Deerskin by Robin McKinley
Generally speaking, I enjoy light fantasy fiction. Robin McKinley hasn't disappointed in the past with novels such as Beauty: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, or The Outlaws of Sherwood. I even really liked reading The Hero and the Crown when I was in high school. Deerskin, however, was not to my liking. I thought the storyline was rather lame and disjointed. I do recommend reading any of the above mentioned titles. They are very entertaining, especially Beauty.
Deerskin is that kind of fantasy novel when the main characters have odd names, so be prepared for that. In a nutshell, it is the story of a princess who is born to parents who are so self-absorbed and popular rulers, that they pretty much forget their daughter exists. The story turns bizarre when the Queen gets ill and dies and the King goes mental. A couple years after the mother has died, the princess is so lovely that the King (who has gone quite nutty and violent) decides he wants to marry his daughter. Instead of immediately running away (which I could not for the life of me figure out why she didn't) she locks herself in her room. Well, the King breaks in, rapes and beats the poor girl and leaves her for dead. FINALLY, the princess pulls herself together and runs away.
During the running away part, the princess, Lissar, has sort of a mental break and can't remember why she's hurt or who she is. Her only companion is her faithful dog whose been her only friend and who the King also beat up. Lissar finds a cabin in the woods and manages to stay alive through a long (apparently 5 years) winter. In the spring, she is visited by the "The Moonwoman" her heals her broken body, changes her appearance and gives her special gifts.
Lissar calls herself Deerskin now (because of the dress she is wearing) and runs for days towards the local kingdom (not her own). She eventually tends the Prince's dogs, and yes, the prince falls in love with her. There are a few twists and entanglements, but there is a happy ending.
I would not have finished this book if I hadn't already invested about 100 pages and was too confined to my bed to search out other things. If you like fantasy or are a devoted Robin McKinley fan, maybe you'll like it better than I did.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Researching new material
I just went to the library and loaded up on new stuff. I'll be recovering from surgery for a bit, so plan on some great reviews (well, at least acceptable) in a couple of weeks.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
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.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Fablehaven
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull copyright 2006
After finishing the Harry Potter series, I was in need of a fantasy fix. Fablehaven fit the bill as an easy to read, but fascinating story of magic, danger, and morality.
(Blurb from back cover)
"For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite. . .
Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken-- Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good -- powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most."
Although it starts a bit more slowly than some, the author does a great job of setting up needful background information that comes in handy when the going gets truly exciting. A great family read as it really brings out some important lessons about obedience and the protective influence it can be. This is the first book in a series that so far contains three books. I believe there will be more. I've read book 2 and enjoyed it more than the first. I haven't read book 3. . . yet.
After finishing the Harry Potter series, I was in need of a fantasy fix. Fablehaven fit the bill as an easy to read, but fascinating story of magic, danger, and morality.
(Blurb from back cover)
"For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite. . .
Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken-- Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good -- powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most."
Although it starts a bit more slowly than some, the author does a great job of setting up needful background information that comes in handy when the going gets truly exciting. A great family read as it really brings out some important lessons about obedience and the protective influence it can be. This is the first book in a series that so far contains three books. I believe there will be more. I've read book 2 and enjoyed it more than the first. I haven't read book 3. . . yet.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Persuasion
Persuasion by Jane Austen copyright 1818 (published posthumously)
Let's get one thing straight at the get-go-- I love Jane Austen's novels. (The exception being Mansfield Park which I think has some of the lamest main characters ever!) Now, I'm sure that I'll do a post on each of her novels eventually, but since Persuasion is my favorite, it gets first billing.
