An Unexpected Tale About Good and Evil

Bohemian Gospel by Dana Chamblee Carpenter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you're looking for a book to take you away, this fit the bill for me. It's fantasy, and somewhat dark, but full of adventure and mystery.

Mouse is abandoned as a child, with no knowledge of her mother or father. She is loved and educated in an Abbey by one of the monks, Father Lucas. She is trained to be a healer by a Nun, Mother Kazi. Although Father Lucas and Mother Kazi love her, they are a little afraid of her, and she senses that from them. Mouse has mysterious gifts, like hearing things long before anyone else hears them, and her body heals itself very quickly. Mouse doesn't know if these are good or evil things.

One day, a young king is injured and Mouse is instrumental in his healing. From that day forward, their lives are intertwined. Their journey leads to love, sadness and sacrifice. There are adventures, and there are questions. When Mouse learns the answers, will she be happy?

The ending was a little flat for me, but I would still highly recommend this read.


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The Dive From Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reviewers were really varied on this book, from 1 star hated it to 5 stars. Most all like the first part of the book, but then were disappointed with the character development choices at the end. For me, I was interested all the way through. I didn't want to give this 3 stars, I thought that was too low, but a 4 seems a little high. So know that this book fell between those choices for me.

Carrie's boyfriend, Mike, dives off Clausen's Pier and becomes paralyzed. Carrie was conflicted about their relationship before the dive,and now she is placed in the unenviable position of being a "lifeline" for Mike. The choices she now makes will affect Mike, Mike's family, herself, the friends that she and Mike hung out--that's a lot of pressure for a 23 year old. We follow Carrie's journey as she tries to figure out who she is, and what role she will play in Mike's life.

Do I agree with the folks who were disappointed in what they perceived as shallowness in the character development as the book moved forward? Well, yes, in some ways--but then again, the 23 year olds of today are not exactly mature. They do make debatable choices, and some of the choices they make are based on how they think other's will make judgments about them. And some of their choices are selfish. I think so many young people are so confused about life, themselves, and how they work together.

One of the things I liked about this book, is how Carrie used sewing as an escape. I love to sew, so her descriptions of fabric, and fashion, and how she used those as an escape were interesting to me.

In the end, Carrie makes a sort of peace with her life and choices. I'm not sure it would have been quite that neat in real life, but it fit Carrie's life, and so it was a just right ending.


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What Story is Your Life Telling?

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life by Donald Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoy Donald Miller's writing, and I like this book even better than Blue Like Jazz.

Basically this book encourages us to think of our lives as story. Don't like the story you're in? Then why don't you look at changing it into a better story? That's what Don did, and along the way he made new friends, went on some adventures, and made a difference in the lives of boys that don't have fathers through a mentoring program. There were portions of the book where I was just chuckling out loud, particularly the chapter featuring snow and kayaks. Don't think the book is all humor though, he also covers hard subjects like losing people you love to cancer.

There are so many great things to quote from this book, but I'll have to restrain myself. Here's a few of my favorites:

"I wonder if that's what we'll do with God when we are through with all this, if he'll show us around heaven, all the light coming in through the windows a thousand miles away, all the fields sweeping down to a couple of chairs under a tree, in a field outside the city. And we'll sit and tell him our stories, and he'll smile and tell us what they mean."

When Miller tries to comfort his cousin about the loss of her father, his Uncle Art, who was like a father to him. He can't find the words, but:

"later that night I pictured Uncle Art, and I could see him in heaven, and he was sitting at a table and there was a celebration. There was dancing and bottles of wine, and there was music. I could see him at a wedding, and I realized that's what I should have told Carol, that her dad was at a wedding."

Miller's friend Kathy is struggling with God and the events he allowed to happen in her life and the life of others. She goes to visit Ntarama in Africa, to visit the church which is the memorial to the people who died because of the terrible atrocities that occurred in the war between the Hutus and the Tutsis people. It's there she heard God's voice

"This is what happens when people walk away from me, Kathy. I have brought you to this place to show you something important.This is what happens when my compassion and love leave a place."

Such a good reminder that we are responsible to be God's hand and feet in this world.

This book is full of stories that will make you think of your life differently. I guarantee you will enjoy it!


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Beryl Markham: Fact or Fiction?

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think I may be getting frustrated with books that are part biography and part novel. While I enjoyed getting to know about Beryl Markham's life (her accomplishments as a woman are amazing), I kept wondering how the author could know what she (Beryl) was really feeling. Of course she can't, and she has every right to take creative license as it is a novel, but I find myself wanting to know the real bits. That said, I am intrigued to read Beryl's book, West With the Night, so I can see what she has to say in her own words.

