Delicious!

by Ruth Reichl
2014

Author Ruth Reichl, usually writes food non-fiction. In her debut novel,  she wrote food fiction.

Newly interested in this genre, Delicious! grabbed my attention at the Barnes & Noble in Charlottesville, Virgina. Instead of shelling out my struggling Canadian dollars, however, I waited until I got home and did what any Canadian skinflint would do: place a hold at the library.

Thank goodness for libraries.

Delicious! was worth the wait.

Billie Breslin moved to New York City to take a job at the iconic food magazine, Delicious. Shortly after Day One, the magazine shut its doors and Billie was left all alone to answer phones and honour the "Delicious Guarantee" for even the most eccentric of callers.

Surrounded by new food, new friends and a series of historic letters, the solitary burden that Billie arrived in New York with, soon disappears.
Replaced by a rediscovered life.


Delicious! is not a masterfully written novel, but, for me,  it didn't have to be.
I was thoroughly entertained start to finish.

Drawn in by character and plot.
Fascinated by food and palate.

And,
completely captivated by moments of whimsy.


Not to mention, I learned all about Chekhov's gun.




Reading on...

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...

The Crying Heart

by Clara Bernice Miller
1962

Claimed off my mother's bookshelf, a third place Sunday School prize she had won in 1965, The Crying Heart was a welcome read.


Growing up in an Amish community, Martha only knows about God through the traditions of her forefathers. When her boyfriend, Daniel, comes to know Jesus personally, her world is thrown upside down. Then tragedy strikes...

Written in the language of the 1960s (sometimes irritatingly so), The Crying Heart faces the question of suffering and the age-old complaint, "Why does God let bad things happen to good people?" How the author responds to these dilemmas was beautiful, encouraging and thought-provoking to read.

One can still find The Crying Heart online, but I doubt many readers will race to pick it up. That said, I found the book to be wonderfully refreshing and I recommend it wholeheartedly.



Reading on...

While We’re Far Apart

by Lynn Austin

2010

I have to say, after reading this book, Lynn Austin continues to be my current favourite Christian fiction writer.

 

While We’re Far Apart takes place in the USA during World War II where men are absent, anti-Semitism is present and women are trying their best to carry life along.

Penny Goodrich has loved Eddie Shaffer for as long as she could remember so, when the opportunity to care for his children comes up, she jumps at the chance. After all, taking care of his children is a step closer to marrying him, right?

Little does Penny know how this one decision will impact her life.

And her heart. 

I loved reading this book though I have but one complaint: it wrapped up too quickly. After spending pages and pages on detail and depth, I felt that the story concluded without the same attention. The story deserved more.

All that to say, I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting an interesting and enjoyable read.

Reading on…

Death Comes to Pemberley

By P.D. James

2011

Loving all things Austen, especially all things Pride & Prejudice, I grabbed this book off the library shelf.

Death Comes to Pemberley takes place five years after Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett married. They are enjoying their quiet life at Pemberley, when a hysterical Lydia arrives - Wickham has been murdered!

 

This launches the whole Pemberley household into uproar. 

For certain, Death Comes to Pemberley is an interesting story, not that I have much experience with murder mysteries. I did, however, have no problems with putting the book down.

Always a telltale sign.

Did I love it?

No.

Throughout the entire book, I couldn’t shake the feeling that P.D. James had messed with characters that shouldn’t be messed with.

Not only did she add to the lives of these most beloved characters after Pride & Prejudice had ended, but she also fleshed out and suggested new thoughts and motivations influencing their lives during the time period of Pride & Prejudice itself.

In essence, she disrupted my impressions and ideas, which really didn’t sit well with me.

To all Pride & Prejudice fans, I would say, "read at your own risk."

Reading on…

Ben-Hur

by Lew Wallace

I believe Ben-Hur is best known as a 1959 Hollywood drama starring Charlton Heston.
Who can forget the chariot race?

