Here's an opportunity to participate in another creative challenge! Soup's On! challenges you to read through six cookbooks, try a recipe or two, and then review the cookbooks from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009. This one is right up my alley... I'm a cookbook junkie! I'm not sure which cookbooks I will choose for this yummy challenge, but I know that my first cookbook will be Sourdough Baking by Susan Draudt. My daughter was interested in trying a sourdough starter and I discovered this cookbook at the library. It includes several starters, traditional method recipes, and bread machine recipes. As we smell the bread baking, I'll be sure to review it in a couple of weeks.
Mmmmmmmm.....
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
By What Authority?
This is a book about a change of heart and mind. (p.15)
A couple of years ago I took a course in Apologetics at my church. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and learned more about my Catholic faith. I feel that faith is a life long learning process and a person should take advantage of learning opportunities in order to grow in one's faith. By What Authority? An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition by Mark Shea is a book that was recommended by the instructor of the course I took. I bought the book to give me an opportunity to learn more about sacred Tradition.
Well... I tried to give it a fair chance. I read about half of the book. However, reading this book was difficult for me because Shea spoke in two very different ways: very academic and very casual. The two languages did not blend well in each chapter and made it difficult to jump from one idea to another. Because of the academic language, I also found what the author is trying to express was somewhat confusing and sometimes circular in nature to me.
I did understand what the author was trying to say, prove, show, or demonstrate to the reader in each chapter, but the point never seemed clear to me. I realize that the book has the dual purpose of relating the author's journey in faith as well as discuss sacred Tradition, but again I didn't feel the continuity or logic in what he was trying to say. This made it very difficult for me to follow the discussion on sacred Tradition.
I do believe that a reader can "enjoy" a non-fiction book just as much as a fiction book. I often enjoy a non-fiction book by learning something new or by expanding my knowledge on something I already knew. However, I struggled too much with reading By What Authority? and soon became frustrated by the reading experience. Hopefully, someday, I can pick the book up once again and give it another try.
A couple of years ago I took a course in Apologetics at my church. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and learned more about my Catholic faith. I feel that faith is a life long learning process and a person should take advantage of learning opportunities in order to grow in one's faith. By What Authority? An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition by Mark Shea is a book that was recommended by the instructor of the course I took. I bought the book to give me an opportunity to learn more about sacred Tradition.
Well... I tried to give it a fair chance. I read about half of the book. However, reading this book was difficult for me because Shea spoke in two very different ways: very academic and very casual. The two languages did not blend well in each chapter and made it difficult to jump from one idea to another. Because of the academic language, I also found what the author is trying to express was somewhat confusing and sometimes circular in nature to me.
I did understand what the author was trying to say, prove, show, or demonstrate to the reader in each chapter, but the point never seemed clear to me. I realize that the book has the dual purpose of relating the author's journey in faith as well as discuss sacred Tradition, but again I didn't feel the continuity or logic in what he was trying to say. This made it very difficult for me to follow the discussion on sacred Tradition.
I do believe that a reader can "enjoy" a non-fiction book just as much as a fiction book. I often enjoy a non-fiction book by learning something new or by expanding my knowledge on something I already knew. However, I struggled too much with reading By What Authority? and soon became frustrated by the reading experience. Hopefully, someday, I can pick the book up once again and give it another try.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Never Change
A block from his house, Chip says, "I used to believe that when we slept at night, we were dead. So death was just a longer version of that rather pleasant experience. I wish I still believed that."
"Maybe it is that."
"Yeah. Maybe so. It's what can precede it that's the problem."
"I used to worry about going to heaven," I say. "I thought it would be boring."
He laughs. "You're an interesting woman, Myra. I'm glad you're my nurse."
"I'm glad too." It is such a relief to hear him say this. I was afraid to ask if he minded an acquaintance serving in this most intimate of capacities. (p. 37)
A beautiful story about death and discovering life, Never Change by Elizabeth Berg will bring laughter and tears to your reading experience. Myra is an unmarried, fifty-one year old visiting nurse who has decided that being single, owning a dog, and nursing to others will be her only course in life. Then one day a new patient is assigned to her daily rounds. Chip is a former high school acquaintance who has moved back home to his parent's after being diagnosed with brain cancer. His surgery was unsuccessful and Chip has decided to forgo any other treatment so as to live out his final days to their fullest. Myra and Chip develop a very special friendship as they share their fears, dreams and views of life.
