Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross a Libby Audio loan - 19 hours

 This was a big, heavy commitment, but ultimately worth it. I would have never come across it, but it was chosen as a book club read by the new, unassociated with Relief Society book club in the Stonebridge Ward, which is now a group of friends, apparently. I think I missed the discussion because of my Indiana sojourn, but I'm still glad I read this story.

It's a controversial historical mystery, whether or not a female pope actually ascended to the papal seat. At the end of the audiobook, the author explores some of the historical arguments that have been made for and against her existence. It's tough to prove because this supposedly happened in the ninth century, so historical records are spotty.

I liked understanding better how every day life was lived during this time. It was certainly bleak for women! In fact, during the whole first part of the book, I almost quit multiple times because of the cruelty of the men in the story, particularly Joan's father. Still, I stuck with it, and I enjoyed learning some of the arguments that were probably discussed during this time; for example, can faith be based on reason? It was disheartening to read about the corruption of the religious leaders at that time. But it was also good to read that there were people with integrity as well, Joan first and foremost.

It spans her whole life, and includes a compelling love story between her and her adoptive guardian, Gerald. Over the years he is the one person she can trust and depend on. It was interesting to see how he would come back into the story. Overall, it was a good listen while I walked the streets of our neighborhood this fall. It also made me very grateful to live in our current era; they were often cold and starving. It's also interesting that there was very little religion or faith in the story... something I would have expected. It shows how far away from Christ and His teaching his church had become!

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...

Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer

This was an intriguing and heart-wrenching book. Beautifully written with deep and interesting characters. I also enjoyed the religious discussions that were challenging for me to understand. Great writing and great humor. I think I'll read it again so I can comment more fully. I must also remember to lend it to Kathy Kovarik. I think she would appreciate it.