An Engaging, but Different, Southern Novel

On Agate Hill by Lee Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm not entirely sure how to describe this book. I can tell you it kept me engaged all the way through. I think it may be one of the strangest books I've ever read.

We have the main character, Molly Petree who has lost everyone she loves - we follow her from her youth to adulthood. She is stubborn, angry, determined, solitary--she calls herself a ghost girl. For much of her young life she pretty much decides what she is going to do it, and then does it. Her running commentary on the other characters in the story gives us a picture of the circumstances that surround her. Molly ignores the adults who try to "gentle" her and pretty much runs wild. She likes it that way.

Then we have the mysterious Mr. Black, who seems ominous right the start and "rescues" her. Mr. Black sends her to school. The head mistress hates her and doesn't want her there, but Molly's benefactor (Mr. Black) donates enough money to keep the school going, so Molly stays. On the surface, Molly does get "tamed" but an unfortunate circumstance forces her to leave. She leaves with her friend Agnes to go teach school in the mountains where she is loved, and falls in love--something she swore she would never do.

The characters in the story are interesting. The setting (Asheville, NC) descriptions fit for the community the author describes. Southern novels just seem to have a different quality about them. Southern women and the communities they come from are always a little bit unbelievable, but the southern woman always survives. I like that about them.

This book has been on my book list for quite some time - I will be checking out more works by this author.

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Intrigued to Read More Hemingway . . .

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked this novel about Hemingway's first wife Hadley Richardson. This is one of those books that has me intrigued to figure out what's true and not true. Although the book is primarily about Hadley, the bigness of how Hemingway, and his counterparts lived their lives comes through loud and clear. I'm also struck again by how often gifted writers and artists seem to be such tortured souls. Does their talent eat them up inside so that they can't be separate from it. It seems like the talent becomes almost obsessive, leaving no room for balance in personal lives. If the novel is correct, Hadley certainly became totally caught up in Hemingway's life, losing her sense of self in him. It's terribly sad in many ways.

I loved that the book referenced the Nick Adams stories, which was a book club read. It always adds an extra piece of enjoyment for me when a book mentions books that I have read. I am looking forward to picking up Hemingway's "A Moveable Feast" which is his take on the Paris years for reference.

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What Makes the Difference for a Kid?

Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard by Liz Murray

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you Goodreads for this complimentary copy of "Breaking Night".

This was one of those books that I didn't think I liked that much, but then found myself telling other people about it. It's always interesting when that happens, and I realize I liked it better than I thought.

I am amazed at the author's memory, and also stunned that children grow up in homes like hers. I can't imagine growing up in a home where "normal" is your parents lining up their drug paraphernalia on the kitchen table and shooting up. A home where you wait eagerly for that disability check, buy a few groceries, and then spend the rest on drugs. Waiting for the mailman by the window, while you eat, perhaps, bread with mayonnaise for supper. Yet this little girl loved her parents. She wanted to be with them and feel loved by them. It's an experience that I really can't comprehend.

Liz was observant and resourceful. She didn't go to school, but she survived. She watched and learned how to steal, how to make money pumping gas, and how to evade those pesky phone calls from school, threatening to remove her from home and put her in a group home.

By the time Liz was in her early teens, her mom had contracted aids. She left Liz's dad and moved in with another man. Through a variety of circumstances Liz decides to leave the protection, and the care, of her mom and begins to live on the streets. She followed this "carefree" life until she realized she couldn't count on other people to take care of her the rest of her life. She realized as well, that she was the only person she could count on to make that change.

My favorite parts of the book were towards the end, where Liz made a conscious choice to go back to school. She was still homeless, but she realized she needed to get an education to move forward. She shares how discouraging it was to visit alternative schools and be judged by how she looked, and dismissed without being acknowledged as someone who could achieve. She almost gave up - but somehow, for reasons she doesn't know, a feeling of hope brings her to the next alternative school interview. She arrives late, but ends up being accepted. Enrolling requires her to get her old transcripts, and she shares how she felt like such a failure when she saw all those failing grades - she only passed one class. But she hit on the idea of asking for a transcript from her new school, Humanities Preparatory School. She looks at that fresh page, and all those blanks just waiting for an "A". That's we she decides for herself. She wants all A's and she wants to complete four years of high school in two years. She also shares how hard it was--hiding her homelessness, finding places to sleep and shower, finding food, and making that decision, every day, that she is going to get up and go to school--not just stay in bed and hang out with her friends. She tells how her teachers really look at her, and really want to know her. She begins to love them, and to love school, and she wants to go to school not only to learn, but because she doesn't want to disappoint them.

This, the love between a teacher and student, seems to me to be the only way to hook kids into achievement. Respect for the student, and a student's respect for the teacher, is the winning combination. I love that Liz has taken her education and is using it to help ther students. In fact, they have opened one of the first schools for homeless students in New York City (www.manifestliving.com).

I highly recommend this read!

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Will You Cross the Line?

The Line by Teri Hall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this book and you should run right out and buy it. I can't stand that the library does not yet have the sequel "Away", and I may have to run out and buy both of them myself, even though I've made a semi-vow to cut back on my book purchases.

If you want to have a great discussion with your teen on prejudice, being judgmental, being brave and doing what's right, this is the book for you.

Once again I am stuck to generalities while reviewing a book - you just have to read it, and have your friends read it too so that you can talk about it together. I was telling my friend Lara about this book on the phone - she could not see me, but I was literally jumping up and down from the excitement of it! She had to tell me to stop sharing so that she could find out for herself what would happen. This is why I'm not telling you anything other than you need to read it!

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I'm a Fan of Gary D. Schmidt

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't know why I never read any Gary Schmidt prior to this year. I had heard good things about "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy", and just never picked it up till now.