I am his nurse. I am his nurse. My job is to monitor signs and symptoms, supervise medications, to educate and support. My job is also to help him enjoy what is left for him, no matter who it's with, no matter what form it takes, so long as it's legal. Then, thinking of DeWitt, I amend this to: so long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. I feel a tear slip down my cheek. Quickly --- and with great, misplaced anger --- I wipe it away. (p.88)
Of course feelings develop between Myra and Chip. But the beauty of the story comes from the colorful collection of other characters, mostly Myra's patients, who teach the couple much about life, love, illness, and coping.
Nearby, I can hear the sounds of a road crew. Somewhere else, monkeys chatter in trees. ... Somewhere a mother spreads peanut butter for her son's lunch, a lover sighs, a knitter binds off the edge of a sleeve. Clouds gather to make rain, corn ripens on the stalk, a cancer cell divides, a little league scores. ... Abstracts are real and time is a lie, it cannot be measured when one moment can expand to hold everything. You can want to live and end up choosing death; and you can want to die and end up living. What keeps us here, really? A thread that breaks in a breeze. And yet a thread that cannot be broken. (p. 214)
A wonderful story about two people with very different scars to heal, Never Change will have you thinking about the way you live life, one moment at a time. I highly recommend this book.
"Maybe it is that."
"Yeah. Maybe so. It's what can precede it that's the problem."
"I used to worry about going to heaven," I say. "I thought it would be boring."
He laughs. "You're an interesting woman, Myra. I'm glad you're my nurse."
"I'm glad too." It is such a relief to hear him say this. I was afraid to ask if he minded an acquaintance serving in this most intimate of capacities. (p. 37)
A beautiful story about death and discovering life, Never Change by Elizabeth Berg will bring laughter and tears to your reading experience. Myra is an unmarried, fifty-one year old visiting nurse who has decided that being single, owning a dog, and nursing to others will be her only course in life. Then one day a new patient is assigned to her daily rounds. Chip is a former high school acquaintance who has moved back home to his parent's after being diagnosed with brain cancer. His surgery was unsuccessful and Chip has decided to forgo any other treatment so as to live out his final days to their fullest. Myra and Chip develop a very special friendship as they share their fears, dreams and views of life.
I am his nurse. I am his nurse. My job is to monitor signs and symptoms, supervise medications, to educate and support. My job is also to help him enjoy what is left for him, no matter who it's with, no matter what form it takes, so long as it's legal. Then, thinking of DeWitt, I amend this to: so long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. I feel a tear slip down my cheek. Quickly --- and with great, misplaced anger --- I wipe it away. (p.88)
Of course feelings develop between Myra and Chip. But the beauty of the story comes from the colorful collection of other characters, mostly Myra's patients, who teach the couple much about life, love, illness, and coping.
Nearby, I can hear the sounds of a road crew. Somewhere else, monkeys chatter in trees. ... Somewhere a mother spreads peanut butter for her son's lunch, a lover sighs, a knitter binds off the edge of a sleeve. Clouds gather to make rain, corn ripens on the stalk, a cancer cell divides, a little league scores. ... Abstracts are real and time is a lie, it cannot be measured when one moment can expand to hold everything. You can want to live and end up choosing death; and you can want to die and end up living. What keeps us here, really? A thread that breaks in a breeze. And yet a thread that cannot be broken. (p. 214)
A wonderful story about two people with very different scars to heal, Never Change will have you thinking about the way you live life, one moment at a time. I highly recommend this book.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Gathering Blue
Recently I read The Giver by Lois Lowry. In the pages that followed the story, reviews were given for other books of interest. One of those reviews was for a companion book to The Giver. I found it at the library and decided I wanted to read another of Lowry's books for Mini-Challenge#2: read a children's book and review it.
Gathering Blue is a YA Science Fiction book that tells the story of a futuristic community and its people. The community is quite poor and work is quite demanding. There are frequent fights and arguing. Grabbing and shoving are taught at a young age to get what you want. Most living conditions are quite poor and food is scarce. People are assigned tasks to do within the community and they live in cotts on assigned areas throughout the village. You can tell the age of a person by the number of syllables in his or her name. When you die, your body is taken to the Field of Leaving where a family member watches the body for four days as the spirit leaves it.
...they were the artists, the three of them. Makers of song, of wood, of threaded patterns. Because they were artists, they had some value that she could not comprehend. Because of that value, the three of them were here, well fed, well housed, and nurtured. (p.153)
Kira is summoned to live at the Council Edifice and to use her gift of stitching on a special robe. Here she meets Thomas and Jo who have special skills of their own that the Council wish to use in their preparation for The Gathering, an annual event that retells the history of civilization. While learning the dying of thread, Kira begins to question some of the beliefs and customs of her community. When her friend Matt suddenly dissappears for a short time, she begins to fear for the worst.
