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...