Don't Close Your Eyes by Betsy Brannon Green copyright 2003
First, I chose this author due to many friends and acquaintances convincing me that I would enjoy them. I did, but with qualifications. This murder mystery has some really great plot twists and intelligent likeable characters. The suspense was well moderated and it certainly fits within "modern prude" guidelines. Second, it isn't much over 200 pages. With my timeframe these days, that is a plus.
My only problem with the whole thing, and yes, I guess I am a snob, is the LDS angle. I generally have a problem with LDS fiction simply because the references to religion seem contrived and arbitrary. The storyline itself generally doesn't depend upon them. I guess I wonder why Mormon fiction authors seem so determined to make the readers feel warm and fuzzy over (usually) one of the main characters joining the church and falling in love with another main character of same religious preferences. Isn't that handy how in stories life ends up so conveniently wrapped up in a nice religiously moral way? Drives me nuts. Anyway, if that sort of thing doesn't annoy you, and you enjoy a mystery with a very tame love angle you'll read this book with pleasure.
Showing posts with label LDS interest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LDS interest. Show all posts
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Camilla
Camilla: A Biography of Camilla Eyring Kimball by Caroline Eyring Miner and Edward Kimball copyright 1980
This book was in a stack of a few that I inherited from my grandmother a number of years ago. I read it back in 2005 and really enjoyed it. I love biographies anyway, but I'd always heard what lovely, talented, intelligent woman Camilla Kimbal was and was interested to learn for myself of her goodness.
A lot about Camilla surprised me. She was a very resourceful, gracious woman. I found her early history of living in the Mexican LDS colonies and her family's "sneaking out" of the country fascinating. She devoted herself to her family always. I know many may find this way of thinking old-fashioned, but she truly was always concerned about her family first. She was the ultimate frugal homemaker making the most of everything she had. Certainly lived by the "waste not, want not" principle.
I think that I had hoped she would be a "superwoman" kind of gal, but really, she was just as human and normal as the rest of us. In fact the last sentence of the cover blurb sums it up very well. "The woman who emerges is shy but warm, bighly intelligent, refreshingly candid, deeply faithful, independent to a fault, unswervingly loyal, and reassuringly human."
This book might be out of print, but I'm sure that Utah local libraries will have a copy in their collections. Worth the read.
This book was in a stack of a few that I inherited from my grandmother a number of years ago. I read it back in 2005 and really enjoyed it. I love biographies anyway, but I'd always heard what lovely, talented, intelligent woman Camilla Kimbal was and was interested to learn for myself of her goodness.
A lot about Camilla surprised me. She was a very resourceful, gracious woman. I found her early history of living in the Mexican LDS colonies and her family's "sneaking out" of the country fascinating. She devoted herself to her family always. I know many may find this way of thinking old-fashioned, but she truly was always concerned about her family first. She was the ultimate frugal homemaker making the most of everything she had. Certainly lived by the "waste not, want not" principle.
I think that I had hoped she would be a "superwoman" kind of gal, but really, she was just as human and normal as the rest of us. In fact the last sentence of the cover blurb sums it up very well. "The woman who emerges is shy but warm, bighly intelligent, refreshingly candid, deeply faithful, independent to a fault, unswervingly loyal, and reassuringly human."
This book might be out of print, but I'm sure that Utah local libraries will have a copy in their collections. Worth the read.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Jayhawk and Return to Red Castle
Jayhawk and Return to Red Castle by Dorothy M. Keddington copyrights 1978 and 1981
I originally read these fun, clean adventure/romance novels as a teenager. I found some copies at a used bookstore recently for a buck a piece-- yup, they're part of my collection. Seeing as it had been twenty years since I last read them, I decided to see if they were any good beyond my teenage experience. I discovered them to be pleasant, quick reads--even if they were a bit heavy on the romance side. I think that those gals who loved the Twilight series would likely enjoy these. They are every bit as exciting, but without all the weird vampire stuff. (Honestly, I think I like these better than Twilight.) I don't recommend them for young teens. These are for at least dating age girls.
Another bonus, in my view, is that the author, while LDS, doesn't give her characters any particular religion. They are just characters that you don't have to hold up to the LDS standard. The characters are good people, and I like that part, but I just like reading adventure for its own sake without having to filter everything through an LDS viewpoint.
These books are available at local libraries, maybe still at Deseret Book?, and check out the Deseret Industries book section.
I originally read these fun, clean adventure/romance novels as a teenager. I found some copies at a used bookstore recently for a buck a piece-- yup, they're part of my collection. Seeing as it had been twenty years since I last read them, I decided to see if they were any good beyond my teenage experience. I discovered them to be pleasant, quick reads--even if they were a bit heavy on the romance side. I think that those gals who loved the Twilight series would likely enjoy these. They are every bit as exciting, but without all the weird vampire stuff. (Honestly, I think I like these better than Twilight.) I don't recommend them for young teens. These are for at least dating age girls.
