Scarlett Thomas - "Going Out"

   What a unique premise for a book...  It SOUNDED interesting... Ok, I got conned!  I can admit that, I was suckered.  How, you ask?  My old roommate cleaned out her bookcase and handed over the goods.  She usually has amazing taste, so I accepted her offerings with gusto.  I have made my way through the box over the years and have generally enjoyed her taste in literature, but not so much this book.  I doubt she even finished reading it (which is probably why it was in the "give away box" now that I think about it.

     The book is primarily about Luke and Julie.  Luke is suffering from a very rare disease/allergy to sunlight that keeps him from being able to be exposed to any sunlight.  Julie is a mathematical genius, but is scared of everything from planes falling out of the sky and onto her to ingesting LSD that had been slipped into prepared foods by an angry food processing employee.  Her brilliant mind allows her to calculate probabilities for just about anything, and despite the low probabilities of some of these things happening to her, she is still afraid.  Sounds interesting right? (if in no other way than the "train wreck magnetism" of it all )

Going Out

     So long story short, Luke is basically trapped at home his entire life due to his illness with no real contact with the outside world with the exception of TV, books, Julie, and a limited number of friends from the neighborhood.  Julie is "trapped" in her own way as well, although it's more emotional/mental than physical.  To help balance the cast of characters out a little, there are quite a few "free spirits" thrown in for good measure, namely Charlotte; I love how they refer to her "type" as hippies throughout the book.   While in the end, Julie and Luke find freedom in one sense or another, it was not achieved in what I found to be a gratifying way.  What I mean by that, is that when Luke finally reaches the man claiming to heal his condition, it was merely an existential conversation that took place.  It may be that I'm just too dense to follow the conversation, or that I just didn't like it because it wasn't what I was expecting.  Who knows for sure??? 

     I do have to say, that although I didn't really enjoy the book, I was fascinated by how intelligent Julie was in regards to numbers, math, and mathematical theories.  That shows me that Ms. Thomas either knows something about math, or at least really knows how to write intelligently regarding math.  It was also interesting to see how she constructed a character who has no experience in the outside world other than basically TV.  It was a little extreme just how out of touch Luke was though.  For example, he got lost in an elevator and a stair well in a hotel, and truly had no grid for how they work or how to use them.  I find that a little bit of a strech, but then again, maybe that's actually how it would be if you never left your house. 

     Now... on to tackle something less existential and more Artemis Fowl, dum, da, dah, dum, DUM!!!!!

Rhoda Janzen - "Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home"

     I came by this book in a very round-about-way.  Mom and I were on a "girls' trip" to see my sisters in Atlanta, Ga, and our flight home got delayed by something like four hours.  Mom had finished the book that she brought and needed a little something to help pass the time.  Off to the book stand we go...  I had seen this book a few other places but hadn't really given it much thought until I was trying to help Mom find a little light reading that would be "up here ally."  Here was my thought process: 1. Well she doesn't really like thrillers or some of the darker mysteries (rule out the Stieg Larsson trio)  2. Romance is a no-go (rule out 70% of the books in the store)  3. Politics/business/economics aren't exactly light reading or are not in any way relevant to the situation (rule out the other 28% of the store's selections)  4. "Mennonite" hmmmmm...didn't Mom take us to visit a Mennonite community when we were kids???  They make great soap and DELICIOUS ice cream.  (Ahhh hah!  This seems like something she'd like)

     I have very little exposure to the Mennonite people, but probably more than your "average Joan;"  it was really an interesting look not only into the lifestyle that Rhoda Janzen grew up in, but also delightful insights into her own family.  She experiences a few major life-crises' (ie. Her husband leaves her for a man he met on gay.com), and she elects to move home for a while to regroup.  The memoir came about because during her time at home, she kept all of her friends up to date with some quaint anecdotes about her family and their unique culture.  Her friends were intrigued and suggested she put together a memoir.  I'm glad she did...

     Ms. Janzen talks about her life growing up as part of the Mennonite culture.  I loved the chapter about "shame-based-foods."  She tells of being "that kid" who opens her lunch bag to a thermos full of delicious, but odorous Borscht.  There is nothing like already dressing differently than your whole school, but also having the "smelly lunch."  I love the way she talks about her perky, peppy, ultra-honest-to-a-fault mother.  The same mom who despite the heightened sense of modesty, has no problem examining a rash on the undercarriage of her future daughter-in-law just as they've met for the first time.  You have to love the irony there. 
   
