Reread 3-7 March 2005. Really enjoyed! Set in Roman Britian and told by a first class historical fiction writer. Why did I have to be an adult before...moreReread 3-7 March 2005. Really enjoyed! Set in Roman Britian and told by a first class historical fiction writer. Why did I have to be an adult before I discovered her?! Reading her books is an EXCELLENT way for young people to learn history! As soon as I finished this I went on to read the rest in the series...well they roughly follow in a series--not many of the same characters, but they trace Roman British history roughly in order and include descendants wherever possible. Highly recommend for young boys--but my girls loved them too! (less)
Read from 8-9 March 2005. Although not as good as Eagle of the Ninth, it didn't have to be, I was hooked! Rosemary Sutcliff writes great historical fi...moreRead from 8-9 March 2005. Although not as good as Eagle of the Ninth, it didn't have to be, I was hooked! Rosemary Sutcliff writes great historical fiction. Can't think of a better way to get kids to learn history!(less)
I really need to reread these because I don't remember the individual plots--only that they were excellent and that I devoured them! I'm giving this o...moreI really need to reread these because I don't remember the individual plots--only that they were excellent and that I devoured them! I'm giving this only 4 stars because it took me a week to finish, but that may be unfair. It might be a 5 star and I just took longer to read it because we were busy then. It was 3 years ago. Anyway, I know it was really, really good!(less)
I think by now I had the girls reading these and they were getting impatient with me to hurry up so they could have this one. We only had one more--th...moreI think by now I had the girls reading these and they were getting impatient with me to hurry up so they could have this one. We only had one more--the rest we were going to have to get from the library. Oh horrors!(less)
Very enjoyable story! It's part children's classic, part fairy tale/fantasy and the rest who-knows-what, but who cares?! Clever rhyme and innuendo thr...moreVery enjoyable story! It's part children's classic, part fairy tale/fantasy and the rest who-knows-what, but who cares?! Clever rhyme and innuendo throughout make for a delightful and insightful little diversion. Marc Simont's illustrations, the texture of the cover, even the lettering and paper of this edition take me back to my childhood. Reading The Thirteen Clocks was a full sensory experience for me and one I immediately wanted to share with others from the same generation.
The tale is simplicity itself, good for a light, fun read, which we can all use now and then, right?
Thanks Steve for the recommendation! Most entertaining! (less)
"Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold” is from Yeats's poem "The Second Coming". Fifty years after Chinua Achebe wrote this deceptively simple Ni...more"Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold” is from Yeats's poem "The Second Coming". Fifty years after Chinua Achebe wrote this deceptively simple Nigerian tragedy, Things Fall Apart has never been out of print. It's hailed as Africa's best known work of literature and I can easily see why.
At the heart of the story is a strong man, Okonkwo, with an overwhelming need to prove himself--to himself and his tribe; he must overcome the bad reputation of his drunkard ne'er-do-well father. Although Okonkwo can easily defeat enemies he can wrestle, chop or kill; his stubborn pride and anger collide with and fail to overcome those aspects of life which he cannot so readily tackle: providence, family and tribal laws.
So much of the appeal of Things -- for me at least -- is watching Okonkwo encounter a traditional village. I was fascinated (and repulsed) by its customs, mores, and overall precarious harmony. The appropriateness of the title is in the extreme delicacy of that tribal balance which is rocked to the core by the arrival of the English missionaries. All that was as Okonkwo understood the world to be, changes with the introduction of Christianity and Western civilization. It is both a clash of one individual against his own society and a foreign power, as well as the collision of two diametrically opposed cultures. You don't often find so much carefully-contained conflict in a book of this size. Truly incredible!
Chinua Achebe wrote this masterpiece before most of the African nations had declared their independence. Since that time, the Dark Continent has been washed in rivers of blood. One wonders when, and prays for an end to, all the suffering. Such a sacred place and beautiful people; in many ways so like the Garden of Eden. Long live Africa!
