I am so glad I read this book. Bob actually sat next to a woman on a plane who was reading it, and he jotted down the info for me, and I got it from tI am so glad I read this book. Bob actually sat next to a woman on a plane who was reading it, and he jotted down the info for me, and I got it from the library. I never would have found this book on my own. this book is about time travel, and has a cast of wonderful characters. It was very British, and I didn't always "get" all the humor or the history involved, but the story was captivating, imaginative, and funny. Ned Henry is the main character, who lives sometime in the 21st century, but is sent back to the Victorian era (among other time periods) to retrieve the bishop's bird stump. It is very hard to describe, but suffice it to say there is as lot of action, cross purposes and yet intriguing events. One of the main questions is - if time travel is possible, and something is changed in the past, how does it affect the future? Will the continuum try to correct itself????? Is there a Grand Design that we are an integral part of? I loved this quote: A grand Design we couldn't see because we were part of it. A Grand Design we only got occasional, fleeting glimpses of. A Grand Design involving the entire course of history and all of time and space that, for some unfathomable reason, chose to work out its designs with cats and croquet mallets and penwipers, to say nothing of the dog. And a hideous piece of Victorian artwork. And us." the story kind of reminded me of the old screwball comedy movies. And - after having just visited the California Museum and seen their newest exhibit, I learned about reticules - and found that word used in this book!...more
I do love Neil Gaiman. I haven't read a lot of fantasy, but he really is good at it. I loved the characters in Neverwhere, and the storyline, and the I do love Neil Gaiman. I haven't read a lot of fantasy, but he really is good at it. I loved the characters in Neverwhere, and the storyline, and the ending. It is a treat to immerse myself in his world. I wish I had the hardcover book to refer to. As convenient as it is being able to download a book on my iPad, it is much more difficult to refresh my memory as to plot points and details, as I didn't take notes. Basically, the story begins in London, where Richard and his fiancé are having an argument, as he decides to help a homeless girl on their way to a dinner engagement. The homeless Door from London Below - a world that exists entirely separate from the above-ground London. In London Below, there is magic, beasts, honor...... Door was trying to escape from Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandamar - two evil characters that seem to plague a lot of good people in the story. The Marquis, the angel Islingham, Hunter - so many interesting characters. Richard becomes a rather unwilling participant at first in trying to help Door - but learns a lot in the process. There was a bit more violence than I would have preferred, but I thought the story was great!...more
I am so glad this book was chosen for our book club. I had read it many years ago and remember thoroughly enjoying it, so it was a treat to come back I am so glad this book was chosen for our book club. I had read it many years ago and remember thoroughly enjoying it, so it was a treat to come back to an old friend.
This book is VERY short (which in itself was a treat for me right now). All it is, is musings from the author about life, as she takes a quiet vacation by herself. How relatable these thoughts are. Her reflections begin with "gifts from the sea", shells that cause her to examine different aspects of her life, and her relations with others. How often we assume others' lives/problems are very different from out our own - and yet so many people go through these same musings. Her goal was too "live in grace" as much of the time as possible. I also love the idea of simplifying life, letting the outward and the inward me be at one. she wonders how to remain whole in the midst of so many worldly distractions. In today's world, we need to re-learn to be alone. (although the pandemic has probably helped many in that regard....) We need to learn to know and appreciate ourselves more, for "when one is a stranger to oneself then one is estranged from others too." Probably because of social media nowadays, being alone is not valued as much - one wants to be noticed and "liked" by the world.
Anyway - so many good quotes, wonderful ideas and soul-searching. I can't imagine anyone not loving this book even though it was written in 1955....more
I hadn't intended to read this book, but a friend loaned it to me, saying her husband absolutely loved it. So - I've picked it up and read it on and oI hadn't intended to read this book, but a friend loaned it to me, saying her husband absolutely loved it. So - I've picked it up and read it on and off between other books, and loved it also!
This is subtitled: "The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women", and is fascinating. There are about 100 3 page essays by famous and "regular" people, who responded to a question "what do you believe with absolute certainty?" some people mentioned God, but many did not. Many detailed kindnesses of others. I can't even single any one essay out - they were all thought-provoking. What I mainly came away with was the thought that in spite of what the news media presents about all the tragedies "out there", and all the evil people committing these atrocities, there are still more good people around. And those good people can make a difference. That is what I believe.