     I experienced smirks aplenty as well as more than one belly laugh whilst immersing myself in this literary delight.  I love her honest, tongue-in-cheek wit and sense of humor, and the fact that she can look back at her roots and see the pro and cons of her childhood lifestyle.  The author is no longer an "active" member of the community; as soon as she was able, she high-tailed it into the life of academia and never looked back.  I do have to say that it was I little disappointed in the fact that she very blatantly slams some of the spiritual beliefs that are held so dearly by her family.  While I do understand that different people have different belief systems, I also think that maybe she should show a little more flexibility on the matter.  She fled the lifestyle and belief system in search of "freedom" so, following that same logic, shouldn't she allow freedom to her still-practicing family.  It's clear that, despite the differences in her spiritual beliefs and her family's, there is a lot of love between them all. 

     I found the book to be a good mix of hilarity, eccentricity, as well as some sadder moments.  I think it's a great thing that she included all these different aspects because that's exactly how life is; it's a mixture of both the up's and down's.  Also, as a side note, keep your dictionary handy throughout your reading.  Her vocabulary is EXTENSIVE; she is an English professor and all.

Seriously, if you get a chance, check out the ice cream...

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home

Francine Rivers - "Her Mother's Hope"

     Well, well, well, she's done it again!  Francine has crafted yet another entrancing novel that is impossible to tear your eyes away from.  This is the first in a two novel series; the second book is titled "Her Daughter's Dream."  I can't WAIT to read the conclusion to this story! 

Her Mother's Hope (Marta's Legacy)

     Francine has eloquently tackled the delicate intricacies of the mother-daughter relationship in this novel.  This story is set in the late 1800's through the 1950's beginning with Marta's early life in Switzerland and following her relationship with her family, namely, her mother.  She's a very driven woman who grows up to make a very full life for herself.  Part of Marta's journey includes marrying and raising four children, a son and three daughters.  Just like any family, each child has their own personalities and gifts, but the real heart of the story is the relationship between Marta and her eldest daughter, Hildemara Rose. 

     Hildemara is a very different person than Mara both by nature as well as by nurture, (as you will see in the book, because you should read it!) and this causes a lot of tension between these two main characters.  I don't want to give the story away, because I would love for you to read it and enjoy it as I have. 

     I do have to say this book was a little hard to read due to the fact that Francine does a marvelous job of creating a necessary tension between her characters.  There is a lot of strain that weighs on the relationship between Hildemara and Marta; it has a lot to do with what each of them doesn't know about the other.  As the reader, you know each character's background, motivations, and though processes, but the characters are not communicating that to each other thus creating another level of tension woven into the fabric of the novel. 

     Sorry for the long gap between entries, but we moved two times in the past month, and that doesn't really allow much time for reading, but I will start the conclusion to "Her Mother's Hope" SOON!

     I recommend a good book, a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, and a super comfy chair to help soothe all of your "fall"-in-Texas allergy symptoms.

Anna Godberson - "Splendor"

     I think "Didn't see THAT coming..." is a more appropriate title for this too-hot-to-handle novel.  Once again Ms. Godberson delivers yet another dose of 350+ pages filled with glamorous girls, scandalous secrets, and gobs of expendable cash.  This book is another snapshot of pretty young girls living life at the pinnacle of high society with too much money, too much time, too many dirty little secrets, and entirely too many opportunities to twist a plot.  Kinda' makes me wish I was an upper echelon debutante then and there and with that much money.

     This is that last of the four-book series and the author does a great job of wrapping up each of the story lines.  She doesn't necessarily end the various plots in ways that one would expect either.  That was very refreshing, especially since it falls under the "young adult" genre.  The writing style remains the same throughout the series, and this book is no exception.  Each chapter begins with a few sentences that give you a veiled preview of the chapter to come, and each chapter is usually about a different thread in the plot line tapestry which keeps the pages turning.  You never know what is coming in this series.  One of the things I really liked about the novel is that the characters all pretty much "got what was coming to them," meaning that all "had to face the music," or "reap what they sowed."  Ok, enough with the cliches!  They all had to live with the consequences of their actions.  I LOVE IT!  It's a novel idea (pun totally intended) in the teen fiction genre.  Yes, it's a fairy tale, and a lovely one at that, but it isn't so out of touch with reality that the totally unrealistic occurs. 
Splendor: A Luxe Novel (The Luxe)

     The book is a great way to expand your vocabulary, especially in relation to textiles, colors, and French decor.  The style allows for easy reading, but it's not brainless reading.  I almost tangibly felt the grandeur of some of the fancy parties the diva-like debutants attended in the plush mansions and hotels of that era (and socio-economic status) as well as the floods of emotions that these characters experience throughout the book.  I love the sensation of closing my book and letting the realization hit me that, "Wow, I was here the whole time, not actually tippling expensive champagne or dancing with Henry, Teddy, or the Prince of Bavaria in my magnificent gown!"  I'd say the author does an outstanding job when that's your experience...

