To all my fellow readers. Though I have not posted in a while I have been reading. In fact I just finished two books this week which were great reads.
1. Lost on Planet China by J. Maarten Troost
I enjoyed the authors sarcasm and witty thoughts in regards to his trip throughout China. In actuality, though there is much humor in this book, there is much fact. That I can attest to because I've been there and seen some of what he talks about. It is also a sad read in that China has has a terrible history and the present is not all that much better. Overall, they are a nation that simply does not look at the big picture when making decisions. If you would like to learn about current Chinese culture and some history this is a great read.
2. The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers
A friend of mine lent me some of Rivers books and this was the first I devoured. I can't say it was one of my favorite reads, but it was good. It primarily dealt with the topic of abortion and how devastating it can be for all parties involved. It is not a happy go lucky read. It is a hard read dealing with harsh realities of life and death. It is a good read for todays day and age. Just yesterday I opened the paper and read an article dealing with the issue of abortion. This is not an issue that will go away as long as their are people still fighting for the rights of the unborn. And I hope that will always be the case.
As far as the changes to come, I am planning on re-vamping this particular blog site. It will no longer exist as is. I will continue to post book reviews on my other site though so no worries about finding a good book to read. (As if this is any help at all anyway). I will be re-launching a new blog site dealing with advocacy and human rights issues. I'll let you know when it's up and going. Thanks for being faithful followers!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The Priest's Graveyard
The Priest's Graveyard
by Ted Dekker
Another thriller from Dekker that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put it down. And as always, it never ends how you expect.
This novel brings up some interesting philosophical thoughts. Is it right to kill someone sometimes? Of course not an innocent person. But what if there was a very powerful individual who had lots of money and therefore could buy off the justice system? What if they did terrible things to kids and women? What if they killed and got away with it? Is it right to kill them since the "law" is not working? This was an interesting thought and I can honestly say that a small part of me wanted to say, "Yes. They deserve to die."
But, alas, I know that is not the truth and in all logic would lead to chaos. Because after all, who am I to judge? I deserve death as well. But I have been given grace and need to trust the Judge to do His job. We will all be judged eventually. Nonetheless, it is a very intriguing question to explore and that is pretty much the theme of this book.
If you like suspense and justice this is the book for you. If you can handle a few deaths and a little bit of graphic violence the question explored is one of love and grace vs. judgement. Are we ruled by the law? Or by grace and love? Maybe this a question we all deal with everyday if we are honest. Care to explore?
by Ted Dekker
Another thriller from Dekker that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put it down. And as always, it never ends how you expect.
This novel brings up some interesting philosophical thoughts. Is it right to kill someone sometimes? Of course not an innocent person. But what if there was a very powerful individual who had lots of money and therefore could buy off the justice system? What if they did terrible things to kids and women? What if they killed and got away with it? Is it right to kill them since the "law" is not working? This was an interesting thought and I can honestly say that a small part of me wanted to say, "Yes. They deserve to die."
But, alas, I know that is not the truth and in all logic would lead to chaos. Because after all, who am I to judge? I deserve death as well. But I have been given grace and need to trust the Judge to do His job. We will all be judged eventually. Nonetheless, it is a very intriguing question to explore and that is pretty much the theme of this book.
If you like suspense and justice this is the book for you. If you can handle a few deaths and a little bit of graphic violence the question explored is one of love and grace vs. judgement. Are we ruled by the law? Or by grace and love? Maybe this a question we all deal with everyday if we are honest. Care to explore?
The Help
The Help
by Kathryn Stockkett
Unlike the last New York Times bestseller I read, this book was actually wonderful! I can't wait to go see the movie now that I've read the book.
This fantastic story deals with issues of black maids and their white employers in Jackson, Mississippi during the civil rights movement. While it doesn't highlight every type of relationship or horrific thing that went on it deals with enough. It's a great reminder of this era of history. In my mind it also shows the foolishness of thinking any one human is better than another whether that is due to race, religion or personality type.
I loved that the book was about a writer. Well, two writers actually. It sparked my desire to write yet again and showcased the power of the written word. I was inspired by these women who risked so much to write something that needed to be written. Would I do the same? Would I risk my life to say something that needed to be said? I'm not sure how to answer that question to be honest.
