I escaped this week to a small island off the coast of Massachusetts. It was also the escape of Anne Davis. She grew up on this island and returned to her childhood home after some devastating turns of events in her life. A house fire awakens her one night and her life begins a new course towards healing.
Home Fires by Luanne Rice is the story of Anne and her time of healing from the tragic accident that took the life of her young daughter Karen. But her healing is not done alone. Thomas Devlin, the fireman who rescued her from the burning house, helps Anne begin her healing by sharing the details of a loss that he had to recover from years ago. Gabrielle and Steve, Anne's sister and brother-in-law, will begin to understand their sister's loss as they parent their teenager Maggie through some rough times of her own. And Ned Devlin, Thomas' son, will finally heal from his loss as his father finds new love.
This story is edgier than my past Luanne Rice reads, but it was very enjoyable and the escape was well worth the time!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Lessons for Living
God comes to us in the things we know best and can verify most easily, the things of our everyday life. (selection 15)
Lessons for Living by John Paul II is a small book containing powerful words of our former beloved Pope. His insight and encouragement are written in 100 brief selections that give the reader inspiration and hope in one's faith. The selections were gathered from his many writings and speeches given over a span of more than two decades.
The magnitude of John Paul II's accomplishments, and the sheer volume of his writings, can obscure a crucial fact about him. Within this great man --- world statesman, theologian, philosopher, church leader --- beats the heart of a pastor. John Paul II knows something about how men and women find God. He understands much about how the power of God can be released in our lives. (Forward by Joseph Durepos)
The selections are arranged in broad themes and can be read in a few sittings or on a daily basis for thought, meditation, or prayer. I found several of the passages very inspiring and hope to re-read this volume of selections often.
A few of my favorite selections include:
The truth is that we cannot remain prisoners of the past; people need a sort of "healing of the memories" so that past evils will not come back again. This does not mean forgetting past events; it means reexamining them with a new attitude and learning precisely from the experience of suffering that only love can build upwards, whereas hatred produces only devastation and ruin. (selection 38)
Life is a talent entrusted to us so that we can transform it and increase it, making it a gift to others. No person is an iceberg drifting on the ocean of history. Each one of us belongs to a great family, in which we each have our own place and our own role to play. (selection 45)
Christian faith is not simply a set of propositions to be accepted with intellectual assent. Faith is a lived knowledge of Christ, a living remembrance of His commandments, and a truth to be lived out. A word is not truly received until it is put into practice. Faith is a decision involving one's whole existence. It is an encounter, a dialogue, a communion of love and of life between the believer and Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It entails an act of trusting abandonment to Christ, which enables us to live as He lived, in profound love of God and of our brothers and sisters. (selection 70)
May the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Pentecost, help us to clarify what is ambiguous, to give warmth to what is indifferent, to enlighten in us what is obscure, and to be before the world true and generous witnesses of Christ's love, for no one can live without love. (selection 99)
In today's challenging world, I find the words of John Paul II very comforting. Lessons for Living is exactly that, a selection of lessons to help us live in faith and love.
Lessons for Living by John Paul II is a small book containing powerful words of our former beloved Pope. His insight and encouragement are written in 100 brief selections that give the reader inspiration and hope in one's faith. The selections were gathered from his many writings and speeches given over a span of more than two decades.
The magnitude of John Paul II's accomplishments, and the sheer volume of his writings, can obscure a crucial fact about him. Within this great man --- world statesman, theologian, philosopher, church leader --- beats the heart of a pastor. John Paul II knows something about how men and women find God. He understands much about how the power of God can be released in our lives. (Forward by Joseph Durepos)
The selections are arranged in broad themes and can be read in a few sittings or on a daily basis for thought, meditation, or prayer. I found several of the passages very inspiring and hope to re-read this volume of selections often.
A few of my favorite selections include:
The truth is that we cannot remain prisoners of the past; people need a sort of "healing of the memories" so that past evils will not come back again. This does not mean forgetting past events; it means reexamining them with a new attitude and learning precisely from the experience of suffering that only love can build upwards, whereas hatred produces only devastation and ruin. (selection 38)
Life is a talent entrusted to us so that we can transform it and increase it, making it a gift to others. No person is an iceberg drifting on the ocean of history. Each one of us belongs to a great family, in which we each have our own place and our own role to play. (selection 45)
Christian faith is not simply a set of propositions to be accepted with intellectual assent. Faith is a lived knowledge of Christ, a living remembrance of His commandments, and a truth to be lived out. A word is not truly received until it is put into practice. Faith is a decision involving one's whole existence. It is an encounter, a dialogue, a communion of love and of life between the believer and Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It entails an act of trusting abandonment to Christ, which enables us to live as He lived, in profound love of God and of our brothers and sisters. (selection 70)
May the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Pentecost, help us to clarify what is ambiguous, to give warmth to what is indifferent, to enlighten in us what is obscure, and to be before the world true and generous witnesses of Christ's love, for no one can live without love. (selection 99)
In today's challenging world, I find the words of John Paul II very comforting. Lessons for Living is exactly that, a selection of lessons to help us live in faith and love.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Casual Reading Challenge
Just what all of us reading challenge junkies need... a new challenge, but with a twist. It's very flexible and you don't have to finish it! Gotta love it! After much thought (ok, not too much thought), I decided to scout my shelves to find books that I have been waiting for a chance to read. I have my reasons for reading them, so they don't quite fit into my Just4thehelluvit Challenge. But they are all for my enjoyment in some special way!
