Tag Archives: literature

Book Review: Where the Red Fern Grows

20 Wednesday May 2020

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I recently reread this classic that also made the first spot on the list of books that brought tears to my eyes. Reading this as an adult affirmed its status in literature. Wilson Rawls wrote a story about a boy worthy of our cheers as he worked to buy and train his hunting dogs. Immersed in the poor, rural setting, I felt a content participant in Billy’s life. I wanted to encourage him on his quest to become the best coon hunter as I saw the people in his life come together for a common cause. Loyalty and dedication abounded as positive themes throughout the story, not only from the dogs but from Billy as well. He made a good example what it takes to overcome odds and meet goals.

Women’s History Reading List

11 Monday Mar 2019

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As we nearly reach the halfway point of Women’s History Month, I have some reading recommendations. They include stories of women’s strength in their own identity, family and aspirations. These women have different backgrounds to better demonstrate the various ways women develop.

women history

 

As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner: This story takes place during the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1918 and follows a family of women. The mother and her three daughters all show such physical and emotional strength as they work together to keep their family together and healthy. Meissner shows depth in these characters and paints a vivid picture of Philadelphia during that time and the horror of the Spanish Flu plaguing it. The sisterly bonds show triumphant strength.

Circe by Madeline Miller: The mythological story of Circe blew me away. This story about sums up my knowledge on Greek gods, but it makes me want to learn more. The setting may differ drastically from any place we may experience, yet it still holds a relatable anchor to it. Boy does Circe have a well of strength. Isolated as punishment, she finds a way to make her days tolerable and even makes connections. Ultimately, she creates a meaningful life.

Becoming by Michelle Obama: I haven’t finished this one yet, but at the beginning it becomes clear the former First Lady of the United States has a high level of intelligence and a unique perspective. While I hope I never know what it feels like to live or work in the White House in any capacity, I have high hopes of what insight I can learn from her experiences in and outside the White House. Even as a child, Obama knows what she wants and stands on her values. She has achieved so much personally and professionally due to her strength.

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin: This book is on my upcoming shelf, and I have looked forward to reading this for awhile since I really enjoy the movie. The story follows Eilis as she ventures from Ireland to Brooklyn seeking a better life than what she and her family have. By herself, she finds a job and makes a new home as an immigrant. I love her quiet strength as she faces so many unknowns alone.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson: The timing for her new book that follows up this one works perfectly. In her groundbreaking book inspired by her own sexual assault story as a teen, Anderson gives an authentic look at the fear and turmoil stirred by such pain. It has shown uncountable women they have a voice and can use it. Using her voice, Melinda demonstrates her strength.

 

*Susan Meissner’s latest book The Last Year of the War releases next week. I have an ARC of it and eagerly look forward to diving into another Meissner novel.

 

The Great American Reader: The Count of Monte Cristo – Gossip Disguised

30 Wednesday Jan 2019

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After Edmond Dantes escapes prison, and by extension his wrongful sentence, his identity becomes more complicated. So does the plot. Two men staying in Rome make arrangements to witness an execution, a spectacle that has attracted audiences all over the world throughout history. Tablets arrive informing them of the condemned and their crimes. The details have prominence on signs throughout the area, and they get this visibility under the guise of getting those who see it to pray that the guilty parties repent.

Like those signs pose a positive interest of restoring the guilty parties while really drawing the crowd for entertainment, we too spread not so flattering information about people. Sometimes we share the story with a slant that we want to pray for them too. Maybe sometimes that really holds truth. However, we need to challenge our motives. Are we helping this person in some way by telling their crime? Or do we want to make this person look bad, perhaps making ourselves look better at the same time? Let’s evaluate our speech before it leaves our mouths. We can seek to build others up rather than tear them down to feed our pride. In reality, we all stand guilty. God gives us grace, and we can extend that to others.

 

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” 

Proverbs 18:21

 

 

 

The Great American Reader: The Count of Monte Cristo – Belief

15 Tuesday Jan 2019

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Dantes has escaped the prison at Chateau D’if! He has accomplished no small feat and during a storm no less. After joining a new crew, he eventually steers their ship to his destination. His prison mate Faria has left Dantes with the secrets to find the treasure. Now he has to find the right cave.

The island at first appears to have no more caves. Dantes considers how the landscape could have changed over time. He ponders if rocks could have sealed the entryway. Finally, he even accepts it may never have existed and he has fallen into a false belief. Yet even in his despair and acceptance of that possibility, he continues thinking of the chance that the desired treasure may exist. That leads him to the ultimate discovery. He uses a new approach to see if whoever hid the treasure created a false barrier to the entrance. This proving true, Dantes at lasts breaks through and discovers gold and jewels aplenty.

The crisis of belief Dantes experiences resembles the human struggle to maintain faith. Sometimes we know the truth and have heard the story telling us how to find our treasure or destination or purpose. Yet we doubt what we know. We wonder if a mistake has been made; maybe those treasures aren’t intended for us. Maybe they never existed at all. Dantes knows others make fun of his friend Faria’s stories of treasure; they consider him mad. Dantes eventually wonders if they have the right perspective. We do the same when others scoff at our goals or values. Yet the treasure does exist. It may seem crazy or counterintuitive, but the continued belief and persistence to keep figuring out the next step and taking it makes it possible to discover. Remember that God holds true to His promises no matter what anyone else says.

Top 10 Books I Read in 2018

01 Tuesday Jan 2019

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Happy New Year! As we begin a fresh calendar year, I want to share my top reads from 2018. That way we can start our reading lists with good titles and a reminder of the plethora of wonderful reads awaiting us.

 

  1. How to Walk Away by Katherine Center: This book follows a woman my age as she finishes her MBA program. As she anticipates starting her new job and accepting her fiancé’s proposal, her dreams literally go up in flames in a plane crash. Margaret must learn to heal physically, emotionally and mentally as she learns a new way of life and builds new dreams. Talk about a reminder of human resiliency. This book demonstrates hope and holds a wonderful sweetness.
  2. Wonder by R.J. Palacio: This read also reminds readers of human strength. It proves the power of kindness, especially in small actions. Little boy August constantly deals with obstacles in life, some seen by others and some not. He faces ridicule and misunderstanding by his peers, but he maintains strength in character. I highly recommend to readers of all ages as we all need to show more kindness.
  3. This Must Be the Place by Maggie O’Farrell: A complicated family tale, this story delves into the depths of familial relationships. Daniel Sullivan encounters tragedy and triumph as he navigates his life and looks back on his mistakes and accomplishments. Through it all, we see the core of a family and how it holds together, sometimes in unexpected ways.
  4. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han: This YA gem hits the mark! It makes such a sweet, fun story, and it even introduces a character with a Korean background. Not to mention, it involves a teenage girl with admirable qualities (I find it especially refreshing to see a realistic and innocent perspective on sex). The book takes you to the thrills of high school while also exploring the angst and growth experienced during that sometimes tumultuous time. *The movie did a great job capturing all this on screen too. I’d consider Peter for a Valentine nominee this year.
  5. The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck: This has introduced me to Hauck, and I wholeheartedly look forward to reading more of her books (I have a couple in my birthday book stack). The story goes back and forth in time between two young women embarking on writing careers and struggling to find mutual understanding with their mothers. Each one faces obstacles and yearns to stay true to her values and to develop her faith. The issues are relatable, and the women likeable.
  6. Circe by Madeline Miller: Circe serves as my pleasant surprise for the year. Getting my first deeper look into Greek mythology, I find myself more interested after reading this book. The themes of isolation, abandonment, love, connection and more play out in unique ways. I have enjoyed getting pulled into such a different story and learning some of the characters’ background.
  7. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn: Finn’s debut also goes outside my typical realm as it fits into the mystery/thriller category. However, to my appreciation, this book doesn’t involve gory violence or other sick scenarios. In an homage to Hitchcock style movies, it explores the real pitfalls of isolation and mental health. It sends a positive message of the importance of connection. Now I want to watch some of the movies that inspired Finn.
  8. Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center: A release coming later this year, Center’s next book continues her sweet stories with positive outlooks. It explores building new relationships and forgiving people who have caused significant harm. Again, it reminds us of the power of human connection and a strength and hope to move forward.
  9. Fiercehearted by Holley Gerth: Gerth feels like a kindred spirit in her devotional style book with short chapters. Each anecdote carries such an authentic tone, and she has a unique perspective always open to learning. Seemingly ordinary details in life become opportunities to grow. She reminds me that God speaks to us at all times, willing to guide us at every step.
  10. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery: I can now say I’ve read this classic, and I love it. Anne has such a contagious positive outlook on life. Orphaned and learning from her adoptive mom Marilla how to lead a more civilized life, Anne’s imagination both gets her into trouble and keeps her head up. She takes her lessons in stride and makes so much progress.

 

Cheers to another great year of reading!