The Pale Horse, by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie is a wonderful writer. The plot for this book was so complex that I had to make myself a diagram for myself showing each character's relationship to everyone else. In a nutshell, a dying woman gives a priest a list of names. She dies, and the priest is killed. The police have no idea what the list of names means, but many of them are turning up dead, of natural causes. Dr. Corrigan sees the name Corrigan on the list and takes it upon himself to solve the mystery even though he is a medical examiner for the police and not actually a detective. He shares info with Mark Easterbrook, the main character, who also is not with the police, and Mark manages to solve the crime, largely without the help of the police.
I have a feeling Agatha Christie's trust in the local authorities equals my trust in doctors, because the police take such a small role in the case.
Throughout the story, evidence seemed to be suggesting that a certain person was the murderer. In the end, the solution to the mystery came out of the blue, and the murderer was a completely different person. This plot twist was a delight to read. I do have to mention though, that there seemed to be way too many coincidences in the plot. Too many people just happened to know Mark, or just happened to bump into Mark, or just happened to be friends with someone involved. I was willing to overlook it because it was an enjoyable story, however, someone more skeptical might dismiss the book because "that would never happen in real life."
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery read, and anyone looking for a beautifully complex plot.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Sunroom
The Sunroom, by Beverly Lewis
Becky is a young girl who plays the piano. Her mother becomes very ill and Becky is not allowed into the hospital. She adopts a mother role at her young age, in order to take care of her younger sister in her mother's absence. She also makes a deal with God in order to heal her mother.
Those are the circumstances. In actuality, the book is a study on the mind of a young child encountering hardships. It seems to capture the mindset of a child, despite the author being an adult. I believe the author accomplished this by using her childhood diary as a reference. The story is based on her mother's illness when she was a child.
It is a heartwarming story (how could it not be with a name like the Sunroom?) which I recommend to everyone. If you are interested in the old question, "why does God let bad things happen?" or if you have experienced an illness in the family, or if you want to remember life from a child's perspective, this is an excellent book for you.
Becky is a young girl who plays the piano. Her mother becomes very ill and Becky is not allowed into the hospital. She adopts a mother role at her young age, in order to take care of her younger sister in her mother's absence. She also makes a deal with God in order to heal her mother.
Those are the circumstances. In actuality, the book is a study on the mind of a young child encountering hardships. It seems to capture the mindset of a child, despite the author being an adult. I believe the author accomplished this by using her childhood diary as a reference. The story is based on her mother's illness when she was a child.
It is a heartwarming story (how could it not be with a name like the Sunroom?) which I recommend to everyone. If you are interested in the old question, "why does God let bad things happen?" or if you have experienced an illness in the family, or if you want to remember life from a child's perspective, this is an excellent book for you.
The Queen's Fool
The Queen's Fool, by Philippa Gregory
Set in 1553, this book follows the fictional story of Hannah Green, a Spanish Jew hiding from the Inquisition in England. She has the gift of Sight, and is sent to King Edward's court to be a holy fool and predict the future. Also, on the side, she is required to spy for the people who hired her, who are not always on the right side. As it turns out, she always manages to escape accusations of disloyalty, even when power shifts to Queen Mary and then Queen Elizabeth. No one else seems to be able to accomplish such a thing.
It is a very intriguing book, and is more about spying and romance than anything else. There seemed to be an anachronism; at one point, a character makes fun of Christopher Columbus' ideas, but by 1553, Columbus has already been proven right. Another thing that confused me is that Queen Mary becomes pregnant and waits more than 9 months for her baby. Mention is made of her large belly, but at 11 months they are still waiting for the baby. At some point in there, there must have been a miscarriage but one would think her maids would have noticed a lack of belly. This seems to occur twice. I am not familiar with British history, but I am certain I have never heard of an incident like this occurring.
This book was difficult to put down and very well written. I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction, spy stories, or a good romance involving a tomboy-like character who falls in love with her culture, and therefore, with the boy wooing her.
PS. I read this in September and only got around to reviewing it now. Sorry!
Set in 1553, this book follows the fictional story of Hannah Green, a Spanish Jew hiding from the Inquisition in England. She has the gift of Sight, and is sent to King Edward's court to be a holy fool and predict the future. Also, on the side, she is required to spy for the people who hired her, who are not always on the right side. As it turns out, she always manages to escape accusations of disloyalty, even when power shifts to Queen Mary and then Queen Elizabeth. No one else seems to be able to accomplish such a thing.
It is a very intriguing book, and is more about spying and romance than anything else. There seemed to be an anachronism; at one point, a character makes fun of Christopher Columbus' ideas, but by 1553, Columbus has already been proven right. Another thing that confused me is that Queen Mary becomes pregnant and waits more than 9 months for her baby. Mention is made of her large belly, but at 11 months they are still waiting for the baby. At some point in there, there must have been a miscarriage but one would think her maids would have noticed a lack of belly. This seems to occur twice. I am not familiar with British history, but I am certain I have never heard of an incident like this occurring.
