As a member of netgalley I try to review the books that I have read. Here are the two latest novels that I have read.
The Pawnbroker by Jerry Hatchett
With the main character running for his life while trying to solve the
mysteries surrounding the person he had killed in self defense this book
kept me reading for the better part of a day. Unfortunately, the
excessive murders detracted from the overall story so I would be
reluctant to recommend it to others. It would be nice to see more creative ways of solving the problems. Also, in the initial scene we have
two hunters discovering a grisly scene because of the smell, yet at the
end of the novel, in the same building none of the characters comment on
this smell. The author would do well to check more carefully for
inconsistencies in his writing.
Yellow Crocus: A Novel by Laila Ibrahim
Slavery and survival through women's eyes
The story of Mattie and Lisbeth reveals some of the hidden nuances of
growing up with slavery. As a slave, Mattie had no rights over her own
body or her children and yet was given the responsibility of nourishing
and nurturing the child of the plantation owners. Lisbeth shows in her
outlook and choices that she has adopted Mattie's values rather than
those of her parents. This story creates space for us to understand and
touch some of the realities that have shaped the experiences of diverse
women. I highly recommend it.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
Waiting for Power
The electrician has been here and now we are waiting for Hydro One to come and connect us to the grid. Although we have some warmth, a wood furnace in the basement, and a generator for necessities such as lights and television (and this computer) it is so inconvenient. When it is cold, today it is -20, I often wonder how those people who came before us survived without the amenities that we take for granted. Would a log house, or a tipi, or a lodge of boughs and mud keep out the chilling arctic air? Would lamps of tallow or oil brighten the long nights of winter? What would you add to the stew of fish or moose meat? I am amazed that they could survive and thrive. We should honour those from the past and take time to learn from our elders.
I am not reading today, but rather enjoying the antics of Preston and Josh. Downstairs we were all trying to stand on our heads ( I think that this was Darrell's idea). I took up the challenge and I was doing well until Chip licked my face... so many laughs. Now we are watching Nemo again. They follow the antics of the little clownfish and I reflect again on our search for family and home and the power of love. Right now Dorie is in the net and Nemo is telling all the fish to "swim down together....keep swimming, keep swimming..." As we work together we can overcome the forces which imprison us. Nemo is lying on the bottom and his dad says, "It's ok, daddy's here, daddy's got you." I long for that feeling of protection and unconditional love. I love stories that share the circle of life. Now Nemo is back at school just like in scene one. He has a chance for a new beginning. At any age we need opportunities for new beginnings, time to put into practice the lessons we have learned.
Reflections from the hilltop in Griffith. Bye for now...time to give the boys their bottles and maybe they will nap.
I am not reading today, but rather enjoying the antics of Preston and Josh. Downstairs we were all trying to stand on our heads ( I think that this was Darrell's idea). I took up the challenge and I was doing well until Chip licked my face... so many laughs. Now we are watching Nemo again. They follow the antics of the little clownfish and I reflect again on our search for family and home and the power of love. Right now Dorie is in the net and Nemo is telling all the fish to "swim down together....keep swimming, keep swimming..." As we work together we can overcome the forces which imprison us. Nemo is lying on the bottom and his dad says, "It's ok, daddy's here, daddy's got you." I long for that feeling of protection and unconditional love. I love stories that share the circle of life. Now Nemo is back at school just like in scene one. He has a chance for a new beginning. At any age we need opportunities for new beginnings, time to put into practice the lessons we have learned.
Reflections from the hilltop in Griffith. Bye for now...time to give the boys their bottles and maybe they will nap.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Book Review: One Sunday
One Sunday by Carrie Gerlach Cecil
Howard Books
Pub Date:
| Archive Date:
Wind and a fallen tree = no power
Reflections on the power of the weather
The last time I wrote it was snowing and we had six inches to clear from our driveway. The next day the sky was dark and the weatherman spoke of freezing rain. None came, but we did have a day of mild weather and rain which washed away the accumulation of snow and changed the landscape again. This morning we woke up to a cold wind which changed all puddles into ice. As we looked out the window to the swaying trees, suddenly the house reverberated and all went dark. A spruce fell beside the house took down the power line and crashed through the fence.
There are moments, days and years of relative peace. We are wrapped in the protective blankets of parental love or career opportunities. How do we face times of change, both good and bad? When we lose power it is more of an effort to stay warm and to prepare meals. Priorities change and plans shift.