But have you ever picked up the novel and read it cover to cover?

If you have, have a coffee on me.
If you haven't, let me warn you - don't expect a story like the movie.


Having watched the movie, Ben-Hur seemed like the right read for a trip to Israel, but honestly, I didn't get very far.

In fact, I didn't get very far the whole vacation and only finished two months later.
At home.


Truth be told - Ben-Hur didn't grab me.

Beautifully written.
Deep and provoking.
Amazing plot.


What more could I ask for?
Still, I felt wanting.



Despite my lack of interest, however, there are a few things that have stayed with me.

The dedication.
"To the wife of my youth who still abides with me"


The detail.
Lew Wallace describes to perfection.


The depth.
Judah discovers we are physical beings with bodies of flesh and blood, yet also spiritual beings created with eternal souls.



Would I recommend Ben-Hur?
Despite my humble opinions, definitely.




Reading on...

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door

by Josh McDowell & Bob Hostetler

1992, 2011

If you’re interested in Christian apologetics, but don’t have the energy for a major brain work-out, Don’t Check Your Brains At The Door is the book for you.

Written for teens, this book offers short, easy to read chapters that respond to some of the major   
criticisms people have against the Bible and Christianity.

It also delves into many of the ideas about life and self that are rampant in today’s culture.

So what topics are addressed? Here are a few examples:

Is the Bible accurate?

Is God real and personal?

Is Jesus the Son of God?

Is the Resurrection real?

Is there truth?

Is money necessary for true happiness?

Is it all about me?

Is premarital sex okay?

This book was a really great read from start to finish and I was both entertained and educated. 

I am sure an "adult version" would contain a lot more apologetic detail, but frankly this book was just enough for my brain power. 

I also really appreciated the book's layout as it is possible to read topically or from cover to cover.

Sigh, 

So much good information, I just wish I could remember it all.

Reading on… 

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

Ages ago I wrote a post about the lost art of letter writing. You can read about it here.

Finally, I have found a friend after my own heart. Check out her blog at http://www.ritewhileucan.com.

To write a letter to a dear friend, you only need a few simple things:

• time
• pen
• stationary

For everything pen and paper, check out Stargrass Paper Co. 

And time? You'll have to find that for yourself, but, without a doubt, it's the biggest gift of all.

Reading on...

Raiders' Ransom

by Emily Diamand

2009

I chose this middle grade novel by its cover.

I have a whole post about my tendency to do just that. Click here.

Thankfully, in this case, the fascinating cover was only a prelude to a fascinating story.

It was creative, to say the least.

Taking place over two hundred years in the future, Great Britain has been thrown back into pre-industrial age conditions due to extensive flooding.

Buildings are under water.

Landscaping consists of mud and water.

And, there are no computers.

Told from the point of view of Lilly, a fishergirl, and Zeph, a pirate, I was drawn into their world of conflict and strife.

I won’t spoil the plot, but I will say the book is full of adventure.

I do need to mention, however, that I almost put the book down.

At one point, the author stretched my ability to believe too far.

Almost is the key word because, in spite of this stretching, I still finished strong.

Raiders’ Ransom is Emily Diamand’s debut novel and it was the winner of the London Times/ Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition in 2008.

Impressive.

Reading on…

The Midwife of St Petersburg

The Midwife of St Petersburg

by Linda Lee Chaikin

2007

 I actually don’t have a lot to say about this book…

About a young woman in the last days of Imperial Russia, I found The Midwife of St Petersburg to be captivating.

I couldn’t put it down.

Of course, it was helpful to be stuck in a car on the highway for 14 hours.

This book is certainly what I would consider “a light, easy read”, however, it was enjoyable and a great refresher on the last days on Czarist Russia.

I love Russian history, but more on that another day.

My one complaint would be that I felt the story ended abruptly. In my mind, it’s not finished yet.
There are too many questions left unanswered.

