Imposter Syndrome by Patricia Park

 This audio book that I downloaded last night came "librarian recommended" from the best books of the year. It looked interesting, and I'll tell you, it captivated me from St. George clear to Fresno as I drove today, It made the trip fly by. I left at 7 AM and didn't even turn it on until almost to Mesquite. I realized several times, that I was watching the road, but remembered nothing about it. Maybe it's unsafe to be so caught up in a story, but I was grateful I could focus on that and not, for example, on the somewhat scary fog I encountered around Tehacipi. I didn't want to stop for bathroom or lunch breaks. I drove through McDonald's for a frozen coke so I could keep listening. So good!

The main character, Alejandra Kim, descends from Korean Argentinians, and we suffer and relate with her as she attends her private high school on scholarship and meets racism at almost every turn. This theme is thoughtfully handled with many nuances and nothing ahem, black and white. Ale's ambivalence about being a person who fits in vs. someone who calls out blatant racism is instructive to watch. I really enjoyed the journey of her growth through her interactions with her friends and family. 

The New York City milieu plays a significant role in the story as well, as Ale travels to friends and to work and to school. Her description of her barrio and feeling at home is poignant. Her insistence on going to an expensive college and her blindness to her mother's poverty reminded me of my own selfishness thiat that period in MY life. It's just really well done, and I didn't like the somewhat frequent F-bombs, I know that's probably authentic...

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

 I finally figured out the free Libby library app, and was able to listen to the amazing novel about an uncompromising woman Chemist from the sixties whose sensibilities were wayyyyy ahead of her time, and probably could have only be written in retrospect. 

I enjoyed the characters, the dog, and the way the story told the backstories of the characters. Although they were all somewhat extreme and cartoonish, they had real things to say and brought the theme to life. The way the different threads came together at the end was marvelous to behold.

HOWEVER! The notion that scientists have to be dishonest or deny evidence to believe in God is utter trash and completely untrue! I understand the frustration with religion and the hate it can spawn when misguided, but still, I don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. And I don't even believe women were so "religious" in the sixties, the way they were portrayed. To posit atheism as the main character's philosophy, based on "science" and as a natural conclusion, was disingenuous at best. All science and all evidence-based vs. religion is a false dichotomy and I didn't like the way it was woven and portrayed.

And yet...there is truth in the notion that many traditions will keep people oppressed and women especially. 

The plot moved beautifully forward and I envied Elizabeth Zott's commitment to do what she felt was right, no matter the consequences. 

I also enjoyed the notion that chemistry and cooking are about life and are important. Well done. Mostly okay language, too, with a few exceptions. Rather graphic rape scene, but it served a purpose.

Listening to this story was delightful and made my walks and housecleaning very enjoyable!

Restart by Gordon Korman

 I've been experimenting with the public library app, Libby. The first audio book I've been able to access on this app was this one. Although it's a YA title, I really enjoyed it! The characters were fun and some were predictable and over the top, but the growth of the main character was fun to observe. His jock-father, a junior high football star in his youth, was particularly over the top and not believable!

I enjoyed the humor and conversations that this author was able to share. It felt pretty real for thirteen-year-olds, though I wouldn't know that for sure! The story kept moving and took some interesting twists and turns, which was enjoyable. The different audio voices were effective in helping me keep the different characters straight. I especially enjoyed the kid who kept trying to make video for YouTube that would go viral. He was a hoot!

Lightning Strike by William Kent Krueger

 I've read some Krueger before and enjoyed it. At last month's book club here in St. George, we decided to read This Tender Land, which I have read years ago. I decided to read it again, and, while at the library browsing, I came upon this one. It's the prequel to his "popular" Cork O'Connor series. So, I thought, I'll give this one a try. It's good. Not as lyrical or inspiring as his others, but okay. Not a great detective story either, but I enjoyed the characters. It's kind of low key.

I enjoyed the accurate depiction of the stress between Native Americans and the whites who live nearby the reservations. This story is set in Minnesota, but is very like what I felt and saw in South Dakota, though a bit over-simplified. I liked the twelve-year-old Cork character--what a good and honest kid! I may read another one of this series when he's an adult, but may not. We'll see. Still searching for some great authors and some great literature! Sigh...

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

 While I was at the St. George library hunting down Dutch House, I grabbed this one as well. It was similar to Dutch House in that it had great, unpredictable characters and great dialogue. It was also a shade depressing because of the difficult and selfish parents who divorced to marry each other. The fallout from that impacted everyone involved, and not for the better.

This story also had a somewhat of a mystery involved. One of the siblings died, and we only learn in pieces along the way how exactly it happened. There was lots of jumping between time frames as we follow the siblings to maturity, but I was able to follow it just fine. I really enjoyed and admired the tenacity of the main character, Franny, especially her relationship with the famous author. And the story of how that went bad was almost funny; no, it was funny. Pathetic, really, but she ended up with a much better prize. I enjoy stories where people are real and when their goodness is eventually rewarded. 

I also liked Franny;s father, Fix, who was loyal and kept his sense of humor. It was satisfying to see him enjoy his daughters at the end of his life, despite his cancer and pain. The selfish parents, who caused the breakup didn't fare so well... And that seems fitting!

Patchett's dialogue is fun to read, although this book's dialogues didn't have as much clever repartee as the Dutch House did.. On the other hand, this story was a little less dark. I'll take a break from Patchett now, and return to others of hers later, I think!

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

 I first heard about this book from June Apaza, but when I read the reviews on Amazon, it sounded kind of dark. Then at our Ridgeview Ward book club, Geri Aldrich mentioned she loved this book. I was between authors, and enough time had passed that it was now in the library downtown, so I decided to give it a try.

I am so glad I did! It is somewhat dark, because the parents in this family saga are so difficult, cruel, and even negligent. What glows, though, is the story of the two siblings, Danny and Maeve, and the way they navigate their difficult family situation. Maeve is so unselfish; Danny doesn't even realize it until he's older; he's a typical teenager, although much better than most! I really enjoyed their conversations; filled with love and humor. Patchett is brilliant at writing captivating conversations with interesting characters. 

The return of their runaway mother is interesting to read about. What makes it interesting is Danny's battle to forgive and welcome her. Patchett plays this out so realistically and beautifully. It was a fascinating and satisfying story with llots of twists and turns. 

The Book of Lost Names by Kristen Harmel

 The Ridgeview Ward's book club, Patti, in particular, chose this book, so I ordered it. I had high hopes after the first few interesting pages, and generally got into it and enjoyed it until I realized the characters were not going to develop, Eva was going to be tearful and cry through the whole book, and the romantic interest was going to be rather trite. Oh well. I hope I can be diplomatic tonight when we discuss it at our little meeting. I like interesting characters who develop and have nuance and shades of good and bad. These poor characters were flat, flat, flat, and Eva was plagued with guilt, and her mother was always negative and awful...it just got redundant.

The interesting part for me was the plot around the forgeries of papers for Jews and others seeking to escape Nazi Germany. They used a book, and put symbols above the letters on each succeeding page in a Fibonacci sequence so they could never be traced. Eva didn't want the names to be lost. It was also cool how her great lover, Remy, survived the war and how they were reunited years later. That was sweet. Otherwise...ho hum. I'm kind of over the World War II Nazi era....