This book was difficult to put down and very well written. I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction, spy stories, or a good romance involving a tomboy-like character who falls in love with her culture, and therefore, with the boy wooing her.
PS. I read this in September and only got around to reviewing it now. Sorry!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Mermaid Chair
The Mermaid Chair, by Sue Monk Kidd
I almost didn't read this book. Within the first few pages I discovered it seemed to be a romance novel about an affair, and that's not really my type of book. However, within the first few pages, the main character's mother deliberately cuts her finger off for no apparent reason other than being crazy, and that was intriguing enough to make me continue reading.
As it turns out, the book is about parental love, a small island community where a person can get back in touch with nature and their roots, solving a mystery, questioning religion, and finding out where you belong.
While the story was good, what really attracted me to the book was the author's descriptive writing style. I had recently read a commentary about elements that make up a good fiction novel, and one of the elements mentioned was unexpected descriptions. Here is an example: "The water was inking into purple." The author could have said the water color was changing to purple but that would be expected. The story becomes more vivid when you use an unexpected verb like "ink." Is "ink" even a verb? I don't know. The book was filled with descriptions like that and so, I felt more involved in the story than many other books I've read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes colorful descriptions, anyone who grew up on a barrier island, and to most women. If this book were a movie it would be a chick-flick. But it would be a very good chick-flick.
I almost didn't read this book. Within the first few pages I discovered it seemed to be a romance novel about an affair, and that's not really my type of book. However, within the first few pages, the main character's mother deliberately cuts her finger off for no apparent reason other than being crazy, and that was intriguing enough to make me continue reading.
As it turns out, the book is about parental love, a small island community where a person can get back in touch with nature and their roots, solving a mystery, questioning religion, and finding out where you belong.
While the story was good, what really attracted me to the book was the author's descriptive writing style. I had recently read a commentary about elements that make up a good fiction novel, and one of the elements mentioned was unexpected descriptions. Here is an example: "The water was inking into purple." The author could have said the water color was changing to purple but that would be expected. The story becomes more vivid when you use an unexpected verb like "ink." Is "ink" even a verb? I don't know. The book was filled with descriptions like that and so, I felt more involved in the story than many other books I've read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes colorful descriptions, anyone who grew up on a barrier island, and to most women. If this book were a movie it would be a chick-flick. But it would be a very good chick-flick.
Arena
Arena, by Karen Hancock
This book was included in my amazon order for an extra 99 cents. It was probably better than the other books in the order, combined.
Imagine Pilgrim's Progress meets a John Wayne-Matrix fusion meets the movie Labyrinth, yes, the David Bowie Labyrinth. It was Pilgrim's Progress in the sense that the characters were on an allegorical journey resembling the walk of life and passage to Heaven. It was the Matrix in the sense that the characters were pulled from their own world into this journey world with high-tech equipment and fancy weapons that despite it all, are still handguns and rifles being used by unsophisticated outback-cowboy-type people. And it was Labyrinth because, well, the characters were supposed be intelligent enough and follow clues to find their way out of the Arena. (The book had nothing to do with David Bowie's hair.)
In addition to all that there's a romance story arc to appeal to the sappy romantics who didn't realize the book was not their genre. It also reminded me of the TV show Firefly in the sense that the characters encounter unearthly creatures, the dust and grime and unlawfulness of the wild West, the sophistication of space travel, and the hustle and bustle of modern city life, all within the same plotline.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. There's something in it for everyone and I think that it is one of the best books I have read. It nearly made me give up on my own writings, because I felt that there was nothing I could possibly come up with that would be more imaginative than Arena. (Don't worry, immediately after that I felt the urge to stimulate my own imagination more and to write again.) Everyone should read this book!
This book was included in my amazon order for an extra 99 cents. It was probably better than the other books in the order, combined.
Imagine Pilgrim's Progress meets a John Wayne-Matrix fusion meets the movie Labyrinth, yes, the David Bowie Labyrinth. It was Pilgrim's Progress in the sense that the characters were on an allegorical journey resembling the walk of life and passage to Heaven. It was the Matrix in the sense that the characters were pulled from their own world into this journey world with high-tech equipment and fancy weapons that despite it all, are still handguns and rifles being used by unsophisticated outback-cowboy-type people. And it was Labyrinth because, well, the characters were supposed be intelligent enough and follow clues to find their way out of the Arena. (The book had nothing to do with David Bowie's hair.)
In addition to all that there's a romance story arc to appeal to the sappy romantics who didn't realize the book was not their genre. It also reminded me of the TV show Firefly in the sense that the characters encounter unearthly creatures, the dust and grime and unlawfulness of the wild West, the sophistication of space travel, and the hustle and bustle of modern city life, all within the same plotline.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. There's something in it for everyone and I think that it is one of the best books I have read. It nearly made me give up on my own writings, because I felt that there was nothing I could possibly come up with that would be more imaginative than Arena. (Don't worry, immediately after that I felt the urge to stimulate my own imagination more and to write again.) Everyone should read this book!
