This was quite a different read. From what a friend said, I thought it would be a bit lighter ~ not so much! It was pretty humorous because of the awkwardness and rigidity of the main character and how she responds to acquaintances in her life, but as the story unfolds it becomes evident that she has been a victim of her mother's abusiveness, and her character flaws all stem from that.
Eleanor, despite all of her horrible background situations, is quite a functional gal who is intelligent and disciplined in her work ethic. What she misses is social interaction and an understanding that an important part of life includes friends and family, which she doesn't have...until a kind and observant co-worker steps in. Raymond saves Eleanor from herself and her past. This is a powerful story of redemption.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
German Girl by by Armando Lucas-Correa
Recommended by my librarian friend, Marlene, this was a new part of the World War II story that I had never heard. Based on true events, this Cuban writer wanted to expose the atrocities about the SS St Louis, a transatlantic luxury ship which carried Jewish families and other "undesirables" from Hamburg to Havana in 1939, before the war began.
Written from two perspectives, 12 year old Hannah's as a traveler in 1939 and 12 year old Anna's as a present day relative searching for information about her dead father's past; this book brings to light other facets of the familiar inequality and horrors of Adolf Hitler's hateful purposes. I never realized that Germany negotiated with other nations to deport their Jews, their Jehovah's Witnesses, and any others who did not align themselves with the new regime's ideals. It appears at the outset, that the Nazis may have been a bit more humane -- they offered concessions like safe passage, and carrying their clothing and personal items in "exchange" for their homes and contents, just to get them out of the country....then it progressed to pushing them into trucks and trains to destroy them in concentration camps. The fear and lies that the Jews were destroying Germany and other nations is such a hard concept for me to understand -- and how neighbors and friends could "buy" into these lies. The most scary to me is ... how far away am I from believing lies that the media tells about other "different" people and nations? Needing to lean into Jesus for direction and truth.
Written from two perspectives, 12 year old Hannah's as a traveler in 1939 and 12 year old Anna's as a present day relative searching for information about her dead father's past; this book brings to light other facets of the familiar inequality and horrors of Adolf Hitler's hateful purposes. I never realized that Germany negotiated with other nations to deport their Jews, their Jehovah's Witnesses, and any others who did not align themselves with the new regime's ideals. It appears at the outset, that the Nazis may have been a bit more humane -- they offered concessions like safe passage, and carrying their clothing and personal items in "exchange" for their homes and contents, just to get them out of the country....then it progressed to pushing them into trucks and trains to destroy them in concentration camps. The fear and lies that the Jews were destroying Germany and other nations is such a hard concept for me to understand -- and how neighbors and friends could "buy" into these lies. The most scary to me is ... how far away am I from believing lies that the media tells about other "different" people and nations? Needing to lean into Jesus for direction and truth.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Since participating in an All Nations Impact group, and trying to understand more about racial reconciliation; I have been working on being more aware of events that trigger fear and hate so this title sparked my interest when both my son and daughter recommended it. My daughter is constantly on the lookout for young adult fiction for her kids in her quest to build and educate her kids -two birth daughters, one mixed race son, and one Ugandan son. She is preparing to be ahead of the game when intolerance and prejudice rear their ugly heads, directed at her sons...and it will come.
This story is really good. A 16 year old African American teenager from "the hood" who attends a mostly white school several miles away, and is juggling her two roles.. Starr from Garden Heights and Starr from Williamson High. She tries not to merge her two lives for fear of comments/retaliation from one side or the other, but her lives collide when she becomes the sole witness in the murder of her long time childhood friend Khalil. What a great portrait of what black people face in America: the conscious and unconscious bigoted thoughts and comments from friends; the envy/hate feelings of Starr as she sees her rich, white suburban friends with no clue where she has come from; the pointed comments from her neighborhood friends who feel she has abandoned them, and puts on a "better than you" front. Talk about pressure on a young teen who has lots of other pressures to face!
I enjoyed the family camaraderie, with expectations of high standards and grades for the kids, and the strict enforcements on mis-conduct with lots of grace mixed in. I appreciated that the author included an uncle who was a police officer because he added another dimension of balance in the story. It was also hopeful that Starr's father emerged from a prison sentence with a renewed sense of helping his community and living up to his potential--not often seen in ex-cons. The very emotional and frightening ending with Starr and her friends involved in a protest against the police over the verdict in the murder, was tense; but satisfying because they wanted to use their voices. Most of us shy away from activism because of fear or not believing our voice will count, or not even knowing what we really believe ---because there are so many adamant voices and opinions from all sides. Life and issues can get complicated for those of us who want to try to stay on the fence and not make waves!!!
Although my daughter forewarned me, my deepest struggle with the book was the language, and I am trying to evaluate why. Because I am a believer and had determined long ago that not cussing was a way to honor God, this deeply held view skewers my lenses when I am reading about a Christian family who gather to pray beautiful, heartfelt prayers...but are intensely cursing in the next scene. I asked one of my African American sisters if this was simply a black culture that I know nothing about. She responded that she has seen many varieties of this in black families: some determine not to use language in front of kids, some use full throttle all the time, and others refrain...but all in the context of Christian families. And I am sure that's true in white families too. So, once again I am challenged to love my brothers and sisters whose values differ from mine .... and ask myself if my non-activism causes others to doubt my Christian walk, just as I question theirs when they can't control their tongues??
