On Our Bookshelves

The Book of Longings: A Novel by [Sue Monk Kidd]

I promised you a review of The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd once I finished reading it.  I loved it!  It reminded me so much of The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, that I read long ago.  I’ve loved all Sue Monk’s Kidd’s works and wondered if this would stand up to what came before.  It’s a departure for her – she brings us to biblical times as her main character, Ana, fights to rid herself of all the restrictive expectations imposed upon women of that time.  Ana’s determined spirit draws much attention – welcomed and not.  She is spurred on and supported by a few strong women and her husband, Jesus, who encourage her to pursue her dreams.  Done with great reverence and based on scrupulous research, I highly recommend this one.

Now on to Normal People by Sally Rooney.  Anyone read it?

 

 

 

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My sister Susan is my favorite go-to source for good novels – both fiction and non.  So, naturally, as I seek to enlist more readers’ suggestions for this space, I turned to Susan to get the ball (or books) rolling.  I hope you will follow her lead!

This one sounds too good to ignore.  So, with gratitude, I give you Susan’s first-ever book review…

Although I do not consider myself a history buff,  my favorite book of 2020 so far is the Splendid and the Vile by Eric Larson. It is a story about Winston Churchill but not a biography of his life.  Instead, it is the account of how he led his country during World War II up until the time that the US entered the war.  The book offers vivid descriptions of life in London during the Blitz and Churchill’s inimitable ability to instill courage and determination into the British people. The book is well-researched with numerous quotes from the diaries of Churchill’s contemporaries as well as information from previously secret intelligence documents.  Many of the diarists descriptions of  Churchill show his humor and quirkiness but all describe his empathy for his people and his strategic brilliance. I found many comparisons between the sacrifices made by the Londoners at this time to the “stay at home” initiatives we are now taking during this pandemic.
We’d love to hear what you’re reading…send your review to blog@mindingourlives.com.