* Waste of time. No redemptive value.
** Not my cup of tea. But that's just my opinion.
*** It was okay. Not my favorite, but it might be yours.
**** I really liked it. Would highly recommend it.
***** Not to be missed! Put it at the top of your list.
THE STORYTELLER by Jodi Picoult
****
I've read a handful of Picoult's books and her "thing" is a great twist at the end. I stopped reading them in 2011-ish when HOUSE RULES failed to deliver. She had been releasing books so frequently it felt like she hadn't given them enough thought. This one however did not disappoint. The granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor discovers her elderly friend was formerly a Nazi SS guard, and he asks her to kill him.
IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS: LOVE, TERROR, AND AN AMERICAN FAMILY IN HITLER'S BERLIN by Erik Larson
***
I'm glad I read it, because it was informative. I did have to force myself to keep reading though. Larson's research is obvious, but he can be meticulous to the point that it becomes slow and dry. This book follows U.S. Ambassador Dodd and his family as they are posted in Berlin during the early 1930's and Hitler's rise to power.
THE LAKE HOUSE by Kate Morton
****
In true Morton fashion you get the multi-generational story, a great mystery, and complex characters. Although I usually can't guess the ending, I did with this one, but I didn't care because it was so close to the reveal anyway. And I loved the ending.
STILL LIFE (Book #1 in the Inspector Gamache series) by Louise Penny
****
His name rhymes with ganache, so right there it's a winner. ;-) If you need more reasons, this book has extremely well-developed characters, the twist at the end will knock your socks off, and it's a clean mystery. Investigators are called to a rural village south of Montréal where the
locals are certain it's a tragic hunting accident and nothing more, but
Gamache smells foul play.
AND THEN ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE: TWO DECADES IN THE MIDDLE EAST by Richard Engel
****
I felt like I was only able to digest 50% of the information--but that is because of my own ineptness. Trying to understand the complexity of this region, the politics and the wars waged here is daunting to me, but I want to be better informed. Engel's book sums up the major figures and events while intertwining personal snippets in less than 250 pages. He is the NBC Chief Foreign News Correspondent and has lived in the Middle East since 1996. Perhaps I'll read it again.
WOMEN OF THE WORD--HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE WITH BOTH OUR HEARTS AND OUR MINDS by Jen Wilkin
*****
Bible literacy--what it is, whether we are acquiring it, and why it matters that we do so. "We treasure what we know, but we are troubled by what we do not know. We do our best to cobble together a patchwork knowledge of Scripture, pieced from sermons, studies, and quiet times, but we are often confronted with gaps in our understanding." I have found this book extremely practical, thought-provoking, and a loving kick-in-the-pants. I liken it to GIVE THEM TRUTH for its solid teaching, and CLEANING HOUSE for its convicting questions and inspiring examples.
Showing posts with label recommendations and reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recommendations and reviews. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Saturday, February 4, 2017
What I Read in 2016--Book Club Selections
It's been so long since I've posted, let's see if I still remember how! :)
In no particular order, here are my reviews from book club this year.
(What I read outside of book club will be coming soon.)
* Waste of time. No redemptive value.
** Not my cup of tea. But that's just my opinion.
*** It was okay. Not my favorite, but it might be yours.
**** I really liked it. Would highly recommend it.
***** Not to be missed! Put it at the top of your list.
GIVE THEM TRUTH by Starr Meade
*****
This is a book for parents and ministry workers who want to instruct their children in sound theology, but that description seems too simplistic. This book, for me, was almost devotional. I took scores of notes, not just because I wanted to use them later, but because rehearsing truth for my own soul usually involves physically putting pen to paper. If you're into gospel-soaked Reformed theology, this one's for you.
ROSEMARY--THE HIDDEN KENNEDY DAUGHTER by Kate Clifford Larsa
**
I really wanted to like this book, and in fact liked parts of it, but found the writing horribly lacking. It was an interesting portrait of the Kennedy's home life and a sad telling of the few options available to those with mental difficulties at that time in our country. Add in the social stigma of mental illness, an absent father, a mother who "checked out", and the barbaric practice of lobotomy, and it was an all around depressing read.
BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD--AND STEAL--THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON by Steve Sheinkin
*****
This book, slated as young adult non-fiction, packs quite the punch and completely fits the bill for adults too. The perfect combo of WWII history, espionage, and science that reads like a novel. Our entire book club (12 ladies) loved it!
THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE (Flavia de Luce series, #1) by Alan Bradley
****
You either love the protagonist or find her annoying and bratty. I happened to find her and this book delightful and at moments laugh-out-loud funny. It's a British mystery that is clean, witty, and kept me guessing until the end. I plan to read the rest of the series.
I CAPTURE THE CASTLE by Dodie Smith
***
I liked parts of it. The "problem" was that I read 3 books in a row that all were British, coming-of-age novels and they all had an emotionally absent father. After awhile, unless there was something that made it stand out, it got boring.
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS by David McCullough
*****
Who knew that Wilbur and Orville had a sister?! And that she was so instrumental in her brother's lives? I found this book completely fascinating and transporting, back to an era of discovery and ingenuity. I purchased a copy for my own library. McCullough's writing is first class.
NICKLE AND DIMED: ON NOT GETTING BY IN AMERICA by Barbara Ehrenreich
*
The premise of this book was great, but the delivery was oh so lacking. Ehrenreich's writing gives off this egotistical vibe that makes her "experiment" of going undercover among the working class completely off-putting. The book would have been completely different if she had made the people she encountered the focus instead of herself.
ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE by Anthony Doer
*****
I read this in 2015 but was happy to read it again for book club. Books are so much better when you can discuss them with friends! :) This WWII novel, set in a French seaside town, offers a picture of wartime from the viewpoint of two teenagers; one a German boy serving in the military and the other a French girl who is blind. Doer's writing is lush and sensory. A stand out among the myriad of WWII novels. Don't let the length dissuade you--some "chapters" are only a page long.
LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS by Nick Vujicic
**
I heartily affirm much of what Nick has to say and I am thankful for his testimony of faith. I have seen clips online of him sharing his story and have heard short segments of the same on the radio. I just don't think he's a great writer. The book read like he took all of those little snippets and crammed them together in no particular order. I also found his "you can do it if you put your mind to it" and other similar cliches frustrating.
GARLIC AND SAPPHIRES by Ruth Reichl
****
Fancy pants New York Times food critic goes to Big Apple restaurants in disguise to see how the service measures up when she's "nobody". For a foodie this was a feast and there were recipes to boot. This book also offered perspective on how outer appearance can influence our self-opinion and behavior.
HOUSE OF THIEVES by Charles Belfoure
*
The premise of the book sounded promising but I can't recommend it. Set in New York City in 1886, a respectable architect finds himself in an unwanted position. His son's gambling debt to a notorious gang must be paid or else. Robbing his former clients using his blueprints is the proposed solution. I'm not opposed to reading of depravity, but it has to be redemptive in some way. This book celebrated it and thus was just ick.
In no particular order, here are my reviews from book club this year.
(What I read outside of book club will be coming soon.)
* Waste of time. No redemptive value.
** Not my cup of tea. But that's just my opinion.
*** It was okay. Not my favorite, but it might be yours.
**** I really liked it. Would highly recommend it.
***** Not to be missed! Put it at the top of your list.
GIVE THEM TRUTH by Starr Meade
*****
This is a book for parents and ministry workers who want to instruct their children in sound theology, but that description seems too simplistic. This book, for me, was almost devotional. I took scores of notes, not just because I wanted to use them later, but because rehearsing truth for my own soul usually involves physically putting pen to paper. If you're into gospel-soaked Reformed theology, this one's for you.
ROSEMARY--THE HIDDEN KENNEDY DAUGHTER by Kate Clifford Larsa
**
I really wanted to like this book, and in fact liked parts of it, but found the writing horribly lacking. It was an interesting portrait of the Kennedy's home life and a sad telling of the few options available to those with mental difficulties at that time in our country. Add in the social stigma of mental illness, an absent father, a mother who "checked out", and the barbaric practice of lobotomy, and it was an all around depressing read.
BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD--AND STEAL--THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON by Steve Sheinkin
*****
This book, slated as young adult non-fiction, packs quite the punch and completely fits the bill for adults too. The perfect combo of WWII history, espionage, and science that reads like a novel. Our entire book club (12 ladies) loved it!
THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE (Flavia de Luce series, #1) by Alan Bradley
****
You either love the protagonist or find her annoying and bratty. I happened to find her and this book delightful and at moments laugh-out-loud funny. It's a British mystery that is clean, witty, and kept me guessing until the end. I plan to read the rest of the series.
I CAPTURE THE CASTLE by Dodie Smith
***
I liked parts of it. The "problem" was that I read 3 books in a row that all were British, coming-of-age novels and they all had an emotionally absent father. After awhile, unless there was something that made it stand out, it got boring.
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS by David McCullough
*****
Who knew that Wilbur and Orville had a sister?! And that she was so instrumental in her brother's lives? I found this book completely fascinating and transporting, back to an era of discovery and ingenuity. I purchased a copy for my own library. McCullough's writing is first class.
NICKLE AND DIMED: ON NOT GETTING BY IN AMERICA by Barbara Ehrenreich
*
The premise of this book was great, but the delivery was oh so lacking. Ehrenreich's writing gives off this egotistical vibe that makes her "experiment" of going undercover among the working class completely off-putting. The book would have been completely different if she had made the people she encountered the focus instead of herself.
ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE by Anthony Doer
*****
I read this in 2015 but was happy to read it again for book club. Books are so much better when you can discuss them with friends! :) This WWII novel, set in a French seaside town, offers a picture of wartime from the viewpoint of two teenagers; one a German boy serving in the military and the other a French girl who is blind. Doer's writing is lush and sensory. A stand out among the myriad of WWII novels. Don't let the length dissuade you--some "chapters" are only a page long.
LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS by Nick Vujicic
**
I heartily affirm much of what Nick has to say and I am thankful for his testimony of faith. I have seen clips online of him sharing his story and have heard short segments of the same on the radio. I just don't think he's a great writer. The book read like he took all of those little snippets and crammed them together in no particular order. I also found his "you can do it if you put your mind to it" and other similar cliches frustrating.
GARLIC AND SAPPHIRES by Ruth Reichl
****
Fancy pants New York Times food critic goes to Big Apple restaurants in disguise to see how the service measures up when she's "nobody". For a foodie this was a feast and there were recipes to boot. This book also offered perspective on how outer appearance can influence our self-opinion and behavior.
HOUSE OF THIEVES by Charles Belfoure
*
The premise of the book sounded promising but I can't recommend it. Set in New York City in 1886, a respectable architect finds himself in an unwanted position. His son's gambling debt to a notorious gang must be paid or else. Robbing his former clients using his blueprints is the proposed solution. I'm not opposed to reading of depravity, but it has to be redemptive in some way. This book celebrated it and thus was just ick.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
In The Land of Blue Burqas
I've read a handful of books on the subject of Islam, women, and the Middle East. And I enjoyed each one for a particular reason.
In INFIDEL, a memoir by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the sheer danger of posing a threat to Islam was reinforced. Jeanette Windle's Christian fiction, VEILED FREEDOM, brought to my attention the socio-economic windfall that results when a struggling nation is flooded by ex-patriates, security personnel and NGO's that demand certain ammenities--everyday Afghans suddenly can afford less and less and poverty and bribes increase. Khaled Housseini's THE KITE RUNNER and A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS transported me to the dusty streets of Kabul, and immersed me in a relational landscape unlike any I've ever experienced.
However, after reading all of these, my thoughts would automatically drift to ponder how faith in Christ would sound to an Afghan. And how would one go about sharing gospel truth in such a place? IN THE LAND OF BLUE BURQAS by Kate McCord answers these questions in such a simple yet profound way.
