this is pathetic

It's been about three months since my last post.  It's not that I haven't been reading.  Because I have been.  Kinda.  I've been jumping from book to book for a while, and in doing so, haven't thought to write down any thoughts about these particular books.  But it's time for an update.  Please bear with me and my fragmented thoughts/sentences; I'm nearly in my right mind, and will use this occasion to pull the pregnancy card.

Since finishing the Shakespeare book by Bryson, I've sampled:

marriage books (The Sacred Romance, Real Marriage), 

novels/short stories (Ender's Game, The Jungle Books, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Book Thief),

religious stuff (The Forgiveness Labyrinth, The Vine and the Trellis, The Mass)

other non-fiction (Made in America, The Professor and the Madman)

See?  I have been busy.  But not captured enough to finish one.  Obviously some of these I've read before.... Eh.  My eyes hurt.

a gift

A book from my beloved high school English teacher.

Sarah

Sarah, by Marek Halter

This was a quick read for me (I enjoyed it immensely, and it was rather shorter than the other books I've attempted lately).  The first book in the Canaan Trilogy, by French-Jewish author Marek Halter, is an imaginative retelling of the story of Sarah, wife of Abraham.  Though it departs somewhat from the biblical tale (he paints a picture of Sarah as a princess from a neighboring kingdom to Abraham, rather than Abraham's half-sister, as the Bible indicates), the perspective of early civilization, idol worship, and the thorough torment of barrenness put flesh to the story I've heard untold times.  Cliche, I know, but the Genesis story comes to life.  Sarah is given a personality.  Abraham, too.  And he's not perfect.  

Read this if you're interested in historical fiction, if you enjoy retellings of biblical stories with biblical characters, and are just in the mood for a light read with a slightly feminist edge. 

8.14 [currently reading]

Currently reading:

Do Hard Things, by Alex and Brett Harris - reading with one of my youth group girls.  Surprisingly, I feel challenged and convicted. 1/4 complete.

The Weight of Glory, by C.S. Lewis - because I cannot get enough of Jack.  (Cannot wait to meet this guy and have tea with him in heaven.)  1/8 complete.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred Taylor - one of my absolute favorite stories.  1/16 complete.

The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer - reading with another of my youth group girls (soon to be college-bound!)  This one is tough, and we've both been busy.  Unfortunately, on a back-burner for now.  1/32 complete.

I like this mix.  Some fiction, some non.  Each important, in their own way. 

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!

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!

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!

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!