by Elizabeth Gilbert
This was another book that I chose to read because of the movie coming out. Afterall, the movie has Julia Roberts, and most any movie with Julia Roberts will be one that I see. And as the books are often better than the movies, I had to read the book first. Elizabeth spends four months in three places: in Italy to eat, in India to pray, and in Indonesia to love. I was skeptical to be honest. And it was hard to relate with Elizabeth. Afterall, she is the one jumping out of marriage at age 30 to roam the world and pursue writing, while I am the one at 28 who jumped out of teaching and am home, married, and raising three kids. Very different perspectives and priorities. However, she is such a person (and she admits it in telling why she is a good traveler) who makes friends easily, and this came across in her book, thus making it easier to see her side. I don't agree with a lot of what she wrote about or a lot of what she necessarily decides to do. But I found a surprisingly large amount of truth in her prayer journey to India. As an Orthodox Christian I would not agree with the general principles of her found religion, but some of the practices that she found are truth, such as fasting, praying constantly, and even the description of heaven and hell that she finds. So it was intriguing to see where truth could be found. I didn't love it, but I liked it enough to be seeking out the sequel.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Book # 18: Perfect Circles: Redefining Perfection
by John Michael Stuart, MSW
I started this book not realizing that it was meant to be a self-help book. Therefore, it was a bit of a struggle to read as my expectations for it were different than what it turned out to be. John Stuart has cerebral palsy which he was born with due to being deprived of oxygen for four minutes. He is therefore physically disabled, and faces all of the challenges that come with this. Throughout the book he intersperses stories and events from his life with inspirational messages and ways of thinking. I got the book looking to read the stories, and discovered that the inspirational messages were a bigger part of the book. At first I was annoyed; and frankly, almost stopped reading it, but then I decided as I was already 45 pages in to give it a shot and keep going. And I'm glad I did. It is a good book! A lot of the things he recommends to help you learn to accept yourself, move on, and be happy in life are things that I've discovered since becoming an Orthodox Christian. Just two quick examples are: 1. the power of your mind over your body; 2. the power of forgiveness to move you toward reconciliation. In Orthodoxy we fast to help us overcome our fallen bodies which are weak, and we are expected to forgive constantly. To demonstrate the forgiveness aspect we begin each Lenten period before Pascha (our Easter) by attending a Forgiveness Vespers where after the service we all line up and ask every member of the parish including our families for forgiveness. In which they reply, "God forgives, and I forgive". I'm not sure of John Stuart's religious beliefs or if he even has any, but a number of the truths he brings about in his book are "perfectly" stated.
I started this book not realizing that it was meant to be a self-help book. Therefore, it was a bit of a struggle to read as my expectations for it were different than what it turned out to be. John Stuart has cerebral palsy which he was born with due to being deprived of oxygen for four minutes. He is therefore physically disabled, and faces all of the challenges that come with this. Throughout the book he intersperses stories and events from his life with inspirational messages and ways of thinking. I got the book looking to read the stories, and discovered that the inspirational messages were a bigger part of the book. At first I was annoyed; and frankly, almost stopped reading it, but then I decided as I was already 45 pages in to give it a shot and keep going. And I'm glad I did. It is a good book! A lot of the things he recommends to help you learn to accept yourself, move on, and be happy in life are things that I've discovered since becoming an Orthodox Christian. Just two quick examples are: 1. the power of your mind over your body; 2. the power of forgiveness to move you toward reconciliation. In Orthodoxy we fast to help us overcome our fallen bodies which are weak, and we are expected to forgive constantly. To demonstrate the forgiveness aspect we begin each Lenten period before Pascha (our Easter) by attending a Forgiveness Vespers where after the service we all line up and ask every member of the parish including our families for forgiveness. In which they reply, "God forgives, and I forgive". I'm not sure of John Stuart's religious beliefs or if he even has any, but a number of the truths he brings about in his book are "perfectly" stated.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Book # 17: The Pillars of the Earth
by Ken Follett
I read this book in high school (eleventh grade) and have been claiming it was my favorite book ever since. It was interesting to reread it from my perspective now. A lot has changed since eleventh grade. I'm now an Orthodox Christian; I've graduated from college; I'm married; and I have three kids. So my perspective on life has definitely changed. The main thing that surprised me was how graphic the book was. Sorry to be blunt, but the sex and violence described in this book blew me away. I couldn't believe that I read it when I was 17, and then I couldn't believe that my parents let me, though in all honesty they probably had no idea what was described. The second surprise after I calmed down over the brutality and graphic nature of what was being described was that the book is just as good as I remembered. The story is extremely complex. The plot is interwoven through multiple characters' lives spectacularly. It is truly a masterpiece!
The overall concept of the book is following the building of the Kingsbridge Cathedral. In doing that we meet the Prior, who runs the monastery where the cathedral is to be built, two masons/builders and their families, and various Earls, Bishops, and Kings. All of their lives weave together to either fight for or against the building of this church. It's so complex and well researched that I honestly can tell you no more without writing for pages.
I'm not sure if I would still say it was my favorite book, though I can definitely see why I would have said that in 11th grade. It offered me an interesting look back at who I was and what I stood for. A bit of pride was definitely part of my claiming it as a favorite then--who else at that age claims a nine hundred and seventy three page book, much less one about building Gothic cathedrals in the 1100's. But now reading it, I struggle with the sexuality and brutality described. I have never been a reader of romance novels and head for the classics more often. I have read other books equally well written with less in your face violence. So I will say it is Ken Follett's masterpiece, and one that I would recommend with a warning to be prepared.
