Humility seems to be out of fashion these days. People have a tendency to want attention, and preferably fame, regardless of what they have to do to get it. So it was with pleasure that I encountered beautifully understated qualities of humility and simple goodness in a 19th century novel, Middlemarch, by George Eliot. If … Continue reading Middlemarch: Humility is beautiful
Category: Book Responses
Mathematics and Science–how Poetic!
Discovery of beauty in surprising places. Believe it or not, just seeing and saying the word mathematics makes me feel good. My love for math led me to complete a B.Sc. program in Engineering Mathematics, and yet my most enjoyable hobbies were creative: drawing, writing and photography. So for much of my life, I was … Continue reading Mathematics and Science–how Poetic!
Author Edward Payson Roe
One of E.P. Roe's most popular novels is Barriers Burned Away. In my last post I shared my thoughts on the novel, and how a visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871 inspired him to write it. This fascinating book was actually his first attempt at writing a novel! … Continue reading Author Edward Payson Roe
Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire
A visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871--151 years ago today--touched the heart of the author, Edward Payson Roe, and inspired him to write this novel, published in 1872. Diorama of 1871 Chicago Fire - Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois He seems to have asked himself: How … Continue reading Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire
Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history
Gesta Romanorum is Latin for "Deeds of the Romans", which makes it sound like this book is a narration of the early culture of Rome, its history and battles. However, it is actually a Latin compilation of morality stories believed to be written approximately at the end of the 13th century. There are 181 stories. … Continue reading Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history
Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow
It's February, the month we celebrate love, and here is a most fitting book to celebrate. Celia Bassingdale was about to take a long journey—the longest on earth—from the unreal to the real.First line Celia’s romantic interest in a young man (whom her grandfather was convinced was only after the fortune she would inherit when … Continue reading Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow
When Choosing Fiction, Don’t Settle for Less
To borrow and repurpose a related quote: The book you want exists. Don’t settle until you find it. It’s fun to browse around the library's “New and Notable” shelves. I read plenty of classic fiction so I appreciate it when others recommend new novels and authors. But I have noticed something in the past five … Continue reading When Choosing Fiction, Don’t Settle for Less
Review of To See the Moon Again
It's February, when I usually pick my favorite romance novel of the past year to review. But this time I'm deviating a bit from Valentine's Day. This book is not a romance, or a story about a man and a woman. But is a story with a lot of heart, about a friendship between an … Continue reading Review of To See the Moon Again
Ready for a break from all the negativity? Check out these books
Life, the news, the media, and even books can get us down. But being selective about what we see, hear, and think about can put us in a better mental state. Here is a selection of books I’ve read recently from various time periods and genres, non-fiction and fiction, ranging from suspenseful to educational to … Continue reading Ready for a break from all the negativity? Check out these books
Review of The Birds’ Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Wiggin
“The book, the dear, enlivening, enchanting, stimulating, informing, uplifting book, is the most faithful of all allies, and, after human friendship, the chief solace as well as the most inspiring influence in human life." Kate Douglas Wiggin What a dear book this is! The Birds’ Christmas Carol is about a family who stays cheerful, strong, … Continue reading Review of The Birds’ Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Wiggin
