Currently Reading: The Time Traveler's Wife

Currently reading:

The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger

Firstly, I'd like to say: don't judge.  

Yes, I saw the movie (years ago), and yes, I loved it.  And yes, I'm loving the book thus far.  

Set in Chicago/SW Michigan, necessarily written in segmented form... I can't help but enjoy this book.  Definitely a good summer read.  Fluff & goodness.  :)

Will give a fuller review once I'm done later this week.

The Prisoner of Zenda

The Prisoner of Zenda, by Anthony Hope

Such a fun adventure!  I read this forever ago, and had seen the movie around the same time... but it was a blast rediscovering the cunning and charisma of Rudolf Rassendyll.  Highly recommend!

How Wide the Divide?

How Wide the Divide? A Mormon and an Evangelical in Conversation, 

by Craig Blomberg and Stephen E. Robinson

Wow.  What an intellectual and gratifying read!  Written by an evangelical Christian and a Mormon on four of the main "issues" of Christian orthodox beliefs, the book attempts to discern the differences and (significant) similarities between the faiths.  Both are respectful, patient, and willing to work toward a common 'vocabulary' of theological terms that would promote further discussions between evangelicals and Mormons.  As one who has interacted with Mormons extensively (and loves them to death!) I was so pleased to see some of the conversations I have already had (or attempted to have) with my friends in a scholarly format.  It's encouraging to see that we're doing something right - promoting positive discussion and mutual respect!  Highly recommend, if you have any interest whatsoever in Mormon-Evangelical beliefs!

The Locked Crowns

The Locked Crowns, by Marion Garthwaite

One of the first novels I remember reading, in either third or fourth grade, about a prince of Denmark and a princess of England.  I was reunited with the book (joy of joys!) when proofreading my brother's essay on Alfred the Great and his troubles with the Danes... which caused me to recall this book... which, forgetting the name of the novel, caused me to search online for an hour - "The Interlocking Crowns"... "The Linked Crowns"... "The Two Crowns"... and then I found it on a website for good historical fiction for children - broken down into time periods!  Of course, I ordered it, immediately, and was pleased to begin reading it - again! - a mere three days later!  So much love!

Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Yep, the title pretty much sums up my experience with Dostoevsky's iconic novel.

I finished reading it just the other night... finally... after two months of being within seventy pages of finishing, I mustered up the attention and interest necessary to learn to what end Raskolnikov comes.  I take some relief in the knowledge that Thomas Hardy never finished, and RL Stevenson compared C&P to a disease.  Because that's mostly how I feel.

The afterword cleared up quite a bit for me - its significance as a progressive piece of literature (using a third person, omniscient voice to narrate) as well as the symbolism for sin and redemption, throughout.  It is a beautiful story... but about 500 pages too long.

As to my goal for this year: I've read a Russian novel.  As to the second half of that goal - appreciating a Russian novel - I'll... let you know.  I feel a bit war-torn.  Exhausted.  I don't care about Raskolnikov.  Great that he found redemption in Sofia.  But I don't believe him.  My favorite character offed himself: Svidrigailov.  He was the only interesting one.

Overall, I see its importance; I see some humor; I see some insight into human nature and the grace extended us; but, ultimately, I was not compelled.

Radical

Radical, by David Platt

Given to me by my pastor as a preview of what we might be reading for a small group later this year, I was at once captivated and challenged by this book.  The author claims that the American church has bought into the American dream - that we feel led to pick and choose commandments of Jesus, based on our society's standards of success and individualism.  Ought this be the case?  Definitely worth a read, if you're at all worried you're not serving Jesus and His world in the manner He intended.  Or, if you're not, maybe you should give it a read, too.  Just in case.  

The Hempleman Story

(This book not reviewed)

The Hempleman Story, researched and compiled by Gene Ebner

My family history.  George Hempleman, the son of a lord in eighteenth century Kassel, Germany, left home and country to marry his love, Margarette Duffe.  Both became indentured servants in the American colonies, separating for four years.  They met, when their times as servants were up, in a church - able to identify one another by a white glove (George had one, Margarette had one).  Fascinating story.  Even more fascinating and excellent, my grandpa (Gene Ebner) traced the children of George and Margarette to my grandma's dad, Earl Rose, detailing the highlights of the lives between them.  I love my heritage, and was excited to have my family's history written out - with pictures, maps and documents!  Thanks, Grampa Gene!  

