedestrian writing style. On the other hand I didn't know what exactly to expect in autobiography.
I was pleasantly surprised.
Brokaw frames his own story in the historical background of the area in which he grew up, his parents and the nation as a whole. Being the history lover that I am I appreciated Brokaw's sense that all of his major accolades as the anchor of NBC news was not the important marks of his life.
In many senses I am slightly wary of autobiographies and what the author chooses to emphasize. When a person writes of his own importance I often wonder just how important this person is.
When, in the case of Tom Brokaw, a person who has achieved many important achievements, the author downplays his success--practically ignores it--I gain an increased sense of appreciation.
Second, Deadly Aim by Patricia Rushford
With this book I returned to an author that I haven't read for years...since I fell in love with her young adults series. I approached the book tentatively because I was hoping that I wouldn't be disappointed.
I wasn't.
Of course there were things that irked me such as the automatic attraction between the main character and a new introduction. As a single woman who greatly desires the companionship and all that that entails of a husband but has yet to even go on a date...the fact that a man automatically yearns to draw a woman into his arms...
You get the picture.
In the end the mystery novel accomplished its goal. I didn't guess the identity of the cuplrit until it was revealed. I will definitely enjoy the next book in the series.
Having read Brokaw's Greatest Generation books I knew that I would not have to suffer from a pedestrian writing style. On the other hand I didn't know what exactly to expect in autobiography.
I was pleasantly surprised.
Brokaw frames his own story in the historical background of the area in which he grew up, his parents and the nation as a whole. Being the history lover that I am I appreciated Brokaw's sense that all of his major accolades as the anchor of NBC news was not the important marks of his life.
In many senses I am slightly wary of autobiographies and what the author chooses to emphasize. When a person writes of his own importance I often wonder just how important this person is.
When, in the case of Tom Brokaw, a person who has achieved many important achievements, the author downplays his success--practically ignores it--I gain an increased sense of appreciation.
Second, Deadly Aim by Patricia Rushford
With this book I returned to an author that I haven't read for years...since I fell in love with her young adults series. I approached the book tentatively because I was hoping that I wouldn't be disappointed.
I wasn't.
Of course there were things that irked me such as the automatic attraction between the main character and a new introduction. As a single woman who greatly desires the companionship and all that that entails of a husband but has yet to even go on a date...the fact that a man automatically yearns to draw a woman into his arms...
You get the picture.
In the end the mystery novel accomplished its goal. I didn't guess the identity of the cuplrit until it was revealed. I will definitely enjoy the next book in the series.
On... All Good Gifts by Kathleen Morgan
I could predict the entire outcome of this story by the end of the second chapter. I have enjoyed other books by Kathleen Morgan but yet this one sours my taste.
The characters did not develop and in fact flipped back and forth between almost unbelievable extremes. The dialogue ventured into highly constructed areas...a source of great irritation for me.
The lessons that the main character learned didn't seem believable or actually, all that important.
I hate to seem like I'm complaining because I'm not. The book was simply comfortable "summer read".
(Hopefully these reviews will grow in length as I become more accustomed to writing them.)
The characters did not develop and in fact flipped back and forth between almost unbelievable extremes. The dialogue ventured into highly constructed areas...a source of great irritation for me.
The lessons that the main character learned didn't seem believable or actually, all that important.
I hate to seem like I'm complaining because I'm not. The book was simply comfortable "summer read".
(Hopefully these reviews will grow in length as I become more accustomed to writing them.)
Sunday, September 16, 2007
On neighbors and Spiderman
My neighbors on the right, across the street, often have huge inflatable toys in their backyard for their children. At the moment a Spiderman pool is set up. The reason the pool stands out is because Spiderman himself sits on the edge, an inflatable Spiderman of course.
When I walked over to the sink to get water for my coffee I momentarily stopped and stared at the Spiderman because I wondered what that was across the street. (Even though Mom and I discovered this inflatable novelty last night)
Immediately my mind went to Build-a-bear where yesterday I saw one of their bears dressed up in a Spiderman costume...so cute because the snout distorted the shape of the mask.
Then I thought of a superhero movie where a costumed spiderman is running away from the trouble. I always laugh at that point.
From there my thoughts drifted to the relations we have with our neighbors.
My ideal situation would to be on friendly terms with the neighbors, taking over some cookies, borrowing a cup of sugar. Well, perhaps not as far as that but at least to a point beyond perhaps waving as you drive by.