Flesh and Spirit
Flesh and Spirit, by Carol Berg
This book was given to me in the form of an uncorrected proof by an editor who did not have time to read all the stuff his publishers were sending to him. It then sat on my shelf until long after the book's sequel had been published, because I also do not have the time to read all the books I own. I finally guilted myself into reading it, and found a treasure.
In general, I tend to avoid books that talk about casting spells and using magic, simply because I feel I can't relate to the character when they use magic, because I don't know what its like. However, the main character, Valen, had forsaken his "magical" heritage and tried to live as an ordinary man, with the exception of a few spells now and then to make his life easier. After a near-death experience, he finds himself living in hiding as a monk, and uncovering secrets about the end of the world. I am all about characters being undercover, and being undercover in a medieval magic novel is even better.
The book ends without resolving the major problem (impending disaster and the end of the world) but that is to be expected since it is, after all, a series and not a stand-alone book. As far as medieval fantasy novels go, this one is pretty good and I would recommend it to anyone who likes that genre.
This book was given to me in the form of an uncorrected proof by an editor who did not have time to read all the stuff his publishers were sending to him. It then sat on my shelf until long after the book's sequel had been published, because I also do not have the time to read all the books I own. I finally guilted myself into reading it, and found a treasure.
In general, I tend to avoid books that talk about casting spells and using magic, simply because I feel I can't relate to the character when they use magic, because I don't know what its like. However, the main character, Valen, had forsaken his "magical" heritage and tried to live as an ordinary man, with the exception of a few spells now and then to make his life easier. After a near-death experience, he finds himself living in hiding as a monk, and uncovering secrets about the end of the world. I am all about characters being undercover, and being undercover in a medieval magic novel is even better.
The book ends without resolving the major problem (impending disaster and the end of the world) but that is to be expected since it is, after all, a series and not a stand-alone book. As far as medieval fantasy novels go, this one is pretty good and I would recommend it to anyone who likes that genre.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
I had my reservations about picking up this book, because I sometimes find the literature of the 18th and 19th centuries to be somewhat dry. Jane Eyre was decent enough, and Wuthering Heights just made me mad, but I found them both to be lacking in the "can't put the book down" factor.
Pride and Prejudice was a "can't put the book down" kind of book. I had to physically remove it from my sight during my test week and before my pathology project was due, so that I would actually get work done. The style of writing seemed very polite, as well as the characters' ways of treating each other, even those they didn't like. I felt that if we could treat everyone like that, there would be no more war. And yet, despite their "civility" towards one another (the way Jane Austen worded it), there was still an indication that the England in which the characters were living was at war.
To boil it down, and attempting not to give away the whole book, Elizabeth Bennett is an out-spoken woman, the sibling of four sisters, all single and of marriageable age. Their mother's one purpose for living is to facilitate getting her daughters married off. Mr. Darcy is a visitor to their area, and acts as he has been brought up to act- that he is higher in the hierarchy than many people. She finds him too prideful, and later discovers she also is guilty: of judging him without first examining all the facts (her prejudice). The plot is much more complicated than that, with several unexpected twists, and other character's stories woven into it, but the basics are a look at the effects of (go figure) pride, and prejudice.
One thing I found slightly implausible is the ability of the characters to run into each other in all different parts of England, as if they are the only ones inhabiting it. I realize England then was less populated than it is now, but while such coincidences have occurred, they don't happen regularly. But the book was good enough that I forgave it.
Bottom line, this book is great for anyone who likes a good love story or several, anyone who likes 18th century literature (actually more like 19th), anyone who likes to study human nature and anyone who likes good quotes or polite, poetic ways of speaking- almost making prose sound like poetry.
I had my reservations about picking up this book, because I sometimes find the literature of the 18th and 19th centuries to be somewhat dry. Jane Eyre was decent enough, and Wuthering Heights just made me mad, but I found them both to be lacking in the "can't put the book down" factor.
Pride and Prejudice was a "can't put the book down" kind of book. I had to physically remove it from my sight during my test week and before my pathology project was due, so that I would actually get work done. The style of writing seemed very polite, as well as the characters' ways of treating each other, even those they didn't like. I felt that if we could treat everyone like that, there would be no more war. And yet, despite their "civility" towards one another (the way Jane Austen worded it), there was still an indication that the England in which the characters were living was at war.
To boil it down, and attempting not to give away the whole book, Elizabeth Bennett is an out-spoken woman, the sibling of four sisters, all single and of marriageable age. Their mother's one purpose for living is to facilitate getting her daughters married off. Mr. Darcy is a visitor to their area, and acts as he has been brought up to act- that he is higher in the hierarchy than many people. She finds him too prideful, and later discovers she also is guilty: of judging him without first examining all the facts (her prejudice). The plot is much more complicated than that, with several unexpected twists, and other character's stories woven into it, but the basics are a look at the effects of (go figure) pride, and prejudice.
One thing I found slightly implausible is the ability of the characters to run into each other in all different parts of England, as if they are the only ones inhabiting it. I realize England then was less populated than it is now, but while such coincidences have occurred, they don't happen regularly. But the book was good enough that I forgave it.