The author writes under a pseudonym and changes non-essential details to protect herself and the identity of her Afghan friends. A native of Pennsylvania, she lived in Afghanistan for over 5 years as an NGO worker, and her example was exemplary. Her choice of living arrangements, the manner in which she conducted her organization and employed local Afghans, the respect she showed for their culture in her dress and conduct--all were remarkable. Not only that, but she learned the Dari language (in 1 year) and was intentional about sharing the truth of Jesus in her everyday conversations, aware of the constant threat to her safety, but with cultural sensitivity and great discernment.
I found it a very uplifting book. One that achieved that fine balance of relaying hard truth, asking difficult questions, maintaining an attitude of respect, and showcasing precious glimmers of hope and faith. The gospel of grace and love evident on every page.
Here are a few quotes from the conclusion chapter to whet your appetite. (The earlier chapters chronicle conversations centered around a particular scriptural truth.)
"Many Afghans are hungry for change. They've seen the outcomes of their faith and the practices that define them. They've wondered how such a religious, God-obeying nation could decend into more than thirty years of war and self-destruction. They long for something better. The problem is that even Afghans don't know where to start. Even Afghans struggle to find the way of peace for their suffering families, communities, and nation...
The way of hope is the way of Jesus. His teachings show us the path. His stories make sense of the senseless. I've watched Afghans listen to the stories and words of Jesus and find wisdom, beauty, and truth in them. I've watched some Afghans appropriate those teachings into their own lives and reframe their own stories with beautiful outcomes. The barrier, of course, is that the way of Jesus is not the way of Afghanistan. The teachings of Jesus challenge virtually every aspect of the culture, and many Afghans object vehemently to that kind of influence, regardless of its benefits."
"We read of the struggles of Afghan women and shudder. We pray for their deliverance and give money for programs to help them. There are laws designed to protect women in Afghanistan, but they're not enforced. Afghans don't accept those laws, regardless of the government's insistence. Until men and women view one another as precious children of the God they worship, there will be little improvement. Until men learn to love their wives as Christ loves His church--to walk with them and talk with them, to sacrifice themselves for them--there cannot be health in that most fundamental human relationship.
As long as Afghans understand God as a judge who only loves the obedient, they will never genuinely love one another. They'll never free one another to become the unique individuals God has created them to be. They'll certainly never love the unrelated neighbor or the non-Muslim stranger.
As long as Afghans hero-worship a warrior king who defined submission and required it at the edge of a sword, there cannot be peace in their country. As long as Afghans understand forgiveness as an option and retribution as a norm, the escalation of violence will continue."
"[The Afghans] helped me understand the teachings of Jesus more completely. The culture of Afghanistan today is much more similar to the first-century Judea of Jesus' day than my own Western culture is. The teachings and stories of the New Testament map almost exactly. The mullahs of today are more like the ancient Scribes and Pharisees than our pastors or priests. Sharia law is closer to the Law of Moses than the guiding principles Jesus taught us to understand and apply in the context of our ever-evolving culture. The agrarian society of Afghanistan, with its farmers and shepherds, grasps the stories of lost sheep and scattered seed far better than out post-industrial world."
The only critique I will offer about this book is that at times it had a staccato feel, was repetitious, and would have benefitted from some editing. All in all, it is a book not to be missed. Its insights are brave and profound, and extremely relevant today.
In INFIDEL, a memoir by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the sheer danger of posing a threat to Islam was reinforced. Jeanette Windle's Christian fiction, VEILED FREEDOM, brought to my attention the socio-economic windfall that results when a struggling nation is flooded by ex-patriates, security personnel and NGO's that demand certain ammenities--everyday Afghans suddenly can afford less and less and poverty and bribes increase. Khaled Housseini's THE KITE RUNNER and A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS transported me to the dusty streets of Kabul, and immersed me in a relational landscape unlike any I've ever experienced.
However, after reading all of these, my thoughts would automatically drift to ponder how faith in Christ would sound to an Afghan. And how would one go about sharing gospel truth in such a place? IN THE LAND OF BLUE BURQAS by Kate McCord answers these questions in such a simple yet profound way. The author writes under a pseudonym and changes non-essential details to protect herself and the identity of her Afghan friends. A native of Pennsylvania, she lived in Afghanistan for over 5 years as an NGO worker, and her example was exemplary. Her choice of living arrangements, the manner in which she conducted her organization and employed local Afghans, the respect she showed for their culture in her dress and conduct--all were remarkable. Not only that, but she learned the Dari language (in 1 year) and was intentional about sharing the truth of Jesus in her everyday conversations, aware of the constant threat to her safety, but with cultural sensitivity and great discernment.
I found it a very uplifting book. One that achieved that fine balance of relaying hard truth, asking difficult questions, maintaining an attitude of respect, and showcasing precious glimmers of hope and faith. The gospel of grace and love evident on every page.
Here are a few quotes from the conclusion chapter to whet your appetite. (The earlier chapters chronicle conversations centered around a particular scriptural truth.)
"Many Afghans are hungry for change. They've seen the outcomes of their faith and the practices that define them. They've wondered how such a religious, God-obeying nation could decend into more than thirty years of war and self-destruction. They long for something better. The problem is that even Afghans don't know where to start. Even Afghans struggle to find the way of peace for their suffering families, communities, and nation...
The way of hope is the way of Jesus. His teachings show us the path. His stories make sense of the senseless. I've watched Afghans listen to the stories and words of Jesus and find wisdom, beauty, and truth in them. I've watched some Afghans appropriate those teachings into their own lives and reframe their own stories with beautiful outcomes. The barrier, of course, is that the way of Jesus is not the way of Afghanistan. The teachings of Jesus challenge virtually every aspect of the culture, and many Afghans object vehemently to that kind of influence, regardless of its benefits."
"We read of the struggles of Afghan women and shudder. We pray for their deliverance and give money for programs to help them. There are laws designed to protect women in Afghanistan, but they're not enforced. Afghans don't accept those laws, regardless of the government's insistence. Until men and women view one another as precious children of the God they worship, there will be little improvement. Until men learn to love their wives as Christ loves His church--to walk with them and talk with them, to sacrifice themselves for them--there cannot be health in that most fundamental human relationship.
As long as Afghans understand God as a judge who only loves the obedient, they will never genuinely love one another. They'll never free one another to become the unique individuals God has created them to be. They'll certainly never love the unrelated neighbor or the non-Muslim stranger.
As long as Afghans hero-worship a warrior king who defined submission and required it at the edge of a sword, there cannot be peace in their country. As long as Afghans understand forgiveness as an option and retribution as a norm, the escalation of violence will continue."
"[The Afghans] helped me understand the teachings of Jesus more completely. The culture of Afghanistan today is much more similar to the first-century Judea of Jesus' day than my own Western culture is. The teachings and stories of the New Testament map almost exactly. The mullahs of today are more like the ancient Scribes and Pharisees than our pastors or priests. Sharia law is closer to the Law of Moses than the guiding principles Jesus taught us to understand and apply in the context of our ever-evolving culture. The agrarian society of Afghanistan, with its farmers and shepherds, grasps the stories of lost sheep and scattered seed far better than out post-industrial world."
The only critique I will offer about this book is that at times it had a staccato feel, was repetitious, and would have benefitted from some editing. All in all, it is a book not to be missed. Its insights are brave and profound, and extremely relevant today.
Friday, January 4, 2013
New Book Club Titles
Last night we had our selection meeting for book club, and I must say that it is one of my favorite meetings. I get to come home and add a boatload of titles to my "to read" list. :-)
I know, I know...I'm alittle nutty. But reading always has (and likely will be) my go-to hobby and what I do to both rejuvenate and unwind.
If you're interested in some new titles, maybe check one of these out. I've only read the ones starred, and I'd highly recommend both. I'm including a brief description to pique your interest. Though I probably would have never picked up half of these titles, I love that through book club my reading horizons are being expanded. And having a group of Christian women to discuss them with makes it even more enriching.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MARCH: The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani
(Historical fiction, Italian immigrants)
APRIL: Peace Like A River by Leif Enger
(American midwest fiction, family searching for outlaw son)
MAY: An Anthropologist on Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales by Oliver Sacks
(Case Studies, Neurology, Psychology, ie: Temple Grandin)
JUNE: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
(Classic, young adult, adventure fiction)
JULY: What Is The What: The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng by Dave Eggers
(Lost Boys of Sudan)
AUGUST: My Antonia by Willa Cather
(Classic American literature, Nebraska pioneers)
SEPTEMBER: The Testament by John Grisham *
(Legal thriller, inheritance, Brazilian missionary)
OCTOBER: The Invisible Gorilla by Christopher F. Chabris and Daniel Simons
(Cognitive Psychology, Memory, Perception)
NOVEMBER: Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
(Memoir, Africa, Women, Islam)
DECEMBER: The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night-Time by Mark Haddon
(Young adult fiction, mystery, autism, humor)
JANUARY (2014): Cleaning House: A Mom's 12-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement by Kay Wills Wyma *
(Christian living, parenting, organization, humor)
FEBRUARY: The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
(Historical fiction, American Civil War, Gettysburg)
Sunday, December 16, 2012
What I Read In 2012--Part 3
Here are the remaining titles and my rating system one more time:
* Ehh. Didn't like it at all.
** Just okay.
*** Good. Borrow it from the library.
**** Really good. Well-written.
***** Excellent. One for your personal library.
1. FREEDOM'S STAND by Jeanette Windle **
I picked up this sequel to VEILED FREEDOM, just to see where the author took the story. It was a revealing glimpse into the persecution Christians face in countries where their faith is not tolerated, as well as the prison system. Once again the book follows the same 3 main characters with one semi-new addition, and it was generally entertaining. The author left obvious room for a third book, but I'm not sure I'll pick it up.
2. CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins **
In my opinion, this is the better of the two books that conclude the Hunger Games trilogy, though by my two star rating you can see how much I enjoyed it. As rebellion against the capitol has begun, Katniss and Peeta join Haymitch and the winners from the past 24 years in a special edition of the Hunger Games. This book didn't introduce any new themes or develop those of the first book very much. It pretty much followed the characters and the action. Unless you absolutely loved the first book, you can skip the rest of the series in my opinion.
3. MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins *
The last book of the trilogy followed Katniss, Peeta and Gale along with survivors of the rebellion living underground in District 13. A team goes to the Capitol to dethrone President Snow, and the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta and Gale is resolved in the end. Lots of action, but again little of what fascinated me in the first book.
4. THE BEST OF ME by Nicholas Sparks *
It was a fluffy one I read in the middle of a row of very serious and heavy books. Skip it.
5. HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET by Jamie Ford ****
A tender story of how a Chinese teen living in San Francisco navigates life and his first love during the Japanese Internment following WWII. Though-provoking and sweet, I really liked this one.
6. PEARL IN THE SAND by Tessa Afshar ***
An interesting look at the life of Rahab, and her life during the seige of Jericho and the years that follow. Obviously there isn't a lot of information in scripture about her, but what there is, the author explores and puts in narrative form. An enjoyable read. If not for reading and thoroughly loving Lynn Austen's CHRONICLES OF THE KINGS series which was so rich with historical information and scriptural references, I probably would have enjoyed this one more and maybe rated it higher.
7. FULL DISCLOSURE by Dee Henderson **
If you've read the O'Malley series, you know Henderson is capable of the perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and faith. This book, while able to stand alone, has a tie-in to the O'Malley series, but 1/3 of the way in I could see how it was going to end...and that just isn't what I expect from this author at all! Such a let-down.