And I also believe that most people would enjoy reading these short essays!...more
I really didn't know anything about Roald Dahl, other than that he was the author of The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Sara picked up thiI really didn't know anything about Roald Dahl, other than that he was the author of The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Sara picked up this book in Dubai and loved it, so I read it, too. and what a great story! Dahl is a very good describer - it's very easy to imagine what life was like for him. Most fascinating was the peek he gives of life in the early 1900's - we are really a bunch of sissies when it comes to hardship nowadays! can you imagine having your addenoids pulled out on the kitchen table??????? Life at boarding schools was also interesting - getting "caned" for minor infractions. Definitely no thought of self-esteem in those days. I would think that anyone who wanted an easy, interesting read would love this book. and anyone who has ever read a book of his should definitely learn about his life....more
I first read this book about 15 years ago, and loved it. and I have kept meaning to re-read it and finally did so. It did not disappoint! Henri NouwenI first read this book about 15 years ago, and loved it. and I have kept meaning to re-read it and finally did so. It did not disappoint! Henri Nouwen is a priest (?) who had a remarkable experience when he first saw Rembrandt's painting of The Return of the Prodigal son". In this book, he revisits the Bible story, and imagines himself first as the younger son, who is seduced by the worldly thought of riches and gluttony and and lust and leaves home and family with his early inheritance. Then, Nouwen sees himself as the elder son, who was always obedient, and didn't ask for anything, but feels that he is overlooked by his father. Finally, Nouwen realizes that he needs to want to be the father, who loves unconditionally. I highlighted so many passages in this book, and found it very inspirational....more
I am so grateful that the library has audio books to borrow! I got this for my long drive back from Vancouver. I didn't realize how relatively short iI am so grateful that the library has audio books to borrow! I got this for my long drive back from Vancouver. I didn't realize how relatively short it was - I think it only took about 4 1/2 hours to listen to. I had never read this book before, but I am very glad I finally got to it. It was especially interesting to read after reading The Paris Wife, as F. Scott Fitzgerald was a part of the Hemingway scene in Paris. anyway - I thought the story was fascinating. It is about the life and times of the wealthy - and I wonder if it mirrored any of Fitzgerald's life. He wrote very well and his language was beautiful. I was so impressed with his "word pictures". Although the characters weren't especially likeable, they were believable. ...more
Thanks to Soul Survivor for recommending this book! I loved it! It kind of reminded me of Anne of Green Gables, but with a 13-year-old boy, Paul, as tThanks to Soul Survivor for recommending this book! I loved it! It kind of reminded me of Anne of Green Gables, but with a 13-year-old boy, Paul, as the main character. In 1909, he lives with his two brothers and father, his mom having passed on a year or two previously. The story begins In the present time, when Paul is a School Superintendent, reflecting on how he got to that place in his life. He grew up going to a one-room schoolhouse, and now he is in charge of making the decision as to whether or not such schools should be eliminated. Anyway, when he is 13, the family is living on a farm. One day Father sees an ad in the newspaper, a woman wanting a housekeeping position. The ad is titled: "Can't Cook but Doesn't Bite". They are intrigued! And so, eventually, Rose moves out to Montana (?) to be their housekeeper, along with her brother, Morrie. Morrie eventually becomes the schoolteacher - very much like Anne of GG. As Paul describes him: "Morrie always was stimulating to have around, but always gets to be a lot." The reader gets to know some of the other school children and their challenges, innovative teaching practices, and the solution to a mystery that you kind of expected, but which was very satisfying. Great writing, thoroughly enjoyable story!...more
I finished listening to this today - this was a nice change from his usual mysteries, as much as I love them, too. In this story, a man, Richard, has I finished listening to this today - this was a nice change from his usual mysteries, as much as I love them, too. In this story, a man, Richard, has been in prison for five years, accused of killing his fiancé on a boat. Andy Carpenter has just rescued an abused dog. Turns out, the dog had been presumed drowned during the murder five years ago. This "coincidence" get Andy involved in defending richard and proving his arrest and sentencing had been wrong. This was definitely more detailed and less predictable than his last book, so I appreciated it. ...more
What a surprise! I went to the library and decided to choose a book from the "A" author section, and found this one. and I loved it! In fact, I am reaWhat a surprise! I went to the library and decided to choose a book from the "A" author section, and found this one. and I loved it! In fact, I am really wondering why this book was not made into a movie. the premise was interesting - a writer in interested in writing about coincidences, and finds a big one in his own life. and that one coincidence leads him into some deep philosophical speculations about the nature of life itself. The ending wasn't quite as good as I had hoped for, but I can't imagine how the book SHOULD have ended instead. It was a quick read - and thoroughly entertaining and provoking!...more
Wow, I finally finished this book! It was a challenge, but a good one. Gottschalk is such an incredible researcher and writer. So much has been writteWow, I finally finished this book! It was a challenge, but a good one. Gottschalk is such an incredible researcher and writer. So much has been written about MBE's life already - some of it "through rose-colored glasses" and some of it with undisguised animosity. This book doesn't relate a lot of her early life, but really focuses on many of the challenges she faced in her later years, both from within the Christian Science movement and from an ignorant, fearful public. Anyone challenging the "reality" or superiority of matter, in that age, was to be looked upon as different.