Bottom line, this book is great for anyone who likes a good love story or several, anyone who likes 18th century literature (actually more like 19th), anyone who likes to study human nature and anyone who likes good quotes or polite, poetic ways of speaking- almost making prose sound like poetry.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Grace in Thine Eyes
Grace in Thine Eyes, by Liz Curtis Higgs
This book is connected to the series that ended with Whence Came a Prince. It is not necessary to read the first three books in order to read this 4th one. In the author's words, the series is a trilogy followed by a sequel dealing with the next generation of the family, and a knowledge of the events of the first three books is not necessary.
In my opinion, a prior knowledge of the Bible is not recommended. In the first three books, knowing the story of Jacob, Esau, Rachel, and Leah kept me wondering how the author would get around one obstacle or another in translating the books from ancient Hebrew culture into 1790s Scotland. This fourth book, very closely follows the life of Jacob's daughter Dinah. The situation surrounding her life can happen in any time period, so knowing what happens will slightly ruin the surprise, and also will keep you from becoming too attached to some characters.
Interesting to note is that Dinah is not recorded in the Bible with any written words. The author reflected this by making Davina (the character of Dinah) mute, due to laryngeal trauma as a child. I have read a handful of books in which the main character is mute (one by enchantment, two about animals- Vulpes and White Fang, and one by a traumatized psychology). This is the only one I have seen that utilizes music so expressively, to compensate for the lack of a voice. Davina is also a fiddler, so I connected with her very readily because of my friendship with A_____.
This book is an intriguing tale of love, betrayal, shame, forgiveness, deadly revenge, gossip, strength, and wonderful Scottish music. That sounds really cliched, but if you think about it, thats what people like to read. Except the music part. Somehow, even though the notes aren't there on the page, I felt that I could hear the music in the background through the whole book. Davina's voice became synonymous with violin music, so that even though the words were there on the page, it was the music I was hearing in my head as I read.
This book is great for musicians, anyone who likes a love story or Scotland, anyone who has been hurt by a man or gossip and wonders where they can find the strength to make it through the disgrace, and anyone who seeks to have a better understanding of the Biblical story of Dinah.
This book is connected to the series that ended with Whence Came a Prince. It is not necessary to read the first three books in order to read this 4th one. In the author's words, the series is a trilogy followed by a sequel dealing with the next generation of the family, and a knowledge of the events of the first three books is not necessary.
In my opinion, a prior knowledge of the Bible is not recommended. In the first three books, knowing the story of Jacob, Esau, Rachel, and Leah kept me wondering how the author would get around one obstacle or another in translating the books from ancient Hebrew culture into 1790s Scotland. This fourth book, very closely follows the life of Jacob's daughter Dinah. The situation surrounding her life can happen in any time period, so knowing what happens will slightly ruin the surprise, and also will keep you from becoming too attached to some characters.
Interesting to note is that Dinah is not recorded in the Bible with any written words. The author reflected this by making Davina (the character of Dinah) mute, due to laryngeal trauma as a child. I have read a handful of books in which the main character is mute (one by enchantment, two about animals- Vulpes and White Fang, and one by a traumatized psychology). This is the only one I have seen that utilizes music so expressively, to compensate for the lack of a voice. Davina is also a fiddler, so I connected with her very readily because of my friendship with A_____.
This book is an intriguing tale of love, betrayal, shame, forgiveness, deadly revenge, gossip, strength, and wonderful Scottish music. That sounds really cliched, but if you think about it, thats what people like to read. Except the music part. Somehow, even though the notes aren't there on the page, I felt that I could hear the music in the background through the whole book. Davina's voice became synonymous with violin music, so that even though the words were there on the page, it was the music I was hearing in my head as I read.
This book is great for musicians, anyone who likes a love story or Scotland, anyone who has been hurt by a man or gossip and wonders where they can find the strength to make it through the disgrace, and anyone who seeks to have a better understanding of the Biblical story of Dinah.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Shorter Poems of Robert Browning
The Shorter Poems of Robert Browning, by Robert Browning, compiled by William Clyde DeVane
I found this book at a garage sale for a quarter. It is in decent condition, although it smells somewhat musty. It is no more than 75 years old, but it looks younger, or possibly just less "used." I bought it because I wanted to read some of the poetry of Robert Burns, but as it turns out, Robert Browning is not the same as Robert Burns. Fancy that. There are so many poets named Robert, I can't keep them all straight.
Although I found a few of the poems to be somewhat uninteresting, there were quite a few good ones as well. It was a challenging read. Poetry is hard enough to understand when its written in every day, modern language. Add to that the vernacular of the 19th century and it becomes a college level reading. (Although a few years ago, this probably would have been a high school level reading.)
I was particularly interested in the poems regarding love, because it seems to me that that is what poems are for. Interesting titles to note are Cristina, The Italian in England, The Lost Mistress, A Lover's Quarrel, The Flower's Name, and A Woman's Last Word. Those were the poems I enjoyed, mostly because they deal with relationships- and not always from the man's point of view. There were a few poems in which the poet becomes an actor in order to put himself in the head of someone else, sometimes someone of another gender. I liked the way he was able to capture human feelings within relationships.