As Jewish Eva became acquainted with the Catholic priest and other thorny issues, it could have been an interesting look into the kind of thinking and learning that goes on as one examines their religious beliefs. This was only done in the most superficial manner. I won't be bothering with this author's other books, although this one wasn't bad...just not that great, and not worth pursuing others...

Fortune's Rocks by Anita Shreve

 I picked this up at D.I, because it looked interesting. I almost put it down because it was a little weirdly sensual and told through the thinking and eyes of fifteen-year-old Olympia. It didn't feel healthy! And yet, I remember being unreasonable and weird at fifteen, and could relate to a LOT of what she thought and felt. When she started acting on her feelings, and awakened the passion of a man much older than she, I thought this isn't going to turn out well! It was fascinating to read how little honor this man, who should have known better, gave in! I continued to read to find out if it was going to be a cautionary tale or a story to encourage people to follow their passions.

Actually, it turned out to be a rather balanced rendition of what could happen in a situation like this, showing both the pain and the thrill of following the "natural man." The character most interesting to me was Olympia's father, and how he came to change over time, to support the daughter who so cruelly disappointed him. He, over the years, softened and forgave her. And she forgave him, it seems. It's really a story of understanding the pain you're going to inflict and going for it anyway. Both Olympia and Haskell turned out to be incredibly selfish, and yet also showed some incredible self-less ness. Not a simple story with a simple resolve, and one that has a lot of food for thought.

As for me and my house...I vote for honoring your covenants. Haskell's wife and children were irreparably hurt; for their sake alone, the honorable impulses should have prevailed! And isn't it far better to generate and find that passion in your mate? And when you're fifteen, isn't it better to bridle that passion until you understand the consequences better? Olympia never did seem to regret her choice, and that was interesting. Could one be so incredibly selfish??? Is that "grand passion" really so powerful and does it need to be answered? Or is it just a trick to trip up the vulnerable...

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

 I enjoy this author, and I was intrigued by the title, so I picked this up at Deseret Industries one day when I was waiting for Len. It is very depressing on the one hand, in the graphic way it illustrates the life of southern slaves in the early 1800's. It also depicts slave owners' lives, and women, in particular, had little freedom either. I almost gave up on it several times as it was so depressing. However, I was in Napa, and didn't have anything else at hand, and began to really enjoy the story.

I like that the two Grimke sisters were real heroes in a very closed time. I enjoyed learning more of their possible back story. I especially enjoyed Handful's life, and the courage her mother displayed. The ways slaves quietly rebelled was interesting to read. The limits of both women's lives was amazing; how they broke out took unbelievable courage. These women really inspired me, even though much of the story is fictionalized. It felt possible. It felt like it could have happened this way. I appreciate Kidd's imagination, especially the way Handful's mother told her story through a story quilt. 

Rhino Ranch by Larry McMurtry

 I had heard of this author, and had heard good things, so I picked this up at Deseret Industries for a buck! He is a prolific writer, and I was in the mood for what looked like a cowboy book with some humor. I was right! And, interesting characters! Again, I was right! I actually enjoyed the heck out of this story and the characters. 

However...it's also pretty crude. There were F-bombs and a lot of man-sex-talk, and a few very loose women; still, it made the story interesting. Is it true that people are so anxious and willing to copulate??? I wonder. However, the main character, Duane, has some scruples and considers what he's doing. He thinks deeply and has a lot of interests... 

Ulitmately, he's fighting loneliness and loss of purpose. It's interesting to watch him find his way. It's an upbeat and often very funny book, despite the seriousness of Duane's quest. He doesn't take himself too seriously.

I really enjoyed the picture of the small and dusty Texas town that was the setting for the story. I wondered what kept people there. Their dislike of the billionairess who comes to live there was clear, and why she would stay was beyond me. Was it for Duane and other interesting characters? Perhaps. At any rate, it was a book to chuckle over, and wonder who on earth might also enjoy it. It's tricky with the crudeness...

The Brothers (Volume 1 of The Great and Terrible) by Chris Stewart

 One of our favorite sealer couples that we've met in the St. George Temple is Chrise and Bret Smith. We love their spirit and humor and enjoy serving with them and talking with them. The women were talking about books one day on our shift, and Charise mentioned that Bret really liked this series. She had learned a lot about it from him, and she thought I would like it as well.

Well, it's an interesting book, with an interesting subject: our premortal life. I enjoyed the imaginative descriptions of life before this one, but found the characters and the setting rather shallow and unbelievable. I think the life before this one did require choices and growth and sacrifices, but this version was a little too black and white. And the description of Lucifer was too obviously evil. No one would follow someone like that. I believe he was, even then, more subtle. Maybe I'm missing out, but that's what I think. Charise said the rest of the series is really good, and reveals a lot about the deceptions going on all around us politically. She and Bret give a lot of credence to the author's military background. I'm not sure I'll continue...if I see another one in the series for a dollar at the D.I., then maybe I will. Otherwise, I'm done. 

This kind of writing is unfortunate in the LDS culture; oversimplified, and over-glorified and flat characters. I find this kind of writing almost insulting. But that's just me...I need to read things that build my faith, not make me feel critical of shallow, black/white thinkers. 

Jacob Hamblin - His Life in His Own Words - with a foreword by Richard Lloyd Dewey

 This little book (127 pages) is a first-hand account of life here in St. George in the 1860s and 1870s. Leonard ordered this book because Brett Smith, a youngish fellow sealer, recommended it. They frequently have Brother Hamblin's grandson in their sealing sessions in the St. George Temple. Leonard wanted to learn more about him, but since he doesn't see the print well, gave it to me.

I didn't anticipate liking this book. I don't enjoy most "real" history, although I loved John Muir's memoir. So maybe my taste is maturing??? At any rate, I did enjoy this book. It was frustrating, at times, since he leaves out so many details, but there's enough meat on the bones to learn about a very hard life out here on the desert. I also learned about his unquestioning faith in God's prophecies, and in President Brigham Young's counsel. 

It was interesting that Hamblin was frequently called on to help guide parties around this area safely, and that he interacted with the local tribes very fruitfully. He learned a lot of their tribal languages, he adopted an Indian son. He could be relied on and trusted by both the whites and the Indians. I learned a lot about the differences in the tribes as well. The Navajo, for example, were always stirring up trouble. Other tribes here were more peaceful and they worked together well. Brigham Young always counseled Hamblin to treat them with respect, which was good to read!

There were many tribes and places I have never heard of before. And all of this happening then has left its mark on our area today...for example, the Jacob Hamblin home is open for tours and I am committed to go and see it!!! 

He was a brave man, and was frequently threatened by Indians, but was always able to negotiate his way out of difficulties, always relying on prayer and his experiences. He almost died in multiple ways, fording rivers, getting sick from exposure, and many other ways. He doesn't say much about his family life; indeed it sounds like he was seldom home! It was worth reading the forward, since that revealed that he had three marriages. S

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

 The woman at Deseret Industries was shelving "new" books while I was shopping, and handed me this one saying, "This looks good." I concurred and brought it home. I enjoyed it very much! The author captures the inner thoughts of insecure young people and the sweetness of their innocence in a good way. There are a few f-bombs, but overall the language is good. It's well-written. The magic of the romance is sweet, and I enjoyed figuring out who was who as the author went back and forth in time.

The magic/fantasy served a purpose...like the tree growing in Martha's basement apartment. And it turned out that her landlady was a ghost? Still, it all worked in the story. I really liked the character of Henry, so caught up in his books and research and so socially inept. The self talk we hear is vulnerable and funny.

this was a nice light summer read. A great book? No, but enjoyable. I'm thinking of donating it to the Cancer Care bookshelf since it's uplifting and sweet. The scenes of Opaline stuck in an asylum are dreary but they don't last too long... 

This summer it was handy to have a sweet escape when Len was home from radiation and not feeling well. It was a nice little escape for me. 

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

 This was on the bookshelf at the Cancer Center, and the cover looked amusing, and the blurbs promised hilarity, so I decided to give it a try. It was a good and interesting choice. 

The story is set in Seattle. The mom is a genius architect who is socially inept, the daughter is brilliant, and the father is a genius who works for Microsoft. The humor is a little dark, but so very clever. The story ends in Antarctica, and the various aspects of travel there are fascinating. Also fascinating is the description of Bernadette's (the mother) career and the way she approached design. The digs on private schools, on the Pacific North West, and Microsoft are so dang clever and engaging, and the story veers into very unexpected places.

There is some struggle with being a "Christian" and some interesting spritual experiences. It was gratifying to see the crazy neighbor come good. The Yoko Ono admin -- hilarious reference in itself--was an unfortunate affair; I was hoping Elgie (the dad) would have better character. All in all, though, it was an amazing story that was quite enjoyable...There were lots of references I probably didn't get, but there were plenty that I did. There was an occasional F-bomb, but overall the language was okay. 

I'm pondering sending this on to Leslie Polson. She likes humor, but I'm not sure if this is quite her style of humor....

Beachcombers by Nancy Thayer

So glad I didn't buy this book, but picked it up at the Cancer Center... I had just returned from Rapid City, and Len and I went to the hospital for his radiation treatment, and I browsed the loaner bookcase because I had nothing to read at home. This one sounded like a good light, summer read. 

And it was, but it was also frustrating in its inanity! I mean, really, who lives like this? The author obviously enjoys life on her beloved Nantucket Island and wants to share all her inside knowledge of cute places to go... that was okay. And she idealized her characters who were not believable on any level, but she dressed them well...and they did unrealistic things....the three sisters each had romances that were shallow and somewhat sexy... I don't know, it was a fun to read when it wasn't frustrating! Not worth the paper it's printed on, but it was fun to read when I was tired this weekend. And there were some cozy family scenes and dinners. This author likes food and likes describing how to cook it... So, not a total waste, but pretty close!

 

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

 This was another find at the Cancer Center Lending bookcase at the hospital. I was looking for a good read for my trip to Rapid City. I love to read on airplanes, and I love to read at night after those exhausting, wonderful days with the kids!

This was an interesting romp into a very scary story; this woman's husband disappears and is accused of stealing from his company, and she is left to protect and raise her unlikeable teenage step-daughter. This story had a lot to say about trust in a relationship. There were lots of flashbacks to red flags that the main character had ignored when she was dating her husband. They weren't married for long when he disappeared. The twists and turns about who he was, his past, and his present were very interesting, and read like a mystery novel. I enjoyed the Sausalito and Austin, TX settings. I also enjoyed the way the main character struggled to build a relationship with her step-daughter. It isn't a great novel, but it held my interest and definitely got me to sleep all week in Rapid City. I looked forward to seeing the next twist in the story...well done, and with a very unexpected but satisfying ending. 

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton

     I have always admired the guts and vulnerability of Glennon Doyle, and I heard her, years ago, be interviewed about this book. The interviewer was pointing out how this book was a testament to Doyle's commitment to making a hard marriage work. Maybe it's more accurate to say that it shows how hard work and courage can build a strong marriage. It intrigued me then, and I resolved it would be worth reading. In the intervening years, though, she did eventually divorce this husband and is now married to a woman, a famous soccer player. 

I had kind of forgotten about this book until I was waiting for Len at the Cancer Center at the St. George Hospital, awaiting radiation for prostate cancer. They have a big bookcase of books to borrow from, and this one caught my eye. I'm glad I read it; it was engaging and painful and hopeful...Glennon is an amazing, open, and vulnerable person. I wondered about the wisdom of sharing so much, especially when there are children in the marriage. Yet it's instructive to know how her mind works and I appreciated her honesty and her struggle to live with integrity. It gave me some new understanding to get a glimpse of someone who had stellar parents, and yet she still struggled and fought and rebelled... Her obsession with her appearance, her bullemia, her therapy...all of it was fascinating reading. It was a gift to get such an intimate look into someone else's life. 

West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

 Leslie Polson surprised me by mailing me this book. She thought I would enjoy it, because she did, although she mentioned she got a little bit tired of the long trip along the road. I did enjoy it, and never once thought it was too long along the road! Every challenge that met this amazing transport seemed insurmountable, but somehow, they made it through.

The main character, Woody Nickel, tells the story from his point of view. It's really interesting to read his thoughts as an orphan, a criminal, a juvenile, later an adult of 18, a dustbowl victim, a child abuse survivor, and a growing young man. We get to see his skewed thinking processes, relate to his temptations, and always want him to catch a break. His Old Man, the zoo guy who accompanies the giraffes and eventually hires Woody to drive them is a colorful and unpredictable character, as is Red, the "reporter" who comes in and out of the story. 

It's an amazing peek into this period of American history; post dustbowl, and to read about all of the itinerant people who try to steal the giraffes, bribe Woody, and otherwise create mayhem. The writing is so descriptive and, at times, stunning. It was a great book to retreat to near the end of this very hot summer. I really looked forward to reading it when it was too hot to go outside, and when I was ready to do nothing but VEGE out. The writing is so good though, it never felt like I was avoiding life or wasting my time, which I sometimes do when I'm on a reading binge. This was a very, very good book!

It has also given me something to talk about with Linda Terry and some of the other women in our ward because they read it for their book club recently--before I joined. They all liked it too, and were also amazed by the story and how it unfolded. In some ways it's like a mystery as we learn about Woody's and Red's pasts. It also inspired me to learn more about this "Grapes of Wrath" period...such a despressing time. I've always been captivated by the old black and white photos of this era, and now I'm curious to learn more. I read the Grapes in eighth grade, I think, and I'm sure I've seen the movie, but sure don't remember when. Henry Fonda... Maybe it's time to see it again. 

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

 I'm not sure how I heard about this book, but somehow I have it and I enjoyed it! It was nice to read something more contemporary after my days and days of early 1900's and Green Gables. This was a well-written story that came about almost like a mystery. Different threads of a story soon came together in a beautiful way, and a family came together through the help of a super smart octopus.

I enjoyed the writing. Great images and descriptions without calling attention to themselves. Tova, the main character in the story, was interesting and relatable. Cameron, the shiftless 30 year old, develops and grows in the course of the story, and it was rewarding to watch that happen. The language was brutal but appropriate. 

I got a little tired of all the melodrama, though. The constant care about where she (Tova) was going to live, etc., and her friend Ethan's kindness, and how was that going to go? Are there really people that selfless around? Anyway, the rehashing of her son's death was tiring...still, the story was intriguing enough to hold my interest, and so were the characters. 

I read this in a couple of days. I enjoyed inhabiting their world because my own has become redundant and somehow stale. Or worrisome? I'm veging out way too often, and this book helped me do that for hours on end. I'm ready to take a break and get active again, but I don't seem to have the motivation or the energy! Still, here I am, sitting up and writing, and I'm not deep into my next one YET, so maybe today will be the day I break this lethargy. I hope so. 

Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery (#8 in the Anne of Green Gables series)

 I enjoyed this story of the days leading up to World War I and how these Canadians persevered through the four years of war. Rilla is Anne's youngest child, and the most like her, in spirit, I think. We get to know Walter better, and Susan, the loyal house manager, gets a larger role. It was very interesting to read about how the war news was shared, how telephones and mail were shared, and how the community pulled together. How the women were busy knitting, knitting, knitting, and everyone was writing long letters...Of course this is fiction, but I imagine much of it was typical of the life and times. 

This book got a little heavy and redundant, but that's because the war and the news were heavy and redundant. I loved the development of Rilla's love for her war baby, and admired the way Montgomery illustrates good parenting. For example, Anne and Gilbert leave Rilla to work it all out by herself, and sure enough, her love grows. 

It was also interesting to read about the devotion these people had for their siblings. They didn't have a lot of distractions, although food prep and travel were big time users, still, they spend hours becoming intimate friends who feel the loss of each other keenly. That was very sweet to read about, and made me yearn a little for a simpler time. 

I wondered about how satisfying it might have been for Rilla to discover a desire to become more than Kenneth Ford's wife...but that was appropriate then, and is appropriate now, if it includes raising a family. Homemaking is a huge, fine art, but would feel empty without children. And a desire for education to do it better wouldn't have been out of line. I just think, no author today would end Rilla's tremendous growth and story with such a submissive "Yeth." 

Rainbow Valley by L.M Montogmery (#7)

 I really enjoyed this story that centered on the minister's family of four children. He's a widow and very absent-minded. A new little orphan, Mary, comes into the Blythe and Meredith family circles, and she shakes things up beautifully. This story is so deftly told...how the Christian gossips are outshone by the beautiful acts of the supposedly misbehaving children. It's quite delightful with colorful and often witty characters. And the ending romance of a double wedding is a satisfying ending. The Blythe children are not the focus of this story, although they come into it at times. The Meredith children are the centerpiece of this edition, and are such good-hearted, refreshing people that it's fun to read about them.

Again, it's been the perfect summer get out of the heat and read before a nap kind of book. The goodness of the community and the children are fun to observe. The gossips are annoying and the different times are fun to read about. Imagine a little valley where the kids catch the trout and cook them over an open fire for a picnic dinner! So idyllic to watch the children enjoy each other, support each other, and enjoy each other. Again Montgomery does a wonderful job of opening up the children's minds to us, to see their flawed yet idealistic thinking. It's wonnderful when they are able to bring about goodness in the adults around them!

Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery (#6)

 This series has been a lovely respite from the owrry and the work associated with Leonard's prostate cancer diagnosis and subsequent appointments. It's a happy place that is captivating and engaging to disappear into, with no pressure or decisions or sadness to negotiate. And it's uplifting and very witty, especially the gossiping characters and what upsets them. Anne perseveres through it all with her characteristic optimism and hope and good sense. 

This particular volume helps us get to know Anne's and Gilbert's children fairly intimately. Montgomery is a master of depicting the thinking of children and describing how they easily come to wrong conclusions. Yet you know it will all come out right, eventually. Anne also often describes what she believes heaven will be like, and its consistent with my beliefs; that there will be laughter there, for example. Her friends are somewhat shocked by this thinking, but she and Gilbert are very much in tune with practical spirituality. 

I enjoyed getting to know Walter and the twins, especially. And the story culminates with a marriage crisis that is beautifully resolved. So much goodness here! And Ingleside is such a lovely place to remember the beauty of family and love and sweet relationships. It's a welcome retreat into a simpler life and time...

Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery (#5)

 Another delightful entry in this series. Here, Anne matures through some hard life lessons, and yet remains hopeful. Anne and Gilbert set up housekeeping in a dreamy little home on the coast, and this story includes some colorful neighbors. Also, there is a great lesson here on doing the right thing, even when it seems like it would be cruel or have horrible consequences. It shows beautifully how courage to do the hard, right things can eventually turn into a great blessing for all concerned. This dilemma concerns a case of mistaken identity, long illness, and a wonderful result. 

Captain Jim and his cat are colorful characters which enlarge and enliven the story. Miss Cornelia is an excellent foil for him, and their dialogue provides gentle humorous relief from the seriousness of the story and circumstances. Again the nature descriptions are lyrical, especially of the harbor, the moonlight, and Anne's garden. So lovely!

Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery (#4)

 This is #4 in the series, and I am not tired of them yet! Anne has finished college, betrothed to Gilbert, and is now moving to Windy Poplars to spend three years as a principal and teacher in Sunnyside. It's the story of all the interesting people she meets and helps there, including a cat! Anne is a miracle worker, and is occasionally misguided, but it always turns out great in the end.

Her optimism and relentless commitment to look for the good in others is inspiring to me. She is kind and forthright and doesn't hesitate to take on tough challenges. The results are stunning, from helping little Elizabeth find her father to helping her friend marry at last. Because Anne's motives are pure, it's fun to watch how the little vignettes play out. And all of this is played out in a challenging milieu where the ruling family is against her. This battle doesn't last long, though, and Anne is able to inadvertently win them over.

I really enjoy the way L.M. Montgomery takes interesting, colorful, and often humorous characters, and leads them into unpredictable and interesting scenarios. It's fun to watch them play out with Anne's energetic and faithful help. These are a joy to read, and they motivate me to be more like her. Lately I've been a little depleted physically, and so I rest more. Summer heat and visitors take it out of me. I've been able to read and enjoy this series and not feel like I"m wasting my time. They lift me up. So good!

Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery (#3)

 This, the third book in the series, shares the story of Anne's college experiences where she earns her B.A. degree. She has roommates and their personalities are fun and interesting. She is not enjoying Gilbert's advances, and totally shuts him down when he tries to profess his love. She falls in love with someone else and soon realizes it's not what she thought. This whole romance is so beautifully depicted. It's obvious that this author knows of the pitfalls of young, immature feelings! 

Here's a quote from page 217, where roommate Priscilla is describing what the Redmond experience has done for her:

"There is so much in the world for us all if we only have the eyes to see it, and the heart to love it, and the hand to gather it to ourselves--so much in men and women, so much in art and literature, so much everywhere in which to delight, and for which to be thankful."

Anne's learning was this (from page 216):

"Humor is the spciest condiment in the feast of existence. Laugh at your mistakes but learn from them, joke over your troubles but gather strength from them, make a jest of your difficulties but overcome them."

These two quotes really sum up the whole spirit of this series. It's a wonderful, uplifting way of learning how to bring goodness into the world. Anne is always seeking out ways to help others. And when she turns down the proposal of the man she thought she loved, she gives a great example of following the spirit. She didn't even realize it until the moment she had to say yes or no, and then the "scales fell off of her eyes" so to speak. She saw it all clearly all at once; her foibles. I've had that experience, so I could really relate to that feeling in that moment. Beautiful story!

Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery (#2)

 I was so swept away into the romance of Anne of Green Gables that I sprang for the whole eight-book set. I couldn't bear to leave Anne and Avonlea so soon. This is the second book in series and I loved it too! My memory of the Canadian production is too vague to know if these stories were a part of it...this was all new material to me. I loved the development of Anne's skill as a teacher...her commitment to never whip her students, her delight in their writing, and her joy in general were so well-described that I think Maud (the name the author went by) MUST have been a teacher at some point.

