Once again, I’m really thankful to Katrina at Callapidder Days who finds ways for us to better ourselves. This reading challenge was a lot of fun, and I added some non-fiction (typically a yuck from me) and some authors I had never given a try. That’s what I love about reading – you never know what great find you may discover!
Now, let me review my last few books:
A Circle of Quiet
by Madeleine L’Engle: I didn’t know what to expect at all when I picked this book for a read. It’s sort of a theological, self-discerning autobiography by a modern day children’s writer. She’s frank and open and inviting, yet she doesn’t present herself in a “I know everything” sort of way. She just invites you to see what she has discovered about life, writing and God. I thoroughtly enjoyed her unfinished journey.
Dune by Frank Herbert: Okay, I have to admit… I started this book at the beginning of the challenge and it took me forever to get through it, mainly because at about page 100 I put it down and thought, “Later.” However, had I known that at about page 104 it would pick up and take me on a great ride, I would have kept going! I wasn’t sure what to expect from it, as I’m generally not a sci-fi reader, but this story was pulling me in further and further, making me want to know more about Paul, his mother, his wife… At one point I was just wanting to finish the book; now I’m actually considering reading the next in the series. So I say give it a try – but just know that the first 100 pages will be a little arid… much like the planet on which they are living. But after that, it’s like a water ride – so hang tight.
Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel: Now this book I loved from the beginning to the end. What a way with words and emotions Esquivel has! She makes you feel for Tita, makes you want to slap some sense in to her mother, makes you want to sigh in frustration at Pedro and makes you hope beyond hope that love can conquer all. Warning label – if you’re looking for a good Christian book, look elsewhere. This book deals with a forbidden relationship that had me shaking my head at the poor choices at time. That being said, I found myself smiling at the descriptions and the characterization of many of the characters. So take it as you will; I still highly recommend this artful, wonderful piece of literature.
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson: This book was my first introduction to Bryson, who I found to be witty, comical and highly entertaining, if you completely skip his drivel on evolution and global warming, that is. The book details his traversing the Appalation Trails – or at least trying to hike all 2,100 miles of it. Yeah, 2,100-ish MILES – with no camping experience and with no experienced guide. And lots and lots of noodles. And a great fear of bears. Yes, the man is insane. Yet after his time spent on the trail, his thoughts turned deeper, for reflective of self, more aware of the world that God made. The subtitle “Rediscovering America” is accurate and persuasive; it reminds that there is so much more to life than cell phones, tv shows and concerts. But you can’t find it unless you remove yourself from it and surround yourself with the nature that knows nothing about technology or entertainment. He also regales his reconnection with people on the trail and how goodness still exists in this present age. And it made me start thinking about doing bits of the trail myself… (Not all 2,100 miles, mind you… but enough to make me turn my head back to God’s untouched glorious world.) I highly recommend this entertaining read, and I thank Pezmama for suggesting it long ago.
Now if you’ve kept track, you’ll notice that I didn’t read two of my selections: The Alchemist and The Book Thief. In my defense, the stupid library didn’t get them to me in time. I only just received The Alchemist two days ago, and I’ve been too busy with work to run through it. And honestly, I’d rather catch up on all my bloglines at this point, but even THAT will probably wait until next week with the way work is going.
BUT, since I couldn’t get to those books, I read quite a few in their places, one of which was Hearts and Bones by Margaret Lawrence. What a great find! Shannon recommend her to me and I was excited to read her. The book is a mystery that is set in the economy-challenged, emotionally suffering post Civil War state of Maine. Following the life of the mid-wife Hannah Trevor -an independent, society-bucking woman who gladly shed the shackles of a ugly marriage (by that I mean she showed no remorse when her hateful, cowardly husband left her and ultimately died abroad) who is ostracized for being so and for having a suspect daughter, the dark tale surrounds the murder of a quiet woman. This book is not for the squeamish. It is a bleak, realistic look at a woman’s life in the late 1800′s, surrounded by gossip, anger and despair. For all that, I must say that the book left me feeling enlightened and refreshed. I not only suggest the book to you, I’ve also got the next book on order from the library, too.