I have a headache so I will leave these reflections for another time. Who knows what tomorrow will bring (hopefully the power will be reconnected....)
The last time I wrote it was snowing and we had six inches to clear from our driveway. The next day the sky was dark and the weatherman spoke of freezing rain. None came, but we did have a day of mild weather and rain which washed away the accumulation of snow and changed the landscape again. This morning we woke up to a cold wind which changed all puddles into ice. As we looked out the window to the swaying trees, suddenly the house reverberated and all went dark. A spruce fell beside the house took down the power line and crashed through the fence.
There are moments, days and years of relative peace. We are wrapped in the protective blankets of parental love or career opportunities. How do we face times of change, both good and bad? When we lose power it is more of an effort to stay warm and to prepare meals. Priorities change and plans shift.
I have a headache so I will leave these reflections for another time. Who knows what tomorrow will bring (hopefully the power will be reconnected....)
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Book Review from this rainy January 30th
Part of this blog will be frequent book reviews as I am now signed up with netgalley to review books! What a bonus for an avid reader. Use them to choose new books or just to find out what I am reading.All the best, Judy
A worthwhile thriller!
Hiding in the Sunshine by John and Caitlin Stuart
Although it took awhile to get into the story, once hooked it was a page turner. Cyber security in all its facets is a very real threat and this novel exposed those threats. The main character, an expert in cyber security and his family, are rushed into witness protection by the FBI. Their children learn to deal with secrets and to survive. Although the ending is almost too perfect, this was a great read. I hope that these authors write more novels in this genre
A worthwhile thriller!
Hiding in the Sunshine by John and Caitlin Stuart
Although it took awhile to get into the story, once hooked it was a page turner. Cyber security in all its facets is a very real threat and this novel exposed those threats. The main character, an expert in cyber security and his family, are rushed into witness protection by the FBI. Their children learn to deal with secrets and to survive. Although the ending is almost too perfect, this was a great read. I hope that these authors write more novels in this genre
Monday, January 28, 2013
Snow covers our tracks
Welcome to my world...a messy world with toys scattered across my living room, books piled on the tables, dishes in the sink, sons grown, grandsons exploring and a husband retired but busy... I hope to share ideas, reflections and encouragement as well as take the opportunity to start writing again.
This morning I was awakened early by my grandson whispering "eat"....as soon as his eyes opened. I do not usually wake up so hungry for food, for experiences or for company. I am often reluctant to embrace today. My husband included Josh as he created his signature whipped cream and blueberry waffles. I relaxed and listened to the chatting and singing of the two of them.
We went out to walk in the snow and cut firewood and I carried Josh to the path. He walks across snow unmarked by tracks making his own marks. I try to follow with difficulty but keep sinking to my knees. How do I keep up with an eager toddler?
Soon the snow covers our tracks and our hair and our faces. Chain saws interrupt the quiet. Dead elms drop in the snow. Firewood is stacked on the trailer. Our explorer is wet and cold so we go back home for soup and Finding Nemo. Josh is intrigued. I reflect on the message of wandering and the hope that someone is seeking to bring me home.
We discuss this in our discussion group. The answers to our prayers are not like winning the lottery or putting coins in a vending machine, but we are promised deliverance from fears and God's peace. Can I walk across the snow without falling through? As I reflect on life through this blog I hope that I can make sense of some of my days and hours.
This morning I was awakened early by my grandson whispering "eat"....as soon as his eyes opened. I do not usually wake up so hungry for food, for experiences or for company. I am often reluctant to embrace today. My husband included Josh as he created his signature whipped cream and blueberry waffles. I relaxed and listened to the chatting and singing of the two of them.
We went out to walk in the snow and cut firewood and I carried Josh to the path. He walks across snow unmarked by tracks making his own marks. I try to follow with difficulty but keep sinking to my knees. How do I keep up with an eager toddler?
Soon the snow covers our tracks and our hair and our faces. Chain saws interrupt the quiet. Dead elms drop in the snow. Firewood is stacked on the trailer. Our explorer is wet and cold so we go back home for soup and Finding Nemo. Josh is intrigued. I reflect on the message of wandering and the hope that someone is seeking to bring me home.
We discuss this in our discussion group. The answers to our prayers are not like winning the lottery or putting coins in a vending machine, but we are promised deliverance from fears and God's peace. Can I walk across the snow without falling through? As I reflect on life through this blog I hope that I can make sense of some of my days and hours.
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