Overheard through my window as the children were outside:
B3: How old are you?
E5: 5.
B3: How old is Mum?
E5: 800
B3: How old is R?
E5: 0. His birthday is in March.
B3: How old are the trees?
E5: A thousand! HA HA HA.
Archive for February, 2008
A Voice in the Wind – Francine Rivers
While I have not read a lot of ‘Christian’ fiction because some of it struck me as cringe worthy, I did enjoy this one. While containing a clear Christian message, which was a teeny bit too preachy, (not that I’m against the message! Just that it was a little bit patronising in the way it spelled things out rather than letting the story speak for itself) I really loved the history. My knowledge of history is appalling but something I love to learn about. (A legacy left from my ‘history is boring’ assumptions in high school….hence I never chose history as an elective. Now I know that learning is not boring and I have a strong interest in history.) This book is part of a trilogy (I think) so I’ll be seeking out the next one.
Story of a young Christian girl who survived the fall of Jerusalem, was taken into captivity and ended up a slave to an aristocratic Roman family. Story has war, family dramas, gladiators and a bit of a love story too.
Sarah - Orson Scott Card
Also read earlier this year. I really enjoyed this book which was a work of fiction based on the Biblical account of Sarah and Abraham. The author is a Mormon, so there are references to LDS beliefs, but overall a detailed insight into Sarah’s life. I enjoyed learning about the details of customs and lifestyle of the desert people, but it was also insightful, bringing Sarah, her struggles and emotions to life.
The Pilot’s Wife – Anita Shreve
I read this back in January. The plot follows the months after a woman learns of her husbands death in a plane crash. He was the pilot, and during the crash investigation she learns things which make her question whether she ever really knew him.
Was an easy read, nicely paced story. Not life changing, but a nice diversion.
As if I wasn’t already doing enough reading, I have joined a book club. It is going to be so much fun. Once a month getting together with the girls, and swapping books. The best part though is that when we take our turn to host the event, we get to buy books! To keep!
This is how it works…each month each member brings $10. The hostess then takes that money to buy books which become hers, but are kept in the book club for everyone to enjoy. I will be hosting in April, and am already thinking about which books I’d like to buy.
We won’t be giving reviews in a formal way, and the time is mostly social, and browsing the selection of books. Fun!
Just a few days but plenty of sun, sand, and sea. Resting, reading and… refreshed? I think so.
Learning to body surf, lost a gold earring. Big sandcastle somebody left behind…became the ‘cake factory’ in kids imaginations. Toasted marshmallows for little girl (used the gas ring), and she caught three fish with Dad and put two back. Big boy loved boating in the rubber dinghy, and jumping in the rock pool and Baby boy ate some sand. And mango.
Forrest Gump – Winston Groom
I read this easy to read book quite quickly while on holiday. It was a bit disappointing to be honest. You know when you see a movie which is based on a novel you have read and you think to yourself “The book’s better” ? Well, in this case the movie is most definitely better.
Some of the book reads like a kids joke book, the adventures Forrest had were quite ridiculous and I was unconvinced and bored. For example, the failed space mission in which a male orangutan named Sue caused the shuttle to crash and Forrest, Sue and Major Fitch landed in New Guinea right in the middle of a cannibalistic tribe. They were saved from being eaten by among other things, Forrest’s chess genius.
Disappointed. I wonder if I had read this book before seeing the movie whether I’d have a different opinion. As I read I could hear Tom Hanks’ outstanding performance in my head…
Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
I have finally finished reading this book. This time it didn’t take long…. about 2 weeks, but I’d say it’s at least my third attempt and I’ve never finished it before. Not sure why…guess just got busy or bored or something.
But is wasn’t at all boring this time. Ha! Anyway, although a rather dark and miserable tale, I enjoyed the read, and it feels good that I’ve finished this book that has been on my shelf for no less than 10 years!
Just So Stories – Rudyard Kipling
E5 and I loved this collection of stories which I read aloud to her. My favourite was ‘How the Camel Got His Hump’. The stories are short and funny, and each have a little message or something for the reader to think about. We have an edition illustrated by the author and he’s written lovely captions too.
I’m so glad we own a copy of this one as I’m sure they are stories we’ll read again. And again. And again as each child grows into them.
Here’s the promised photo’s of the boring ol’ loo.
C’mon people! Inspire me! Anyone?