Thanks to Ginnie for this link from The Economist about A Golden Jubilee of Things Fall Apart.
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23 November 2008: I'm almost finished and I so want to start writing my review on this incredible book but at the same time I know I need to let it 'gel'. I want to write about Things Fall Apart because it awakens and stirs up so many thoughts and feelings inside; it reminds me of every other book I've ever read about Africa and yet it is like none of them.
A very unusual post-apocalyptic Catholic sci-fi where history seems eerily bent on repeating itself. Miller's trilogy encompasses three separate stori...moreA very unusual post-apocalyptic Catholic sci-fi where history seems eerily bent on repeating itself. Miller's trilogy encompasses three separate stories losely tied together, but able to be taken/read independently.
Darkly humorous, satirical, poignant. Not really the sort of book I usually like, but definitely one I'm glad I read because I'll never forget it!
This was truly an amazing book! I don't think I've ever read a 'Catholic' book quite like this one before.
Most qu...moreWell now Ryan, I really owe you one!
This was truly an amazing book! I don't think I've ever read a 'Catholic' book quite like this one before.
Most quote "Catholic novels" are very ... how shall I describe them, intellectual--those are my favorites. Then there are the tepid ones, which try to imitate modern thrillers but don't quite make it. And then the preachy ones, which I really despise. I've seldom read one like this.
The Mystery of Things scared me out of my chair a few times. It's X-rated in parts and the language is very realistic if offensive as appropriate to the story's situation, but that's not the reason the book's Catholic, nor the reason to read it.
I still don't understand the meaning of the title, but I guess I need to check out the author's blog. The book made me cry, want to study and memorize Shakespeare, and yet I couldn't put it down until I'd read the very last word. It's been a long time since a novel has done that for me.
Murphy where's your sequel?
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Thanks Ryan for the tip! I checked out her blog and she looks really good. In her words, she is hoping for a revival of good Catholic literature. Me too! (less)
"We diocesan priests have lost our historical sense. If Stan (Fr. Rother) had been a Jesuit, twenty books would have been written about him by now." ~...more"We diocesan priests have lost our historical sense. If Stan (Fr. Rother) had been a Jesuit, twenty books would have been written about him by now." ~~Fr. John Vesey to his fellow priests during a Tulsa-Oklahoma City clergy week 5 June 1984
Although not what I was expecting – a straight biography of the martyred Father Stanley Rother – Love In A Fearful Land is an interesting and worthwhile book, especially during this Year For Priests because it brings together in one book three incredible priests who never had the chance to meet, although two were both friends of Fr. John Vesey. The author, Fr. Henri Nouwen, the best known of the three, has written over forty spiritual books and yet he was in the middle of a writing slump at the time Fr. Vesey asked him to tell the story of a quiet Oklahoma farm boy who became a priest, traveled to Guatemala in the late 1960s and fell in love with the people there. Writing this book brought Fr. Nouwen out of his slump.
Love In A Fearful Land is agonizingly brief, as was the life of Fr. Stan, this gentle yet strong priest, beloved by his parish. You will probably want to study the all too few surviving pictures of him; I know I did. He is always smiling and so is everyone who is with him. Despite the constant danger he lived in, Fr. Rother was not seeking martyrdom; he just believed a shepherd’s place was with his flock.
On the night of July 28th shortly after midnight, three men broke in to the rectory and attempted to kidnap Fr. Rother as was the practice of the time. There was a civil war in Guatemala in 1981 and the government was powerless – or claimed it was anyway – to stop roving bands of terrorists from kidnapping anyone perceived as a threat. Once kidnapped, the individuals were brutally tortured, killed and their bodies left by the side of the road or worse yet, never found. It was considered far better not to be taken alive. Father Rother, apparently put up quite a fight before he was shot twice in the head. The room where he died is now used as a chapel by his ‘flock’ who has already proclaimed him a saint.
