Refuge by Dot Jackson

Dot Jackson’s Refuge resonates with anyone who has ever suffered loss, experienced joy tinged with grief, or longed to break free of social expectations. Jackson, a former journalist and columnist for The Charlotte Observer, has written a splendid first novel which depicts the spontaneous escape of Mary Seneca Steele and her children from a life of falseness and unhappiness in Charleston, SC. Set in the early part of the 20th century, it is a vivid tale of love, intimacy, and mystery.

Steele seeks refuge in the North Carolina mountains, homesick for a past and a place she doesn’t even know exists. Jackson allows Steele’s “refuge” to unfold in an unhurried plot that takes its time to unwind, slowing the reader to its lingering pace. Along the way, the reader savors the language of the storytelling, the haunting descriptions, and the insightful passages, often rereading along the way.

Ultimately, Mary Senena learns that family ties are the most important of all, that blood runs true, and that a place to belong to can be at the heart of living and loving.

Rufuge has rated numerous five star reviews and the reader feels a sense of loss when the last page is turned. It is a beautiful, wonderful love story. Reviewed by Helen Fowler

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Sarah’s Key is a compelling historical novel that is both a gripping modern-day tale and an indictment of the Vichy government against the French Jews in WWII.

One story tells of Sarah, a ten year old Jewish girl, and her family. They are wrenched from their beds by the French Police during a Gestapo ordered roundup that sent families with children to the Ve’lodrome d’Hiver, a huge indoor sports stadium. This shameful event which took place on July 16, 1942, eventually sent 13,000 men, women, and children to concentration camps and ultimately to their death.

The other story, which is told in alternate chapters, describes Julia, an American journalist, and her quest for answers to the questions she encounters during her time France. While living there during 2002, she is covering the anniversary of the Ver d’Hiv for her paper when she stumbles on some chilling here-to-for unknown facts. It is this discovery that starts the interweaving of Sarah’s story and Julia’s story and changes Julia’s life forever.

This is a well-written book, (now found in the CVL) that will stay with you long after you finish it. Reviewed by Beth Whicker

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

This book is actually a dual biography of Daniel Burnham, the architect of the 1893 World's Fair and of Dr. H. H. Holmes, the diabolical killer who had his own horror chamber next door to the fairgrounds.

There is plenty of colorful back drop for the main story, including fascinating anecdotes vividly describing harsh life in 19th Century Chicago. The lasting impact the Fair had on America include the Ferris Wheel, Cracker Jacks, Shredded Wheat and many more. The author's description of the Herculean effort put forth by numerous architects, builders, politicians, etc. lead the reader to a true appreciation of these "can do" spirited individuals.

Then there is the darker story - told in alternating chapters - of Dr. Holmes, a charismatic young doctor with blood-curdling obsessions. His house of horrors stood in the shadows of the great triumphs of the Fair and contained its own killing chamber. The Holme's murders and the investigation that finally brought him to justice provide the perfect companion to the architectural accomplishment going on next door.

The author is such a diligent researcher in addition to being an excellent storyteller that you will feel like you are reading highly imaginative fiction but everything is True. Found by Becky Simpson

"A Perfect Day" by Richard Paul Evans

Have you ever made a promise and wondered later how you could keep it? Maybe you didn't want to keep it or maybe you wanted to but too many things got in the way?

This is a story of what begins as a perfect situation, goes through difficulties and temptations. But, like all good stories; there is a happy ending. This is the kind of book you want to read for relaxing and turning off your own problems for a while. You may learn something, but, if you do, that is just an extra bonus. Reviewed by Peggy Duncan

"Blue" by Joyce Moyer Hostetter

Joyce Moyer Hostetter, Catawba County author, delivers in her novel "Blue" a warm and moving story set in 1940's Hickory, through the words of a 13 year old girl, Ann Fay. It was a time of war and crippling disease that could easily have broken the spirits of our community and neighbors but in her historical fiction, Mrs. Hostetter relates tha truth of how the courage and strength and caring hearts of our people gave rise to a miracle here on Lake Hickory.

Ann Fay's life is turned upside down with the departure of her father who is off to fight in the war and she is left with much hard work to help her mother with the home and family. The situation is made even worse when one of her siblings falls gravely ill with polio. She is then mother and father to her sisters, as her mother has to stay at the makeshift emergency hospital with the sick child. Her story is entertaining and delightful at the same time as it is touching and poignant.

Mrs. Hostetter's faith and wisdom (not to mention her superior literary talent) shines through in her writing, making us proud of those who came before us but also showing us the strength that lies within us all to rise above adversity and fear to victory over chaos. Reviewed by Judy Shirley

Comfort by Joyce Moyer Hostetter

There's no sequel let down when you read "Comfort" the heartfelt continuing encounter with "Blue"s Ann Fay as she struggles with polio, her father's return, segregation and even a burgeoning interest in boys. Add to that a naive country girl's intimidating adventure into the Warm Springs, Ga. hospital scene made famous by President Franklin Roosevelt.

"Comfort" confirms that Ms. Hostetter can observe and research the human condition and events and then skillfully personalize them into the lives of her characters. Each one, even minor characters like the "strange" Otis, becomes alive and resonates in the reader's heart. The frustration generated by her father's post traumatic stress disorder is intensified by our knowledge that such a thing was unheard of before WWll.

The author - sometimes gently, sometimes "in your face" - takes us into Ann Fay's life as her boundaries expand and intensify. "Comfort" is more than a sequel; it is the stand alone examination of a young teenager's life on many levels. Reviewed by Shirley Cunningham

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall

Before he knows him better, Ron has trouble believing Denver's comment that homeless life on the streets of a big city is a step up from his life growing up in Miss. This is true in part because, for Ron, childhood was a joyous time and the plush life of an affluent art dealer he now enjoys seemed to fall in his lap. The author allows each man to to tell his story in alternating chapters.

But, this book isn't just about Denver or Ron. It is about the partnership between Ron's wife,Debbie, and God. And then they all came together. Watch how Debbie uses love and unselfish caring to bring about change in both men and, in fact, everyone who knows her. When Debbie discovers that she has cancer, she charges both men to pick up the torch. Who will step up and who will be lost? What is the future for these unlikely three? What is God doing?

Have your hi-lighter handy to mark moments that you want to go back to and remember. Find out why Denver needs to know if Ron is a "catch and release" fisherman. Then there's the new interpretation of the "seed cast on the ground". Read this one as soon as you can get your hands on it. It's on order now for the CVL. Recommended by many, reviewed by Shirley Cunningham

The Blue Bottle Club and Leota's Garden by Stokes

Both of these books cross generation lines and tell stories that demonstrate how these generations are interwoven. This author always presents a very personal study of her characters that allows the reader to jump in and feel both their joy and their pain.

In the "Blue Bottle Club "we meet a group of girls who huddle together on a cold Christmas day of their senior high school year and drop a slip of paper into a cobalt blue bottle. On each slip they have written their hopes and dreams for the future. As so often happens, the years bring some totally unexpected twists and turns into each life and, as you read, you become personally involved and often surprised at what happens to each girl. Sometimes, you are almost afraid to reach the end for you know there will be both disappointment and heartache at life's end. During the demolition of an old building, the bottle is found by a reporter who realizes she has the makings of the story of a lifetime.

"Leota's Garden" covers three generations. After a violent rift with her own daughter that separates them for many years, Leota's grand daughter enters her life and tries to put things right. How can one generation understand another? Sometimes helping another with their relationships can help you sort out your own.This story involves both neighbor, relative, and love relationship that are so timely in today's world. These books are recommended by Marcia Gniadek

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

Journey with Hannah on a thrilling search for the true story of a rare illuminated manuscript that dates back to the 15th Century. Hannah is an expert rare-book conservator doing a fairly routine study until she discovers a series of tiny artifacts hidden in the ancient binding - an insect wing, a wine stain, salt crystals, and a white hair. What could they mean?

In an effort to unlock these mysteries, Hannah takes us to Bosnia during WWll, Hitler's Germany, inquisition era Vienna, and then Barcelona and Seville. Her investigation at times causes her to doubt herself as well as the man she loves. This novel, inspired by a true story, will grab you and hold you tight. Skipper Smith first suggested this book to me and then Mickey Shuford agreed that it is Brooks' best yet. reviewed by Shirley Cunningham

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

The Glass Castle was a real page burner. From one childhood memory to another, the book was hard to put aside. This is a memoir of a dysfunctional family told with humor, sadness, knidness, and pure innocence. The children of Rex and Rose Walls were moved from place to place around the country and exposed to situations that make you wonder how any of them survived, much less thrived.

From the alcoholic father who instilled a love of astrology to the mother who lamented that the maggots on the leftover ham had a right to live, the story is one of survival, love and, finally, realization of their own abnormality. Mr. Wall's succes in life is one of personal motivation that cannot go unrecognized!

It was not unusual for the four children, their college educated mother, and their highly intelligent father to sleep in their car or outside in the desert - under the stars. Their travels covered Phoenix - where their mother inherited a house - and then up to West Virginia. Often hungry, the family looked for food in left over school lunches.

You will definitely want to stick with the Walls to discover with them their own redemption. Reviewed by Sue Mayfield

Pope Joan by Donna W. Cross

This historical novel takes place in Europe during the Dark Ages. It is the story of a young girl's struggle for an education through her older brother and circumstances following his death. The plot is fast-paced, educational, and filled with adventure and difficult situations. Disguising herself as a man, this girl rises to become Pope and rule Christianity.