8. THE VIOLETS OF MARCH by Sarah Jio ***
So many characters I had to take notes, this story alternated between past and present, with an obvious tie between the two--the mystery of who was who a complete surprise in the end. I thought I had it figured out just before the final chapter. But I was wrong. I'd classify this one as a romantic mystery because the mystery got top billing. Again, a book that I picked up because I needed a break from the heavy topics.
9. TWILIGHT by Kristen Heitzmann ***
A piece of Christian fiction, this was pretty predictable, but still enjoyable. Contained enough suspense to keep me reading along at a good clip. I haven't read all of her books, but prefer INDIVISIBLE the most.
10. and 11. THE HOPE OF REFUGE and THE BRIDGE OF PEACE by Cindy Woodsmall **
Amish fiction is definately not a genre I give much attention, but I had really enjoyed her SISTERS OF THE QUILT trilogy a few years ago, so I thought I'd try these. So many books in this genre are fluffy and predictable, only skimming the surface. The first and second books in the ADA'S HOUSE series, I'm not going to continue with the third. The first one was the better of the two in my opinion.
*And just recently I finished reading the entire LITTLE HOUSE series to Natalia. It took us alittle over a year to get through the 9 books. She loved them!! We are currently reading HELEN KELLER and it is so sweet to see Natalia imagining and pretending to be in Helen's shoes just like I remember doing many moons ago.
*I just pulled ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and ANNE OF AVONLEA out of my boxes in the basement.
Any titles you'd recommend as read alouds for 7-9 year old girls?
* Ehh. Didn't like it at all.
** Just okay.
*** Good. Borrow it from the library.
**** Really good. Well-written.
***** Excellent. One for your personal library.
1. FREEDOM'S STAND by Jeanette Windle **
I picked up this sequel to VEILED FREEDOM, just to see where the author took the story. It was a revealing glimpse into the persecution Christians face in countries where their faith is not tolerated, as well as the prison system. Once again the book follows the same 3 main characters with one semi-new addition, and it was generally entertaining. The author left obvious room for a third book, but I'm not sure I'll pick it up.
2. CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins **
In my opinion, this is the better of the two books that conclude the Hunger Games trilogy, though by my two star rating you can see how much I enjoyed it. As rebellion against the capitol has begun, Katniss and Peeta join Haymitch and the winners from the past 24 years in a special edition of the Hunger Games. This book didn't introduce any new themes or develop those of the first book very much. It pretty much followed the characters and the action. Unless you absolutely loved the first book, you can skip the rest of the series in my opinion.
3. MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins *
The last book of the trilogy followed Katniss, Peeta and Gale along with survivors of the rebellion living underground in District 13. A team goes to the Capitol to dethrone President Snow, and the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta and Gale is resolved in the end. Lots of action, but again little of what fascinated me in the first book.
4. THE BEST OF ME by Nicholas Sparks *
It was a fluffy one I read in the middle of a row of very serious and heavy books. Skip it.
5. HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET by Jamie Ford ****
A tender story of how a Chinese teen living in San Francisco navigates life and his first love during the Japanese Internment following WWII. Though-provoking and sweet, I really liked this one.
6. PEARL IN THE SAND by Tessa Afshar ***
An interesting look at the life of Rahab, and her life during the seige of Jericho and the years that follow. Obviously there isn't a lot of information in scripture about her, but what there is, the author explores and puts in narrative form. An enjoyable read. If not for reading and thoroughly loving Lynn Austen's CHRONICLES OF THE KINGS series which was so rich with historical information and scriptural references, I probably would have enjoyed this one more and maybe rated it higher.
7. FULL DISCLOSURE by Dee Henderson **
If you've read the O'Malley series, you know Henderson is capable of the perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and faith. This book, while able to stand alone, has a tie-in to the O'Malley series, but 1/3 of the way in I could see how it was going to end...and that just isn't what I expect from this author at all! Such a let-down.
8. THE VIOLETS OF MARCH by Sarah Jio ***
So many characters I had to take notes, this story alternated between past and present, with an obvious tie between the two--the mystery of who was who a complete surprise in the end. I thought I had it figured out just before the final chapter. But I was wrong. I'd classify this one as a romantic mystery because the mystery got top billing. Again, a book that I picked up because I needed a break from the heavy topics.
9. TWILIGHT by Kristen Heitzmann ***
A piece of Christian fiction, this was pretty predictable, but still enjoyable. Contained enough suspense to keep me reading along at a good clip. I haven't read all of her books, but prefer INDIVISIBLE the most.
10. and 11. THE HOPE OF REFUGE and THE BRIDGE OF PEACE by Cindy Woodsmall **
Amish fiction is definately not a genre I give much attention, but I had really enjoyed her SISTERS OF THE QUILT trilogy a few years ago, so I thought I'd try these. So many books in this genre are fluffy and predictable, only skimming the surface. The first and second books in the ADA'S HOUSE series, I'm not going to continue with the third. The first one was the better of the two in my opinion.
*And just recently I finished reading the entire LITTLE HOUSE series to Natalia. It took us alittle over a year to get through the 9 books. She loved them!! We are currently reading HELEN KELLER and it is so sweet to see Natalia imagining and pretending to be in Helen's shoes just like I remember doing many moons ago.
*I just pulled ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and ANNE OF AVONLEA out of my boxes in the basement.
Any titles you'd recommend as read alouds for 7-9 year old girls?
Saturday, December 15, 2012
What I Read in 2012--Part 2: Non-fiction
Here is my rating system.
* Ehh. Didn't like it at all.
** Just okay.
*** Good. Borrow it from the library.
**** Really good. Well-written.
***** Excellent. One for your personal library.
1. MADE TO CRAVE by Lysa TerKeurst *****
A very timely and instrumental book for me. I originally picked it up the year before, and read through it sporadically. This year I sensed the need to be very intentional about having a reading partner (my mom) to discuss it with and using it as a devotional book of sorts within a defined time span. The book's message is essentially this: God designed each of us to crave and desire, but we turn to all kinds of things (even good things) to fill those desires and cravings. Usually our attempts to satiate are out of balance if not completely misguided, and we fail to recognize that only in God will we find the satisfaction our souls need.
Don't think of this as a book only for those who struggle with unhealthy eating or weight issues. Each of us struggles in one area or another to find balance, and this book speaks to that in a powerful way. (And TerKeurst's is self-deprecating and hilarious at just the right moments.)
2. PRODIGAL GOD by Timothy Keller *****
So many sermons on the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 have concentrated on the flight and return of the younger brother. This little book proposes that that approach in fact misses the real message of the story. There are two brothers, each of whom represent a different way to be alienated from God, and a different way to seek acceptance into the kingdom of heaven.
My first introduction to Keller, it will certainly not be the last! I've added THE REASON FOR GOD and THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE to my "To Read" list.
3. A LONG WAY GONE by Ishmael Beah ***
Published in 2007, this is an account of 12 year old Beah's attempt to flee the attacking rebels during Sierra Leone's decade-long civil war; something that forever separated him from his immediate family. Wandering the countryside with a handful of other boys, they inevitably were forced to join an army unit and brainwashed to believe only in big guns, bloodshed, and drugs. Finally at the age of 16, Beah is rescued and removed from the rebel army by UNICEF, only to begin the incredibly difficult journey to healing.
4. CLEANING HOUSE: A Mother's 12-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement by Kay Wills Wyma *****
I took pages of notes while reading this book, and plan to pick up a copy of my own. In my opinion, Wyma hit the nail on the head over and over again, chronicling the good, the bad and the ugly, with just the right amount of hard truth, humility, and humor. She challenged me to seriously evaluate how much I do FOR my kids instead of EQUIP them to do, how often I choose what is most expedient over what could be a valuable learning experience, and how much I resemble a hovercraft...LOL! Just trust me and read this one! :-)
5. THE DRESSMAKER OF KHAIR KHANA by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon ***
The true story of Kamila, an Afghan teenager, who with her sisters and brother find a way to keep from starving during the Taliban-era in Kabul. In the process of establishing a sewing business, despite the strict limitations placed on women during this time, she and her siblings not only display an entrepreneurial tenacity, but a dedication and concern for their community that is inspiring.
6. HINTS ON CHILD TRAINING by H. Clay Trumbull ****
Originally published in 1890, I have found this book to be not only incredibly current, but practical. We have at least one child that is VERY strong-willed (she shall remain nameless), and I've often felt at a loss to know how to navigate those hard moments, discipline with grace, yet train in a way that resonates and gets to the heart. So often it just feels like a power struggle. While Trumbull's "language" is definitely from another century, I haven't had any trouble understanding it or making immediate application. To give you an idea of what he covers, here are a few chapter titles: Will-Training Rather Than Will-Breaking, Denying A Child Wisely, Training A Child As A Questioner, Never Punish A Child In Anger, Scolding Is Never In Order, Dealing Tenderly With A Child's Fears, and Good-Night Words.
(A few of our Book Club titles in the previous post were Non-fiction as well.)
* Ehh. Didn't like it at all.
** Just okay.
*** Good. Borrow it from the library.
**** Really good. Well-written.
***** Excellent. One for your personal library.
1. MADE TO CRAVE by Lysa TerKeurst *****
A very timely and instrumental book for me. I originally picked it up the year before, and read through it sporadically. This year I sensed the need to be very intentional about having a reading partner (my mom) to discuss it with and using it as a devotional book of sorts within a defined time span. The book's message is essentially this: God designed each of us to crave and desire, but we turn to all kinds of things (even good things) to fill those desires and cravings. Usually our attempts to satiate are out of balance if not completely misguided, and we fail to recognize that only in God will we find the satisfaction our souls need.
Don't think of this as a book only for those who struggle with unhealthy eating or weight issues. Each of us struggles in one area or another to find balance, and this book speaks to that in a powerful way. (And TerKeurst's is self-deprecating and hilarious at just the right moments.)
2. PRODIGAL GOD by Timothy Keller *****
So many sermons on the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 have concentrated on the flight and return of the younger brother. This little book proposes that that approach in fact misses the real message of the story. There are two brothers, each of whom represent a different way to be alienated from God, and a different way to seek acceptance into the kingdom of heaven.
My first introduction to Keller, it will certainly not be the last! I've added THE REASON FOR GOD and THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE to my "To Read" list.
3. A LONG WAY GONE by Ishmael Beah ***
Published in 2007, this is an account of 12 year old Beah's attempt to flee the attacking rebels during Sierra Leone's decade-long civil war; something that forever separated him from his immediate family. Wandering the countryside with a handful of other boys, they inevitably were forced to join an army unit and brainwashed to believe only in big guns, bloodshed, and drugs. Finally at the age of 16, Beah is rescued and removed from the rebel army by UNICEF, only to begin the incredibly difficult journey to healing.
4. CLEANING HOUSE: A Mother's 12-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement by Kay Wills Wyma *****
I took pages of notes while reading this book, and plan to pick up a copy of my own. In my opinion, Wyma hit the nail on the head over and over again, chronicling the good, the bad and the ugly, with just the right amount of hard truth, humility, and humor. She challenged me to seriously evaluate how much I do FOR my kids instead of EQUIP them to do, how often I choose what is most expedient over what could be a valuable learning experience, and how much I resemble a hovercraft...LOL! Just trust me and read this one! :-)
5. THE DRESSMAKER OF KHAIR KHANA by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon ***
The true story of Kamila, an Afghan teenager, who with her sisters and brother find a way to keep from starving during the Taliban-era in Kabul. In the process of establishing a sewing business, despite the strict limitations placed on women during this time, she and her siblings not only display an entrepreneurial tenacity, but a dedication and concern for their community that is inspiring.
