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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