5 Pillars of the Gypsy by Lesley Fletcher

I am going to begin this blog with a disclaimer.... I do not read poetry. I have a dear friend, Debra, that writes poetry and I do read hers - because I love her.  Not sure when I decided I didn't like poetry - I don't remember ever liking it.. Unless you count funny stuff and limericks! : )

Anyway, my friend Jean Ann suggested I read "5 Pillars of the Gypsy" by Lesley Fletcher - a friend of hers!! (stay with me - this will get less confusing... I hope)

I love helping to promote new or less known authors but I will admit a bit of reluctance on my part concerning a book of poetry. But - Jean Ann is a childhood friend and so I decided to give it a whirl.

I have spent my adult life living as a Christian in a Crhistian environment. So, when I first started the book and saw:

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to kill and a time to heal" A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace."

-  but then noticed this author attributed this phrase to Prime Minister Rabin - I was taken aback. It was first penned in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 by King Solomon. So I googled Prime Minister Rabin and realized that she quoted a part of his speech given in an emotional voice on the White House lawn on September 14, 1993 on behalf of peace. What a beautiful stanza to begin any book!

Synopsis:

"Page after page bursts with vivid imagery, compassion and mystery. This book grants you permission to sing, to dance and to cry along the way. “5 Pillars of the Gypsy” is a collection of poetry and art that will awaken your spirituality and heighten your senses."

My favorite part of the book was the art! Lesley Fletcher is a wonderful artist. This book is woven together with art that is as emotional and energetic as her poetry. My favorites are "The Tango," "Join Me," and "Poppies."  - See, even the titles grab your attention and draw you in!!

Now on to the poetry! I really did like more of it than I imagined I would! I think my favorite was the first poem in the book, "The Mission." 

The last stanza of "The Mission" goes like this:

"...In doing so I was renewed,

As was my main ambition.

To sing and dance, rejoice in life,

... I accept this simple mission."

I also enjoy "Time." The first stanza:

"The hands of time are messing 

With this crazy head of mine

One minute time is racing by

Next minute quiet lull."

Leslie Fletcher is an author that has lived in our shoes and is able to put the experiences on paper - in a much more lyrical way than I ever could!

When asked what is a Gypsy? Fletcher answered:

"The true definition is often debatable but currently the Romanis hold the largest population of genuine Gypsies with a close following of the Pavee which are from Ireland and Tinkers from the UK. My definition for the purpose of this book is a person prone to wandering, unsettled and searching for answers which is more like a definition of a Gypsy Soul."

Some reviews I've read from others:

"Leslie has adapted a beautiful style of writing poetry. She uses a bit of the traditional style and a diverse technique of writing."

".....was this a good book! I loved every single piece of it. The amazing paintings just jumped right off the page and the words touched me down to my soul. After finishing this book I felt at peace and comfortable in my own skin for once in my life." 

 "I LOVE this book even though I thought I didn't like poetry. Les just blows me away with how her words create visions and stories that describe my feelings and growth over time. Each story/poem speaks to something in my life. I feel like I'm on the same journey and have travel some of the same roads. I'm reading The Healing at a friend's wedding on Sept. 7, 2012. Jean Ann French, DBA, MBA "

Let me share with you the gifts Jean Ann presented as wedding gifts:

Beautiful gifts with Lesley's art and poems.

 

Lesley Fletcher also says"

" I have been told on many occasions that it is a book that is kept by the bed-side, or near the reading chair and picked up, read and applied to the reader’s own personal journey in life. I think what they mean is it is quite soothing to have another share their own thoughts and beliefs. Very often people think they are alone when in fact many of us are not if we learn to connect with like-minded souls."

Okay, I'm going to be completely honest here. After looking through these poems, reading some of them to my husband, then rereading the ones I chose as my "favorites" I made a discovery about myself. I believe that I have never liked poetry because it exposes too much. I noticed that I picked as my favorites, the ones most removed from the the reader. The ones about time and happiness. You know, the peripheral.  The ones that made me the most uncomfortable were the ones about deep inner feelings, sex, lust. I realize I stay relatively "surface" in many ways. So, Lesley has opened my eyes to a part of my inner me.