     I think the series as a whole was entertaining, especially this last edition.  I discovered that Anna Godberson has begun work on a new series "Bright Young Things" which seems similar in nature, but is set in the roaring 20's as opposed to the turn of the century.  I don't foresee myself delving into the next series soon (if ever).  I just have too many other literary delights on my plate, awaiting my consumption before I start the next "teen queen" series.  (I don't mean that in any way derogatorily, it's just my opinion on the matter.) 


Until we meet again: eat, read, and be merry!

Francine Rivers - "Unspoken"

     I love Francine Rivers' writing so much!  She is probably my very favorite author of all time, but that's really hard to say so, just to keep from losing sleep over it, I'll rank her in the "Top 3" for now.  I actually got to "meet" her at a Barnes & Noble book-signing this past May.  As embarrassing as it is, I was totally star-struck.  For being such a verbose person, it was very unsettling to not be able to utter a single cohesive sentence.  Hubby to the rescue!  Yes, I did drag my dear sweet, tolerant husband to a Francine Rivers signing.  There were about 200 women, and about 6 very patient men in attendance. 

     When my turn came to put my newly purchased copy of  "Her Mother's Hope" (soon to be read!) on the table, I could not make my brain send words to my mouth.  I just kept thinking, "Oh my goodness, it's REALLY her.  The woman who actually writes down the words to the books that I can't put down!"  I put my copy of "Redeeming Love" down as well, hoping against hope that the B&N event Nazi wouldn't publicly harass me for not obeying orders to only bring the pertinent book to the "Her Mother's Hope" signing.  I was so hoping she'd sign my copy of "Redeeming Love" because that book changed my life.  I have owned about 6 or 7 copies of it throughout the years because I keep lending it out.  All of the people I lend it to end up asking me if I mind if their friend so-and-so reads it.  I answer "Sure! as long as they pass it on as well."  Needless to say, this copy will not get lent out!  Mrs. Rivers did sign both books and even included a scripture reference in each book. 
    
     As I was standing there dumbfounded, my always apropos Hubby strikes up a conversation asking her what her advice to aspiring writers was, and even made the comment, "I hear you like gardening.  I want to start a garden too."  (I had just finished "Leota's Garden" and had told Hubby my little "back of the book trivia" for the day, that she not only writes, but also has a garden.)  She said, "Never give up."  He offered up his little writer's notepad that LIVES in his back pocket for her to sign as well.  A very elegant, gracious, Godly, and ingenious woman!

   Now... on to the good stuff.                                                                              Unspoken: Bathsheba (The Lineage of Grace Series #4)

     "Unspoken" is the novella Mrs. Rivers wrote about Bathsheba, one of the five women mentioned in Matthew's account of the lineage of Christ.  She was the wife of Uriah, one of David's trusted mighty men, and was very beautiful.  David saw her bathing one day, and decided that she should be brought to his personal chambers for some illicit quality time.  They ended up having an affair that produced a son.  In an attempt to cover up their sin, David ends up having Uriah killed.  Double whammy! 

     What is so beautiful about this story is how, despite some very grievous sins (aren't they all?!), God still called David, "A man after God's own heart," and He still honored Bathsheba by giving her a place in the bloodline of Jesus Christ himself.  This is obviously a work of fiction, but it is hemmed in prayer and stems from a heart that desires to please God and honor His Word.  She says from the get-go that there is artistic license taken throughout the work, as there almost has to be in order to round out the story.

     This work does an outstanding job of showing the mercy and grace that God freely extends to us despite our most despicable and deplorable behaviors.  King David fornicated, murdered, tried to bring an honest man into sin to cover his sin, and STILL God calls him a "Man after God's own heart."  Amazing!  As always, Francine Rivers captures your imagination and heart from the beginning of the story, and gives you a vehicle by which to feel as though you are a part of the story.  History comes alive.  I felt my heart race a little when David summons Bathsheba to his room and woos her.  I felt guilt and shame right along with the characters, as well as joy when God blesses them despite it all.  Don't get it wrong, there are still some pretty hairy consequences for their actions that they must face, but that's the nature of the beast, I think.