6. HINTS ON CHILD TRAINING by H. Clay Trumbull ****
Originally published in 1890, I have found this book to be not only incredibly current, but practical. We have at least one child that is VERY strong-willed (she shall remain nameless), and I've often felt at a loss to know how to navigate those hard moments, discipline with grace, yet train in a way that resonates and gets to the heart. So often it just feels like a power struggle. While Trumbull's "language" is definitely from another century, I haven't had any trouble understanding it or making immediate application. To give you an idea of what he covers, here are a few chapter titles: Will-Training Rather Than Will-Breaking, Denying A Child Wisely, Training A Child As A Questioner, Never Punish A Child In Anger, Scolding Is Never In Order, Dealing Tenderly With A Child's Fears, and Good-Night Words.
(A few of our Book Club titles in the previous post were Non-fiction as well.)
Friday, December 14, 2012
What I've Read in 2012--Part 1: Book Club
Well I certainly didn't read as many books this year as I have in others.
I joined a book club in January and our scheduled reading combined with leading the discussion numerous times meant not immediately diving into another book, as per my usual.
BUT, I must say that book club and the ladies in it have proven to be one of the highlights of my year. I just love it!
Rather than one long overwhelming list, I've broken this down into 3 posts: Book Club Titles, Non-fiction, and then What's Left.
Here is my rating system.
* Ehh. Didn't like it at all.
** Just okay.
*** Good. Borrow it from the library.
**** Really good. Well-written.
***** Excellent. One for your personal library.
1. VEILED FREEDOM by Jeanette Windle ***
I liked this one for the discussion it generated more than the storyline. The story is set in 2009 in Afghanistan among humanitarian aide workers, security personnel, and native Afghans struggling to make sense of a country's war-torn past and the fallout. A piece of Christian fiction, this one has a main character whose Westernized naivete is frustrating, and yet probably is more common than we'd like to think. The author has spent considerable time in the region and her accuracy is notable, but until my second reading (for book club) when I jotted down the many military acronyms, the author lost me when she assumed I could keep up with them all. An unfortunate distraction that took away from the story's redeeming qualities. In the end this book DID teach me some more about Afghanistan, helped me understand a bit what could drive someone to commit shaheed (suicide) and affirmed how radical Jesus' love and salvation truly are.
2. THE KITCHEN HOUSE by Kathleen Grissom ***
First of all this is one of the most tragic books I've read, because there really isn't much redemption or hope until the very last page. All that being said, it is a gripping piece of Colonial fiction, and another book that provides many points of discussion. I really enjoyed the author's style and felt she made a bygone time period come alive without painting a glossy finish on everything the way Colonial life is typically portrayed. (I don't mind sad stories, or shy away from that sort of thing if I can learn something valuable in the process.)
3. THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins ***
Fantasy and science fiction are not my genre, let me tell ya! Add to that the "young adult" label and I've written it off. BUT, I will say that I truly enjoyed aspects of this bestseller that's become a phenomenon. Again, a great one for a discussion group. You can read my full review here, just scroll down.
4. THE TIPPING POINT by Malcolm Gladwell *
Okay, maybe I'll give it 1.5 stars. I did learn one or two things, but I can't say I could find much practical application or relevance in it to my world. Wordy, full of statistics...maybe I had unrealistic expectations. I heard great things about another title of his, OUTLIERS. Maybe I'll give him another chance someday.
5. THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS by Rebekah Skloot ***
A decade-long project for the author, and a fascinating piece of work. Henrietta Lacks was a mother of five in Baltimore, a poor African American migrant from the tobacco farms of Virginia, who died from a cruelly aggressive cancer at the age of 30 in 1951. A sample of her cancerous tissue, taken without her knowledge or consent, as was the custom then, turned out to provide one of the holy grails of mid-century biology: human cells that could survive--even thrive-- in the lab. These cells, known as HeLa, went on to provide countless breakthroughs, beginning with the cure for polio. Yet Henrietta's family continued to live in poverty and poor health, ignorant of their wife and mother's incredible contribution, and ripe with misunderstanding, anger and suspicion. I don't pretend to know much of anything about medicine, and this wasn't completely over my head.
6. THOSE WHO SAVE US by Jenna Blum ***
A frank and deeply unsettling story of Anna, a German woman living in a village bordering a concentration camp, who becomes the mistress of a high-ranking SS officer during WWII in order to save herself and her young daughter Trudy, a child born out of wedlock by a Jewish doctor. In my opinion, while the author did not shy away from detailing the physical abuse Anna suffers from the Ubersturmfuhrer, the manner and purpose in which she wrote was not titillating, but properly disturbing. HOWEVER, this opinion will not be shared by all. I think it all comes down to what your own life experiences have been, (whether anything conjures up memories), how sensitively you respond to issues like sexual abuse, and whether you shy away from dark subjects in general. For me, it generated much thought--philosophical and spiritual contemplation--without violating my conscience. Still, when mentioning this book I always fully disclose the above.
7. JANE EYRE by Charlotte Bronte *****
How I ever managed NOT to read this while calling myself a bookworm, I don't know. This love story between poor, orphaned Jane, and the mysterious, haunted Rochester, was an across-the-board favorite with our book club. I too found it to be excellent, both in it's writing and thematic content. *And I LOVE the film version that came out in 2011 with Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender.
8. A THOUSAND RESURRECTIONS by Maria Garriott ****
A true story, this is a no-holds-barred look at what inner city ministry looks like and the sacrifice and faith of the Garriott family. Choosing to live in one of the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods of Baltimore while raising 5 children, Maria chronicles the journey she and her husband Craig embark upon to love and be a light in their community. *Faith Christian Fellowship is a thriving church of diverse ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds, located in the northern Baltimore neighborhood of Pen Lucy.
9. COLD SASSY TREE by Olive Ann Burns ***
Kind of a cross between THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, this coming-of-age story of a 14 year old boy named Will Tweedy is short on plot but heavy on vernacular. In the end, I enjoyed the book more after discussing it's merits at book club. Published in 1984, it's been around awhile. While one I won't re-read, it was still enjoyable.
10. THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY by MaryAnn Shaffer and Annie Barrows *****
One of my favorite books and one I've read 3 times now. This book is nothing short of absolute delight, and yet here is what makes it distinctive. It's entirely made up of letters. (I had never read anything like that before and at first was nervous it'd be dull. I couldn't have been more wrong.) It's a WWII story that captures the horror and heartache of wartime, yet it is also lighthearted, witty, and so funny at times I laughed out loud. No matter how many times I read it, I end up loving it even more.
11. WASHED AND WAITING: REFLECTIONS ON CHRISTIAN FAITHFULNESS AND HOMOSEXUALITY by Wesley Hill *****
(This is slated for discussion at our next meeting, but I've already read it, twice.)
I will recommend this book wherever I go because I believe Wesley's story is one that desperately needs to be heard--by pastors, parents, siblings, friends, saved or unsaved, those who struggle with homosexual desires, and those that can't even fathom what that must be like. Intelligently written, with an unwavering commitment to Scripture, and yet heart-wrenchingly honest. It's a small book that you can read in a few hours and it will challenge you to go beyond the broad brushstrokes so many of us Christians have painted over this issue. Add it to your reading list...better yet, buy your own copy because you'll want to share it!
(I found it after reading a post on Tim Challies's blog. You can read his review here.)
*The only book I didn't read was WHY WE GET FAT by Gary Taubes. We were deep in preparation mode for our trip to Poland, and out of the country on book club night. That's what it takes to keep me from book club!!! :-) It's still sitting on my to-read pile, but Pete has picked it up a few times.
I joined a book club in January and our scheduled reading combined with leading the discussion numerous times meant not immediately diving into another book, as per my usual.
BUT, I must say that book club and the ladies in it have proven to be one of the highlights of my year. I just love it!
Rather than one long overwhelming list, I've broken this down into 3 posts: Book Club Titles, Non-fiction, and then What's Left.
Here is my rating system.
* Ehh. Didn't like it at all.
** Just okay.
*** Good. Borrow it from the library.
**** Really good. Well-written.
***** Excellent. One for your personal library.
1. VEILED FREEDOM by Jeanette Windle ***
I liked this one for the discussion it generated more than the storyline. The story is set in 2009 in Afghanistan among humanitarian aide workers, security personnel, and native Afghans struggling to make sense of a country's war-torn past and the fallout. A piece of Christian fiction, this one has a main character whose Westernized naivete is frustrating, and yet probably is more common than we'd like to think. The author has spent considerable time in the region and her accuracy is notable, but until my second reading (for book club) when I jotted down the many military acronyms, the author lost me when she assumed I could keep up with them all. An unfortunate distraction that took away from the story's redeeming qualities. In the end this book DID teach me some more about Afghanistan, helped me understand a bit what could drive someone to commit shaheed (suicide) and affirmed how radical Jesus' love and salvation truly are.
2. THE KITCHEN HOUSE by Kathleen Grissom ***
First of all this is one of the most tragic books I've read, because there really isn't much redemption or hope until the very last page. All that being said, it is a gripping piece of Colonial fiction, and another book that provides many points of discussion. I really enjoyed the author's style and felt she made a bygone time period come alive without painting a glossy finish on everything the way Colonial life is typically portrayed. (I don't mind sad stories, or shy away from that sort of thing if I can learn something valuable in the process.)
3. THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins ***
Fantasy and science fiction are not my genre, let me tell ya! Add to that the "young adult" label and I've written it off. BUT, I will say that I truly enjoyed aspects of this bestseller that's become a phenomenon. Again, a great one for a discussion group. You can read my full review here, just scroll down.
4. THE TIPPING POINT by Malcolm Gladwell *
Okay, maybe I'll give it 1.5 stars. I did learn one or two things, but I can't say I could find much practical application or relevance in it to my world. Wordy, full of statistics...maybe I had unrealistic expectations. I heard great things about another title of his, OUTLIERS. Maybe I'll give him another chance someday.
5. THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS by Rebekah Skloot ***
A decade-long project for the author, and a fascinating piece of work. Henrietta Lacks was a mother of five in Baltimore, a poor African American migrant from the tobacco farms of Virginia, who died from a cruelly aggressive cancer at the age of 30 in 1951. A sample of her cancerous tissue, taken without her knowledge or consent, as was the custom then, turned out to provide one of the holy grails of mid-century biology: human cells that could survive--even thrive-- in the lab. These cells, known as HeLa, went on to provide countless breakthroughs, beginning with the cure for polio. Yet Henrietta's family continued to live in poverty and poor health, ignorant of their wife and mother's incredible contribution, and ripe with misunderstanding, anger and suspicion. I don't pretend to know much of anything about medicine, and this wasn't completely over my head.
6. THOSE WHO SAVE US by Jenna Blum ***
A frank and deeply unsettling story of Anna, a German woman living in a village bordering a concentration camp, who becomes the mistress of a high-ranking SS officer during WWII in order to save herself and her young daughter Trudy, a child born out of wedlock by a Jewish doctor. In my opinion, while the author did not shy away from detailing the physical abuse Anna suffers from the Ubersturmfuhrer, the manner and purpose in which she wrote was not titillating, but properly disturbing. HOWEVER, this opinion will not be shared by all. I think it all comes down to what your own life experiences have been, (whether anything conjures up memories), how sensitively you respond to issues like sexual abuse, and whether you shy away from dark subjects in general. For me, it generated much thought--philosophical and spiritual contemplation--without violating my conscience. Still, when mentioning this book I always fully disclose the above.
7. JANE EYRE by Charlotte Bronte *****
How I ever managed NOT to read this while calling myself a bookworm, I don't know. This love story between poor, orphaned Jane, and the mysterious, haunted Rochester, was an across-the-board favorite with our book club. I too found it to be excellent, both in it's writing and thematic content. *And I LOVE the film version that came out in 2011 with Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender.