I also enjoyed the introduction of the twins! What a cool contrast they drew to each other, and how fun to watch Anne see her own history reflected in little Davy. There isn't a lot of Gilbert here, just a few powerful and genuinely winning quotes that foreshadow a deeper relationship. The end of the story is almost like a fairy tale, where the little woman in the woods, Miss Lavendar, meets her long lost love and Anne helps plan her wedding. It's a happy ending, with hints of more to come. I'm excited to be swept away into the third novel, where Anne is off to college. This summer is a perfect time to be swept away...there are some challenges that I am happy to stop thinking about. Chief among them is Leonard's health as we learn more about his prostrate cancer. 

Another reason this series is helpful right now is the healthy and full lives of the single women  in it...which may be my fate as Len's health declines. It's already pretty clear that he can do less and less. Henry has been here almost a week solo, and it's been mostly the two of us. Yes, he's had a bad cold, but even before that, he needed to rest and ...well, I'm grateful he is happy to let us go and do... Anne's hopeful and optimistic attitude is just a good reminder for how I want to live!

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

 This is such a delightful story! And it is so well-written. I don't believe I have ever read the books; I'd only fallen in love with the Canadian TV series years ago, starring our friend Schuyler Grant. As I read this book, I kept picturing the scenes from that beautiful production. We probably watched it five or six times back in the day...during Laramie days, I think.

What I didn't know was what a nature lover L.M. Montgomery was. Wow. Her poetic descriptions are just amazing; the moonlight, the sunsets, the flower gardens, all of it. It's described beautifully through Anne's eyes. I also loved reading about the distant sounds of the ocean...it's easy to forget this is situated on an island. 

It's a heart-warming story, and the way I remember Marilla's heart softening is beautifully evident in the book. Anne's growth and development are delightful to witness as she matures. Her inadvertent mischief and her hot temper are realistic! And I was hoping at some point she would realize that Gilbert Blythe deserved her forgiveness...I knew she would, just wondered when it would happen in the book. It's a delightful fairy-tale kind of book with a happy ending. The perfect summer read, where you feel that all is right with the world!

I loved this so much I decided to buy the entire eight-book series. This first one really helped me sleep and escape during a visit from Sierra and her family where the fighting of the boys was so hard to take. This book helped me escape and think about young women frolicking in the sunshine and being kind ot each other! Yes, Diana Barry's friendship is so warm and lovely to behold...

The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery

 I heard about this book at my new Ridgeview Ward book club. Sister Lossee's daughter said it was her favorite book, and we all decided to read it for our next meeting. I'm not sure when that is, but I went ahead and ordered it, because it sounded good.

And it is! It's an absolute gem of a book. It has the same charm and love of nature that the Anne of Green Gables has, only it's a stand alone story. At first Valancy describes her life as an absolute victim and her misery goes on and on for quite awhile. You sense, though, that it is true that she IS a victim on some level, so helpless is she. It's also during this time that we get a glimpse of some of the characters who will be important to the rest of the story.

Finally, through an interesting series of events, Valancy's circumstances change, and she suddenly develops the courage to make some additional changes. And she goes ALL IN on the changes, and it's wonderful to behold! The way the characters and story come together at the end is quite wonderful. The writing is lovely, and so is her life on the lake. The way she describes the beauty around her is soothing to the soul. It's almost like a fairy tale in its goodness and simplicity. Still, it's a life-affirming story that I will enjoy reading again. And maybe again! It's also set me on the path to read the Anne series!

Holy Homicide by Penelope Cress and Steve Higgs

 I got sucked into this one by clever Amazon marketing! The series was recommended based on my searches, and it did sound good. It was a solid C. Cute, safe, cozy mystery that wasn't particularly memorable, but it was a soft joy. As I wrote, Cozy. Which was welcome and filled some happy summer hours, while I tried to nap!

There were too many characters to keep track of, but the main ones were interesting. Rather flat and two dimensional, but okay. The writing was good, not annoying, and it flowed. However, what really annoyed me was the format! It is a kind of self-published Amazon thing, which is so annoying! The cover is kind of waxy and the text is TINY!! I hate that!!!!!!! So annoying. it's going into the D.I. pile right now...

At least it was clean and sweet. Not going to read any more of them. Not that sweet!!!

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

 I met a new friend at our Ridgeview Ward, Shirla Snow. We immediately discovered that we have much in common: born two days apart, love to read, love Dickens, Austen, and the classics, for example. When she mentioned her favorites, she cited one by this author, Lost in a Good Book. When I went to her home to borrow it, she offered this one first, having forgotten that her favorite wasn't the first in a series. So she warned me it's a little different, and recommended I only take the first two, and to return for more if I like these. So, this is the first in the series. She also mentioned that it had been twenty years since she's read either one of them, and doesn't know if she'd still feel the same way about them. With all of this history, I was excited to give them a try.

I was swept away right at the beginning by the intelligent, witty, and literary allusion-filled text. As I read on, though, I realized this story involved fantasy and time travel and all sorts of other things that had me going, "Huh!" Lots of unexpected developments, too many characters to keep track of, but still, a witty and intelligent read. So I kept on. I learned to really like the heroine, Thursday Next. Every name is a hoot and is used for different puns and purposes all the time! There's a even a character named Braxton Hicks!!! At times I felt a little ignorant, knowing I was missing MANY of the obscure allusions. This is an author with lots of connections he wants his reader to make. It's almost a game with him; much of it tongue-in-cheek. Also lost on me were some of the British cultural references. 

The author's cleverness is amazing. Throughout the book, he alludes to the unsatisfying ending to Jane Eyre. And I kept thinking, do I remember it wrong? Finally, as all of the pieces come together, I realized the author was fooling me, and that his interpretation of how it all came together was the crux of the novel. He plays with the characters and gives some far-fetched sceenarios about how it all REALLY came togehter, which was the way I remembered.

It is a very fun romp! However, there were times and scenes that got a little redundant... It's a romp, a tumble, with lots of twists and turns. I'm curious about the next installment, because Thursday marries her long-time love at the end of this one, and I'm sure the marriage will be a rocky one! She's a great character who I will enjoy following for at least one more installment. I think there are two more; we'll see how long I last!

The Twenty - One Woman's Trek Across Corsica on the GR20 by Marianne C. Bohr

 I had never heard of the GR20 until I was perusing hiking books and reviews on Amazon. This one came highly rated, and since it was set on Corsica, I was intrigued. I ordered it and was surprised to find out that she had her husband with her, given the subtitle. Oh, well, no biggie. It was actually interesting to read about their relationship during this grueling hike.

This woman alluded to their training for the hike, although I would have liked to have learned a few more details about that, specifically her workouts. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis five months before the 14-day hike, so much of her prep focused on learning her pain limits. I liked that this couple is older, 60, and so their perspective was similar to mine. 

Corsica is a complete unknown to me, so I really enjoyed learning about the scenery, the topography, and the gruff, interesting natives. I also enjoyed the descriptions and interactions with their fellow hikers. It was interesting to read about their rustic accommodations and food in the mountains of Corsica. Bohr is a clear and descriptive writer whose style doesn't get in the way of telling the story. Some of the rock-scaling was life-threatening, and it was fascinating to read about her determination to do it ALL. 

