Feb. book review

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas -
John read this last year and raved so much about it that we included it in our books for this year's book club reads.  I must say, that overall, I enjoyed it, but the bulk of the enjoyment came within the last six chapters or so - when WWII was up and going.  Before that, I felt like I was slogging along with a bit too much information - but it was probably more my mindset and stylistic preference.  But I tell you what, when I hit WWII, I couldn't put it down - primarily for the wealth of insight from Bonhoeffer's own writings.  The honest wrestling he did while striving to find balance in doing what he thought was right in the middle of a "Christian" culture gone very far wrong was so inspiring.  He was an amazing man - and truly a hero for the sake of Christ. 8

Half-Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan - My other book club book for January - and another WWII era read.  This had an interesting combination - a group of Jazz musicians, some American, some German, most of them black - and that matters for the period and the place in which the story is taking place - working first in Germany, but then having to flee to Paris.  I kind of don't know what all to say about it - I liked it - I did like it, and it was very well written.  Edugyan does the back and forth in time thing as the story is unfolding - you are hearing and seeing what the character is seeing and thinking and saying now, and then you are taken with him into his memories as the story deepens.  I always have a hard time explaining that, but it is not hard to follow at all.  It was good - I do recommend it.  8

Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James - So, P.D. James takes her love of Jane Austen and adds on to Pride and Prejudice a murder.  While the murder mystery aspect was not sensational - I found myself not really wrapped up in who did it too much - the Austen aspect was great.  James "channeled" Jane Austen and wrote in her style.  So it felt like I was reading an Austen novel rather than a P.D. James mystery.  which was fun.  She did a great job carrying over the characters - keeping their personalities and quirkiness the same as well as filling in the rumors from the village of Maryton regarding Miss Elizabeth Bennet's marriage to Mr. Darcy. (We all know she was only after his fortune - so say the village hens.)  8

The Nursing Home Murder by Ngaio Marsh - First, let's just get straight that the "nursing home" is a hospital.  I think if I had realized that, I would have read it sooner.  Anyway, for mystery fans, if you have not discovered Ngaio Marsh, run to your used book store or library and grab up one of her little volumes.  She fits into the Queendom of Mystery just as much as Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, and P.D. James.  Her stories are just as formulaic (in a good way)- from the central dominant and highly logical detective to his quirky sidekick and various "characters" helping out along the way.  I think she will be my new "beach read" when I just want something easy and entertaining to rest my brain.  9

Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan - Yes, you should read these.  They are so fun!  Fun in the not much depth, but lots of action and lots of great dialog while incorporating Greek mythology and some over the top characters.  Yes, Medusa ran a garden statuary store.  Yes, Posidon likes to wear a Hawaian shirt.  Yes, Mars is basically a biker dude.  It's a fun mix of present day action and ancient fables - and I just love stuff like that.  Read them and just enjoy the silliness while getting yourself up to date on your Greek mythology. 9