I am in the weird spot of wanting to tell you all about these books, but, at the same time not wanting to tell you anything about these books--I don't want to spoil the stories for you.

So, instead, I'll tell you some reasons I'm enjoying this author.

1) He weaves culture and history into the stories - you're learning as you go. Not everything has to be new and technologically exciting--there is beauty in history, and character.

2) He respects kids and their instincts as to what is right and wrong.

3) He shows us that adults can learn from kids.

5) Grace and forgiveness are not named, but, they definitely show up in these stories.

6) I want to know the background conversations between the moms and dads . . . I think this author totally shows in his stories how a moms quiet influence has an impact on the family. I used to say to friends that I'm the mirror of what happens in my house. If I'm crabby and mean, it spreads to the rest of the family. If I practice the fruits of the spirit - peace, love, joy, etc., that is mirrored in my family.

Definitely pick up these books and enjoy a quiet afternoon with them . . .

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Wanting . . . What?

I have decided that I really don't like my 50's. I'm thinking of this stage of my life as the years of discontent. I can't seem to feel settled and at peace in my life at home or at work. I often feel bored, bored, bored, and how can my mundane life matter at all to anyone?

Is this a product of my age? Of the sense that now is the time to consider what is real, true, lovely and important? Of the sense that yes, I'm 53, and the time to grab hold of whatever it is I want to grab hold of better be happening sooner rather than later? I feel like a two year old . . . wanting . . . something . . . what. . .is. . .it?!

I feel like there really is a something. That God's preparing me for something, but I can't see what it is. Could it be that I'm living the something? That the people I see and encourage are what God has for me. I just don't know.

It frustrates me.

I recently read an author who said to God - "I want to know the how. How to go about this or that, how to live like I've been set free. How to be who God created me to be." God's answer was - "let go of the how, you need to drink my milk and eat my food--that's what's important. The answers will come later" (66 Love Letters). I like that, and think I have to let go of my "what is it You have for me to do", but . . . it's hard.

For a number of months now, I've had this quote on my desk: "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" I've been pondering it, but haven't come up with an answer. I'm trying to drink the milk and eat the food . . .but failing.

Then at Leadership Summit, the theme - Action Trumps Everything. (Lee Schlesinger) Does it? How do you know when to act, and if the time to act is now. . . Lee would say step up, take action. How do you know unless you try. . . but what if you don't know what it is you want to try? Still working at drinking the milk and eating the food . . .

Another theme of the summit - tough callings. I already wrote about Mama Maggie. She had a clear call. She is at peace. Jeremiah the prophet had a tough call. God called him to preach and he did, although he was beat up a lot for his obedience. God finally told him to tell the people, if they didn't obey they would be broken into pieces like the clay pot he was to throw on the ground. Jeremiah obeyed God, and got beat up for his trouble once again . . . not sure I want to get beat up, but. . . what passion he had for God.

Each of the Summit participants received a shard of a clay pot, and quiet time to consider what our piece of clay might be saying to us. On one side, I wrote, what am I afraid of. On the other side, break my heart with what is breaking Your (God's) heart, a challenge from Brenda Salter McNeil.

I feel jealous of these folks who know who they are and what they are called to do. Frustrated, as I feel lost. Guess for now I keep drinking the milk and eating the food. . .

Mama Maggie

I attended the Willow Creek Leadership summit simulcast at Christ Memorial this past week. There are a number of contemplations rolling through my brain, but for right now, I'll concentrate on Mama Maggie.

I am struck first by the countenance of Mama Maggie. She is a woman who looks peaceful and content--she actually looks holy to me.

Mama Maggie gave up a cultured, elegant life to work with the children and people who live in literal garbage dumps in India. Children sleep in the garbage. They eat the garbage. . .

When she spoke about this choice, she spoke in a humble, unassuming way. Yet her first words, about the first thing to do, which is sell everything are powerful to me. I understand that not all of us are called to this extreme, yet part of me wonders, is that really true? This is after all what Christ asks of us when He says, follow me. . .

Some of my favorite bits from her talk:

• If you want to be a hero, do what God wants you to do
• Forgiveness is not between you and the other, it's between you and God . . He holds the account

and my favorite bit, about silence - she says "silence is the step to getting all the treasures . . . it is there we experience eternity". This is what she said:

1. Silence your body to listen to your words
2. Silence your tongue to listen to your thoughts
3. Silence your thoughts to list to your heart beating
4. Silence your heart to listen to your spirit
5. Silence your spirit to listen to HIS Spirit
6. You silence all to listen to the One.

This seems beautiful and desirable to me - but how to get there?

I think you must have to sell everything, including your husband and children if you have them. How else can you even get to silence?

As I was trying to have a little time of contemplation to write down these thoughts my husband (and I don't even have children at home anymore) kept bothering me - where are my shorts, what about that plant, etc. Right now I feel about as far from hearing God's Spirit as I can be, and I know there is no way I'm looking holy. . .

To support Mama Maggie's work, please visit the Stephen's Children site.

The Story Above All Stories

King's Cross by Timothy Keller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cannot recommend "King's Cross" highly enough. There were so many parts that spoke to me, that brought me to new awareness of the gift of Jesus to the World.

How can it be that we have lost the urgency, the joy, the passion that is the real and true story of Jesus. Like C.S. Lewis, Timothy Keller opens my brain to new pathways of understanding of just how significant the death of Jesus on the cross is.

I know this seems weird to say. I'm a Christian - one would think I'm feeling this all the time. But, I'm not. Honestly, sometimes I think I am more worried about hurting a person's feelings, or offending a person by sharing the story of Jesus. Keller explains gospel means "news that brings great joy"--why in the world wouldn't I be eager to share that with someone?

