May Book List

41.  The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer-(****) (280 pages) I can't even tell you how many people have told me that they thought I would love Georgette Heyer's books.  I think she was a contemporary with Dickens....  don't raise an uproar if I'm wrong ok?  Anyway, she wrote a bunch of romances and some mysteries.  I read one of her romances a while ago and it kept my interest and I guess I enjoyed it... but, not enough to go looking for more of her books.  Then a friend of mine read this one and said it was awesome, so I checked it out.  And it is pretty great.  Very funny.  Predictable, but still engaging and I loved all of the characters.  I might look up more of her books.  :)

42.  Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson-(**) (244 pages) 1981 Newberry Award Winner.  Quite frankly, utterly depressing.  Two stars because it was very well written and the book had it's moments that I enjoyed, but, overall I found myself racing to finish it.  Because I didn't want to read it anymore.  The subject matter is weighty and quite a project to tackle.  Self-loathing, low self-esteem, etc. are things that many young people deal with and I wholeheartedly agree that the subject should be addressed.  But, I did not care for the way Paterson addressed it.  Not at all.  Young people that deal with these issues should be encouraged to talk about their fears.  I think it's dangerous to imply that if you just hang on until some indefinite point, it's possible that things may make sense one day.  Maybe.  Unfortunately many young people will have given up by the time that elusive point comes along.  I myself have had similar struggles (although not to the extent that Louise does in the book.  Reading about Louise's problems did not encourage me that other people felt the way I did.  Instead it depressed me.)  The book also has some rather adult elements in it that I would rather not have kids reading.  If I had kids.  :)  Note to parents:  Whatever you do, make a point of making sure ALL of your kids know how much you love them.  :)

43.  Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie-(**) (100 pages) I didn't even finish this one.  The first couple of short stories were good.  Awesome even.  But, I'm beginning to discover that a lot of Christie's short stories are actually ghost stories.  BORING. 

44.  The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner -(****) (280 pages) 1997 Newberry Honor Award.  I don't think I really understood this book the first time I read it.  I enjoyed it much more the second time through.
45.  A Holiday for Murder by Agatha Christie -(*****)  (167 pages) Maybe it's just me... but I think this is one of Agatha Christie's best works.

46.  Missing May by Cynthia Rylant- (***) (89 page) 1992 Newberry.  I have mixed feelings about this book.  One the one hand, it's beautiful.  The words, I mean.  Short and sweet, which I greatly admire.  It's about grief, and moving on and as far as that goes, I think this book is a jewel.  On the other hand, I hesitate to recommend it because of language, and some spiritual content.  Namely, the idea that communicating with the dead by way of a spiritual medium is perfectly ok.  I don't want to go into detail because I'd end up giving away spoilers.  But, that's my opinion.

47.  The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart -(*****)  (485 pages)  I think I already reviewed this book last time I read it.  So, this time around I'll just say that I LOVE THE BENEDICT SOCIETY!  I really do.  This book goes on my "Should've won a Newberry" list.  Now, THIS is the kind of book I'm talking about when I say books should be a good example, books should promote teamwork, education, books should inspire, books for kids should have CLEAN LANGUAGE.  I absolutely love the fact that the author does not feel he needs to cheapen his work with a lot of bad language.  Stewart says his inspiration for this book came from the belief that children are often seen, rarely heard, and always underestimated!  I can't decide which member of the Benedict Society is my favorite.  I incline towards Reynie.  I identify with him the most, even though he's eons above me intellectually.  But, then I LOVE Kate.  Love her.  I'm grinning right now.  And Sticky melts my heart.  And who wouldn't love Constance?  Seriously?  And of course, Milligan.  'Nough said. 

48.  The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner - (****) (360 pages)  Again, I don't think I really "got" this book the first time around.  Much more enjoyable this time.  I'm beginning to see why Turner has such devoted and enamored fans. 