Persuasion was written in a race against failing health in 1815-16. Although Ms. Austen's wit and social satire is as sparkling as ever, her hero and heroine have an extra depth when compared to her other novels. This may be due to their both being older than her previous subjects. Anne Elliot and Capt. Fredrick Wentworth are 27 and 31 at the outset of the book. The beginnings of their connection happens much earlier in their lives (19 and 23), but are separated by the conventions of the day-- no money, his lack of family connections, etc. (As a modern American, sometimes these upper-class, British social rules can seem so annoying.) They break off the engagement, but Anne pines away her days knowing that her one true love has passed her by. Don't think she is an insipid character. She isn't. Anne is well-educated, extremely observant and naturally a peacemaker. Her father and sister are selfish idiots only concerned with appearance- physical and social. They really underestimate and under esteem Anne. In the first chapter, one is struck by Anne's "aloneness." She does have a good friend in a neighbor, Lady Russell, but this friend fulfills a mothering role as Anne's mother died many years previous. One can well understand her loss of losing Capt. Wentworth as not only a husband, but a true friend.
To make a long, twisted story short. . . As fate would have it, Anne and Wentworth are thrown together again, but he has vowed to love anyone, but her. Months pass with them continually in the same social circle; he pursuing (well, sort of) other women; she feeling the loss and struggling to not be overcome by her feelings. As Austen would have it, there must be a time when Wentworth realizes he still loves Anne, but because of his foolish behavior, he may not be able to get her back. (Did you know that Austen's plot line in Pride and Prejudice of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship was the invention of this particular invention in popular fiction? Notice it in almost every romantic movie or book you read. Again, proof that Austen is amazing.)
The story continues through twists and turns and finally ends with satisfaction. The scene where they finally are able to come to understand one another's feelings is a classic for the ages. I'd type it all out here for you, but you really need to read the entire book to properly feel the weight of the matter. Wentworth's letter--love it! However, a most insightful addition to their reuniting is after they've come to an understanding and are at the Elliot's evening party, while jointly admiring some "fine greenery" Wentworth comes to this realization.
"But I too have been thinking over the past, and a question has suggested itself, whether there may not have been one person more my enemy even that that lady? [referring to Lady Russell's original interference in the match] My own self. Tell me if, when I returned to England in the year eight with a few thousand pounds, and was posted into the Laconia, if I had then written to you, would you have answered my letter? would you, in short, have renewed the engagement then?"
"Would I!" was all her answer; but the accent was decisive enough.
"You would! It is not that I did not think of it, or desire it, as what could alone crown all my other success. But I was proud, too proud to ask again. I did not understand you. I shut my eyes, and would not understand you, or do you justice. This is a recollection which ought to make me forgive every one sooner than myself."
Ah, once again pride can make or break a person.
FYI: The BBC has done some great movie adaptations of this novel. One was produced in 1997(?) and the other was just this year. Both movies have their merits. The first one more strictly follows the book, which I really love, but the new film has its advantages, too. For one, there are scenes added that instead of being an explanatory note by Frederick to Anne after their reunion are included into the story when they actually would have taken place. --And I doubt they could have found a more handsome man to play Wentworth than Rupert Penry-Jones, even if his real name is awful.
Let's get one thing straight at the get-go-- I love Jane Austen's novels. (The exception being Mansfield Park which I think has some of the lamest main characters ever!) Now, I'm sure that I'll do a post on each of her novels eventually, but since Persuasion is my favorite, it gets first billing.
Persuasion was written in a race against failing health in 1815-16. Although Ms. Austen's wit and social satire is as sparkling as ever, her hero and heroine have an extra depth when compared to her other novels. This may be due to their both being older than her previous subjects. Anne Elliot and Capt. Fredrick Wentworth are 27 and 31 at the outset of the book. The beginnings of their connection happens much earlier in their lives (19 and 23), but are separated by the conventions of the day-- no money, his lack of family connections, etc. (As a modern American, sometimes these upper-class, British social rules can seem so annoying.) They break off the engagement, but Anne pines away her days knowing that her one true love has passed her by. Don't think she is an insipid character. She isn't. Anne is well-educated, extremely observant and naturally a peacemaker. Her father and sister are selfish idiots only concerned with appearance- physical and social. They really underestimate and under esteem Anne. In the first chapter, one is struck by Anne's "aloneness." She does have a good friend in a neighbor, Lady Russell, but this friend fulfills a mothering role as Anne's mother died many years previous. One can well understand her loss of losing Capt. Wentworth as not only a husband, but a true friend.
