FIFTH MONDAY FEATURE
What does a writer read? is a question I am often asked. This month I am sharing the highlights of my reading so far in 2016 by genre:
Science Fiction: Provoke Not the Children by Michael W. Anderson
I was drawn to this book by the title, assuming it came from the biblical instruction to parents: provoke not your children to wrath. That verse is never mentioned, but the story grows out of a terrifying scenario where that is exactly what happens.
The scariest thing about this book, to me, is that I can imagine something like this happening. Humanity has gone from raising children at home to childcare to raising children by proxies, with only a week or two visits every year. I can’t quite imagine a world where parents would give birth with no intention of having part in their children’s lives. (Otherwise, why bother? Just to maintain the human species?)
A well told story, with a complex character in search of redemption.
Mystery: The Only Witness by Pamela Beason.
Mystery/thriller is my favorite genre and I read many books, varying from adequate to excellent. I chose The Only Witness because the only eye-witness to a child abduction is a gorilla with the sign-language vocabulary of a five-year-old human. The most unique mystery of the lot, with a good plot, interesting characters, and the issues regarding the gorilla “project” adding depth to the story.
Biblical fiction: Mine Is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs.
Also the only Biblical fiction I’ve read this year so far. I love the way Higgs retells a biblical story (Ruth, Naomi and Boaz) in 17th Century Scotland. I’ve read most of her biblical fiction books and enjoyed them all.
Other: Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan
Start with this fact: I made it through this 900 page book with pleasure. It’s about Chinese culture, yes, the culture of the courtesan especially, but like The Joy Luck Club it’s about mothers and daughters and the ties that bind.
Historical Romance: Soiled Dove Series bundle by Sarah Foster
I read many good historical romances but this one surprised me. They’re by a new author to me. The possibility of redeeming “soiled doves” is a subject I’ve addressed myself and this was well done. Also the second book managed to surprise me. I didn’t see how the couple could have a happily ever after, but of course they did.
Christian Nonfiction: Experiencing God’s Presence: Learning to Listen While You Pray by Linda Evans Shepherd.
A year ago, God laid on my heart to “Be still and know that I am God.” This title drew me in right away. The fact the author is a good friend helped. I took my time, interacting with each chapter section and concentrating on each prayer—and found myself more transformed than from several of the other excellent books on prayer I’ve read this year.
Political/Thriller: The Justice by Angela Elwell Hunt
The first female president in United States history nominates her college boyfriend to the Supreme Court, expecting him to support her aggressive feminist agenda. Only God changes his heart. This contemporary retelling of the story of Thomas More and Henry VIII of England (A Man for All Seasons) kept me glued to the page.
What’s the best book you’ve read this year? (One of mine, lol?)
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