And to whet your appetite, here's my favorite, a Sonnet.
Eyes calm beside thee (Lady, could'st though know!)
May turn away thick with fast-gathering tears:
I glance not where all gaze: thrilling and low
Their passionate praises reach thee- my cheek wears
Alone no wonder when thou passest by;
Thy tremulous lids bent and suffused reply
To the irrepressible homage which doth glow
On every lip but mine: if in thine ears
Their accents linger- and thou dost recall
Me as I stood, still, guarded, very pale,
Beside each votarist whose lighted brow
Wore worship like an aureole, "O'er them all
"My beauty," thou wilt murmur, "did prevail
"Save that one only,":- Lady, could'st though know!
I found this book at a garage sale for a quarter. It is in decent condition, although it smells somewhat musty. It is no more than 75 years old, but it looks younger, or possibly just less "used." I bought it because I wanted to read some of the poetry of Robert Burns, but as it turns out, Robert Browning is not the same as Robert Burns. Fancy that. There are so many poets named Robert, I can't keep them all straight.
Although I found a few of the poems to be somewhat uninteresting, there were quite a few good ones as well. It was a challenging read. Poetry is hard enough to understand when its written in every day, modern language. Add to that the vernacular of the 19th century and it becomes a college level reading. (Although a few years ago, this probably would have been a high school level reading.)
I was particularly interested in the poems regarding love, because it seems to me that that is what poems are for. Interesting titles to note are Cristina, The Italian in England, The Lost Mistress, A Lover's Quarrel, The Flower's Name, and A Woman's Last Word. Those were the poems I enjoyed, mostly because they deal with relationships- and not always from the man's point of view. There were a few poems in which the poet becomes an actor in order to put himself in the head of someone else, sometimes someone of another gender. I liked the way he was able to capture human feelings within relationships.
And to whet your appetite, here's my favorite, a Sonnet.
Eyes calm beside thee (Lady, could'st though know!)
May turn away thick with fast-gathering tears:
I glance not where all gaze: thrilling and low
Their passionate praises reach thee- my cheek wears
Alone no wonder when thou passest by;
Thy tremulous lids bent and suffused reply
To the irrepressible homage which doth glow
On every lip but mine: if in thine ears
Their accents linger- and thou dost recall
Me as I stood, still, guarded, very pale,
Beside each votarist whose lighted brow
Wore worship like an aureole, "O'er them all
"My beauty," thou wilt murmur, "did prevail
"Save that one only,":- Lady, could'st though know!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Whence Came a Prince
Whence Came a Prince, by Liz Curtis Higgs
This is the third book in THIS series about Jacob's deception and subsequent marriage to both Rachel and Leah, set in 1790s Scotland. As I mentioned in my last review, the author managed to get my loyalties to shift from Leah to Rachel. The reason is: Jacob's loyalties shifted as well. From reading the Bible, we have no idea how each of the characters felt about the situation, only the actions. The author has derived the characters' emotions from the actions found in the Bible, and also from (I think) putting herself in their places.
When Jacob first comes upon Rachel, he is smitten and wants to marry her. He works for her hand in marriage, only to be tricked into marrying Leah on the wedding night. In exchange for more work, he also marries Rachel. That's what is written in the Bible. What we find in this series is that somewhere between marrying Leah and marrying Rachel, Jacob has fallen for Leah. Now, forced to marry Rachel, he feels guilty for betraying Leah, but slowly begins to renew his feelings for Rachel. This is where the reader starts to shift loyalties as well, and with it comes all the same guilt Jacob must be feeling.
At this point I should probably mention that the author changed the names, but for simplicity's sake I have been using the Biblical names. In the book series, Jacob becomes Jamie, Rachel becomes Rose, and Leah becomes Leana. Many other Biblical characters show up and their names have been changed as well. About halfway through the book, a reference was made to Archibald, Jamie's grandfather, who I assume corresponds to Abraham, Jacob's grandfather. One thought led to another and pretty soon I was re-reading the Biblical story (in search of names). What I found was a spoiler for how the book ends. Rather, I knew the story already but becoming engrossed in it as I was, I had forgotten the sad end of the story. So for the last half of the book I was merely anticipating the bittersweet events rather than discovering them for myself.
If you must read Genesis 27 - 33, do it before you read any of the book series, or after. If you do it in the middle, you will know what's coming.
Anyway, at the very end, the characters have gone through an incredible amount of emotional and physical pain and most of them live happily ever after with their pain. I know that sounds a little odd, but if you have ever been involved in any kind of love triangle, or even just a bad break-up or betrayal, you will understand. The pain makes you a better person, and may go away, but the memories will always be bittersweet, and yes, they are experiences you wouldn't want to have again, but which you wouldn't trade for the world. This book is unique among love stories because it realistically can happen.
Keep on the lookout for my review of book four, which is primarily about Jacob's daughter Dinah.