Here's my list for this challenge (which runs Oct '07 to Oct '08):
Books that I have discovered from various reading blogs:
Panic by Jeff Abbott
Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs
Tropical Fish by Doreen Baingana
The Serpents Trail by Sue Henry
The Book of Jane by Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt
Awaiting Orders by Farrell O'Gorman
Books that were alternates for my reading challenges... that I still want to read:
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson
Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson
Contagion by Robin Cook
terrOR by Joseph J Neuschatz
Beach House by Pat Conroy
Visitation by Frank Peretti
Impossible by Danielle Steele
Books that friends have given me to read this past year:
Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick
Ever After by Karen Kingsbury
The Preacher's Daughter by Beverly Lewis
The Englisher by Beverly Lewis
Deception Point by Dan Brown
Can You Keep A Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin
That's twenty one books... that should be more than enough!
Here's my list for this challenge (which runs Oct '07 to Oct '08):
Books that I have discovered from various reading blogs:
Panic by Jeff Abbott
Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs
Tropical Fish by Doreen Baingana
The Serpents Trail by Sue Henry
The Book of Jane by Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt
Awaiting Orders by Farrell O'Gorman
Books that were alternates for my reading challenges... that I still want to read:
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson
Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson
Contagion by Robin Cook
terrOR by Joseph J Neuschatz
Beach House by Pat Conroy
Visitation by Frank Peretti
Impossible by Danielle Steele
Books that friends have given me to read this past year:
Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick
Ever After by Karen Kingsbury
The Preacher's Daughter by Beverly Lewis
The Englisher by Beverly Lewis
Deception Point by Dan Brown
Can You Keep A Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin
That's twenty one books... that should be more than enough!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Travels With Charley
So... last week I needed a change. I sat down with my book that has yellowing pages, smells of use and age (you know, the old library book smell), has a cracked binding and the cover proclaims that this particular edition was "The #1 National Bestseller Now Only 75 cents". I just knew that this was going to be a good read!
And was it ever! Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck is a nonfiction book of the author's travels in the fall 1960 across the country and back with his beloved French poodle Charley. His intent was simple:
... I did not know my own country. I, an American writer, writing about America, was working from memory, and the memory is at best a faulty, warpy reservoir. I had not heard a speech of America, smelled the grass and trees and sewage, seen its hills and water, its color and quality of light. ... So it was that I determined to look again, to try to rediscover this monster land. (p.5)
But what I liked most was that he didn't try to be a travelogue or historian or activist. Steinbeck just... well... travelled. He tried to avoid most big cities and major highways. He tried to meet just your ordinary folks along the way. This made for a colorful trip in many aspects.
From his encounters with morning diners to his evening with a Canuck migrant family to the traveling actor who camped near him in Wisconsin, Steinbeck found a variety of people to share his evenings and simple conversations. From his discovery of mobile homes (loved this dialogue!) to his encounter at the Canadian border (too funny and still so true today!) to his dinner with a father and son discussing the merits of being a beautician, Steinbeck found a variety of life lived throughout the country. And from his visit to Yellowstone (bear country) to his pancake "birthday" dinner to his vet visit in Texas, Steinbeck saw a different side of Charley that he had yet to discover.
Some of my favorite conversations included: the explanation of family roots; the directions given by a cook and waitress to find Sauk Center (Sinclair Lewis came from there. Who is he? (p131) ); and Steinbeck's conversation with Charlie answering the question "Does all America so far smell alike?" I also was equally angered when he stopped in New Orleans for the "Cheerleaders" and observed a slice of life that we sometimes try to forget. Overall, though, the slices of life that Steinbeck described throughout the book included meaning, feeling, and thoughtfulness.
I very much enjoyed John Steinbeck's Travels With Charlie. It gave me the escape that I was looking for in my reading last week.
