Category: Book Responses

Review of All In by Lisa Simonds

I have just finished one of the most powerful books I've ever read, and am absolutely in awe of this new author's writing talent. Lisa Simonds has the ability to write in a way that lets us experience all the action, dialogue, thoughts and scenes--without noticing that we're reading a book.   The pace of … Continue reading Review of All In by Lisa Simonds →

Review of Back to Arcady by Frank Waller Allen

Thirty years ago it was said of me that I was as gallant a beau as ever bowed over a fair lady's hand... I am more years past fifty than I like to acknowledge, and now a girl of twenty is coming to upset the habits and routine of a lifetime. One of my treasures … Continue reading Review of Back to Arcady by Frank Waller Allen →

Titus: A Comrade of the Cross – a classic novel for Easter

In 1894, a publisher held a writing competition to obtain the best manuscript that would inspire a child’s Christian faith. Florence Kingsley submitted her manuscript for Titus: A Comrade of the Cross and won the $1,000 award. In six weeks, 200,000 copies had been printed to meet demand. The story is about a young boy … Continue reading Titus: A Comrade of the Cross – a classic novel for Easter →

Valentine’s Day Romance – The Naturalist by Christina Dudley

Most Valentine's Days, I've reviewed a favorite romance. As far as I am concerned, Jane Austen, Rosamunde Pilcher and Georgette Heyer are by far the most reliable authors for a quality, wholesome romance novel. But I have discovered a new author of great talent, Christina Dudley! I still haven't figured out how I even ran … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Romance – The Naturalist by Christina Dudley →

The New Year by Pearl S. Buck

Imagine a happily married couple--no, a blissfully married couple--sharing and supporting each other through many years' of challenges and joys. Now freeze that frame. A shocking revelation blindsides the man, a fallout from a difficult decision he made during his youth while under the severe pressures of combat duty. He knows how much his wife … Continue reading The New Year by Pearl S. Buck →

Lonely Lily: a vintage children’s book by Mary L. Code

Lonely Lily or The Shepherd’s Call, a tiny thin book published in the U.K. in 1893, gently tells a sweet but powerful story of faith.  It is written for children, but nevertheless fascinated me with its suspenseful telling of the inner journey of hearts, from despair to comfort. I am struck by how much more serious … Continue reading Lonely Lily: a vintage children’s book by Mary L. Code →

Faulkner’s Favorite – Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes

I regularly recommend this novel as one of the most hilarious books I've ever read. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the pleasure of this story! Actually, the full title of the novel is El Ingenioso Hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha (The Ingenious Low-Born Noble Don Quixote of La Mancha). And, apparently, … Continue reading Faulkner’s Favorite – Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes →

What Did Lucy Read?

What literary works have had an effect on you? Who are your favorite writers, and how have they influenced your perspectives or improved your life? Have you ever wondered what literary works influenced your favorite writers? I recently read The Complete Journals of L.M. Montgomery: The PEI Years, 1889-1899, about the woman considered Canada’s most … Continue reading What Did Lucy Read? →

Thunder and Lightning and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

While listening to a radio program which mentioned Santa’s reindeer in the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, something occurred to my mom about Donner and Blitzen. In her native German language, donner means thunder, and blitzen means lightning. We were both curious to know if the creator of the song chose these names because of … Continue reading Thunder and Lightning and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer →