february reads

I have been up since 4:30 AM with a wiggly little boy. We are spending a few days with Beaux's grandparents and dad and Thomas is thrilled to be here. He ran around yesterday afternoon, checking the house for all his favorite things. I checked my phone and was shocked by information on earthquakes and the tsunami in Japan. Obviously, we are glued to the news and horrified by the news from Japan. As I write this, the tsunami wave is about to hit Hawaii. I have decided to make the most of a quiet morning and write a post or two that I've been meaning to write, but I am praying for those in harm's way, those waiting for rescue, those who wait for the worst to come. 

So here's what I read in February: 

I've wanted to re-visit The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood for some time, especially after I read The Hunger Games trilogy last year. I've read it several times since I discovered Margaret Atwood in college (on my own, not through any reading list). I found it even more disturbing now that I am a woman with a child and a husband and viable reproductive system (if you read the book you know why this matters so much). Some of it seems hopelessly implausible (no printed language?) as the world has progressed, and some seems eerily possible. This book is one big flashing warning sign against any government run by a religious group. It's definitely a worthy re-read. Now I'm dying to read The Penelopiad...

I am a huge fan of Rachel Held Evans' blog. She is a soul sister and so articulate, writing about issues that I've halfway wondered myself. I received her memoir, Evolving in Monkey Town, for Christmas. This is a book for anyone who has struggled with their beliefs, especially after being growing in an evangelical, conservative church. If you've ever been amazed at how much you've changed since high school and college - how your own beliefs have grown up and made you question and search for answers - you will love this memoir. What I really love about Rachel is that she had the courage to change - to trust God through her questions. She's a former know-it-all who now admits that there is no knowing it all. I can't recommend this book or her blog enough. 

Next up was In The Woods, which I've wanted to read for a long time. This book reminds me somewhat of the Elizabeth George series, and Kate Atkinson's books - detectives investigating a crime, but this time, in Ireland. There are two mysteries to solve here - one of three missing children in a small town's woods years ago, and now one of the survivors investigating a young girl's death in the same town. The story meanders around a bit, but the conclusion is pretty stunning. Still, not everything is resolved...and I guess it won't be. I keep hearing that the next book, The Likeness is even better - but it deals with another character. It's already waiting on my nightstand! 

After watching my Valentine's Day present of Pride and Prejudice (with a young Colin Firth, NOW I get what all the fuss was about - he was so smoldering and his hair just does something to me) I picked up my copy of Carol Shields' Jane Austen: A Life. I really like Carol Shields, at least, the one book I've read by her. Unfortunately, I didn't get very far - too many library books sitting around yelling to be read before their return dates. Still, I am keeping it in my purse for when I get stuck somewhere. 

I began Major Pettigrew's Last Stand in February but finished it in March, still, I have to include it. Honestly, this is my favorite book of the year so far. I knew it would be right up my alley - a stuffy British major falling in love with the Pakistani village shopkeeper. It's a wonderful story in many ways, full of great characters. I feel like I learned even more about life in Britain, especially as it comes to class and prejudice. I know it's one I'll want to end up buying so I can have it on hand to reread. The love story is so tender and gentle and refreshing. I highly recommend it! 

Now, I've been up since 4:30, so I'm ready to close my eyes for a catnap...but do share what you're reading! I am carefully keeping up with a list of things to-read, and keep pulling it out anytime I'm in a bookstore or library. Being organized about reading is more fun than I thought it could be! 

Comments

[amyinillinois]

I recommend "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford. Set in Seattle at the start of WWII, describes the life of a young Chinese boy and his Japanese friend. Very sweet. I appreciate your book selections and reviews. Have you read the series that begins with the book "These is my Words" by Nancy E. Turner? Love it. Love the series. Like Little House on the Prairie for grown-ups. I teach full-time, have 3 kids, and am working on master's degree, so not a lot of time to read - but I love it so! I don't remember how I found your blog, but I'm glad I did.
~amy in illinois