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.)
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Thursday, December 29, 2005
The World of Fforde
The Big Over Easy
by Jasper Fforde
We were first introduced to the World of Fforde by our good friend, Bill, with The Eyre Affair, a highly amusing telling of how Thursday Next saved Jane Eyre, the book and the character. Mr. Fforde has created an alternate 1980s reality (in England, of course) where the written word is alive and well, literally. There are three other books in the Thursday Next series, but start with The Eyre Affair. I liked them so much I tried to convince Josh we should name a daughter after Thursday. He wasn't so sure about the idea, but there's still time.
The current book is in the same vein. Jack Spratt and Mary Mary are a detective team in the Nursery Crime Division out to solve the mystery of Humpty Dumpty's death. Josh heard this was actually Fforde's first novel that no one would publish until after the success of the others. After reading the book, I can believe it. Some spots are pure Fforde joy. Others are a little rough. I don't want to say too much since it'd be a shame to give away the ending - which is definitely the best part of the story line.
If you're well-read, especially in older books where it's easier to get permission from the copyright owners, you'll love Fforde's books. They're irreverent, pun-filled, and hilarious. It was a Thursday Next book that inspired me to read Anna Karenina, which I found to be one of the best books I'd ever read.
If you haven't seen the Fforde website, you're missing out. Trust me, it's the best way to waste time online. Of course, it's even better if you've read the books.
Special thanks to David and Becca who lent us The Big Over Easy so we wouldn't have to wait 6 months for the library copy (even though I ended up waiting almost that long anyway before actually reading the book).
by Jasper Fforde
We were first introduced to the World of Fforde by our good friend, Bill, with The Eyre Affair, a highly amusing telling of how Thursday Next saved Jane Eyre, the book and the character. Mr. Fforde has created an alternate 1980s reality (in England, of course) where the written word is alive and well, literally. There are three other books in the Thursday Next series, but start with The Eyre Affair. I liked them so much I tried to convince Josh we should name a daughter after Thursday. He wasn't so sure about the idea, but there's still time.
The current book is in the same vein. Jack Spratt and Mary Mary are a detective team in the Nursery Crime Division out to solve the mystery of Humpty Dumpty's death. Josh heard this was actually Fforde's first novel that no one would publish until after the success of the others. After reading the book, I can believe it. Some spots are pure Fforde joy. Others are a little rough. I don't want to say too much since it'd be a shame to give away the ending - which is definitely the best part of the story line.
If you're well-read, especially in older books where it's easier to get permission from the copyright owners, you'll love Fforde's books. They're irreverent, pun-filled, and hilarious. It was a Thursday Next book that inspired me to read Anna Karenina, which I found to be one of the best books I'd ever read.
If you haven't seen the Fforde website, you're missing out. Trust me, it's the best way to waste time online. Of course, it's even better if you've read the books.
Special thanks to David and Becca who lent us The Big Over Easy so we wouldn't have to wait 6 months for the library copy (even though I ended up waiting almost that long anyway before actually reading the book).
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
New York Tragedies
Triangle: The Fire that Changed America
by David Von Drehle
Usually I don't post the books I've read because I'm too busy. Recently, I've been too busy to even read. I did have a chance to check out this book from the library a couple of months ago. (Yes, this is the last book I read. It's been a very busy time.) It is a well-written history of the worst workplace tragedy in New York City until 2001. My favorite parts of the book were those that focused on the individuals trapped in the fire or those that narrowly escaped. I love learning the stories of real people, especially when I feel like the author has scoured primary sources as the notes to this book suggest. You might also be interested in this book because the author draws a direct line from the Triangle fire to the people and politics of the New Deal (which is how the fire changed America).
Personally, I just love reading about New York City. I found this book fit in well with what I learned watching the New York documentary (ahh, the glory of Netflix), which I also highly recommend.
by David Von Drehle
Usually I don't post the books I've read because I'm too busy. Recently, I've been too busy to even read. I did have a chance to check out this book from the library a couple of months ago. (Yes, this is the last book I read. It's been a very busy time.) It is a well-written history of the worst workplace tragedy in New York City until 2001. My favorite parts of the book were those that focused on the individuals trapped in the fire or those that narrowly escaped. I love learning the stories of real people, especially when I feel like the author has scoured primary sources as the notes to this book suggest. You might also be interested in this book because the author draws a direct line from the Triangle fire to the people and politics of the New Deal (which is how the fire changed America).