And was it ever! Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck is a nonfiction book of the author's travels in the fall 1960 across the country and back with his beloved French poodle Charley. His intent was simple:
... I did not know my own country. I, an American writer, writing about America, was working from memory, and the memory is at best a faulty, warpy reservoir. I had not heard a speech of America, smelled the grass and trees and sewage, seen its hills and water, its color and quality of light. ... So it was that I determined to look again, to try to rediscover this monster land. (p.5)
But what I liked most was that he didn't try to be a travelogue or historian or activist. Steinbeck just... well... travelled. He tried to avoid most big cities and major highways. He tried to meet just your ordinary folks along the way. This made for a colorful trip in many aspects.
From his encounters with morning diners to his evening with a Canuck migrant family to the traveling actor who camped near him in Wisconsin, Steinbeck found a variety of people to share his evenings and simple conversations. From his discovery of mobile homes (loved this dialogue!) to his encounter at the Canadian border (too funny and still so true today!) to his dinner with a father and son discussing the merits of being a beautician, Steinbeck found a variety of life lived throughout the country. And from his visit to Yellowstone (bear country) to his pancake "birthday" dinner to his vet visit in Texas, Steinbeck saw a different side of Charley that he had yet to discover.
Some of my favorite conversations included: the explanation of family roots; the directions given by a cook and waitress to find Sauk Center (Sinclair Lewis came from there. Who is he? (p131) ); and Steinbeck's conversation with Charlie answering the question "Does all America so far smell alike?" I also was equally angered when he stopped in New Orleans for the "Cheerleaders" and observed a slice of life that we sometimes try to forget. Overall, though, the slices of life that Steinbeck described throughout the book included meaning, feeling, and thoughtfulness.
I very much enjoyed John Steinbeck's Travels With Charlie. It gave me the escape that I was looking for in my reading last week.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Sunshine and Roses
Booking Through Thursday for 9/20/07
The reverse of last week’s question:
Imagine that everything is going just swimmingly. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and all’s right with the world. You’re practically bouncing from health and have money in your pocket. The kids are playing and laughing, the puppy is chewing in the cutest possible manner on an officially-sanctioned chew toy, and in between moments of laughter for pure joy, you pick up a book to read . . .
What is it?
I would read something with a bit more action, but probably in the same genres as found in last week's question. I would be curled up in my favorite chair or on the couch in front of the window with the sunshine beaming on my head. Otherwise, I would be found sitting on my front porch bench with my book and a beverage. As for the book, I am more adventurous in my reading when times are good, so I tend to start with something comfortable and then move on into something more serious or thought provoking. (I don't like to have to think too much while I'm reading because I want to enjoy what I am reading!) My books have taken on a more serious tone from time to time in the past year.
But, yeah, mood does have a lot to do with that!
The reverse of last week’s question:
Imagine that everything is going just swimmingly. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and all’s right with the world. You’re practically bouncing from health and have money in your pocket. The kids are playing and laughing, the puppy is chewing in the cutest possible manner on an officially-sanctioned chew toy, and in between moments of laughter for pure joy, you pick up a book to read . . .
What is it?
I would read something with a bit more action, but probably in the same genres as found in last week's question. I would be curled up in my favorite chair or on the couch in front of the window with the sunshine beaming on my head. Otherwise, I would be found sitting on my front porch bench with my book and a beverage. As for the book, I am more adventurous in my reading when times are good, so I tend to start with something comfortable and then move on into something more serious or thought provoking. (I don't like to have to think too much while I'm reading because I want to enjoy what I am reading!) My books have taken on a more serious tone from time to time in the past year.
But, yeah, mood does have a lot to do with that!
Comfort Food
Booking Through Thursday for 9/13/07
Okay . . . picture this (really) worst-case scenario: It’s cold and raining, your boyfriend/girlfriend has just dumped you, you’ve just been fired, the pile of unpaid bills is sky-high, your beloved pet has recently died, and you think you’re coming down with a cold. All you want to do (other than hiding under the covers) is to curl up with a good book, something warm and comforting that will make you feel better.
What do you read?
You would find me curled up with a good escape book. For me, that would be a romance or light mystery or christian fiction book. I would probably be found curled up on my bed with this "comfort book" along with a hot cup of tea and my favorite snuggly blanket. (And chocolate, if there is any in the house at the time!) People would dare approach me for emergencies only. I would then budge only after I have finished the current chapter that is being read at the time of interruption.
Reading has always been a great escape for me on horrible days... and sometimes even on a good day, too!
Okay . . . picture this (really) worst-case scenario: It’s cold and raining, your boyfriend/girlfriend has just dumped you, you’ve just been fired, the pile of unpaid bills is sky-high, your beloved pet has recently died, and you think you’re coming down with a cold. All you want to do (other than hiding under the covers) is to curl up with a good book, something warm and comforting that will make you feel better.