How have we lost that? How have we let the world convince us that sharing Jesus' news of great joy is not a good thing?

I'd like to entice you with excerpts, but I practically have to quote the whole book! I'll give you some pictures of the essence.

In Chapter 1, we learn that the Trinity (the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) are

"each centering on the others, adoring and serving them . . . this makes God infinitely, profoundly happy . . . if it's true that this world has been created by the Triune God, then ultimate reality is a dance . . . if this world was made by a Triune God, relationships of love are what life is really about . . . He must have created us not to get joy, but to give it".

The author then goes on to the story of Jesus temptation in the wilderness. He explains the wilderness is a battleground, and Satan is wanting to tempt us away from the dance. Using the story of Adam, Keller explains that God said to Adam:

"because you love me, don't eat from the tree--just because I say so. . . Obey me about the tree and you will live".

We know that Adam didn't live up to his end of the bargain.

Now Satan goes to Jesus in the wilderness - Satan comes to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane:

"the ultimate antigarden to the Garden of Eden. . .God said to Jesus, 'Obey me about the tree',--only this time the tree was a cross--and you will die. And Jesus did. He has gone before you into the heart of a very real battle to draw you into the ultimate reality of the dance. What He has enjoyed from all eternity, he has come to offer to you".

In the afterward of the book, Keller tells us that:

"Steven Spielberg was refused any Oscars until he stopped making movies with only happy endings, yet his fairy tale-ending movies are his most popular. . . critics observe this and scowl that, of course, "escapist" stories will always be popular".

He (Keller) goes on to say that Tolkien argues:

"people sense that such stories point to some underlying Reality. As we read or watch them, we are being told that the world is certainly filled with danger . . . nonetheless there is a meaning to things, there is a difference between good and evil, and above all there will be a final defeat of evil . . .the gospel story of Jesus is the underlying Reality to which all the stories point. . . it is the true story; it happened".

Keller also shares the words of theologian Robert W. Jensen:

"our culture is in crisis because the modern world has lost it's story. We once thought that life had a purpose, that there was something to live for, and that there was hope for a resolution to the sufferings of the world. Now, many say, none of these things are true".

What a sad statement.

If ever there was a time for sharing "news of great joy", it is now, don't you think? I'm a Christian. I have the antidote. Guess what, the antidote is a story. I love stories, and this one is true. I need to be as eager to share this story as I am to share the stories of the novels I read.

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Poppies = Imagination

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I ran across this book in my favorite place to prowl in the library - the advance review section. I checked it out on Goodreads when I got home and saw that it had an average of four stars plus, and it totally lived up to that. I was engaged in the story from beginning to end, and keep going back to re-read bits of it.

Victoria has been shuttled to numerous foster homes. She has put up a tough and defiant exterior to protect her heart from the rejection that she knows will eventually come her way. I think the author got this character exactly right. Don't you think it's true that when hearts are hurt people put up all kinds of barriers to protect themselves? Along the way though, Victoria meets two somebodies that love her, and as always, real love, can break down those crusty exteriors. It doesn't happen overnight though, it takes time. This bit is also true to life, don't you think? It's only consistent and constant love and grace that can break down those walls.

Victoria learned about the language of flowers on her journey to wholeness. I loved learning the meanings of flowers, and how they were used in communication in Victorian times, and how they could be used in the same way today. People are always looking for a little magic in their lives, and Victoria's meaningful bouquets provide just what they are looking for.

There are several bits in the story where flowers are used for conversations, and I thought that was charming, although sometimes the message of the flowers themselves were actually quite difficult.

I liked how the people Victoria met took the chance of encouraging and helping her. They also showed love where none was expected, and didn't give up on Victoria.

I can't tell you more without ruining the story--give yourself a treat and add this to your booklist.

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War and Life Choices

Gifts of War by Mackenzie Ford

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gifts of War begins with the World War I 1914 Christmas Truce (widespread unofficial ceasefires that took place along the Western Front around Christmas of 1914). I did not know this was a true fact until I googled it after finishing the book.
Wilhelm (German) and Hal (British) meet during the truce and have a conversation. In the course of the conversation, Hal makes a promise to Wilhelm, one he does not keep. This failed promise embarks him on a life of deceit. A life he willfully chooses. Here's the thing, Hal is not a bad man. He could be you, or me. The questions he asks as he makes his choices, could be questions you or I ask ourselves. Once you take that first small step of deceit, it is easy to take the next one, or two, or three. It is very rare that deceit does not catch up with us in some way, and this proves true for Hal.

There are so many other nuances in the book. Think how strange, and how amazing, for soldiers fighting to the death to stop, decorate their trenches, sing songs together and share gifts. They made plans to bury their dead during the cease fire. And then, in one or two days, to begin killing each other again.

What about spying for your country? This could entail literally sleeping with the enemy, killing acquaintances and the like. Basically, it is living a life of approved deceit. Deceit with honor. That's a misnomer if I ever heard one.

What about hating someone, just because they are German, or British,or Dutch, or Hispanic - and then, endeavoring, when war is over, to start over again in peace. Surely at that time, it is just a word, what about real peace? How does one attain it, that peace of Shalom (living harmoniously), after a war time experience.

These are some of the questions you'll ponder as you consider lives impacted by war, both in the past and the present.

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An Intense Read

Room by Emma Donoghue

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was not excited to read this book,it sounded creepy to me. And, I have to say, it is a little creepy, but, it also held my attention throughout. So why did I read it? Book club. Sometimes you are forced to read things that you don't really want to, and, it usually ends up all right. I can't say that I enjoyed the book, but I was totally immersed, and have gone back to read parts several times.

If you think you're going to read this book, you may not want to read past this sentence . . .

The title makes so much sense once you've read the story.

"Room" is Jake's world. It is all he knows. To him, room is real, and everything else is not real. Jake is not just smart, he's precocious. He's also incredibly naive. He lives in this small room, with a few stories, and a pattern to every day. Objects are named and become his friends. He loves his mom, he loves room, he loves his routines. He questions. His brain begins to be stretched. He learns there is a real world, this isn't all there is. This scares him. His mom asks him to perform a daring deed. He does, and their whole life changes.

For his mom, the change is mostly great, but for Jake, not so much. Everything he loves, everything that is familiar, is gone. He wants it back. This is hard for his mom, and for him--for so long they were just the two of them, and they mostly agreed on everything. Now the world is bigger, and has to expand to include other people.

I am glad for learning about the new life - I liked Steppa, and I felt Jake's awkwardness, and his mom's exhilaration with freedom, and frustration with Jake's slowness to embrace the freedom were expressed well. I thought the reaction of his mom's parents were real and believable.

The one thing I struggle with a bit is the fact that Jake is just five. I'm not sure a five year old would really have been able to perform such a daring deed.

On the copyright page, it says that the book is totally fictional, and I believe this to be true, except . . . today, I watched the Jaycee Dugard interview with Diane Sawyer. I have to wonder if the author's imagination was sparked by this true story of a young girl who was abducted, raped, imprisoned in a soundproof room, and gave birth to 2 children during her 18 year imprisonment. Having just finished "Room", and then watching the interview, there are some real similarities. Certainly both the interview and the book teach us that evil is real and in the world. After watching the Jaycee interview, I think we all need to be more diligent about caring for our neighbors, and being brave enough, and taking the risk to report, where we believe there may be wrong doing. I think sometimes we feel embarrassed, after all, what if we're wrong. Perhaps, we should be asking ourselves more often, what if we're right?

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A "Can't Put It Down" Book

Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I like Jodi Picoult's books, but this one I just could not put down. I started it on Thursday night, and stayed up way past my bedtime, reluctantly putting it away as I had to get up and go to work on Friday.

Friday night did my chores as quick as I could, anticipating the time I could sit down and finish it!

Paige's mom ran away when she was 5 years old. Paige ran away when she was 18. She's been in love twice, and now she has a baby of her own. Exhausted from caring for her infant while her cardiologist husband puts in long hours at work, she finds that she's losing herself. How can she find herself again, reconcile her past, and reconcile her old self with her new self and her role as mother? How can her heart heal so that she is whole again?

I loved Paige and her questionings, her naivety, and her honesty. I loved that she was an artist, and her special gift that made her art unique. I loved how she loved her dad--actually, how they loved each other.

It's always curious to me how some books pull you in, and others not so much. This one definitely had my undivided attention!

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Hope for Prodigals

Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God. A Broken Mother's Search for Hope. by Christopher Yuan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for my free copy of "Out of a Far Country".

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but found it to be interesting, informative, sad, and hopeful.

The book is actually two stories in one. The mother's journey to Christ, healed marriage and unconditional love, and the son's journey from rebellion into a relationship with Christ, and healing and reconciliation with his own family.

I honestly don't know if I as a mother could have exhibited the grace that Christopher's mother exhibited towards him. His lifestyle of same sex relationships, drugs, and journey to self destruction would be enough to kill any hope one might have for reconciliation and wholeness. Chris was blind to the risks involved in his choices--it is actually surprising that he's still alive today. It is amazing to see how God uses our brokenness to bring us back to Him. Thank goodness He does.

One thing that was missing for me. Christopher has a brother Steven. Although Steven is mentioned early in the book,we don't get to hear what happened with Steven once his parents and brother became Christians.

I also liked Christopher's reasoning of Holy Sexuality. How many of us don't use sex, whether heterosexual or homosexual, as a replacement for living a holy life for God. Or, take away sex, just any covetousness, or idol, to fill our emptiness other than God.

To learn about Christopher Yuan's ministry, you can visit his website christopheryuan.com.

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My Favorite of Lisa See's Books!

Dreams of Joy: A Novel by Lisa See

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads, you are spoiling me for anything other than reading! I had no intentions of whiling away the day by reading a book, but I received my recent win, "Dreams of Joy" on Thursday, started reading Saturday morning and couldn't stop. I have read Lisa See's other books ("Snowflower and the Secret Fan", "Peony in Love", "Shanghi Girls") so was very pleased to score this win. "Dreams of Joy" is a continuation of the "Shanghi Girls" story--in some ways I wish I had re-read "Shanghi Girls" before I started "Dreams of Joy", just so that I could refresh the characters in my head.

"Dreams" is the story of Joy, Pearl's daughter. (This is hard, I don't want to spoil the story by sharing too much.) Basically, Joy finds out some family secrets and leaves her home (America) and goes to China, where she buys into the communist philosophy. Along the way she loses her naivety, falls in love, meets her father, learns that she is a strong person, as well as to appreciate her family. Basically she grows up.

Meanwhile her mom (Pearl) follows her to China and learns some things about her ownself, her relationship with her sister, as well as her daughter.

Really liked this book. As in See's other books, you will learn about Chinese culture and history. In this book, there are several characters with bound feet. With the onset of communism, women were discouraged from this practice. In fact, those who had bound feet were encouraged to unbind them, which turns out to be a painstaking process with less than ideal results. Although the feet will unfurl, they cannot be "normal" since the bones were broken in the binding process when they were young. In the afterward the author mentions the photos of Joseph Rupp and his bound feet project. It was interesting to read the stories of these women, who just accepted this rite of passage as necessary to getting a husband, as well as to see their photos. You can visit the website here: http://www.josephrupp.com/bfindex2.html

Highly recommend this book!

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The Daughter's Walk: A Novel by Jane Kirkpatrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was excited to receive this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah. I like this author and have enjoyed a number of her books.

The Daughter's Walk is based on the true story of Helga Estby and her 18 year old daughter Clara, who, in 1896 accepted a wager from the fashion industry to walk from Spokane Washington to New York City within seven months. If successful, they would win $10,000 and save the family farm.

I always like books about spunky women, and these two certainly were. Their lives, and the lives of their family, were forever changed by their decision. They had adventure, but their decision to walk brought them some personal tragedy, and, sadly, they missed the deadline by two weeks. Once they returned to the farm, Clara made the decision to leave her home, and did not return for over 20 years.

Kirkpatrick weaves truth and fiction in the tale as she conjectures what Clara might have done, and what choices she made. This is where it got frustrating for me - not in the story itself, I thought it was good, but I wish I knew what was truth and what was fiction. I want to know the true story of Clara and her choices! I tried to look up some information online, but there wasn't much there - it is a mystery as to the real reason why Clara left and even to some extents what she did.

To view the book trailer, and see some pics of Clara and her mom, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoxjLeTTw...

If you haven't read any of Kirkpatrick's books yet, you should give her a try! Two of my favorites are A Gathering of Finches and A Sweetness to the Soul.

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The Sisters of Sinai: How Two Lady Adventurers Discovered the Hidden Gospels by Janet Martin Soskice

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of the things I liked best about this book is how the sisters did not allow themselves to be constrained by the societal limits imposed on women in the 1800's. Although women were not often educated in that time, their father did not ascribe to that theory, and taught them languages at an early age. Their father died when they were in their 20s, and, against popular opinion they traveled to Egypt on their own. This was just the beginning of their many travels. Along the way they learned about ancient manuscripts stored at St. Catherine's monastery and set on their way to find them. Agnes taught herself Syriac, the language she would need to translate the manuscript they were after and they set out on a secret expedition to find it. As a result they made one of the most important biblical finds of their day - Codex Sinaiticus Syriacus (four gospels written in Syriacus, a form of the language Jesus would have spoken). The following, describes it well:

It took them nine days to travel across the Sinai desert, with one day for rest on the Sabbath. They had seven camels carrying tents along with provisions for 40 days, including cages of chickens, turkeys and doves. When they arrived at the monastery they quickly gained the confidence of the monks, thanks as much to their fluent Greek as their letters of introduction from Cambridge friends. They soon uncovered a stash of Syriac manuscripts and were quick to identify the palimpsest. They had been persuaded to bring along a camera and assiduously photographed every page, easing apart the stuck pages with the steam from their kettle. But when they got back to Cambridge they discovered that their photos were not good enough to elucidate the hidden text. They returned a few months later with academics from Cambridge and spent a month painstakingly tracing every letter. Rivalry soon soured relationships with the other academics, but it was Agnes who eventually published the definitive edition of what became known as the Codex Sinaiticus Syriacus, and it was she who eventually furnished an English translation

These ladies were in their 50s when they made this discovery. I love that they did not let their gender, their age, prejudice against their self-taught learning, public opinion keep them "at home", where no doubt many thought they belonged. Indeed, they traveled and collected and translated manuscripts for the rest of their adult lives.

In addition to learning their story, you'll learn a lot about biblical thought of the day, and the history of the written Bible. All in all an interesting and enjoyable read.

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An Honestly Good Read

To Be Perfectly Honest: One Man's Year of Almost Living Truthfully Could Change Your Life. No Lie. by Phil Callaway

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book. I felt that the author infused humor into the stories, but then in the last pages of each chapter he examined the focus of the chapter with seriousness and thoughtfulness. It's obvious he loves the Lord, and equally obvious that he struggles. Isn't that just so true of all of us? I felt the author was very real and sometimes vulnerable in his emotions and life. That kind of transparency makes me want to work harder at the challenges in my own life.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah

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Escape into Another World!

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started reading Distant Hours last night (Friday) and just finished it (Saturday at noon). Like Thirteenth Tale I was loathe to put it down until I was finished. Other than making breakfast I have done nothing but read, and am, in fact, still in my jammies!

I was hooked by the second paragraph:

"It is moonless when the Mud Man comes. The night has slipped on a pair of fine leather gloves, shaken a black sheet across the land: a ruse, a disguise, a sleeping spell, so that all beneath it slumbers sweet."

I loved the descriptive language the author use, like "wrestle my attention forwards", or speaking of the library books "My fingers positively itched to drift at length along their spines, to arrive at one whose lure I could not pass,to pluck it down, to inch it open, then to close my eyes and and inhale the soul-sparking scent of old and literate dust." (I can so relate!)

It's been a while since I've had book take me so far out of the present and totally immersed in the world created in the book. This is the power of a good story and I wish there were more of them out there.

Chapters switch between time frame and character voices. If this is challenging for you, it may not be the book for you. However, I loved how each character had a place in the story and how it was all tied together at the end. To learn more, you'll have to read it yourself.

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Love Wins

Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived by Rob Bell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I must be honest. I have been more fascinated by the controversy surrounding "Love Wins" than the book itself. It is arousing such passion in so many people, and the debate is not always kind.

You'll have noticed I only gave a 3 star rating--nothing to do with the controversy, merely the fact that the book didn't resonate with me.

There is a part of me that thinks a better title would be: Love Won. If Jesus had not died for you and me on the cross, then what's the point? We cannot possibly love anyone with a Christlike (self-surrendering, self-sacrificial) love without the cross paving the way, family pictures notwithstanding. . .

Love Wins also talks about people being accepted by Christ (ie: into Heaven) even if they don't know His name. I have to confess, there's a part of me that finds this attractive. But then again, God knows our names, He even has a secret name for each of us (Revelation 2:17), and He has our names written on His hands (Isaiah 49:16). The Amplified Version of Isaiah says

"Behold, I have indelibly printed (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of my hands".

God tells us our ways are not His ways, and our thoughts not His thoughts, so thankfully we can let Him take care of that bit. When He knows me so intimately though, I should be falling all over myself to make sure other people do know His name!

I have heard the teaching on 'Heaven on Earth' in a Ray VanderLaan series, so this was not new to me. I feel like I have an unfair advantage over readers who didn't have this teaching. You can't capture the richness of Heaven on earth (chaos to shalom) in a chapter (consider that Ray taught it over the course of six or seven sections). Ray taught us that where-ever God's will is done, there is Shalom. Shalom means everything is as God intended it to be. Then he (Ray) asks us, "are you willing to address the evil in your heart and life? Will you allow God to use you to bring Shalom?" I feel like those questions, that passion, didn't come through in Love Wins. The same would be true for chapter six, 'There are Rocks Everywhere'. I've heard the Exodus 17 story taught by two separate biblical scholars, and the richness of the water coming out of the rock was not captured (in one of the teachings it was portrayed as the first Easter, and I wish I had the words to describe it all, but I don't).

The books about God I love are the ones that make me aware of His power and how that can change me into being that shalom-bearer. In no particular order, my favorites are:

Fresh Wind Fresh Fire

The Christian's Secret To a Happy Life
Hinds Feet in High Places
Radical and Radical Together
The Hole in the Gospel

As mention previously, I have been fascinated by the controversy and spent some time reading multiple reviewers. My favorite, both for it's graciousness and it's thoroughness is Dr. Ben Witherington's blog. The link will bring you to chapter 8, which sums up his thoughts on the book and on Rob Bell (he believes he writes from a poet's perspective), but you can read his posts on each chapter if you want to take the time.

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Do I Unleash God's Power?

Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God by David Platt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you enjoyed "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream" as I did, then this book is for you. Once again, Platt does not allow you to become complacent in your walk with God. He challenges us to really follow the faith practices that Jesus modeled for us while here on earth.

He reminds us

"Don't sit in a classroom; share your lives. Don't build extravagant places; build extraordinary people. Make disciples who will make disciples who will make disciples, and together multiply this gospel to all peoples."

Platt has a passion for igniting people to really take the Bible and God's message seriously. He uses God's word to convict us of the message of God (go and make disciples) and bring it to all people. He brought to my attention a verse that I had not considered before. Matthew 24:14

"This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (emphasis mine)

Platt explains that the original word for "nations" in the New Testament is "ethne" and refers to all the ethnic peoples of the world. What Jesus is telling us in the Bible is that

"the end of the age will come when people from every single ethnic group have come to Christ."

Platt tells us there are eleven thousand people groups in the workd and more than six thousand of them are still "unreached". This is an awesome responsibility that God has given us, and one that I personally need to grow in.

In the beginning of the book, Platt shares a story of a man who had spent most of his adult life involved in programs and serving on committees in his church. When he began to become active in discipling and leading others to God he realized that

"I have spent my life doing all the stuff in the church that I thought I was supposed to do. But I'm realizing that I have missed the most important thing: making disciples".

Isn't that just true for most of us? We do all the "right things" from a world point of view, but are we really following God's commandment to "make disciples".

This book will make you wonder - am I fully surrendered to God. It will make you ask - God, what do you want me to do.

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The Ale Boy's Feast

The Ale Boy's Feast: A Novel by Jeffrey Overstreet

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed "The Ale Boy's Feast", although I was at a bit of a disadvantage--I had not realized that this was the final book in a trilogy called The Auralia Thread. If I had read the first two books, I think this read would have been much more meaningful for me.

If you have a teen or young adult or loves fantasy, this would be a good read for them. The story line between good and evil, the giving of second chances, the holding on to hope are all represented well. I especially liked the giving people a second chance story line, and how difficult that can be when you know no-one else feels that person is deserving.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

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Rethink Food!

The Spirit of Food: 34 Writers on Feasting and Fasting toward God by Leslie Leyland Fields

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just really loved this book. As noted in the title, 34 writers submitted an essay about food, and at the end of most chapters a recipe is included. I seriously just want to start inviting people over to dinner.

It seems to me that eating has just become a task that we do. We feed our bodies in order to live, we feed our families because that's what we are supposed to do. But sharing a meal together is really a time of consecration.

This book will make you slow down, and really consider what sharing a meal is about. It's about God, who provided this earth and all that grows in it to sustain our bodies. Because He's God, He doesn't just provide us with boring sustenance, of course not! Our God is a lavishly loving God, and He gives us choices that satisfy our hearts and our bodies. We can create lovely pasta dinners, enjoy that tomato right out of the garden, make delicious breads and choose from a variety of meat choices (if we are so inclined).

I really appreciated that many of the authors pointed out, we need to start saying grace to God as soon as we start preparing our meals. We also need to thank and appreciate Him for the people who work so hard to provide those meals for us. We need to consider the choices we make when we buy our food. Are we buying food from people who are making responsible choices about the land and the animals that become the food on our table? Are we remembering that there are many people who do not have enough food to eat? Are we thankful when we eat, or are we just shoveling food into our mouths?

I don't think there was an essay I didn't like, but one of my favorite essays was "A Way of Loving" by Stephan and Karen Baldwin. They share the story of how they created an Italian meal from scratch, and how their daughter's friends were disoriented to see a meal created that was not out of a box. Not only that, but these teens didn't even know how to set a table. This meal became a gift of love and a lesson in dining for these kids. Karen and her family created a feast that included the little touches that dress up a table, like putting bread in a basket lined with a napkin. She endeavored to create a tone that said "this is a place to linger". I like that.

