I realized this past week that I haven’t blogged in quite
some time. I knew this was inevitable,
though my initial goal was “one post per week”.
But, come on, what’s a goal if you can’t miss it every now and
then?
Well, the reason this ol’ blog has been on the back burner
lately is because I have actually been in a reading mood lately, a “reading
frenzy”, if you will. I find a space of
free time here or there and, instead of writing words, I want to read
them. I have gotten lost in several
stories and works of fiction over the past couple of months, and I want to make
sure I record all of them.
If you’re not a reader of novels, I apologize for this
entry. I began this blog to “document”
life, books I read included. I borrowed
some of these books from the library (which means they aren’t in my Kindle for
life), and if I don’t write them down I’ll forget I ever read them!! We can’t let them happen, can we?
Quick Disclaimer:
These aren’t necessarily book recommendations. I’m very particular when I’m recommending a book
to someone. I say that because most of
these books contain heavy “adult” content in them. No, not in that way, but for whatever reason, books with intense storylines
and mature themes have found their way into my library lately. While I did enjoy all of them for their
literary features and the reading experience, understand they may not be your
cup of tea… “To each his own” is how I think they say that. J
That being said, here are my recent reads…
The Rosie Project
By: Graeme Simsion
This book was witty and well written. I definitely laughed a lot in this one, but
it was more of a smart and creative humor, not a knee slapper. The protagonist, Don Tillman, is a geneticist.
He is quirky, book smart, and it is inferred he has Asperger’s. The book centralizes around him trying to
find a girlfriend, and though is social skills are lacking, the reader can’t
help but find him charming. Rosie and
him meet and start on a quest to find her biological father. Rosie is nothing like the partner Don is
looking for, but through many bizarre and awkward moments, he realizes she is
even better. A very sweet and surprising
story. Some of the dialogue and internal
thoughts of Don are hilarious and will have you reading certain paragraphs
again and again. I didn’t want to miss a
detail of this story!
The Orphan Train
By: Christina Baker Kline
This was one of those “sad but good” kind of reads. Very compelling writing that captures your
attention immediately. Molly is the
first main character we meet, and she is about to age out of the foster care
system. She has bounced around from home
to home her whole life and feels minimal connection or purpose in life. She meets Vivian, a sweet lady in her 90s,
during a community service project. We
quickly find out that the two women have much in common: Vivian was brought to
the Midwest from NYC as a young orphan girl herself via what became known as
the Orphan Train. The story goes back
and forth between modern day and Vivian’s memories of her childhood. The flashback stories were the most
heartbreaking yet most incredible.
Vivian’s history is told in such an engrossing fashion, I read this
novel in a very short time. The end felt
a bit rushed and sad but there were slivers of hope and redemption as Molly
helps tie loose strings of Vivian’s history.
The historical context of this book was also fascinating, and the author
details a lot of her research and findings in the last pages. The orphans who rode the trains out west in
search of new homes were real stories, and she captures the experience with
sensitivity, respect, and grace. Heavy
and thoughtful read.
The Housemaid’s Daughter
By: Barbara Mutch
This book was a beautiful and heart wrenching. The history and setting were one I knew little
about but quickly found very intriguing.
Set in South Africa during the Apartheid-era, Barbara Mutch brings to
life the bond between two unlikely women:
Cathleen Harrington and her housemaid’s daughter, Ada. Their story weaves together for decades as
Cathleen takes Ada under her wing and wants to provide many opportunities for
her growth. They love each other deeply,
but tragedy strikes. Ada quickly finds
herself as a key character in an act of betrayal against Cathleen. Compelled by her naivety and selflessness, she
runs from the disgrace and shame, not knowing Cathleen’s love for her is
unconditional. My heart broke for Ada so
much in this story but her unshakeable loyalty to those she loves is her
foundation and compass, therefore her journey, full of heart ache, loss, and
hardship, eventually lead her home.
Ultimately an excellent novel of loss and redemption through several
generations.
Bridge to Haven
By: Francine Rivers
I think it’s impossible for Francine Rivers to
disappoint. I read about this novel
several months ago and the anticipation I felt was worth it. She brings to life the story of an orphaned
child, and her struggle with accepting love and finding peace in her
story. I cried. I felt angry.
I was happy. I was sad. This story sent me on an emotional
rollercoaster, to say the least. In true
Francine fashion, the history and context were also an experience. Abra grew up in the 50s and seeing how the
culture and time shaped her story was incredible. The story always points back to Christ and
His redeeming love, which Francine does with grace and compassion. The story of Abra is one I will probably read
again and again.
Labor Day
Joyce Maynard
I had seen the preview for this movie and thought the story
would be intense and dark. Boy, was I
wrong. Instead of watching the movie, I
opted to read the book. So glad I
did. Told from the perspective of
13-year-old Henry, the story brings to life the Labor Day weekend that changed
his world (& his mother’s) forever.
The writing style was immaculate.
I laughed and cringed for Henry as he confessed of different struggles
and thoughts of an average boy enduring the awkward ride of puberty. There are so many things he is confused by but
the weekend him and his mother spend harboring Frank, the escaped convict, shed
much light on his place in the world.
This story was endearing – full of love and heartache. Adele was an incredible character, and I
enjoyed reading about her circumstances through the eyes of her teenage
son. A very unique and lovely story told
through an innocent perspective. Genius
work.
Rebellious Heart
By: Jody Hedlund
This is the type of book Daniel usually teases me about …
cheesy cover, cheesy title. While those
two things may be true in this case, the story was anything buy cheesy (sans a
few scenes of chaste kissing). Through
her commitment to historical research, Jody Hedlund used the lives of John and
Abigail Adams to inspire this novel. It
was full of excitement, mystery, cries for independence, and the search for
true justice. The two main characters,
Ben and Susanna, fight for those without a voice or a right, and end up in each
other’s paths over and over. Their
friendship blossoms, and the rest is history, I guess. Anyway, this was a very sweet and interesting
read. Jody Hedlund is always a favorite
of mine. She blends history, fiction,
intriguing characters, love, danger, and Truth in such a thought-provoking
manner, I enjoy all of her writings.
A Broken Kind of Beautiful
By: Katie Ganshert
Here's to reading.
From: Paige