 

About Lesley Fletcher:

"My travels and experience in life have had a profound effect on my writing and my art.In each book I strive to connect on a personal level with the reader, the same way I would if we met personally.
'5 Pillars of the Gypsy' is my latest release which combines art and verse and stands as a mixture of spiritualism and emotion.Each poem tells a story. Each story is meant to awaken and inspire the inner you to add meaning to your own events in life.
Over the past three years I have managed two trips with Habitat for Humanity - Global Village; one to Tajikistan and one to Jordan. Each of these trips included short stops in Istanbul. As a result I had the privilege of learning about Islam and its parallels with Christianity along with cultural customs.
As a volunteer with Literacy Unlimited I support and encourage education as a way to break barriers too, through knowledge and understanding. The adventurous laid back spirit in me has enabled me to become very adaptable to a variety of enjoyable experiences and delight in every one of them. My biggest pleasures are my biggest motivators.
'Prom Girls: A North American Rite of Passage' is my first book. Having gained valuable experience through my first publication has provided the ground work and motivation for her upcoming books.
My second book,' All I Want for Christmas Is a Wishmas Tree', tackles the ever more present problem of families integrating into a different culture and still retaining their own.
My third book is 'Hey Angel!' (www.hey-angel.com) which is an early reader that focuses on self-esteem. It is written in rhyme and has quickly become a favourite with the very young and their parents. Young readers along with their parents are invited to the accompanying website to 'ask the Angel' a question which is then answered on the site."

 

SECRETS BY LIZ SCHULTE

My friend Ron Briscoe told me of a book he wanted me to read. - He was wanting me to read it so we could discuss it. - It's like being a member of a 2 - person book club! If you recall he is the friend that suggested I read "Sentence of Marriage"  and it was NOT my favorite book. : )   But I decided to read this one anyway!

SECRETS, GUARDIAN TRILOGY BOOK 1

RELEASE: NOVEMBER 22, 2011

While Olivia Martin observed life through her camera, the abyss gazed back at her. She discovers mysterious men follow her around, people close to her are dying, and her dreams are no longer her own as she falls head over heels for a perfect stranger. A chance encounter leads to an obsession that could destroy everything she has ever known or loved. Olivia is about to find out there is a lot she doesn't know and sometimes what you don't know can kill you.

This is a book of good vs evil. Olivia is "good" she has been targeted to be a guardian - which would compare to an angel but she is attracted to Holden - a jinni who is connected with demons. Book 1 is a constant battle between good and evil. 

At first, I didn't think I was going to like it but it was good. It moved fast. It was interesting. Being a Christian, I was very interested in seeing if good would prevail. Of course, being book one of three, - I don't know yet! It is definitely an adult book.

Once I finished the book, Ron and Gale came over and we had a good discussion about it. Of course it is "theologically" unsound!! but a good read and could generate some good discussion for your book club. Ron has read all three but he was able to keep the end from me. [drats]

"Many authors claim to have known their calling from a young age. Liz Schulte, however, didn't always want to be an author. In fact, she had no clue. Liz wanted to be a veterinarian, then she wanted to be a lawyer, then she wanted to be a criminal profiler. In a valiant effort to keep from becoming Walter Mitty, Liz put pen to paper and began writing her first novel. It was at that moment she realized this is what she was meant to do. As a scribe she could be all of those things and so much more.

When Liz isn’t writing or on social networks she is inflicting movie quotes and trivia on people, reading, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a Midwest girl through and through, though she would be perfectly happy never having to shovel her driveway again. She has a love for all things spooky, supernatural, and snarky. Her favorite authors range from Edgar Allen Poe to Joseph Heller to Jane Austen to Jim Butcher and everything in between."

This information can be found with much more on Liz's web site H.E.R.E.

****

 
 

The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel

I was between books and a lady from church invited me to her book club!! "Yeah!!"  Anyway this is the book they are reading this month so I picked it up and read it.

This book was published August 7th, 2012.

"Hope McKenna-Smith, divorced mother of a surly not-quite-teenage girl, runs her family bakery on Cape Cod, but is starting to wonder what might have been. What if she hadn’t abandoned her dreams of law school? What if she hadn’t quit her job to raise her daughter? What if she hadn’t caught her husband cheating on her with a cliched blonde bimbo? When her aging grandmother, Rose, summons her to hear a long-held secret, Hope finally has the opportunity to stop thinking “what if?” and start thinking “what now?”

