Reading is Good for Your Health!

I haven't blogged in ages. I intentionally quit blogging for Beloved Books because I just had too much going on and it was a blessing if I had time to read a book, let alone review one. I've had health issues, debilitating issues that prevented me from reading at all. When I shared with my doctor that I wasn't reading anymore, she was very concerned. You see, for beloved bibliophiles, reading is good for our health!

Yes, dear readers, you now have reason to keep on reading. When your spouse starts cracking down on your book purchases, when your friends and family tease you or grumble because you always have your nose in a book, you just let them know that to not read is bad for your health! For avid readers, not reading leads to tension and stress, anxiety, depression, and a total loss of creativity. For beloved bookworms, to disappear in a world of words is the healing balm for the chaotic lives we live. It soothes our souls and clears our minds to focus more clearly on our daily responsibilities. And while there is no scientific research to prove it, I'm convinced that my return to reading has done wonders for my skills playing Word Chums.

So there you have it, your prescription for reading. Please note: This blog post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Goodreads

One of my favorite websites is Goodreads. If you love reading, this is the best site to organize, catalogue, and rate books you've read (or want to read). You can join book clubs, add friends, and best of all, Goodreads recommends books to you!

A little bit of detail on how it works: Of course, you have to create a profile with login information. From there, you can create bookshelves to begin cataloguing your books. In the beginning, I only had a few shelves because I didn't know what I was doing, but I recommend you create shelves for all the genres you read (or want to read). You can even create shelves with phrases like "started to read but had to return to library" or "wouldn't recommend to anyone to save my life." I even have a "might read" shelf which is stupid because I have about a thousand books on my "to be read" shelf. As if I'll ever get to my "might read" shelf.

To add books, you simply type in the book's name, author, or ISBN and it'll list the book with the cover, summary, rating, reviews, publishing info and a ton of other information. It'll list how others have catalogued it or if it's on any book lists (I'll explain momentarily). If you have a smart phone, you can actually scan the bar code to add the book to your shelves. This made adding the books I have at home super easy to add to Goodreads. My only regret was that when I scanned the hundreds of books I own, I didn't catalogue them. I wish I would've been a little more thorough in adding them to specific shelves because sometimes I'm looking for books to recommend to someone by a genre and all the hundreds I added in the beginning aren't catalogued. Cataloguing is easy. You simply click the check box next to the shelf and it's added.

Recommendations are one of the best features of Goodreads. Love the recommendations! Recommendations are based off of the books on each shelf and are per shelf. So if I have a biographies shelf, Goodreads will recommend books according to the books I have on that shelf. This is a great way to discover new books and authors in your favorite genres. You can also search "listopia" (which is thousands of book lists) to find new books and authors. As an example, if I wanted to search books published in the 1920's, I can find a list of the best books published in the 1920's by searching for the phrase "1920's."

Another great feature for recommendations are the book clubs. You can join as many as you'd like and there are thousands on the site. I joined a few in the beginning, but it was too much so I'm only active in one book club now, one that I joined a few years ago. It's a small group of women from all over the world and we choose books collectively by suggestions and voting. We have online discussions about our books and other topics, including games, new members, and birthdays.

There is so much more to Goodreads, but I'll end with the giveaways. There are hundreds of ongoing book giveaways. Winners are chosen randomly and you can enter as many contests as you like. I've won a couple books off Goodreads in the last few years and it's a nice surprise because I often forget I've won until a book arrives in the mail!

Goodreads is a very comprehensive site so in order to get an idea of all the features, you'll just have to sign up for yourself. For book lovers, there's nothing better.

Part of The Caravan!!