Personally, I just love reading about New York City. I found this book fit in well with what I learned watching the New York documentary (ahh, the glory of Netflix), which I also highly recommend.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Rwandan Tradegies
We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families: Stories from Rwanda
by Philip Gourevitch
Another book everyone should read. I watched Hotel Rwanda (a movie to watch, but not with the kids) and then borrowed this book from my cousin. (Thanks, Rose!) It's hard to believe how uncaring other countries can be in the face of so much evidence of ongoing genocide, though I shouldn't be surprised given how little America seems to care about what happens in African nations.
This book describes events preceeding and occuring in April 1994 when Hutu mobs began killing Tutsis - their neighbors and friends. There are a few stories of courage, but mostly horror stories of the few survivors. In the second half of the book, Mr. Gourevitch focuses more on the political and national story (as opposed to those of individuals). Though he's a reporter (and therefore, we might expect complete objectivity), Mr. Gourevitch seems supportive of the new government (still in place) established after the state-sponsored genocide was halted by rebel troops.
As horrible as it is, I think it's good to know what people can be capable of and how biased the American government can be (so we have to show that we care what happens in ALL other countries).
by Philip Gourevitch
Another book everyone should read. I watched Hotel Rwanda (a movie to watch, but not with the kids) and then borrowed this book from my cousin. (Thanks, Rose!) It's hard to believe how uncaring other countries can be in the face of so much evidence of ongoing genocide, though I shouldn't be surprised given how little America seems to care about what happens in African nations.
This book describes events preceeding and occuring in April 1994 when Hutu mobs began killing Tutsis - their neighbors and friends. There are a few stories of courage, but mostly horror stories of the few survivors. In the second half of the book, Mr. Gourevitch focuses more on the political and national story (as opposed to those of individuals). Though he's a reporter (and therefore, we might expect complete objectivity), Mr. Gourevitch seems supportive of the new government (still in place) established after the state-sponsored genocide was halted by rebel troops.
As horrible as it is, I think it's good to know what people can be capable of and how biased the American government can be (so we have to show that we care what happens in ALL other countries).
Monday, October 24, 2005
"Beware of false prophets..."
One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church
by Richard Abanes
This is the first book I've read about the Mormon Church and it was a wonderful introduction. Mr. Abanes does not provide an unbiased approach, but it does seem to be well-researched, with tons of notes and sources. (He also provides a list of other recommended reading and websites.) I'm sure those of the Mormon faith would argue Mr. Abanes is twisting the teachings to serve his own ends. No doubt he does, but there seem to be plenty of twistings before he gets to it. There are also some significant events in recent American history that cannot be fabricated (or erased, as they'd sometimes like to do).
I'll let you read the book because I could not possibly do it justice to summarize, but I will say I was saddened to learn of the faith that has captured so many unsuspecting people. I think everyone should read this book as protection against becoming Mormon and as a spur to pray for those that are trapped within the false teachings of the Latter Day Saints. It's a bit long, but reads very easily with most of the heavy substantiation in the endnotes. I even found the appendices fascinating.
Just in case anyone finds this while searching for resources in leaving the Mormon Church, Mr. Abanes recommends a few sites like this one.
Special thanks to Joel and Hilary for recommending this book.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matt. 7:15-20 KJV
by Richard Abanes
This is the first book I've read about the Mormon Church and it was a wonderful introduction. Mr. Abanes does not provide an unbiased approach, but it does seem to be well-researched, with tons of notes and sources. (He also provides a list of other recommended reading and websites.) I'm sure those of the Mormon faith would argue Mr. Abanes is twisting the teachings to serve his own ends. No doubt he does, but there seem to be plenty of twistings before he gets to it. There are also some significant events in recent American history that cannot be fabricated (or erased, as they'd sometimes like to do).
I'll let you read the book because I could not possibly do it justice to summarize, but I will say I was saddened to learn of the faith that has captured so many unsuspecting people. I think everyone should read this book as protection against becoming Mormon and as a spur to pray for those that are trapped within the false teachings of the Latter Day Saints. It's a bit long, but reads very easily with most of the heavy substantiation in the endnotes. I even found the appendices fascinating.
Just in case anyone finds this while searching for resources in leaving the Mormon Church, Mr. Abanes recommends a few sites like this one.
Special thanks to Joel and Hilary for recommending this book.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matt. 7:15-20 KJV
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