On the 28th of this month I'm going on pilgrimage to Holy Trinity Church, Father Stanley Rother's home parish, in Okarche, Oklahoma. It's the 28th anniversary of his death in Guatemala. We've been praying for his canonization for many years now, but I've yet to visit his town or parish and ... always wanted to!(less)
I remembered this book when I reread it with my daughters a few years back. The 'witch' in the title is a misnomer. She wasn't a witch at all, but had...moreI remembered this book when I reread it with my daughters a few years back. The 'witch' in the title is a misnomer. She wasn't a witch at all, but had earned that reputation unfairly due to her skills with herbs and the fears prevalent at the times. This is an excellent story. (less)
This is an extremely difficult book to review. I'm not even going to try to give it a rating--none of the definitions of the ratings come close to fit...moreThis is an extremely difficult book to review. I'm not even going to try to give it a rating--none of the definitions of the ratings come close to fitting. I did not 'like it' or 'really like it'. I would not call it amazing. Truthfully, I don't know what I would call it. As I sit here after just having finished it, I'm not even sure what I'm going to write.
My Visit to Hell is touted as a modern-day adaptation of Dante's Inferno but it is more intense -- or at least it was for me -- than Dante for several reasons. For one thing, obviously, because I understood it better. Although I had many aides in reading my translation of Inferno I still had difficulties with basic comprehension. So far, I have only read it twice and both times were several years ago. I am probably due for another go.
For another thing, the situations, characters, specific examples of sin, etc. described in MVtH are modern and thus more familiar. At one point in the story, the main character wonders, 'Why does hell look so much like the inner city of the twenty-first century?'
Like Inferno this book tells of a journey down from the 'highest' to the lowest levels of hell. The traveler, a young agnostic named Thomas, and his guide, an 18th century slave woman named Capopia, were not mere wayfarers through the netherworld; they were in fact in as much jeopardy from its horrors as any of the poor souls they found there. This was a deviation from Dante's more passive experience.
Professor Thigpen deals with sin and the circles, for the most part, as Dante did. He expends a great deal of description on the sort of punishment each sin merits and indeed, they do seem to to 'fit' in an eerie, gruesome sort of way.
It is a compelling read and the author's arguments for hell, justice and eternal punishment are sound. Nevertheless, I do not recall the sin of 'fear', i.e., the absence of Love being dealt with anywhere in this fictional hell. And all the while I was reading I kept hearing the Lord's words, "Fear not!" in the back of my mind. Not that we should accept or like sin, but that we shouldn't let fear of it overpower us as a book like this might cause some weak-minded souls to do.
His Goodness, Grace, Love and Mercy will prevail!
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My friend, Lucy, sent me a Zenit article including an interview with this author and this seemed a book well worth reading. I want to read it as soon as I clear up some other books I'm in the middle of. (less)
A cross between Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum (the Bourne series) The Last Jihad is a speculative political thriller and as such not the kind of book I...moreA cross between Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum (the Bourne series) The Last Jihad is a speculative political thriller and as such not the kind of book I usually read, but I found myself really enjoying it!
Written in 2002, The Last Jihad envisioned a world where Saddam Hussein had not only acquired the wherewithal to produce fully functional ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) but was launching one against the United States. A fascinating and terrifying scenario then, it is no less relevant now six years later though the Butcher of Baghdad is dead.
With the Russian Bear reasserting his claims on eastern territories and poor Poland again scrambling desperately for protective allies, it's hard to say which timeperiod today's chessboard is more reminiscent of: pre-World War II or the Cold War era. But either way, although some things have changed, more have remained the same. Nuclear warfare remains a very real, ultimate and dangerous possibility.
This is a fast-paced, well-written book. It is dated, obviously, but still it deals with timeless issues: warfare, leadership, loyalty, greed, good verses evil, weapons of mass destruction, religion, etc. In fiction, we are able to look at how, when, where and why nuclear weapons might be used and examine some of the moral, social, and political issues inherent in their use while still reaching -- even entertaining -- an average audience. This book allowed me to hearken back to my own days in Strategic Air Command, when I sat in a nuclear Command Post and contemplated participating in unleashing nuclear holocaust. It was a fearsome proposition then; it's no less so today.