This is a picture of author, Tracy Higley, in Ephesus as she recently toured ancient lands for more material to write about.  I'm part of her street team (Yeay!!!), aptly named 'The Caravan.'  That's howz come I'm special and gets my own personalized greeting from her.  :0)

I read Tracy's book Shadow of Colossus and loved it!  I know, I didn't write a review.  Shame on me, but I've been dealing with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia this year and haven't had much energy for blogging.  The good news is that I see a new rheumatologist in nineteen days (but so not counting...) and am hopeful that I can get on some decent meds to get me going again.  I was going to quit book review blogging, but have missed it.  Not sure I have any followers left, but we'll see.  :0)

Enemies of the Heart - Slow Start, Good Finish

Although it took a bit to get to the point, Andy Stanley is on point with this book. The negative thoughts and emotions we think are buried deep inside are really right on the surface controlling our lives.

Great for group study or personal study, Stanley's book takes you to the heart of these emotions using Scripture and his own experiences to lead you on a journey to a changed life. He teaches you how to confront the enemies of your heart, pointing out things I'm pretty sure we know, but haven't quite been ready to face.

If you aren't ready to really committ to changing your life, this book isn't for you. Stanley has a lot of thought-provoking questions for you, not just in the discussion section at the back if the book, but throughout the book. These questions are meant for you to see clearly how the four enemies (guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy) have kept you in bondage and have kept your relationships broken. From reading this book, you will see just how much you are responsible for the current situation of your life and what steps you can take to change your life for the better.

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

New Favorite Book - Moloka'i

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was chosen by my book club and I’m so very glad it was.  I don’t know if I ever would’ve come across it otherwise and it quickly became one of my favorite books.

When I began reading, I was immediately pulled in because of Brennert’s writing style and because of the main character, Rachel.  Brennert has a rich way of weaving his words into a great attention-keeping story and I couldn’t put the book down.  As for Rachel, she's just sweet and adorable!  If I remember correctly, she was seven years old when the book began.  I really enjoyed how as a reader, I got to watch her grow up.  Throughout the novel, I was always rooting for Rachel’s escape from the island of Moloka'i.  Does she ever get away?  Well, I’d spoil the story if I told you so you’ll just have to read it for yourself.

Hmmm… let me back up… if you aren’t familiar with Moloka’i, it’s a Hawaiian island that was used as a quarantine colony for those with Hansen’s disease (leprosy).  Rachel is exiled to Kalaupapa, the leprosy containment community on the island of Moloka’i and the book follows her journey.  Filled with a rich historical background, Rachel lives on Moloka’i through a period of great change.  From Hawaii being absorbed by the United States, the cure of Hansen’s Disease, the beginning of aviation and automobiles, the book is filled with actual historical facts that bring not just the characters, but the island itself to life.

Unlike most novels I read, I was quite fond of many of the characters.  Rachel, of course.   Then there is Sister Catherine, a nun who lived on the island and took care of the female children.  She was a woman with such strength and compassion, yet she was full of fears and doubts which endeared her to me.  She was such a real and down to earth character.  Haleola, also a Hansen’s patient, took a sort of mother-role over Rachel.  In a large way, she made up for Rachel being taken away from her mother and showed Rachel nothing less than pure love and devotion.  Even Rachel's papa who never left or forgot her.  A sailor on a steamer boat, he never stopped sending her things from the various countries he traveled to and visited her whenever he could.  Dr. Goodhue was another person I was fond of.  He was a really good doctor with a genuine care for the people of Moloka'i.  Even the Territorial Governor (a real person), Lawrence Judd, was someone I was fond of as he was true to his words to reform Kalaupapa.

Before reading this book, I had no knowledge of Moloka'i and the separate island community where people were exiled to.  It was such an ignorant way for the people with Hansen’s to be treated (pun may or may not be intended!).  Families were literally torn apart, the reputation of the family completely destroyed.  However, through the turmoil and loss, much was also gained.  The people living on the island welcomed newcomers and one another with open arms.  Instead of being sent there to await their deaths, together they triumphed, forming new families and new lives.

A very touching novel, this book let us into the lives of the people of Moloka'i and when it ended, I was sad.  It was like saying goodbye to good friends.  Highly, highly recommended.


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I Am Grad-Gee-Ated!!!