49.  The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner -(****) (385 pages) Third installment of the Thief series and I actually love that this book is told from an entirely new and different viewpoint. (side note: I love Costis, and totally sympathize with him.)  However, I feel like the author keeps trying to recreate the feeling and original mystery of the first book by making Eugenides an enigma.  But, by now, we already know exactly who he is and so it's a little redundant.  And that's my main reason (other than language) that this book doesn't get 5 stars.  This is the third time Eugenides is hurt enough to be forced to remain in bed for enough of the book to make it a plot turning point.  And earrings.  I'm a little creeped out that he's so into earrings.  That could just be me.  In fact, it probably is.  Ignore me. 

50.  The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart -(*****) (440 pages)  Have I mentioned that I LOVE the Benedict Society?  I do.  And I think I have a little crush on Milligan. 

51.  After the Funeral by Agatha Christie -(****) (192 pages) Very fast paced, as all of Christie's works.  Enjoyable.  Genius.

52.  Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix -(****)  (218 pages)  First of all, I love Haddix's writing style and her characters.   After that...  hmmm....  This is one of those books that addresses deep subjects for which there are so many questions and very elusive answers.  But, as one character says "I don't know all the answers, but I've asked all the questions."  I have to give Haddix huge points for even addressing topics like human cloning.  Personally, I'm against human cloning.  But, I've always wondered... what about the person? (assuming human cloning is even achieved.)  It's not their fault they're a clone, right?  Just like a child conceived in sin (out of wedlock) is not responsible for the sins of their parents.  There are a lot of questions.  Not as many answers readily available.  The one answer that the author seems to give us is "Life always wins."  Does life really always win?  I have to believe that in a world where God is in control that it does.  Even when bad things happen life can always come from it, right?  So many questions... but, as usual Haddix manages to wrap everything up super satisfactorily.  Which, in itself is very unrealistic, but so is human cloning.  I think.  
  

On Books and Reading

 "Reynie's heart gave a lurch when he entered the library.  He loved it instantly, as he did all libraries..."  -Trenton Lee Stewart, The Mysterious Benedict Society
 
For as long as I can remember libraries have made my heart lurch, my stomach churn, my blood pound.  Such a startling contradiction of two worlds simultaneously co-existing.  One world where stale, still air and somber colors, dust and solitude are sacred. 

"The world is quiet here."- Lemony Snicket

The other world defies explanation.  Because it is always changing, always unknown, always unpredictable, and it depends on which book you open.  

There are books so alive that you're always afraid that while you weren't reading, the book has gone and changed, has shifted like a river; while you went on living, it went on living too, and like a river moved on and moved away.  No one has stepped twice into the same river.  But did anyone ever step twice into the same book? ~Marina Tsvetaeva

A lot of people have asked me why I love to read.  Some people have hinted or even flat out stated that reading is a waste of time.  I agree that not everyone is made of reader material.  So, if you're not a reader, you probably don't understand.  But, that's ok.  There are many things about other people that I don't understand.  But, there are many things about people that I DO understand... because I read.  There are so many different types of books that it's hard to lump them all into one general classification.  Just like there are educational movies about science that are used in college classrooms, and there are movies about Thomas the Tank Engine that are used in pre-school day cares.  There are fluffy books, garbage books, dry books, adventure books, classics, books 1000 pages long all about one person's opinion.

Take a glance at my book lists and you'll see what sort of books I enjoy reading.  Do I think they're a waste of time?  NOT at all.  Here's why:  Every book I read was written by a person I've never met.  No matter the subject, that person has put a lot of themselves into their book.  They write about their opinions, their view of the world, their perception on people, and their personal beliefs whether they really intend to or not.  Reading the work of an author is like reading a little bit of their heart, sweat, blood and tears.  I have learned so much about the world from reading.  Where else could I have a heart to heart conversation with so many different people? 

I'm of the opinion that everyone should read.  You don't have to make it a hobby like I do.  But, read a book a month.  A book every six months...  Whatever you can manage.  A little reading goes a long way.

Today...

I would love very much to show you pictures of my first ever gardening project!

Alas, the camera isn't here *sigh*

Ah Well...

tomorrow.


