The Dovekeepers

by Alice Hoffman
2011

Drawn to Israel and captivated by Masada... I couldn't wait to read this book!

The Dovekeepers tells the story of Masada's final days through the eyes of four women. All at the fortress with different stories.

Yael, pregnant and alone.

Revka, caregiver to grandchildren.

Aziza, struggling with the past.

Shira, keeper of medicine and magic.

I loved this book despite its occasional R-rated content. I loved the story, the characters and the historical depth woven throughout the pages.

Alice Hoffman's writing was truly beautiful to read.


The one aspect of the story I didn't enjoy, however, was the heavy superstition, spell and witchcraft content. While integral to the plot, it hit right up against what I know to be Truth.

Just how prevalent was superstition and "ancient magic" in Israel circa 70 C.E.?

Despite this, I completely recommend The Dovekeepers. 

Masada

Once a fortress built by King Herod, Masada became the only remaining Jewish stronghold in the revolt against Rome. It eventually fell in 74 CE when the attacking Roman Legion built a rampart up the cliff and breached Masada's walls with a battering ram.

The Jewish Defenders committed mass suicide with only two women and a few children surviving to tell Masada's tale.

For a more complete history, check out The Jewish Virtual Library. 

I visited Masada several years ago and was completely blown away by its historical richness, barren beauty and the remnants of tragedy still acutely present. 

Reading on...

Life in Motion

by Misty Copeland
2014

The subheading of this fascinating autobiography is, "an unlikely ballerina", and after only a few pages, it is easy to see why.

Misty Copeland, now a soloist at the American Ballet Theatre in New York City, grew up experiencing almost every kind of adversity there is towards a successful career in ballet.


Familial Instability.



Poverty.


A late start.


Racism.




Misty's book certainly raised the curtain on a world I've only watched from afar. And only once or twice a year, if that.


What I didn't know...
That it is very rare for a "little brown girl", as she writes throughout her book, to achieve professional success as a ballerina.



What I did know...
Starting ballet at age 13 is not a recipe for success.

Nor is coming from a poor family.

Not to mention moving from house to house, (or motel in Misty's case at one point), or stepfather to stepfather.


But,
prodigy is what they called Misty.

And,
she had the right people come alongside her to make it happen.



With all the disappointment and heartache Misty experienced over the years as she struggled to "make it", it was truly encouraging to read the end result.


Reading Life in Motion reminded me about how important it is to encourage and mentor the kids we have in our lives. In sports, activities, relationships and character. 

(Coppelia 2014 - Photo Credit: Naim Chidiac Abu Dhabi Festival - courtesy of Wikipedia).

Reading on...