March Reads

The Kruetzer Sonata by Leo Tolstoy - One of many short stories written by Tolstoy, this story takes place on a train, the entire story being re-told by one man to another over the course of a night.  It is a story of an idealistic love that turns quickly lifeless, then moves to jealousy, wrath, betrayal and then finally murder.  From the lips of the story teller, it is his story to be told, so we are cast into his mind from beginning to end, how his thoughts took him captive and led him down a tragic path.  What I love about Tolstoy is his insight into the mind and heart of man - our behavior happens for a reason - and reasons which must be accounted for and taken responsibility for.  8

Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef - Our March book club read, Yousef tells his story as the son of one of the founders of Hamas and eventual departure from Hamas, and Islam to follow Jesus Christ.  He tells his story simply - almost too simply for my tastes.  I found myself wanting more, also realizing that there probably is more, but not more he can tell.  I salute Yousef for the courgae to tell his story and also for his desire to see real peace come to the Middle east, a peace he says that is impossible without following the mandate to "love your enemies."  7

Instructing a Child's Heart by Tedd & Margy Tripp - Worth it's weight in gold, this gem is a must read for all Christian parents wanting to raise their children to be fervent followers of Christ.  I have realized lately that my priorities for teaching my children have been out of whack, focusing much on academics (which are necessary) and not enough on training in righteousness as learned through the Gospel of Jesus.  Trip lays out succinctly what is important and how to make it important in the family.  9