I really liked the part where Bohr, due to a thigh injury, had to step out for a few days and miss some of the hike. She had to wrestle with her thoughts to be able to do it, and she was smart enough to listen to her body. Those peaceful days were fun to read about, since she truly took care of herself and met a friend who was exactly the right person to help her get over her disappointment. 

This is a worthwhile read, and I will probably take it on again sometime. Worth keeping around. I think I like reading about through-hiking more than ever actually doing it! Day hikes are still my joy! And I'm so happy I can do those to my heart's content!

The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

 I had high hopes for this one. I met a new friend at church, Shirla Snow, and she invited me to join her book club after we had talked books together and realized we liked the same classics and had lots more in common. I'm not sure if this was her pick for this month's meeting or not, but this was a disappointment. They blurbs and hype online are misleading and I think, false advertising! Maybe I don't know Hedy Lamarr's real story, and maybe there are some similarities to this one, but either way, the book isn't anything special AT ALL. Fluffy, even. I probably ought to do some research to see how much of this is fabricated...but honestly, an Austrian actress and a musician composer designing torpedo weaponry systems? With no background? Really? 

And I got tired of reading about Hedy's guilt about not telling others about Hitler's real plan to eradicate Jews. I mean, come on. It was pretty evident from the beginning, wasn't it? Ah, well, it was a somewhat interesting story that flowed, and the story and settings were mildly interesting. Vienna and Hollywood are both colorful and interesting backdrops for a story. But the characters were flat and one-sided; the usual all good or all evil, and that wasn't particularly engaging. Benedict's writing style flows easily and it read fast... I'm not sure why she included so many detailed names, etc., except to maybe lend veracity to the story? I wonder if there really was a Mandl, her weapons dealer husband. Benedict does call it a novel, so who knows what's what. The line between historical fiction and history gets thin...

I think Benedict is also trying to inspire women to fight against being marginalized just for being women. This trope is also a little overdone and over played... Or maybe Hedy Lamarr is just a very poor and weak example? I'm not sure. At any rate, I'm lending this book to Sister Terry who is apparently also in this book club, and it will be fascinating to see whether she and others like it or not...

In the Hands of the Lord - The Life of Dallin H. Oaks by Richard E. Turley

 Len surprised me with this book, and I was annoyed. He insists of buying me books that I don't like, but that HE thinks I SHOULD read, To be honest, he also buys me books that he thinks I would like, but anyway... After my initial reluctance, I decided to be less of a brat and at least give it a try. Len knows I used to consider President Oaks too strict and serious, but that my opinion of him has softened lately. So, I was ready to enter this biography with a positive mindset.

I found his story interesting and compelling. He has led a fascinating, hard-working, and consecrated life. I didn't know how brilliant he is...the way he studied as a teen to pass his radio engineer license and how that dedication led to jobs that helped him through high school and college. He didn't serve a mission; the Korean war interrupted that plan. He worked hard and studied hard and succeeded splendidly at almost everything he undertook, from law school to BYU president. It was interesting to read about the trajectory of his career, much like I enjoyed President Nelson's history in medicine. 

The author, Richard Turley, writes very directly and simply, and isn't afraid to praise and recount quite often the characteristics that led to President Oaks' success. It can be a little tiresome, but it isn't unearned. I LOVED Elder Maxwell's biography so much because his love shone through, and there was a lot of doctrinal development and church history woven in. This biography doesn't do that at all; it's more pedantic and simple. Still, there's lots of admire here, in the way President Oaks lives his life. 

One hammer that Turley continually hits, at every stage of President Oaks' life, is how stretched and busy and overwhelmed he is. No down time. Ever! Lots and lots of hours are needed to succeed in his challening professional and then ecumenical responsibilities. It gets tiring to read about. If it's true (and I assume it is), then he is some sort of superman and must exist on very little sleep! So when I got to the chapters about his marriage and family life, I wondered how he had fit any of that in. It sounds like his first wife, June, was the responsible parent. There are quotes from his children that indicate they have good memories, but there can't be too many of them considering the schedule he has kept over his lifetime. 

I thought it was interesting that he disliked administration and was eager to move on from being president of BYU. And that he was interested in being on the Supreme Court...It gives more dimension to him. I also enjoyed the story of his meeting and courtship of his second wife, Kristen. It shows how tricky it would be to meet and date women as a General Authority, and it sounds like he did it right! The Lord blessed him with only having to meet ONE prospect because she worked out so beautifully. I liked the part of the book, too, where Turley describes their two years in the Philippines and what they were able accomplish there. Apparently the church was struggling there, with lots of converts, but few retentions. They shored up the local wards and branches and closed outlying ones and focused on strengths. I didn't really understand before reading this book what the purpose of his time there had been. It sounds like he can take any hard situation and turn it around. 

I also liked seeing the development of his life over time. I liked how each step prepared him for the next; and the hard things helped him hone his intellectual gifts. It was good to read about and see how God prepared him for the present era...and there's more to come!

Force of Nature by Joan M. Griffin

 I am needing a challenging goal, so I always turn to thinking about hiking...something hard, but I don't want to camp out...So section hiking would be perfect for me. But now I'm wondering, maybe I just want to read about it? This book I found after reading reviews on Amazon. It sounded intriguing since it's about three older women hiking. It did not disappoint!

I really enjoyed Griffin's descriptions of her thinking, of her surroundings, and of her relationships on the trail. She writes like an amateur, and the conversations are stilted, but it still made me want to go hiking. The way she describes her thinking made me want to challenge myself that way. I don't know if I would get the same transformation of courage and confidence, but it would be fun to try. And on the other hand, I don't want to risk life or limb! At any rate, this book did a good job of making me excited about planning a trip. At least I will plan a Black Hills hiking adventure this summer--at the VERY least! Right? Right! 

This book also awakened in me a desire to hike the John Muir Trail. It's almost 200 miles, so I probably wouldn't do the whole thing, but there are alpine lakes and meadows that sound FANTASTIC! My next book is John Muir's book about his Sierra summer, so it will be interesting to see what effect this book and writing will have on me. I'm wondering if I could combine a JMT hike with a visit to see Eli and Teal's new baby in early September...But at this point, I have no clue about permits, whether one could do it in sections or what would even be possible. I also think about my dad, and how when we named Sierra, he said, "Oh, you named her after my favorite mountains!" I kind of feel his spirit nudging me on...I think he hiked a lot of the Sierras via deer hunting. I like to think about having him encourage me on. He was a great encourager for my adventures. Grateful!

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

 This was the most challenging of Dickens' books for me so far. There were quite a few long passages that I did not understand AT ALL, which made it difficult to get the flow of the plot. Still, I plowed ahead, hoping it would make sense in time. Some of it did, and some of it didn't. The culminating scene when the old professor is quoted as to what happened to him left me totally clueless. I couldn't understand how those words condemned him. Re reading didn't help, either. Finally, I consulted Google and some analysis was helpful. I was frustrated that I couldn't work it out myself. However, the time Dickens wrote was so very different; their words and phrases are different, and that didn't help. I got the gist, with help, and was enchanted with some of the classic characters...Like Madame DeFarge. Evil incarnate! It also made me more curious about the French Revolution. Maybe with more of that background, it would have been easier to understand. I love the way Dickens portrays love and loyalty. Those parts were inspiring. I may give this one another try, to see if it will be easier next time...

