Help Thanks Wow

Author: Anne Lamott
Pages: 112

It is these three prayers – asking for assistance from a higher power, appreciating what we have that is good, and feeling awe at the world around us – that can get us through the day and can show us the way forward. In Help, Thanks, Wow, Lamott recounts how she came to these insights, explains what they mean to her and how they have helped, and explores how others have embraced these same ideas.
Opinion:
This was a bad book to start the new year off with, I pretty much hated it. It's rambling nonsense you can't follow. I haven't read any of her other books, maybe this was just a bad apple but I'm sorry I read it.

Agnes Grey

Author: Anne Bronte
Pages: 214


Novel by Anne Bronte, published in 1847. The strongly autobiographical narrative concerns the travails of Agnes Grey, a rector's daughter, in her service as governess, first to the unruly Bloomfield children and then with the callous Murrays. Agnes's sole consolations in this dreary life are the natural environment and her blossoming relationship with Weston, the local curate.

It took me awhile to finish this book, I set it down several times to read something else, or because of the holidays I was busy. I am glad I have finished it, it was actually a good book.

Theodore Rex

Author: Edmund Morris
Pages: 555

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Theodore Rex is the story—never fully told before—of Theodore Roosevelt’s two world-changing terms as President of the United States. A hundred years before the catastrophe of September 11, 2001, “TR” succeeded to power in the aftermath of an act of terrorism. Youngest of all our chief executives, he rallied a stricken nation with his superhuman energy, charm, and political skills. He proceeded to combat the problems of race and labor relations and trust control while making the Panama Canal possible and winning the Nobel Peace Prize. But his most historic achievement remains his creation of a national conservation policy, and his monument millions of acres of protected parks and forest. Theodore Rex ends with TR leaving office, still only fifty years old, his future reputation secure as one of our greatest presidents.

 

This book was fantastic, it showed TR's tender side, his high intelligence and his drive for success.

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Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan

Let the Lord of Chaos rule! So it has been commanded by the Dark One, the metaphysical being that is the antithesis of all creation, to his minions and they are intent on his will. Agains the storm stands Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn. The reincarnation of the ancient hero Lew Therin Telamon, prophecy says he will save the world and break it just as Lews Therin did three thousand years ago. He can channel the male aligned half of the One Power and doomed to go mad from the Dark One's taint upon it. He is the worlds only hope, and he has lost some of his closest allies. More powerful than ever before, but more alone than at any point yet in his struggle he is becoming hard and grim. Hate, anger, cold determination, and madness are becoming the forces that drive him forward. If this wasn't bad enough the voice of Lew Therin has begun to speak to him, and he is as mad as the day he died. Even worse though, the voice is real.

Elsewhere in the world Rand's friends and would be allies seek an acnient artifact of the Power that might end the unnatual heat and drought that has blanketed the world. The rebel Aes Sedai, a powerful organization of female channelers, are gathering an army to take back the White Tower. Rand's enemies gather their power. And far to the west the great Seanchan Empire, defeated once by Rand, sets its sights on taking back what they claim is theirs.

At over a thousand pages in paperback, Lord of Chaos is the book that gives the Wheel of Time its reputation for dragging on forever. And the book does drag terribly at points. But it does have its good points. The sixth book in the series, it marks to point where the action begins to shift away from Rand to the other characters and their plots. While he struggles for his sanity the others struggle for the world, and all of it will lead up to one of the greatest climaxes in the whole series.

Pages: 1007

Librarian on the Roof! A True Story by M. G. King

A fictionalized account of RoseAleta Laurell, librarian at the Dr. Eugene Clark Library in Lockhart, TX. When she took over as librarian, she found a beautiful old building that didn't get much use. Especially by children, since there was very little there for them. She updated the collection, pushed for computers, and began to bring in more patrons, but needed a lot more funding for an appropriate children's section.

What to do, what to do? RoseAleta packed a tent and supplies, had herself hoisted 50 feet up to the library's roof, and announced she would stay there unil the town raised enough money for the children.

An engaging story for elementary students.  A 'ShowMe Award' nominee, 2012-2013.

32  pages.

The Marinara Murders by Erik Hanberg

This is the second mystery in the 'Arthur Beautyman' series, following 'The Saints Go Dying'. In 'Saints', Arthur is disgraced and forced to resign as an LA deputy sheriff; in 'Marinara', he has moved into his Mother's basement in Minneapolis.