I highly recommend this read! Though it deals with some serious and tough things it does so with clarity and humor. You will laugh and cry and get angry, but in the end maybe you too will be inspired.
by Kathryn Stockkett
Unlike the last New York Times bestseller I read, this book was actually wonderful! I can't wait to go see the movie now that I've read the book.
This fantastic story deals with issues of black maids and their white employers in Jackson, Mississippi during the civil rights movement. While it doesn't highlight every type of relationship or horrific thing that went on it deals with enough. It's a great reminder of this era of history. In my mind it also shows the foolishness of thinking any one human is better than another whether that is due to race, religion or personality type.
I loved that the book was about a writer. Well, two writers actually. It sparked my desire to write yet again and showcased the power of the written word. I was inspired by these women who risked so much to write something that needed to be written. Would I do the same? Would I risk my life to say something that needed to be said? I'm not sure how to answer that question to be honest.
I highly recommend this read! Though it deals with some serious and tough things it does so with clarity and humor. You will laugh and cry and get angry, but in the end maybe you too will be inspired.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
No Longer a Slumdog
by K.P. Yohannan
I remember watching Slumdog Millionaire on a plane ride with John. It was intense and I cried a lot. I will never forget the scene where one of the kidnapped boys is blinded so he can make more money as a beggar. It was a horrifying scene and one that I hoped was purely fictional. I was wrong.
While the scene shown in the movie is somewhat drastic and most likely the minority stuff like that does happen in India
K.P. Yohannan is the founder and director of Gospel for Asia . A branch of this mission organization is called Bridge of hope. While his writing showcases the awful conditions many are living in and will probably make you cry, as it did me, it is also a book of hope. There are many stories of how God has used the Bridge of Hope
About halfway through the book I came home from work and told John that I wanted to adopt all these little ones. That is certainly not a possibility right now but I was happy to find out later in the book that I could “adopt” a child by sponsoring them. So John and I are going to sponsor a child. We haven’t picked one out yet, but I will let you know when we do. Would you join us in “adopting” one of these precious ones?
Sunday, August 7, 2011
I'm a Stranger Here Myself
I'm a Stranger Here Myself
by Bill Bryson
After living in Britain for twenty years, Bill and his family return to America only to discover that life in America has changed somewhat for the better and somewhat not. Writing for a British audience his musings are sometimes harsh on the US. However, much of it is actually warranted and I can't say that I completely disagree with most of it.
His sarcastic, dry humor definitely fits with my perception of British humor and I love his wit as he writes about even the most mundane things from a trip to the post office to pulling out Christmas decorations. Though some of his musings are somewhat dated, (published 1999), many are still somewhat relevant and no less amusing.
He does say a few good things about America. We are a very friendly people apparently. Also thinks Thanksgiving is a great holiday, which I tend to agree with. Some of the things that he harps on about America though deal with our overabundance and how that plays out in too many choices. It also plays out in our desire to try to make everything more convenient because we are as a whole fat and lazy.
One of my favorite chapters in the book though was the one I read aloud to my husband dealing with the subject of baseball. I am not a die hard baseball fan by any means but growing up in Chicago I have a special affinity for the Cubs and they made it in this book. So I will leave you with a few paragraphs in the book that are especially amusing and sadly true. Before this paragraph Bryson discusses the makeup of the baseball leagues in America and how the series works. Enjoy!
"It is all immensely complicated (meaning the way the series works), but essentially it means that practically every team in baseball except the Chicago Cubs gets a chance to go to the World Series.
The Chicago Cubs don't get to go because they never manage to qualify even under a system as magnificently accommodating as this. Often they almost qualify, and sometimes they are in such a commanding position that you cannot believe they won't qualify, but always in the end they doggedly manage to come up short. Whatever it takes - losing seventeen games in a row, letting easy balls go through their legs, crashing comically into each other in the outfield - you can be certain the Cubs will manage it.
They have been doing this, reliably and efficiently, for over half a century. They haven't been in a World Series since 1945. Stalin had good years more recently than that. This heartwarming annual failure by the Cubs is almost the only thing in baseball that hasn't changed in my lifetime, and I appreciate that very much."