Mr. Rosenberg is clearly a Hawk--although I cannot imagine too many people wanting to read this book who wouldn't at least consider themselves in the peregrine family. And although I appreciate many things about his writing style, storyline, and especially some of his character's succinct assessments about particular wars, there was one observation I appreciated above all the rest--appreciated and found highly ironic.
In the story, there was a character, Dr. Mordechai who predicted Saddam Hussein's August 1990 invasion of Kuwait within three days of its actual occurrence. When asked if he had any inside information, he said, no, he didn't need any. Everything a person needed to know in terms of basic intelligence, and fact-finding was available in the newspapers. It wasn't about having the information, but knowing how to analyse it and draw the right conclusions. The difference between Dr. M and the U.S. government was that Dr. M believed Saddam both capable of and prone to acts of unspeakable evil. Dr. M believed that evil forces make men do evil things. The U.S. government did not. So even though the government had more and better information, it did not believe Saddam would act as he had consistently acted in the past and was consequently surprised by the Iraqi invasion of 5 August. Dr. M, an Israeli, said his country was born out of the ashes of evil, the Nazi Holocaust. Until the United States wakes up to the reality of evil and its power, many innocents will suffer. (less)
I enjoyed this, my second reading, of the last book in the series immensely and look forward to sitting down one day and reading ... or maybe even lis...moreI enjoyed this, my second reading, of the last book in the series immensely and look forward to sitting down one day and reading ... or maybe even listening to ... the entire series from beginning to end.
I laughed out loud, cried, cheered, was frustrated, anxious, impatient by turns. I enjoyed watching how J.K. Rowling brought things together in this book. Call me old-fashioned, but I like her emphasis on family, motherhood, sacrifice, loyalty, fighting for what one believes in and traditional values.
There's something to be said for reading the book after seeing the movie and for waiting three years between readings. I had forgotten so much! After practically living and breathing HP with my daughters for all those years, they lost interest in him with the publication of the final book and the onset of their later teen years. I suppose you could say they finally outgrew him. It was sadder (harder?) for me than it was for them; it was easier to just try to forget than remember how much a part of our lives Harry Potter lore played during their formative years. They were both near enough in age to grow up alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione. As each new book was published, our girls could identify with what the three main characters encountered, how they felt and what they were thinking, at least so far as their teenage concerns went, which overlapped and infiltrated every other aspect of the book and (in my mind at least) is what makes Rowling's books so tremendously appealing; she gets teens.
And every summer my daughters got to attend their very own Hogwarts’-like ‘magical’ school at our city’s science museum where they did chemistry for potions, learned about plants and animals and even played their own equivalent form of Quidditch. Points were earned by the ‘seekers’ on each team correctly answering questions about the Harry Potter books. Over the years my daughters were seekers, prefects, head girls, and eventually they became volunteers to the teachers who worked at the Science Museum.
Excellent to read before, during or after walking the Camino, especially if you are walking it for spiritual purposes. But the book is also highly ins...moreExcellent to read before, during or after walking the Camino, especially if you are walking it for spiritual purposes. But the book is also highly instructive whether you go on pilgrimage or not, each chapter being devoted to a specific spiritual task or lesson.
Walk in a Relaxed Manner is the type of book you read in small bites. I recommend reading one chapter at a time—which is what I finally did the last time I started it, the time I finally finished it.
It was my dear aunt who first suggested I read something by the author Joyce Rupp. Although I’d never heard of her before then, soon I began seeing Sr. Rupp’s books everywhere, especially on the shelves of my favorite religious bookstore. But which of the many books written by this prolific author to begin with? In the end, it was the cover which drew me to the book—the picture of a woman backpacker hiking in the mountains among the sheep. And perhaps the subtitle also had something to do with my selection, Life Lessons From the Camino.