I read this book in high school (eleventh grade) and have been claiming it was my favorite book ever since. It was interesting to reread it from my perspective now. A lot has changed since eleventh grade. I'm now an Orthodox Christian; I've graduated from college; I'm married; and I have three kids. So my perspective on life has definitely changed. The main thing that surprised me was how graphic the book was. Sorry to be blunt, but the sex and violence described in this book blew me away. I couldn't believe that I read it when I was 17, and then I couldn't believe that my parents let me, though in all honesty they probably had no idea what was described. The second surprise after I calmed down over the brutality and graphic nature of what was being described was that the book is just as good as I remembered. The story is extremely complex. The plot is interwoven through multiple characters' lives spectacularly. It is truly a masterpiece!
The overall concept of the book is following the building of the Kingsbridge Cathedral. In doing that we meet the Prior, who runs the monastery where the cathedral is to be built, two masons/builders and their families, and various Earls, Bishops, and Kings. All of their lives weave together to either fight for or against the building of this church. It's so complex and well researched that I honestly can tell you no more without writing for pages.
I'm not sure if I would still say it was my favorite book, though I can definitely see why I would have said that in 11th grade. It offered me an interesting look back at who I was and what I stood for. A bit of pride was definitely part of my claiming it as a favorite then--who else at that age claims a nine hundred and seventy three page book, much less one about building Gothic cathedrals in the 1100's. But now reading it, I struggle with the sexuality and brutality described. I have never been a reader of romance novels and head for the classics more often. I have read other books equally well written with less in your face violence. So I will say it is Ken Follett's masterpiece, and one that I would recommend with a warning to be prepared.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Book # 16: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
by J.K. Rowling
A reread to prepare for the upcoming movie. I must admit I forgot a TON of the book, but it was just as enjoyable to read it a second time. I plowed through it, could hardly put it down, and finished it in less than a week (and with three kids three and under that is quite a feat). So if you haven't, which if you're reading a book review blog I'm sure you have, read the Harry Potter series.
And I am happy to report that I have a book waiting for me at the library along with three others that were requested. Yea!! Reading is such a good thing when I have a newborn because it makes me relax. It makes me take a break on the couch. It makes me head to bed earlier. It makes me feel like I am doing something even when I'm taking a break. And a mom always needs to feel productive.
A reread to prepare for the upcoming movie. I must admit I forgot a TON of the book, but it was just as enjoyable to read it a second time. I plowed through it, could hardly put it down, and finished it in less than a week (and with three kids three and under that is quite a feat). So if you haven't, which if you're reading a book review blog I'm sure you have, read the Harry Potter series.
And I am happy to report that I have a book waiting for me at the library along with three others that were requested. Yea!! Reading is such a good thing when I have a newborn because it makes me relax. It makes me take a break on the couch. It makes me head to bed earlier. It makes me feel like I am doing something even when I'm taking a break. And a mom always needs to feel productive.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Book # 15: Going Rogue
by Sarah Palin
I really enjoyed reading this book. Sarah Palin is someone who seemed impressive when she ran for vice president. I liked her idea of politics and working for the people, not for the party. I liked that she was a lifetime NRA member, and that she understood how to hunt. But there were also things that I didn't understand--her outlook on her daughter's pregnancy or her entering pageants. After reading this, I like her even more. She is truly a woman to be admired. She clearly explains her positions and sticks by them. She campaigns on issues and sticks to them. I think everyone should read it to get a better idea of how politics should be run. I'm definitely interested to see where Sarah Palin ends up.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Sarah Palin is someone who seemed impressive when she ran for vice president. I liked her idea of politics and working for the people, not for the party. I liked that she was a lifetime NRA member, and that she understood how to hunt. But there were also things that I didn't understand--her outlook on her daughter's pregnancy or her entering pageants. After reading this, I like her even more. She is truly a woman to be admired. She clearly explains her positions and sticks by them. She campaigns on issues and sticks to them. I think everyone should read it to get a better idea of how politics should be run. I'm definitely interested to see where Sarah Palin ends up.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Baby # 3 Arrives!
So yes, I've been out of touch.
Here's part of why:
Baby # 3 was born on July 15th!
So I am officially a mom of three under three! Number two turned one last week, and next week number one turns three! So then I will have three, three and under. Doesn't sound as television worthy as three under three does. Oh well! Just thankful they are becoming a little more independent. And number three is finally doing longer stretches at night, so I'm starting to feel human again.
I did finish another book, the third in the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Honestly, it was torture to read. Maybe it was the end of pregnancy tiredness or the itch to get other things done, but making myself sit down and read it was hard. Not a book I'd recommend, as I've mentioned the humor is just not the kind I enjoy. Frankly, I don't feel like talking about it anymore.
Now that number three is here, my motivation to read has returned (though on a lesser scale). I've already started and into another book; so hopefully, the next post won't be so long in coming.
Here's part of why:
Baby # 3 was born on July 15th!
So I am officially a mom of three under three! Number two turned one last week, and next week number one turns three! So then I will have three, three and under. Doesn't sound as television worthy as three under three does. Oh well! Just thankful they are becoming a little more independent. And number three is finally doing longer stretches at night, so I'm starting to feel human again.
I did finish another book, the third in the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Honestly, it was torture to read. Maybe it was the end of pregnancy tiredness or the itch to get other things done, but making myself sit down and read it was hard. Not a book I'd recommend, as I've mentioned the humor is just not the kind I enjoy. Frankly, I don't feel like talking about it anymore.
Now that number three is here, my motivation to read has returned (though on a lesser scale). I've already started and into another book; so hopefully, the next post won't be so long in coming.
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