Problem is, his Mother wants him to be a detective and solve a mystery for her bridge partner. Although he resists as long as he can, he is eventually pulled in. Next problem: Mom wants to be his partner. He resists that too, but to no avail. And Mom is instrumental in solving the case. Arthur doesn't have a chance!

A very enjoyable read, and I look forward to more Arthur Beautyman cases.

244 pages.

The Leopard Tree by Lisa Brochu and Tim Merriman

Three young orphans from Kenya, one who is HIV positive, one who stepped on a land mine and lost a leg and his sight, and one whose entire family was slaughtered in front of her and who hasn't talked since, find a flyer about a children's conference at the United Nations.

They stow away on an airplane, hoping to attend the conference to let the world know what is happening to the children of their country. They are courageous and resourceful, and find people along the way who are charmed by them and their story, and help them on their way.

This young adult novel is inspiring and uplifting, and very sad. The authors have spent decades trying to let people know of the millions of children in developing nations whose most basic needs go unmet, and who often die for lack of food, shelter or medical care. A sobering read.

Freeman by Leonard Pitts

This novel, set in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, tells the story of three people whose lives intersect. Sam Freeman, an escaped slave who fled to the North and gained his freedom; Tilda, his wife, who remained enslaved; and Prudence, a wealthy white abolitionist.

When the war ends, Sam sets out to walk from Philadelphia to Mississippi to find Tilda. Tilda's owner refuses to accept that the South lost, and takes Tilda at gunpoint and heads West to make a new start. Prudence goes to Mississippi to establish a school for freed slaves.

The three of them come together in Mississippi, after each suffers terrible trials that result from the hatred and horrors of the war that divided the nation. The book is stark in its depiction of the grim aftermath of the war. Yet there are many moments of grace that bring hope to the human spirit.

I have long been a fan of the author, a syndicated columnist who writes for the Miami Herald. I find his fiction just as compelling.

432 pages

Forging the Sword by Hilari Bell

Jiann, Kavi, and Soraya have formed an uneasy alliance.  Jiann has become commander of the rebel Farsalan army.  Soraya has learned the Suud way of manipulating the elements, a handy skill when fighting the implacable Hrum.  But Kavi has the most challenging job of all. He must find a way to make a sword that can withstand the "watersteel" of the Hrum.  This book reminds me in some ways of the first "Red Dawn" movie (young teens holding out against an invading army) but without the high body count. A satisfying read. 624 pages.

Rise of a Hero by Hilari Bell

Book 2 of the Farsala Trilogy picks up in the aftermath of the Hrum invasion.  Jiann has gathered the survivors of the Farsalan defeat and is trying to build a rebel army.  Soraya has decided the best way to find out what happened to her mother and little brother is to become a Hrum kitchen worker. Kavi now regrets helping the Hrum and begins spying against them. Bell does a good job of developing both the plot and the characters in this installment. 592 pages.

Five Quarters of the orange: a novel by Joanne Harris

I picked up this book because it was about France, cooking, and World War II.  Framboise (french for raspberry!) has returned to the village her family fled during the war. Believing no-one recognizes her, she opens a successful cafe using the recipes left to her by her mother. But she finds cryptic messages from her mother hidden among the recipes. The messages awake repressed memories of the German execution of 10 villagers. A story of loss, survival, and making it to mellow old age.  320 pages.

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

Hattie Inez Brooks has been passed from relative to relative ever since her parents died when she was a baby. Now she's living with her Aunt Ivy and Uncle Holt but her aunt is itching to get rid of her.  How's a sixteen year old orphan supposed to take care of herself in 1917 America? Well...Hattie gets word that her mother's brother Chester has just died and left her his unproved claim in Vida, Montana.  Her Uncle Holt buys her a train ticket and Hattie's off to make a home of her own.  When I'm tempted to complain about living in my drafty old house out in the middle of the country, I'll remember Hattie's first winter in a tar paper shanty with no indoor plumbing and only a cookstove for heat!   289 pages.

Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

As my classic this month, I chose The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. The story centers around a poor, young couple who struggle to find the perfect Christmas gift for each other. 

A group of us were discussing the author and I was disappointed to learn the younger people present had not heard of O. Henry and his surprise endings. If you are not familiar with O. Henry and received an eReader for Christmas, there are several titles of his available through Project Gutenberg. Don't let this author disappear!18 pages.

Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman

The complete title of this book is Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus. In humorous, but thought-provoking  ways Idleman challenges people to examine their faith to see if they are a faithful follower of Jesus or only a fair weather fan. Starting with examples of followers and fans found in the Bible, Idleman quickly provides illustrations from the present to point out the areas in our lives where we might stray in our commitment to Jesus. If books by John Ortberg, Max Lucado or Francis Chan help you grow in your faith - add this author to your list of must reads. I highly recommend the author and this title in particular! 220 pages.

Syndrome E by Franck Thillier, translated by Mark Polizzotti, read by Gildart Jackson

I was hooked at hello.  A film buff is struck blind while watching an old film. Five young men are unearthed in a mass grave, their skulls cut open and their eyeballs removed. Two french detectives join forces to unravel the mystery that ties these two events together. The usual suspects include the CIA, the intelligence branch of the French Foreign Legion and a mad scientist or two. Inspired by a real-life scandal from 1950s Quebec. Curious? Check it out! Unabridged audiobook, 13 hours 18 minutes. 384 pages.

Amped by Daniel H. Wilson, read by Robbie Daymond

Fast forward to a future where scientists have developed a technological "cure" for ADHD, fetal alcohol and Downs syndrome.  A brain implant allows disadvantaged kids to succeed, no excel, in school and work.  The only problem is that now the "normal" kids and their parents are feeling disadvantaged. They unite behind a powerful politician. The result is predictable: disenfranchisement, segregation, persecution.  Unabridged audio book, 8 hours 42 minutes. 288 pages.

NYPD RED by James Patterson & Marshall Karp

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

The city of New York wants the movie business so they give the industry the city. There is a person who hates the producer and is plotting and killing them. There is a big bang episode at the end and a murder duo.  368 pages.

Keepsake by Antoinette Stockenberg

Seventeen years ago, Quinn fled Keepsake with his father who was suspected of murdering a local socialite. Now that his father has died, Quinn returns to clear the family name. What he hadn't expected was becoming romantically involved with Olivia whose family prefers to have the murder remain unsolved. 

A romantic mystery with a hint of suspense. I chose it because of the good reviews, but was ultimately disappointed. It was a good mystery, but I didn't find myself engaged by the very predictable Quinn/Olivia romance.

Everyday Blessings by Max Lucado

Daily devotions that use Bible verses and a narrative to encourage readers in their spiritual growth. The digital version could use some editing, but I still found the messages inspiring. Based on many of Lucado's books. 400 pages

HELL OR HIGH WATER, Joy Castro

Lots of lovely time to sit and read this past weekend, the hustle/bustle of holiday celebrations mostly over and done.

 

This novel was one of the KCStar’s notable books for 2012.  Set in a post-Katrina New Orleans, it features a young Times-Picayune reporter, Nola Cespedes who’s given a career make-or-break assignment to report on offenders who’ve gone missing off the sex registry since the hurricane. 

 

The book tells two stories.  One is Nola, a proud project-raised Latina and her relationships with men and women and the second is the riveting tale of men who prey on women and children.  Although I love New Orleans, I got a little tired of all the place “name dropping”, a type of storytelling I recognize from other contemporary novels I read recently.  Nevertheless, this is a well-research and smartly written story with a surprise hook at the end.

St. Martin’s Press, 2012, 338 p.

SUITE FRANCAISE, Irene Nemirovsky

This is a truly wonderfully written book with an equally compelling story of how it came to be published.  I’d read the second part first in a review:  a young Jewish mother of two imprisoned and gassed at Auschwitz along with her husband during WWII, her very young daughters conceal and save the manuscript which is published at last in 2004.

The novel itself tells interwoven stories of ordinary French people caught-up in the invasion and later occupation of France by the German Reich.  These stories are intimate yet universal in the telling of what happens when intolerance is given full rein in society.  I highly recommend this novel; this is one of the best books I’ve read this year.

Alfred Knopt, 2006, 395 p.

THE SNOWY DAY AND THE ART OF EZRA JACK KEATS, Claudia J. Nahson

Although I didn’t know it when I brought home this little book from the library for my then-three-year old daughter, The Snowy Day was a ground-breaking book when first published in 1962.  Peter, the little boy in this and other beautifully written and illustrated books, was the first African-American protagonist in a full-color picture book.

Keats artistic technique featured collage, an art form I was just learning to appreciate and this book, published in conjunction with an exhibition organized by The Jewish Museum in 2011, features  75+ illustrations and essays about Keat’s life and art.

In short, this book honoring the 50^th anniversary of the publication of The Snowy Day, was a welcome reminiscence of me encountering the world of truly wonderful children’s literature, a world I now share with my grandchildren.

Yale University Press, 2011, 92 p.