I did a European pilgrimage last fall. One of the stops was Santiago de Compostela, the destination of all pilgrims along the Camino. The author, Sr. Joyce Rupp hiked the Camino in 2003 with Fr. Tom Pfeffer, now deceased. This book is a collection of short essays or reflections she wrote on the lessons she learned while hiking the Camino. In fact, each chapter is given over to one succinct lesson, e.g., go prepared, live in the now, return a positive for a negative, travel lightly, look for unannounced angels and keep a strong network of prayer to name but a few from the list of twenty-five. Oh! And, there is a chapter specifically devoted to walking in relaxed manner.
In retrospect, even though I did not hike the Camino, this would have been an invaluable book to have read, savored and prayed before I left on my pilgrimage. I regret not having done so! And yet, I did finish it very soon after my trip. Was I able to relate to the author’s mistakes so easily because I had recently returned from my own trip and I recognized myself and my own errors in the author's self-deprecating stories? I wonder. Would I have derived the same benefit from the book if I'd read it before leaving? I like to think so. There’s no way of knowing of course. However, if you do plan on hiking the Camino—especially if it’s for spiritual reasons—I cannot recommend this book too highly.
And as a beautiful spiritual guide, this book is wonderful, uplifting and insightful.(less)
Very enjoyable Depression era story of a non-Okie family who nevertheless are forced to take to the road and live as migrant workers in their Model T...moreVery enjoyable Depression era story of a non-Okie family who nevertheless are forced to take to the road and live as migrant workers in their Model T after the father becomes ill and they lose everything. As the book opens, they are settling in a two room shack along the coast of California. Although far from ideal, it offers the opportunity to unpack and maybe even go to school, a prospect which appeals to middle daughter, Robin Williams, the protagonist.
Robin is the classic curious child, prone to exploring, whether that be fields, books or empty buildings. Her 'wandering off' leads to meeting a quaint old lady who she befriends, which in turn leads to the discovery of the Velvet Room, her special place, the type of safe haven most of us dream about but don't find. Picking and pitting fruit keep the Williams family fed, but with the father's health still in a precarious state, the hard life of farm laborer is hardly optimal.
An uplifting story which delights as much today as it did when first published in 1965 ... and as I'm sure it will continue to do!
This comes from the page just before the book's Prologue and is the source of the book's title: 'And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,...moreThis comes from the page just before the book's Prologue and is the source of the book's title: 'And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:34-35)
Although it is a work of fiction, Pierced By a Sword is a thought-provoking read. An Irish Pope, a playboy, an unmarried pregnant woman, a professor, a multimillionaire, a fast-talking priest, a druggie: in the beginning their lives seem to have little in common, but as the story progresses, they are being drawn together by Providence, prayer and perhaps so . . . 'that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed'?
I would give this book an additional 1/2 star rating if goodreads had that capability. It's a noble 'First Novel' effort by the author and it reflects his belief in his chosen ministry which is to provide free tapes and other Catholic materials for evangelization. I wish I shared his belief that a warning or even a Warning would sufficiently change the human heart so much that the world he envisioned could come to pass. Nevertheless, it is a thought-provoking book and I'm very glad I read it, especially in conjunction with Mary: The Church At Its Source. (less)
The best part of the book for me was the beginning because of all of the great quotes and intriguing ideas. It's been far too long since I've read any fairy tales and I'd forgotten the charm their gentle "spells' can weave in reminding us more is going on in Life than work, struggle and overcoming problems. The author often speaks through her fanciful character, Rose. Here she is speaking to her sister, Blanche and Bear, "Have you ever felt there was something going on in life not everyone was aware of?" Pressed to explain herself, Rose continues, "As though there's a story going on that everyone is a part of, but not everybody knows about? Maybe 'story' isn't the right word--a sort of drama, a battle between what's peripheral and what's really important. As though the people you meet aren't just their plain, prosaic selves, but are actually princes and princesses, gods and goddesses, fairies, shepherds, all sorts of fantastic creatures who've chosen to hide their real shape for some reason or other. Have you ever thought that?" (p. 56)
I'll let you read the book for yourself to see how her audience responded. I know, however, what I think. I think she is on to something.