Rose’s memory is ebbing rapidly due to the onset of Alzheimer’s, and she knows she doesn’t have much time left to tell Hope the truth about a secret she’s kept for seventy years. Giving Hope nothing but a list of names, Rose sends her on a journey of discovery that takes Hope to a synagogue and a mosque in Paris, to a history buried in the Holocaust, and to a long-lost love with secrets of his own."

I enjoyed this book from page one. It is well written, easy to read and I finished it in 2 days. - Not because it's short or easy to read but because I couldn't put it down.

  

It tackles the Holocaust, religion, Alzheimer's, and family. Then ties all together with baking. The book also includes recipes from a rich history including several different nationalities. Hope owns a bakery and it's easy to get hungry while reading! This is one book that I plan on trying out some of the recipes!! They sound delicious. - except for the one with figs and dates - not a fan! :)

I hate to say too much in this review because I don't want to give the surprises away but I do want to encourage you to read "The Sweetness of Forgetting."

 Kristin Harmel Web-site

http://kristinharmel.com/

"Kristin graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. She has lived in Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Boston and Miami and now resides primarily in Orlando, Fla."

I encourage you to go to her web site.

I highly recommend this book.

*****

  

Donovan's Trail by Ann Snuggs

Every once in a while, Holly, one of my daughter's, will send me an e-book. This is always a nice surprise and I love getting them.

This last week she sent me a text and said a friend of hers from Texas had written a book and she (Holly) had sent it to me via Kindle.

Well, years ago I got hooked on Louis L'Amour books and have always enjoyed them. I go back once in a while and re-read my favorites. Not long ago I wrote a review on one of my favorites and you can read it H.E.R.E

Now, one time - again years ago - I tried another western by another author and I did NOT like it. Louis L'Amour just had a talent for writing good clean westerns.

So when I received this e-book by Ann Snuggs - I was a bit reluctant. I told Holly if I liked it I would review it - but if I didn't I wouldn't because I wouldn't want to embarrass her with her friend.

I said all that to say this - I LIKED IT!!! : )

"Tom Donovan takes after his father, who was also sheriff of Sundown years ago and who possessed a strong sense of right and wrong. Unlike his father, however, Tom is alive. John Donovan, gunned down in Tom's youth by a man the boy looked up to as a hero, left a legacy of justice. But his murder left behind the need for revenge. Tom's moral fortitude is put to the test when his father's killer reappears years later. The man who once was Tom's hero but now was his bitterest of enemies has become one of the fiercest villains in the West. And this time his schemes threaten to undo the family of Tom's sweetheart, Katie. Tom, together with his father's old partner and now Sundown's deputy, Ben, must not only track and face down the most cold-blooded outlaw in his neck of the wild West, but he must also fight the urge to become a murderer himself. With Tom's relationship, the well-being of his friends and his own life at risk, the greatest stake of all is the soul of a good man."

It was easy and quick to read and was just a good old fashioned western. It caught my interest right away and kept it until the end.

It was easy to picture the towns, the hideouts and um-hum - the cowboys! As a young girl growing up in rural Oklahoma I was determined NOT to marry a cowboy... But, I don't mind looking at them - whether in books, movies or in person!!

Snuggs has a good story to tell and she tells it well. She throws in a small amount of romance but not too much to take away from the wild west story.

She takes good vs evil and lets us walk those dirt streets with Tom and Ben and we as we are cheering for the good guys we also understand many of the raw feelings of revenge and our nature of unforgiveness. 

This is an author to watch for. I believe she has great talent and I hope to be reading more from her in the future.

*****

Chop, Chop by L.N. Cronk

This afternoon while I was reading this book and crying, crying, crying, I thought to myself "I have GOT to start reading the synopsis of the book BEFORE I read the book..." OMGosh. This was crazy. Two books this week really have caught me completely off guard.

"Greg and Laci make it a regular practice to grow their hair long so that they can chop it off and send it to Locks of Love.  It's only one of the things that reserved, young David must tolerate as their friendship grows throughout the years.  As they near adulthood the three become closer not only to each other, but to God as well.  David finds himself content in every way, but when tragedy strikes, David must struggle to find his way back to God.

Don't let the fact that it's the first in a series scare you off - Chop, Chop is a complete, stand-alone novel that will NOT leave you hanging. The sequels, however, are very reasonably priced for those who wish to follow the characters further.