My favorite: Still the Bible. I learn more and more about God, myself and humanity when I’m in his word.
Worst: The Boleyn Inheritance – Stick a needle in your eye before you read it. You’ll want to know something “fun” before your through…
New author: I tried lots of new authors, and I will go back to read more of their work.
Books not finished: See above.
New book from others’ lists: Too many to put here. (But if you read one that you think I need to try, please leave it in the comments!)
I’m going to go through the other’s list thoroughly so that I can get some new books to read because you all know that I’m just not addicted enough to reading!
I learned that there are still a lot of good books to be read! And I have to do a better job of posting my reviews.
The best part: Going through the others’ lists and finding new books to devour.
And Katrina, count me in for the fall’s reading challenge. I just hope she has as catchy as a title as she did this time… 
If your interested, you can check out my other reviews:
The Spring Reading Thing 2007
Spring Reading Challenge Reviews
(And after finding those posts again, all I can say is this: Those are some mighty boring titles for posts. I’ll get on top of that soon enough…)
As always, I love your reviews. Particularly when you throw in something like “stick a needle in your eye before you read it.”
I liked A Circle of Quiet too, although I don’t usually read that type of book (but like you described, it’s hard to assign a “type” to that one).
And don’t worry, you can count on me for a highly [non]creative title for the fall challenge.
Great reviews as always, Shalee.
You gotta read “Uncharted” by Angela Hunt. You can’t put it down. And just so you know, everyone I know who’s read it felt the same way. So it’s not just me, just in case you were leary of anything I recommended! Not mentioning any titles of course. :vD
Shalee, if you like Dune, you will love Ender’s Game. I’m not much of a sci-fi reader and haven’t read Dune yet, but once I picked up Ender’s Game I couldn’t race through it fast enough.
Love reading your posts on literature, love, and mothering. Your spunk reassures me that I can be a working, reading, fun mom when I have kids.
“Stick a needle in your eye” Boy have I felt that way about some books I have read!
Love it.
These book posts that you do always amaze me! You are such a good girl doing all your reading and keeping your brain fresh!!
Well done, Shalee. It’s great to hear about other readers…
I appreciate your review of Like Water. I saw the movie, but haven’t read the book. I think I’ll pick it up. I always appreciate the disclaimers as well, because then I know what I’m in for!
THANKS for your ‘honest’ reviews, Shalee!!! My hubby & I usually stick to FICTION–maybe because it’s an ‘escape’ from our REAL LIVES–maybe.
But, one TRUE book I’ve read recently that I thought was REALLY GOOD & will get you more in touch with what’s going on over in Iraq right NOW is: “In an Instant” by Lee & Bob Woodruff–the ABC Anchorman who was HIT by an IED & his recovery & her ‘staying near his side’, etc.–it’s WONDERFUL!!!!
There are a LOT of MIRACLES along the way, too, which was VERY GOD-AFFIRMING to me! Hope you like it.
Glad you gave Dune a second chance, but then I am a Herbert junkie. Like Water For Chocolate sounds like something I would like.
Still think your Outlander review was the best.
~Blessings~
Yea, I had a hard time with the movie Dune so I can imagine taking forever to get through the book.
Excellent reviews!! I’ll have to check my shelf to see if I have The Boleyn Inheritance (and shove it out the door, if I do). Now, you’ve got me dying to read Water for Chocolate (which, fortunately, I do have on the TBRs). And, I have to tell you that The Book Thief is worth spending money on. I’m a notorious cheapskate, but I bought it on a whim and it’s still with me over a year later. It’s an amazing read, the kind worth revisiting.
Sheesh. You recommend one bad book in your whole life and all your reader friend does is bash it repeatedly!
I tagged you for yet another meme. Go check it out.
Oi, achei teu blog pelo google tá bem interessante gostei desse post. Quando der dá uma passada pelo meu blog, é sobre camisetas personalizadas, mostra passo a passo como criar uma camiseta personalizada bem maneira. Até mais.
Sorry about the “drivel on evolution and global warming.” I completely forgot it was even there… so I guess I ignored it too.
And you might be pleased to hear that I just finished reading a work of fiction this week.
Sing it with me… a whole new world….