2023 Book Report
As I reflect back over the volumes that have made pleasant many a drive, it's always neat seeing all the titles. All that I've read or listened to over the previous year. There are inevitably some duds, but also many that I began knowing I would enjoy, and was not being a bit disappointed.
It feels like a victory to tell you that two of the books pictured above I did not finish. There are other books I began this year and wish I had abandoned! No sense in slogging through a dull book. Or, at least one that just isn't for me.
Without further ado, here is my book report for this past year.
Summary: 27 audiobooks, 13 physical books
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
By Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, 2008
I simply love this book.
Since first setting foot in Guernsey with Juliet in 2018 I have listened to this book every year. There are quotes that linger with me still. It’s the characters. The wealth of life experience that Mary Ann brought to this novel. I read that she worked in a library, at a book shop and in an editor’s office. She stumbled upon Guernsey by accident and wanted to somehow include all the interesting tidbits she learned about the occupation.
I love how she wove it all so masterfully together. And Juliet is the kind of heroine you love. Like Jo in Little Women. Full of her own faults and shortcomings, but also a perfect darling who you long to be, or at the least be best friends with.
It’s about a dark, fearful, excruciatingly difficult era but it doesn’t feel heavy. Seen through Juliet’s eyes, the shadows are there but also the sunshine.
It’s hard to put into words what an incredible book this is, or even why it moves me so. But it does. And I know I’ll listen to it yet again.
Ivanhoe
By Sir Water Scott, 1819
Dungeons, torture and the wrong heroine... sigh! Once you make it past the LENGTHY prologue where Scott gives seemingly every caveat imaginable, you delve into the infamous Ivanhoe. It's slogging for the first few hours... wondering if it'll be like this for the whole book, just so you can say yes, you've listened to Sir Walter's Ivanhoe.
But, then you meet the familiar personage of Robin Hood, his merry men and Friar Tuck. Isaac the Jew and the fair Rebecca are introduced and things start getting exciting! Alas, then you get worn down by the weight of all the evil pervading that era. The superstition, lawlessness, horrific cruelty and prejudice... everyone doing whatever is right in their own eyes.
I felt as though the middle portion of the book was exciting and interesting, but by the end I was just listening to finish it, not because I found it enthralling. The speeches are long winded, the villains so senselessly cruel and the story on the whole depressing.
Why does Ivanhoe choose Rowena? And if she's the lady fair, why is Rebecca the focus? And while everyone may be prejudice against and hate the Jew, where are the people who are above that pettiness of the day and actually see things for what they are, not just what they're told to think and believe by the powers that be? I think the most frustrating part was that it felt like Isaac and Rebecca were the only ones with a consistent, moral character. Everyone around them was blinded by lust, greed, power and privilege.
Listening to a book like this makes you certain once more that it's aptly dubbed the "Dark Ages." You wonder how anyone survived. I'm just not sure why when writing a fictional account an author would choose to make the book so depressing. I think it was the "holy men" that rankled me the most. Those that claimed to know God, but were some of the most vile characters.
I liked how Scott opened each chapter with a quote, often from Shakespeare. I enjoy chapter previews like that. I also appreciated that though the main characters found themselves in tough spots, they made it through. The history of the Norman/Saxon conflict etc. was interesting, but I didn't feel like it was super clear. What came forth most strongly was it was a dark, dark age.
In and Out of the Garden
By Sara Midda, 2008
I was gifted this lovely book by a friend and was immediately drawn in by the exquisite watercolour illustrations. They are so lovely! When I set out to read through the book however, frustration swelled within me. The text is just too small and faint to read. It’s a nice thought to have it hand lettered, but far from practical.
What I love are the illustrations of plants and fruit, vegetables and garden. Beautiful! What I do not love are the people. They are absurd and borderline lewd. Something so unsettling about them. They are quaint but also wretched somehow. I can’t explain, just not my taste.
And where to begin about the content! Sigh… I WANT to love this book, but the text is just too much. Is this a reference book? A historical treatise on gardening? Or simply a book you flip through at a quaint bed and breakfast? If 1/3 to even 1/2 of the text had been culled it’d be a kindness to the reader. Some of it is so charming and the other half a waste of your time.
Also, it’d be good to know where she got some of the information, or what culture she was pulling from because for instance the pages about what different fruit and vegetables represent is stuff I’ve never heard and even contradictory to what I’ve heard them to mean in other cultural contexts. For example she wrote that pomegranates symbolize foolishness but in the Bible they are a symbol of fertility, abundance and beauty. It’d be helpful if she’d put even a parenthesis that gave the country of origin for some of the content.