Ode to the Cubs.....maybe this year?
by Bill Bryson
After living in Britain for twenty years, Bill and his family return to America only to discover that life in America has changed somewhat for the better and somewhat not. Writing for a British audience his musings are sometimes harsh on the US. However, much of it is actually warranted and I can't say that I completely disagree with most of it.
His sarcastic, dry humor definitely fits with my perception of British humor and I love his wit as he writes about even the most mundane things from a trip to the post office to pulling out Christmas decorations. Though some of his musings are somewhat dated, (published 1999), many are still somewhat relevant and no less amusing.
He does say a few good things about America. We are a very friendly people apparently. Also thinks Thanksgiving is a great holiday, which I tend to agree with. Some of the things that he harps on about America though deal with our overabundance and how that plays out in too many choices. It also plays out in our desire to try to make everything more convenient because we are as a whole fat and lazy.
One of my favorite chapters in the book though was the one I read aloud to my husband dealing with the subject of baseball. I am not a die hard baseball fan by any means but growing up in Chicago I have a special affinity for the Cubs and they made it in this book. So I will leave you with a few paragraphs in the book that are especially amusing and sadly true. Before this paragraph Bryson discusses the makeup of the baseball leagues in America and how the series works. Enjoy!
"It is all immensely complicated (meaning the way the series works), but essentially it means that practically every team in baseball except the Chicago Cubs gets a chance to go to the World Series.
The Chicago Cubs don't get to go because they never manage to qualify even under a system as magnificently accommodating as this. Often they almost qualify, and sometimes they are in such a commanding position that you cannot believe they won't qualify, but always in the end they doggedly manage to come up short. Whatever it takes - losing seventeen games in a row, letting easy balls go through their legs, crashing comically into each other in the outfield - you can be certain the Cubs will manage it.
They have been doing this, reliably and efficiently, for over half a century. They haven't been in a World Series since 1945. Stalin had good years more recently than that. This heartwarming annual failure by the Cubs is almost the only thing in baseball that hasn't changed in my lifetime, and I appreciate that very much."
Ode to the Cubs.....maybe this year?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Chasing Vermeer
Chasing Vermeer
by Blue Balliett
Recommended to me by a friend this kids book was a delight! It reminded me of the kind of book I would have loved reading as a child. Not that I didn't enjoy it now because I very much did. It is charming, intelligent, mysterious, puzzling and keeps your mind alert at all times.
I love thinking and I like books that challenge you. I like puzzles and trying to figure out things. This book had all that and a good story as well. I learned about an artist, Vermeer. I learned about pentominos. I learned about an author, Charles Fort. How all these items are tied together will only be revealed by reading the book and I encourage you to do just that. When a painting on it's way to the Art Institute goes missing a series of seemingly random events points to some strange conclusions about where it may be. Can two kids figure out the puzzle before it's too late?
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
by Blue Balliett
Recommended to me by a friend this kids book was a delight! It reminded me of the kind of book I would have loved reading as a child. Not that I didn't enjoy it now because I very much did. It is charming, intelligent, mysterious, puzzling and keeps your mind alert at all times.
I love thinking and I like books that challenge you. I like puzzles and trying to figure out things. This book had all that and a good story as well. I learned about an artist, Vermeer. I learned about pentominos. I learned about an author, Charles Fort. How all these items are tied together will only be revealed by reading the book and I encourage you to do just that. When a painting on it's way to the Art Institute goes missing a series of seemingly random events points to some strange conclusions about where it may be. Can two kids figure out the puzzle before it's too late?
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
A Reliable Wife
A Reliable Wife
by Robert Goolrick
Even though this book is a New York Times bestseller, I stay, "Stay away!" A book club I'm a part of decided on this read based on the description on the back. It looked like it would be an intriguing murder mystery. A man takes out and ad in the paper asking for an honest and reliable wife. A woman answers his ad in the hopes of killing him off for his money.
I suppose that does happen in the book but what the back doesn't tell you is that it is utterly and completely depressing. All the characters are selfish and obsessed with sex and the book leaves not much to imagination in that department. It was a struggle to get through and I am a firm believer that a good writer should leave you wanting to read more not to trudge through to get it over with. This was not a book I wanted to keep reading nor would I recommend it to anyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)