What do you read?
You would find me curled up with a good escape book. For me, that would be a romance or light mystery or christian fiction book. I would probably be found curled up on my bed with this "comfort book" along with a hot cup of tea and my favorite snuggly blanket. (And chocolate, if there is any in the house at the time!) People would dare approach me for emergencies only. I would then budge only after I have finished the current chapter that is being read at the time of interruption.
Reading has always been a great escape for me on horrible days... and sometimes even on a good day, too!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Newbery Challenge --- Completed
I have completed my third challenge for this year! The Newbery Challenge was the creation of a fellow reader and blogger, Nattie Rose, who sadly was unable to complete the challenge when she lost her battle with cancer this summer. Many of us participants continued with the challenge in her memory. Nattie's intent was to give readers a chance to read award winning young adult literature. All six of my selections were great reads and they varied in content as well as interest. My selections included the following books:
Waterless Mountain by Laura Adams Armer (1932)
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (2004)
Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt (1983)
Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt (1967)
Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski (1946)
Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer (1937)
My favorite read of the six was by far The Tale of Despereaux. A close second would be Strawberry Girl. The other four were very good in there own right. I definitely enjoyed this challenge and look forward to reading more young adult literature, particularly Newbery winners, in the future. We are always young at heart!
Waterless Mountain by Laura Adams Armer (1932)
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (2004)
Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt (1983)
Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt (1967)
Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski (1946)
Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer (1937)
My favorite read of the six was by far The Tale of Despereaux. A close second would be Strawberry Girl. The other four were very good in there own right. I definitely enjoyed this challenge and look forward to reading more young adult literature, particularly Newbery winners, in the future. We are always young at heart!
Roller Skates
In that year of the nineties when Lucinda was skating up and down New York... (p.85)
The 1937 Newbery Medal Award was given to the book Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer. This is a story of a ten year-old's view of the life and time's in New York while her parents are away in Italy for a year. Lucinda is a very active young lady who tends to find herself in trouble, even when her heart is in the right place. She encounters and befriends many colorful characters, including: Miss Peters and Miss Nettie; Tony and the Coppino family; old Rags-an'-Bottles; Trinket and the Brodowski family; Patrolman M'Gonegal; Mr. and Mrs. Gilligan; Aleda and the Solomon family; and Mr. Night Owl. Her family includes equally colorful characters from an overly strict aunt to an enduring uncle who introduces Lucinda to Shakespeare.
I say, Lucinda, how do you find all these things out about people? What would your mother say to your talking up with strangers? Suppose it's catching! (p. 157)
It is because of these curiosities and new friendships that makes Lucinda such an interesting character. She has a heart of gold and wants the best for everyone with minimal fuss. She prefers to roller skate everywhere she goes and loves to involve others in her many adventures. Roller Skates is an easy read and an enjoyable slice of life from the late 1890's according to Ruth Sawyer's experiences as a child in the big city.
Clump-chug-chirr-clump! Today the skates sang a sorry rhythm. She'd never belong to herself again ... Suppose she kept on skating in the Park for ever and ever! ... She could do it; she could do it, live like the lambs in the Park, be as free as air, never have tantrums, and she could cuddle all the babies in their prams. ... That's what I'd call a perfectly elegant idea! (p.186)
Ahhh, to be ten years old again!
The 1937 Newbery Medal Award was given to the book Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer. This is a story of a ten year-old's view of the life and time's in New York while her parents are away in Italy for a year. Lucinda is a very active young lady who tends to find herself in trouble, even when her heart is in the right place. She encounters and befriends many colorful characters, including: Miss Peters and Miss Nettie; Tony and the Coppino family; old Rags-an'-Bottles; Trinket and the Brodowski family; Patrolman M'Gonegal; Mr. and Mrs. Gilligan; Aleda and the Solomon family; and Mr. Night Owl. Her family includes equally colorful characters from an overly strict aunt to an enduring uncle who introduces Lucinda to Shakespeare.
I say, Lucinda, how do you find all these things out about people? What would your mother say to your talking up with strangers? Suppose it's catching! (p. 157)
It is because of these curiosities and new friendships that makes Lucinda such an interesting character. She has a heart of gold and wants the best for everyone with minimal fuss. She prefers to roller skate everywhere she goes and loves to involve others in her many adventures. Roller Skates is an easy read and an enjoyable slice of life from the late 1890's according to Ruth Sawyer's experiences as a child in the big city.