Anyways… it’s yet again one of those books that could be really great, but there are some things about it that just drive me crazy. If this is primarily just a pretty book to look through (which it is!) then please edit the text way down and produce it in a format where it is actually readable. As many others have reviewed, even with a magnifying glass or glasses, it’s difficult and just not necessary. This isn’t an old book, it was done in 2008. I find that rather unacceptable. We’re I “the king of the forest” I’d ask that the people be portrayed a little differently, the text printed (in a pleasing, graphic way) and the text really edited way down. It’s information overload and I think very few people really want to stumble through old English these days. The notes cute rhymes, and historical anecdotes about women adorning themselves with carrots are wonderful. But some of the other stuff needs to go.
Black Rock: A Tale of the Selkirks
By Ralph Connor, 1898
This is the story of a mining camp in BC, Canada. It felt written in that very preachy Victorian style that continuously harps on the evils of alcohol (like a broken record).
It tells the story of several people who are seeking to show the miners a better way of living for God, and saying no to drinking and all the evils that go along with it. It was encouraging to once again be reminded that there are many throughout history that have done something to stem the tide of evil.
It’s based on a true story, and for what it is I think a worthwhile book. Personally though I felt like I lost interest about half was through and then was just seeking to finish it. The writing style just didn’t feel compelling enough to engage. I felt like it could have been shortened quite a bit and therefore been a more powerful read.
Rather than just point out how evil drinking is, I wish they would have talked about what led there. By being part of a mining camp the men were already operating in a broken system - ripped away from the safety net of family and community. In the environment even the most godly, disciplined man would be hugely tempted by whatever was before him. Reading this I wanted to understand more about what led them to the mining camp in the first place.
On the whole, a decent book but just not that great.
By Gene Stratton Porter, 1907
You can skip this GSP, it’s sadly a bit of a dud. Like me, you’re probably interested in this book because you love GSP’s books. Yes, she was a phenomenal woman and she wrote so many amazing books. This one though feels off on several fronts.
The narrator - you will either love him or hate him, that’s a personal preference. For myself I thought the accents actually made the book more enjoyable.
The plot - a man pines for 15 years over the woman he loves, while enabling a lazy drunk (who happens to be his best friend) to go on being a lazy drunk until he dies of substance abuse. Taken from a Biblical standpoint, it’s just not right. So Danny doesn’t get to marry the girl he loves. Go find another great woman, Danny! So you didn’t get Mary, but you could have had a wonderful life with some other woman. And perhaps by being busy caring for your own household, Jimmy and Mary would have had to work things out between them. That’s real life - caring for the people around you, trusting God, choosing contentment about what you can’t change and praying for the things you so long to see change.
I’d have preferred that ending - where Jimmy learns to love Mary, and were Danny’s idolization of her ends. Because, after the honeymoon life is still just lots of ordinary days, lots of ordinary work.
The book ends with Jimmy dead (you knew that had to happen) and Danny and Mary happily in one another arms at last. But, is that really the best outcome? Danny enabled Jimmy to remain as he was, never improving, never learning from his mistakes or becoming a better man. Mary seemed bitter to the core, even allowing three babies to die through her own disinterest in their lives, since her whole life was wrapped up in hating Jimmy and pinning for Danny.
And, sadly the book just drags. Had there been interesting tidbits throughout, or just more of the real life ups and downs, but no. Danny is all shining goodness and Jimmy all evil deceit. Listening to it just rankled my soul, as it felt like so much unhealthy co-dependency masquerading as love when in reality it was too selfish to confront and do the hard work of changing. I wish the priest had been a bit more Biblical in his counsel, pointed them to the life changing truth of scripture.
Anyways, in summary I’d say this is a GSP you can safely skip. Go enjoy “The Harvester,” “Laddie” and “Keeper of the Bees.” :)
Scotch Broth
By Anne Hepple, 1933
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a serendipitous thrift store find. The title caught my eye. Bless the previous owner who had the thoughtfulness to glue in the cover a book summary. It’s the tale of two middle-aged sisters, one married and one not, who set out to find the perfect cottage. They find a charming cottage, fix it up, and encounter many mishaps and adventures along the way.
It’s the main character's writing style that makes the book. Anne Hepple is just so funny, I loved the descriptions. It was refreshing that what was humorous or most enjoyable were all the things that were so commonplace, so trivial. I felt like I took a trip to the moors, and rambled over the hillsides, and nestled in front of the fire with a bowl of soup. It was a delight to read.
Walk with Me
By Annie Wald, 2012
I liked the premise, but the allegory just started feeling too forced so I put it down.
