One of My Favorite Authors

A Thread of Grace
by Mary Doria Russell

I've been planning to read this book since it was first published because Mary Doria Russell is one of my favorite authors, even though she'd only written two books. This one is very different from the first two, though just as well-written. Set in Italy during the Nazi occupation (after surrender to the Allies), the novel explores the lives of fictional characters during the turbulent times. In a life-like way, we have no way of knowing if the characters make the "right" decisions for themselves, their families, or the people they are trying to save. I have to admit, I found the book distressing, but that's because it was so real to me. Those were dark days, even for the ones who strove always to keep light alive.

Now, her previous two books are amazing and I highly recommend them: The Sparrow and Children of God. I won't say much about the second book because it's all such a surprise, but I will say that the story is truly incomplete without it. Do not neglect it after reading The Sparrow. In the first of these books, Ms. Russell describes a realistic account of a Jesuit expedition to a new planet, populated with intelligent alien life. Right from the beginning, the reader knows all did not go well, but perhaps some good does come of it...That's the question, of course. (And those of you paying attention earlier might guess that the answer we learn in the first book is only partially true.)

I'm a science fiction fan, and these two books bring science and God together in a lovely and challenging dance. So many science fiction books about intelligent alien life discount God, but what if God has guided intelligent life on more than just Earth? What might our meeting be like? Read these books even if you don't usually indulge yourself with science fiction.

Special thanks to Bill who first introduced me to The Sparrow, just in time for me to read Children of God during those first few weeks of Caleb's life when it was my turn for the midnight to 4 am stint on the couch.

A New Revolution

A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue
by Wendy Shalit

It's easier to propose this book as a married woman and as a devout Catholic than if I'd suggested it 10 years ago (unlikely as that would be since it was published in 1999), but I hope you don't discount it for that reason. This book is an insightful look at society today and how its standards for sex education and sex itself damage the very souls of women and girls. Essentially, she says that men and women are different, biologically and psychologically, in the way we view sex and its meanings. Modesty, particularly in women, is the natural, innate female response to that difference, and our culture has been battling it (partly unsuccessfully) since the 1960s.

You can read some excellent reviews of the book by clicking on the link above or by going to Eighth Day Books (where Josh first learned of it).

Instead, I'll quote a few sentencess from the book I found memorable.

Women had a special vlunerability in the past, we are told, only because there was a risk of pregnancy. Now that we have the Pill, all vulnerability is abolished. But we seem to be learning that there is more to sexual vlunterability that the risk of pregnancy. (page 91)

Modesty is a reflex, arising naturally to help a woman protect her hopes and guide their fulfillment--specifically, this hope for one man. (page 94)

At least when there is a risk of pregnancy, there is a physical corollary to the emotional risk--so you are careful. And because the women had to be careful, the men were careful too. Our bodies naturally protected our hearts....I'm talking about the young woman who hopes for marriage and is essentially waiting for "the right guy"; I think for her the Pill is seductive and, I would go as far as to say, dangerous, holding out the promise of sex without consequences, and without any "irregularities." (pages 207-208)

Now, I'm not sure I agree with all of her assertions. It seems to me that there are other causes to the struggles of young women (anorexia, cutting, rape, stalking, etc.) than just a lack of modesty. I do think, however, she makes a strong case for a better world for our daughters, and ourselves, with a return to modesty. There's also a good chance Josh and I will decide to pull our kids out of sex education when the time comes (even if they are in Catholic schools).

And don't forget to read the appendix. Trust me; some real gems only appear there.

More Interested in the Journey

Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul
by John & Stasi Eldredge

I received this book for Christmas (thank you, Josh, Grammy and Paw Paw) and was excited about it because I read The Journey of Desire by John Eldredge years ago and loved it. It was a pretty quick read for me because I didn't linger too much over the places where I was supposed to think about my past and so on. All in all, I think it's a fine book. I guess I feel like I must have different problems than the ones it's meant to address. I had an uncomplicated childhood, a great relationship with both of my parents, fulfilling friendships, and a marriage with a man who only improves my relationship with God. I wouldn't go so far as to say you shouldn't read it, and it might even be exceptionally valuable if you are a woman who has suffered abuse or neglect from parents, other family members, friends or lovers. It did bring up some experiences that made me think seriously about how I'd like us to raise our daughter (if we ever have one), and was a worthwhile book for those ideas alone.

Now, The Journey of Desire is a whole other ball game. I still apply lessons I learned in that book to my life and will probably read it again (as much as I read anything again). I highly recommend it to anyone who's seeking a godly life or struggling to find God in daily life. (Special thanks to David and Becca who gave us this book one year for Christmas.)