Is there a sequel?
Apparently not.

Reading on…

Sleep, It Does a Family Good

by Dr. Archibald D. Hart

2010

“A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow.” Charlotte Bronte.

In an attempt to help hubby and son#1 become better sleepers, I picked up this book:

Sleep, It Does a Family Good.

Overall, it was quite informative, though I did lose steam in the last chapter.

This is some of what I gleaned:

Our Need for Sleep

God has designed sleep as a fundamental need in our lives. Even though many of us are constantly tired, and know we need more sleep, we still associate sleep with laziness.

The amount of sleep required by each person is different.  Circumstances (vacation vs. stressful situations) impact our need for sleep.

Less than six hours of sleep causes the brain to age faster.

Aim for nine hours of sleep - we sleep in cycles of one and a half hours. This doesn’t mean nine hours of deep sleep, it means nine hours in bed: Part resting our bodies, part in light sleep, part in deep sleep, and part in dream sleep. This cycle takes about one and a half hours and continues throughout the night.

Lack of Sleep

Lack of sleep reduces our ability to cope and manage events of the day. It effects the mood of the whole family.

Too little sleep prevents the brain from getting enough oxygen. It leaves us drowsy with impaired memory and physical performance.

Stress & Sleep

Stress reduction is key to a healthy “sleep switch” and, therefore, healthy sleep.

Stress, anxiety and worry disrupt sleep.

Getting out of bed in the middle of the night makes it more difficult to get back to deep sleep again.

Sleep & Learning

Dream sleep helps the brain rehearse what has been learned. In fact, learning is not complete until we sleep, as this is when newly learned information is made more permanent in the brain.

 

Cramming all night before an exam does not make for optimal learning!

How to Improve Sleep

Reduce caffeine and alcohol. No coffee after 3pm!

Don’t give children (or yourself) challenging tasks right before bedtime, establish and maintain bedtime routines (this provides a sense of security), reduce TV time, avoid bedtime snacks (especially grains and sugars), sleep in complete darkness.

When your mind is overactive: focus your thoughts on something else (ie a project or vacation).

When your mind worries: concentrate on what’s worrying you and soon your brain will let the concern go. As a Christian, give your concern over to God, again and again.

Turn off lights and darken the room before bedtime to help your melatonin kick in.

Relax before bed.

Keep ear plugs and an eye mask handy. 

Too Much Excitement

Dennis Prager, a well-known sociologist and radio host, says that today’s generation has more excitement available to them than any other generation in history. This excitement has become our most dangerous drug today.

Kids don’t know how to relax and have down time.

Marriage & Sleep

Building a happy marriage is about paying attention to detail, including sleep.

Marital happiness lowers the risk of sleep problems and marital strife increases them. Good sleep and marital satisfaction are related!

Bedtime arguments always disrupt sleep. Never discuss a hot topic just before bed!

Love gift: Sacrificing what you want or need in order to fulfill the need of your spouse, including needs associated with sleep. (Taking the love gift concept further, never put conditions on your love gift and never ask for one.)

Making Up Lost Sleep

We have up to seven days to make up for any lost sleep. Try to make up the lost sleep in increments over a few days.

Exercise and Sleep

Lack of physical exercise and exertion can disrupt sleep, but don’t exercise right before bed.

I am not sure if any of these ideas will help in our home, but maybe they'll help in yours.

Reading on…

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

1989

A simple, yet beautiful, story about the saving of a Jewish family from Nazi Forces as told from the point of view of ten year old, Annemarie Johansen.

I learned a few new things in this book...

Danish fishermen hid Jews in secret compartments on their boats and ferried them across the water to Sweden.

Danish scientists invented a substance that temporarily disabled a dog's sense of smell so they would be unable to smell people hidden away.

The ingenuity people used to save Jewish friends, neighbors and strangers inspires me.


What initially drew me to this book is that Number the Stars won the John Newbery Medal in 1990.