This is the third book in THIS series about Jacob's deception and subsequent marriage to both Rachel and Leah, set in 1790s Scotland. As I mentioned in my last review, the author managed to get my loyalties to shift from Leah to Rachel. The reason is: Jacob's loyalties shifted as well. From reading the Bible, we have no idea how each of the characters felt about the situation, only the actions. The author has derived the characters' emotions from the actions found in the Bible, and also from (I think) putting herself in their places.
When Jacob first comes upon Rachel, he is smitten and wants to marry her. He works for her hand in marriage, only to be tricked into marrying Leah on the wedding night. In exchange for more work, he also marries Rachel. That's what is written in the Bible. What we find in this series is that somewhere between marrying Leah and marrying Rachel, Jacob has fallen for Leah. Now, forced to marry Rachel, he feels guilty for betraying Leah, but slowly begins to renew his feelings for Rachel. This is where the reader starts to shift loyalties as well, and with it comes all the same guilt Jacob must be feeling.
At this point I should probably mention that the author changed the names, but for simplicity's sake I have been using the Biblical names. In the book series, Jacob becomes Jamie, Rachel becomes Rose, and Leah becomes Leana. Many other Biblical characters show up and their names have been changed as well. About halfway through the book, a reference was made to Archibald, Jamie's grandfather, who I assume corresponds to Abraham, Jacob's grandfather. One thought led to another and pretty soon I was re-reading the Biblical story (in search of names). What I found was a spoiler for how the book ends. Rather, I knew the story already but becoming engrossed in it as I was, I had forgotten the sad end of the story. So for the last half of the book I was merely anticipating the bittersweet events rather than discovering them for myself.
If you must read Genesis 27 - 33, do it before you read any of the book series, or after. If you do it in the middle, you will know what's coming.
Anyway, at the very end, the characters have gone through an incredible amount of emotional and physical pain and most of them live happily ever after with their pain. I know that sounds a little odd, but if you have ever been involved in any kind of love triangle, or even just a bad break-up or betrayal, you will understand. The pain makes you a better person, and may go away, but the memories will always be bittersweet, and yes, they are experiences you wouldn't want to have again, but which you wouldn't trade for the world. This book is unique among love stories because it realistically can happen.
Keep on the lookout for my review of book four, which is primarily about Jacob's daughter Dinah.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Fair is the Rose
Fair is the Rose, by Liz Curtis Higgs
This is the sequel to Thorn in My Heart. It follows the Biblical story of Jacob's marriage, first to Leah, then to Rachel. In 1790s Scotland, divorce is unheard of, and so is marriage to two women at once. The way in which the author manages to stick to the Biblical story and still make it realistic as a historical novel is ingenious.
Although the whole series is written from the points of view of several characters, each book is about the plight of a main character. In Thorn, the main plight was Leah's. In Fair is the Rose, the main character in distress was Rachel. As with all love triangles, however, everyone is in distress over something at all times.
There is just as much sneaking and conniving and drama as in the first book, kind of in a soap opera way, but much less cliche. I admire the author's ability to take an old theme (unrequited and/or betrayed love) and make it interesting and fresh.
One thing that bothered me about the book is that the character of Leah was so developed in the first book, and I connected so much to her, that in the second book I really struggled to line up behind Rachel and cheer her on. By the end, I think that I managed to get on board, but I still felt guilty for shifting my loyalties. However, now that I have started the third book, I realize what the author was trying to do there. I'll tell you all about it when I review the third book.
As before, anyone with an interest in re-inventing Biblical stories, historical Scotland, or deep and scandalous and heart-wrenching drama will be interested in reading this book series.
This is the sequel to Thorn in My Heart. It follows the Biblical story of Jacob's marriage, first to Leah, then to Rachel. In 1790s Scotland, divorce is unheard of, and so is marriage to two women at once. The way in which the author manages to stick to the Biblical story and still make it realistic as a historical novel is ingenious.
Although the whole series is written from the points of view of several characters, each book is about the plight of a main character. In Thorn, the main plight was Leah's. In Fair is the Rose, the main character in distress was Rachel. As with all love triangles, however, everyone is in distress over something at all times.
There is just as much sneaking and conniving and drama as in the first book, kind of in a soap opera way, but much less cliche. I admire the author's ability to take an old theme (unrequited and/or betrayed love) and make it interesting and fresh.
One thing that bothered me about the book is that the character of Leah was so developed in the first book, and I connected so much to her, that in the second book I really struggled to line up behind Rachel and cheer her on. By the end, I think that I managed to get on board, but I still felt guilty for shifting my loyalties. However, now that I have started the third book, I realize what the author was trying to do there. I'll tell you all about it when I review the third book.
As before, anyone with an interest in re-inventing Biblical stories, historical Scotland, or deep and scandalous and heart-wrenching drama will be interested in reading this book series.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Flies on the Butter
Flies on the Butter, by Denise Hildreth
Yet another $5 promo book. The $5 sticker has not steered me wrong yet, so I am now quite trusting of that little yellow sticker.