Clump-chug-chirr-clump! Today the skates sang a sorry rhythm. She'd never belong to herself again ... Suppose she kept on skating in the Park for ever and ever! ... She could do it; she could do it, live like the lambs in the Park, be as free as air, never have tantrums, and she could cuddle all the babies in their prams. ... That's what I'd call a perfectly elegant idea! (p.186)
Ahhh, to be ten years old again!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Weekend Reading Survey
Literary Feline, a fellow reader and blogger, asked one of my reading challenge groups to fill out a weekend reading survey. She was interested in learning about the reading habits of other readers. Here are my responses for the survey:
(1) What book are you currently reading?
Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer (Newbery Medal Winner)
(2) How do you decide what book to read next?
I browse my bookshelves to see what strikes me at the moment. I also look at my challenge lists as well to see what I need to read next.
(3) Do you always finish books, or do you give up on them? If you give up on them, how many pages does it usually take?
I try to always finish a book to the best of my ability. On the rare occasion that I don't, it's usually after I have tried to read the first quarter to half of the book.
(4) Do you ever re-read books you love? If so, how often? Please give examples, if possible.
No, very seldom do I re-read a book. I have only re-read a few from my childhood.
(5) Can you read books in noisy places (e.g., on trains and buses, crowded rooms)?
Yes
(6) Where do you acquire most of your books? If you are a library user or borrower, how many books do you borrow at once? If a buyer, what is the average number of books you buy at once?
I get most of my books from Paperback Swap and Amazon. I also like to use the library as often as possible. And, of course, I receive books from friends and family who are readers. When I buy books, I tend to buy two or three at a time. (Amazon free shipping with $25 order, of course!) When I borrow from the library, I tend to only take one or two at a time. The library is close by, so I can go often if needed.
(7) Do you use bookmarks, or dog-ear the pages of your books? Do you make marginal notes? If so, do you use pencil or pen?
I always use a bookmark! I don't like to damage a book by dog-earring or using pencil/pen in the margins.
(8) Do you have any unusual tendencies, while reading?
No, not really.
(9) Do you skim through pages at top speed, or do you stop to savor the sentences along the way?
I definitely savor the sentences along the way!
(10) We know most of us can read just about anywhere, but let's be more specific: Where, and when, do you do your best reading?
My best reading is done while I am curled up in my favorite chair during the day when I have some time to escape from my world for a while. I also read in bed before I go to sleep, snuggled in my pj's and with a pillow and blanket for comfort.
(1) What book are you currently reading?
Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer (Newbery Medal Winner)
(2) How do you decide what book to read next?
I browse my bookshelves to see what strikes me at the moment. I also look at my challenge lists as well to see what I need to read next.
(3) Do you always finish books, or do you give up on them? If you give up on them, how many pages does it usually take?
I try to always finish a book to the best of my ability. On the rare occasion that I don't, it's usually after I have tried to read the first quarter to half of the book.
(4) Do you ever re-read books you love? If so, how often? Please give examples, if possible.
No, very seldom do I re-read a book. I have only re-read a few from my childhood.
(5) Can you read books in noisy places (e.g., on trains and buses, crowded rooms)?
Yes
(6) Where do you acquire most of your books? If you are a library user or borrower, how many books do you borrow at once? If a buyer, what is the average number of books you buy at once?
I get most of my books from Paperback Swap and Amazon. I also like to use the library as often as possible. And, of course, I receive books from friends and family who are readers. When I buy books, I tend to buy two or three at a time. (Amazon free shipping with $25 order, of course!) When I borrow from the library, I tend to only take one or two at a time. The library is close by, so I can go often if needed.
(7) Do you use bookmarks, or dog-ear the pages of your books? Do you make marginal notes? If so, do you use pencil or pen?
I always use a bookmark! I don't like to damage a book by dog-earring or using pencil/pen in the margins.
(8) Do you have any unusual tendencies, while reading?
No, not really.
(9) Do you skim through pages at top speed, or do you stop to savor the sentences along the way?
I definitely savor the sentences along the way!
(10) We know most of us can read just about anywhere, but let's be more specific: Where, and when, do you do your best reading?
My best reading is done while I am curled up in my favorite chair during the day when I have some time to escape from my world for a while. I also read in bed before I go to sleep, snuggled in my pj's and with a pillow and blanket for comfort.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Left To Tell
I realized that my battle to survive this war would have to be fought inside of me. Everything strong and good in me --- my faith, hope, and courage --- was vulnerable to the dark energy. If I lost my faith, I knew that I wouldn't be able to survive. I could rely only on God to help me fight. (p.80)
Earlier this spring during his homily, my priest told us about a book that he had recently read that everyone should read to understand the power of our faith and of prayer. Something about his description of this book drew me to wanting to purchase and read it. And I am ever so thankful that I did! It is one of the more powerful books that I have read about our faith, and this story tells how this faith helped a young woman survive a horrific genocide.