To be fair, as a story, I would give it 4 stars, the 3 stars are my frustration with not knowing what is truth and fiction.


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The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was pulled into this story of Rachel, a daughter of a Norwegian and a Black American GI. It is a story of loss and despair, with some hope pulled in. I thought the ending was just right. You can view a good synopsis on Heidi's website.

I think this would be an excellent classroom or book club discussion book.


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Yeah! Flavia's Back!

As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm glad to say that Flavia is once again back on the job! I was concerned that with her growing older, and going away to boarding school, we would lose some of the Flavia that I've grown to know and love. Thankfully that was not the case.

Flavia is leaving home to attend boarding school. The unjustness of being banished from her home has laid her spirit low. She even misses her cruel sisters.

Flavia arrives at Miss Bodycote's Female Boarding School in the dead of night. If you are a fan of Flavia, you know that something is bound to happen sooner, rather than later, and you would be right. She's barely asleep when there is a knocking at her door and a body drops from the chimney into the hearth in her room. Before authorities get there, she manages to pocket a small token that was clutched in the body's hand, starting Flavia on her next adventure.

Thoroughly enjoyed this most recent book in the series and the ending made me happy.



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Fun Adventure Series for Adults and Children

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book series, which contains, The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia, and A Conspiracy of Kings. This review really encompasses all four books which I read over a weekend. Let me just say, I am very sad that books 5 and 6 are not out yet.

So, disclaimer here, these are children's books, for ages 10 to 14. I don't think I'll disclose my age, but I am well past that, and yet became thoroughly caught up in the story. I say story because even those these are 4 separate books, they are the continuation of the lives of Gen, Irene, Helen and Sophos.

The stories have a feel of Greek myths, although the gods have been created from the author's imagination. There is adventure, betrayal, forgiveness and love (both true love and friendship love).

Gen says he can steal anything, and sets out to do just that. The whole series is based on this premise.

Gen is adept at hiding who he really is, but that doesn't keep him from being captured by the Queen of Attolia. The consequence of being a thief in her kingdom was a truly shocking one. What happens after the consequence is even more surprising.

This quote from the goodreads book description captures some of the intrigue of Book 2:

When Eugenides finds his small mountain country at war with Attolia, he must steal a man, he must steal a queen, he must steal peace. But his greatest triumph, and his greatest loss, comes in capturing something that the Queen of Attolia thought she had sacrificed long ago

Whether you are adult or child, pick up this series for a quick and adventuresome read!



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All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was truly as good as the reviewers said it was. You will be sympathetic to all the characters, which means you will embrace both the good and bad of both sides of the war. It is so easy to vilify Germans in these World War II stories, yet they are people like you and me. The main characters are Marie-Laure, a young blind girl and Werner, an orphaned radio repair man.

As you get to know Werner, you begin to understand why he made his choice, and also to see that you may have made the same choice. As you get to know Marie-Laure, you feel her fear, and also, her courage. Werner's sister displays that innate sense of what is right and the ability to stay true to that. Marie's uncle, who becomes her caregiver after her father is captured, is both a coward and a hero.

The author allows us glimpses into their lives, the background story, if you will, of why they are who they are. You gain a sympathy and understanding for each of them. For me, this is part of what makes the story so powerful. Of course there is good and evil in the world, we see, read, and hear about the evil everyday. Somehow, evil becomes a country, or a people, or a political party. This story helps me to remember that it's individuals who make up the groups--perhaps, if we know their back stories, and help them in an appropriate way, they will have the power to change the evil into something good.


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He Is The Lamp for My Path

A Lamp Unto My Feet: The Bible's Light For Your Daily Walk by Elisabeth Elliot
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In ancient times a tiny clay lamp was sometimes fastened to the thong of a sandal so that the pool of light cast was sufficient only for a single step. The traveler took that step and found light enough for the next. So the psalmist wrote: "Thy Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light on my path."

This beginning passage charmed my soul. I am always a fan of Elisabeth Elliott's writings and this book did not disappoint. I love how she points always, to God and His word. In this book she gently reminds us that it is time alone with God and His Word that will equip us to live our lives. It's so difficult in this fast paced society to slow down and just be with God. She reminds us that:

Very possibly we often miss what God wants to show us because we don't take time to pray silently and watch quietly.

As I was browsing through my notes, I realize that I have practically highlighted the entire book!

The book is divided into months, and then homilies for each day of the month. I actually read it through over a period of days, rather than using it as a devotional. This book became a time of quiet and refreshment for me over my lunch time. It was a lovely way to slow myself down and recenter myself as one of God's children.


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An Old Fashioned Novel for Your Reading Pleasure

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this Lucy Montgomery book. It is very old fashioned--if you don't like old fashioned stories and writing, this book may not be for you.

Valency has taken a back seat all her life. Her mantra is pretty much, don't make waves, do what you are told. She's living in fear of breaking the rules and speaking her mind. She won't even change her hairstyle as her family expects her to be obedient and never change. To top it off, she is considered an unattractive old maid.

That all changes when Valency finds out that she should not expect to live a long life. In fact, she ends up proposing to a eccentric and wild bachelor, Barney Snaith. Barney accepts her proposal out of the kindness of his heart (I know, this is a little unrealistic, but I forewarned you this is an old fashioned book).

Barney and Valency live on Barney's personal island. It turns out to be a pretty idyllic life, at least for Valency who loves nature, privacy and being able to do whatever she wants.

There is an author that Valency loves, who comforts who hurt soul throughout the book. His name is John Foster. Foster seems to be a John Muir type character to me, and many of the descriptive passages he writes are shared throughout the book. For example

It is a pity to gather wood flowers. They lose half their witchery away from the green and the flicker. The way to enjoy wood flowers is to track them down to their remote haunts--gloat over them--and then leave them with backward glances, taking with us only the beguiling memory of their grace and fragrance."

Montgomery is the author of the popular Anne of Green Gables series. As I understand it this is her only novel for adults. The Blue Castle was a nice break from modern literature which seems to be moving away from using words in the more gentle and educated way of the past.



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Prue Sarn's Words of Wisdom

Precious Bane by Mary Webb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I discovered this book through a newsfeed of some sort, investigated it in Amazon and Goodreads (over 4 stars for both), and decided to give it a try.

Precious Bane was first published in 1924. The setting is Shropshire, England after the Napaleonic wars. I tell you this because I struggled with understanding some of the conversations at first, as the language used was representative of the time and people. Once I got to know Prue Sarn though, I was pulled into the story. There was a lot of descriptive narrative, and I skimmed through much of this as I was always eager to get into the heart of the story.

Prue was born with a hare-lip, and this caused her to be looked at with suspicion in the community. In fact, many thought her cursed and no-one ever expects that she will marry. Fortunately, Prue does meet a Prince Charming, although I will let you find out how this all comes about. .

What spoke to my heart throughout this book was Prue's innocence and wisdom. For example, regarding her hare-lip:

"It seems to me that often it's only when you begin to see other folks minding a thing like that for you, that you begin to mind it for yourself. I make no doubt, if Eve had been so unlucky as to have such a thing as a hare-lip, she'd not have minded it till Adam came by, looking doutfully upon her, and the Lord, frowning on His marred handiwork."

or, consider this, after an acquaintance remarked on the deformity:

"'A great affliction.' But afore she said it I'd forgotten it, so I hadna got it. I was out of the cage till she put me in again."

Isn't this just true? We ourselves, make the person with a handicapped more disabled because we insist on looking at the outside instead of the inside.

When Prue met her "maister" (the one she loved), she ponders:

"Times I wonder if heaven will be thus, a long gazing on a face you canna tire of, but must ever have one more glimpse."

Such a beautiful thought.

When her loved one was in danger, this is Prue's thought:

".. .it always seemed a strange thing to me that the Mother of Jesus could keep her hands off the centurion, and it could only have been because her Son had given orders afore. But indeed if it had been me, I think I should have forgot the orders."

I'm in danger of quoting so many things from this book, but I'll end with this one:

"There was a mommet once called Judas, and if he had started away from his set part in fear, we should none of us have been saved. Which is all a very strange mystery, and so we must leave it."

Indeed! These are the gems that kept me drawn in to the story. I'm very glad to have discovered this book.

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Three In One: A Story of a Bird, a Woman, and a Man

H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really excellent memoir. The author was really vulnerable about herself and the impact her father's death had on her life. She just pretty much lays it all out there. For me, that would be tremendously hard to do.

Additionally, the way Macdonald writes about birds of prey and their habits, was just so interesting and fascinating. Hawking seemed like a romantic sort of hobby to me, but it is really a lot of work for the owner. The building of trust between human and bird is a tenuous thing.

There's another layer of the story which is basically an autobiography of T.H.White, author of "The Once and Future King". The way she ties his story to her story was done pretty much seamlessly.

Her language is lovely:

"Looking for goshawks is like looking for grace: it comes, but not often, and you don't get to say when or how"

I highly recommend this book to the avid reader.


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A Satisfying Tale

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Webster: penumbra: something that covers, surrounds, or obscures :shroud (a penumbra of secrecy) )a penumbra of somber dignity has descended over his reputation — James Atlas.)

Until this very moment I had no idea what Penumbra meant, but after reading the last line of this book, I decided it had to mean something, and, what a perfect meaning it is.  It only adds to the smile of satisfaction I had when I read the last line of Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore.

I enjoyed every minute that I spent with Mr. Penumbra and his friends. What a mysterious place this bookstore is, and what curious people come to borrow the books from the “waybacklist”. Indeed, Mr. Penumbra’s bookstore is two bookstores in one. There is the bookstore that sells your “normal” books, and there is the “waybacklist” bookstore with books that engage and entice your curiosity. To tell you more would take away from the enigma that is Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore.

You will learn about Penumbra and his bookstore through the voice of Clay Jannon. Clay’s respect and affection for Mr. Penumbra and his friends grows throughout the story. Clay’s friends are intrigued by the bookstore and use their creativity to unravel the riddles that surround the bookstore. They are unique inidividuals who connect with each other through their relationship with Clay, and Clay’s relationship with Penumbra.

Some books just engage us from the first page all the way through to the end. I often speed through a book to find out what’s going to happen next! In my impatience, I will skip to the end and then go back and finish the book. Somehow, I innately knew that reading Penumbra in that way would ruin the story. I didn’t even want to rush through, but instead enjoyed each moment on the page in calm anticipation of what would happen next.  Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore was an entirely satisfying read.

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Bookstores, Readers, Mystery and Romance!

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A friend lent me this enjoyable book. It had charm, improbability, mystery, sadness and happiness. This is a book for readers.

Remember books and bookstores? I must confess I don't visit them so much anymore, but the author descriptions remind me what special places they are. I love the motto of The Island Bookstore: “No Man Is an Island; Every Book Is a World.

Recent research keeps pointing to the fact that readers have more empathy for those they meet on their life journey. Readers enter into another world, and become a part of it, and are changed by the story. You will see this transformation take place in at least one character in the story. Good stories entrance readers and that was certainly the case for me. I felt at home with the characters and the story.

Most chapters begins with a note from A. J. Fikry with a reference to an actual book--it's a sort of mini book review. I love it when an author weaves real stories/authors into stories and will be adding books to my to-read list. Some examples are Diamond as Big as the Ritz, The Girls in Their Summer Dresses, and What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. As I was reading, I saw these mini reviews as a charming intro to the chapter, however, when you finish the book, you will discover they have a much deeper meaning.

For a lovely afternoon interlude pick up a copy of "The Storied Life", and enter another world.


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Courage

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I agree with other reviewers that this book is a departure from Kristin Hannah's usual style. This book is more serious in nature, and I do hope that Hannah will do more historical fiction in the future.

Everyone exhibits courage in different ways. For some, it might be radical courage, that can put you in harms way. For others, it may be a quieter, hidden kind of courage. Both can get you killed in Nazi Germany.

This book primarily focuses around two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle. Isabelle is a firebrand, and Vianne is more timid. Isabelle is eager to be somebody, to do something, to strike a blow against Hitler for France. Vianne is reluctant, she has a daughter to protect. Their differing personalities put them at odds with each other, but in the end, both sisters play courageous parts in protecting friends and strangers during the difficult occupation of France by the Nazis.

The Nightingale is based on the historical role brave women played during the War with Germany. Courageous women (and men) took serious risks to defeat the evil that was over-running their country. Courage is a commodity that is needed in our current world. I wonder what sort of courage I would exhibit if I was placed in a difficult circumstance, whether it be a war, or just speaking up for the right. Many cruel and terrible things happen in our world today, and it seems to me that I, and most others, are mostly silent. As I pray each day, courage is a virtue that I know I personally need more of.

Although The Nightingale is fiction, you will be drawn into the lives of Vianne and Isabelle. Their story will keep you captivated throughout.  



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A Must Read!

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cannot recommend Leaving Time highly enough. This is the kind of book I always look for. The one that beckons you to ignore every other thing in your life but finding out what happens next! In fact, because I couldn't keep my eyes open past 11:30 pm, I indulged in my bad habit of reading the end so I wouldn't go to bed not knowing. Although this never ruins a book for me, in this case I would not recommend it.

Jenna's mother, Alice, disappeared from the elephant sanctuary where they lived when Jenna was a toddler. Jenna is desperate to find her. So desperate, she hires a psychic and an alcoholic detective to help her. Jenna searches for clues on the internet, and by reading her mother's research on elephants. As a result, you will also learn a lot of fascinating information, in particular as to how elephant's grieve.

As usual, Picoult weaves all this factual information into the story expertly. It becomes a seamless part of the life of Alice and Jenna. Picoult's prose is also lovely:

You have to understand--there is a romance to Africa. You can see a sunset and believe you have witnessed the hand of God. . . In Africa, there are iridescent blues on the wings of birds that you do not see anywhere else in nature.. .When you are in Africa, you feel primordial, rocked in the cradle of the world.

or

It was almost as if there was a tear in the fabric I was made of, and he was the only color thread that would match to stitch it back up.

I had read the prequel to this story, Larger Than Life, some time ago. This novella gives you a little more background information on Alice, but is not necessary to the story. It is however, what made me interested in reading Leaving Time.

Treat yourself to a reading weekend and pick this book up soon!


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Shame, Fear and Life Choices

To See the Moon Again by Jamie Langston Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My favorite Jamie Langston Turner book is Some Wildflower In My Heart, and that hasn't changed. However, I did enjoy this book.

The writing style of To See The Moon Again was very similar to Wildflower, and I enjoyed that. The main character, Julia, referenced books she had read, and music she enjoyed. That always makes me stop and record the title name, or music selection so I can investigate further. It's fun to me when a title is mentioned that you know and have read. It helps me connect with the character.

Turner is a good author. I like how she turns a phrase--for instance

Shame and fear--they made a debilitating pair

or

. . . guilt is an irresistible thing humans latch on to and carry around like precious cargo.

The story itself revolves around Julia, who has tightly buttoned up her emotions because of an incident in her past. She chooses to go through each day by putting herself in a box and protecting her heart and emotions from actually participating in the world. Along comes her niece, Carmen. Julia wants nothing to do with Carmen, but feels she cannot decently ignore her. (Carmen has her own issues, and these are woven skillfully throughout the tale.) Eventually Carmen chips away at that box, and Julia begins to see that she could choose to live and open up herself to the world.

The ending was not quite satisfying to me. Perhaps Julia and Carmen will show up again in a future story and we can get reacquainted with their lives and see how they progressed.


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A Poetic Memoir

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the lyrical way this book was written. The author made her life poetic! Woodson's life was not always easy, but it's clear she felt very loved.

In one area of the book, when neighbor children are playing with the Woodson swingset, Woodson and her siblings are complaining.Their grandmother says:

Let them play, for heaven's sake. . . Your hearts are bigger than that! But our hearts aren't bigger than that. Our hearts are tiny and mad. If our hearts were hands, they'd hit. If our hearts were feet, they'd surely kick somebody!"

Who can't relate to feelings like that!

Woodson struggled to learn to read, but knew she was a storyteller from a young age. She knew she wanted to be a writer. I think that must be true for all writer's, they just know. In the Chapter: Composition notebook, Woodson shares her memory of her first notebook. Even though she could not write as yet, she says:

Nothing in the world is like this--
a bright white page with
pale blue lines. The smell of a newly sharpened pencil
the soft hush of it
moving finally
one day
into letters.

It seems odd to say this memoir was a beautiful story, when much of it showcased a challenging life, but that's what it was to me.



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Appreciate the Freedom of Being An American Female

The Pearl that Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who knows exactly why a story captures our imagination? It's so elusive, and so different for each one of us.

When I picked up The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, I did not know I would become so wrapped up in the story of Rahima and Shekiba. When I was forced to put the book down, I kept wondering what was going to happen next and how the story would end.

In many ways, this is a hard story, a story of poverty, and hopelessness.  A story of powerlessness for women. But, it is also a story of empowerment, or, if not empowerment, a light at the end of a tunnel.

Rahima lives with her mother, father, and sisters. They live in a small village, in poverty. Their father is addicted to opium, and their mother is defeated by life. The mother is inconsequential because she did not give birth to any boys. The girls are inconsequential, because, well, they're girls. They cannot rely on their father and they do not have the freedom to even go to market to buy things because of their femaleness.

With the encouragement of their outspoken aunt, Rahima begins to live as a bacha posh - a boy. Now she is Rahim.

Entertwined with the story of Rahim/Rahima is the story of her grandmother, Shekiba. Shekiba also lived part of her life as a male.

Life as males, equaled a freedom of sorts. Life as a female, a life of oppression. Marriage brings abuse and domination. Learning brings a sort of freedom. Where will Rahima and Shekira end up?

As females in America we have so many freedoms we take for granted. We have the freedom to dress as we choose, shop for food freely, learn! We are blessed.

I plan to read The Underground Girls of Kabul, the real lives of girls who live as boys in Afghanistan, and see how it compares with this novel.

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