     It's so easy to empathize with these characters when the writing is so wonderful.  When I finish one of her books, I am always inspired me to want to live my life for God in a more passionate way than before I had read the book.  God has gifted Mrs. Rivers in an awesome way, and I for one am thankful for it.

     And now, for something completely different...

Randy Alcorn - "Lord Foulgrin's Letters"

     Ok, so I admit, I bought this book not, because of a desire to grow my spiritual life, but merely because I shared his last name for 26 years of my life.  For all of 30 seconds, I felt famous.  Shallow?  Maybe, but it was still worth reading...

Lord Foulgrin's Letters

     This book was written in the same vein as C.S. Lewis's, "Screwtape Letters," which I do own, and DO intend to read; I've just not quite gotten there yet.  This is the story of Jordan Fletcher and his family.  Each everyday vignette is followed by a letter from Lord Foulgrin to his subordinate Squaltaint instructing him to destroy, confuse, deceive, and distract Jordan and his family at every opportunity.  Squaltaint is specifically assigned to Jordan to keep him from learning the truth about God, to distract Mr. Fletcher from doing anything that would honor the Lord, as well as to do anything to destroy "the maggot-feeder" in all areas of life.

     The author writes in the Afterward that he has spent much time in prayer and Biblical study regarding fallen angels, their abilities, their motivations, as well as their realm.  He also   As with anything in the spiritual realm, it's hard to translate it into words.  As Mr. Alcorn states, he does his absolute best to present his work truthfully, but he is human and thus prone to error, so don't take this work of fiction as truth.  He also quotes G.C. Berkouwer saying, "There can be no sound theology without a sound demonology."  I think there is something to that; one must understand their enemy in order to oppose him. 

     I think that while this isn't totally an original idea for a book, it is very creative.  I personally had a little bit of a hard time with some of the book, not too much with the content, but with his style of writing.  It was a little cliche' for my taste.  There were a very few ideas/statements that I thought were a little on the "overly conservative" side of the spectrum, but there's nothing wrong with that at all, it's merely my humble opinion of things.  Overall I think it's worth reading just to give you a different perspective on the battle in which we are entrenched, but from which we will one day emerge victoriously. 

     Amen and let it be so!

       

   

Flavia Bujor - "The Prophecy of the Stones"

The Prophecy of the Stones: A Novel


     Flavia Bujor is a young french writer who had this book published by the age of fifteen.  I've never had anything published with the exception of this "self-published" blog and an essay or two (if you call Mom's refrigerator "published").  So I may be a really awful, hypocritical human for saying this, but this book is terribly overrated!  I literally had to force myself to finish it so I would be able to: 1. say that I finished it, and 2. give my readership a review on the entirety of the book.

     I would be horrendously wrong to not give her credit for writing a very creative story, and have it published all before she even finished high school.  I give her "mad props" for that.  This is a story with two main plot lines, and a very few subplot lines.  Story one is about three, fourteen-year-old girls named Jade, Opal, and Amber.  It's set in what appears to be medieval Europe, but resembles something more like "Middle Earth" replete with Tolkien-esque creatures.  Story two is about another fourteen-year-old girl nicknamed "Joa" (Jade, Opal, Amber - a creative acronym if you ask me) who lives in modern day Paris and is dying of a horrible sickness.  She has dreams of another world which is the one where Jade, Opal, and Amber reside.

     The three girls are given three stones on the occasion of their fourteenth birthdays and find that when they all hold their stones, close their eyes, and think about the same thing, stuff happens.  I enjoy some fantasy fiction, for sure, but this particular one is not my cup of espresso.  The reason being that the characters were underdeveloped as were their dialogue and motivations for taking the actions they did, the story was lacking sufficient descriptions leaving giant plot holes everywhere, and there was no real conclusion.  Ms. Bujor made an excellent attempt at trying to build a complex set of story lines, but didn't quite pull it off,  nor did she really tie the ones she had going together very will.  As I said before, I'm impressed that it was written by so young an author, but I think it could have really been a lot better with some editorial guidance.  Better luck next book, Missy!

     My advice to survive the summer, stay inside and read!  It works, I promise...