75 Books...More or Less! discussion

A new year, new leaves to turn...

1. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton: I will not soon forget Morton's storytelling, endearing characters, and intriguing plot twists. 5 stars

Penny, Happy New Year! It's great that your first book of the year was such a good one . . . let's take that as a very good omen, shall we?

Absolutely, Kay! Happy New Year!

2. Ten Poems to Change Your Life by Roger Housden: The poem and poet choices were excellent. However, I did not agree with all of Housden's interpretations and insights. I would have preferred less commentary. 3 stars

3. The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli: I enjoyed reading this book with my boys again. I upgraded it to a five-star rating. Any book that piques their interest deserves the highest recommendation.

4. Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress
by Oliver Hunkin, John Bunyan, Alan Parry:My boys and I loved this modern version of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. We were scheduled to read it through next week, but just couldn't stop reading. We took turns reading the dialogue in various voices. My youngest sketched his own versions of the extraordinary illustrations. The book may appear like a children's book, but the content stays true to Bunyan's original story with its depth and symbolism of spiritual journey. 5 stars

5. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens: Always a pleasure to read Dickens! 4 stars

I know it's absurd, but I've never read a Dickens novel before! I've got one on my Kindle, I'm going to try and read it before the end of the year.

Which one?

Still haven't read A Tale of Two Cities. But I loved Great Expectations. Only Dickens book I've read.

This was my second read of A Tale of Two Cities, and I enjoyed again--maybe more. I have read Hard Times (excellent!) and A Christmas Carol and bits and pieces of Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. I hope to read all within my lifetime.

Penny wrote: "Which one?"

The one I have is Oliver Twist. I think I may have a few more of his works, as well. Since they are free, I loaded up on classic authors in the hopes that I will be able to read them finally. I'm try to tackle Les Mis right now!

Oliver Twist is a great story. Enjoy! Les Mis is on my list as well. A few more to finish before then, however.

6. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Although her characters are far from perfect, Austen's characterization is flawless. In an age of stringent social mores, she reveals the realities and deceptions of human relationships. She shows the prideful become humble or self-exalted. She reveals prejudice either dissolves with intimacy or increases ignorance. More than these, she developes a love story unmatched by the writers of her day and ours.

7. Silas Marner by George Eliot: Having set Middlemarch aside indefinitely, I had few hopes of liking any of Eliot's book. Some books gain unfair reputations, and my perception of Silas Marner was steeped in ignorance. I thought it would be long and tedious. Instead, I enjoyed this slim, yet poignant story. Eliot aptly juxtaposes betrayal and loyalty, greed and benevolence, loathing and love. Her timeless characters remind readers of their own vices and victories. Forget what you may have heard about Silas Marner and give him the read he deserves!

8. Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton: This book was recommended by our home school curriculum as an alternative to reading Heart of Darkness. While I chose to assign Heart of Darkness in addition to this selection, I am glad my son read the two side-by-side. While both books take place in Africa and reflect on the tragic decisions of their characters, Paton's story is one of redemption and forgiveness. I highly recommend it!

9. Main Street by Sinclair Lewis: My literary book club is discussing this book, which has been on my must-read list since my mother read it for her book club. While this book takes place in the World War I era, it resonates with my grandmother’s stories about moving to several Minnesota small towns after marrying my grandfather while he was a World War II Air Force lieutenant. Facebook is akin to listening in on the party line, and politics still battle across grocery counters and on street corners. Women still vacillate between having a career and keeping the house. Men and women continue to look across the kitchen table and wonder who that person is reading the daily news and whose distorted reflection peers through murky morning coffee. Sinclair’s story transcends the century, reminding the reader of the Main Street within all of us and of characters real enough to be our neighbors. 5 stars

10. Interrogations at Noon by Dana Gioia: I heard about Dana Gioia through Mars Hill Network. His poetry books exude tenacious attention to word choice, rhyme, rhythm, and themes. While not overt, there exists an undercurrent of spiritual depth that draws the reader into the author's experience and toward self-reflection. I am currently reading Gioia's compilation of essays titled Can Poetry Matter? and his most recent poetry collection, Pity the Beauty. More on those in coming months. 4 stars

11. Animal Farm by George Orwell: This slim, unassuming novel contains a full-bodied analysis of communism in post-World War II Russia. Through the anthropomorphism of farm animals, Orwell's allegory engages the reader with its simple truths and challenges idealism with deep, often troubling, realism. This book is a must-read as our country adopts more and more socialistic ideas. 5 stars

12. The House at Riverton by Kate Morton: Morton's first novel captures the World War I era and the Roaring 20s through the memories of her aging main character. She weaves the story by showing only pieces at a time with a final twist at completion. I highly recommend reading this book as well as The Forgotten Garden. 4 stars

13. Your Child's Writing Life by Pam Allyn: Although I am an author, I needed Allyn's insight when encouraging my own children to write. She provides practical hints and writing prompts to develop a child's writing life from preschool and beyond. Although my children are well into their education, I realized it is never too late to apply advice like Allyn's. I checked this book out at our local library, but have since added it to our home library and intend to use it for future encouragement in our family's writing life. 5 stars

14. Experiencing God: Youth Edition by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King: At times the repetition and simplicity of this devotional seemed overdone, but at its completion I realize the importance of remembering basic precepts. The true benefit of this study was discussing it with my high schooler. I recommend it for parents looking for a study to share with their teens. 4 stars

You are moving right along Penny!

15. The Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor: This biography of Hudson Taylor reveals missionary heart devoted to life-long service amidst trials and triumphs. Inspirational! 5 stars

16. In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon: Of all the books my son and I read this year, we agree this is our favorite. It generated great discussion. A must read for anyone who has asked "What would Jesus do?" 5 stars

17. The Chaplain by Maurice Russell: Maurice Russell's debut semi-biographical novel tells of a chaplain's faith and personal struggles even as he ministers to others. A compelling read! 4 stars

18. A Jane Austen Devotional: This devotional is a gem! Each lesson contains a passage from one of Jane Austen's classics, applicable insights, and powerful scriptures. Highly recommend it! 5 stars

19-20. Viking Quest Series by Lois Walfrid Johnson: My youngest son and I are enjoying reading this series together. Raiders of the Sea begins the story of Bree, a young Irish girl, and her capture by Viking raiders. As she struggles to escape from their fourteen-year-old leader, Mikkel, she finds strength in her fellow captives and her deep faith. In Mystery of the Silver Coins, Bree continues to struggle to find a way back to Ireland while having to prove to Mikkel that she did not steal his bag of silver coins. The Kindle price for all five books is extremely reasonable. 5 stars

21. The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff: We are studying the first book in Sutcliff's Roman Britain Trilogy over the summer using the study guide from Progeny Press. I recommend reading it aloud to middle school children, then have them read each chapter independently while working through the study guide. It is an excellent historical fiction account of courage and determination as the main character, Marcus, searches for the symbol of his father's lost legion. 4 stars

22. Deception on His Mind by Elizabeth George: George's Inspector Lynley series continues with a recuperating Barbara Havers mixed-up in a mystery outside her jurisdiction. But, will Barbara survive the scrutiny of her superiors and save not just her career by the life of a friend? 4 stars

23. Pity the Beautiful by Dana Gioia: I recommend more than one read of this poignant, personal collection of Gioia's poetry. Stunning! 5 stars