The Lady and the Lionheart
By Joanne Bischof, 2016
Initially, I thought it was sappy and I was just trying to get through it since it was a recommendation from my mom. But about halfway I started to really enjoy it and I was certainly hooked by the end.
Reading other reviews, I definitely can attest to the fact that there was far too many lines about “whispers of hair,” ha! Reflecting on the book I appreciated that they humanized the circus. It wasn’t all just godless evil thinly veiled between plumes and sequins, there were also real people just trying to make a life.
I loved the parallel between Ella and Charlie both having a body ruined by the lust and greed of another, but finding redemption and healing in the love of God, and the love of each other. I felt like Ella was the most unlikeable character though in the book, she does good, but she also seemed very irrational, and just sort of void of depth. Charlie is wonderful, who wouldn’t fall in love with him and all the other characters that you’re introduced to.
I loved that throughout the book there was a mystery, continuing to unfold as you learned more about Charlie’s life, Ella‘s life. Them making a home for the lions in the end seemed rather unrealistic, but when you’re writing a fictional novel, you can have it end as you like. Overall, it’s a sweet love story and refreshingly clean. Charlie has unmatched character and it’s wonderful to be reminded that good men like him, though few, and far between, do exist. Blessed to be married to one of them :)
The back and forth between narrators was enjoyable.
Miss Hickory
Carolyn Sherwin Bailey, 1946
I listened to this book on YouTube because I had recently finished reading Bailey’s “Children of the Handcrafts” which I thought was excellent.
I think had this story been edited way down it would have been far more enjoyable. As it was, it rambled all over the place. Bailey interwove a lot of interesting things about animals, nature and history into the story. And any little girl who has ever played outside will love her descriptions of Miss Hickory. That was by far the sweetest part of the story - imagining this little woman come to life and her adventures with various animals. I just felt like it was a little scary at times, too scary for a young girl to read. So, I’m not really sure who the intended audience would be. I was only just introduced to this book as an adult.
I felt like a third of the way through I was ready for it to be done. Having the book conclude with her losing her head, that’s just disturbing. A very poor choice. There are some sweet parts, but on the whole it’s a strange book and not one I’d recommend. On the contrary though, “Children of the Handcrafts” was delightful. Lots of interesting stories about industrious children.
The Black Arrow
By Robert Louis Stevenson, 1888
Said to be second only to Ivanhoe! Tale for Boys…
Before you get started, just know that this is a tale written in 1888 for boys. With that knowledge, the language is understandably archaic and the bulk of the narrative about battles with a tad bit of young romance thrown in.
Personally, I felt like it was hard to follow. Archaic, writing style, much not clear. I liked the parts with Dick and Joan, but felt like my attention wandered through much of the tale. Dick had a good character, and I liked that he was written, flawed, young, human. Noble and true, but also made mistakes. Unlike GA Henty’s “perfect” hero (the stereotypical Gary Stu), Dick felt more real.
I wish I understood more about the rivalry between the white and red roses. The houses of York and Lancaster. (Brief summary below). Odd this tale is so well loved. I know Robert Louis Stevenson for Kidnapped and Treasure Island. I thought it was interesting that the introduction (in a physical edition I have) marked it as second only to Ivanhoe, since that was one of the books I just listened to before this one. They did feel much in the same vein, I guess because they were written about similar time periods. (Ivanhoe is set in 1194, about 260 years before The Black Arrow).
“The Wars of the Roses were a series of battles that took place in England from 1455 to 1485. The fighting was between two families that claimed the right to the throne—the House of York and the House of Lancaster. They were called the Wars of the Roses because the symbol of each house was a rose. The House of York was represented by a white rose. The House of Lancaster was represented by a red rose.” - kids.britannica.com
God’s Garden, Harvest and Flower Festival Sermons
By Various Authors, 1907
I stumbled across this book at a thrift store, and felt so blessed the Lord paced it in my hands. Written over a hundred years ago, it’s a collection of sermons given during the Spring / Fall. I felt immensely interested in the history as the sermons therein were very Biblically based, but the idea of a “flower festival” is decidedly pagan. Rather, the feast days Biblically would be Passover/ULB/First Fruit/Pentecost in the Spring and then the Fall ones culminating in Tabernacles (Sukkot). Each ppointed time set apart by Yahweh for His people that both point to Messiah, and celebrate the richness of the harvest.
One of the things that hit home with me most was that going up to Jerusalem at one of the appointed pilgrimage festivals would have directly coincided with the harvest - a time of plenty. And opportunity for people to give back to the Lord out of the abundance He had given to them. It was a reminder to look at the feast days now too as a time to be generous, giving to others as giving to the Lord in gratitude for all the rich blessings He has poured forth.
Lots of good “meat” and soul food in this volume. I ordered the accompanying (preceding) book, “Jesus in the Cornfield” that was printed in 1905.
The Swiss Family Robinson
By Johann David Wyss, 1812
I absolutely loved the 1960 Disney movie adaption of this book. It was certainly a childhood favourite. Thus listening to the book in full has long been a desire. Getting into it, I was confused that when the boys were spoken of they seemed either capable lads taking down any number of wild beasts for dinner, or toddlers clapping their hands in delight at father’s next extraordinary feat. For reference, at the onset the boys are ages 15/13/11/8 and the book spans more than 10 years.
I think I initially felt pretty critical (like many of the reviewers) of this work. But, reading the Wikipedia summary really helped.
“Written by Swiss writer, Johann David Wyss, edited by his son Johann Rudolf Wyss, and illustrated by another son, Johann Emmanuel Wyss, the novel was intended to teach his four sons about family values, good farming, and the uses of the natural world and self-reliance. Wyss' attitude towards its education is in line with the teachings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and many chapters involve Christian-oriented moral lessons such as frugality, husbandry, acceptance, and cooperation.
Wyss presents adventures as lessons in natural history and physical science. This resembles other educational books for young ones published about the same time…Wyss' novel is also modeled after Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, an adventure story about a shipwrecked sailor first published in 1719.” - Wikipedia
When you take into account that it was written for an audience and in a particular writing style 200 years ago (in 1812), with the intention of being a teaching tool not a true to life account, I think that changes how you view it. You don’t listen to Pride and Prejudice and quibble about the lack of thrilling adventure, it’s mostly dialogue in a drawing room, and what is left unsaid is often as important as what is.
It is astounding the vast number of things they put their hands to, the sheer knowledge and industry of the family. Coupled with the range of exotic plants and animals they encounter.
“The book presents a geographically impossible array of large mammals and plants that probably could never have existed together on a single island, for the children's education, nourishment, clothing, and convenience.” - Wikipedia
I felt like they were living in a veritable Eden, with no end of incredible gifts from God to enjoy and put to good use.
“Although movie and television adaptations typically name the family "Robinson", it is not a Swiss name. The German title translates as The Swiss Robinson which identifies the novel as part of the Robinsonade genre, rather than a story about a family named Robinson.” - Wikipedia
I kept waiting for the girl to come on the scene along with the band of roguish pirates. But, that’s the Disney version for you. Our lady Jenny doesn’t come on the scene until practically the end of the book, only an hour was left of the 10+ hour story. Eden wouldn’t be complete without Eve, thus enter Jenny Montrose. The book ends with a ship taking the eldest and youngest boys to England, with the middle two opting to remain in “New Switzerland” with their parents.
On the whole it is engaging, it just gets long. And, in this case I still really love the movie best.
84, Charing Cross Road
By Helene Hanff, 1970
I stumbled across this book when reading some reviews on Audible. It promised to be an engaging story for book lovers set in post-war England. It’s written as a series of correspondence between Helene and Frank. Both epistolary novel and biography.
It’s short, and the whole thing felt like a build up to the actual story. But, just when you thought maybe it was really going somewhere, it ended. And, I was left wondering why in the world this was written… and published, and even popular. On the one hand, it’s sweet and a neat window into that era. But on the other it’s very trivial. Nothing really happens, and I’d hardly even heard of most of the books she requested.
I listened to this one read free on YouTube and felt glad I didn’t waste an audible credit… add, the reading is much shorter (and hour) though not as professional as the 2 hour Audible version.
If you’re looking for a good story, just skip this one and go straight to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. You won’t be disappointed.
Stepping Heavenward
By Elizabeth Payson Prentiss, 1869
I listened to the LibriVox recording on YouTube at the recommendation of a good friend who just loves this book and reads it every year. I had a really hard time getting through it. I think by the end Katy has endured all the trials set forth for her… including the death of just about everyone she knows. I was shocked her husband was still alive at the end.
It’s one illness followed by the next, another person dies… and she once more is berating herself for her shortcomings. Rather than the next passage about her bad attitude, I would have liked to read something a little more in the style of LM Montgomery, at least a few interesting interludes about those around her. On the whole the book dragged, it’s a super downer. Katy is sickly and largely unlikeable, at least in her judgment. Perhaps if you’d have been able to get out of the pages of her diary and inside someone else’s head in the story you could appreciate her more.
There are some great lessons woven throughout. I just think it could be highly edited down, and if maybe a third as long would have been much more to the point. I’ve journaled for years, and it’s really not a journal. It’s a rather preachy book from the stand point that life is suffering and it’s all there to make you more Christ like, surrender your will, etc. Which, this is true but I do think there are many things in life God gives us to enjoy. Maybe all the illness and death is just indicative of that era, but it felt excessive.
The Knighting of the Twins: And Ten Other Tales
By Clyde Fitch, 1891
I picked this up at the thrift store because I loved the pictures, and upon a brief flip through it looked like the stories had Christian themes. I read through it and while the stories are sweet, they also felt lacking. They’re unconnected short stories that you might read your child, or probably have a 9 or 10 year old little girl read. They’re written in such a way that they’re not scary or too intense. It felt like the author had some good ideas, but he just wasn’t able to quite land them. The one that bothered me the most was one about a little lame girl made whole by Jesus… and then she goes home and her mother is dead. As though God healed her then killed off her mean mom. That’s just not at all in line with how God works throughout scripture. Would I recommend it? Probably not, I just think there are more worthwhile reads. It’s a lovely book, sweet pictures by illustrator Virginia Gerson.
With Lee In Virginia
By GA Henty, Unknown
This was the abridged, dramatized recording by Heirloom Audio. I really enjoyed this one. I liked that the narrative was focused around the storyline well. It was engaging and exciting. Some of Henty’s books can get very dull, too technical and focused on troop movements and facts. I appreciated that this Civil War story was written from the perspective of the South, and that the war was about state rights and federal government overreach, not just summarized as about slavery. It gives you a renewed respect for Lee, shows the tangled web of slavery and just how there were good men fighting on both sides of the conflict. A highly recommended listen. I’m just not sure yet at what age I would say to have your kids listen. I find them a bit advanced. The CD cover says 6+ but I would probably wait until at least 10 years for my boys.
The House Of A Thousand Candles
By Meredith Nicholson, 1905
Found a lovely old copy whilst on a thrifting jaunt and was delighted to find an audio recording by Libravox on YouTube. Flew through it in two days. It was a most engaging, enjoyable listen. I appreciated that even though Jack is a wandering, adventure seeking, money squanderer, he still has a noble character.
It’s a mystery with many references to murder, death and ghosts without actually having any of these elements. It’s surprisingly a rather tame book while at the same time having all the allure of a Nancy Drew keeping you listening. I find that in reading old books it usually takes me until about the middle to really get into it, then the last half flies. With this one I felt hooked early on, spurred on by many great reviews. But I found my interest waning by the end. The lady Iove is just so unlikeable. A flirting minx. Imagine if she’d just been homely and acted that way? Everyone would merely pity her and then hardy give her a second thought. I don’t give their marriage much hope - her pretending to be a young girl, off on a lark. Him tied down to a place just to make up for previous short comings, etc. On the whole, it’s an enjoyable listen. Bates is the man to admire, his character and loyal chum Larry are the fellows that make it worth while.
While I’m critiquing, I do wish too that the secret passageways had really been something, had a good story, and been used for some real purpose. And forget securities, why does no one really have a hidden stock of Spanish gold, it can’t have all sunk with the armadas. I felt sure the author would circle back to the idea of the candles and Jack would find that sounding the walls was always in vain because the secret was hidden above, somehow connected with the candelabras. The cover is lovely, I love a good old book. It’ll stay on my shelves and the memory of a great mystery cherished took me back to my girlhood adventuring with Nancy Drew and her chums.
If you enjoyed this book, you may also like “Castle Craneycrow” by George Barr McCutcheon.
Nathalie’s Sister
By Anna Chapin Ray, 1910
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I really should have remembered these words of wisdom before diving into this one. I picked it up at a local thrift store because I loved the cover. A thick book, but equally thick pages so you feel like you’re reading a lot but in actuality it’s a fairly short read. A few chapters in I knew it was a dud, but hoped it would improve. Sadly, it didn’t.
I didn’t realize it was part of a series. But you don’t need to have read the other installments, it seems pretty stand-alone.
The gist is that the book focuses on an unruly dog who nearly burns the house down, and a headstrong 15-year-old with a quick temper who everyone declares unlikeable. By the end, the girl somehow manages to wind up the hero with the college boy in love with her.
It’s a story of the wealthy elite lounging about amusing themselves and putting on a backyard theatrical. The whole story is about that one summer. Peggy (Nathalie’s Sister) is just so wholly unlikeable. She spends the story lamenting she is unloved, and then proving why people find her disagreeable. The only redeeming part of the story is the pretty cover, ha! If you want good reading of this sort, pick up LM Montgomery’s Anne series. Far, far more enjoyable.
An Old-Fashioned Girl
By Louisa May Alcott, 1869
I listened to this one because, of course, I too love Alcott’s “Little Women.” I found an old copy of the book and decided to give it a listen on Audible. The first portion where Polly is a young girl visiting the Shaws was sweet, but not terribly interesting. The second half though was so enjoyable, loved the romance. And was sad it was over at the end. Happy endings all around :)
Polley is so good. She brings sunshine to everyone’s lives, and shows them how to live uprightly. She has such a fine character, and brings out the best in everyone around her. I saw on YouTube there’s a black-and-white film that was made of the book. I watched a portion of it, and found it just revolting. Nothing like the story so don’t waste your time.
I think the style in which the story is written, would appeal to all ages of women, a timeless classic.
In the Reign of Terror
By GA Henty, Unknown
This was my second abridged, dramatized recording by Heirloom Audio for the year. I’d put this on my short list of top five favourite Henty books, so it was engaging to listen to again. My main frustration was that they completely eliminated the love story snippet between Harry and Jan! I wish they’d spent less time on the prologue/post-log story and just focused on the actual story. All that aside, great listen. Unabridged book reviewed in my 2021 book report.
Wulf the Saxon
By GA Henty, Unknown
Third Heirloom Audio this year. Great listen, such a tough era my goodness! As with most of the Henty books, it focuses on conflict between nations. So much needless bloodshed and death. Well done recording as usual, great dive into history! Unabridged book reviewed in my 2022 book report.
Beric the Briton
By GA Henty, Unknown
Fourth Heirloom Audio this year. Another enjoyable listen. I must say though that I missed many of the parts of the story that were more fully fleshed out in the unabridged audiobook (reviewed in my ____ book report). This is one of my top five Henty favourites for sure.
Her Father’s Daughter
By Gene Stratton Porter, 1921
There are some excellent reviews of this book on Good Reads, so I will try not to be redundant. Personally, I enjoyed the story. Porter is a great writer and knows how to weave a narrative. I appreciated that by the end the sisters were able to reconcile.
Yes, it’s a highly racist book, but also it’s indicative of an era. Gene’s strengths in writing about the beauty of nature, love and godly wholesome living are clouded by ignorance, fear and prejudice. It’s easy to judge, and say that what she wrote was wrong, Biblically and ethically. But also what she saw to be wrong in her day and age, and she was writing about that. Grownups entering into school with children, and people coming to take from not join and strengthen a nation. Had the book been a bit more rounded, you’d have gotten to see the Japanese perspective, and at least realized the situation is complex, with many different points of view. I was shocked the Japanese man was killed! I didn’t think that was necessary.
I think what bothered me the most was all these men falling over themselves in love with a high school girl. It’s just a bit odd given that generally you don’t even think of someone that much younger than yourself as even a possibility. Linda is a Mary Sue, with unlimited resources, knowledge and skill. All these things aside though, it’s still an enjoyable tale. Just not one of my favourites by GSP.
Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age
By Katherine May, 2023
Listening to this book is soothing, the reader is superb. Katherine is an excellent writer, and her turn of phrase is delicious. But what is she saying? My mind kept trying to grasp the point she sought to make. I expected to find something luminous in this book, something that reawakened that yearning to lay down my phone and take a walk barefoot.
When I listened to Wintering, I felt as though I gained language to describe the seasons of my life. That period of morning sickness in early pregnancy was a wintering, that move to a new country, a wintering. It makes sense now. It was well-researched, personal and widely applicable.
Enchantment is a book about one woman’s struggle to find meaning in life, to find something that ignites the divine spark within. Problem being, she’s so open to everything she has shut out all hope of wonder. The idea of wonder feels like seeing a butterfly - you can’t plan to go out and see one, but sometimes you do. How often you see it, if you even notice it, these things are determined by making many little choices along the way that put you in nature and heighten your senses to even get to experience that moment of wonder.
If Katherine was my friend, I’d recommend she spend at least one hour each day totally unplugged and outside in nature. It sounds like she is doing a lot of that, but the missing piece is recognizing God made it. And I’d want to introduce her to a thriving Christian who lived out before her joy in Christ. I wanted to find something in this book to chew on. But mostly I just felt sorry for her as I listened.
We all just went through Covid, and maybe it’s just me, but I don’t want to read about it. The amount it affected you directly correlates to how urban, how tied into the system your life is.
Once Upon a Wardrobe
By Patti Callahan, 2021
Like everyone else listening to this book, I too grew up loving the Chronicles of Narnia.
I enjoyed how Patti wove in so many biographical details about Jack’s life throughout the story. It’s a tender, sweet story. I really enjoyed listening to it.
The visit to Dunluce Castle was a neat part since I got to visit that very place while in Ireland, and see Belfast where Jack originally called home.
For sure recommended, but only after you’ve read / listened to “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe!”
With Christ in the School of Prayer
By Andrew Murray, 1885
I found this little volume at a local thrift store and was delighted to find that it was available on audible. It’s meaty, one that you would need to take slowly to really digest all that Murray writes. But it’s all really great. I jotted down several points that I’ve been mulling over since listening to it. Definitely a worth while, timeless volume on prayer for every believer. It’s profound, yet very simply put forth.
Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery
By Classical Kids
Loved revisiting this classic from my childhood.
Jesus in the Cornfield, Sermons for Harvest and Flower Festivals
By Various, 1905
I read through this volume as part of my devotions. I loved, “God’s Garden” (1907) but this one was a struggle to get through. So disappointing because I so enjoyed the other, both luminous and profound. This one seemed so bland. I felt that none of the sermons were really worth committing to a book to be read again and again.
Beethoven Lives Upstairs
By Classical Kids
Loved revisiting this classic from my childhood.
The Cat of Bubastes
By GA Henty, Unknown
Fifth Heirloom Audio this year. Another enjoyable listen. I must say though that I missed many of the parts of the story that were more fully fleshed out in the unabridged audiobook. This is again one of my top five Henty favourites for sure!
Mozart's Magic Fantasy
By Classical Kids
Loved revisiting this classic from my childhood.
Mary Jones and Her Bible
By Mary Carter, 1959
A sweet story about how The British and Foreign Bible Society was formed. A young girl loves God’s word, and longs to have a Bible of her own. Through hard work and perseverance she earns enough to purchase her own Bible. I’d recommend this book for any young Christian girl, as it’s very tender and tame. Mary is very much a “Mary Sue” type character, loving and hard working. Devoted to her family and learning about God’s word. It’s a short read. Interesting to know how the society was formed, but I can’t say I’d recommend it as a must read. Nice pictures throughout the volume.
A Blossom in the Desert: Reflections of Faith in the Art and Writings of Lilias Trotter
By Compiled and Edited by Miriam Huffman Rockness, 2007
This book is a treasure. Lilias artwork is exquisite, so moving. Coupled with her writings it is a delight to own. I really enjoyed each painting, and reading the devotional thoughts has been a blessing to my quiet time. So glad to have found this book, and just wish there were more copies out there so I could gift it to all my friends.
The documentary, “Many Beautiful Things” available on YouTube is an excellent introduction to Lilias and Miriam, and then this volume gratified my desire to see more of her art. I found that the writing was best taken in bits, not read through quickly. Deep thoughts to meditate on.
The Gospel According to Matthew
By Matthew
Enjoyed going through the book of Matthew slowly in my quiet time.
Little Women
By Louisa May Alcott, 1868 & 1869
Years ago I watched the 1994 movie adaptation with Winona Ryder and loved it. Listening to this book, the movie was vividly in my mind’s eye. They did such a good job with the movie, staying very true I felt to the book… well, perhaps a tad more kissing, lol.
It’s a literature classic, a timeless masterpiece. Yes, it gets preachy at times. But that is depictive of the era. What was a good book for if not to help you to do as God would have you? The first third drags a bit, but once everyone starts marrying (in the second half, Good Wives) things begin to get exciting. And Jo breaks Laurie’s heart, and you sigh all over again that it really never could have been, but of course he was always meant to be with Amy.
On the whole a delightful, endearing listen. I found myself wishing that we in this modern age spoke more affectionately and called one another, “Hearts Dearest” etc. Great narrator too!
Power in Praise
By Merlin R. Carothers, 1972
At only 150 pages, this is a quick read with lots of great stories. Overall I found it to be a very challenging, convicting book. And I hope to be forever changed by it, to put into motion the things I read about turning every trial into praise. I often thought of Betsy Ten Boom in the concentration camp (from the book, The Hiding Place) thanking God for the fleas! What are the “fleas” in my life that I’ve never even thought to praise Him for? Some of the chapters got a little too doctrinal for my taste, deviating from scripture into denominational theology. But for the most part I found it to be really good. The stories are amazing, and at first blush can seem a little too fantastic, but the point is that God’s awesome power is unleashed when we create that highway through our praise.