8. A THOUSAND RESURRECTIONS by Maria Garriott ****
A true story, this is a no-holds-barred look at what inner city ministry looks like and the sacrifice and faith of the Garriott family. Choosing to live in one of the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods of Baltimore while raising 5 children, Maria chronicles the journey she and her husband Craig embark upon to love and be a light in their community. *Faith Christian Fellowship is a thriving church of diverse ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds, located in the northern Baltimore neighborhood of Pen Lucy.
9. COLD SASSY TREE by Olive Ann Burns ***
Kind of a cross between THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, this coming-of-age story of a 14 year old boy named Will Tweedy is short on plot but heavy on vernacular. In the end, I enjoyed the book more after discussing it's merits at book club. Published in 1984, it's been around awhile. While one I won't re-read, it was still enjoyable.
10. THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY by MaryAnn Shaffer and Annie Barrows *****
One of my favorite books and one I've read 3 times now. This book is nothing short of absolute delight, and yet here is what makes it distinctive. It's entirely made up of letters. (I had never read anything like that before and at first was nervous it'd be dull. I couldn't have been more wrong.) It's a WWII story that captures the horror and heartache of wartime, yet it is also lighthearted, witty, and so funny at times I laughed out loud. No matter how many times I read it, I end up loving it even more.
11. WASHED AND WAITING: REFLECTIONS ON CHRISTIAN FAITHFULNESS AND HOMOSEXUALITY by Wesley Hill *****
(This is slated for discussion at our next meeting, but I've already read it, twice.)
I will recommend this book wherever I go because I believe Wesley's story is one that desperately needs to be heard--by pastors, parents, siblings, friends, saved or unsaved, those who struggle with homosexual desires, and those that can't even fathom what that must be like. Intelligently written, with an unwavering commitment to Scripture, and yet heart-wrenchingly honest. It's a small book that you can read in a few hours and it will challenge you to go beyond the broad brushstrokes so many of us Christians have painted over this issue. Add it to your reading list...better yet, buy your own copy because you'll want to share it!
(I found it after reading a post on Tim Challies's blog. You can read his review here.)
*The only book I didn't read was WHY WE GET FAT by Gary Taubes. We were deep in preparation mode for our trip to Poland, and out of the country on book club night. That's what it takes to keep me from book club!!! :-) It's still sitting on my to-read pile, but Pete has picked it up a few times.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Gifts and Activities for the Kids
We've never been away from the kids for 10 days, and they are still fairly young--3 and 6.
So I had a little something for them to open each day while we were in POLAND. Many times it was an activity that they could pull out again later if they wanted.
I found this awesome CD of silly kid songs online for a good deal.
Take a listen to the song samples here.
I also wanted to find some inexpensive puzzles (around 60 pieces) because both my kids love them and it challenges them to concentrate on one thing for a good amount of time. Adam does this automatically. For Natalia it's a skill we're working on. ;-)
Well, I wasn't finding what I wanted for the right price, so I was delighted to discover amazon sells blank puzzles to make your own! I confess it made me alittle giddy! Oh dear.
I bought a pack of 12 (with 63 pieces) for $14 and used the markers I already owned to make three for each of them. And I have extra for a rainy day!
A big bag of farm foam stickers, regular stickers, hidden picture pages I pulled out of an old Highlights magazine, and an animal mask craft that I saw online and adapted were a few of their other surprises. All they needed to do for the masks was color the animal cutout already drawn on the cardstock, cut it out, glue it to a paper plate, punch holes in the sides and tie a piece of elastic string through each hole.
Another idea I found online was to use a snack ziplock, partially fill it with small colorful snacks like multi-colored Goldfish crackers, pinch it in half with a wooden hinged clothespin with a smiley face drawn on the tip, and form antennae with half a length of black or brown pipecleaner. Voila! You have a butterfly snack. (Sorry, no picture.)
Lastly I made a simple calendar for the duration of our trip, so they could mark off the days.
I think they enjoyed everything. I certainly had fun making them! It's been a week since our return home, and we're still working the puzzles and listening to those awesome and silly songs!
So I had a little something for them to open each day while we were in POLAND. Many times it was an activity that they could pull out again later if they wanted.
I found this awesome CD of silly kid songs online for a good deal.
Randall Goodgame and Andrew Peterson have knocked another one outta' the park!
Take a listen to the song samples here.
I also wanted to find some inexpensive puzzles (around 60 pieces) because both my kids love them and it challenges them to concentrate on one thing for a good amount of time. Adam does this automatically. For Natalia it's a skill we're working on. ;-)
I bought a pack of 12 (with 63 pieces) for $14 and used the markers I already owned to make three for each of them. And I have extra for a rainy day!
A big bag of farm foam stickers, regular stickers, hidden picture pages I pulled out of an old Highlights magazine, and an animal mask craft that I saw online and adapted were a few of their other surprises. All they needed to do for the masks was color the animal cutout already drawn on the cardstock, cut it out, glue it to a paper plate, punch holes in the sides and tie a piece of elastic string through each hole.
Another idea I found online was to use a snack ziplock, partially fill it with small colorful snacks like multi-colored Goldfish crackers, pinch it in half with a wooden hinged clothespin with a smiley face drawn on the tip, and form antennae with half a length of black or brown pipecleaner. Voila! You have a butterfly snack. (Sorry, no picture.)
Lastly I made a simple calendar for the duration of our trip, so they could mark off the days.
I think they enjoyed everything. I certainly had fun making them! It's been a week since our return home, and we're still working the puzzles and listening to those awesome and silly songs!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Book Club
Some of you know how giddy I've been about the book club I just joined. Seriously giddy!
So far we've read and discussed VEILED FREEDOM by Jeanette Windle, and THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins. The goal is to read a variety of genres and to evaluate them from a Christian viewpoint, though many titles may be secular. We want to be stretched by good literature, to be educated, and to sharpen one another as we interact with varying subjects.
You may remember VEILED FREEDOM on my "What I Read in 2009" post--if so, I'm impressed! You're as sharp as a tack!It wasn't my favorite but it fits the category of my favorite kind of book, if that makes sense.
It succeeded in getting me to think deeply about Western culture, Christianity and Islam, missions/humanitarian efforts, and the war in the Middle East. And because I thought it would provoke a very interesting discussion, I suggested it as a book club selection. (You can read my initial review here.)
A sequel was released last year called FREEDOM'S STAND, and so I decided to pick it up at the library since we had just discussed the first book and it was fresh in my mind.
On a scale of 1--poor, 2--fair, 3--good, 4--excellent, and 5--superior...I'd give it 2.5 points. (VEILED FREEDOM would get 3 points.)
The first book brought up so many interesting and factual issues, but it also contained a maddening array of military acronyms that befuddled me. While reading it a second time for book club I wrote them down and it made a huge difference. What I really appreciated was how Windle articulated a Muslim wrestling with the truth about Jesus Christ meanwhile contemplating shaheed (martrydom). She truly helped me to understand what could bring someone to the point where that would seem desirable. I could feel true compassion for him.
In FREEDOM'S STAND, the author continues the stories of the three main characters, but again she doesn't wrap everything up in a nice neat package by the last page; also something I appreciate. This sequel deals heavily with the persecution of believers of Christ, has minimal acronyms, and ellaborates further on the intricacies and challenges non-governmental organizations face in regions such as Afghanistan. And continues to challenge our Western mindset of going into a region thinking we have all the answers.
There is to be one more book in the next year or so, making this a trilogy. I think I'll pick it up, just to see where she goes with the storyline, but will wait until the library makes it available.
~~~~~~~~~~~
THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins has been getting so much attention, it's been on the New York Bestsellers list for over a year, and now there is a movie coming out in about a week.I do not read science fiction/fantasy. I do not read teen fiction. I occasionally venture into "tame" suspense.
If not for a friend's recommendation (who also fits that bill) where she told me "you HAVE to read this" I wouldn't have given it another thought.
I have rarely read a more suspenseful, can't put it down, have to seriously plan what night I crack open the cover because I won't get any sleep until the last page, book than this. And it's not super long--374 pages with a good amount of space and somewhat large font that whizz by quickly. I got through it in 5 hours.
If you read a synopsis of this title, you'll wonder if I'm off my rocker, because it doesn't seem promising. Not to people who read similar titles as I. It seems like it would glorify violence. There is a love triangle. It's futuristic. Meh.
But Collins succeeds in raising many points of discussion about what our society condones, how we've become desensitized to violence, our cutthroat mentality, along with many other themes that made for an excellent book club discussion. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I'd give this book a 3.5 though for a few reasons:
1. It's a book written for teens, on a reading level so easy I thought Collins could have beefed up the vocabulary just a bit. It seemed dumbed down.
2. I admired certain qualities in Katniss, the main character, but found it hard to identify with her. She obviously showed emotion, but wasn't an emotional kind of girl. She was strong, but hard and jaded, despite being very young. I could sympathize with her, but found it hard to emphathize. (That is another discussion point intended by the author I think. What war does to the young.)
3. The pacing and suspense was spot on! That's what hooked me. However, with that comes the danger of reading so fast that you don't THINK DEEPLY about the things that matter. The things that I believe Collins wants her readers to think about and question.
4. As an adult, I appreciated the issues the author raised. I especially appreciated being able to discuss these things with my book club. But I'm going to make a generalization here. I think that what a teen will take away from this book (and trilogy) will be a fascination with how the love triangle is resolved and a surfacy condemnation of the violence and mentality of Panem. I venture to guess that most will get caught up in the hype and not stop to soberly assess...UNLESS THEY HAVE AN ADULT TO DISCUSS IT WITH. (who has read the book too!)
I'd still recommend it. But I won't be making a permanent spot for it on my shelf. If you don't feel like waiting for a copy from the library to become available, let me know. I have the whole trilogy to loan.
Friday, December 30, 2011
What I Read In 2011
I didn't rake in as many books as last year, but discovered some really great ones!
My rating system:
* (1 star) It was okay. If not my cup of tea, maybe it's yours.
** (2 stars) Good. One to borrow from a friend or the library.
*** (3 stars) Very good. Well-written. Definately worth your time.
**** (4 stars) Excellent. On all levels. One for your personal library.
FAVORITE FICTION:
1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer ****
LOVED this little book of WWII era letters! Despite being written during the most trying of circumstances, the correspondance is witty, insightful and endearing. I can't think of a better word to describe it other than delightful!
2. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom ****
A colonial period piece chronicling the life of Lavinia, an Irish orphan who is purchased by a plantation owner and grows up with the black "kitchen house" slaves as her only family...until she reaches maturity and is promoted to the big house because of her white skin. Vacillating between the slaves she loves and her master's family, Lavinia struggles to navigate life, love, and loyalty.
3. Gods and Kings, 4. Song of Redemption, 5. The Strength of His Hand, 6. Faith of My Fathers, and 7. Among the Gods ("Chronicles of the Kings" series by Lynn N. Austin) ****
This series is just superb--the first book had me immediately hooked. It gave me such a keen sense of what it might have been like to live and worship in Israel during the reign of the kings, and the only time I'd put the book down was to look up the psalms that King Hezekiah was quoting.
8. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay ****
Another favorite from this year! I referred to this book in a recent post because it was made into a movie, which I also enjoyed. But you HAVE to read the book! Click here to read a description of the story.
9. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith ***
I had never read this classic and I'm glad I finally did. An interesting and heartbreaking coming-of-age story set during the Great Depression.
10. Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann ****
A gripping Christian mystery that I could not put down. I immediately fell in love with the characters and all of their faults and foibles.
11. Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann ****
It includes some of the same characters from INDIVISIBLE, so read that one first and you'll appreciate this one even more. Same suspenseful tone, and just as thrilling.
12. Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum ****
This one instantly pulled me in, fascinated and repulsed me, and weeks afterwards I was still thinking about it. A WWII piece but from a German viewpoint, it's hard to stomach at times, but you can't help but soften at it's sheer humanity. Read my review here to see what I'm talking about.
FLUFFY FICTION and/or the ones that FLOPPED:
13. Dear John, 14. Safe Haven, and 15. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks **
I enjoyed each of these for the simple fact that they were non-strenuous and sweet. Well, Dear John was bittersweet.
16. A Woman's Place by Lynn N. Austin **
An enjoyable story detailing the lives of 4 women from various walks of life, who end up working in the same shipyard during the early 1940's--all for reasons of their own.
17. True Devotion by Dee Henderson **
The widow of a Navy Seal struggles after almost drowning at sea, trying to save a boy she spots from her lifeguard stand. Her husband's best friend, also a Seal, helps her find faith and freedom in the aftermath.
18. The Still of Night by Kristen Heitzmann **
Okay, but not my favorite of hers, (probably because I'm struggling to sum up what it was really about). Ever read one of those?
19. Freefall by Kristen Heitzmann **
There were parts I liked, but I had trouble relating to the main characters, so most of it fell flat for me.
20. The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann **
This one was interestingly creepy, and I really enjoyed figuring out the bits and pieces that revealed the identity of the mystery character. But I struggled to understand the main character's obsession with labrynths and felt the end was tied up rather too neatly.
BIOGRAPHY:
21. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand ****
I read this one back in March and unabashedly proclaimed it to be my favorite book of the year! A long one and a heavy subject matter, but an easy read I found hard to put down. A truly inspiring story of survival, redemption, forgiveness and faith. READ IT!!!!!
22. The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz ****
The incredible account of a prison escape from Siberia, and the long trek south through the frozen forests and tundra, across the Gobi Desert, and into the Himilayas until finally reaching the lushness of northeastern India. I've discovered as I've searched reviews online that there is some debate over the authenticity of this book ...nonetheless, it is a fascinating read.
NON-FICTION:
23. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan ****
A re-read for me from last year. This time I took notes for my own personal reference.
SPIRITUALITY:
24. A Praying Life by Paul Miller ****
I finished it last year but re-read parts because the ladies in my care group were still discussing it. Excellent and enlightening!
25. The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller ****
This is the first of his books that I've read and from what I've heard they are all excellent! I'm hoping the book club I just joined will chose The Reason for God or his new one, The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God.
26. Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness & Homosexuality by Wesley Hill ****
I will recommend this book wherever I go because I believe Wesley's story is one that desperately needs to be heard; by pastors, parents, siblings, friends, saved or unsaved, those who struggle with homosexual desires, and those that can't even fathom what that must be like. Intelligently written, with an unwavering commitment to Scripture, and yet heart-wrenchingly honest. It's a small book that you can read in a few hours. Add it to your reading list...better yet, buy your own copy because you'll want to share it!
27. Made To Crave by Lysa TerKeurst ****
In my opinion, the best book out there for those who struggle to practice self-control and good health habits. A humorous but thoroughly convicting "devotional" book that really made things click for me. I continue to go back to this one over and over.
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE:
28. Stuart Little by E.B. White **
I found portions a bit dry and outdated, but hey, it was written in 1945! Personally, I enjoyed Charlotte's Web more, and no doubt will be reading that one to Natalia soon.
29. Little House In The Big Woods, 30. Little House on the Prairie, and 31. On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder ***
I remember devouring these as a young girl. It's funny how your perspective changes once you become a mom. But, Natalia and I are both enjoying these as we read a chapter each night; we just started On the Shores of Silver Lake.
-and to end the year-
a CLASSIC:
32. Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
I'm only a few chapters in, but so far I like it. I doubt I'll finish it by tomorrow night, so you'll have to wait till next year for a rating.
***I am so excited to finally join a book club! I know it'll stretch me to read an even greater variety of genres in the coming year. The thought makes me giddy! (I know, I'm a bit strange.)
My rating system:
* (1 star) It was okay. If not my cup of tea, maybe it's yours.
** (2 stars) Good. One to borrow from a friend or the library.
*** (3 stars) Very good. Well-written. Definately worth your time.
**** (4 stars) Excellent. On all levels. One for your personal library.
FAVORITE FICTION:
1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer ****
LOVED this little book of WWII era letters! Despite being written during the most trying of circumstances, the correspondance is witty, insightful and endearing. I can't think of a better word to describe it other than delightful!
2. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom ****
A colonial period piece chronicling the life of Lavinia, an Irish orphan who is purchased by a plantation owner and grows up with the black "kitchen house" slaves as her only family...until she reaches maturity and is promoted to the big house because of her white skin. Vacillating between the slaves she loves and her master's family, Lavinia struggles to navigate life, love, and loyalty.
3. Gods and Kings, 4. Song of Redemption, 5. The Strength of His Hand, 6. Faith of My Fathers, and 7. Among the Gods ("Chronicles of the Kings" series by Lynn N. Austin) ****
This series is just superb--the first book had me immediately hooked. It gave me such a keen sense of what it might have been like to live and worship in Israel during the reign of the kings, and the only time I'd put the book down was to look up the psalms that King Hezekiah was quoting.
8. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay ****
Another favorite from this year! I referred to this book in a recent post because it was made into a movie, which I also enjoyed. But you HAVE to read the book! Click here to read a description of the story.
9. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith ***
I had never read this classic and I'm glad I finally did. An interesting and heartbreaking coming-of-age story set during the Great Depression.
10. Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann ****
A gripping Christian mystery that I could not put down. I immediately fell in love with the characters and all of their faults and foibles.
11. Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann ****
It includes some of the same characters from INDIVISIBLE, so read that one first and you'll appreciate this one even more. Same suspenseful tone, and just as thrilling.
12. Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum ****
This one instantly pulled me in, fascinated and repulsed me, and weeks afterwards I was still thinking about it. A WWII piece but from a German viewpoint, it's hard to stomach at times, but you can't help but soften at it's sheer humanity. Read my review here to see what I'm talking about.
FLUFFY FICTION and/or the ones that FLOPPED:
13. Dear John, 14. Safe Haven, and 15. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks **
I enjoyed each of these for the simple fact that they were non-strenuous and sweet. Well, Dear John was bittersweet.
16. A Woman's Place by Lynn N. Austin **
An enjoyable story detailing the lives of 4 women from various walks of life, who end up working in the same shipyard during the early 1940's--all for reasons of their own.
17. True Devotion by Dee Henderson **
The widow of a Navy Seal struggles after almost drowning at sea, trying to save a boy she spots from her lifeguard stand. Her husband's best friend, also a Seal, helps her find faith and freedom in the aftermath.
18. The Still of Night by Kristen Heitzmann **
Okay, but not my favorite of hers, (probably because I'm struggling to sum up what it was really about). Ever read one of those?
19. Freefall by Kristen Heitzmann **
There were parts I liked, but I had trouble relating to the main characters, so most of it fell flat for me.
20. The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann **
This one was interestingly creepy, and I really enjoyed figuring out the bits and pieces that revealed the identity of the mystery character. But I struggled to understand the main character's obsession with labrynths and felt the end was tied up rather too neatly.
BIOGRAPHY:
21. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand ****
I read this one back in March and unabashedly proclaimed it to be my favorite book of the year! A long one and a heavy subject matter, but an easy read I found hard to put down. A truly inspiring story of survival, redemption, forgiveness and faith. READ IT!!!!!
22. The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz ****
The incredible account of a prison escape from Siberia, and the long trek south through the frozen forests and tundra, across the Gobi Desert, and into the Himilayas until finally reaching the lushness of northeastern India. I've discovered as I've searched reviews online that there is some debate over the authenticity of this book ...nonetheless, it is a fascinating read.
NON-FICTION:
23. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan ****
A re-read for me from last year. This time I took notes for my own personal reference.
SPIRITUALITY:
24. A Praying Life by Paul Miller ****
I finished it last year but re-read parts because the ladies in my care group were still discussing it. Excellent and enlightening!
25. The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller ****
This is the first of his books that I've read and from what I've heard they are all excellent! I'm hoping the book club I just joined will chose The Reason for God or his new one, The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God.
26. Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness & Homosexuality by Wesley Hill ****
I will recommend this book wherever I go because I believe Wesley's story is one that desperately needs to be heard; by pastors, parents, siblings, friends, saved or unsaved, those who struggle with homosexual desires, and those that can't even fathom what that must be like. Intelligently written, with an unwavering commitment to Scripture, and yet heart-wrenchingly honest. It's a small book that you can read in a few hours. Add it to your reading list...better yet, buy your own copy because you'll want to share it!
27. Made To Crave by Lysa TerKeurst ****
In my opinion, the best book out there for those who struggle to practice self-control and good health habits. A humorous but thoroughly convicting "devotional" book that really made things click for me. I continue to go back to this one over and over.
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE:
28. Stuart Little by E.B. White **
I found portions a bit dry and outdated, but hey, it was written in 1945! Personally, I enjoyed Charlotte's Web more, and no doubt will be reading that one to Natalia soon.
29. Little House In The Big Woods, 30. Little House on the Prairie, and 31. On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder ***
I remember devouring these as a young girl. It's funny how your perspective changes once you become a mom. But, Natalia and I are both enjoying these as we read a chapter each night; we just started On the Shores of Silver Lake.
-and to end the year-
a CLASSIC:
32. Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
I'm only a few chapters in, but so far I like it. I doubt I'll finish it by tomorrow night, so you'll have to wait till next year for a rating.
***I am so excited to finally join a book club! I know it'll stretch me to read an even greater variety of genres in the coming year. The thought makes me giddy! (I know, I'm a bit strange.)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Movie Recommendations
A few nights ago Pete and I watched THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, a PG-13 drama, action, mystery, sci-fi, romance. (That's a lot of categories, but it truly is all of those!)
Matt Damon plays the character role and is just superb as David Norris, the youngest-ever New York State Representative in the running for a Senate seat; a man who is confident and assured that his future is firmly in his hands. Then he unexpectedly meets a young woman named Elise...and soon after learns that his choices have very little to do with how his life pans out. Why? Because, the Adjustment Bureau is a group of fedora-wearing suited agents that ensure that we all stick to The Plan, laid out by The Chairman.
The questions the movie asks are substantial and universal. Do our choices matter or is life ultimately scripted by a higher power? Do we have free will, and to what degree? What about chance?
I won't go into the plot more than that (you can find a trailer online if you're interested), but I will say that it was a film that both of us really enjoyed. It was delightfully funny and emotional, while provoking more thought than the tradional Hollywood fare.
I completely agree with the conclusion that PLUGGED IN ONLINE reviewer Adam R. Holz shared:
"So how far you go down the path of equating The Chairman with God may well be the determining factor in how you react to The Adjustment Bureau—both positively and negatively. But as you react, you'll realize that this film, which is based on a short story by sci-fi maestro Philip K. Dick, has managed to elevate itself to the status of rare big-budget Hollywood production: One that strives to deal intelligently and entertainingly with one of the stickiest subjects in human history. One that strives to leaves audiences thinking and talking about something significantly more substantive than cool special effects."
It is PG-13, so if you want to read Holz's full review, click on this link.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another movie I recently viewed is based upon the popular book by Tatiana de Rosnay, Sarah's Key.Earlier this fall I was a crazy woman and read the entire book in one day. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep that night. It was just so compelling, sleep didn't seem to matter, no matter how blurry and dried out my contact lenses were getting.
It's two stories in one, alternating between 1942 and 2009.
The first story centers on the Starzynski's, a Jewish family living in German-occupied Paris, FRANCE during WWII. On July 16th and 17th, 1942, they are rounded up by the French police with 13,152 others, largely emigrated Jews and their French-born children and grandchildren, and held in the Velodrome de Hivre (an indoor track) without food, water, and toilets. From there they are taken to Auschwitz. But as the roundup is taking place, Sarah, age 10, hides her 4-year-old brother, Michel, in a secret closet in the bedroom, and after promising to return for him, she locks the door and takes the key.
The modern story is of Julia Jarmond, an American journalist who is married to a Frenchman and living in Paris. She is familiar with the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup, as she has researched and written about it before, but suddenly she discovers Sarah and Michel's names are not listed among the deceased from Auschwitz. She begins her own investigation and makes a startling connection to the property her husband's family owns.
I found the movie to be a pretty true snapshot, albeit abbreviated as all film renditions are, of the novel. What really impressed me was the young actress who played Sarah! Oh my. She showed such depth and command of her emotions, I totally believed her! And Kristin Scott Thomas was wonderful as Julia, though I've always liked her as an actress.
An excellent book, and a heart-wrenchingly beautiful story. You must check out both!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Christmas Children's Book Collection
Over the last 2-3 years I've been gradually adding titles to our Christmas collection of books for the kids. Some are simply fun winter books, but the majority are a wide range of Christmas titles. And I've been pleased to find new or in good condition used copies on amazon--sometimes for pennies.
Here they are in no particular order, along with a few thoughts. (See any of your family favorites?)
1. THE TALE OF THREE TREES: A Traditional Folktale ~retold by Angela Elwell Hunt
This one never fails to choke me up! Three trees, each with dreams of what they'd become when they grew up, and how God's plan for each of them turned out to be very different (but far better) than they ever dreamed.
2. THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY ~Susan Wojciechowski
Our ex-library copy came with a CD narrated by James Earl Jones--which the kids just love. And I could stare at the beautiful watercolored illustrations for hours. They are breathtaking. It's a story of a hardened man rediscovering the meaning of Christmas.
3. THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING ~Rick Osborne
A simple story about selfless giving with a sub-lesson on Saint Nicholas and the origin of hanging Christmas stockings.
4. THE CRIPPLED LAMB ~Max Lucado
The illustrations didn't grip me as some in the other books, but the message that God has a special place for each of us, no matter how different we are, is a treasure.
5. MR. WILLOWBY'S CHRISTMAS TREE ~Robert Barry
This one is just so much fun! Mr. Willowby's tree is too tall for his fancy parlor, so he asks his butler to chop off the top. That top becomes someone else's Christmas tree, but alas it is too tall for their space,...and on and on. My kids ask me to read this one over and over!
6. THE CITY THAT FORGOT ABOUT CHRISTMAS ~Mary Warren
This was my favorite Christmas book from our church library some 30 years ago! It seemed much larger back then. Doesn't everything seem smaller than you remember it as a kid though? It's the story of a carpenter named Matthew who happens upon a village that no longer celebrates Christmas, and how he brings the message of Christ's love through carving a life-sized nativity.
7. THE VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS ~Paul L. Maier
Phenomenal illustrations, true depictions of the ethnicity of Jesus and the Middle Eastern region, and lots of biblical "footnotes" included in the story as it's related from a mother to her son. I found the dialogue between the mother and son distracting and a bit awkward in parts, but the richness of the biblical account totally makes up for it.
8. KATY AND THE BIG SNOW ~Virginia Lee Burton
For the train/tractor fans in your household, you can't go wrong with this story of Katy coming to the rescue for the city of Geoppolis.
9. HUMPHREY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS ~Carol Heyer
The first page contains the most amazing close-up of Humphrey's beautiful, long-lashed, and luminous eye. The second page elicits giggles everytime. Humphrey is the most awkward, goofy-looking camel you ever did see, and his thoughts are only for himself until he encounters the King of Kings. My only qualm with this book is that the three wise men visit the newborn Jesus in the stable, not later as the scriptures teach. A cute book none-the-less. Who can help but fall in love with the unlovely Humphrey?!
10. BEAR SNORES ON ~Karma Wilson
A wonderfully sychopated rhyme of a hibernating bear whose cave becomes a haven from the wintry weather for a gaggle of furry and feathered friends...that is until the bear wakes up! Another book with marvelous illustrations!
11. ONE WINTRY NIGHT ~Ruth Bell Graham
This Christmas book is really an abbreviated account of Creation through the Resurrection; eleven chapters that are for the attention span of at least a 5 year old. The thirty-some beautifully detailed, full page illustrations by Richard Jesse Watson are a feast for the eyes. Only minor details of the text left the impression that the author, Billy Graham's wife, was loosely paraphrasing. I have not yet shared this book in it's entirety with Natalia, but hope to this Christmas. A wonderful tool to bring the BIG picture into focus this holiday season.
12. FROGGY GETS DRESSED ~Jonathan London
This one is just plain silly. Aside from us asking the kids why it was wrong of Froggy to ignore his mother's admonition to go back to bed (frogs hibernate during the winter) this book illustrates the maddening exercise of getting dressed for the cold weather only to forget something!
What are some of your favorite winter/Christmas children's books?
I've picked up The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and want to re-read that one before I decide when to share it. And though it's a chapter book I remember reading Treasures Of The Snow as a young girl. (I am discovering how differently I assess books from my childhood, now that I'm a mother.) I'd also like to get a book that deals with the legend of Saint Nicholas more in depth.
Here they are in no particular order, along with a few thoughts. (See any of your family favorites?)
1. THE TALE OF THREE TREES: A Traditional Folktale ~retold by Angela Elwell Hunt
This one never fails to choke me up! Three trees, each with dreams of what they'd become when they grew up, and how God's plan for each of them turned out to be very different (but far better) than they ever dreamed.
2. THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY ~Susan Wojciechowski
Our ex-library copy came with a CD narrated by James Earl Jones--which the kids just love. And I could stare at the beautiful watercolored illustrations for hours. They are breathtaking. It's a story of a hardened man rediscovering the meaning of Christmas.
3. THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING ~Rick Osborne
A simple story about selfless giving with a sub-lesson on Saint Nicholas and the origin of hanging Christmas stockings.
4. THE CRIPPLED LAMB ~Max Lucado
The illustrations didn't grip me as some in the other books, but the message that God has a special place for each of us, no matter how different we are, is a treasure.
5. MR. WILLOWBY'S CHRISTMAS TREE ~Robert Barry
This one is just so much fun! Mr. Willowby's tree is too tall for his fancy parlor, so he asks his butler to chop off the top. That top becomes someone else's Christmas tree, but alas it is too tall for their space,...and on and on. My kids ask me to read this one over and over!
6. THE CITY THAT FORGOT ABOUT CHRISTMAS ~Mary Warren
This was my favorite Christmas book from our church library some 30 years ago! It seemed much larger back then. Doesn't everything seem smaller than you remember it as a kid though? It's the story of a carpenter named Matthew who happens upon a village that no longer celebrates Christmas, and how he brings the message of Christ's love through carving a life-sized nativity.
7. THE VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS ~Paul L. Maier
Phenomenal illustrations, true depictions of the ethnicity of Jesus and the Middle Eastern region, and lots of biblical "footnotes" included in the story as it's related from a mother to her son. I found the dialogue between the mother and son distracting and a bit awkward in parts, but the richness of the biblical account totally makes up for it.
8. KATY AND THE BIG SNOW ~Virginia Lee Burton
For the train/tractor fans in your household, you can't go wrong with this story of Katy coming to the rescue for the city of Geoppolis.
9. HUMPHREY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS ~Carol Heyer
The first page contains the most amazing close-up of Humphrey's beautiful, long-lashed, and luminous eye. The second page elicits giggles everytime. Humphrey is the most awkward, goofy-looking camel you ever did see, and his thoughts are only for himself until he encounters the King of Kings. My only qualm with this book is that the three wise men visit the newborn Jesus in the stable, not later as the scriptures teach. A cute book none-the-less. Who can help but fall in love with the unlovely Humphrey?!
10. BEAR SNORES ON ~Karma Wilson
A wonderfully sychopated rhyme of a hibernating bear whose cave becomes a haven from the wintry weather for a gaggle of furry and feathered friends...that is until the bear wakes up! Another book with marvelous illustrations!
11. ONE WINTRY NIGHT ~Ruth Bell Graham
This Christmas book is really an abbreviated account of Creation through the Resurrection; eleven chapters that are for the attention span of at least a 5 year old. The thirty-some beautifully detailed, full page illustrations by Richard Jesse Watson are a feast for the eyes. Only minor details of the text left the impression that the author, Billy Graham's wife, was loosely paraphrasing. I have not yet shared this book in it's entirety with Natalia, but hope to this Christmas. A wonderful tool to bring the BIG picture into focus this holiday season.
12. FROGGY GETS DRESSED ~Jonathan London
This one is just plain silly. Aside from us asking the kids why it was wrong of Froggy to ignore his mother's admonition to go back to bed (frogs hibernate during the winter) this book illustrates the maddening exercise of getting dressed for the cold weather only to forget something!
What are some of your favorite winter/Christmas children's books?
I've picked up The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and want to re-read that one before I decide when to share it. And though it's a chapter book I remember reading Treasures Of The Snow as a young girl. (I am discovering how differently I assess books from my childhood, now that I'm a mother.) I'd also like to get a book that deals with the legend of Saint Nicholas more in depth.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
Someone recommended Lake Tobias Wildlife Park to us as a great place to take kids that was semi-local and affordable, we just can't remember who. But it's been on my radar for awhile now, especially since I acquired 2 coupons for "buy one get one free" safari tour passes that expired end of this month. We had put it on the calendar for this past Saturday and were blessed with an absolutely gorgeous day of weather!
Pete's mother joined us and the five of us spent about 2-3 hours enjoying only part of what Lake Tobias offers. It's located about 10-15 minutes north of Halifax, a little over an hour's drive for us. Admission is $5 for those over the age of 3. The safari tour is an additional $5 but the 45 min. excursion in the camouflaged convertible school bus is so very worth it!
If you go on the safari tour, try to sit right at the front! We didn't plan it, but our front seats offered THE BEST opportunities to touch the animals.
TEXAS LONGHORN CATTLE and OSTRICH
This NORTH AMERICAN BISON was just a baby, but absolutely massive!
ASIAN WATER BUFFALO
A mama YAK with baby that was 3 days old!
An ELAND, the world's largest anteloupe, found in South Africa. They are typically 6 feet tall at the shoulder.
SCOTTISH HIGHLAND CATTLE
A cross between a zebra and a donkey: ZEBKEY, ZEDONK, DONKRA, DONKZE...
ELK (female) She came onboard to retrieve some animal "crackers" from our tour guide.
Lots of deer, llamas, ostriches, and then back at the park were some large cats, bear, camels, armadillos, reptiles, monkeys, birds, farm animals, etc. Both of the kids got to pet a constrictor snake and a caymen alligator.
Not only are the exhibits great, there are playgrounds for the kids, lots of pavilion space and picnic tables. We packed our lunch and enjoy the canopy of pine trees on a little peninsula in the lake.
We will definately go back sometime, probably a weekend in October since the weather isn't so hot and our tour guide said it gets crowded in the summer.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Unbroken
I'm going to make a prediction.
I know it's only March, but I'm pretty sure I just read my favorite book of the year.
UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand
is a true-life story that is IN-CRE-DI-BLE!
Think THE GLASS CASTLE (by Jeannette Walls) meets THE HIDING PLACE (by Corrie Ten Boom).
As a boy, Louie Zamperini was the terror of his neighborhood, and that is a ridiculous understatement. (You'll see what I mean after the first few pages.)
As a teen he found something that kept him out of trouble--running--specifically the mile. He was so good he competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. While there, he met Hitler and was roommates with Jesse Owens. (Reading this first-hand account of the Olympic try-outs and competition was so very interesting, especially since it was during the WWII era, which I find particularly fascinating.)