Even a few minutes not spent in prayer or contemplation of God became an invitation for Satan to stab me with his double-edged knife of doubt and self-pity. Prayer became my armor, and I wrapped it tightly around my heart. (p. 85)
Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza with Steve Erwin describes Immaculee's fight for her life at age 22, when the Hutu president of Rwanda was killed and the country underwent a three-month holocaust leaving over one million ethnic Tutsis dead. Unaware at an early age about the labeling of tribes, Immaculee was devastated to learn that being a member of the Tutsis would soon put her life at stake and how members of her community would soon turn against her and her family. When the war broke out, she sought refuge from a local pastor by recommendation of her father.
"This is where you'll stay," he [Pastor Murinizi] said, swinging the door open to reveal our new home: a small bathroom about four feet long and three feet wide. The light [a flashlight] shimmered as it bounced off the white enamel tiles on the bottom half of the walls. There was a shower stall at one end and a toilet at the other --- the room wasn't big enough for a sink. And there was a small air vent/window near the ceiling that was covered with a piece of red cloth, which somehow made the room feel even smaller. I couldn't imagine how all six of us could possibly fit in this space, but the pastor herded us through the door and packed us in tight. (p.73)
The six women were given their directions: no talking, no noise, and don't flush the toilet unless they heard someone using the bathroom on the other side, only flushing at exactly the same time. The women soon found ways to position themselves and to communicate through lip reading and sign language. Immaculee passed her time by repeatedly saying the rosary, using a red and white rosary given to her by her father, and by saying prayers, bible verses, and meditations on God. Many times the women would hear their potential killers on the other side of the walls or in the bedroom of the pastor. The men, sometimes a dozen and sometimes over a hundred in number, were desperately trying to find and exterminate the "cockroaches."
In God's eyes, the killers were part of His family, deserving of love and forgiveness. I knew that I couldn't ask God to love me if I were unwilling to love His children. At that moment, I prayed for the killers, for their sins to be forgiven. I prayed that God would lead them to recognize the horrific error of their ways before their life on Earth ended --- before they were called to account for their mortal sins. I held on to my father's rosary and asked God to help me, and again I heard His voice: Forgive them; they know not what they do. I took a crucial step toward forgiving the killers that day. (p. 94)
After spending three months in the bathroom, the pastor informed the women, now eight in total, that the French had set up a camp for survivors and he would be moving them there. Finally, after moving two other times, and with the war coming to an end, Immaculee eventually gained her freedom. Much healing was now needed and a new life for Immaculee slowly began.
God brought me a long way from the bathroom, and He'd walked with me every step of the way: saving me from the killers; filling my heart with forgiveness; helping me learn English; delivering me to safety; providing me with friendship, shelter, and food; and finally, introducing me to Mr. Mehu and my dream job. No matter what I'd been through in the past several months, God had never left my side; I'd never been alone. (p.190)
I knew that my heart and mind would always be tempted to feel anger --- to find blame and hate. but I resolved that when the negative feelings came upon me, I wouldn't wait for them to grow and fester. I would always turn immediately to the Source of all true power: I would turn to God and let His love and forgiveness protect and save me. (p.197)
My knowledge of Rwanda and this holocaust that Immaculee survived is, unfortunately, very little. This book gave me a better understanding of what happened, but it related something more --- of the incredible survival of a faithful young woman and her story of horror, healing, and eventual forgiveness. Left To Tell is an extremely powerful book that I highly recommend. The final page of the story ends with a strong passage and message:
Felicien was sobbing. I could feel his shame. He looked up at me for only a moment, but our eyes met. I reached out, touched his hands lightly, and quietly said what I'd come to say.
"I forgive you."
... Two soldiers yanked Felicien up by his armpits and dragged him back to his cell. When Semana returned, he was furious.
"What was that all about, Immaculee? That was the man who murdered your family. I brought him to you to question ... to spit on if you wanted to. But you forgave him! How could you do that? Why did you forgive him?"
I answered him with the truth: "Forgiveness is all I have to offer." (p.204)
Earlier this spring during his homily, my priest told us about a book that he had recently read that everyone should read to understand the power of our faith and of prayer. Something about his description of this book drew me to wanting to purchase and read it. And I am ever so thankful that I did! It is one of the more powerful books that I have read about our faith, and this story tells how this faith helped a young woman survive a horrific genocide.