I also enjoyed "The Communion of Saints" by Jeanne Murray Walker. She writes about her visits to her local farmer's market and how it became a place of healing, or sanctuary for her.

This book is really about so much more than food. It's about creating communities of grace around our tables. In our fast paced society, this book will make you rethink food, and the companions that you share that food with.

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God's Words of Love

I am so pleased to be able to review Ruth Myer's "31 Days of Drawing Near to God: Resting Securely in His Delight". After receiving the book I realized that I already had read it, although under a different title ("The Satisfied Heart"). This book then, will become a gift for someone special.

Many years ago my sister gave me Ruth Myer's "31 Days of Praise". I have gone through those 31 days so often that it is falling apart. Although the Praise book remains my favorite, Drawing Near to God is not far behind.

If you are a woman who has a lonely heart; a heart that longs for something more; or a heart that doesn't believe that God could possibly love you, no matter what, then I invite you to purchase this book and fall deeper into a love relationship with God.

We cannot love God and be in a deep and intimate relationship with Him if we don't put Him first. But, how can you fall in love with God if you don't know His words of love for you? You will find those words of love at the end of each day's devotion reading.

Each of the 31 days focuses on one of the many ways in which God loves us: Day 1: I Must Have Love; Day 2: He Can More than Satisfy Me; Day 7: I Am His Treasure; Day 13: Everything About Him Says Something About Me. Those words of love come at the end of the day in question, in the form of scripture readings. God uses people like Ruth Myer to talk to us and encourage us, but the best words are His words. The author knows this and her devotions and scripture illumine God's love for us.

Don't wait! God is calling you to Him, He longs to be in relationship with you. Listen to this quote from Hudson Taylor that is included in "Drawing Near to God"

"Who does not thirst? Who has not mind thirsts or heart-thirsts, soul-thirsts or body-thirsts? Well, no matter which, or whether I have them all, Come unto Me and . . . remain thirsty? Ah no! Come Unto Me and drink! What? Can Jesus meet my need? Yes, and more than meet it. No matter how intricate my path, how difficult my service; not matter how sad my bereavement, how far away my loved ones; no matter how helpless I am, how deep are my soul yearnings; Jesus can meet all--all, and more than meet."

The following are some of God's Words of Love from Day 2: He Can More Than Satisfy Me
John 7:37; Psalms 37:3-8, Psalms 52:8; Psalms 89:14-16; Psalms 103:1-5; 1 John 4:9-10

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Piano Lessons

Piano Lessons by Anna Goldsworthy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love music. I was brought up with it in my home as my mom played both the piano and the organ. Learning to play the piano was a struggle for me (I really never progressed much beyond being able to play some hymns and maybe 3 years of piano books?), so I really admire those who have the gift to bring such beautiful music out of the piano. I enjoyed "Piano Lessons" so much! Anna's portrayal of her teacher, Mrs. Sivan, and her own (Anna's) growth as a pianist is written in an engaging way. I particularly enjoyed how the author brought out Mrs. Sivan's desire for her students to hear the music and to play it with all the senses, not just to get the mechanics correct.

Early in the book Mrs. Sivan describes music as "logical fantasy". I loved that. What a great description. Additionally Mrs.Sivan instructs her student that "we are in dialogue with sounds". For me, music can really soothe my soul, or energize me while I'm about my work. I enjoyed how the teacher almost seemed to have known the composers as she taught their music to Anna. Mrs. Sivan is always emphasizing, "music comes from inside". I think that is what makes music beautiful to the listener.

Listen to what Mrs. Sivan says about Chopin and his B flat Minor Sonata:

"This sonata basically Chopin's requiem for himself. First movement starts with grave, and after all story begins. Second movement is about dance of life, busy busy busy, like in enormous excitement and anxiety. This is scherzo of life: joke in big sense. Why we have no time to sit down and listen, except when suddenly illness or something . . . and then comes third movement, funeral march. When you come through this music you will suddenly realize Chopin's own funeral, and he's watching to see how people will remember him."

This is how the piano teacher talks about composers, and playing the piano. The book is full of dialogue like this and I found myself charmed by the story.




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Life, In Spite of Me

Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was interested to read this book as my husband had heard the story on a Focus on the Family radio program. He had told me that it moved him to tears. Because of this I had pretty high expectations. I thought that the story was really going to capture my emotions. Instead, for the first half of the book, although Kristen was sharing details, I felt as though it was just a factual type story, and although very sad, it wasn't really capturing my heart. I actually put it down and started reading another book the next day. However, I picked it up again today, and have to say that I found the last half of the book very powerful. Kristen's yielding of her life to God, her trusting Him with all the details of her life, and the way God used the people He put in her life to prove His faithfulness were inspiring. Her willingness to be totally vulnerable, share her story, and to use that story to encourage and make a difference in other people's lives is a testament to her faith. I wonder if the first half of the book wasn't so meaningful to me because I didn't have the sort of life experiences that Kristen had? At any rate, once you read the end you will definitely find a young woman who desires to give her life to God and to submit to His plan for her.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.



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The Gold Dress

I've recently returned from a cruise to the Caribbean. Other than Canada, which is vastly different from the Caribbean, my husband and I had never been out of the states before. First time for a passport, first time for a cruise, first time we've spent so much money on a vacation. All our previous vacations were pretty thrifty, we hiked, we looked for good deals on vrbo (vacation rental by owner), we often made our own meals. This year we splurged for two reasons: 1) a friend lost his wife unexpectedly. I wanted my husband and I to do something special before it was too late for us, and 2) basically, I felt I deserved a great vacation like this. I have had some struggles, and, it's time for my reward.