Although predictable and simplistic, it was good to be reminded by this sweet fairy tale that Good can triumph and there can be happy endings. A definite 'Feel Good' experience. Read and enjoy!
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I started it today and I LOVE it! I usually don't read fiction with my highlighters but The Highlighter Queen here is 'decorating' this book quite a bit! There are so many cool 'quotes', sage sayings and sweet reflections that I am re-remembering why I fell in love with reading as well as developing a case for why one should never give up fiction no matter how much one thinks it's more valuable to only read "serious" books.
Black as Night is an excellent rendering of the classic fairy tale in a modern setting. All the characters are there: Snow White, the Prince, the Wicked Queen (Step-mother) and of course, the wonderfully protective Seven Dwarfs. Most of the fun in reading it came from seeing how the author would be able to remain true to the essentials of the original tale all the while she was telling a brand new story. Ms. Doman succeeds brilliantly—to the delight of readers and believers in fairy tales! But what am I saying? Aren’t they one and the same…?! (less)
A few days ago a dear friend sent me an e-mail about a Jewish couple who met years ago under the most unusual circumstances during World War II. It wa...moreA few days ago a dear friend sent me an e-mail about a Jewish couple who met years ago under the most unusual circumstances during World War II. It was such a beautiful story I was thrilled when I discovered there was a book written about it.
A young boy arrives at a concentration camp. How many books like this have I read now? Too many. The pictures and the language aren't pretty--and yet they are also appropriate. Visually drab and disorienting and verbally staccato, everything in the book emphasizes the emptiness young Herman experienced when his mother pushed him towards Life and she walked to her death.
Alone, abandoned, Herman is sent an angel in the form of a little girl who brings him an apple every day. Just one ordinary apple but it might as well have been a golden apple . . . or do I mean manna?
Angel Girl is a very beautiful story with a happy ending; best of all it's true. There is a photograph page at the end of the book. Thank you Mary Alice for this awesome book!(less)
The Pirate's Parrot is a charming little read-aloud for preschoolers or younger grades. Besides the clever pirate names, captivating illustrations and...moreThe Pirate's Parrot is a charming little read-aloud for preschoolers or younger grades. Besides the clever pirate names, captivating illustrations and humorous dialogue, this story has the added twist of a teddy bear filling in for the absentee parrot. What will happen when the ship's captain finds out his crew has duped him with such a cuddly substitute? And what about Barr; she finds herself rather liking her new position as ship's beady-eyed buzzard.
I can't imagine too many little boys -- or girls for that matter -- who will miss the fun in Lyn Rossiter McFarland's adventure on the high seas.
Thanks again Krista for another great book tip! (less)
Very enjoyable book about a little Iraqi boy who loves to write as much as I love to read. I could relate to his passion and fascination with letters,...moreVery enjoyable book about a little Iraqi boy who loves to write as much as I love to read. I could relate to his passion and fascination with letters, words, seeing their shapes on a page and feeling their differences inside. The illustrations were also bright, colorful, compelling and worth the book in themselves. Thanks Krista!(less)
Incredible book! A tender story about a young African refugee to America struggling to not only learn our strange language, customs and changing patte...moreIncredible book! A tender story about a young African refugee to America struggling to not only learn our strange language, customs and changing patterns, but also cope with a bitter Minnesota winter, the violent deaths of his nuclear family and growing up in a foreign country. And yet despite the sorrows of Kek's young life, it is positive, hopeful and joyous story. His analogies for everyday things like airplanes, snow, and even beards is what makes Applegate's story so poignant and page-turn-able. I could hardly put this book down--or when I did--I didn't want to. Pessimists and realists would probably call it predictable or a 'feel good' story, but that's what I loved about it. I believe in good kids like Kek. Having read about the tradegies in Rwanda and Sudan, it is good to see intelligent children's books like this dealing with the subject so well.