To make a long, twisted story short. . . As fate would have it, Anne and Wentworth are thrown together again, but he has vowed to love anyone, but her. Months pass with them continually in the same social circle; he pursuing (well, sort of) other women; she feeling the loss and struggling to not be overcome by her feelings. As Austen would have it, there must be a time when Wentworth realizes he still loves Anne, but because of his foolish behavior, he may not be able to get her back. (Did you know that Austen's plot line in Pride and Prejudice of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship was the invention of this particular invention in popular fiction? Notice it in almost every romantic movie or book you read. Again, proof that Austen is amazing.)
The story continues through twists and turns and finally ends with satisfaction. The scene where they finally are able to come to understand one another's feelings is a classic for the ages. I'd type it all out here for you, but you really need to read the entire book to properly feel the weight of the matter. Wentworth's letter--love it! However, a most insightful addition to their reuniting is after they've come to an understanding and are at the Elliot's evening party, while jointly admiring some "fine greenery" Wentworth comes to this realization.
"But I too have been thinking over the past, and a question has suggested itself, whether there may not have been one person more my enemy even that that lady? [referring to Lady Russell's original interference in the match] My own self. Tell me if, when I returned to England in the year eight with a few thousand pounds, and was posted into the Laconia, if I had then written to you, would you have answered my letter? would you, in short, have renewed the engagement then?"
"Would I!" was all her answer; but the accent was decisive enough.
"You would! It is not that I did not think of it, or desire it, as what could alone crown all my other success. But I was proud, too proud to ask again. I did not understand you. I shut my eyes, and would not understand you, or do you justice. This is a recollection which ought to make me forgive every one sooner than myself."
Ah, once again pride can make or break a person.
FYI: The BBC has done some great movie adaptations of this novel. One was produced in 1997(?) and the other was just this year. Both movies have their merits. The first one more strictly follows the book, which I really love, but the new film has its advantages, too. For one, there are scenes added that instead of being an explanatory note by Frederick to Anne after their reunion are included into the story when they actually would have taken place. --And I doubt they could have found a more handsome man to play Wentworth than Rupert Penry-Jones, even if his real name is awful.
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.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Running with Angels
Running with Angels: The Inspiring Journey of a Woman Who Turned Personal Tragedy into Triumph Over Obesity by Pamela H. Hansen copyright 2005
As a general rule, I enjoy biographies. That being said, I was skeptical about this book until I heard the author speak at a Time Out for Women event a few years back. She genuinely related the events in her life that led to her being obese and the journey to reclaim her body. I related with much of what she felt and so found the book. The result was not only an enjoyable read, but an inspiring story. One that inspired me to "try again".
Each chapter in the book begins with a flashback scene to the author running her first marathon. It follows with experiences from her struggles with being obese. One of the circumstances of Ms. Hansen's life is the fact that a couple of her children are living with chronic illness that require a lot of physical and emotional stamina and how she constantly sacrifices her well-being in order to serve them. She certainly wouldn't put it that way. She is a wonderful, selfless mother. But she lacked balance in that she wasn't giving herself enough care. Ultimately the loss of a baby moves her to find a way other than food to cope with her grief and daily stress.
She chronicles her attempts over the years to exercise and diet. Her failures feed her feelings of weakness and poor self-esteem. For me one of the most hopeful, and motivating, statements come from later in the book, after she has been quite successful over a period of time with losing weight and exercising regularly.