Even a few minutes not spent in prayer or contemplation of God became an invitation for Satan to stab me with his double-edged knife of doubt and self-pity. Prayer became my armor, and I wrapped it tightly around my heart. (p. 85)
Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza with Steve Erwin describes Immaculee's fight for her life at age 22, when the Hutu president of Rwanda was killed and the country underwent a three-month holocaust leaving over one million ethnic Tutsis dead. Unaware at an early age about the labeling of tribes, Immaculee was devastated to learn that being a member of the Tutsis would soon put her life at stake and how members of her community would soon turn against her and her family. When the war broke out, she sought refuge from a local pastor by recommendation of her father.
"This is where you'll stay," he [Pastor Murinizi] said, swinging the door open to reveal our new home: a small bathroom about four feet long and three feet wide. The light [a flashlight] shimmered as it bounced off the white enamel tiles on the bottom half of the walls. There was a shower stall at one end and a toilet at the other --- the room wasn't big enough for a sink. And there was a small air vent/window near the ceiling that was covered with a piece of red cloth, which somehow made the room feel even smaller. I couldn't imagine how all six of us could possibly fit in this space, but the pastor herded us through the door and packed us in tight. (p.73)
The six women were given their directions: no talking, no noise, and don't flush the toilet unless they heard someone using the bathroom on the other side, only flushing at exactly the same time. The women soon found ways to position themselves and to communicate through lip reading and sign language. Immaculee passed her time by repeatedly saying the rosary, using a red and white rosary given to her by her father, and by saying prayers, bible verses, and meditations on God. Many times the women would hear their potential killers on the other side of the walls or in the bedroom of the pastor. The men, sometimes a dozen and sometimes over a hundred in number, were desperately trying to find and exterminate the "cockroaches."
In God's eyes, the killers were part of His family, deserving of love and forgiveness. I knew that I couldn't ask God to love me if I were unwilling to love His children. At that moment, I prayed for the killers, for their sins to be forgiven. I prayed that God would lead them to recognize the horrific error of their ways before their life on Earth ended --- before they were called to account for their mortal sins. I held on to my father's rosary and asked God to help me, and again I heard His voice: Forgive them; they know not what they do. I took a crucial step toward forgiving the killers that day. (p. 94)
After spending three months in the bathroom, the pastor informed the women, now eight in total, that the French had set up a camp for survivors and he would be moving them there. Finally, after moving two other times, and with the war coming to an end, Immaculee eventually gained her freedom. Much healing was now needed and a new life for Immaculee slowly began.
God brought me a long way from the bathroom, and He'd walked with me every step of the way: saving me from the killers; filling my heart with forgiveness; helping me learn English; delivering me to safety; providing me with friendship, shelter, and food; and finally, introducing me to Mr. Mehu and my dream job. No matter what I'd been through in the past several months, God had never left my side; I'd never been alone. (p.190)
I knew that my heart and mind would always be tempted to feel anger --- to find blame and hate. but I resolved that when the negative feelings came upon me, I wouldn't wait for them to grow and fester. I would always turn immediately to the Source of all true power: I would turn to God and let His love and forgiveness protect and save me. (p.197)
My knowledge of Rwanda and this holocaust that Immaculee survived is, unfortunately, very little. This book gave me a better understanding of what happened, but it related something more --- of the incredible survival of a faithful young woman and her story of horror, healing, and eventual forgiveness. Left To Tell is an extremely powerful book that I highly recommend. The final page of the story ends with a strong passage and message:
Felicien was sobbing. I could feel his shame. He looked up at me for only a moment, but our eyes met. I reached out, touched his hands lightly, and quietly said what I'd come to say.
"I forgive you."
... Two soldiers yanked Felicien up by his armpits and dragged him back to his cell. When Semana returned, he was furious.
"What was that all about, Immaculee? That was the man who murdered your family. I brought him to you to question ... to spit on if you wanted to. But you forgave him! How could you do that? Why did you forgive him?"
I answered him with the truth: "Forgiveness is all I have to offer." (p.204)
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Goldilocks
Booking Through Thursday for September 6, 2007
Are you a Goldilocks kind of reader?
Do you need the light just right, the background noise just so loud but not too loud, the chair just right, the distractions at a minimum?
Or can you open a book at any time and dip right in, whether it’s for twenty seconds, while waiting for the kettle to boil, or indefinitely, like while waiting interminably at the hospital–as long as the book is open in front of your nose, you’re happy to read?
For the most part, I am not a Goldilocks kind of reader. As long as I have my book in hand, I am happy. I only need an adequate place to sit my body, some adequate light to see the print, and the distractions to be less interesting than the book that I am reading.
(My favorite conditions, however, would include a comfy chair, a cup of tea, and very little distraction.)