In September 1941, the 24-year-old enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces, and was eventually deployed to Hawaii as a B-24 bombardier. (He arrived several months after the Pearl Harbor invasion.) It was during a mission in May 1943 that his plane went down in the Pacific, and all but he and 2 others died.
They would survive 47 days with basically no provisions, catching fish and birds, fending off sharks, and Japanese planes that strafed them from the air.
Louie would go on to survive 2 years in captivity, traveling from one Japanese camp to another. Even though each camp would be more horrible than the one before, the determination and ingenuity of the prisoners grew too as they struggled to regain their dignity.
After the war, Zamperini returned home to California, and despite a hero's welcome, he was tormented by his memories of his captors. He turned to alcohol, and though it threatened to tear his marriage apart, he didn't see how his life was spiralling out of control.
Then, one night, he found himself sitting under a big-top tent, the smell of sawdust underfoot, and heard the clear strong voice of a young man from North Carolina sharing the message of the gospel...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can't say enough about this book. You just have to read it!
I know it sounds like a difficult read because of the heavy subject matter, but let me tell you, the ending is SO VERY INSPIRATIONAL! I couldn't say that about Walls books...they left me slack-jawed and mad.
Today, Louie is 94, and is leaving a legacy that is more about forgiveness and the grace of God, than his wartime experiences. And he is a force to be reckoned with! (Just how many people run, skateboard, and rockclimb in their 80's?!?!?)
I know it's only March, but I'm pretty sure I just read my favorite book of the year.
UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand
is a true-life story that is IN-CRE-DI-BLE!
Think THE GLASS CASTLE (by Jeannette Walls) meets THE HIDING PLACE (by Corrie Ten Boom).As a boy, Louie Zamperini was the terror of his neighborhood, and that is a ridiculous understatement. (You'll see what I mean after the first few pages.)
As a teen he found something that kept him out of trouble--running--specifically the mile. He was so good he competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. While there, he met Hitler and was roommates with Jesse Owens. (Reading this first-hand account of the Olympic try-outs and competition was so very interesting, especially since it was during the WWII era, which I find particularly fascinating.)
In September 1941, the 24-year-old enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces, and was eventually deployed to Hawaii as a B-24 bombardier. (He arrived several months after the Pearl Harbor invasion.) It was during a mission in May 1943 that his plane went down in the Pacific, and all but he and 2 others died.
They would survive 47 days with basically no provisions, catching fish and birds, fending off sharks, and Japanese planes that strafed them from the air.
Louie would go on to survive 2 years in captivity, traveling from one Japanese camp to another. Even though each camp would be more horrible than the one before, the determination and ingenuity of the prisoners grew too as they struggled to regain their dignity.
After the war, Zamperini returned home to California, and despite a hero's welcome, he was tormented by his memories of his captors. He turned to alcohol, and though it threatened to tear his marriage apart, he didn't see how his life was spiralling out of control.
Then, one night, he found himself sitting under a big-top tent, the smell of sawdust underfoot, and heard the clear strong voice of a young man from North Carolina sharing the message of the gospel...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can't say enough about this book. You just have to read it!
I know it sounds like a difficult read because of the heavy subject matter, but let me tell you, the ending is SO VERY INSPIRATIONAL! I couldn't say that about Walls books...they left me slack-jawed and mad.
Today, Louie is 94, and is leaving a legacy that is more about forgiveness and the grace of God, than his wartime experiences. And he is a force to be reckoned with! (Just how many people run, skateboard, and rockclimb in their 80's?!?!?)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
What's Different This Time...
A few weeks ago I posted on how, in my struggle with my weight, the role of food in my life, and my solution attempts, I've been functionally Godless. I'd recognize that God was the one bringing convinction, but when I'd seek to do something about it, I would proceed in my own strength and wisdom.
First of all, one of the things God impressed on me a few weeks back was that He needed to play the central role this time. I've been asking Him to show me how to do that, and what resources I should use. I've been so encouraged and filled with hope because He has and continues to do so.
First of all, I'm using my cravings as a prompt to pray. Praying about our struggles seems like a no-brainer, right? But I never did that when it came to this issue! Now, when I really want to snack on what I'm craving instead of practicing restraint or choosing something beneficial for my body, I pray.
"...a funny truth to share about the healthy eating plan I chose. Basically, I eat what a wild animal eats--meat and things that grow naturally from the earth. Only I cook my food and use manners. I was immediately encouraged by the possibilities of this new eating plan because I have yet to see an overweight animal in the wild lamenting over excess cellulite."
For those of you who are wondering why the food we eat has anything to do with God or spirituality, let me encourage you to keep reading.
First of all, one of the things God impressed on me a few weeks back was that He needed to play the central role this time. I've been asking Him to show me how to do that, and what resources I should use. I've been so encouraged and filled with hope because He has and continues to do so.
First of all, I'm using my cravings as a prompt to pray. Praying about our struggles seems like a no-brainer, right? But I never did that when it came to this issue! Now, when I really want to snack on what I'm craving instead of practicing restraint or choosing something beneficial for my body, I pray.
As I've put myself out there and shared, I've had others who struggle with the same thing reach out to me. I never had that before. New friendships are being born and having their partnership and accountability has fueled me.
I found an excellent book to read during my quiet time with the Lord each morning. MADE TO CRAVE: SATISFYING YOUR DEEPEST DESIRE WITH GOD, NOT FOOD by Lysa TerKeurst. Her writing is super honest, funny, and theologically spot-on.
I am thankful for how God has been leading Pete and I to make healthier food source choices in the last few years. While we still have much room for improvement, that part of the equation isn't the biggest issue. My attitude towards food and lack of exercise get top billing. This book has been so very helpful in showing me the deeper, spiritual issues at work in my heart.
My hubby agreed to do the Couch to 5k program with me for the next 9 weeks. It's free, the schedule can be found easily online, and combines walking and running--slowly but steadily increasing your ability to run 3 miles.
Running scares me. Years ago I was super athletic. Now, my unused muscles are protesting and the hills are alive with the sound of groaning. But I'm doing it! Pete is faithfully kicking me out of bed (figuratively speaking, of course) at 5:30am three mornings a week, and I'm lapping my neighborhood in the pitch black dark--my headlamp keeping me from slipping on any ice.
A few quotes from Lysa's book.
"Is it possible we love and rely on food more than we love and rely on God?" ..."I had to get honest enough to admit it: I relied on food more than I relied on God. I craved food more than I craved God. Food was my comfort. Food was my reward. Food was my joy. Food was what I turned to in times of stress, sadness, and even in times of happiness."
"Does God really care about our food?" ..."Yes, I think He does."..."God never intended for us to want anything more than we want Him. Just the slightest glimpse into His Word proves that. Look at what the Bible says about God's chosen people, the Israelites, when they wanted food more than they wanted God: 'They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved' (Psalm 78:18). Yikes.""...a funny truth to share about the healthy eating plan I chose. Basically, I eat what a wild animal eats--meat and things that grow naturally from the earth. Only I cook my food and use manners. I was immediately encouraged by the possibilities of this new eating plan because I have yet to see an overweight animal in the wild lamenting over excess cellulite."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for all of you who have expressed that you are praying for me in this area. I truly appreciate it.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Grooveshark
My recent Favorite Things post included a link to a free listening music website called Grooveshark. On the day of my post I had trouble opening it, as occasionally in the past, but it has failed to open for me since then. Grrrrrr.
Tonight my wonderful hubby found the old version online and it works!!!!
Here is the link in case you too were wondering what was up.
Tonight my wonderful hubby found the old version online and it works!!!!
Here is the link in case you too were wondering what was up.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Favorite Things
I wanted to share some of my new favorite things.
First up...
1. GROOVESHARK.
This is a free, online, music website that allows you to create your own playlist. I've been a heavy user of PANDORA and enjoy the variety they offer, but at times want to listen exclusively to a particular artist. Enter GROOVESHARK. Go here to check it out. ***Every now and then it freaks out and won't open, like it did today of course. But if that happens, you always have PANDORA. :-)
4. Ever check out the blogs people list on their sidebar? May I direct you to one, pronto?
SIT A SPELL is the blog of Aaron and Heather Hendrick, a young couple from Texas with 4 boys, the youngest one they adopted. Last August they moved to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. I heart Heather. She says it like it is, even though she'd be the first to tell ya it ain't always pretty, she adores her hubby and sons, is passionate about the poor, the oppressed, and is putting her faith into action in the nitty gritty everyday life of one of the poorest countries on Earth. She makes me laugh and cry like no other. Must read!!!! Click here.
Some of my favorite posts from 2010:
(Scroll all the way down to the bottom of her sidebar to access her archives.)
First up...
1. GROOVESHARK.
This is a free, online, music website that allows you to create your own playlist. I've been a heavy user of PANDORA and enjoy the variety they offer, but at times want to listen exclusively to a particular artist. Enter GROOVESHARK. Go here to check it out. ***Every now and then it freaks out and won't open, like it did today of course. But if that happens, you always have PANDORA. :-)
2. and 3. They piggy-back on the first. If it'd be possible to wear out a playlist, I'm certainly trying. LEELAND and MEREDITH ANDREWS have been playing continously thanks to my computer in the kitchen. Love their lyrics, their sound, the way they help me worship in the midst of my day.
4. Ever check out the blogs people list on their sidebar? May I direct you to one, pronto?
SIT A SPELL is the blog of Aaron and Heather Hendrick, a young couple from Texas with 4 boys, the youngest one they adopted. Last August they moved to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. I heart Heather. She says it like it is, even though she'd be the first to tell ya it ain't always pretty, she adores her hubby and sons, is passionate about the poor, the oppressed, and is putting her faith into action in the nitty gritty everyday life of one of the poorest countries on Earth. She makes me laugh and cry like no other. Must read!!!! Click here.
Some of my favorite posts from 2010:
(Scroll all the way down to the bottom of her sidebar to access her archives.)
- Aug. 30 Jumping in a Different Pool
- Aug. 31 A Day in the Life Series?
- Sept. 7 This is the way we wash the dishes...
- Oct. 19 The New Naked
- Nov. 17 Cereal Boxes = Hope
- Nov. 20 Living Skeletons
5. Vanilla Chai Pudding.
It couldn't be easier or tastier.
Warm 1 c. milk until steaming. Steep 2 Chai tea bags in it for 5 minutes. Add 1 c. cold milk to it and refrigerate till cool. Whisk in a box instant vanilla pudding. Chill for about 1 hour. Sprinkle with cinnamon (or go all out and use a spiced spekulatius cookie in place of a spoon).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, now share one of your favorite things in my comment box, pretty please. :-)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Temple Grandin
Last night Pete and I watched a film we rented through Netflix and it was PHENOMENAL! I had to share it with you all.
First, here is the synopsis from the slipcover:
"Emmy winner Claire Danes stars as Temple Grandin, a brilliant young woman coping with the stigma of autism at a time when it was misunderstood. With the support of her loving family, Temple dedicates herself to learning and becomes a famed animal behavorialist. Her passion for animals gives her a unique ability to understand them, and she fulfills her love of education by teaching about autism and the most humane ways to treat both livestock and pets".
Okay, so that sounds somewhat interesting, right? Ten minutes into the movie, Pete remarked, "WHY has this been sitting on our shelf for the last 3 weeks?!" That should tell ya somethin'.
Secondly, take a look at this. Who would have thought a wikipedia entry could be so inspiring?!
I haven't seen a film in a long time that moved me to the extent that this one did. Claire Danes was superb! Winning the Best Actress in a Drama for her role was certainly well-deserved!
Add this one to your queue, get ready to laugh, cry, and be captivated by an incredible true-life story!
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