Another Book Review

Just One Evil Act by Elizabeth George

I'm finding I prefer Elizabeth George's earlier books better than the last couple I've read. Her writing is just as good, the settings are different. Basically, she's evolved, I haven't. Her characters have become old friends to me, and she succeeds in adding depth to them with every book. However, after eighteen books, the stories move more into the circle of the newer characters, which I'm certain will keep her series going but makes the series less interesting to me. If one of you has not read any of her books, I'd recommend you do, starting with the first in the series, A Great Deliverance.

That being said, the story here was complex and moved forward well. I would recommend it for people who are more into thrillers than straight mysteries.

I've not been the only one reading around here lately. Christian and I started on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for bedtime reading. Mackenzie still doesn't care much for chapter books, but she likes to read aloud to anyone who will listen.

Book #3 - Longbourn by Jo Baker

I am a "usual" Jane Austen fan - I enjoy her books, loved the movies based on them, but not really able to discuss her writing, etc., with any real knowledge. When I read about "Longbourn," I was looking forward to retelling of one of my favorite stories from a different point of view.

	That being said, I didn't love this book. As a different point of view on a familiar story, I was ready to like it, but it seemed like the author was just intent on letting us know how hard servants had to work and just how dirty life in the early 19th century was. Having hit us over the head with that, she took well-known and loved characters and almost took the life out of them.

Books #2 - Stella Bain

This was not at all what I expected - enjoyed it thoroughly. The main character is a woman on the battlefront of World War I. She is injured and has lost her memory. The story of how her memory returns and how she deals with the realities of her life were fascinating. There were so many topics the author drew together: spousal abuse, post traumatic stress disorder, women on the battlefield. It was a very modern story, not at all a period piece.

Christmas Gifts

The best gift I got this Christmas wasn't under the tree. It didn't even arrive on Christmas Day. I don't usually share much about how our day-to-day lives go, but most of you know it can be a little hairy sometimes. A lot of people, a few problems, some necessary boundaries - it's sometimes hard to keep it all under control. I try to capture the high points and to share the fun times we have. It helps me deal with the rest of it.

I imagine all of us have that wish for an Ozzie and Harriet kind of family life, even though we know it's an unrealistic expectation. Honestly, it would probably be kind of boring, and as we know, the Nelsons didn't even have it. One of my little secret sorrows has been that building our family the way we did, we weren't able to create that cohesive feeling that I share with Mom, Ed, Mike and Scott. No matter what, we always pull for each other. I haven't seen that in my kids. There may be very good reasons for it, but for my kids, it really isn't there. In some ways, it's like separate families living under the same roof.

But something's changed. It may be because of Christmas, but I think the effects will last. Christian and Mackenzie were so excited about James coming to visit, and with everyone trying at least a little, it turned into a grand visit. When James arrived, Christian hugged him so hard he lifted him off the ground. And James didn't mind. Gil put himself out to include Christian in some of his treats for James, which made Christian feel wonderful. Gil relaxed enough to spend a little bit of time just talking. He looked better and acted happier than I've seen him in a long time. He and Rosanne actually had conversations at the dinner table - and that is not at all the usual.

So the best gift I got this Christmas was family, and fun, and a feeling that maybe we haven't done a bad job at all. Wherever it came from, thank you!

Have A Little Faith - Review (Sort of)

Mitch Albom is one of those authors that I've tried to avoid, just on principle. From the comments made by friends, his book seemed like they were going to be overly sentimental, not an area I go into very willingly. But I decided it was unfair to not even give him a try, so I downloaded one of his books from the library and dove in.

It was wonderful. He writes about two men of faith - a rabbi and a pastor in Detroit who works with the homeless - and about his relationship with them. The book was an examination of faith as experienced from two different directions, and I emerged from the reading wanting to know both of these men.

I'll definitely be reading more of Albom's books. Guess I should listen to people more often!

2014 Reading Challenge

In 2014 I am not challenging myself to read 100 books. I am challenging myself to read every book I select with more care. I am challenging myself to review every book I read, at least to make one or two comments about it. I am challenging myself to ready as many non-mysteries as I do mysteries. I am challenging myself to read one chapter of Dickens (I really like his books) a day. And I'm challenging myself to pay attention to the book recommendations of friends and family.

So what reading challenges are you making for 2014?