It has been a busy time for me since my last post.  I had my final finals and then graduation and friends' graduations and today is my first "day off" since then.  A day off for me is one that I'm not expected to be anywhere and one that I don't have errands to run.  It's my lazy day.

Even though I had my last semester to finish up (that included the dreaded chemistry class), I still managed to read a bunch of books.  Read, yes.  Write a review, No.  I'm hoping to get reviews written for the following books soon:

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.  Loved it.

The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham.  Loved it.

A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman.  Enjoyed it.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.  Enjoyed it.

Mistress of the Vatican: The True Story of Olimpia Maidalchini: The Secret Female Pope by Eleanor Herman.  Enjoyed it.

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert.  Loved, loved, loved it!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  Enjoyed it.

Have you read any of these books?  If so, what did you think of them?

The Wild Side of Jesus

Untamed: How the Wild Side of Jesus Frees Us to Live and Love with Abandon by Lisa Harper


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Through reading the book Untamed, I have become a fan of the author, Lisa Harper. Her humor is very refreshing and makes such an enjoyable read! I found myself relating to her in so many ways as my relationship with Jesus grew stronger.

In the first two pages of the book, Harper writes, "Choosing the safe but boring path is an apt metaphor for the years I spent rather numbly and halfheartedly pursuing God." This is definitely how I've become over the years (safe and boring) as I've tried to prevent chaos and pain from entering into my life. However, chaos and pain have still managed to wiggle their way into my life and my relationship with Jesus has been lukewarm. Harper invites you to "reawaken the sense of adventure God hard-wired into your soul" and Untamed surely does that!

Now, Harper has a very sharp sense of humor that some might find offensive or sacrilegious. She talks about paralytics who turn cartwheels, how Tamar's first husband and Onan were stinkers so God killed them, and she calls John the Baptist "Johnny B." I had reached a point that I thought, okay, this might be too much, but then changed my mind when two pages later I was laughing out loud at the vision of John the Baptist "with locust legs stuck between his teeth." Harper was talking about the type of people Jesus hung out with, and right after the locust legs comment, she writes a profound piece that makes your heart swell over the Jesus who loves us:
"But Jesus is the friend who lovingly sticks by every repentant sinner's side through thick and thin. Even when we blow it or get distracted by other interests, He doesn's stop loving us. In fact, Jesus' unwavering commitment to us is what ultimately compelled Him to lay down His life in exchange for ours. His devotion to broken people like us is remarkable."

Throughout the book, Harper shares her personal experiences (that I'm sure many of us can relate to) and connects them to biblical stories, illuminating the true Jesus that loves and accepts us all. The end of each chapter also has questions to help the reader dig deeper, not just within themselves but through God's Word.

I highly recommend this book and am grateful to have received it free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my review.

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Miss Penelope Carter

According to blogthings.com, my Jane Austin inspired name is Miss Penelope Carter.  I'm just wondering how the website knew I was single...

Find your Jane Austen inspired name by visiting blogthings.com!  (and please do share with me!)

Tags: mindless activities

Love Walked In

Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I finished reading Love Walked In a few days ago. The Goodreads.com description of the book is as follows:

“When Martin Grace enters the hip Philadelphia coffee shop Cornelia Brown manages, her life changes forever. But little does she know that her newfound love is only the harbinger of greater changes to come. Meanwhile, across town, Clare Hobbs--eleven years old and abandoned by her erratic mother--goes looking for her lost father. She crosses paths with Cornelia while meeting with him at the café, and the two women form an improbable friendship that carries them through the unpredictable currents of love and life.”

I have to say that at first, I didn't care for Cornelia (one of the main characters) and her inside thinking drove me nuts. Everything she thought related to a classic movie, story, or celebrity and it was hard to follow in the beginning (and at some other times throughout the novel). However, I loved Clare right away and that is what hooked me on the book. Eventually, I grew to like Cornelia, as well, and found the book delightful, humorous, and charming.

