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.

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?)

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

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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?

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.

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.

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... ;) )

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

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?