April Book Log

The Magician's Book by Laura Miller - A memoir-ish of one woman's journey into Narnia, out, and back in again with a totally different perspective.  Miller fell in love with the books as a child and then was disillusioned as a teenager when she discovered the obvious thread of Christianity weaving it's way through every page.  She then picked them back up again as an adult - this book are her thoughts on the other side.  I actually had a lot of hope for this one - but I must say I was a bit disappointed.  It wasn't her open bitterness and frustration for Christianity and the church - I expected that.  It wasn't her "not getting it" of some of the key aspects of Narnia and it's characters.  I expected that as well.  What disappointed me was her literary critiscim, interpretations of Lewis's personal life (possibly true, but irrelevant and tacky) and her over emphasis of Tolkien's works.  About three chapters were spent on Tolkien alone - and while I know the connection between the two men, a criticism of Tolkien's work in this book didn't fit.  What was good were her insights as a non-Christian into something Christians tend to take for granted that everyone can see.  For that, I recommend it, but you can leave the rest. 6

The Intentional Woman by Carol Travilla and Joan C. Webb - A friend sent this to me after a phone call when I confessed to feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to step next.  It was a helpful tool in a workbook/Bible Study format bringing in the purpose of how one's past story, and present circumstances, as well as personal wiring and what God says about us all fit together to make the whole person and make purposeful decisions for life and work.  8

The Myth of Laziness by Dr. Mel Levine - Upfront, I totally disagree with the good dr.'s premise that laziness is only a myth - I know laziness exists in myself, so unless I am the only person in the world that is ever lazy....  THAT SAID, I do agree that some of the qualities and issues a person struggles with that could easily be labeled as lazy, might really be frustration and simply giving up because they are not wired to do that particular task or way of thinking easily.  I am seeing this in a couple of my kids and how my accusations of laziness have only de-motivated them more.  It was a helpful book identifying several areas of learning difficulties and giving help for moving forward in the midst of these challenges. 7

The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paolo Giordano - this was my Chapters book club book - Giordano, a physicist by day,  is the youngest recipient ever of some Italian book award.  The novel is two stories woven together of two "misfits" who struggle to fit into their various places in life.  I was surprised by how readable the writing of a physicist was - I stayed up late to finish the book.  But the ending was very disappointing for me - it felt like an attempt at profound-post-modern-nothingness.  But maybe I just didn't get it.  6

The Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith - the Book of the Month for my group, this was just such a fun read.  The primary character of Precious Ramotswe is just great.  I want to be just like her.  Witty, cunning, an African detective in Botswana, who at times is unsure of how to get the job done, but in the end, she always does. This book is first in a series - I will be reading the next one soon, I am sure.  8.5

 Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow by Nancy Guthrie - just finished this last night, and confirmed, it's a keeper and a re-reader and a hander-outer.  As I wrote before here, Nancy has a credibility and heart that comes only from knowing deep sorrow and loss herself.  So even when she points to things that are difficult to understand, there is grace and hope - not cliches and platitudes.  I am so thankful for Nancy and her story, because it is comfort to me and I will certainly pass this gem on to bring comfort to others. 10