The Quiet Eye
By Sylvia Shaw Judson, 1954
I discovered this book while reading a blog post by Miriam Rockness. - https://ililiastrotter.wordpress.com/2014/09/12/a-way-of-seeing/
“Through selected art and text, a Quaker sculptor communicates a sense of affirmation, wonder and trust in the sacredness of the daily. The Quiet Eye is a small book of great charm, imbued with a love and understanding of art that speaks directly to the heart. The thirty-three pictures selected by the American sculptress Sylvia Shaw Judson cover a wide spectrum of subjects and styles, from the seventh century to the modern day.” - https://quakerbooks.org/products/the-quiet-eye-2554
I realized once again, I don’t like the vast majority of what is classified as “art.” I simply can’t appreciate it. I like what I find beautiful, and the rest just seems unnecessary. Like certain genres of music, or rubbishy novels… yes something was expressed, but was it needful to share it with the world? Granted, it’s just my opinion.
I think I like what Judson sought to do in “The Quiet Eye” but I felt like I needed the book to be a bit more instructional. The art she chose was so varied, it would have been helpful to have the medium used listed. As well as a thought or two about how to even appreciate the piece, or why she chose it. Had the art pieces been different, pieces truly beautiful perhaps I could have appreciated them more. I liked the text more than the imagery.
Not a book I’ll keep, but an interesting read. It’s a very short book, mostly a look-book.
A Castaway in Cornwall
By Julie Klassen, 2020
The beachcomber in me loved listening to the passages about Laura walking the coastline in search of treasures washed ashore. The shipwrecks and all that surrounded them are just one more sad vein of history, but also one in which true courage and heroic deeds shine forth.
Though slow at the start, the second half was most enjoyable. Well researched and engaging. Lots of historical tidbits making the tale feel grounded, feel like it was jewel carefully set in place. Of course you know that Alexander and Laura are going to marry by book’s end. I was enjoying it up until they reached Jersey. Then something went incredibly wrong with our hero. I felt like there needed to be a lot more hearing Alexander’s thoughts, to at least hear the conflict within of leaving Laura. This was supposed to be the woman he was in love with, but he leaves her without even a “I hope to see you again one day.” Sure, reconnecting with Leoni was I suppose the counterpart to Treve Kent’s interest in Laura. But it felt forced. Everything a little too neatly tied up in the end with literally everyone except maybe Miss Chegwen finding their true love.
All that aside, it was still really good. I liked that the author wrote them both as adventurous, and gave them a longing for one another. The villains are horrible (as villains should be) but redemption bittersweet in the end.
Recommended :)
On Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History
By Thomas Carlyle, 1841
Since coming across a little antique volume of this book several years ago, I’ve been intrigued. The image in the front of the book captivated me, reminded me of the Ted Talk “Your elusive creative genius” by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love. I thought it would be a historical treatise on how people down through the ages have reverenced the great men of their time - as deity / prophet / king, etc. And, perhaps it was but after the first couple sections, my attention languished sorely. It took me back to college days where I would dutifully read texts, but knew nothing was penetrating.
When Carlyle wrote on Woden, or Mohammed all I could think is this is from an academic man, writing from his study by the fire. It tells nothing of the pagan rituals, or the blood bath of holy war. His writings felt devoid of morality. The writing felt philosophical, and so far removed from the actual life breath of the men he sought to write about. I kept thinking I needed to read on Wikipedia just who Carlyle was. Was he a man of faith? Or simply a man of his time. English to the core. Lauding Shakespeare as more valuable than India to the British Empire.
Probably the most interesting tidbit was the funny story about Luther throwing ink at an apparition. I read online that whether true or not, there are quite a few ink stains on the walls of places he is said to have lived. Must needs keep profiting off a good story!
It’s horribly dull, the reader is amazing. But the book, it’s a ramble all over the place. By the end I was listening at 1.3 speed. I would say probably the most you could credit this work as is a time capsule of British thought on these subjects in that era. I should have not finished it (especially since my thoughts wandered in and out so much!), but I always feel I must stick it out once committed.
I still think that picture at the front so interesting, I find between it and the Ted Talk a wonderful key has been given to unlocking some of the mystery surrounding how man has viewed the idea of inspiration, and how that view has shifted down through the ages.
Update: I read on Wikipedia / New World Encyclopedia that Carlyle was Scottish but lived in England. “Coming from a strictly Calvinist family, Carlyle was expected by his parents to enter the ministry. However, while at the University of Edinburgh he lost his Christian faith. Nevertheless Calvinist values remained with him throughout his life.” This makes a lot of sense given the tenor of his writing.
Stories from the Old Testament, from Adam to Joseph
By Piet Worm, 1957
Lovely illustration and a fresh look at the accounts in Genesis. I thought it was neat that this was a book done for his children. We enjoyed reading through it at bedtime.
If you're interested,
here is my 2020 Book Report,
Do Good
Make Glad
Live Well