Take for instance the neighbor to my right. I'm not sure how many people live there. At any given time three or four different cars (many regulars of course) sit in the driveway and so many faces go in and out of the door. They seem like a nice bunch of people though but I don't know them.
Hmm. Isn't it interesting where the brain leads?
When I walked over to the sink to get water for my coffee I momentarily stopped and stared at the Spiderman because I wondered what that was across the street. (Even though Mom and I discovered this inflatable novelty last night)
Immediately my mind went to Build-a-bear where yesterday I saw one of their bears dressed up in a Spiderman costume...so cute because the snout distorted the shape of the mask.
Then I thought of a superhero movie where a costumed spiderman is running away from the trouble. I always laugh at that point.
From there my thoughts drifted to the relations we have with our neighbors.
My ideal situation would to be on friendly terms with the neighbors, taking over some cookies, borrowing a cup of sugar. Well, perhaps not as far as that but at least to a point beyond perhaps waving as you drive by.
Take for instance the neighbor to my right. I'm not sure how many people live there. At any given time three or four different cars (many regulars of course) sit in the driveway and so many faces go in and out of the door. They seem like a nice bunch of people though but I don't know them.
Hmm. Isn't it interesting where the brain leads?
Friday, September 14, 2007
On being busy
I started my new schedule this week.
I thought that this change might be really difficult to deal with. I should probably return and evaulate that after a couple more weeks have passed...but so far things are going well.
I enjoy my new job responsibilities. So far every day I have learned something new, either about the job and way I serve customers or about my relationship with God and how I should handle obstacles that arise in my path.
I apologize for the shortness of the entry. I intended to write more and expound upon this topic but nothing more is coming to me.
I thought that this change might be really difficult to deal with. I should probably return and evaulate that after a couple more weeks have passed...but so far things are going well.
I enjoy my new job responsibilities. So far every day I have learned something new, either about the job and way I serve customers or about my relationship with God and how I should handle obstacles that arise in my path.
I apologize for the shortness of the entry. I intended to write more and expound upon this topic but nothing more is coming to me.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
On tea
Though born and raised in the south I did not grow up among tea drinkers. I never acquired a liking for sweet tea. Because I don't drink tea and don't carry any southern twang in my accent among other things, many people mistake my region of origen.
To be honest, there is something in the taste of tea...generic sweet/unsweet tea served at most restaurants in the south...that is completely untenable for me.
I tried hot tea once. I couldn't resist after smelling the wonderful fruit smell wafting up as I made the hot tea for customers. Unfortunately that same untenable taste came to my mouth.
After that experience I wrote off tea as a beverage I would drink. Lately many things have combined to enhance the status of good quality tea in my eyes. I won't bother to list all of them because that is not the point. I made a decision that if I had the chance I would try some good quality tea and attempt to teach myself to like tea...the same way I did with coffee. (I know it can be done)
That opportunity arrived today. After lunch Laura and I decided to go over to the mall for a free facial at a cosmetics store but they were closed. We decided to enjoy ourselves and wander around the mall while we waited for Mom to return.
She took me to Tea Junction. (She just happens to like tea ;) ) Although she encouraged me to try something, I actually didn't need the encouragement.
The only thing that remained was for me to decide which drink I would purchase. After much deliberation I got a Roibos (I doubt that I'm spelling that right...light was glaring on the menu so I never really got a clear look at it) Caramel Swirl.
Before my drink was ready, Laura recieved hers. I forget the name but it was a peach tea mixed with sparkling water. I took a taste. Amazing.
She offered to switch with me if when I got the drink I ordered I didn't like it. No switch occurred. One taste was all I needed to fall in love with the drink. The taste was so unique (and so long ago I can't quite remember it exactly) and so absolutely amazing...so much better than the majority of espresso drinks I've ever had. The flavor was so full yet not overly sweet (the result of attempts to get similar flavor from espresso drinks).
I have yet to try hot tea so we'll see if I'm taking this journey with the right steps.
To be honest, there is something in the taste of tea...generic sweet/unsweet tea served at most restaurants in the south...that is completely untenable for me.
I tried hot tea once. I couldn't resist after smelling the wonderful fruit smell wafting up as I made the hot tea for customers. Unfortunately that same untenable taste came to my mouth.
