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.