Often pegged as a "Young Adult" novel, demographics show that most readers of the Chop, Chop series are actually between the ages of 25 and 55 (and the sequels are definitely geared toward that age group).

Whether you're young or old, Chop, Chop is a true coming-of-age story about friendship, loss and forgiveness that is sure to touch your heart. "

First, I had no idea it was written for young people, I had no idea it was the first of a series, AND I had no idea it would have such a tragedy in it. For some reason I thought it was a simple mystery!

I did enjoy the book - once I recovered from all the surprises! It was easy to read - fast, I finished it in just a few hours.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about teens with such faith. They had such enthusiasm for God and all that He had for their lives. Reading about these young people reminded me so much of the youth I've worked with in the past. They reminded me of my kids when they were teens. The author did such a good job of describing their personalities, their friendships, their love of God that I really felt as if I knew them.

L.N. Cronk has written this series and has also written several other books. You can find her website H.E.R.E

I highly recommend this book.

I highly recommend this book for teens.

I highly recommend L.N. Cronk's website for
discussion guides, etc.

*****

In the Land of the Long White Cloud by Sarah Lark

Im Land der weißen Wolke 

"London, 1852: Zwei junge Frauen treten die Reise nach Neuseeland an. Es ist der Aufbruch in ein neues Leben - als künftige Ehefrauen von Männern, die sie kaum kennen. Die adlige Gwyneira ist dem Sohn eines reichen "Schafbarons" versprochen, und die junge Gouvernante Helen wurde als Ehefrau für einen Farmer angeworben. Ihr Schicksal soll sich erfüllen in einem Land, das man ihnen als Paradies geschildert hat."

The book was first written in German and was translated in 2012 into English.
 

In the Land of the Long White Cloud

by Sarah Lark

Translated by D.W. Lovett

(I apologize for the blurry picture of the book)

I got this book free from Prime on Amazon. I was looking for a free book, ran across this and thought it sounded interesting. 

"Helen Davenport, governess for a wealthy London household, longs for a family of her own—but nearing her late twenties, she knows her prospects are dim. Then she spots an advertisement seeking young women to marry New Zealand’s honorable bachelors and begins an affectionate correspondence with a gentleman farmer. When her church offers to pay her travels under an unusual arrangement, she jumps at the opportunity.

Meanwhile, not far away in Wales, beautiful and daring Gwyneira Silkham, daughter of a wealthy sheep breeder, is bored with high society. But when a mysterious New Zealand baron deals her father an unlucky blackjack hand, Gwyn’s hand in marriage is suddenly on the table. Her family is outraged, but Gwyn is thrilled to escape the life laid out for her.

The two women meet on the ship to Christchurch—Helen traveling in steerage, Gwyn first class—and become unlikely friends. When their new husbands turn out to be very different than expected, the women must help one another find the life—and love—they’d hoped for.

Set against the backdrop of colonial nineteenth-century New Zealand, In the Land of the Long White Cloud is a soaring saga of friendship, romance, and unforgettable adventure."

I very seldom read romance. However, once in a while I pick one up - for those of you that do read our American romance - this one is a bit different. It's a long book for one thing - you won't read it in an evening or even a day. The plot twists and turns which doesn't get boring.

The synopsis leaves out the twist of the orphan girls traveling with Helen. The church sponsors the orphanage and is sending the girls to work as maids in New Zealand. They add some interesting sidelines to the main story.

It's easy to read, historical and gives an idea of how settlers have a tendency to take land when it will benefit them. Most of us know the history of our country and their relationship with the native Americans - this gives you a look at the same problems in other countries.

For all the animal lovers out there - it has horses, dogs and sheep thrown in with the orphans, pioneer conditions, some sex, and love. Lark captures the attention of many different interests!

At first I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the book, but as I got acquainted with the characters I was anxious to get back to it each time I had to put it down.

"Sarah Lark, author of several bestselling historical fiction novels in Germany and Spain, was born in Germany’s Ruhr region, where she discovered a love of animals— especially horses—early in life. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, travel guide, and commercial writer. She has also written numerous award-winning books about horses for adults and children, one of which was nominated for the Deutsche Jugendbuchpreis, Germany’s distinguished prize for best children’s book. Sarah currently lives with four dogs and a cat on her farm in Almería, Spain, where she cares for retired horses, plays guitar, and sings in her spare time."

I recommend this book.
**** 

The Mother-Daughter Bookclub by Heather Vogel Frederick

After finishing "The Man of Lawlessness" by Dr. David Reagan - which I blogged about H.E.R.E.  I decided I was ready for some "lighter" reading. I had picked up "The Mother-Daughter Book Club" not really reading the synopsis but knowing that I really enjoy reading books about friendships. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it was written for young girls! The girls in the book are in 6th grade. I thoroughly enjoyed the book!!

"Even if Megan would rather be at the mall, Cassidy is late for hockey practice, Emma's already read every book in existence, and Jess is missing her mother too much to care, the new book club is scheduled to meet every month.

But what begins as a mom-imposed ritual of reading Little Women soon helps four unlikely friends navigate the drama of middle school. From stolen journals, to secret crushes, to a fashion-fiasco first dance, these sixth-graders are up to their Wellie boots in drama. They can't help but wonder: What would Jo March do?

The Mother-Daughter Book Club will delight daughters of all ages in a novel about the fabulousness of fiction, family, and friendship."

I loved "Little Women" as a young girl and I still enjoy re-reading it every once in a while. The fact that the Mother-daughter Book Club is reading it as their first book club selection just made this book that much more fun for me. 

I have a granddaughter in 5th grade and I have come to the conclusion that although the "torment" may be different, young girls can be just as mean now as they were when I was a child - or even when "Jo March" was a child.  

This book can be enjoyed by all ages. Not only does Frederick tell the story through the eyes of the four 6th grade girls, you also get to meet the mothers and the struggles they face and the friendships they form through enjoying time with their daughters.

As Emma, Jess, Cassidy and Megan zip through 6th grade, Frederick lets you, the reader, gain an understanding of hurts, embarrassment, friendship and lots of fun. 

Of course as with every good book for youth, there is much to be learned from these likeable girls and their families.

About the author, Heather Vogel Frederick:

"Before I became a writer, I was a reader—and still am.

I was born in Peterborough, New Hampshire into a family of bookworms, and spent most of my childhood holed up in the library or in my bedroom, reading. My mother used to say that if Heather had her nose in a book, the house would have to burn down around her before she'd sit up and take notice! Those are the best books, though, aren't they? The ones that take your imagination by storm and spirit you off into a different world?"

Actually in going to Frederick's website I felt as if I had found a new friend!! I spent so much time reading all that was there - including her wonderful Blog, that I almost didn't have time to  work on my blog! You should stop by and get acquainted with her too!  You can find her  H.E.R.E   Take the time to get to know her!!

She has written 6 books in this series (plus several other books):
 

1	The Mother-Daughter Book Club
2	Much Ado About Anne
3	Dear Pen Pal
4	Pies & Prejudice
5	Home for the Holidays
6	Wish You Were Eyre

I am not only impressed by the books (I'm also reading the others) I am very impressed with Frederick's love of reading and the way she shares it with others. She is a great encourager of getting young people to read.

I highly recommend these books for all ages.

I also highly recommend you browse the author's web site.

Plus we both collect Tea pots!!!

AND a bookworm!!!

 What's not to love about this author??!!

 

The Man of Lawlessness by Dr. David R. Reagan

"The Man of Lawlessness - The Antichrist in the Tribulation" by Dr. David R. Reagan is a book I didn't pick up lightly! 

"This book contains a survey of everything the Bible has to say about the Antichrist, presented in a down-to-earth, easy-to-understand style. One of its special features is a prophecy forum where the opinions of 22 Bible prophecy experts are presented concerning key questions about the Antichrist. It also features a series of in-depth essays about the Tribulation and the Antichrist.

221 pages."

• Where will the Antichrist come from?
• Will he be a Jew or a Gentile?
• Could he be a Muslim?
• Is he alive today?
• Will he be killed and resurrected?
• Where will his headquarters be located?
• Will he actually control the whole world?
• Will he be possessed by Satan?
• Will Christians have to face him?

 "Dr. Reagan answers all these questions and more concerning the identity and role of the Antichrist, surveying his career from the beginning to the end of the Great Tribulation."

I hardly know where to start in reviewing this book full of information that is backed by Scripture. I am a reader that reads mostly to escape, relax, enjoy the stories woven by authors. - Do you picture me reading in bed? In an easy chair? While in waiting rooms? You should because that's a picture of me. But with Reagan's book, I read with my Bible beside me, a pencil at hand and my post-it tabs. If he made a statement I didn't understand or was unsure of, I looked up the Scripture he was using to substantiate his statements and to give understanding to what I was reading.  - However, let me add, it was very easy to understand his writings. He writes on the layman's level.