The John Newbery Medal?

The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the most distinguished American children’s book published in the previous year.

The Medal has existed since 1922 and, according to the web, is the best known and most discussed book award in the United States.

Personally, I think winning the Newbery Medal is what every author dreams of.

One day I'd like to collect and read all the winners. For a complete list see here.

Reading on…  

Point Blank: an Alex Rider adventure

by Anthony Horowitz
2001

The Alex Rider series has captured son #1's attention.

Secret missions,
Spy Gadgets,
Daring escapes,

These books have it all.


I picked up Point Blanc, the second in the series, earlier this week and right from page one I was hooked.
I could feel my blood pressure rising with each page.


Sent to investigate a suspicious boarding school in the French Alps, fourteen year old British spy, Alex Rider, got way more than he bargained for.


Point Blanc was no ordinary school.
Dr. Grief was no ordinary principal.



If you're looking for a new series for your pre-teen boy, this is it.


I do have one mild complaint, however.
I read somewhere that author, Anthony Horowitz, says none of his main characters have parents because kids can't have fun when their parents are around.

As a parent, I truly hope this is not true.


What I do hope, however, is that my son stays put on his Alex Rider kick.



Reading on...

The Passionate Mom

Dare to Parent in Today’s World

by Susan Merrill

2013

 

Always on the lookout for resources that God can use to transform me into a better mom, I picked up The Passionate Mom from one of our city’s few Christian booksellers.

 

A Mother’s Day gift to myself.  

 

Author, Susan Merrill, writes about a parenting model based on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah.

You know, the one where Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem to get the broken down city wall fixed.

 

The story of Nehemiah has long been a favorite of mine and the connection between walls and parenting resonates deeply.

Think about this verse,

“He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge” Proverbs 14:26.

 

I want to be a secure fortress for my children and secure fortresses depend on walls.

 

Walls are important.

 

From a parenting perspective,

Walls are how parents protect their children.

They are the rules that stand according to age and maturity.

 

Even further, 

Walls are needed to protect my child’s heart.


And they come out of my relationship with the Lord.

 

God has given me walls as well.
They are the statutes and instructions in His Word meant to protect me and help me experience life according to His perfect plan.

 

But,

How often do my kids step out from the protection of my walls?

How often do I step out from the protection of God's walls?

 

Susan Merrill goes on to explain that even the most secure fortresses have gates in which to go in or to go out.

 

What are the gates in parenthood?

Privileges.

 

How will I know if my child is old or mature enough to function beyond my wall if I don’t let them try?

After all, gates have gatekeepers.

A gate can always be shut...

 

Walls and gates, are they too abstract?

A great example in our family is that we have started to let son #1 bike around our neighborhood by himself. This is a gate, or a privilege, that we have opened up to him as he had previously demonstrated  trustworthy behaviour while staying within our walls, that is biking on our street.

Son #2 is still required to stay within our walls by staying on our street as he hasn't demonstrated the maturity needed to go off on such an adventure. It would also help if he learned to ride his bike.

Despite this identification with walls and gates,

I think what struck me deepest in this book is the idea that I need to have time to think about my children and pray for them.

 

Time.

 

That is the key word.

 

If my life is too full of activity, with too many projects, and too much rushing around, when will I find the time to ponder and pray about my kids?

I won’t.

And if I don’t, who will?

My husband?

Nope. He’s even busier.

 

Busyness and the desire to simplify.

It seems to be a common theme in my life right now.

 

What to cut?

What to continue?

What is truly important?

What fits with the ministry called motherhood?
What fits with what God has truly called me to do? 

“You are called to lay the foundation for your son’s or daughter’s faith. You can build a strong wall to protect your child, but if you don’t lay a solid foundation for what he or she believes, you will have missed your mission. Your child’s heart is the dwelling place for God. Build it strong, and then protect it with your wall.”



Reading on...