This story is really good. A 16 year old African American teenager from "the hood" who attends a mostly white school several miles away, and is juggling her two roles.. Starr from Garden Heights and Starr from Williamson High. She tries not to merge her two lives for fear of comments/retaliation from one side or the other, but her lives collide when she becomes the sole witness in the murder of her long time childhood friend Khalil. What a great portrait of what black people face in America: the conscious and unconscious bigoted thoughts and comments from friends; the envy/hate feelings of Starr as she sees her rich, white suburban friends with no clue where she has come from; the pointed comments from her neighborhood friends who feel she has abandoned them, and puts on a "better than you" front. Talk about pressure on a young teen who has lots of other pressures to face!
I enjoyed the family camaraderie, with expectations of high standards and grades for the kids, and the strict enforcements on mis-conduct with lots of grace mixed in. I appreciated that the author included an uncle who was a police officer because he added another dimension of balance in the story. It was also hopeful that Starr's father emerged from a prison sentence with a renewed sense of helping his community and living up to his potential--not often seen in ex-cons. The very emotional and frightening ending with Starr and her friends involved in a protest against the police over the verdict in the murder, was tense; but satisfying because they wanted to use their voices. Most of us shy away from activism because of fear or not believing our voice will count, or not even knowing what we really believe ---because there are so many adamant voices and opinions from all sides. Life and issues can get complicated for those of us who want to try to stay on the fence and not make waves!!!
Although my daughter forewarned me, my deepest struggle with the book was the language, and I am trying to evaluate why. Because I am a believer and had determined long ago that not cussing was a way to honor God, this deeply held view skewers my lenses when I am reading about a Christian family who gather to pray beautiful, heartfelt prayers...but are intensely cursing in the next scene. I asked one of my African American sisters if this was simply a black culture that I know nothing about. She responded that she has seen many varieties of this in black families: some determine not to use language in front of kids, some use full throttle all the time, and others refrain...but all in the context of Christian families. And I am sure that's true in white families too. So, once again I am challenged to love my brothers and sisters whose values differ from mine .... and ask myself if my non-activism causes others to doubt my Christian walk, just as I question theirs when they can't control their tongues??
Friday, January 11, 2019
My Grandmother Asked me to Tell you I'm Sorry by Fredrik Backman
I really enjoy this author. After reading A Man Called Ove, and Beartown; I picked up this book, intrigued by the title. Backman's characters are so well defined and he ends his novels well, meaning that he closes most of the loose ends with a satisfying ending.. which I really appreciate.
Elsa is an almost 8 year old child, described as "different", who is deeply loved by her granny. Granny was a woman of great accomplishment who traveled the world as a surgeon. After Elsa's arrival, she puts all of her craziness and enthusiasm into teaching and "growing up" this child. Bachman makes us realize that one exceptionally supportive adult in the life of a kid can make a huge difference.
Because I am not a "fantasy" reader, I was a bit put off by the elaborate detail of the fairy tales woven throughout the story....however about 1/4 through, I realized their deep significance and all that Granny was teaching Elsa. Each island's name in the kingdom was translated into life words, like "I love", "I suffer", "I fight", "I laugh".... and each of those islands represented people in Elsa's life who she needed to understand better, so she could work through her grief at Granny's death.
I am a fan, I will continue to work through the rest of Bachman's books.
Elsa is an almost 8 year old child, described as "different", who is deeply loved by her granny. Granny was a woman of great accomplishment who traveled the world as a surgeon. After Elsa's arrival, she puts all of her craziness and enthusiasm into teaching and "growing up" this child. Bachman makes us realize that one exceptionally supportive adult in the life of a kid can make a huge difference.
Because I am not a "fantasy" reader, I was a bit put off by the elaborate detail of the fairy tales woven throughout the story....however about 1/4 through, I realized their deep significance and all that Granny was teaching Elsa. Each island's name in the kingdom was translated into life words, like "I love", "I suffer", "I fight", "I laugh".... and each of those islands represented people in Elsa's life who she needed to understand better, so she could work through her grief at Granny's death.
I am a fan, I will continue to work through the rest of Bachman's books.
Walker Fam Winter Gathering
Another Christmas season is in the books, although I am still enjoying my Christmas tree lights by the cozy vantage of my favorite chair in the living room. When the dust settles and the house is quiet, the decorations are comforting and calming as I reminisce and "over analyze" (as per Bill's description of one of my character flaws!) our family time. It's quite amazing to me that God continues to enlighten me with new insights into how He uniquely wired me...and it usually comes after close proximity with the ones that I love the most!!
I discovered again how much I love "prepping" for visits...thinking through the best sleeping arrangements and which one will like what comforter or blanket, buying needed food ahead of time, making lasagna for arrival day, baking old time favorite Christmas cookies for my kids and gluten free treats for several of the grands, setting up "toy stations" so that the early bird boys have trucks and cars ready in the living room at 6 am, dropping off excess applesauce and blueberries to my brother's home so there is space in our freezer for the more important foods, and even spending time with Jesus, asking that He would calm my heart for the arrival of 16 extra bodies for 10 days together. I was ready and excited!
How does it happen then that my personality quirks for tidyness and calm kick in on Day 7? We planned in break times, solo walks, breakfasts away, a few naps thrown in...yet the chaos and continual activity eventually overwhelmed me. I want so much to not only outwardly exhibit calm, but that my interior would not churn about crazy incidentals (sticky food on the floors and sometimes on the carpet/ the myriad of coats & hats piled after a very fun snow adventure/ an overflowing refrigerator that made it impossible to locate items). My head knows that these are minor issues compared to the bigger reality of cousin bonding, of Sibling game nights, of good laughter, of playing in the snow, of seeing Mary Poppins Returns, of an indoor pool adventure, of a Chucky Cheese excursion...it is the classic problem of Romans chapter 7:20 Msg ("Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time").
So, on this sun filled day, I once again accept the forgiveness of a Father who loves me deeply and knows my character flaws; and I will move on in 2019, continuing to ask Him to transform this obsession with order and the inflexibility that blocks spontaneous joyful responses, in the midst of chaos. And I will revel in the moments I had with each of the 10 unique, beautiful "grandbabies":
A Christmas Eve midnight service with 13 year old Azi; being pulled in a sled behind the lawn tractor, driven with pride by 11 year old Jet; holding 9 year old Zeal while she explained the finer art of creating a Light Brite design; cuddling 6 year old Trux as he was fighting a fever; reading a new book to 5 year old Evelynn while she "gut laughed"; guiding 5 year old Maelie around the Lazy River as she demonstrated her swimming skills; some spontaneous hugs from almost 4 year old Walker, in between his very busy play schedule; reading "Paw Patrol" numerous times to 3 year old Abbott, as his special request; a non-verbal yearning in his eyes by 20 month Elliott to join us on the couch as we watched Greatest Showman (especially meaningful since he much prefers his Boppa!!)!; and rocking & singing to 14 month Aubrey, as she struggled to sleep in a new place.
I am once again reminded that this is Life... beautiful moments and laughter in the middle of noise, activity, meals, and conversation with imperfect people loving one another in the best way they know how. I'll take it.
***Outdoor pictures courtesy of Melody; but no shots of she & Keith 😞
I discovered again how much I love "prepping" for visits...thinking through the best sleeping arrangements and which one will like what comforter or blanket, buying needed food ahead of time, making lasagna for arrival day, baking old time favorite Christmas cookies for my kids and gluten free treats for several of the grands, setting up "toy stations" so that the early bird boys have trucks and cars ready in the living room at 6 am, dropping off excess applesauce and blueberries to my brother's home so there is space in our freezer for the more important foods, and even spending time with Jesus, asking that He would calm my heart for the arrival of 16 extra bodies for 10 days together. I was ready and excited!
How does it happen then that my personality quirks for tidyness and calm kick in on Day 7? We planned in break times, solo walks, breakfasts away, a few naps thrown in...yet the chaos and continual activity eventually overwhelmed me. I want so much to not only outwardly exhibit calm, but that my interior would not churn about crazy incidentals (sticky food on the floors and sometimes on the carpet/ the myriad of coats & hats piled after a very fun snow adventure/ an overflowing refrigerator that made it impossible to locate items). My head knows that these are minor issues compared to the bigger reality of cousin bonding, of Sibling game nights, of good laughter, of playing in the snow, of seeing Mary Poppins Returns, of an indoor pool adventure, of a Chucky Cheese excursion...it is the classic problem of Romans chapter 7:20 Msg ("Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time").
So, on this sun filled day, I once again accept the forgiveness of a Father who loves me deeply and knows my character flaws; and I will move on in 2019, continuing to ask Him to transform this obsession with order and the inflexibility that blocks spontaneous joyful responses, in the midst of chaos. And I will revel in the moments I had with each of the 10 unique, beautiful "grandbabies":
A Christmas Eve midnight service with 13 year old Azi; being pulled in a sled behind the lawn tractor, driven with pride by 11 year old Jet; holding 9 year old Zeal while she explained the finer art of creating a Light Brite design; cuddling 6 year old Trux as he was fighting a fever; reading a new book to 5 year old Evelynn while she "gut laughed"; guiding 5 year old Maelie around the Lazy River as she demonstrated her swimming skills; some spontaneous hugs from almost 4 year old Walker, in between his very busy play schedule; reading "Paw Patrol" numerous times to 3 year old Abbott, as his special request; a non-verbal yearning in his eyes by 20 month Elliott to join us on the couch as we watched Greatest Showman (especially meaningful since he much prefers his Boppa!!)!; and rocking & singing to 14 month Aubrey, as she struggled to sleep in a new place.
I am once again reminded that this is Life... beautiful moments and laughter in the middle of noise, activity, meals, and conversation with imperfect people loving one another in the best way they know how. I'll take it.
***Outdoor pictures courtesy of Melody; but no shots of she & Keith 😞
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