With this being an election year, I was intrigued by Dr. Reagan's statement in his forward:

"... I am neither a Democrat or a Republican. I am, instead, a Monarchist, because I have devoted my life to doing everything I can to help prepare the way for the return of the King of kings and Lord of lords who will reign in glory and majesty from Mount Zion in Jerusalem and whose reign will bring peace, righteousness and justice to all the world."

I have so many post-its in this book there is absolutely no way to give you all the highlights of this work.  I will say, Dr. Reagan Scripturally answers each of the questions that are listed above, plus more.

A part of the book is dedicated to the results of a prophecy forum composed of 22 Bible prophecy experts who also reply to the questions above. I really enjoyed reading the different views and opinions. 

I realize that many don't believe in the end times as described in the Bible. I understand that these same people don't believe in the Antichrist. I have no answers for you except to study your Bible with an open heart and open eyes to what God's indisputable Word says.

If you have any interest in Bible Prophesy, if you are one who studies end times and all that is ahead of us, I highly recommend this book. But also, if you just want to learn more and aren't sure what you believe this book has many answers and explanations. It is a book I plan to keep in my library for reference and for re-reading.

"Dr. David Reagan is the founder and director of Lamb & Lion Ministries. He hosts a weekly television program called "Christ in Prophecy" that is broadcast on several national networks that have access to over 80 million homes in the United States."

From Dr. Reagan: "For years I have taught that when studying or teaching Bible prophecy, the focus of attention should be on Jesus Christ and not on the Antichrist. Accordingly, I have produced several books that explore in detail what Bible prophecy has to say about the Messiah, and I have attempted to show how those prophecies were literally fulfilled in the life of Jesus.

I never expected to write a book about the Antichrist. But I felt compelled to do so when I began to notice a steady stream of books and articles being published about the Antichrist, most of which were very sensational in nature, and thus serving to divert attention away from Jesus Christ.

This book is an attempt to bring some balance to the subject. The Antichrist is a major topic of end time Bible prophecy, and as such, should not be ignored. But on the other hand, this nefarious character should not be an obsession. We must always keep in mind the words of Revelation 19:10 which say, "...the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." "
 

I have had the privilege of hearing Dr. Reagan speak, he is a man I highly respect. I have followed his ministry and read his work for over 30 years. His website is found here:
http://www.lamblion.com/ 

I also highly recommend his website and his newsletter.

I highly recommend this book

and

Dr. Reagan's website, newsletter and other books.

***** 

 





 

 

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver wasn't widely read until it came out in paperback on it's 10 year anniversary. When it was first published, however, its author was unknown. Word of mouth spread slowly among booksellers, librarians, critics and readers with a passion to share their favorite books. In The Bean Trees they found a spirited protagonist. It is now a standard in college literature classes across the nation and has been translated for a readership stretching from Japan to Romania.

"Clear-eyed and spirited, Taylor Greer grew up poor in rural Kentucky with the goals of avoiding pregnancy and getting away. But when she heads west with high hopes and a barely functional car, she meets the human condition head-on. By the time Taylor arrives in Tucson, Arizona, she has acquired a completely unexpected child, a three-year-old American girl named Turtle, and must somehow come to terms with both motherhood and the necessity for putting down roots. Hers is a story about love and friendship, abandonment and belonging, and the discovery of surprising resources in apparently empty places."

This was a short book and easy to read. I enjoyed the characters - as I do all of the creations of Kingsolver. You can't help but root for Taylor, Turtle, Lou Ann, Mattie and all the others. 

Even as a teen Taylor, who had changed her name from Marietta, liked bright colors and had decided if she couldn't dress elegant, she was going to dress memorable. She is a woman with spunk and a determination not to wind up having to stay in her poor situation because of getting pregnant as a teen. 

After experiencing a rather horrible day at the hospital where she worked, she threw up twice and decided she wanted to quit. But later, she decided she had seen the worst that she would ever see so there was no reason to quit now. A determined woman with gumption and personality!