"Each of those countless times that I started an exercise and/or eating program, it would last for a time and then I'd be right back to where I was before. For thirteen years I had felt as though I could "do it myself," that I didn't need to pay anyone for the privilege of stepping on their scale and be humiliated or have someone tell me I was eating too many of the wrong things and not enough of the right things. I knew which foods were healthy and which were not. I had learned that consuming more calories than I was expending would cause weight gain. Some say that if one knows all that, why continue in these self-defeating behaviors, gaining weight and continuing to be heavy? One of the keys to my success was surrendering to the weekly weigh-in-- having to report and be accountable to someone else. In my case, I found that I couldn't "do it myself"."
For years I've "done it myself" with mediocre and short-lived success controlling my diet. I have enjoyed regular exercise for a number of years, but the diet part was a losing battle. After reading this book again (or at least parts of it again) this past winter, I knew that I "couldn't do it myself" either. I've been going to Weight Watchers since February, and although I didn't have 100 pounds to lose like the author, it's been a long road to lose 15. I've watched a number of woman lose 50 pounds in the same amount of time as it's taken me to lose 15, but I've learned a lot. It wasn't about learning how and what to eat. It has been about attending groups, developing supportive friendships, and having a place to go where I could ask for help and be accountable.
This book inspires not only those struggling with body issues, but with grieving and chronic illness issues, as well. Ms. Hansen's faith and love for her family helped her through this journey and continue to play an important role in her continued success. If you're interested, check out http://www.runningwithangels.com/ for more information about this and a new title by Pam Hansen.
As a general rule, I enjoy biographies. That being said, I was skeptical about this book until I heard the author speak at a Time Out for Women event a few years back. She genuinely related the events in her life that led to her being obese and the journey to reclaim her body. I related with much of what she felt and so found the book. The result was not only an enjoyable read, but an inspiring story. One that inspired me to "try again".
Each chapter in the book begins with a flashback scene to the author running her first marathon. It follows with experiences from her struggles with being obese. One of the circumstances of Ms. Hansen's life is the fact that a couple of her children are living with chronic illness that require a lot of physical and emotional stamina and how she constantly sacrifices her well-being in order to serve them. She certainly wouldn't put it that way. She is a wonderful, selfless mother. But she lacked balance in that she wasn't giving herself enough care. Ultimately the loss of a baby moves her to find a way other than food to cope with her grief and daily stress.
She chronicles her attempts over the years to exercise and diet. Her failures feed her feelings of weakness and poor self-esteem. For me one of the most hopeful, and motivating, statements come from later in the book, after she has been quite successful over a period of time with losing weight and exercising regularly.
"Each of those countless times that I started an exercise and/or eating program, it would last for a time and then I'd be right back to where I was before. For thirteen years I had felt as though I could "do it myself," that I didn't need to pay anyone for the privilege of stepping on their scale and be humiliated or have someone tell me I was eating too many of the wrong things and not enough of the right things. I knew which foods were healthy and which were not. I had learned that consuming more calories than I was expending would cause weight gain. Some say that if one knows all that, why continue in these self-defeating behaviors, gaining weight and continuing to be heavy? One of the keys to my success was surrendering to the weekly weigh-in-- having to report and be accountable to someone else. In my case, I found that I couldn't "do it myself"."
For years I've "done it myself" with mediocre and short-lived success controlling my diet. I have enjoyed regular exercise for a number of years, but the diet part was a losing battle. After reading this book again (or at least parts of it again) this past winter, I knew that I "couldn't do it myself" either. I've been going to Weight Watchers since February, and although I didn't have 100 pounds to lose like the author, it's been a long road to lose 15. I've watched a number of woman lose 50 pounds in the same amount of time as it's taken me to lose 15, but I've learned a lot. It wasn't about learning how and what to eat. It has been about attending groups, developing supportive friendships, and having a place to go where I could ask for help and be accountable.
This book inspires not only those struggling with body issues, but with grieving and chronic illness issues, as well. Ms. Hansen's faith and love for her family helped her through this journey and continue to play an important role in her continued success. If you're interested, check out http://www.runningwithangels.com/ for more information about this and a new title by Pam Hansen.
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