After that experience I wrote off tea as a beverage I would drink. Lately many things have combined to enhance the status of good quality tea in my eyes. I won't bother to list all of them because that is not the point. I made a decision that if I had the chance I would try some good quality tea and attempt to teach myself to like tea...the same way I did with coffee. (I know it can be done)
That opportunity arrived today. After lunch Laura and I decided to go over to the mall for a free facial at a cosmetics store but they were closed. We decided to enjoy ourselves and wander around the mall while we waited for Mom to return.
She took me to Tea Junction. (She just happens to like tea ;) ) Although she encouraged me to try something, I actually didn't need the encouragement.
The only thing that remained was for me to decide which drink I would purchase. After much deliberation I got a Roibos (I doubt that I'm spelling that right...light was glaring on the menu so I never really got a clear look at it) Caramel Swirl.
Before my drink was ready, Laura recieved hers. I forget the name but it was a peach tea mixed with sparkling water. I took a taste. Amazing.
She offered to switch with me if when I got the drink I ordered I didn't like it. No switch occurred. One taste was all I needed to fall in love with the drink. The taste was so unique (and so long ago I can't quite remember it exactly) and so absolutely amazing...so much better than the majority of espresso drinks I've ever had. The flavor was so full yet not overly sweet (the result of attempts to get similar flavor from espresso drinks).
I have yet to try hot tea so we'll see if I'm taking this journey with the right steps.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
On writing again
Many times in my life I have stated my desire to progress in my writing ability and to enhance my writing discipline, make it more of a habit.
Many more times that enthusiasm has faded to become only an ember pushed to the back burner of my priorities.
I have realized lately that once again I have fallen prey to that cycle and allowed many other things, much less important, become paramount.
I intented that this blog would be one of many methods in which I would practice my writing, push myself to create something new on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, the pace of postings up until the past week or so has been remarkably similar to that of other lulls.
I suppose I can take this as another lesson learned (one might be surprised at the number of lessons God teaches when one starts to look at things through that lense...but that is the subject for another post) and grow from it.
With my new schedule looming ahead I have made a concerted effort this week to train myself--altering my sleep schedule, making a to-do list and accomplishing it, determining priorities and etc. The more I look at my new schedule and the eventual changes as I gradually transition in and out of the school mode the more I realize all of the changes that accompany adulthood.
If I want to make wriitng a permanent part of my life I need to begin now and make certain that I create the habit of writing at least two or three times a week...something creative that is.
So, once again I make the declaration that this blog is to be a tool for me as I tone my writing as well as a tool in the creation of a new chapter in my life.
(If I had any readers besides one I might ask you to keep me accountable. oh well... ;) )
Many more times that enthusiasm has faded to become only an ember pushed to the back burner of my priorities.
I have realized lately that once again I have fallen prey to that cycle and allowed many other things, much less important, become paramount.
I intented that this blog would be one of many methods in which I would practice my writing, push myself to create something new on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, the pace of postings up until the past week or so has been remarkably similar to that of other lulls.
I suppose I can take this as another lesson learned (one might be surprised at the number of lessons God teaches when one starts to look at things through that lense...but that is the subject for another post) and grow from it.
With my new schedule looming ahead I have made a concerted effort this week to train myself--altering my sleep schedule, making a to-do list and accomplishing it, determining priorities and etc. The more I look at my new schedule and the eventual changes as I gradually transition in and out of the school mode the more I realize all of the changes that accompany adulthood.
If I want to make wriitng a permanent part of my life I need to begin now and make certain that I create the habit of writing at least two or three times a week...something creative that is.
So, once again I make the declaration that this blog is to be a tool for me as I tone my writing as well as a tool in the creation of a new chapter in my life.
(If I had any readers besides one I might ask you to keep me accountable. oh well... ;) )
Friday, September 07, 2007
On Wuthering Heights
I encountered the story of Wuthering Heights for the first time last night...in movie form.
I hate to admit it but I have never before read the story and almost wish that I could have avoided it completely. I had completely unsupportable expectations when I rented the movie from Blockbuster (thank goodness it was free) and all throughout the movie Mom and I wondered when things were going to turn around and get better.
Perhaps when I do read the book (which I still plan on doing) I will come away with a different impression but I'm not sure.
The thing that struck me the most about the story was its utter lack of hope save for a brief, very brief, glimpse at the very end. At every turn or change in the story the amount of hope left diminished by half (or something like that).
Both Mom and I wondered how people can love this story (I know people like that are out there and if you like the story I know that there must be a reason).
