30 Day Book Challenge, Day 18: What is a book that disappointed you?

I have been avoiding this question. The reason being? I find most Christian fiction to be disappointing. And when I admit to my sisters in Christ that I am not a fan of Francine Rivers, they often grab my hand and offer to pray for me, as if I am in need of spiritual healing.

Anyways, I decided it was time to come clean, but so as NOT to cause a riot among my believing girlfriends, I have chosen a book that was not written by Francine Rivers. It is, however, a Christian novel.



Once, while perusing the Jane Austen selection of the Spokane Library, I came across a book by Lynn N. Austin called A Woman's Place. It turned out to be a great story about a group of unlikely friends who meet while working in a factory during World War I. It was such a wonderful story that the next time I was at the library I chose another book by the same author.

Unfortunately, the next book that I chose was called God's and Kings, and it was so boring I almost didn't finish it--which is unheard of for me! The book was Austin's attempt to put the story of Hezekiah into novel form. It did not work. I really hate it when authors try to elaborate on Bible stories. It just doesn't work for me. They impose motives, personalities, and situations onto the truth of scripture and it feels way too contrived. I can't like it.

Sadly, I have not tried another of Lynn Austin's books. I got scared away by God's and Kings. But given how much I enjoyed A Woman's Place, I really ought to give her another shot!

30 Day Book Challenge, Day 17: What is your favorite quote from your favorite book?

"I am ashamed that women are so simple

To offer war where they should kneel for peace"

-William Shakespeare, Taming of the Shrew, 5.2 

30 Day Book Challenge, Day 16: What is a book that you would recommend to an ignorant/closed-minded/racist person?

Finally, a question that is EASY to answer! I would highly recommend Same Kind of Different as Me, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. But I would not only recommend it to someone who struggles with racism, I would recommend it to anyone!

Same Kind of Different as Me is two memoirs woven into one. It is the story of the mingling of two starkly different lives, and the journey that each person made towards understanding the other. It is a book that shows how God can use the most ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

In Same Kind of Different as Me you will meet Denver: the poor, uneducated grandson of a slave; and Ron: the wealthy, highly educated, international art dealer. You will learn how each acquired their respective prejudices, how each came to faith in Jesus, and how each learned to love and trust someone completely different than himself.

In subtle and not-so-subtle ways I found myself relating to each of the authors. Same Kind of Different as Me is beautiful, inspirational, and challenging all at the same time. This is a book you do not want to miss! 

30 Day Book Challenge, Day 13: Who is your favorite author?

I was really struggling to answer this question, so I asked my husband for help. "David, who is my favorite author?"


He didn't hesitate one second before replying, "Shakespeare."

"He's a playwright! Does that count?" I mused, aloud.

"He AUTHORED plays. I think it counts."

Hmmmmm. I wasn't so sure. So I decided to ask my son. "Graham, who is my favorite author?" Again, the response came in a blink of an eye: "Shakespeare!"

"He's a playwright! And a poet! But not a novelist! Do you think he counts?"

"He's an author. Of course it counts."

So, there you have it. According to those who know me best, Shakespeare is my favorite author. I do love the Elizabethan bard! He can turn a phrase better than anyone, he can be funny and silly or pithy and deep. The characters he creates are strangely real and relate-able. But as much as I do LOVE Shakespeare, I prefer to watch his plays than to read them. I have read them, every one. I studied the complete works of Shakespeare in college. And in studying them I gained a deep appreciation for his linguistic brilliance. But his plays were written to be preformed. If you want an taste of his genius, I highly recommend the 1993 Kenneth Branagh production of Much Ado About Nothing!

Apparently my favorite author is playwright.

30 Day Book Challenge, Day 15: What is a book you think should be on a high school reading list?

This is easy. I think that The Book Thief by Markus Zusak should be on the required reading list of every high school student. I recently blogged about The Book Thief here.

30 Day Book Challenge, Day 14: What is you favorite book by your favorite author?

Well, since I just established that my favorite author is a playwright who did not write any books this proves to be a rather challenging question! May I take the liberty of slightly modifying the question to read, "What is you favorite 'work' by your favorite author?"

My favorite Shakespeare play is "The Taming of the Shrew." it is the story of two sisters whose father wants to marry them off. The younger daughter, Bianca, is sweet and lovable and has countless suitors, but her father refuses to let her marry until someone agrees to wed the older daughter, Kate. Kate, however, is the complete opposite of Bianca--she is mean, quick-tempered, and prone to violence.

A classic Shakespeare comedy, The Taming of the Shrew is witty and full of twists and turns. Sadly, there is not a great film production available. I have seen this play live several times, and I have never been disappointed!

30 Day Book Challenge, Day 12: What is the first novel you remember reading?

I was a late bloomer when it comes to literature. My mom loves to read, and I remember her dismay when, as a girl, I found reading rather boring. Shocking, I know. It wasn't until my high school years that I started reading for pleasure. All that to say, I did not read treasures like Anne of Green Gables, Little House in the Big Woods, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe until I was well into my adulthood. But apparently my mom did convince me to read a bit as a child, because a few books from my youth linger in my distant memory. One such book is called Beat the Turtle Drum, by Constance C. Greene.

A sweet but melancholy story, Beat the Turtle Drum is about a thirteen year old girl who loses her beloved little sister in a tragic accident. Joss, the care-free younger sister who everyone seems to love, is saving money to rent a horse for a week. Her older sister, Kate, is the steady, reliable child, who wants nothing more than to see her sister's dream come true. Joss and Kate have a sweet relationship, which is well-developed by the author.

I remember crying and crying as I read this book. Sadly, I don't remember much else about it!