"I brung you a giftie," he told her eagerly, his eyes dancing with excitement. ... "I brung you two things. A big and a little. The big be coming still. But I gots the little here in my pockie." He dug deep in his pocket... (p.186)
Matt returns during The Gathering with two very special gifts that help Kira find answers to her many questions. She begins to learn the truth and must now decide what she will do for her next assignment, that of stitching the undecorated back of the Singer's robe with the future.
I loved Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry just as much as I loved The Giver. Although both books take place in futuristic communities, the stories themselves are very different. One theme, however, is common in both stories... the discovery of truth about the past, present, and future. This theme will have the reader still thinking about the book long after it has been read. I know it did for me.
Gathering Blue is a YA Science Fiction book that tells the story of a futuristic community and its people. The community is quite poor and work is quite demanding. There are frequent fights and arguing. Grabbing and shoving are taught at a young age to get what you want. Most living conditions are quite poor and food is scarce. People are assigned tasks to do within the community and they live in cotts on assigned areas throughout the village. You can tell the age of a person by the number of syllables in his or her name. When you die, your body is taken to the Field of Leaving where a family member watches the body for four days as the spirit leaves it.
...they were the artists, the three of them. Makers of song, of wood, of threaded patterns. Because they were artists, they had some value that she could not comprehend. Because of that value, the three of them were here, well fed, well housed, and nurtured. (p.153)
Kira is summoned to live at the Council Edifice and to use her gift of stitching on a special robe. Here she meets Thomas and Jo who have special skills of their own that the Council wish to use in their preparation for The Gathering, an annual event that retells the history of civilization. While learning the dying of thread, Kira begins to question some of the beliefs and customs of her community. When her friend Matt suddenly dissappears for a short time, she begins to fear for the worst.
"I brung you a giftie," he told her eagerly, his eyes dancing with excitement. ... "I brung you two things. A big and a little. The big be coming still. But I gots the little here in my pockie." He dug deep in his pocket... (p.186)
Matt returns during The Gathering with two very special gifts that help Kira find answers to her many questions. She begins to learn the truth and must now decide what she will do for her next assignment, that of stitching the undecorated back of the Singer's robe with the future.
I loved Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry just as much as I loved The Giver. Although both books take place in futuristic communities, the stories themselves are very different. One theme, however, is common in both stories... the discovery of truth about the past, present, and future. This theme will have the reader still thinking about the book long after it has been read. I know it did for me.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Mini-Challenge #8
Last fall I read the book that is being promoted for The Great Michigan Read. The Nick Adams Stories by Ernest Hemingway is an interesting collection of short stories that I very much enjoyed. Because my local library participated in this state-wide read, the Hemingway Traveling Exhibit is making a stop in my community this month.
Mini-Challenge #8 is to go to a book event and tell about your experience. This afternoon while I was at my local library, I visited the exhibit Up North With The Hemingways. The exhibit included four sets of three large panels that presented pictures of Ernest Hemingway, his family, and several localities in Northern Michigan. These pictures were in black and white which made them very pleasing to view. Descriptions were limited to mainly names, dates, and locations. A couple of the panels did include descriptions about how Michigan and The Nick Adams Stories were a part of Ernest Hemingway's life.
Although I did go expecting a bit more to the exhibit due to the build up over the past few months, I very much enjoyed it. To view a display that connected my state and a book that I had read made it very interesting for me as well. The exhibit will be on display at my local library for a couple more weeks before it moves on to another location.
Mini-Challenge #8 is to go to a book event and tell about your experience. This afternoon while I was at my local library, I visited the exhibit Up North With The Hemingways. The exhibit included four sets of three large panels that presented pictures of Ernest Hemingway, his family, and several localities in Northern Michigan. These pictures were in black and white which made them very pleasing to view. Descriptions were limited to mainly names, dates, and locations. A couple of the panels did include descriptions about how Michigan and The Nick Adams Stories were a part of Ernest Hemingway's life.
Although I did go expecting a bit more to the exhibit due to the build up over the past few months, I very much enjoyed it. To view a display that connected my state and a book that I had read made it very interesting for me as well. The exhibit will be on display at my local library for a couple more weeks before it moves on to another location.
The Diarist
"That's a girl's diary," Davis said when he joined me at the S. S. Kresge lunch counter, where we'd agreed to meet, and where, having already ordered a glass of ice water, I now sat daubing a moistened paper napkin on the sticky blemish the price tag had left on the diary's plasticized cover. ... When Davis sat down I felt something heavy and immutable settling beside me. I dropped the diary back into its paper sack and heard it land with a heavy thump, as if its cover girl had herself just fallen from orbit.
"It's the only kind they've got," I told him.
I couldn't tell if Davis knew that I was lying. I started to add that Mrs. Tucker, my sixth-grade teacher, had once advised our class that we should all keep diaries, especially now that we were entering junior high, so we could look back one day at all the interesting things that happened in our lives. ...
"Sure," Davis said. "Like you've got something to write about."
In the short story The Diarist by Richard McCann, the eleven year old narrator struggles with what to write when he feels like he has so much inside himself to express. He is struggling to figure out why he feels so different from his older brother and his father. The three are preparing to leave for their annual August fishing trip when he buys the diary. He is not looking forward to the trip because he doesn't really enjoy the sporting activities. In addition, his mother will not be joining them this year.
Throughout the preparations, the travel, and the days spent at the old farmhouse, he reflects on how he is more his mother's child. He would rather be enjoying a vacation with her than fishing at the lake and eating ravioli with his father. He compares his preferences of activities to those of his brother's. And he dreams of somehow trying to reconnect with his father who seems to question his strange behaviors.
I knew what my wish would be, if one wish were granted me: Please let me seem, even if only for this hour, my father's son. I knew the time had come. I knew I had to please him.
After a turn of events begin to shed light on his struggle, he now finds that the awareness of his differences and secrets are really just beginning.
I hate you, I thought. I hate you, I hate you.
In retrospect, I'm not sure who I was hating more right then, as I stood there --- my father, my mother, or myself. ... For the first time, I wanted to write something down, something true, even if I had no idea what words I'd one day use in doing so.
"The Diarist" by Richard McCann (from Bloom) from The O. Henry Prize Stories 2007 edited by Laura Furman
"It's the only kind they've got," I told him.
I couldn't tell if Davis knew that I was lying. I started to add that Mrs. Tucker, my sixth-grade teacher, had once advised our class that we should all keep diaries, especially now that we were entering junior high, so we could look back one day at all the interesting things that happened in our lives. ...
"Sure," Davis said. "Like you've got something to write about."
In the short story The Diarist by Richard McCann, the eleven year old narrator struggles with what to write when he feels like he has so much inside himself to express. He is struggling to figure out why he feels so different from his older brother and his father. The three are preparing to leave for their annual August fishing trip when he buys the diary. He is not looking forward to the trip because he doesn't really enjoy the sporting activities. In addition, his mother will not be joining them this year.
Throughout the preparations, the travel, and the days spent at the old farmhouse, he reflects on how he is more his mother's child. He would rather be enjoying a vacation with her than fishing at the lake and eating ravioli with his father. He compares his preferences of activities to those of his brother's. And he dreams of somehow trying to reconnect with his father who seems to question his strange behaviors.
I knew what my wish would be, if one wish were granted me: Please let me seem, even if only for this hour, my father's son. I knew the time had come. I knew I had to please him.
After a turn of events begin to shed light on his struggle, he now finds that the awareness of his differences and secrets are really just beginning.
I hate you, I thought. I hate you, I hate you.
In retrospect, I'm not sure who I was hating more right then, as I stood there --- my father, my mother, or myself. ... For the first time, I wanted to write something down, something true, even if I had no idea what words I'd one day use in doing so.
"The Diarist" by Richard McCann (from Bloom) from The O. Henry Prize Stories 2007 edited by Laura Furman
Friday, March 14, 2008
Marley & Me
Woodhouse had nailed our dog and our pathetic, codependent existence. We had it all: the hapless, weak-willed masters; the mentally unstable, out-of-control dog; the trail of destroyed property; the annoyed and inconvenienced strangers and neighbors. We were a textbook case. "Congratulations, Marley," I said to him. "You qualify as subnormal." He opened his eyes at the sound of his name, stretched, and rolled onto his back, paws in the air. (p.180)
Whether you are a dog lover or not, you will enjoy John Grogan's Marley & Me: life and love with the world's worst dog. I can see why so many people have recommended this book. I enjoyed it to the best of my ability as a non-dog lover and I even laughed out loud at some of Marley's antics. But as Grogan shows throughout his story, you just have to end up loving good ol' Marley despite himself.
Marley had earned his place in our family. Like a quirky but beloved uncle, he was what he was. He would never be Lassie or Benji or Old Yeller; he would never reach Westminster or even the county fair. We knew that now. We accepted him for the dog he was, and loved him all the more for it. (p.226)
My favorite recollections include the naming of Marley, getting a dog setter for a vacation, going to the dog beach, tobogganing on the first snowfall, and creating the potty room. Although the focus of this book revolves around the dog, much is also written about the changes that occur in the Grogan family while Marley is a part of their lives.
"You know all that stuff we've always said about you?" I whispered. "What a total pain you are? Don't believe it. Don't believe it for a minute, Marley." He needed to know that, and something more, too. There was something I had never told him, that no one ever had. I wanted him to hear it before he went. "Marley," I said. "You are a great dog." (p.271)
If you have ever known a dog like Marley (and I have) you will truly understand and appreciate John Grogan's book Marley & Me. It will make you laugh out loud and shake your head; then, you'll give a big ol' hug to the dog that is plopped on your lap and just put your legs to sleep.
Whether you are a dog lover or not, you will enjoy John Grogan's Marley & Me: life and love with the world's worst dog. I can see why so many people have recommended this book. I enjoyed it to the best of my ability as a non-dog lover and I even laughed out loud at some of Marley's antics. But as Grogan shows throughout his story, you just have to end up loving good ol' Marley despite himself.
Marley had earned his place in our family. Like a quirky but beloved uncle, he was what he was. He would never be Lassie or Benji or Old Yeller; he would never reach Westminster or even the county fair. We knew that now. We accepted him for the dog he was, and loved him all the more for it. (p.226)
My favorite recollections include the naming of Marley, getting a dog setter for a vacation, going to the dog beach, tobogganing on the first snowfall, and creating the potty room. Although the focus of this book revolves around the dog, much is also written about the changes that occur in the Grogan family while Marley is a part of their lives.
"You know all that stuff we've always said about you?" I whispered. "What a total pain you are? Don't believe it. Don't believe it for a minute, Marley." He needed to know that, and something more, too. There was something I had never told him, that no one ever had. I wanted him to hear it before he went. "Marley," I said. "You are a great dog." (p.271)
If you have ever known a dog like Marley (and I have) you will truly understand and appreciate John Grogan's book Marley & Me. It will make you laugh out loud and shake your head; then, you'll give a big ol' hug to the dog that is plopped on your lap and just put your legs to sleep.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Secondhand Heart
"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Once in a while, I actually have a Saturday morning when I don't have to set the alarm and rush off to one of my kids' many activities. We actually had the day off today and I didn't want to get out of bed any too early. So I got up just long enough to make a cup of tea and grab a brownie wedge for breakfast before returning to bed to snuggle up in my warm blankets with a good book. I just wanted something I could read in a couple of hours that would leave me with "warm fuzzies" to start my day. I grabbed a Heartsong Presents book that was given to me by a friend's mother and then I knew I had started my morning in a wonderful way!
Secondhand Heart by Joyce Livingston was a quick read which made me remember that faith, love, and family are what life is all about. Sammy is a young woman who recently received a heart transplant, three kids to raise, and a much needed day off. Ted is a young man who recently experienced a tragic loss that separated him from his parents and faith, opened his home to his unemployed brother and family, and received two tickets for a paddle boat ride on his day off. Sammy and Ted meet one another on the boat while enjoying their day off and instantly feel an attraction to one another. After a missing jacket and a fire call, the two finally meet once again and begin a new friendship. But Ted has some strong opinions about issues that will challenge his growing relationship with Sammy. Can they make it through these challenges and take a chance on love?
This book was a great diversion for me after a long week. Secondhand Heart was light, optimistic, and heart-warming... just like the tea, brownie wedge, and this morning's sunshine. Sometimes I think we should all stay in bed a little longer on Saturday morning!
Once in a while, I actually have a Saturday morning when I don't have to set the alarm and rush off to one of my kids' many activities. We actually had the day off today and I didn't want to get out of bed any too early. So I got up just long enough to make a cup of tea and grab a brownie wedge for breakfast before returning to bed to snuggle up in my warm blankets with a good book. I just wanted something I could read in a couple of hours that would leave me with "warm fuzzies" to start my day. I grabbed a Heartsong Presents book that was given to me by a friend's mother and then I knew I had started my morning in a wonderful way!
Secondhand Heart by Joyce Livingston was a quick read which made me remember that faith, love, and family are what life is all about. Sammy is a young woman who recently received a heart transplant, three kids to raise, and a much needed day off. Ted is a young man who recently experienced a tragic loss that separated him from his parents and faith, opened his home to his unemployed brother and family, and received two tickets for a paddle boat ride on his day off. Sammy and Ted meet one another on the boat while enjoying their day off and instantly feel an attraction to one another. After a missing jacket and a fire call, the two finally meet once again and begin a new friendship. But Ted has some strong opinions about issues that will challenge his growing relationship with Sammy. Can they make it through these challenges and take a chance on love?
This book was a great diversion for me after a long week. Secondhand Heart was light, optimistic, and heart-warming... just like the tea, brownie wedge, and this morning's sunshine. Sometimes I think we should all stay in bed a little longer on Saturday morning!
Friday, March 7, 2008
The Giver
Jonas reached the opposite side of the river, stopped briefly, and looked back. The community where his entire life had been lived lay behind him now, sleeping. At dawn, the orderly, disciplined life he had always known would continue again, without him. The life where nothing was ever unexpected. Or inconvenient. Or unusual. The life without color, pain, or past. (p.165)
In celebration of an author's birthday in March, I read The Giver by Lois Lowry. This book was the 1994 winner of the Newbery Medal Award. It came highly recommended by my oldest son who read it in fifth grade a few years ago. And I thoroughly enjoyed another of Lowry's books that I had read several years ago.
Jonas is anxiously awaiting December when the Ceremony of Twelve will assign him his role in the community. His community is based on Sameness with no choices, no true feelings, and no memories. Rules are learned and followed, order is very rigid, and everyone knows exactly what to do and expect. When the ceremony begins, something very strange happens when it's time for Jonas to receive his role. He is not assigned but rather is selected to become the next Receiver of Memory.
As I discovered the world that Jonas lives in and what this special assignment means, I found myself in awe over the details of life that were given. It made me think about the role of memories in our lives and our learning. It made me realize what "things" I take for granted as I live each day using my God-given gift of freewill and my country's freedoms that are spelled out in our constitution. It made me think about the roles of feelings, choice, and family in my life and my community. And it gave me food for thought as I saw the parallels to some societies and this community of Jonas'.
As I was nearing the end of the book, I wondered how the author would finish such a story. I was not let down as the ending left me thinking as well as drawing my own conclusions. The Giver by Lois Lowry is not a book I would usually be drawn to, but I am definitely glad I took the time to discover this wonderful, thought-filled story. In fact, the author has written a companion book that I found earlier this week at my local library and I plan on reading it in the next week or two.
In celebration of an author's birthday in March, I read The Giver by Lois Lowry. This book was the 1994 winner of the Newbery Medal Award. It came highly recommended by my oldest son who read it in fifth grade a few years ago. And I thoroughly enjoyed another of Lowry's books that I had read several years ago.
Jonas is anxiously awaiting December when the Ceremony of Twelve will assign him his role in the community. His community is based on Sameness with no choices, no true feelings, and no memories. Rules are learned and followed, order is very rigid, and everyone knows exactly what to do and expect. When the ceremony begins, something very strange happens when it's time for Jonas to receive his role. He is not assigned but rather is selected to become the next Receiver of Memory.
As I discovered the world that Jonas lives in and what this special assignment means, I found myself in awe over the details of life that were given. It made me think about the role of memories in our lives and our learning. It made me realize what "things" I take for granted as I live each day using my God-given gift of freewill and my country's freedoms that are spelled out in our constitution. It made me think about the roles of feelings, choice, and family in my life and my community. And it gave me food for thought as I saw the parallels to some societies and this community of Jonas'.
As I was nearing the end of the book, I wondered how the author would finish such a story. I was not let down as the ending left me thinking as well as drawing my own conclusions. The Giver by Lois Lowry is not a book I would usually be drawn to, but I am definitely glad I took the time to discover this wonderful, thought-filled story. In fact, the author has written a companion book that I found earlier this week at my local library and I plan on reading it in the next week or two.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Series Challenge - Completed
I was thrilled to sign up for the Series Challenge because after finishing the Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury I found out that the author had expanded the series with two additional series based on the Baxter family and their friends. I wanted to continue reading about these wonderful characters, so I chose the Firstborn Series to complete this challenge.
The five books that make up this series include:
Fame
Forgiven
Found
Family
Forever
My favorite book in the series was Found. My favorite storyline was, of course, the developing love and relationship between Dayne and Katy. But the story doesn't end here. Karen Kingsbury continues the Baxter Family Drama in an additional series called the Sunrise Series. I very much look forward to reading it in the near future!
The five books that make up this series include:
Fame
Forgiven
Found
Family
Forever
My favorite book in the series was Found. My favorite storyline was, of course, the developing love and relationship between Dayne and Katy. But the story doesn't end here. Karen Kingsbury continues the Baxter Family Drama in an additional series called the Sunrise Series. I very much look forward to reading it in the near future!
