The Shack by William Paul Young is a thought provoking read. It leaves you wondering, and maybe hoping for truth in its pages, about God and about what happens after death. This novel is not a light one. It is not one that can be read without using your head, or your heart.
In The Shack, a man who has suffered a horrible tragedy goes on a remarkable journey of understanding and forgiveness. He returns to the place where this tragedy took place, the shack. There he embarks on a trip through his own spirituality and faith. He meets God and gets to ask some tough questions and hear some even tougher answers. But at the same time, he finds beauty and understanding, and eventually some peace.
I personally found this book to be quite cerebral. I had to re-read several passages to make sure I was fully understanding what was being said. This is a novel that requires thought, a quiet space and time to reflect on what is being read. I truly loved the view of God and the ideas in the book regarding God's love of all of his children. There were parts that were very difficult to read, and parts that I myself just can't buy into. Reading this book as a parent of young children, I was at times very saddened and at times very angry. I never got to the forgiveness that the main character was able to reach. I hope and pray that I am never in the same circumstance, but if I ever find myself there, I question whether I would find the forgiveness he is able to find in his heart.
This was an inspiring and hopeful read. One that will not be forgotten, and one that deserves a lot of discussion. I highly recommend reading this one with someone else. I read it with my book club and personally can't wait to discuss it with my them!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Water for Elephants
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen was an excellent book! It is a gritty look at life in a traveling circus in the 1930s. The author meticulously researched the book, and it shows. At times funny, at times gross, at times infuriating and at times heartbreaking, this novel has it all. Intrigue, suspense, romance, adventure and amazing characters.
The main character is Jacob, a veterinary student set to take up practice with his dad once he graduates from school. But then tragedy strikes and Jacob's life takes a very different turn. He joins a traveling circus and meets some wonderful and terrifying people (and animals) along the way. One of the animals is an amazing elephant that has such human emotions you can't help but think of her as one of the human characters. The story is told from Jacob's perspective, remembering it all from his place in a nursing home now at the age of 90, or 93 (he really isn't sure). The story switches back and forth between then and now. Both eras of the story are fascinating, and you can't help loving the crotchety old man that he is now, or the flawed but sweet young man that he was then.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down when I was reading it and couldn't wait to pick it back up again each day. I am sad that my time with Jacob is over now. I would love to be able to sit down and have a drink with him and listen to more of his story!
Happy Reading!
The main character is Jacob, a veterinary student set to take up practice with his dad once he graduates from school. But then tragedy strikes and Jacob's life takes a very different turn. He joins a traveling circus and meets some wonderful and terrifying people (and animals) along the way. One of the animals is an amazing elephant that has such human emotions you can't help but think of her as one of the human characters. The story is told from Jacob's perspective, remembering it all from his place in a nursing home now at the age of 90, or 93 (he really isn't sure). The story switches back and forth between then and now. Both eras of the story are fascinating, and you can't help loving the crotchety old man that he is now, or the flawed but sweet young man that he was then.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down when I was reading it and couldn't wait to pick it back up again each day. I am sad that my time with Jacob is over now. I would love to be able to sit down and have a drink with him and listen to more of his story!
Happy Reading!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sailing to Capri
Sailing to Capri by Elizabeth Adler is a mystery/romance novel about a woman who served as a Personal Assistant to an English tycoon. He dies and leaves her with the unpleasant duty of figuring out who killed him with the help of a private investigator. It was the tycoon's final wish that they put together a cruise with all of the suspects, leading up to the reading of the will in the final port.
The plot, while a little predictable, was interesting enough. The setting, or settings, were spectacular. Elizabeth Adler does a fantastic job of describing the setting (and the food), making you wish you could be there. The characters were quite lovable, too; each quirky and imperfect and charming. This novel wrapped up a little too quickly and might have been a little more of a page turner if some of the mystery was enhanced through out the book. Most of the real intrigue takes place in the last 3/4 of the book. Not much is revealed about the investigation into who the murderer is until one final pivotal scene. But it was still an enjoyable read. Definitely escapist in nature, and one that will leave you wanting to travel!
Happy Reading!
The plot, while a little predictable, was interesting enough. The setting, or settings, were spectacular. Elizabeth Adler does a fantastic job of describing the setting (and the food), making you wish you could be there. The characters were quite lovable, too; each quirky and imperfect and charming. This novel wrapped up a little too quickly and might have been a little more of a page turner if some of the mystery was enhanced through out the book. Most of the real intrigue takes place in the last 3/4 of the book. Not much is revealed about the investigation into who the murderer is until one final pivotal scene. But it was still an enjoyable read. Definitely escapist in nature, and one that will leave you wanting to travel!
Happy Reading!
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