On another note, I've started Pilates and I'm really enjoying them so far! I'll be in shape before you know it! (Maybe)

I've been working on the same sewing project for weeks (maybe months) now, and I'm down to the very last step, sewing in the hook and eye, so hopefully, I'll be able to share pictures of that soon, also.

Current Reading:



How did you all like Dr. Jak's Fashion post I did a couple of weeks ago? I'm going to try to make that a regular thing on this blog and also over on the IDD BLOG as well.
Ok.

I hope you all have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Bible Challenge Week Twelve!!! LAST WEEK!

Monday: Acts 6:8 thru Acts 16:37

Tuesday: Acts 16:38 through Acts 28:16

Wednesday: Acts 28:17 thru Romans 14:23

Thursday: Romans 15:1 thru 1 Corinthians 14:40

Friday: 1 Corinthians 15:1 thru Galatians 3:25

Saturday: Galations 3:26 thru Col. 4:18

Sunday: 1 Thess 1:1 thru Philemon 25

Monday: Heb 1:1 through James 3:12

Tuesday: James 3:13 through 3 John 14

Wednesday: Jude 1 through Revelation 22:21


You're done!!! Great job!!!

Bible Challenge Week Eleven

Monday: Matthew 26:57 thru Mark 9:13

Tuesday: Mark 9:14 thru Luke 1:80

Wednesday: Luke 2:1 thru Luke 9:62

Thursday: Luke 10:1 thru Luke 20:19

Friday: Luke 20:20 thru John 5:47

Saturday: John 6:1 thru John 15:17

Sunday: John 15:19 thru Acts 6:7

You're in the homestretch!!!!

How is everyone doing??

Quiz I stole from Debbie

1. Which book do you irrationally cringe away from reading, despite seeing only positive reviews?

Lord of the Rings trilogy. I know I should read them. I know I should. I just... don't. That is irrational, isn't it?

2. Borrowing shamelessly from the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde, you are told you can't die until you read the most boring novel on the planet. While this immortality is great for a while, eventually you realize it’s past time to die. Which book would you expect to get you a nice grave?

hmmm... well, War and Peace might be boring... then again, I might get interested in it and live longer... :)

3. Which book have you pretended, or at least hinted, that you’ve read, when in fact you’ve been nowhere near it?

*looks around* *whispers* I haven't actually read Pride and Prejudice all the way through *dives behind sofa*

4. You’re interviewing for the post of Official Book Adviser to some VIP (who’s not a big reader). What’s the first book you’d recommend and why?

Depends on what kind of VIP. Seriously, I would try to find something that was entertaining and addressed issues I knew they would be interested in. So, this is a tough question. Off the top of my head... Looking Glass Wars, Chronicles of Narnia, just to whet the appetite, they're easy reads and very engrossing. Then, we'd start on Dicken's, because VIP's just need to read Dicken's. And Hugo.

5.A good fairy comes and grants you one wish: you will have perfect reading comprehension in the foreign language of your choice. Which language do you go with?

Hmm.... probly French

6. A mischievous fairy comes and says that you must choose one book that you will reread once a year for the rest of your life (you can read other books as well). Which book would you choose?
What book am I not already reading annually? :) Ok, I'll say, Nicholas Nickleby, or no, Our Mutual Friend, or wait! Emma! no, no.... Looking Glass Wars, or The Ark, or The Chestry Oak...The Count of Monte Cristo! *ahem* I need to quit my job and become a full-time reader. Is there anyone out there willing to pay me to do that? *smiles angelically*


7. That good fairy is back for one final visit. Now, she’s granting you your dream library! Describe it. Is everything leather-bound? Is it full of first edition hard covers? Pristine trade paperbacks? Perhaps a few favourite authors have inscribed their works? Go ahead – let your imagination run free.

ok, big, lots of windows, super comfy chairs, espresso machine, leather bound books, sure, some expensive first editions, sure, that would be fun. Just a library!