I really began to enjoy the writing style of the author a couple of chapters in even though I wasn’t so sure when I began the book. Describing the conversation between them during their first date, Cornelia’s thought: "Maybe love comes in at the eyes, but not nearly as much as it comes in the ears, at least in my experience. As we talked, lights flicked on inside my head; by the end of the night, I was a planetarium." A planetarium was just such a clever way to describe those new love feelings we get.

When Cornelia was having an attack of wishing she looked different: “Martin did something that pushed all of those thoughts not out of, but certainly to the back of, my mind, to a shadowed little corner where their own mothers wouldn't recognize them."

Cornelia describes her whining as "tinted with a vaguely Cornelia-like color” which I found humorous. The author made it a pleasant and delightful trip through the head of Cornelia with descriptions like these and I just enjoyed how things were phrased or described in the writing.

Clare was my favorite character. What a brave and bright little girl! Your heart goes out to her as her mother starts acting strange and you can’t quite figure out what’s going on. Her father is not in the picture, not even when she reaches out to him for help, and here this little girl just takes over her household and keeping things perfect so no one would know. As someone who mentors foster children, I found the thoughts in Clare’s head to be very realistic and believable. Even when her mother abandons her, she still has that intense love for her mother that makes her do courageous things to not only survive, but to protect her mother.

Being inside of Clare’s head was also delightful and refreshing. She was so sweet that you just wanted to know her and give her a big hug! There are two paragraphs I won't type that describe little Clare's thinking about seeing love. Okay, maybe just one quote, "Love was mixed up in all of it, like gold in a pan of sand." The way this child is viewing love for the first time is just beautiful and natural and I loved it!

I also loved the character, Mateo, who was the lifelong friend and brother-in-law to Cornelia. He was a decent guy and so perfect with little Clare, I just loved that sweet, soft side of him. He’s described as gorgeous ("the moon was always humbled in his radiance") and shy, yet intelligent and sensitive. He is the rock that both Cornelia and Clare could stand on. I did, however, question his judgment towards the end (I won't spoil it) which marred him just a tad for me.

Martin, the new love of Cornelia, was a spineless loser. I pretty much thought that about him throughout the novel, even in the beginning when she was so twitterpated with him and only describing the sunshiny happy moments. He had no depth and it was not from the author’s lack in writing; that was who he was, unfortunately.

You meet Cornelia's family and learn about the special relationship she had with a neighbor, Mrs. Goldberg. I loved Cornelia’s family and the relationship she had with Mrs. Goldberg, and I loved the little town they lived in and the childhood memories. This book really grew on me, so if you had a tough time in the beginning, hang in there because it gets way better.

There were definitely some twists you wouldn't have imagined in the beginning, but they turned out nicely. Nothing too overdone and all pretty believable, pretty realistic.

Lastly, this book really challenged my own writing in the way the author used words. I had to pull out my dictionary several times, not because the word was too complex, but because she used words in ways I never thought of. "Big words" as some would say, but not used in a way that the writer wanted you to know how smart she was. Big words used in an imaginative and creative way that got you seeing the world differently, got you seeing the character (mostly Cornelia) differently. The writing really flowed.

Overall, I gave this book 4 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Tags: Fiction

Someone Please Awaken Me

Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God by Joanna Weaver

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I was so looking forward to reading this book. I think the message, "Finding Your Place in the Heart of God" is an important one and one that I certainly need to read more on, but it isn't what I got from reading it. Not long after I began, I was bored to tears and totally confused.

The book and its stories were choppy and metaphors seemed forced. There was no flow and after having read it, I honestly cannot even tell you what the book was about. Weaver used so many personal viewpoints throughout the book that I just became annoyed. "Maybe they thought..." "Perhaps she said..." "He could have done..." "She possibly was feeling..."

I became somewhat disturbed and literally groaned out loud when I read her description of how fortunate she was that her son didn't play mental games with her like greeting her with a cold shoulder when she goes away (as "most kids" do). She writes, "Instead of sulking, he's the first one to meet me at the door" and "He doesn't wait until I reach out to him. He leaps towards me." That was a slap in the face to any mother who wasn't greeted by her child at some point. I'm quite sure she isn't the perfect mother that all her stories in the book make it seem.

Lastly, Weaver depicted the betrayal of Judas as Judas "hoping to force the Son of God to do his bidding and declare Himself king." Say what? All four Gospels describe Judas betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

At this point, I truly had to force myself to continue reading. After all, I did receive this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my review. I feel bad about not liking the book and posting an unpleasant review so I will add some positive notes about this book:

1. I did like the "Dethroning Lies" piece that discusses employing four principles to assist the Holy Spirit in ridding you of harmful and untrue strongholds. Those principles are asking God to Reveal the stronghold, Repenting to Him for seeking comfort in them, Renouncing the hold they have on you, and Replacing these beliefs with Scriptures.

2. I liked the sections "Disciplining Your Mind" and Appendix D "Who I Am in Christ" in which she affirms cognitive psychology with Scriptures, helping us to understand that we are accepted, secure, significant, and loved by Jesus.

I have never read any of Weaver's books before this and can assume from this that she isn't my cup of tea. However, if you enjoyed her first two books, I'm sure you would enjoy this one, as well, as it is the last of the trilogy.


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Tags: Christian Non-fiction

Dramatic Ramblings of a Bibliophile

The definition of a bibliophile is as follows:

"A lover of books, especially for qualities of format; also, a book collector."

I am these things. A lover of books. A book collector. I'm obsessed with books.  Truly, I own more than I can read, and have even more than that on my Goodreads.com to-read list.  With this passion, heavens, the idea of books becoming obsolete to me is one of the most frightening things imaginable! I stare at a computer all day long and the last thing I want to do when I get home is read a book on a stinking computer. I'm sure the iReaders (or whatever they are called) seem like a good idea, but they are not a good idea!!! Books have pages to highlight and write notes on, in different colors if you like. Books have a unique scent that says, "Here I am, a true friend who is always here for you and waiting ever so patiently for you to hold me again." Books are tangible, comfort to the touch, soothing to the soul. A book in my hand is the one constant reassurance I have known my whole life. Before I knew Jesus, all I had were books to escape from a world full of hardships and trials. What is an iReader? An electronic device, a cold computer like the one I use all day at work. Blah!

I uncovered a scroll in my office closet. Curious, I unrolled it to find a picture I drew in middle school. It was an assignment for my art class (I hated that teacher, by the way...). We were to draw the career we dreamed of having. I drew a bunch of books and book covers with my name as the author. Will my dream one day come true only to see my grandchildren reading my published book on the computer? Oh, the horror!

What luxury can be found in a room with no books? I dislike any room in my house that does not contain books. A room without books to me is void of any real comfort and pleasure. A room without books is a room without spirit, without soul.

Books provide a world seen beyond our current circumstances, a window to the past, our hope for the future. For who will not succeed that loves to read and who will not know the lesson of value and sacredness that holds a book in his hand?

Sigh...

Tags: bibliophile

The Six Wives of Henry VIII

The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir

My rating: 4 of 5 stars




I've put off writing a review of this book because I'm sure that in attempting to do so, I would be divulging my inexperience at writing book reviews. Weir's book, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, is so rich in detail and history that this novice reviewer was too engrossed in it to even take notes!

What I can recall was the meticulous writing and research of Weir. That she is an excellent writer of fiction makes for a vivid and easy-to-read historical narrative. Not only does Weir include the public records to account for this biography, but unlike other biographers, Weir also includes a wealth of private letters and documents that attribute to a deeper understanding of the personalitites and characteristics of those within its pages.

The author did an excellent job of describing the political and religious expectations of those living in Tudor England, especially women. Women were to be seen, not heard, and certainly not heard with any opinions. Their sole value was determined according to the children they bore (heaven forbid if the bore only daughters). The fact that Henry's wives consistently produced female heirs and not his long-sought male heirs, I believe marked the actions of his entire reign. I think he would have been a very different king and husband if the stability he sought in both his family life and reign could have been secured by male issues.

From the annullments, beheadings, and setting aside of his wives to the Reformation and splitting from the Roman Catholic Church. Weir's book thoroughly covers the tumultuous reign of one of the most notable sovereigns of England's history.

More specifically, her book gives a concise and objective picture of the lives of each of these women, the challenges they faced, and the powers they were up against that formed their person and contributed to their actions. "From the cradle to the grave, the lives of Henry's Queens - and all women - were lived according to prescribed rules and conventions." Weir goes on to say that the perilous journey of the Queen was to "produce heirs for the succession" and to "set a high moral standard for court and kingdom by being a model of wifely dignity and virtue." Much to live up to, especially when during those times, childbirth was difficult and often led to death.

Overall, this biography read like a book and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in history, fiction readers and non-fiction readers alike.

View all my reviews

Tags: Biography

Fierce Beauty: Choosing to Stand for What Matters Most by Kim Meeder

I really enjoyed this book.  First off, Kim Meeder has a delicious and poetic way with words!  A great storyteller, Kim takes you on a magnificent adventure through God's beautifully created world.  Whether canoeing through the swamps or hiking through mountains and boulders, the rich imagery shows you how creative God is and that *all* of His creations are beautiful.

Meeder starts each chapter off with a vivid event from her own life and ties them together with spiritual disciplines and application.  She speaks of living a life committed to Jesus and what that entails.  She tells women to take off their princess crowns, put the mirror down, and get down and dirty in a life for Jesus.

"We often chase after this world's definition of beauty and value and reject genuine worth offered by our Lord."  Meeder defines True Beauty using God's definition instead of the world's, "...beauty is not from the outside in...but the inside out," and she quotes 1 Peter 3:4.  She tells us that what makes us beautiful is God's glory *inside* of us, and that this is truly reflected to the world around us when we are serving others.

Through each chapter, we learn the price of sin, the depth of sin's hold on us, and how to release it to Jesus.  We learn that our hope is through our King, His promises, and His plans for our lives.  We learn that no matter what has gone on in our lives, Jesus is with us.  "Even if we're discarded by those who promised to fill our lives with love, the Lord Himself vows to always be with us, no matter what wilderness we find ourselves lost in."

The book closes with a beautiful call for us to do our part and to stand strong, to praise and adore not our own reflections but the One who created us to begin with.  Instead of being a princess, stand as a warrior for Christ. "But no matter what blows he (Satan) might deal, and though you are wounded and worn, stand and fight in the truth..."  as a bride of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Read an excerp here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601422033&view=excerpt
See a video here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/2010/05/10/video-fierce-beauty-kim-meeder/

Tags: christian non-fiction

Delayed Posting

I am currently reading The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir for my book club and it is taking FOR-EVER.  To my dear one follower, I promise to get through this book and get to blogging soon!  I also promise to correct my misspelled word on the last post. Apparently, I couldn't decide between 'throne' and 'crown' and typed in 'thrown' ...  :0)

The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily

The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily by Nancy Goldstone

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this biography by Nancy Goldstone! I had never heard of Queen Joanna, so obscure is she in history, but she was quite a remarkable woman. Living in the 1300's, Joanna was the granddaughter of Robert the Wise, King of Naples and was the first woman to govern a realm in her own name. Even though married four times, Joanna masterfully guarded her rule while dealing with complex political issues, constant war, economic "recessions," jealous and manipulative cousins, and even the black plague.

The book opens with Joanna standing trial in the papal courts for the murder of her first husband. Goldstone gives us insight into the character of the queen and this may be what hooked me. Joanna was a woman who never let the trials and challenges in her life bring her down. She always carried herself as a noble queen would and used her quick mind to argue with anyone who would oppose her or prevent her from carrying out the plans she made. She had a way with words and could almost always sway her audience to her side, and no matter what the circumstance, she always maintained a calm manner.

Throughout her life and reign, Joanna had to always look over her shoulder. Always fighting, it seemed. Cousins and others were constantly trying to steal her throne, ruthlessly plotting against her in hopes of usurping her. Husbands and their families, greedy monarchs of other nations, but Joanna managed to keep what was rightfully hers.

Quite devout in her beliefs, I was appalled at the papal courts interference in the matters of state. Joanna couldn't do anything without the approval and consent of the popes (which I found absolutely ridiculous!). In her shrewdness, Joanna managed to rule them without their realization by supporting them militarily and generously donating to their causes. She was a great leader to her subjects, honestly caring for them. She built hospitals and churches, encouraged education, and supported the arts. She did much to reduce crime and bring civility to her monarchy, and yet the church still excommunicated her towards the end of her life.

Joanna was murdered in the end, her body tossed like a rabid dog. She received no proper burial and to this day, her excommunication has never been lifted. I was so angry when I got to the end of this book. Goldstone's writing had a way of making me love Joanna as a dear friend and I was angered over the injustice of her death. After all she had done and been through, there was no burial, no ceremony, no acknowledgement of her life. I, of course, blame the Catholic Church.

Goldstone's detail to history throughout this book is impeccable; her writing style effortless. Not once did I feel like putting the book down to read something more interesting. Many notable characters can also be found within it's pages. Goldstone did a great job with her research and then relaying it to the readers. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read another book by Goldstone!

Tags: Biography

My One Obsession

I've done it again. With hundreds of unread books in my home, I purchased more.  I cannot stop and care not to try.  This weekend's jewels:

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson

Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII by David Starkey

Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos

Quarrel with the King: The Story of an English Family on the High Road to Civil War by Adam Nicolson

Leonardo's Swans by Karen Essex

Two Women of Galilee by Mary Rourke

The Long Song by Andrea Levy

To Shield the Queen by Fiona Buckley

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/855730.God_Ground_Zero

A Stranger in the Kingdom by Howard Frank Mosher

The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier

The above books were all at Half Price Books for $1 or $2 in their clearance section.  For half price ($7.98), I purchased The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir which is a November book for my book club.

Happy Reading to you!!

Tags: bibliophile

The Conqueror by Georgette Heyer

The Conqueror by Georgette Heyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Conqueror is a novel depicting the life of William "The Conqueror," Duke of Normandy, from birth until his coronation as King of England in 1066. While I normally love historical fiction (unable to put a book down), this novel had a hard time keeping me interested. There were sections that did have me wanting to shut out the world and keep reading, but there were just as many boring storylines that had me looking at my bookshelf longingly.

Well-researched and portrayed for the time period, I have no complaints in that department. Heyer used great descriptive detail to portray the culture and history. The war-torn battlefields especially were very in-depth.

However, Heyer's writing style thoroughly annoyed me. As an editor, I wanted to go through the book and correct the punctuation with a big, red pen. Written in 1931, perhaps this is just a style of the times, or the style of some genre I've never read before, but I found the break in my reading flow quite distracting.

Another letdown for me was that the book was told from the viewpoint of Raoul, William's right-hand man. Not quite biography, not quite historical fiction, I was disappointed that the novel didn't let me inside William's head. Personally, if I can't be inside the historical character's head, then I'd rather read a biography of the person than fiction.

Lastly, William's relationship with Matilda was so talked up on the book cover and everywhere else, but in truth, it was just a small piece of the novel and seemed to be missing too much of the real storyline to make sense. In contrast, the relationship between Raoul and his friend, Edgar, had much more romance and love portrayed. I kept wondering when the two of them would become more than friends, but then Raoul fell in love with Edgar's sister, Elfrida, putting that pondering to rest.

In closing, it wasn't an altogether bad book. It just wasn't for me, and I'm doubtful I'll read anymore of Heyer's books.
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Tags: fiction