(read aloud)
This was a fun read with plot twists and surprises and satisfying turns. Colorful characters.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Speaking from Among the Bones by Alan Bradley
(read aloud)
Enjoyed this very much. Super cliffhanger in last sentence!
Enjoyed this very much. Super cliffhanger in last sentence!
Bones are Forever by Kathy Reichs
(read aloud)
Poorly written, weak plot, too many confusing characters. Even the author's strong expertise as a forensic pathologist was not well done; perhaps her TV program, Bones, is better. Not recommended.
Poorly written, weak plot, too many confusing characters. Even the author's strong expertise as a forensic pathologist was not well done; perhaps her TV program, Bones, is better. Not recommended.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Magdeburg by Heather Richardson
(read aloud)
Story of the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). A story of privation and death and disease and religious bigotry. Unfortunately it is probably historically accurate. War is a terrible thing.
Story of the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). A story of privation and death and disease and religious bigotry. Unfortunately it is probably historically accurate. War is a terrible thing.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
Delightful mystery, youthful but adult. Flavia is a joy and the writing is witty, intriguing and happy.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
At the Foot of the Snows by David E. Watters
(read aloud on Kindle)
A wonderful, exciting missionary book. Follow a courageous missionary couple into Nepal to live with a very remote people group and learn their language. After many difficult years, the Bible is translated. When the people hear the gospel in their own language, the church is born among them. There are many difficulties, persecutions and trials but the story is one of joy and hope and faithfulness. Watters died before the book was finished. The last few chapters have a far different tone and style and were disappointing. Watters's writing is clear, interesting and delightful. It is graceful but not an apology. He was courageous but shares his times of doubt, making this book ring strong and true. Despite the last couple of chapters it is well worth reading.
A wonderful, exciting missionary book. Follow a courageous missionary couple into Nepal to live with a very remote people group and learn their language. After many difficult years, the Bible is translated. When the people hear the gospel in their own language, the church is born among them. There are many difficulties, persecutions and trials but the story is one of joy and hope and faithfulness. Watters died before the book was finished. The last few chapters have a far different tone and style and were disappointing. Watters's writing is clear, interesting and delightful. It is graceful but not an apology. He was courageous but shares his times of doubt, making this book ring strong and true. Despite the last couple of chapters it is well worth reading.
Daemon by Daniel Suarez
(Kindle)
A geek book about a dead web tycoon who lives on in the Internet. First half of book interesting, last part huge chase scene (which I never like). Some R-rated or worse parts in book, not really recommended.
A geek book about a dead web tycoon who lives on in the Internet. First half of book interesting, last part huge chase scene (which I never like). Some R-rated or worse parts in book, not really recommended.
Peter the Great by Robert K. Massie
Long but very good, well-written book about an extraordinary historical figure. He changed Russia by force of will. He lived simply, traveled incognito and had a wonderful curiosity about everything, particularly all things naval and military.
The Litigators by John Grisham
(read aloud)
A fun legal novel about greed, meaning in work and human nature. Interesting characters, good plot. Typical Grisham.
A fun legal novel about greed, meaning in work and human nature. Interesting characters, good plot. Typical Grisham.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
My Own Country by Abraham Verghese
(read aloud)
The author captures the sadness and complexity of the HIV epidemic coming to the mountains of Tennessee. He captures the Appalachian culture very well. He captures the surprise and horror of this disease well. He presents the medical aspects extremely well, with accuracy and skill. The social complexity is well accounted for. Verghese is a keen observer.
We enjoyed this because we used to live in Appalachia and because we shared many of his experiences with HIV when we lived in Haiti at the start of the epidemic.
The author captures the sadness and complexity of the HIV epidemic coming to the mountains of Tennessee. He captures the Appalachian culture very well. He captures the surprise and horror of this disease well. He presents the medical aspects extremely well, with accuracy and skill. The social complexity is well accounted for. Verghese is a keen observer.
We enjoyed this because we used to live in Appalachia and because we shared many of his experiences with HIV when we lived in Haiti at the start of the epidemic.
Cold Choices by Larry Bond
A submarine story about a fictional collision between a U.S. and Russian sub. I enjoyed it because subs fascinate me.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
A quick read that draws you in. Written in a childlike voice but a wise voice. Echoes of Roman gladiators. Are we drawn to this from some primal flaw?
The Distant Land of my Father by Bo Caldwell
Mitzi noticed that the title could have two meanings, and both apply to the book. It is set in Shanghai and California. Shanghai is distant and troubling, even when the daughter is living there; and for most of the book the father is distant, even when they are together. We see everything through the daughter's eyes and we grow up with her. She gives up on her father but can never give him up.
This is a very emotional book and very true. Fathers are important in their children's lives, even when they don't deserve to be. Redemption is hard to earn and a grace given with difficulty and sacrifice. How precious children are. How easy to be busy and selfish.
This is a very emotional book and very true. Fathers are important in their children's lives, even when they don't deserve to be. Redemption is hard to earn and a grace given with difficulty and sacrifice. How precious children are. How easy to be busy and selfish.
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