This book starts out a little slow. When I got to the second chapter, I wondered if perhaps it would be the first "bad" $5 book. But as I continued to read, I realized that the author is a kindred spirit. It is the type of book I would have written.
In a nutshell, Rose Fletcher is driving from Washington DC, where she is a successful lobbyist, to her hometown in Mullins, South Carolina. As she drives, little things along the way trigger memories of her past. So really, the book is a series of memories telling the story of her life. And it is a normal life. She enjoys her childhood, bad things happen, she tries to escape Hicksville, gets married, is successful in her career, makes mistakes. Nothing extraordinary, and for some reason, that makes the book more exciting. As she drives home, her memories help her make peace with her past.
At the end, the author's note explains that there is a song about childhood memories by Wynonna called Flies on the Butter, and elements of the song were worked into the book. I thought it was very clever and since I did not know the song before I read the book, I of course had to Google the lyrics, only to read over them with delight because everything matched up so perfectly.
I would suggest this book to anyone who grew up cherishing warm lazy summer days, good home-cooked meals, and playing with neighborhood friends. Its really a trip down memory lane.
Yet another $5 promo book. The $5 sticker has not steered me wrong yet, so I am now quite trusting of that little yellow sticker.
This book starts out a little slow. When I got to the second chapter, I wondered if perhaps it would be the first "bad" $5 book. But as I continued to read, I realized that the author is a kindred spirit. It is the type of book I would have written.
In a nutshell, Rose Fletcher is driving from Washington DC, where she is a successful lobbyist, to her hometown in Mullins, South Carolina. As she drives, little things along the way trigger memories of her past. So really, the book is a series of memories telling the story of her life. And it is a normal life. She enjoys her childhood, bad things happen, she tries to escape Hicksville, gets married, is successful in her career, makes mistakes. Nothing extraordinary, and for some reason, that makes the book more exciting. As she drives home, her memories help her make peace with her past.
At the end, the author's note explains that there is a song about childhood memories by Wynonna called Flies on the Butter, and elements of the song were worked into the book. I thought it was very clever and since I did not know the song before I read the book, I of course had to Google the lyrics, only to read over them with delight because everything matched up so perfectly.
I would suggest this book to anyone who grew up cherishing warm lazy summer days, good home-cooked meals, and playing with neighborhood friends. Its really a trip down memory lane.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sweet Caroline
Sweet Caroline, by Rachel Hauck
This book is about a 28-year-old waitress who has not yet had the opportunity to leave her small-town southern roots. But I picked the book up for several reasons. First of all, I love the song. I was also delighted when the author referred to it within the book. Secondly, it says right on the back of the book that there's a country music singer involved in the plot, and a love-triangle plot to boot. Since my computer no longer has the capability to stream Pandora without choking up, there's been a country music lack in my life. And thirdly, it was a $5.00 promo. It is the second book I have bought from the $5 promo deals, and the second one I have loved.
In a nutshell, Caroline is me. Perhaps it is that the book is written in first person, but I have never felt like I connected to a character in quite the same way. Beaufort, South Carolina, like West Milford is a small town with a 45-minute drive to the nearest shopping mall. While West Milford lacks Mercy Bea's trailer park, there are plenty of roach motels around here to choose from.
True, there are quite a few differences. Caroline inherited a cafe, I did not. West Milly is also rarely in the path of a looming hurricane. But, I think that the spirit is the same. Generally those who grow up in the small town (Beaufort or West Milford) spend their days planning how to leave and then spend the rest of their lives remembering the good old days there.
The very end did not go exactly as I would have hoped, however, I was hoping for a cliched ending. The author chose to be unique and provided enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. My one gripe about the book is that Caroline, like me, had problems making up her mind, and often let people make the decisions for her. It hit a little bit close to home.
As I read the book I thought, "I would jump at the chance to see this on screen and oh- I'd love to dream of playing Caroline." We'll see how that turns out, considering I'm in school for something other than theater now.
But if you want a good story, or if you want a glimpse into how I sometimes feel, read this book. I read it cover to cover in 9 hours straight. I couldn't put it down.
This book is about a 28-year-old waitress who has not yet had the opportunity to leave her small-town southern roots. But I picked the book up for several reasons. First of all, I love the song. I was also delighted when the author referred to it within the book. Secondly, it says right on the back of the book that there's a country music singer involved in the plot, and a love-triangle plot to boot. Since my computer no longer has the capability to stream Pandora without choking up, there's been a country music lack in my life. And thirdly, it was a $5.00 promo. It is the second book I have bought from the $5 promo deals, and the second one I have loved.
In a nutshell, Caroline is me. Perhaps it is that the book is written in first person, but I have never felt like I connected to a character in quite the same way. Beaufort, South Carolina, like West Milford is a small town with a 45-minute drive to the nearest shopping mall. While West Milford lacks Mercy Bea's trailer park, there are plenty of roach motels around here to choose from.
