3.5. This is a great story told in an interesting way. It is not great literature but it is a story worth knowing of the Italian Resistance in WWII an3.5. This is a great story told in an interesting way. It is not great literature but it is a story worth knowing of the Italian Resistance in WWII and all the difficulties that Italians faced with different opposing armies in their country. The first half of the book seems more compelling and interesting than the final part. I loved the scenes of Peno taking refugees across the Alps. This was a good book of a great story....more
I did not intend to finish this in so quickly, I wanted to savor it, but I couldn't put it down. I like Ann. I did not intend to finish this in so quickly, I wanted to savor it, but I couldn't put it down. I like Ann. ...more
Excellent conversation on the pros and cons of smart-phones from a Christian point of view. I tend to be a highly suspicious technology geek. I am draExcellent conversation on the pros and cons of smart-phones from a Christian point of view. I tend to be a highly suspicious technology geek. I am drawn to the latest technology while also sitting back and worrying about this is changing the world and me. I like how Mr. Reinke made the distinction that some people are called to warn others about technology and some are called to live without it as an example. That doesn't mean we all have to give them up but we do need to let our prophets be prophets....more
Technically this is several books, a few short story collections and the hilarious full-length Right Ho, Jeeves. In many places this is laugh-out-loudTechnically this is several books, a few short story collections and the hilarious full-length Right Ho, Jeeves. In many places this is laugh-out-loud funny and even when the gags start to get old Wodehouse manages to freshen it up with some new hilarity. Don't make the mistake of thinking this is all slapstick. The subtler humor is just as astute in these. ...more
Not my favorite Bess Crawford. Probably 2.5. The plot was complicated and I am still not sure what happened surrounding the shattered tree or why it mNot my favorite Bess Crawford. Probably 2.5. The plot was complicated and I am still not sure what happened surrounding the shattered tree or why it mattered. ...more
I hope to finish this twice this year. I just finished the audio, narrated beautifully by Tim Curry, in time for my December book club meeting and I aI hope to finish this twice this year. I just finished the audio, narrated beautifully by Tim Curry, in time for my December book club meeting and I am reading it aloud to my students.
While I have friends who take umbrage at the works theology, I still find myself filled with joy that Scrooge changes. Dickens captures all that infectious joy. Truly this is a short, brilliant work capturing the essence of Advent, darkness before the light.
As to the rest of Dickens's works, I am an unapologetic fan. Yes, yes, he is wordy. Sometimes words are the thing. I find his delightful. I recommend Bleak House....the book, not the movie, if you need a starting place....more
I have enjoyed many of Anne Perry's Christmas stories. I don't watch Hallmark movies, but I do like to read a few light stories during the holidays anI have enjoyed many of Anne Perry's Christmas stories. I don't watch Hallmark movies, but I do like to read a few light stories during the holidays and Anne Perry's are usually perfect for this. She is a good writer but sadly this effort to transcend religion while honoring Christmas was just a little too weird for me. ...more
I hesitated to read this last year because it had mixed reviews and I am such a fan of PD James, I hated to be disappointed in her. Of course, I was nI hesitated to read this last year because it had mixed reviews and I am such a fan of PD James, I hated to be disappointed in her. Of course, I was not disappointed. These stories are all excellent and at least two are brilliant. The second story, A Very Commonplace Murder, while rather distasteful, is exceptional as a crime story. This was the perfect companion for the dark, cold evenings of late autumn, sitting by the Christmas tree with a cup of strong, hot tea....more
I looked forward to each day's animal and readings and the lovely etchings too. Gayle's word sketches remind us that we each prepare foPeaceful Advent
I looked forward to each day's animal and readings and the lovely etchings too. Gayle's word sketches remind us that we each prepare for Christ's advent in different ways. Some of us hunker down to heal, some of us brazen it out but eventually each of us reaches the of ourselves ready to say, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
These sketches tell how individual animals prepare for winter. The tone is soothing but the facts are fascinating. Highly recommended. I think most children used to read alouds would also like this; but it is not just for children. ...more
As of this minute, I am the only person who has read this, me and the copy editor :)
It made me pretty happy to realize that I could get credit for reAs of this minute, I am the only person who has read this, me and the copy editor :)
It made me pretty happy to realize that I could get credit for reading this, on my reading goal, since it took a lot of my reading time away this year.
I am going to give it 4 stars because I loved writing it and it was a labor of love, and 5 stars seems a little self-congratulatory....more
Thoroughly enjoyed rereading this in preparation for watching the movie. This was the version that Kenneth Branagh narrated. I have a little crush on Thoroughly enjoyed rereading this in preparation for watching the movie. This was the version that Kenneth Branagh narrated. I have a little crush on his voice....more
Pure, light-hearted fluff. Much needed to break up some of my heavier reading. Great in audio. A nice companion for my trip to our son's wedding.Pure, light-hearted fluff. Much needed to break up some of my heavier reading. Great in audio. A nice companion for my trip to our son's wedding....more
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