Forever
Bloomington was about raising kids and church potlucks and drawing close as one season rolled into the next. It was about faith and family and building a future together. And that was what Dayne and Katy were going to love most about living here. (p. 300)
Forever by Karen Kingsbury does not let the reader down as she brings the Firstborn Series to its conclusion. She brings new changes in family, attitudes and futures for the multitude of characters that have been developed throughout the series. And, once again, she pulls no punches when it comes to testing one's faith in a time of crisis.
John and Ashley struggle to help the Baxter family deal with a tragic accident that affects each member in a different way. Luke struggles with his identity as a son, husband, and future lawyer as he deals with the many changes that have recently taken place in his life. Bailey brings a new perspective in the story as she struggles with some teen issues that are quite common today. And Katy and Dayne continue forward with their future together as they once again struggle with the consequences of the paparazzi's involvement in their lives.
A single tear dropped onto his cheek and trickled down his face. "Search your heart, Katy. Your soul." He swallowed, and another tear slid from his eyes. "Am I there?"
Her tears came then. "Yes, Dayne. You're there. A part of me."
"I need to ask you something." He brought up his other hand, and she did the same, so both their hands were touching.
She took a step closer. "What?"
"Us." His voice was much quieter now, a painful whisper colored with tears. "Are we worth fighting for too?" (pp. 290-291)
Katy helps Dayne recognize what is important to fight for in his life. John offers advice through one of Elizabeth's letters and helps Luke and Reagan recognize what is important to fight for in their lives. And Landon, as always, is a supportive husband to the ever involved Ashley as she fights for the most important people in her life... her family.
"Look what we can do when love pulls us together," Ashley sniffed. She glance at Luke. "Can you believe it?" (p. 305)
God had them here to serve one another. Love, acted out, is serving. It was a truth they had played out in every possible way leading up to this moment. Ashley was convinced that after today Dayne would finally know that he was loved by his family, both now and forever. (p. 307)
Dayne Matthews, firstborn to John and Elizabeth, is now a part of the Baxter family... forever.
I loved the Firstborn series just as much as I loved the Redemption series. I highly recommend both series to anyone. I hated to see it end... but now there is the Sunrise Series which will continue the Baxter Family Drama for another four books. Thank you Karen Kingsbury!
Forever by Karen Kingsbury does not let the reader down as she brings the Firstborn Series to its conclusion. She brings new changes in family, attitudes and futures for the multitude of characters that have been developed throughout the series. And, once again, she pulls no punches when it comes to testing one's faith in a time of crisis.
John and Ashley struggle to help the Baxter family deal with a tragic accident that affects each member in a different way. Luke struggles with his identity as a son, husband, and future lawyer as he deals with the many changes that have recently taken place in his life. Bailey brings a new perspective in the story as she struggles with some teen issues that are quite common today. And Katy and Dayne continue forward with their future together as they once again struggle with the consequences of the paparazzi's involvement in their lives.
A single tear dropped onto his cheek and trickled down his face. "Search your heart, Katy. Your soul." He swallowed, and another tear slid from his eyes. "Am I there?"
Her tears came then. "Yes, Dayne. You're there. A part of me."
"I need to ask you something." He brought up his other hand, and she did the same, so both their hands were touching.
She took a step closer. "What?"
"Us." His voice was much quieter now, a painful whisper colored with tears. "Are we worth fighting for too?" (pp. 290-291)
Katy helps Dayne recognize what is important to fight for in his life. John offers advice through one of Elizabeth's letters and helps Luke and Reagan recognize what is important to fight for in their lives. And Landon, as always, is a supportive husband to the ever involved Ashley as she fights for the most important people in her life... her family.
"Look what we can do when love pulls us together," Ashley sniffed. She glance at Luke. "Can you believe it?" (p. 305)
God had them here to serve one another. Love, acted out, is serving. It was a truth they had played out in every possible way leading up to this moment. Ashley was convinced that after today Dayne would finally know that he was loved by his family, both now and forever. (p. 307)
Dayne Matthews, firstborn to John and Elizabeth, is now a part of the Baxter family... forever.
I loved the Firstborn series just as much as I loved the Redemption series. I highly recommend both series to anyone. I hated to see it end... but now there is the Sunrise Series which will continue the Baxter Family Drama for another four books. Thank you Karen Kingsbury!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Family
Ashley's last words rang in Katy's head as she headed up the steps to the front door. "With God at the center, you've got to find a way to bridge the distance." She looked over her shoulder at Ashley's van as it moved out of sight. Now the question was a simple one, really. Was Ashley referring to Dayne and Katy? Or Dayne and herself? (p. 372)
Family by Karen Kingsbury is the fourth installment in the Firstborn Series. This book was a simpler story to read. It had two main story lines, both involving Dayne Matthews. The first was that of the trial for Margie Madden, the stalker who tried to kill Katy and Dayne several months ago. The second was that of a family reunited with their firstborn.