Another bonus, in my view, is that the author, while LDS, doesn't give her characters any particular religion. They are just characters that you don't have to hold up to the LDS standard. The characters are good people, and I like that part, but I just like reading adventure for its own sake without having to filter everything through an LDS viewpoint.
These books are available at local libraries, maybe still at Deseret Book?, and check out the Deseret Industries book section.
Chickens in the Headlights
Chickens in the Headlights by Matthew Buckley copyright 2005
Funny. This book is filled with giggles, guffaws and outright belly laughs. The story centers around a family with seven young sons living in rural Utah. The antics are endless.
"When the school year ends Mom and Dad decide to harness some of their boys' apparently inexhaustive energy and buy some goats and chickens for them to take care of. While they are initially thrilled with the 'responsibiliy,' the boys soon learn that it's far tougher--and far funnier for the reader-- than it appears."
Seriously, the chapter where the family travels to California in their van, I couldn't breathe I was laughing so hard. Maybe because I've lived some similar experiences. . . Anyway, this is a fun, upbeat read. It is also available on audiobook and mp3.
Funny. This book is filled with giggles, guffaws and outright belly laughs. The story centers around a family with seven young sons living in rural Utah. The antics are endless.
"When the school year ends Mom and Dad decide to harness some of their boys' apparently inexhaustive energy and buy some goats and chickens for them to take care of. While they are initially thrilled with the 'responsibiliy,' the boys soon learn that it's far tougher--and far funnier for the reader-- than it appears."
Seriously, the chapter where the family travels to California in their van, I couldn't breathe I was laughing so hard. Maybe because I've lived some similar experiences. . . Anyway, this is a fun, upbeat read. It is also available on audiobook and mp3.
A Heart Like His: Moaking Space for God's Love in Your Life
A Heart Like His: Making Space for God's Love in Your Life by Virginia H. Pearce
This is a short little book with a very BIG message. It certainly isn't a "guilt" book, but one that really speaks to the heart of many women. I think many of us often ask ourselves, "Why don't I feel closer to God? How can I feel His love for me more often? How can I develop the kind of love God has?" These questions are addressed in simple, yet meaningful ways. The concept I love the most is the visualization regarding opening one's heart. Sister Pearce's connection between having an "open heart" and receiving and increase in energy is profound, as well.
This book is available at local libraries, but I bet you'll want your own copy.
This is a short little book with a very BIG message. It certainly isn't a "guilt" book, but one that really speaks to the heart of many women. I think many of us often ask ourselves, "Why don't I feel closer to God? How can I feel His love for me more often? How can I develop the kind of love God has?" These questions are addressed in simple, yet meaningful ways. The concept I love the most is the visualization regarding opening one's heart. Sister Pearce's connection between having an "open heart" and receiving and increase in energy is profound, as well.
This book is available at local libraries, but I bet you'll want your own copy.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Raising up a Family to the Lord
Raising up a Family to the Lord by Gene R. Cook copyright 1993
A wonderful friend gave me the audiobook of this right after my first baby was born. Todd and I loved it so much we bought the book that has more detail and examples. Chapter titles include, "Teaching Your Family by the Spirit", "Teaching Your Family to Pray," "Teaching Your Family Repentance and Discipline," Teaching Your Family about Work and Finances," and others. The practical advice and encouragement is so inspiring. Whether your children are really small, teenagers or young adults, there is beneficial counsel in this book.
Bro. Cook uses examples from his own family life, as well as examples from those he has come in contact through the years. Since he has 9 children, I'd like to believe that he's a pretty good judge of what family life is really like and has learned from experience what will bring a family to the Lord. I continually go back to this book as a reference and reminder when I'm facing a difficult parenting issue or just for encouragement to keep trying. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Bro. Cook's counsel emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual, but shows that by following specific principles our families will be blessed.
A wonderful friend gave me the audiobook of this right after my first baby was born. Todd and I loved it so much we bought the book that has more detail and examples. Chapter titles include, "Teaching Your Family by the Spirit", "Teaching Your Family to Pray," "Teaching Your Family Repentance and Discipline," Teaching Your Family about Work and Finances," and others. The practical advice and encouragement is so inspiring. Whether your children are really small, teenagers or young adults, there is beneficial counsel in this book.
Bro. Cook uses examples from his own family life, as well as examples from those he has come in contact through the years. Since he has 9 children, I'd like to believe that he's a pretty good judge of what family life is really like and has learned from experience what will bring a family to the Lord. I continually go back to this book as a reference and reminder when I'm facing a difficult parenting issue or just for encouragement to keep trying. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Bro. Cook's counsel emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual, but shows that by following specific principles our families will be blessed.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Mothering
Mothering by Elaine Cannon copyright 1993
I received this book as a Mother's Day gift from my in-laws back in 1996. My first baby wasn't even a year old yet, and we had just moved to southern Oregon--far, far away. I started to read it after I had just finished a "whining" moment with my own mother over the phone. I was lonely and sad and missing my mother. This was a great book of insight and comfort. It's likely out of print, but I imagine that a few Utah libraries may have a copy if you're interested in reading it.