Bible Challenge Week Ten

Monday:Daniel 9:1 thru Hosea 13:6

Tuesday: Hos 13:7 thru Amos 9:10

Wednesday: Amos 9:11 thru Nahum 3:19

Thursday: Hab 1:1 thru Zechariah 10:12

Friday: Zec 11:1 thru Matthew 4:25

Saturday: Matthew 5:1 thru Matt 15:39

Sunday: Matt 16:1 thru Matt 26:56

Book Review: The Ark

The Ark, by Margot Benary-Isbert.

If you are one of those highly blessed people whose library actually owns a copy of this book, CHECK IT OUT!!

Or, if you're willing to take it on my recommendation alone and buy it, you can get it on AMAZON HERE for only $24. E-bay isn't any cheaper.

Why is it so expensive? Because it's rare. I couldn't even find a picture of it, to show you, and alas I already returned my copy to the library.

But, if you can get this book, do! It was so very good!!

I'll give you a little history.

Margot Benary-Isbert, lived in Germany during World War II. After the war was over she and her husband were relocated (their house had been destroyed) to a one family apartment which they shared with two other families. Margot wrote this book by candlelight while they lived there. So, if you're wondering about aunthenticity, don't. This is a very clear and accurate picture of life in a defeated country.

The book tells the story of the Lechow family. They're not Nazis, but they live in Germany. The father is a Dr. who was drafted and sent to the front lines in Russia. Their house is destroyed in a bomb, which also takes the life of one son. The family is moved around to various refugee camps, and finally after the war is over the housing office sends them to live with an elderly woman who has two attic rooms for them. The heart of the story is the strong binds of family love, it is the only thing that remains to this family who has lost absolutely everything. Including their future. Every plan they might have had is thrown out the window as they fight just to survive.

I can't tell you how much this book affected me. It is clearly and simply written, and the author's yearning for better times jumps off the page and right into the reader's heart.

I've got 2 thumbs, they're both up.

Bible Challenge Week Nine

I am so sorry I didn't get this posted earlier!!

Monday: Jer 33:23 thru Jer 47:7

Tuesday: Jer 48:1 thru Lamentations 1:22

Wednesday: La 2:1 thru Ezekiel 12:20

Thursday: Eze 12:21 thru Eze 23:19

Friday: Eze 23:20 thru Eze 35:15

Saturday: Eze 36:1 thru Eze 47:12

Sunday: Eze 47:13 thru Daniel 8:27

You made it through the toughest reading of all. It will get easier from here on out, and the books are much shorter which is encouraging!

Book Review: Prisoner in the Third Cell

AUNT ALICE sent me this book.

"Prisoner in the third cell" hmmm... interesting.

It's an easy read. Only 80 pages. Fascinating. Truly. Especially the last 10 pages.

The question is not, "Why is God doing this? Why is He like this?" The question is not, "Why did He not answer me?" The question is not, "I need Him desperately, why does He not come rescue me?... The question before the house is this: "Will you follow a God you do not understand? Will you follow a God who does not live up to your expectations?..... 'And blessed are you if you are not offended with me."

I give it 2 thumbs up. And recommend you read it.

Bible Challenge Week Eight

Monday:Isa 14:1 thru Isa 28:29

Tuesday: Isa 29:1 thru Isa 41:18

Wednesday: Isa 41:19 thru Isa 52:12

Thursday: Isa 52:13 thru Isa 66:18

Friday: Isa 66:19 thru Jer 10:13

Saturday: Jer 10:14 thru Jer 23:8

Sunday: Jer 23:9 thru Jer 33:22

Bible Challenge Week Seven

Friday: Psalm 89:14 thru Psalm 108:13

Monday: Psalm 89:14 thru Psalm 108:13

Tuesday: Psalm 109:1 thru Psalm 134:13

Wednesday: Psalm 135:1 thru Prov 6:35

Thursday: Prov 7:1 thru Prov 20:21

Friday: Prov 20:22 thru Ecc 2:26

Saturday: Ecc 3:1 thru Song of Solomon 8:14

Sunday: Isaiah 1:1 through Isaiah 13:22

We're halfway done! Keep up the good work!

