The Beekeeper's Apprentice

So, I decided to give Deb another month to think things over. The book for the month is:

(image from amazon.com)

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

I mentioned this on my last choice, and since the last one I chose was a bit boring, I've decided to go with one I've read. Since it's based off Sherlock Holmes it still fits with your expectations that I'll choose a classic ;)

Here's the description Amazon used from the School Library Journal:
At 15, Mary Russell is tall and gangling, bespectacled and bookish. In 1915, the orphaned heiress is living in her ancestral home with an embittered aunt she has plucked from genteel poverty to act as a guardian until she reaches her majority. In order to escape the woman's generally malevolent disposition, she wanders the Downs. On one such outing, she trips over a gaunt, elderly man sitting on the ground, "watching bees." This gentleman turns out to be Sherlock Holmes, and the resulting acquaintance evolves into a mentoring experience for the young woman. The story is well written in a style slightly reminiscent of Conan Doyle's, but is also very much King's own. The plot is somewhat predictable, but the characterizations are excellent and the times and places are skillfully evoked.

I will say that you don't really identify with her, and the feminist/erudite undertone is a little over the top, but it's an entertaining mystery.

Who is supposed to pick the March book? I'm ready for something new to read.

Deep...

I just finished Bonds That Make Us Free; and while I’m not sure I’ve fully internalized it, I wanted to write about it.
The first few chapters (the negative chapters) weren’t quite as engaging and were basically saying the same thing; but I think that was necessary to appreciate the later chapters. His ideas seemed so simple and yet so deep. I could almost feel my heart softening as I read some of his suggestions. Of course, once I left my little vacuum of reading alone in my room, things weren’t quite as easy to apply, but I’m excited to start trying.
Some of the gems I need to spend more time thinking about:

We have but little conception of how worthwhile we are because we are working so hard to prove how worthwhile we are. (p. 75)

Seeing other people as the problem is the problem. (p. 94)

When we have hardened and withdrawn ourselves, as we all do at times, we desperately need to encounter other beings on a fairly regular basis whose regard for us or for others softens us again. (p. 152)

We do well for a time. We slip. We have a truly dark day. We recognize how we’ve recently returned to our old, regrettable ways. We face up to a weakness. We resolve that this isn’t how we want to live. We ponder what we must change and, if prayer is part of our lives, we seek for help. (p. 262)

It is the present story of the past that works destruction in the individual life. (p. 289)

In speaking about a man who served his selfish wife: “…he didn’t consider serving Robin a deflection from his life’s purpose because she was its purpose. (p. 306)

“Love is the expression of the one who loves, not of the one who is loved.” –Keirkegaard (p. 307)

Unless we change in our hearts toward the people we struggle with here and now, we are condemned to struggle with whomever we may find ourselves associating with. (p. 307)




Hopefully this isn’t too personal for a public blog, but some of his examples made me think of Camille and her sisters. I’m always amazed at the faith and love you exhibit towards your father and husbands; despite everything that happened. If it’s not to personal, Camille, I’d love to know what helped you “forgive”.

February's book

I can't believe February is almost here!

I was thinking about a lot of books and mentioned a couple to you all, but fake out - I'm not choosing any of those. One of my favorite books I read at BYU was Leadership And Self Deception, published by the Arbinger Institute. Terry Warner is part of The Arbinger Institute and he wrote another book - the book for February - Bonds That Make Us Free

I'm not one for "self help" books or anything like them. I LOVED reading Leadership And Self Deception. I thought it articulated the responsibility we have in our relationships perfectly, and applied in a professional paradigm. Bonds That Make Us Free is supposed to be the same principles applied in a gospel paradigm - I think :) I've never read it.

Anyway, I've wanted to read it for a long time. I think February would be a great month for it. Okay, ready, set, go!

Has anyone already read this?

Trying to get ready for February

I'm supposed to have made an announcement already, right? For February's book? Was it last February that we read Gone With The Wind? I really loved that book.

I have a lot of books in mind, but I wanted to ask you if anyone has read Reviving Ophelia or In Defense of Food, An Eater's Manifesto?

I still have other books to choose from too. I can't decide what kind of mood I'm in!

WWII

I LOVED this book. Kim gave it to me to read on Friday night and I finished it Sunday night. It was and incredible story. I cannot believe the kind of horrific cruelty the Japanese people inflicted on those POW's. I mean, honestly, those camps seemed worse than concentration camps. It really made me think about the human spirit. As human beings, we are capable of the most awful cruelty, if we let Satan control who we are and what we become. We are also capable of amazing survival, optimism, love, and compassion. Louie went through things that are seriously unimaginable, but he lived forever and influenced countless people for good. Also, I just kept thinking that has really good luck. But, was it luck? Or was he being prepared for his life later on? Amazing book. Amazing.

Moving On...

Well, I guess we failed at getting together in Merced. I know my six days there were pretty crazy running back and forth between two families and I'm sure you were all busy with your families too. And what is it about vacation that makes you incapable of being productive? I kind of love it. I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Years!
It is time to move on to the next book and I have made the decision. Our January 2011 book will be..


From Laura Hillenbrand, the bestselling author of Seabiscuit, comes Unbroken, the inspiring true story of a man who lived through a series of catastrophes almost too incredible to be believed. In evocative, immediate descriptions, Hillenbrand unfurls the story of Louie Zamperini--a juvenile delinquent-turned-Olympic runner-turned-Army hero. During a routine search mission over the Pacific, Louie’s plane crashed into the ocean, and what happened to him over the next three years of his life is a story that will keep you glued to the pages, eagerly awaiting the next turn in the story and fearing it at the same time. You’ll cheer for the man who somehow maintained his selfhood and humanity despite the monumental degradations he suffered, and you’ll want to share this book with everyone you know. --Juliet Disparte

I have already started reading it and I'm loving it so far. Tim also read it and loved it. Why can't I figure out how to get rid of the italicized type? Lame.
Also, Brooke Callister Ward wants to join us. Randi, can you invite her and give her access? I will send you her email address.