For further reading, a distant relative (Karen Bowden-Cox) has written a fictional account based on the facts of our common ancestor: Honorable Deception.  Have yet to read, but ought to soon!

Eats, Shoots & Leaves

Eats, Shoots & Leaves, by Lynne Truss

Brief: I read this comedic look at grammar and punctuation maybe five or six years ago, and loved it as much now as I did then!  Am I that much of a nerd?  Maybe.  If you're interested (or outraged!) in the breakdown of our language with the advent of texting and instant messaging, and the general ignorance of English speakers... this book is for you!

Velvet Elvis

Velvet Elvis, by Rob Bell

Brief: While I was fully prepared to loathe this one, after reading it, I was pleasantly surprised.  Though the theology and scholarship are mediocre at best, it was... nice.  Bell, to me, still feels pretty surface-y; however, I was not in the least offended.  Comparing this, his earlier work, to Love Wins, it is sad to see the way he has become embittered toward the Church and orthodox teaching.

Our Search for Happiness

Our Search for Happiness, by M. Russell Ballard

Brief: A good summary of the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an interesting look into the history and perspective of this system of faith.  While I admire the sincerity of faith in the Mormons I know (and love!), I cannot accept it as truth from God.  This is perhaps more of a side not, but, a vibe I got was the importance and centrality of personal happiness... rather than the glory of God.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge, by Bernard Cornwell

Brief: I love love love this genre!  Such a fun read, and an interesting interpretation on how this famous landmark was constructed, and why.  An "epic" novel, I think is the correct term.  Lots of blood, pagan worship ceremonies, psychotic women (poor Saban can't catch a break!), and brilliant architecture - science ahead of its time.  Definitely a good summer read.  Highly recommend!

Freak the Mighty

Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick

Brief: I read this in 5th or 6th grade and couldn't remember beyond the basic gist of the plot, so I read it on my final day of student teaching.  While the rest of the class read the first three pages.  Oh yes.  READ IT.  You'll be surprised by the depth, the humor, and the innocence. 

The Dark Queen

The Dark Queen, by Susan Carroll

Brief: My favorite genre, so of course I enjoyed it.  The plot is lacking, the writing leaves something to be desired, and some scenes could definitely have been left out or described in much, much less detail.  But.  Catherine de Medici.  Political intrigue.  Magic.  Knights.  Yes, thank you!

Love Wins

Love Wins, by Rob Bell

Brief: My first venture into Rob Bell will likely be my last.  Writing "style" aside, I was put off by his lack of integrity with Scripture, veiled insults toward "traditional" Christianity, and no mention whatsoever of the work of the Spirit.  That being said, though, I admire his passion for reaching people who are lost and disillusioned with the Church.  Unfortunately, the God he presents is not the God Who Is.

Breakfast of Champions

Breakfast of Champions, Kurt Vonnegut

Brief: My first venture into Vonnegut, and it's... not really my cup of tea.  If you're looking for something dark - a bleak look into the hearts of men (with but a hint of humor) - this may be for you.  If you'd rather not, and spare yourself the crude language and content, I'd say you're better off.  I wanted to enjoy it; I really did!

The Spiral Staircase

The Spiral Staircase, by Karen Armstrong

Brief: This memoir made me think more deeply than I've had to in a while.  My heart aches for the way the Church failed this ex-nun, and the way she has yet to turn to the saving relationship she is offered in Christ.  Her musings on God and theology are intelligent, thought-provoking and attractive.  Yet my heart aches after this read.  Still, I highly recommend it. 

The Ballad of the Whiskey Robber

The Ballad of the Whiskey Robber, by Julian Rubinstein

Brief: Such a fun read!  It's nonfiction, but I could barely tell.  This guy robs banks and lives a horrible lifestyle, but you can't help but want to be his friend.  HIGHLY recommend.