I loved the biography, Mary Baker Eddy Christian Healer (expanded edition) for all the wonderful examples of healings, and the fresh metaphysical ideas shared. This book was not exactly the "feel good" type of biography, but was very enlightening in its own way. Gottschalk definitely showed more of the challenges Eddy had to contend with - but also the strength she exhibited in handling those challenges through relying on God rather than on human opinions. I highlighted SO many sentences, and am already looking forward to going through this book again and just contemplating those highlights!
Opening the book up randomly, this is the first highlight I came to - and it is also recorded in Miscellaneous Writings: "...He illumines our way in obedience. The disobedient make their moves before God makes His, or too late to follow Him. We should wait for God to direct our footsteps, then, hasten to obey under every circumstance."
I had never heard of this book before, but it was advertised as a great book for book groups, and the kindle version was on sale, so I bought it. And I had never heard of this book before, but it was advertised as a great book for book groups, and the kindle version was on sale, so I bought it. And what a wonderful surprise it turned out to be!
I think it was written about fifty years ago, and the story takes place in the American south, between the civil war and WWI. There isn't a lot of action, but the setting was impeccable! I could really feel the heat, the bugs, the nervous energy, the conflict that was going on. Stella is 19 years old, recently married to Terry, and he is sent on a special mission, who-knows-where. Stella is "sent" to his relatives in the south - I'm not sure if the actual location was ever mentioned. She is English and doesn't understand the strangeness of the surroundings. The character depictions were excellent. Illyria is the name of the "plantation" where the family mostly lives. Honoria and Clive kind of own it - but Honoria is a former African princess/slave, so she can't actually own anything in the American south. There are elderly aunties, Belle - the mother of Ron (an educated black man who is a doctor for both those blacks living in the scrub - a bayou-like area - and those at Illyria, and Tron - his brother who is full of hate for all those at Illyria. Belle and her mother are involved in black magic. Honoria is torn between her seeming powers at seeing the future and the love and trust in God she developed from a friendship with Mado. Ku Klux Klan enters into the picture, as does the proportion to forcibly send all blacks to Liberia. I hadn't remembered that this was an actual idea set forth by Lincoln.
There was so much to think about with this book. I loved the thought that "wars like ours don't end when they're over..." "Wars don't end...particularly for the defeated." Most people hoped that with Stella's arrival, the awful past would be over. "That's what we're all hopping you'll do for us. Push us into a present that leads to a future." "All that is required for the triumph of evil is that good men remain silent and do nothing." "Perhaps our government in Washington would like us to concentrate on the troubles in the Balkans so that we won't notice the troubles in our own back yards." "You watch out, son, or all your learning will get in the way of healing. Miracles aren't made in medical schools." "A human being can do magic. God do the miracle. Magic make the person think the power be in hisself. A miracle make him know the power belong to God."
The ending of the book was a surprise - but thinking it over, I realize that it probably was the best way it could end. the conflict between God and witchcraft was very interesting - and thought-provoking. ...more
I originally read this book when I was probably in college, and decided it was time to read it again. It is the first in a trilogy about the life of MI originally read this book when I was probably in college, and decided it was time to read it again. It is the first in a trilogy about the life of Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science. Peel is the most meticulous researcher, and really does a superb job detailing MBE's life, her struggles and her triumphs, in the process of understanding HOW she was healed of a supposedly fatal accident, and then not just being grateful for the healing but actually searching for the science behind it. This time through, I underlined and highlighted and marveled at the battles she had to face in the mid to late 1800's. She was a sickly, single (widowed and then divorced) mother (although her only child was taken away from her by "well-meaning" relatives because of her health issues. Anyway, it has been wonderful meeting with a friend who was also reading this book, and sharing passages we found interesting/amazing/though-provoking...whatever. I'll look forward to the next book, but only after I've read a few other things on my list....more
I started this book off feeling a little put off by the author's musings. But - after getting into the story I understood the reason better. There is I started this book off feeling a little put off by the author's musings. But - after getting into the story I understood the reason better. There is so much that is unknown about Harriet's life, but Lowry's research and "imagining" made the story come alive! I loved reading the Water Dancer, and this book was a wonderful complement to that book. So much to learn! She was born Araminta Ross, but was better known as Harriet Tubman, or Moses, or General Tubman. She had "the charm" - she believed that God spoke directly to her, and others were benefited by her spiritual sense. "'The whites can't catch Moses, cause she's born with the charm. The Lord has given Moses the power.'" "She went only where the Lord told her to, and since He never sent her into danger, she never worried about getting caught." "Like a shape-shifter, Harriet becomes who she must be in order to perform her duties and do what she considers the Lord's work."