A wonderful true story about a devoted librarian who went to a great deal of trouble to rescue and protect the assets of her library when the invasion...moreA wonderful true story about a devoted librarian who went to a great deal of trouble to rescue and protect the assets of her library when the invasion of Iraq reached Basra on April 6, 2003. The story is told in very few words with bright colorful pictures. It is suitable even for very young children, but will be best appreciated by those who love books!(less)
A heart-warming story about a group of young Christian Armenian boys, survivors of the genocide which claimed the lives of their parents and most of t...moreA heart-warming story about a group of young Christian Armenian boys, survivors of the genocide which claimed the lives of their parents and most of the rest of their families as well. This seldom-mentioned atrocity which foreshadowed the later horrors of the Jewish Holocaust during WWII, is dealt with gently here. The focus of the book is not on the past, but the future.
Twelve-year-old Aram, the titular character, is living in an orphanage in Greece in the 1920s and is offered an opportunity to start life over again in a new country, Canada. The text and story are bound to be appealing to young boys; Aram's Choice is age appropriate as a chapter book reader for the early grades. The illustrations are also beautifully realistic. This is a lovely book and enjoyable from many different perspectives (historical, pedagogical, religious, social, artistic) and for many reasons.
Superb story! It reminded me of its Middle Eastern setting the way it wound around narrow corners, popping out in unexpected surprising places, someti...moreSuperb story! It reminded me of its Middle Eastern setting the way it wound around narrow corners, popping out in unexpected surprising places, sometimes with profound insight and other times with laugh-out-loud humor.
I'm so tempted to share some of my favorite parts to prove my point, but will refrain so as to leave the mystery and wonder to Ms. Spark's clever masterpiece. What I will say is, she seems to give the end away in the beginning ... more than once in fact, but don't be fooled. Stay with the story, follow the rabbit trail and see where it leads. It won't spoil anything to tell you that some of the funniest parts of The Mandelbaum Gate are near the end; in particular I loved the disguises used to cross between Jordan and Israel. The characters, from multi-nationalities, were also vividly and realistically portrayed. The entire time I was reading this book, I could visualize an incredible movie, but only if they didn't mess with the basic elements of the story!
I don't include many novels on my 'worth reading over and over' shelf. That in itself says more than almost anything else I could write.
Thank you Kathleen for this incredible GOOD read! (less)
This is Father Ciszek's first book, the one which gives the factual account of his early life, decision to become a priest, seminary years, journey to...moreThis is Father Ciszek's first book, the one which gives the factual account of his early life, decision to become a priest, seminary years, journey to Poland and behind the Iron Curtain where he lived and was eventually held captive for many years, presumed dead by his family and all who knew him in the US. It's a fascinating account, both humorous and inspiring in turns and yet Fr. Ciszek only wrote it because he was asked to. It wasn't the book he wanted to write. Later he went on to write He Leadeth Me which tells the spiritual aspect of his journey inside the Soviet Union and how God used him to do His Will. In fact this second book is the more inspiring of the two books, while this book, is written in a factual, straightforward, explanatory style. Both books complement each other, can be read in either order and are guaranteed to enliven and encourage you spiritually.(less)
It's not hard to see why/how Kristin Lavransdatter (the trilogy) won the 1928 Nobel Prize for Literature. This saga is amazing in so many respects: au...moreIt's not hard to see why/how Kristin Lavransdatter (the trilogy) won the 1928 Nobel Prize for Literature. This saga is amazing in so many respects: authentic attention to detail, moving narrative and deep insight into the human psyche. I am longing for someone who has read the book, to discuss it with me.