Katy returns to California to testify in Margie Madden's trial. She is forced to face the terrors of Dayne's celebrity life, and this time the paparazzi is intolerable. Dayne and Katy admit their love for one another but again part ways because the distance between their two lives is more than they are able to currently bridge.
John makes the decision to tell his children about his and Elizabeth's firstborn child. He feels that the truth must finally be shared with everyone, however he withholds his son's name out of protection for everyone. Each child takes the news differently. They are forgiving and accepting of their parent's past secret. They wish to meet their brother but the distance between their lives and his is more than he is able to bridge at this time.
With the trial over and the family secret shared, Dayne now feels he needs to make some life altering decisions. He uses his new found faith to help him discover what he needs to do next.
"Matthews, you've got all the money in the world. Ditch the paparazzi and get on a plane to some beautiful remote beach. Do it tomorrow. Spend two days staring at the water and making a list."
"A list?" Dayne shifted in his seat, open to the possibility.
"Yes. A list of what matters most in your life."
"Okay." He pictured himself taking two days on a beach to think things through. The idea was sounding better with every heartbeat. "So I figure out what matters most and then what?"
There was a smile in Bob's voice. "Then you spend the rest of your life going after it." (p.435)
Dayne does exactly that. His list? 1. God, 2. The woman he loves, and 3. Family. He goes after each member of his list and begins to feel a sense of freedom that he had never felt before.
Family was what living was all about, wasn't it? God created families so people would have a place of connection, a haven of rest, a group who would accept and love one another no matter what. ... They [the Baxter family] were the kind of family people longed to have, the kind where the members were allowed to mess up or make mistakes, and still the net of love and faith and forgiveness remained intact. The kind that would make Dayne's life stronger, richer in every way --- no matter what sort of worldly wealth he'd acquired. (p. 393)
I love the Baxter family and their stories which bring about such a feeling of faith in God, family, love and forgiveness. Again, another winner for this wonderful series.
Family by Karen Kingsbury is the fourth installment in the Firstborn Series. This book was a simpler story to read. It had two main story lines, both involving Dayne Matthews. The first was that of the trial for Margie Madden, the stalker who tried to kill Katy and Dayne several months ago. The second was that of a family reunited with their firstborn.
Katy returns to California to testify in Margie Madden's trial. She is forced to face the terrors of Dayne's celebrity life, and this time the paparazzi is intolerable. Dayne and Katy admit their love for one another but again part ways because the distance between their two lives is more than they are able to currently bridge.
John makes the decision to tell his children about his and Elizabeth's firstborn child. He feels that the truth must finally be shared with everyone, however he withholds his son's name out of protection for everyone. Each child takes the news differently. They are forgiving and accepting of their parent's past secret. They wish to meet their brother but the distance between their lives and his is more than he is able to bridge at this time.
With the trial over and the family secret shared, Dayne now feels he needs to make some life altering decisions. He uses his new found faith to help him discover what he needs to do next.
"Matthews, you've got all the money in the world. Ditch the paparazzi and get on a plane to some beautiful remote beach. Do it tomorrow. Spend two days staring at the water and making a list."
"A list?" Dayne shifted in his seat, open to the possibility.
"Yes. A list of what matters most in your life."
"Okay." He pictured himself taking two days on a beach to think things through. The idea was sounding better with every heartbeat. "So I figure out what matters most and then what?"
There was a smile in Bob's voice. "Then you spend the rest of your life going after it." (p.435)
Dayne does exactly that. His list? 1. God, 2. The woman he loves, and 3. Family. He goes after each member of his list and begins to feel a sense of freedom that he had never felt before.
Family was what living was all about, wasn't it? God created families so people would have a place of connection, a haven of rest, a group who would accept and love one another no matter what. ... They [the Baxter family] were the kind of family people longed to have, the kind where the members were allowed to mess up or make mistakes, and still the net of love and faith and forgiveness remained intact. The kind that would make Dayne's life stronger, richer in every way --- no matter what sort of worldly wealth he'd acquired. (p. 393)
I love the Baxter family and their stories which bring about such a feeling of faith in God, family, love and forgiveness. Again, another winner for this wonderful series.
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