True, there are quite a few differences. Caroline inherited a cafe, I did not. West Milly is also rarely in the path of a looming hurricane. But, I think that the spirit is the same. Generally those who grow up in the small town (Beaufort or West Milford) spend their days planning how to leave and then spend the rest of their lives remembering the good old days there.
The very end did not go exactly as I would have hoped, however, I was hoping for a cliched ending. The author chose to be unique and provided enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. My one gripe about the book is that Caroline, like me, had problems making up her mind, and often let people make the decisions for her. It hit a little bit close to home.
As I read the book I thought, "I would jump at the chance to see this on screen and oh- I'd love to dream of playing Caroline." We'll see how that turns out, considering I'm in school for something other than theater now.
But if you want a good story, or if you want a glimpse into how I sometimes feel, read this book. I read it cover to cover in 9 hours straight. I couldn't put it down.
Thorn in My Heart
Thorn in My Heart, by Liz Curtis Higgs
In the book of Genesis, Jacob and Esau are twins fighting for the family inheritance. Jacob gains a reputation as a deceiver and flees to a distant land, where he works seven years to marry his boss's daughter, only to find out on his wedding night he has married her sister by mistake. So he works another seven years for the "right" bride.
This book takes that whole story, sets it in Scotland in the 1780s, and enhances the drama and intrigue that the Bible only hints at. It tells the story of Leah, Jacob's first wife, who had to live with the pain of knowing she was not the "right" bride.
I really can't say much more. The novel is heart-wrenching at times, and at other times you could lose yourself in the excitement and romance of the moment. While the author is a Christian, and the book has a Christian message, there were a few- ahem, bedroom- moments where I thought, "Wow I can't believe I bought this in a Christian bookstore!" Having said that, I also have to say, the author managed to masterfully keep the entire book pure. This is not one of those cheap dime-store romance novels.
It was good enough that I ordered the second book online the moment I finished this one.
In the book of Genesis, Jacob and Esau are twins fighting for the family inheritance. Jacob gains a reputation as a deceiver and flees to a distant land, where he works seven years to marry his boss's daughter, only to find out on his wedding night he has married her sister by mistake. So he works another seven years for the "right" bride.
This book takes that whole story, sets it in Scotland in the 1780s, and enhances the drama and intrigue that the Bible only hints at. It tells the story of Leah, Jacob's first wife, who had to live with the pain of knowing she was not the "right" bride.
I really can't say much more. The novel is heart-wrenching at times, and at other times you could lose yourself in the excitement and romance of the moment. While the author is a Christian, and the book has a Christian message, there were a few- ahem, bedroom- moments where I thought, "Wow I can't believe I bought this in a Christian bookstore!" Having said that, I also have to say, the author managed to masterfully keep the entire book pure. This is not one of those cheap dime-store romance novels.
It was good enough that I ordered the second book online the moment I finished this one.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Eternity In Their Hearts
Eternity In Their Hearts (Revised), by Don Richardson
The premise of this book is as follows: Christian missionaries show up in some remote corner of the world, trying to figure out how to tell the natives that God loved them so much that He sent his Son to die for them. They greet the missionaries, saying that yes, they know the great God already but did not know what his plan was to redeem mankind. Or better yet, that the great God told them the missionaries were coming and they had been waiting anxiously for the words the missionaries wanted to tell them.
Apparently, this has happened many times throughout the world, and throughout history. The author also takes the reader through the Bible and explains how and why God is able to speak to "pagan" people, even without a missionary presence. (The answer? God speaks to people when their hearts are ready, not when a Christian decides to listen up and follow God to a remote corner of the world.)
The bottom line that hit home for me is that some Christians are incredibly stuck up, to think that God needs us to go and preach the good news. In truth, He wants us to go. We will be blessed by the fruits of our labors and our obedience to Him. But He doesn't need us to go. If we refuse, there will be another way for Him to speak to people who need to hear the good news, but we will have lost the opportunity to play a key role in it.
Thats all I really have to say about it. Its quite a fascinating book, especially from a historical standpoint.
The premise of this book is as follows: Christian missionaries show up in some remote corner of the world, trying to figure out how to tell the natives that God loved them so much that He sent his Son to die for them. They greet the missionaries, saying that yes, they know the great God already but did not know what his plan was to redeem mankind. Or better yet, that the great God told them the missionaries were coming and they had been waiting anxiously for the words the missionaries wanted to tell them.
Apparently, this has happened many times throughout the world, and throughout history. The author also takes the reader through the Bible and explains how and why God is able to speak to "pagan" people, even without a missionary presence. (The answer? God speaks to people when their hearts are ready, not when a Christian decides to listen up and follow God to a remote corner of the world.)
The bottom line that hit home for me is that some Christians are incredibly stuck up, to think that God needs us to go and preach the good news. In truth, He wants us to go. We will be blessed by the fruits of our labors and our obedience to Him. But He doesn't need us to go. If we refuse, there will be another way for Him to speak to people who need to hear the good news, but we will have lost the opportunity to play a key role in it.
Thats all I really have to say about it. Its quite a fascinating book, especially from a historical standpoint.
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