All I have to say is that the next movie I watch/book I read better have a happy ending. Wuthering Heights makes me want to run as fast as I can towards Pride and Predjudice. :D
I hate to admit it but I have never before read the story and almost wish that I could have avoided it completely. I had completely unsupportable expectations when I rented the movie from Blockbuster (thank goodness it was free) and all throughout the movie Mom and I wondered when things were going to turn around and get better.
Perhaps when I do read the book (which I still plan on doing) I will come away with a different impression but I'm not sure.
The thing that struck me the most about the story was its utter lack of hope save for a brief, very brief, glimpse at the very end. At every turn or change in the story the amount of hope left diminished by half (or something like that).
Both Mom and I wondered how people can love this story (I know people like that are out there and if you like the story I know that there must be a reason).
All I have to say is that the next movie I watch/book I read better have a happy ending. Wuthering Heights makes me want to run as fast as I can towards Pride and Predjudice. :D
Thursday, September 06, 2007
On working
Many times I have struggled between wanting to work and earn more money to provide for my bill paying and my enjoyment of being able to relax and enjoy myself at home.
Each time my work schedule changes I rely on God to help me adjust to the new schedule.
My schedule starting on Monday is definitely different than anything I’ve had before, sort of like dipping my toe into the wide world of work before I return to my “haven” of school next June.
I remarked earlier that it was odd to be continuing my summer schedule or what was my normal summer schedule during my college years while nearly everyone I knew returned to school.
I enjoyed the ability to sleep in to a relatively late time and accomplish a few things before I headed off for a day’s work that wasn’t strictly defined except for the start time.
Now I will have a defined start and end time for at least two of the three parts of my work day and a relatively defined end time for the third. In addition, there will be no ambiguity about what I will be doing whereas before I never knew exactly what I would be doing: one delivery, two deliveries, going to Spartanburg or Due West.
Even more than that my identity at work will change from one of delivery driver...something that I have been since I started at the job in December nearly two years ago...to working in the Café.
I think this will be a good change, something that helps me grow. Then again, when does God ever do something in our life that does not help us grow?
Each time my work schedule changes I rely on God to help me adjust to the new schedule.
My schedule starting on Monday is definitely different than anything I’ve had before, sort of like dipping my toe into the wide world of work before I return to my “haven” of school next June.
I remarked earlier that it was odd to be continuing my summer schedule or what was my normal summer schedule during my college years while nearly everyone I knew returned to school.
I enjoyed the ability to sleep in to a relatively late time and accomplish a few things before I headed off for a day’s work that wasn’t strictly defined except for the start time.
Now I will have a defined start and end time for at least two of the three parts of my work day and a relatively defined end time for the third. In addition, there will be no ambiguity about what I will be doing whereas before I never knew exactly what I would be doing: one delivery, two deliveries, going to Spartanburg or Due West.
Even more than that my identity at work will change from one of delivery driver...something that I have been since I started at the job in December nearly two years ago...to working in the Café.
I think this will be a good change, something that helps me grow. Then again, when does God ever do something in our life that does not help us grow?
Friday, August 31, 2007
On not going back to school when everyone else does
I knew that the reality of being done with college wouldn't hit home until the new semester started. I was right.
My cousin started as a freshman this week. I've been going back and forth to her dorm room to drop off books that I'm renting or selling back...in pants. Going back on campus brings back all of the good memories and the bad memories...like I thought it would.
There are many things about my school that I love...the people, some of the routine and etc (I'm sure I would love the no hose rule if I had had it when I was a student) but at the same time there are many things that I do not miss at all.
I feel kind of strange thoough. Take for instance my morning routine. I don't go in to Streetside until ten. That's not unusual for me during the summer but now everyone is back in school. A couple of days ago I thought about that as I was doing my daily hour of reading. I realized that during the semester while I was in school I wouldn't be sitting in the recliner reading at this time of the day...I would be at school either in class or in the Snack schop working on homework.
I have to say that was a pretty strange feeling.
Here's the irony of the situation. When I do start back to school this coming June, everyone else I know will be finishing school for the semester.
My cousin started as a freshman this week. I've been going back and forth to her dorm room to drop off books that I'm renting or selling back...in pants. Going back on campus brings back all of the good memories and the bad memories...like I thought it would.
There are many things about my school that I love...the people, some of the routine and etc (I'm sure I would love the no hose rule if I had had it when I was a student) but at the same time there are many things that I do not miss at all.