Bible Challenge Week Six

Monday: Nehemiah 13:15 thru Job 7:21

Tuesday: Job 8:1 thru Job 24:25

Wednesday: Job 25:1 thru Job 41:34

Thursday: Job 42:1 through Psalm 24:10

Friday: Psalm 25:1 thru Psalm 45:14

Saturday: Psalm 45:15 thru Psalm 69:21

Sunday: Psalm 69:22 through Psalm 89:13

Bible Challenge Week Five

Monday: 1 Chron 1:1 thru 1Chron 9:44

Tuesday: 1 Chron 10:1 thru 1 Chron 23:32

Wednesday: 1 Chron 24:1 thru 2 Ch 7:10

Thursday: 2 Ch 7:11 thru 2 Ch 23:15

Friday: 2 Ch 23:16 thru 2 Ch 35:15

Saturday: 2 Ch 35:16 thru Ezra 10:44

Sunday: Nehemiah 1:1 thru Neh 13:14


How is everyone doing?

Bible Challenge Week Four

Monday: 1 Sam 28:20 thru 2 Sam 12:10

Tuesday: 2 Sam 12:11 thru 2 Sam 22:18

Wednesday: 2 Sam 22:19 thru 1 Kings 7:37

Thursday: 1 Kings 7:38 thru 1 Kings 16:20

Friday: 1 Kings 16:21 thru 2 Kings 4:37

Saturday: 2 Kings 4:38 through 2 Kings 15:26

Sunday: 2 Kings 15:27 thru 2 Kings 25:30

Bible Challenge Week Three

Monday: Deut 23:12 - Deut 34:12

Tuesday: Jos 1:1 thru Jos 14:15

Wednesday: Jos 15:1 thru Judges 3:27

Thursday: Judges 3:28 thru Jdg 15:12

Friday: Jdg 15:13 thru 1 Sa 2:29

Saturday: 1 Sam 2:30 thru 1 Sam 15:35

Sunday: 1 Sam 16:1 thru 1 Sam 28:19

Bible Challenge Week 2

Monday: Leviticus 1:1 thru 14:32

Tuesday: Le 14:33 thru 26:26

Wednesday: Le 26:27 thru Numbers 8:14

Thursday: Nu 8:15 thru Nu 21:7

Friday: Nu 21:8 thru Nu 32:19

Saturday: Nu 32:20 thru Deut. 7:26

Sunday: Dt 8:1 thru 23:11

How is everyone doing so far?

Bible Challenge

Monday: Gen. 1:1 thru Gen. 16:16

Tuesday: Gen. 17:1 thru Gen. 28:19

Wednesday: Gen. 28:19 thru Gen. 40:11

Thursday: Gen. 40:12 thru Gen. 50:26

Friday: Ex 1:1 thru Ex 15:18

Saturday: Ex 15:19 thru Ex 28:43

Sunday: Ex 29:1 thru Ex 40:38


I'll post week two next Monday.

Another point, it's actually an 88 day challenge. There are two extra days for catch up if you need it.

Enjoy!

90 day challenge

It's not a weight loss program, it's much better.

I've taken a challenge to read the Bible through in 90 days. I've finished the first week, so far so good.

Actually, to be perfectly honest, I'm loving it!!!

If anyone is interested in taking up the challenge, I'd be happy to post the schedule here for you once a week. We can start on Monday, if you like.

It's about 45 minutes of reading time a day. Originally I thought there was no way I could get 45 minutes in, but it's been easier than I thought. I pick up my Bible whenever I get a chance and read as much as I can.

I have to really, really encourage you to try to do this. I think you'll be so pleased you did!!!

Reading List

Right now I reading:
Dorothy Sayer's Busman's Honeymoon
I've never read anything by Dorothy Sayers before. She was recommended by my friend Maureen so far, I really like it!
My Turn at the Bully Pulpit by Greta Van Susteren. I picked this up at a book sale. I like her show on Fox News, so I thought I'd take a look. She has some interesting things to say. And finally: How to Write a Children's Book and Get it Published by Barbara Seuling.
The title is self-explanatory. :-)