Kingsolver touches on poverty, child abuse, friendship "but two of the greatest influences in The Bean Trees are the Cherokee Trail of Tears, the geographical trek that the Cherokee Nation was forced to travel when it was moved to the Oklahoma territory from the southeastern United States, and the Sanctuary movement, designed to help Central Americans flee oppressive governmental regimes and relocate — usually secretly and illegally — in the United States." [from cliff notes] 

I would suggest this book to any book club. The discussion could take so many different directions. 

"Barbara Kingsolver was born in 1955, and grew up in rural Kentucky. She earned degrees in biology from DePauw University and the University of Arizona, and has worked as a freelance writer and author since 1985. At various times in her adult life she has lived in England, France, and the Canary Islands, and has worked in Europe, Africa, Asia, Mexico, and South America. She spent two decades in Tucson, Arizona, before moving to southwestern Virginia where she currently resides."

You can find more about Barbara Kingsolver H.E.R.E.

She has 13 published books with a new one coming out in November 2012.

I have reviewed The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver H.E.R.E.

I have reviewed The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver H.E.R.E.

I highly recommend this book. 

 

 

The United States Presidents

If you know me at all, you know at least three things about me.

1. I'm a mother
2. I'm a reader
3. I am incredibly fortunate to have met this wonderful man I married - and that I am very very happy!!

There are WAY TOO MANY reasons that I love this man for me to put them here in a blog - but I will tell you about one of the reasons!!

He likes to read! Maybe not as much as me, but he is a reader. Randy also likes history. Now he likes history as much as I like reading!! The best way for him to learn more history is by reading!!! A match made in heaven! : )   (We also enjoy visiting museums.)

 At the Watkins Museum in Lawrence, KS

We started picking up a few "history" books while we were shopping for our used book business. I have tried to talk him into doing some book reviews on these books but he isn't interested!! Takes him too much time and once he finishes a book he moves on to the next. No time to review!! A few that he started with are:

"Going Home to Glory A Memoir of Life with Dwight D Eisenhower" 

by David Eisenhower with Julie Nixon

"Dutch" by Edmond Morris

(@ Ronald Reagan)

"Lincoln" by David Herbert Donald

"Decision Points" by George W Bush

"The Family, The Real Story of the Bush Dynasty" by Kitty Kelley

 "My Name is America 

The Journal of Rufus Rowe

A Witness to the Battle of Fredricksburg, Bowling Green, Virginia 1862"

by Sid Hite

"1776" by David McCullough

"Truman" by David McCullough
 

"Mornings on Horseback" by David McCullough

(@ Theodore Roosevelt)

The Theodore Roosevelt Trilogy

"The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt"

"Theodore Rex"

"Colonel Roosevelt"

by Edmond Morris

By this time, my dear husband was hooked!

He decided he wanted to read a book about each one of our presidents. He had already read about George Washington, so he began with:

"John Adams" by David McCullough

"Thomas Jefferson" by R.B. Bernstein

"James Madison" by Richard Brockhiser

"James Monroe: The American Presidents Series: The 5th President 1817-1825"

by Arthur M Schlesinger and Gary Hart

"John Quincy Adams"

American Profiles by H.W. Brands

"Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times" by H.W. Brands

"William Henry Harrison: The American Presidents Series: The 9th President 1841"

by Gail Collins, Arthur M Schlesinger, Sean Wilentz, Gary May

"John Tyler: The American Presidents Series: the 10th President, 1841-1845"

by Arthur M Schlesinger, Sean Wilentz, Gary May

"Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America"

by Walter R Borneman

"Zachary Taylor: The American Presidents Series: The 12th President, 1849-1850"

by Arthur M Schlesinger, Sean Wilentz, John Eisenhower

"Millard Fillmore: The American Presidents Series: The 13th President, 1850-1853"

by Arthur M Schlesinger, Sean Wilentz, Paul Finkelman

and he's now reading:

"Franklin Pearce: The American Presidents Series: The 14th President, 1853-1857"

by Arthur M Schlesinger, Michael F Holt, Sean Wilentz 

Well, as you can see, my dear husband has far out-read me!! He left me in the dust!! We're not sure how it happened but he skipped Martin Van Buren. So he will need to back track a bit at some point.

I think what amazes me most about Randy's reading is that I can pick one of these presidents out of the air and he can tell me about the book. I would be getting them all mixed up but he doesn't! 

So, we don't have a review of each book but if you are interested, message us and he will be glad to tell you his view about any President that you have a question about.