I feel kind of strange thoough. Take for instance my morning routine. I don't go in to Streetside until ten. That's not unusual for me during the summer but now everyone is back in school. A couple of days ago I thought about that as I was doing my daily hour of reading. I realized that during the semester while I was in school I wouldn't be sitting in the recliner reading at this time of the day...I would be at school either in class or in the Snack schop working on homework.
I have to say that was a pretty strange feeling.
Here's the irony of the situation. When I do start back to school this coming June, everyone else I know will be finishing school for the semester.
Monday, August 27, 2007
On Stardust and time with friends
God taught me something yesterday...well many things actually. One was that flexibility can be a good thing.
Because I was flexible I ended up going to a movie with my sister and two of our friends to a movie in Spartanburg and I absolutely loved the movie. (I didn't end up accomplishing anything that I had planned to do but I didn't mind at all).
When I saw the preview for Stardust I thought that I might enjoy the movie but since I'm not familiar with the original story I wasn't sure if the movie would descend into contrived endings or campiness. That didn't happen...at least in my opinion.
The storyline was one of the most original I have ever read in a book or seen in a movie. I won't get into the storyline because I doubt that I could portray the plot as accurately as it should be.
For the rest of the night I kept saying how much I loved that movie. I felt like saying it more but for the sake of the sanity of those that I was around (:D) I refrained.
The other great part of the night was spending time with my friends. We had so much fun. Nothing unusual occured...just normal laughing, talking and other such things but it's something that I don't have very often, probably because of my own actions.
My hope and prayer is that in the future God will help me get out of my comfort zone and do stuff like this more often.
Because I was flexible I ended up going to a movie with my sister and two of our friends to a movie in Spartanburg and I absolutely loved the movie. (I didn't end up accomplishing anything that I had planned to do but I didn't mind at all).
When I saw the preview for Stardust I thought that I might enjoy the movie but since I'm not familiar with the original story I wasn't sure if the movie would descend into contrived endings or campiness. That didn't happen...at least in my opinion.
The storyline was one of the most original I have ever read in a book or seen in a movie. I won't get into the storyline because I doubt that I could portray the plot as accurately as it should be.
For the rest of the night I kept saying how much I loved that movie. I felt like saying it more but for the sake of the sanity of those that I was around (:D) I refrained.
The other great part of the night was spending time with my friends. We had so much fun. Nothing unusual occured...just normal laughing, talking and other such things but it's something that I don't have very often, probably because of my own actions.
My hope and prayer is that in the future God will help me get out of my comfort zone and do stuff like this more often.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
On frustration
I am an easily frustrated person. Anyone who has spend a decent amount of time with me (outside of work) knows this without a doubt.
Most often I become frustrated with time...something that is completely out of my control. I like having structure to my routine. I enjoy finishing things that I have to do as quickly as I can so that I can have as much free time as possible. I breathe a sigh of relief when I'm on time for work.
Just this afternoon a few things happened that if I hadn't taken a step back and several deep breaths would have freaked me out.
Yesterday morning my car wouldn't start. Everything was solved. Grandpa jumped my car and it worked fine...until this afternoon.
I came home during my lunch break so that I could work out (though the workout was abbreviated because I was so hot and exhausted from the heat) and when I got in my car to go back to work the car wouldn't start.
Thankfully Daniel was over because he'd just cut the grass so he took me to work. Mom and Grandpa are taking my car to some place (the name escapes me at the moment) tonight while I'm at work to get the battery checked out.
Then as Daniel was driving me over I realized that the key to the white van was no longer in my pants pocket. As of right now I do not know where it is.
I arrived back at Streetside starting to get a little frazzled because I had five pick ups to do and potentially no way of doing them and even if there was a spare van key lying around I had to use up precious time to find it.
I won't bore you and relate every detail of my route this afternoon but I will tell you the breaking point. That occurred when I got up stairs in one of the cardiology offices that I picked up at and saw six longs (the pans we use) displayed on the table. This eating area was upstairs and I had to go down a hallway with a cart as well. I started to freak out then, especially when I noticed that a couple of the holder things were our spares (and last resorts) and would not fit with the others.
I had to take a step back at that point and pray that God would give me grace to finish my pick ups and everything I had to do before I sent to my other job.
I wondered at first what God was trying to teach me. I think I know now.
Most often I become frustrated with time...something that is completely out of my control. I like having structure to my routine. I enjoy finishing things that I have to do as quickly as I can so that I can have as much free time as possible. I breathe a sigh of relief when I'm on time for work.