I am known to be found reading in the bleachers of a sporting event; and for a quick two minutes while dinner is in its final stage of cooking; and while waiting in a car for a child's sport practice to finish; and while waiting for a doctor's appointment (or any other event that requires a waiting time for it to begin); and even when my sweetie is live on air during his radio show every other week.
Reading is a great escape, but it is also a great way to pass the time!
Are you a Goldilocks kind of reader?
Do you need the light just right, the background noise just so loud but not too loud, the chair just right, the distractions at a minimum?
Or can you open a book at any time and dip right in, whether it’s for twenty seconds, while waiting for the kettle to boil, or indefinitely, like while waiting interminably at the hospital–as long as the book is open in front of your nose, you’re happy to read?
For the most part, I am not a Goldilocks kind of reader. As long as I have my book in hand, I am happy. I only need an adequate place to sit my body, some adequate light to see the print, and the distractions to be less interesting than the book that I am reading.
(My favorite conditions, however, would include a comfy chair, a cup of tea, and very little distraction.)
I am known to be found reading in the bleachers of a sporting event; and for a quick two minutes while dinner is in its final stage of cooking; and while waiting in a car for a child's sport practice to finish; and while waiting for a doctor's appointment (or any other event that requires a waiting time for it to begin); and even when my sweetie is live on air during his radio show every other week.
Reading is a great escape, but it is also a great way to pass the time!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
The Nick Adams Stories
Earlier this month my local library announced that it was participating in The Great Michigan Read. I thought it was a great idea to have the entire state reading a special book, especially now with my addiction to so many book challenges. Wow, a state-wide book challenge! Right up my alley! But, currently, my reading is so preoccupied with my challenge books that I figured I would have to wait on it. Oh...but no, I needed a break last week and decided what the heck! It's time to read something just for the heck of it!
The Nick Adams Stories is a collection of Ernest Hemingway's short stories that closely parallel events in his life. They were written out of sequence and were found in various volumes of his work. Now (copyright of book is 1972) having been "arranged in chronological sequence, the events of Nick's life make up a meaningful narrative in which a memorable character grows from child to adolescent to soldier, veteran, writer, and parent. ... The first Nick Adams fiction appeared almost a half-century ago, the last in 1933, and over the years a great deal has been written about it. Among the unpublished manuscripts Hemingway left behind him, however, eight new contributions to the over-all narrative were discovered. Present here for the first time, inserted in the places in time where the events fall, they are varied in length and purpose." (from the preface)
I am sure I have read Hemingway in the past, maybe years ago in school, but now I was interested in giving him a try. The stories intrigued me as well as the state-wide challenge. So this past week I read The Nick Adams Stories and finished the collection over the weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed the book! I was familiar with several of the Michigan localities of which he wrote. This made the stories more personal to me. I especially enjoyed Hemingway's style of writing that included much description and dialogue. It made for an easy read. My favorite stories included: Indian Camp, The Light of the World, The Last Good Country, and Big Two-Hearted River. The book had five sections of stories, and section 3: War was a confusing set of stories to me. I didn't quite understand what he was saying to the reader, if anything.
The book was well worth the read and gave me a much needed break in order to return to my current reading challenges. I highly recommend The Nick Adams Stories by Ernest Hemingway.
The Nick Adams Stories is a collection of Ernest Hemingway's short stories that closely parallel events in his life. They were written out of sequence and were found in various volumes of his work. Now (copyright of book is 1972) having been "arranged in chronological sequence, the events of Nick's life make up a meaningful narrative in which a memorable character grows from child to adolescent to soldier, veteran, writer, and parent. ... The first Nick Adams fiction appeared almost a half-century ago, the last in 1933, and over the years a great deal has been written about it. Among the unpublished manuscripts Hemingway left behind him, however, eight new contributions to the over-all narrative were discovered. Present here for the first time, inserted in the places in time where the events fall, they are varied in length and purpose." (from the preface)
I am sure I have read Hemingway in the past, maybe years ago in school, but now I was interested in giving him a try. The stories intrigued me as well as the state-wide challenge. So this past week I read The Nick Adams Stories and finished the collection over the weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed the book! I was familiar with several of the Michigan localities of which he wrote. This made the stories more personal to me. I especially enjoyed Hemingway's style of writing that included much description and dialogue. It made for an easy read. My favorite stories included: Indian Camp, The Light of the World, The Last Good Country, and Big Two-Hearted River. The book had five sections of stories, and section 3: War was a confusing set of stories to me. I didn't quite understand what he was saying to the reader, if anything.
The book was well worth the read and gave me a much needed break in order to return to my current reading challenges. I highly recommend The Nick Adams Stories by Ernest Hemingway.
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