Our seven night cruise had two formal nights. Being a woman, I naturally felt I needed a new dress for this occasion, not only to show off my tan, but because we reached a milestone 30 years in our marriage.

A funny thing happened as we prepared for our vacation though, and it's basically all because of a book and that gold dress.

In an earlier post I shared that I read Radical by David Platt. I started not feeling so good about spending all that money on a vacation when I could be using that money for God. I could go to Africa, India, or China. I could donate my dollars to the mission, a needy family, the church. And, no excusing not doing any of those things because I deserve a good vacation. There is no-where in the Bible where God says, "feed the widow, but, take your vacation first".

Also, my dress, which I made, wasn't coming along so smoothly. The pattern isn't actually made for altering, and, being 6'1", it needed to be altered. Got that figured out, and then I just couldn't quite understand how the lining was supposed to work. Took it apart about 4 times before I finally got it right. Then, I tried it on, and the invisible zipper looked more like an "S" curve than the straight line it was supposed to be, and it was hanging all crookedy on me. Frustration! About this time I'm thinking to myself that I really didn't need a new dress, I had some perfectly good dressy clothes that would be fine for formal night. Stubbornly I kept on, and was finally successful. The gold, lined, designer dress, that would have cost me $350 plus in the store, I made for $55 and a lot of frustration.

I think God must feel a lot about me like I felt about that dress. He remains faithful to me, while I'm altering His plan and trying about 6 different ways other than the way He's been prompting me to go. I show the world "Barb in the gold dress", and He sees me in the crookedy dress and still loves me. He is stubborn about me too--He's not going to give up on making me into the Holy woman He created me to be (even though I may fight Him at every turn).

What about that vacation though? I still went on the cruise, and had a fabulous time. It was great to be pampered and be waited on hand and foot, never have to even think about making a meal, or where to go to eat. It was very decadent--you leave your room and when you come back, your bed is made up. You can eat 24 hours a day. All you really have to do is think how you will spend your time and the crew does the rest. I'd like to tell you I was ready to get back to real life on my return, but sadly, that would not be true.

I do want to think more deeply about how I'm using my money. When I consider what I do in my life, or where I vacation I want to ask God first for His leading. I want to honor Him in all my decisions, and I want to somehow promote and support more justice for people who have not been as blessed as I am financially, and who do not have spiritual freedom. I would like to surrender more of myself to God--actually, I would like to fully surrender myself to God. Just saying that out loud feels risky.

Do you know the song "Healing Rain" by Michael W. Smith? Well, in the chorus it says:

Healing rain, it comes with fire,
so let it fall and take us higher,
Healing rain I'm not afraid,
to be washed in Heaven's rain

I've been thinking about this song, and wondering about that sentence "healing rain, I'm not afraid". At first blush you think, why would we be afraid of healing rain? But here's the why. God really does want all of me. He doesn't mince words in His book - He says "leave your family and follow me". He says, "leave your friends and come to My banquet table". He says "take up your cross and follow me". That calls for complete surrender. That calls for the willingness to be healed (give up that temptation that you're hiding in secret, love that neighbor you can't stand). That calls for passionate followers of Christ. Let's face it, that calls for sacrifice.

This is on my heart a lot lately. Am I willing?

There is a part of me that is afraid. What will He ask? I think He is close to asking me something. Will I hear? How will I know it's Him? Will I obey? Will I accept His passport to the life He wants to give me? (Isaiah 35:8)

Trusting God to Turn Me into Me - A Review of Soul Print

I have to be honest - I wasn't thrilled with the "Blogging for Books" book picks this time. The main reason I choose this book "SoulPrint: Discovering Your Divine Destiny", was the publish date of 1/18/2011. I figured it was new enough that I might as well check it out. From the book description, I was expecting a self-help sort of book, and was prepared to be disappointed. Boy was I wrong! Right from the start the author lets us know that this isn't about me helping me, but about God molding me.

"It's not just who you are, present tense. It's who you are destined to become, future tense. It's not just who others see when they look at you from the outside in. It's who God has destined you to become from the inside out . . . so while you live your life forward, God works backward. The Omniscient One always starts with the end in mind."

My problem is, I want to know the end NOW!

I was so pleased to find out how Bible based this book was. The author focuses on the life of David for his illustrations, and scripture is sprinkled throughout. We are reminded that nothing is accidental in our lives, but that God has a purpose and plan to turn us into the men and women He created us to be.

Chapter two focuses on 'lifesymbols'. Batterson says:

"Lifesymbols are all about seeing the purposes of God in our past circumstances . . . our memories can either empower us to live by faith or imprison us to live by fear".

We need to examine our pasts so we can remember God's faithfulness--trusting God through this type of remembering can help us to be at peace and trust Him with our present circumstances.

Another chapter that appealed to me was chapter 4 on 'alter ego'. We need to be authentic, and that means being vulnerable, and that feels like risk. Batterson reminds us:

"The church ought to be a place where we can confess our deepest doubts, worst sins, and wildest dreams. It ought to be a place where we can reveal who we really are--the good, the bad, and the ugly. Unfortunately church is often a place where we act like everything is okay even though it isn't okay. And that lack of authenticity forces everyone to hide behind their royal robes. But what if it were a place where people had the courage to disrobe?"

What a great question! Wouldn't the church look different if we all did just that?

This book has me pondering my past and present circumstances. I intend to remember God's faithfulness through my past, and possibly even create some sort of lifesymbol art to remind me that only He is God. As I continue my struggle to find my place in this world, I will trust that He is showing me the way, even though I cannot see it.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.