Just this afternoon a few things happened that if I hadn't taken a step back and several deep breaths would have freaked me out.
Yesterday morning my car wouldn't start. Everything was solved. Grandpa jumped my car and it worked fine...until this afternoon.
I came home during my lunch break so that I could work out (though the workout was abbreviated because I was so hot and exhausted from the heat) and when I got in my car to go back to work the car wouldn't start.
Thankfully Daniel was over because he'd just cut the grass so he took me to work. Mom and Grandpa are taking my car to some place (the name escapes me at the moment) tonight while I'm at work to get the battery checked out.
Then as Daniel was driving me over I realized that the key to the white van was no longer in my pants pocket. As of right now I do not know where it is.
I arrived back at Streetside starting to get a little frazzled because I had five pick ups to do and potentially no way of doing them and even if there was a spare van key lying around I had to use up precious time to find it.
I won't bore you and relate every detail of my route this afternoon but I will tell you the breaking point. That occurred when I got up stairs in one of the cardiology offices that I picked up at and saw six longs (the pans we use) displayed on the table. This eating area was upstairs and I had to go down a hallway with a cart as well. I started to freak out then, especially when I noticed that a couple of the holder things were our spares (and last resorts) and would not fit with the others.
I had to take a step back at that point and pray that God would give me grace to finish my pick ups and everything I had to do before I sent to my other job.
I wondered at first what God was trying to teach me. I think I know now.
Monday, July 02, 2007
On having too much free time
My birthday is this Wednesday. I have most of the week off (probably the whole week off) from both of my jobs. Techically I could say that it's because of my birthday but...well, I just happened to be born on a holiday.
As long as I live in America I will most likely never have to work on my birthday.
Usually I enjoy having time off. All through last semester I kept looking forward to my Sundays...the one day of the week where I had no school work to do at all and could relax and feel guilt free. Even more so I looked forward to the end of the semester when not only would I be done with college and all the rules but I could live my life without the "threat" of school work looming over my head.
Did I enjoy the free time? Oh yes.
Did I have second thoughts about taking a second job and possibly losing my evening free time? kind of...yes
Do I wish that my two jobs would let me have more hours so that I wouldn't be bored out of my mind when I wasn't working (and sometimes when I am working)? Yes!
Every so often during days off I try to think though the things that I need to do...like I did before. I've even tried to create a to do list.
That effort failed.
There simply isn't that much that I "have" to do. Come to think of it...there really isn't anything that I "have to do.
I'm taking the Praxis II test sometime in the fall and I have the social studies and language arts study guides so that I could study for those tests. I find it hard to get motivated to do that. I've enjoyed my vacation from studies so far and don't really want to get out there and do research in order to make up my own study guides.
Have you seen some of the questions? Here, I'll give you the first one and you tell me if you woudl be motivated to study for a test with questions like this?
Rather than having to pay for costly fortifications, armies, and navies, this country enjoyed free protection provided by nature. Furthermore, for more than a century, British subjects manned and paid for the costly navy that policed and defended the Atlantic and provided this country cost-free added security.
The country that benefited from the added security referred to above was which of the following?
(A) Germany
(B) Holland
(C) Sweden
(D) United States
I read this question to my mother. She looked at me, gave the answer and said "Even I knew the answer to that one!"
Of course, my mother underestimates her intelligence but still. She hasn't been in school for a while and doesn't deal in the history realm.
I'm starting to ramble here because I'm getting bored (the obvious result of too much time on my hands and not having any money to go do something with)
As long as I live in America I will most likely never have to work on my birthday.
Usually I enjoy having time off. All through last semester I kept looking forward to my Sundays...the one day of the week where I had no school work to do at all and could relax and feel guilt free. Even more so I looked forward to the end of the semester when not only would I be done with college and all the rules but I could live my life without the "threat" of school work looming over my head.
Did I enjoy the free time? Oh yes.
Did I have second thoughts about taking a second job and possibly losing my evening free time? kind of...yes
Do I wish that my two jobs would let me have more hours so that I wouldn't be bored out of my mind when I wasn't working (and sometimes when I am working)? Yes!
Every so often during days off I try to think though the things that I need to do...like I did before. I've even tried to create a to do list.
That effort failed.
There simply isn't that much that I "have" to do. Come to think of it...there really isn't anything that I "have to do.
I'm taking the Praxis II test sometime in the fall and I have the social studies and language arts study guides so that I could study for those tests. I find it hard to get motivated to do that. I've enjoyed my vacation from studies so far and don't really want to get out there and do research in order to make up my own study guides.
Have you seen some of the questions? Here, I'll give you the first one and you tell me if you woudl be motivated to study for a test with questions like this?
Rather than having to pay for costly fortifications, armies, and navies, this country enjoyed free protection provided by nature. Furthermore, for more than a century, British subjects manned and paid for the costly navy that policed and defended the Atlantic and provided this country cost-free added security.
The country that benefited from the added security referred to above was which of the following?
(A) Germany
(B) Holland
(C) Sweden
(D) United States
I read this question to my mother. She looked at me, gave the answer and said "Even I knew the answer to that one!"
Of course, my mother underestimates her intelligence but still. She hasn't been in school for a while and doesn't deal in the history realm.
I'm starting to ramble here because I'm getting bored (the obvious result of too much time on my hands and not having any money to go do something with)
Friday, June 29, 2007
On going to the doctor
I know. two posts in one day. I couldn't decide what to post on and since I have full speed internet access I decided to do both.
This morning I went to the doctor for a physical.
Mom scheduled one for Laura and when she discovered that I was going to be covered under her health insurance scheduled one for me asked if I wanted to have one.
I figured that since I was going out of the country in July (at the time that's what I thought...the trip's been moved back until late October) I should make sure that I'm healthy first. Afterall, I hadn't had a physical in four years, just before I moved down to Charleston.
I'm praying that the insurance company won't drop me because I'm technically not a full time student at the moment but we'll see how that works out. I'm trusting God to provide.
Anyway.
I got there early. My appointment was for 9:30. I ended up arriving at 9:10 although I was shooting for quarter after.
I thought I might actually get out of there within a decent amount of time because the nurse took me back, took my weight and what not and finished her end of the process before 9:30.
Now all I had to do was wait for the doctor.
[Side note: because the office is affliated with the University some of the nursing faculty must work at the clinic during the summers or what not because I saw one of my professors there. I have to admit that I wasn't a particular fan of hers but I'm just thankful that she wasn't my nurse. :D]
I saw in that room reading the book I'd thankfully brought along with me for more than half an hour (probably closer to forty-five minutes) before the doctor came. She didn't actually do any of the examination stuff then. She simply asked me questions about family history and other such stuff. Then she left again.
I changed into the gown and waited.
When five minutes passed I got my book back out and read for another twenty minutes or so.
The doctor returned (just as I put a piece of graham cracker in my mouth by the way...lol), did the examinations, told me that I'm really healthy, to stay that way and I could go.
I spent an hour and a half of my day in that office just to find out what I already know...I'm healthy.
Well, at least I can count the blessing of health.
This morning I went to the doctor for a physical.
Mom scheduled one for Laura and when she discovered that I was going to be covered under her health insurance scheduled one for me asked if I wanted to have one.
I figured that since I was going out of the country in July (at the time that's what I thought...the trip's been moved back until late October) I should make sure that I'm healthy first. Afterall, I hadn't had a physical in four years, just before I moved down to Charleston.
I'm praying that the insurance company won't drop me because I'm technically not a full time student at the moment but we'll see how that works out. I'm trusting God to provide.
Anyway.
I got there early. My appointment was for 9:30. I ended up arriving at 9:10 although I was shooting for quarter after.
I thought I might actually get out of there within a decent amount of time because the nurse took me back, took my weight and what not and finished her end of the process before 9:30.
Now all I had to do was wait for the doctor.
[Side note: because the office is affliated with the University some of the nursing faculty must work at the clinic during the summers or what not because I saw one of my professors there. I have to admit that I wasn't a particular fan of hers but I'm just thankful that she wasn't my nurse. :D]
I saw in that room reading the book I'd thankfully brought along with me for more than half an hour (probably closer to forty-five minutes) before the doctor came. She didn't actually do any of the examination stuff then. She simply asked me questions about family history and other such stuff. Then she left again.
I changed into the gown and waited.
When five minutes passed I got my book back out and read for another twenty minutes or so.
The doctor returned (just as I put a piece of graham cracker in my mouth by the way...lol), did the examinations, told me that I'm really healthy, to stay that way and I could go.
I spent an hour and a half of my day in that office just to find out what I already know...I'm healthy.
Well, at least I can count the blessing of health.
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