Book Notes

I've been remiss in posting this week because I have been occupied (maybe obsessed??) with reading two really great books!

The first is The Shack by William Peterson. This was chosen because it is the book we are using for study during Sunday School. I would recommend it to others, but can't really give a reason why. I liked it, but didn't love it--I really wanted to love it. It is one of those thinking books that make you uncomfortable at times--not always what you look for in a book, but sometimes necessary for growth. I think that the whole missing child story hit a little too close to home (the teacher/mother in me can't get past that kind of thing) and I spent most of the rest of the time I read the book thinking about other children who have suffered the same fate. Unfortunately, the news is full of such things--Baby Grace in Galveston, a little 2 year old boy in Dallas who was beaten to death for neglecting to say "Yes, Sir" to his step-dad. I find that I can't just shove those stories to the side. They make me, as a teacher, more aware of my students and the subtleties of their lives. So...long story short--the book's deeper meanings may have been lost on me.

The second book is The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. This is actually a re-read--I read it several years ago with some students. It is a sweet story and it makes me feel good! I felt I needed something to balance the heaviness of the first book, so a little hero mouse was my choice. Abby read this book recently and loved it! Definately a kids' book, but well worth any adult's time!

Next up is Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. This is the book club book for this month...not one I would readily pick. But that is the beauty of a book club--you get challenged to read things you wouldn't always normally choose! I'll let you know what I think later.