She lived a long, eventful life, from 1822-1913. At the age of 6 she was hired out, and barely stopped working since that age. She became the leader, the caregiver, the provider for her whole family. Even after being hit in the head with an iron weight, which seemed to be the start of her narcolepsy, she continued on. There was no other choice. She was never one to do "woman's work" indoors, but preferred outdoor work, and thus got to know the area really well, which helped her in the future leading slaves to freedom.
Throughout her life, she trusted God. The slaves sang gospel hymns, Bible songs. The white minister or slave owner wouldn't understand "that the Promised Land the black people long for is not spiritual heaven but New Jersey, or even Canada."
She was always a loner - and didn't want to trust anyone else. Although she was interested in John Brown and his goals, she didn't join him. (another interesting person I knew very little about). During the Civil War she planned and led armed expeditions, and worked in hospitals. And was never remunerated by the government for this work. Individuals definitely valued her work, but getting the government to acknowledge her contribution was difficult. And towards the end of her life she was approached by strangers who wanted her to give them money for a lot of confederate gold. She felt she could trust them - and lost a lot of her money in this way.
This story was fascinating, and sad, and inspirational!...more
Wow - I took so many notes of interesting facts I learned through reading this book! The author did a great job of interspersing the interesting histoWow - I took so many notes of interesting facts I learned through reading this book! The author did a great job of interspersing the interesting history of Teddy Roosevelt's journey down the River of Doubt in the Amazon with lots of facts about the Amazon area itself .
Having watched the Ken Buns' documentary on the Roosevelts relatively recently, this was a great addition to the knowledge I gained from the tv program. Roosevelt - along with many other leaders, had a desire for greatness - but he really embodied the thought that greatness should be earned by doing great things, not just thrust upon a person by right of their birth. He had always been a firm believer in physical exertion - and raised his children with that strong belief too. I was enthralled with the preparations for his journey - and the realization that since he himself really didn't do much of the preparation, preferring to rely on a friend and his peculiar choices.......things didn't look too promising. I liked the length of the chapters, and often had a hard time putting the book down. I guess it helped to know ahead of time that Roosevelt would make it out safely.....but there were many times when I couldn't imagine how that would work out.
Some of the people on the expedition made me so angry at times - but maybe that's one of the differences in our time period. I was amazed at what all of them went through - with the bugs, the lack of food, the hard labor, the illnesses, the loss of boats and supplies........and what hard workers the camaradas were. Even though they were appreciated, some of the men on the trip didn't value them as much as they should have. Their trip also made me think that not many people today would be able to keep up their pace even when ill. What a great adventure story - hard to believe it was true!!!!!...more
Actually, I listened to this library book as an audio book. And I think the narrator probably influenced my rating for this book. I am hopeful to findActually, I listened to this library book as an audio book. And I think the narrator probably influenced my rating for this book. I am hopeful to find more books in the series also narrated by this person. He reminded me of Billy Crystal, and i imagine that Rosenfelt must have had a person like this in mind to "be" Andy Carpenter, the lawyer/detective in the series.
This book introduces Andy - a lawyer currently separated from his wife, and kind of dating Laurie, an investigator who often helps him on cases. His dog, Tara, doesn't figure as much into this story, but I expect she will later on. Anyway, Andy's father, also a lawyer, asked him to re-examine a case that he had prosecuted years ago. The case seemed open and shut - a lot of evidence against the defendant, who claimed to be too drunk to remember anything. But more happens - after Andy's father dies, Andy learns that his dad had a LOT of money that had been stashed away and never used for about thirty years. Where did this come from? The solution was great. I think Rosenfelt does a great job with the pacing. Maybe I wouldn't have thought the whole story as humorous as I did if it weren't for the narrator. Like I said - Billy Crystal for sure....more
I am hooked on these audiobooks! What a perfect companion when doing chores around the house! This is the same narrator as Rosenfelt's first book whicI am hooked on these audiobooks! What a perfect companion when doing chores around the house! This is the same narrator as Rosenfelt's first book which I loved. Another great mystery! Here, Andy Carpenter has to defend his girlfriend, who has been framed for a brutal murder. Lots of courtroom action, false leads, wise cracks, excitement! After reading some other books, I will again look forward to listening to the 3rd book in the series!...more