The book is a collection of essays written by Elaine Cannon on various mothering topics. No, it's not about how to get your children potty trained or the best methods of achieving laundry bliss. It addresses what it means to "mother" and the role of motherhood. The blurb under the first essay reads, " Mothering is the best thing to happen to anyone. It is awesome to have that little person's hand in yours and become aware that his or her life is in your hands as well. Whatever the day's struggles, when the child is tucked in bed at last, his or her smile is worth it." Doesn't that just make you want to read more? Okay, I'll give you more. "Mothering is God's way of blessing the world. Women who play the loving, protective part with infants and children, with handicapped people and needful seniors deserve a tribute. Mothers who deal with tough problems of their own prove skillful in helping other women in the challenging role of mothering. As for the rest of us, we are constantly amazed at how those who have paved the way for us remain a part of us forever."
The final section of the book includes essays/tributes on mothering by other writers. One of my favorite paragraphs from these other essays is by Anne Carroll P. Darger: "a well-educated young mother who has been a civic leader, a member of the Junior League, and a newspaper religion columnist for the Idaho Statesman. " Cannon includes these accolades before the reader begins reading the essay, but Darger's beginning paragraph tells us a great deal more.
" When our daughter Elizabeth was finishing her kindergarten year, her teacher asked her students to state what they wanted to be when they grew up. The answers were published in the kindergarten graduation program. There was a wide range of responses: fireman, nurse, teacher, lawyer, astronaut, doctor, actress, artist, sports hero. . . . Elizabeth was the only member of her class who answered, "I want to be a mother." Actually, she said, "I just want to be a plain ol' mother," which was her way of clarifying for her teacher that unlike other little girls in the class who perhaps wanted to be a doctor and a mom, Elizabeth had chosen motherhood as her primary career. I was thrilled to think that we must be doing something right. Because, you see, I am a "plain ol' mother."
Whether one is a "plain ol' mother" or a "mother extraordinaire", we all can use some encouragement and inspiration. This book serves that up with pleasure, wit, and reverence, too.
I received this book as a Mother's Day gift from my in-laws back in 1996. My first baby wasn't even a year old yet, and we had just moved to southern Oregon--far, far away. I started to read it after I had just finished a "whining" moment with my own mother over the phone. I was lonely and sad and missing my mother. This was a great book of insight and comfort. It's likely out of print, but I imagine that a few Utah libraries may have a copy if you're interested in reading it.
The book is a collection of essays written by Elaine Cannon on various mothering topics. No, it's not about how to get your children potty trained or the best methods of achieving laundry bliss. It addresses what it means to "mother" and the role of motherhood. The blurb under the first essay reads, " Mothering is the best thing to happen to anyone. It is awesome to have that little person's hand in yours and become aware that his or her life is in your hands as well. Whatever the day's struggles, when the child is tucked in bed at last, his or her smile is worth it." Doesn't that just make you want to read more? Okay, I'll give you more. "Mothering is God's way of blessing the world. Women who play the loving, protective part with infants and children, with handicapped people and needful seniors deserve a tribute. Mothers who deal with tough problems of their own prove skillful in helping other women in the challenging role of mothering. As for the rest of us, we are constantly amazed at how those who have paved the way for us remain a part of us forever."
The final section of the book includes essays/tributes on mothering by other writers. One of my favorite paragraphs from these other essays is by Anne Carroll P. Darger: "a well-educated young mother who has been a civic leader, a member of the Junior League, and a newspaper religion columnist for the Idaho Statesman. " Cannon includes these accolades before the reader begins reading the essay, but Darger's beginning paragraph tells us a great deal more.
" When our daughter Elizabeth was finishing her kindergarten year, her teacher asked her students to state what they wanted to be when they grew up. The answers were published in the kindergarten graduation program. There was a wide range of responses: fireman, nurse, teacher, lawyer, astronaut, doctor, actress, artist, sports hero. . . . Elizabeth was the only member of her class who answered, "I want to be a mother." Actually, she said, "I just want to be a plain ol' mother," which was her way of clarifying for her teacher that unlike other little girls in the class who perhaps wanted to be a doctor and a mom, Elizabeth had chosen motherhood as her primary career. I was thrilled to think that we must be doing something right. Because, you see, I am a "plain ol' mother."
Whether one is a "plain ol' mother" or a "mother extraordinaire", we all can use some encouragement and inspiration. This book serves that up with pleasure, wit, and reverence, too.
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