The author has done a phenomenal job presenting the slower-paced, farming-based, medieval life, centered on traditional values marked by a calendar of saint's days. She describes the local folklore and myths including where they occasionally obfuscate Christian morals while still giving us intelligent and believable men and women from that era. It is both refreshing to discover that our forebears struggled with many of the same moral dilemmas we face today and discouraging to realize their standards of moral conduct were higher than our own.
I did not want to put this book down. Going immediately to start the final book in the triology. (less)
Although I'm not usually one for the time-travel, sci-fi or fantasy genres, this book—which is all three—worked for me. It will probably top the list...moreAlthough I'm not usually one for the time-travel, sci-fi or fantasy genres, this book—which is all three—worked for me. It will probably top the list as the most unusual book I'll read all year and yet, it was still incredibly believable.
Dana, a black woman, is married to Kevin who is white; they live in mid 1970’s California until Dana begins to be involuntarily pulled back in time to early 19th century Maryland to rescue a distant relative. It doesn’t take Dana long to figure out her own existence depends on far more than just bringing unwilling ancestors together. She must also negotiate unfamiliar customs, language, and manners, endure pain of every type imaginable and determine how to remain alive during one of the most hostile times in history for those with black skin. Most of these skills are not things Dana has had to give any thought to in her sheltered environment over one hundred fifty years and thousands of miles later.
Rufus, the white son of the plantation owner, summons Dana every time she returns, although neither of them realize at first it is when his life is in jeopardy that Dana travels across the years to save him. Conversely, when Dana's life is in danger, she can escape back to her own time. Ms. Butler uses these life-and-death turning points to keep the story and her readers on edge throughout.
A sharp, well-written work of fiction. Intense and violent at times.
Recommended this to my daughter and she loved it! (less)
The true story of a fourteen year old Japanese boy, Manjiro, who in 1841 is shipwrecked on a deserted island and rescued by American whalers. At the t...moreThe true story of a fourteen year old Japanese boy, Manjiro, who in 1841 is shipwrecked on a deserted island and rescued by American whalers. At the time, Japan had been virtually cut off from the rest of the world for two hundred fifty years. Manjiro's decision to accept Captain Whitfield's invitation to come to Massachusetts and live with him was instrumental in changing the course of relations between two future superpowers. Even more interesting was the literary prediction by Herman Melville in his 1851 epic, Moby Dick, "If that double-bolted land, Japan, is ever to become hospitable, it is the whale-ship alone to whom the credit will be due; for already she is on the threshold."
Well-researched, well-written, beautifully illustrated, and a fascinating story as well. Once again, nice to learn more history from a so-called 'picture' book.(less)
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was the perfect audio-book for my daughter and I to enjoy on our recent drive to St. Louis. For one thing it’s a woman’...moreSnow Flower and the Secret Fan was the perfect audio-book for my daughter and I to enjoy on our recent drive to St. Louis. For one thing it’s a woman’s book, by, about and for women. We've both read and enjoyed other books by the author, Lisa See and we weren't disappointed with this selection either. Just because the world of women was so severely restricted in traditional China does not mean it was purposeless, superficial or inconsequential. On the contrary, See shows us the passion, depth and selflessness these women could have for their parents, husbands, children and especially each other.
This is most particularly illustrated in the long friendship between the Lily and Snow Flower as written about on their fan. While we use the terms Best Friends Forever (BFFs), Soul Sisters or Kindred Spirits; in China, such life-long friends exchanged formal vows and became known as laotongs, which meant, “old sames” and they even learnt a secret language and promised to love each other for life, this being especially important since the love of a husband or even mother was a very uncertain thing.
Also, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a gruesomely, fascinating explanation of the Chinese social custom/more of foot-binding and how young girls experience this torture first-hand. You can of course read a dry technical description of the process, but the author’s detailed narrative account as told by her little six and seven year old girl characters is far more moving. My daughter and I both ached for those poor little girls completely forgetting they were fiction—only thinking of all the hundreds of thousands of Chinese children subject to such excruciating pain in the name of beauty and tradition.
All in all a poignant and beautiful story. Highly recommended!(less)
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