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

 Oh, how I loved this book! Pip is a main character who develops and improves, and is surrounded by interesting characters. His sister's husband, the blacksmith Joe, is such an admirable humble character, that he is a standout. Pip's sister is mean-spirited and myopic, but she softens after an attack and becomes more benign. And Biddy is a sweet mentor for Pip who stays grounded throughout the whole story. Even the haughty and unreachable Estella is given life lessons and shows humility and softening afterwards. These wonderful characters weave in and out of the story in surprising ways; especially the reappearance of the convict who terrorized Pip as a youngster. Miss Havisham and is a bittter spinster and we see the fruits of her attitude in heart-breaking clarity. 

Obviously, I loved the characters. And the way they move in and out of the plot as it unfolds is just amazing. Many times I would pause and marvel at Dickens' ability to pick up loose threads in unpredictable ways. I think I enjoyed this one more than David Copperfield...but that could be because I was a little more conversant with Dickens' sometimes hard to decipher prose. 

I liked especially seeing Pip notice his conscience and then over-rule it. We could sense he would get his come-uppence, and he did...but he even through the time of his wealth, he was generous with his good friend, and cared more about his prosperity than he did his own. His sacrifce for his friend bore sweet fruit later, and that is a wonderful moral lesson.  This friend, Herbert, saw Pip through some hard times, and I loved this sentence on page 266 of the Dover edition:

"Herbert received me with open arms, and I had never felt before so blessedly, what it is to have a friend. " When I read this, I remembered the times I have felt that with my friends Darla Whipple, Kim Hinkson, Janeanne Bischke, and Janie and Peter Berton...

It took me awhile to get into Mr. Jaggers and what he was about, and he was nicely contrasted by the sweet Wemmick. These two legal types were colorful characters, especially their home lives! What an amazing imagination Dickens has to create these characters and these milieus!!!

This is a keeper that I look forward to rereading in the not-to-distant future. I think I missed a few clues and subtleties that I would enjoy being more aware of the second time through. There are also quite a few allusions, words, and scenarios that are too foreign for me to understand. In my enjoyment of the plot and story unfolding, I didn't slow down to consult any experts; on a second reading, I would...and in fact, I'm anxious to do that. Well done, Dickens!!!

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

 This book was 50 cents at the Treasure Chest down the street, and since I had read many glowing reports about it, I decided to pick it up. I'm so glad I did! It's an amazing story that gives a little window into the people who risk their lives climbing mountains. It describes their conversations, their feelings, and their suffering. Krakenauer is a journalist and a clear writer, so his style suited the subject very well.

I enjoy watching documentaries of alpinists and free climbers, so this is a natural for me. I love the thought of being on the top of the world in this way. What I didn't understand was the intense training and suffering that's required to climb at such high altitudes. I always thought the Everest "base camp" was a more comfortable place and that from there, climbers ascended. It isn't all that comfortable, apparently, and there are four more camps spread out before one reaches the summit. The conditions are spartan and cold. Bodies of fallen climbers lay pretty much undisturbed in the cold. Kind of like cryotherapy!

The particular expedition that Krakauer describes was in 1996 and was a deadly one; leaving several guides and sherpas as well as clients in its wake. When a person was described, I kept flipping back to the dedication to see if this was a person who survived or succumbed. It was a fascinating story of people who refused to give up under the most trying of conditions. I also didn't realize how "stupid" and confusing people become with limited oxygen; plus there are other myriad potential deadly health problems at high altitudes. All of these were interesting, and I kept wondering, was it worth the risk? And I didn't know about the divided thought on whether bottled oxygen was a good thing to use or not... I feel like I have a better understanding now of some of the risks and controversies associated with these high-profile climbs. And how disturbing it was to read about all of the hundreds of discarded oxygen bottles littering the top of Mt. Everest.

Here's something else I should have realized, but didn't: the top of Everest is usually shrouded in its own huge, unrelenting wet, snowy and cloudy weather system, so that when you get to the top, there isn't much to see!!! And the climb is so dangerous and requires so much of you, there's wasn't much talk at all about the views or vistas or beauty around. I think it's all lost in the climb...it's too dangerous to take a look around, and even if you could, there's not a lot to see. However, Krakauer does describe the stars and that would have been wonderful to see.

I really enjoyed reading this tragic story and appreciated what seemed to be an even-handed description of some of the personalities and issues involved in such an undertaking. This has been a nice nonfiction break from my recent infatuation with Dickens' fiction. 

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

 This memoir of the co-founder of Nike totally captivated me because it was like a roller coaster ride that never let up. There was challenge after challenge, and I kept wondering, how on earth can Knight stand this level of stress? I enjoyed learning more about how a company can become a cultural phenomenon, and what level of commitment and crazy that takes. I enjoyed learning about atheletic sponsorships and the feet on the ground over years of work that eventually paid off. It was interesting to read about how Knight met and hired his inner circle (the Buttfaces) that took this fledgling company into the behomoth it is today. 

What was heartbreaking to read about was how totally consuming this effort was, while his two sons languished with his wife. There's a chapter where he writes that one son refused to wear Nike's and both refused to be in sports. This was their retaliation for his absenteeism and it's a sad story. You can feel Knight's regrets, but that doesn't make it easy to read about.

He often depended on his father for encouragement and as that relationship developed over time, it was interesting to watch Knight understand some things about his own drive and impulses. It was impressive that his wife Penny stayed with him through all of the ups and downs. The Japanese characters were also intriguing to read about, and it opened a curtain on some of the cultural challenges that doing business there can uncover. 

He's definitely cut from a different cloth. I can't conceive of hanging in there when contracts were broken, when innovations didn't work, and when slapped with a 25 million dollar tax bill... Wait, what? You keep going as if it's all going to turn out well? Knight's life has not been easy! I liked how it was never about the money for him... And I liked how loyal he was to his friends and his state of Oregon and his school, the U of Oregon. All interesting things that I knew little about, and his writing style is captivating and engaging. There were lots of deals and accounting and banking things that I needed more details to understand. But if he had made them understandable, it could have been a boring and technical read. What I got was a snapshot of the issues like importing, going public, etc., and I would have appreciated more detail. Still, a good ride for sure. 

P.S. Here's a miracle! I was thinking about sending this book to Jane because I sensed she would like it, but I didn't. Then, in a recent convo, I told her about it, and she had just read it too!!! And yes, she did enjoy it and made lots of connections too, including one with her ex-husband, Larry, who wore Converse tennis shoes back in the day and laughed at her for suggesting better shoes would help his game... There wasn't such a thing as specialized shoes for specialized sports back then!

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

 This was a tough book in some ways, because of the tough situation that Demon was born to... And yet it kept calling me back to see what would happen next. Demon's character is so endearing and you're pulling for him and sense his goodness despite his challenges and his reckless choices.

Just as interested as I was in the plot, I was also captivated and totally impressed with Kingsolver's amazing ability to weave the characters that mirrored Dickens' characters in David Copperfield. They were like shadows of each other...not totally alike or predictable, but you could sense the similarities, and the names and common characteristics were like, WOW. Knowing David Copperfield's world and just waiting for how Kingsolver might interpret it for her time and place, was a real kick. I loved that aspect of this entire read. Knowing that Copperfield ended up happy helped me hope that Copperhead would too, and then kept me going despite the depressing milieu of the story. 

I also learned a lot about drug addiction and about the values of the people of this Appalachian country folk. Their culture and people are maligned and they feel it keenly. What Demon doesn't know is amazing...and this is revealed throughout the book, but mainly when he first goes to a city and a zoo. It was heart-wrenching to understand the breadth of his ignorance. 

Kingsolver is brilliant. The characters and plot were beautifully and naturally crafted and completely believable. Heartbreakingly so. For example, Angus's father, the coach, and his drinking and inability to connect much with the world outside of football. I really admired Angus as a character too, and her independence of thought and action. She was like a lifeline for Demon. The entire Peggott family was so fascinating and such a model of love and acceptance for Demon and the other "misfits" in their family. It was amazing to read about a character like June Peggott and what a fabulous influence she was...It made me hope that I could be that person for someone in my world...

All in all, an inspiring and challenging read. Will I take it on again? I'm not sure... But it definitely is enhanced by knowing Dickens' story first. A great pair of readings. 

An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin

 This book attracted me at Deseret Industries because it was a hard copy with an interesting, artsy cover, and when I opened it to browse, there were several paintings throughout the book. The jacket reminded me that Steve Martin is an author besides a talented banjo player and comic. The jacket also described that the story centers on art auctions and art dealers and that whole world, which intrigued me because I love art, and know little about the commercial side of it.

The characters in this book are an art reviewer and an up and coming art dealer with loose morals. She's an intriguing character, however, because of how she navigates her way through that world. There is some foul language, a few sex scenes, and quite a bit of confusion (at least in my mind) about who is dealing what and for what profit, etc., I just floated along with the story and enjoyed, for the most part, learning about this urban world. I have no doubt that most of it is fiction and that the players are not as flamboyant or free of morals as they were portrayed. It did recall for me some of the education I've had around art history and what constitutes "good art." I enjoyed pondering that question again as the characters dealt with modern art vs. Picassos and Rembrandts. It's clear that Martin knows a lot! But this book was not particularly compelling...just kind of fluffy and gratuitous... But worth the $1.00 I paid for it, just to enjoy the paintings!

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

 I have been so disappointed in my books lately that I returned to a classic for relief. I had heard that Dickens was a master storyteller, and I vaguely remember reading Great Expectations in high school and enjoying it, and...I knew that one of my favorite authors, Barbara Kingsolver, had modeled her Demon Copperhead on David Copperfield...So, I decided to take it on, all 1001 pages of it! I was going to order it on Amazon, but people complained about the size of the print, so I thought, maybe I could borrow a copy. So I put the word out on the Picturesque Ward Facebook page, and Ricqui Griffiths responded right away to offer to lend me her copy. She had read it in high school and really liked it, and was willing to give her copy up for as long as I needed it. And so...I borrowed it, taped it's loose front pages back into place and dug in!

I'm so happy I did! I cannot count the happy hours I spent deep in London and Canterbury and the surrounding communities, learning about child labor, life in the nineteenth century, and getting to know absolutely wonderful and interesting characters. There were fascinating themes that were so different to our lives here and now. For example, the absolutely seemingly worthless lives of women, the cruel discregard for the welfare of children, and of course, the differences in class. There was a rigid class structure that I'd read about before, but this added to my knowledge and understanding.

Usually I resent it when characters are all good or all bad, but it didn't bother me so much in Dickens' world. There were clearly evil people with no redeeming thoughts or actions, and good ones who did no wrong. But they were so interesting and diverse that it was not annoying to me. 

I especially enjoyed Dickens' relationship to his star character. He described his David Copperfield with great affection and gentle humor. He could see the foibles of his youth and described them eloquently. It was a joy to read his description of the angel Agnes. It was also delightful to watch the development of David's love and respect for Agnes. It was delightful to watch his Aunt develop from a crusty cranky woman into one of great heart and affection. The Pegotty family was also a treasue to learn about, and the simple way they lived. The story drew me in and kept me engaged for a couple of weeks. 

Dickens' description of his love for Dora and the way he tried to change her and then finally accept her was heart-breaking and yet reassuring. He kept his love strong by his will and integrity, despite his disappointment in her lack of development. I love that he eventually got "his reward" by enjoying a richer relationship with the mature and angelic Agnes. It was a beautiful example of a youthful, immature choice of a companion, and yet staying true to her. I found that so admirable and also so heart breaking, especially for Dora, who clearly understood she had married someone who would have welcomed more intellectual stimulation. So sad, and yet so sweet that they made it work for as long as she lived. Very instructive!

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

 This sounded cute and witty in the reviews and in the first few pages. I was sold when several different book reviewers online recommended it. Well, it's inane. Really frustrating. But there was enough humor to keep me going after I got into it, and the plot was a little intriguing, so I enjoyed it until the end. Still, I often thought, why am I wasting my time? Because I wanted to see how the various plot lines would come together. 

The main character owns a practically deserted teashop in SanFerancisco, and one of the more interesting parts of the story were the various teas she brewed for various purposes. Later she prepares Chinese feasts, and these dishes are described in an interesting way. The characters and plot were nothing special but the tea and food were fascinating! This is NOT a keeper. 

However, it has motivated me to move on to some classics instead of trying to find something valuable from today's authors! Next up: David Copperfield!

This is Happiness by Niall Williams

 I heard about this author on an Instagram post about someone's favorite authors. I read reviews and decided it was worth a try. I'm so glad I did! It's set in Ireland and is told from the point of view of an old man looking back on his youth. He philosophizes almost endlessley, but it's all interesting and poetic and full of love and grace for those hardy people in his grandparents' village of Faha. 

This young man stays with his grandparents during the time the vi8llage is getting electricity for the first time. The people are reluctant to trust the whole endeavor, and it's interesting to read about why. Noel's grandparents are great characters who live a hard life, and they have the lone telephone in the village. When they take in a boarder, this man exerts a great influence on Noel.

As their relationship develops, it's lovely to watch the resraint with which each treats the other. Also the restraint between Noel and his grandparents, who want Noel to return to church. I couldn't tell if Noel ended up being a believer or not; his objections and observations about the local parish and its leaders are both ironic and admiring. I loved the descriptions of the people and their feelings. 

However, the story unfolded very slowly and sometimes I wished the author would just get on with the plot and not share quite so many observations...But maybe that's my impatience? Some of the parts I underlined are just fantastic. For example, when speaking about a girl he admired, he wrote:

"As will be clear, I was an amateur in this, and to me fell the amateur's lot making every available mistake. I suppose I knew that the word most associated wtih romantics is hopeless, and that the end for the ardent is disillusion, but what I was feeling I couldn't deny or banish. I said her name, and, like the first man to eat the egg of a bird, felt a little ascension, and like him wouldn't have been surprised to find feathers at my back."

Isn't that amazing prose? He describes those gushing powerful first love feelings so eloquently and powerfully that sometimes I was left breathless. The other thing that is wonderful about this story is the way the older Noel describes and inhabits the younger one with so much love and compassion. And a little wry humor. It's very sweet.

There is also a strong theme about the onslaught of technology and all of it's inherent changes both good and bad. It's fascinating to read this, know what happens when electricty comes, and now know that a similar revolution is happening as we live in the internet world. Many similar challenges.

This was a wonderful book. Sometimes a bit ponderous, but overall wonderful. There were parts where it just took my breath away. I think I'll keep this one to try again in a few months.