To this day, there is controversy as th whether this scenario is factual or mythical. Be sure to read the Author's note...Protestants and Martin Luther are mentioned in the case against the existence of such a woman. This book is an excellent read for men and women. Reviewed by Mary Ann Taylor

River of Mercy by Sheila Walsh

It isn't unusual for young brides to find immediately that their new mother-in-law is very jealous of the girl who stole her son away. What is so moving about this true story is the way this bride is compelled by God to change all that. In spite of almost unforgettable snubs and tirades, Sheila is able to draw on her strong faith anf forgive totally. The result is a friendship and a bond that is at the same time heart wrenching and full of warmth.

This book is recommended especially for anyone who is struggling with similar circumstances with close family members or with anyone who has brought unnecessary pain into your life. Sheila's attitude and compassion is a handbook for all who are caregivers for the terminally ill within their families. "River of Mercy" is recommended by Karen Kahill

Soul Searching by Christian Smith

This book, written by a Sociology Professor at UNC, Chapel Hill,who is also the principal investigator of the National Study of Youth and Religion, outlines the findings of this goup's research. It opens with contrasting case studies of two religious teenage girls. Although their backgrounds are somewhat similar, their life outcomes are strikingly different. Other chapters examine three religious types of teenagers and the influence external factors have on the religious lives of teenagers.

Although some findings are shocking and disheartening for religious communities, there are also many windows of hope for engaging youth in faith for these communities to explore. Smith explains that adolescents are not aliens but simply young people who should be related to the same way one would relate to any child of God, with dignity and respect. This book is a must read for all religious youth workers and religious communities. Reviewed by Ryan Ray

Even After All This Time by Afschineh Latifi (2005)

A story of love, revolution, and leaving Iran.

I learned about this book from a high school friend who has actually met Afschineh, and have met the couple who almost became her in-laws. A must read. Non-fiction and I kept finding myself thinking that cannot possibly be true, but it is.

The story begins in 1979 when Afschineh was only 10 years old, and her father, a colonel under the Shah of Iran was imprisoned by Khomeini’s solders. A mother and three children were left to do all they could to free him, and begin the struggle for the survival of their own lives. This compelling true story is a page-turner from the first page. It is a story of such familial love and courage that I can hardly believe it is non-fiction. It is a real study of the life in a different culture. It is also an example of incredible obstacles overcome and persistence to survive against terrible odds. A must read. Reviewed by Mickey Shuford

The Zookeeper's Wife: A war story by Diane Ackerman (2007)

I learned about this book in the Bas Bleu (Bookseller by Post) catalog. I highly recommend this book to anyone old enough to read about World War II, and it is a true story, one that has fallen through the cracks with so many such histories out there. My Book Club discussed it last fall, and appreciated it.

This is a remarkable story about kind deeds done by a Christian family in wartime Poland. The wife of a Warsaw zookeeper, Antonina Zabrinski had an almost mystical connection with animals. During the Nazi occupation the zoo was devastated, and Antonina cared for what few animals survived, and expanded her guardianship to include people needing refuge and protection. Throughout WWII the Zabrinski’s used their home and zoo to save over 300 hundred lives….activists and Jews. The book is beautifully written, vivid and moving, and a detailed portrait of every living creature cared for by the Zookeeper’s wife. Reviewed by Mickey Shuford

The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin

This book is a factual account of "the school children's blizzard" of 1888 in the U.S. prairies where much immigration had occurred in hopes of a better life and free land. You will read about every aspect of life including history, weather, religion, science, heartbreaking stories of struggle against the elements, intense faith, and bitter disappointment. Many descendents contributed to the authenticity of the content with stories told through their families and also written accounts passed down from ancestors who had survived the blizzard.
It is a hard read, but compelling, and gives you a greater appreciation for the prairie pioneers - and for our modern weather technology and widespread communication! Highly recommended to me by Allan Latore, this is a captivating record of the devastation that resulted from a lack of knowledge of fierce weather conditions.
Mary Ann Taylor

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

I came across the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman in the Christus Victor Library in 1996. Normally I do not pick up "self-help" books to read but I did this one because the donor of the book, a HTLC member, had hand-written a dedication to her husband in it. That said to me that it must be a special book. And it is.
In The Five Love Languages, Mr. Chapman, explains that everyone is loved best in one of five primary love languages: acts of service, gifts, quality time, physical touch and words of affirmation. In order to really express love to someone, it's most effective if expressed in their primary love language. If our loved one is not seeming to "feel" our love for them, it may be that we're using the wrong love language. I gained this insight at a very critical time in my life and I am happy to say that learning about primary love languages has had a huge impact on my marriage. It's an "easy read" and may be the help you're looking for. Leslie Benfield

The Wednesday Letters by Jason Wright

You don’t have to be a big reader to enjoy this book. It’s a quick read because, once you start, you can’t put it down. When three grown children innocently start reading their deceased parent’s letters, they get a huge surprise. Suddenly, their mercy and ability to forgive are put to the test. You will definitely want to keep going to the surprise ending. Then come tell me what you think Laurel should have done! This book is on the CVL fiction shelf. (if Shirley has finished it). Be sure your Kleenex is handy. Karen Kahill

The Book Thief by Markus Zusac

Markus Zusac's "The Book Thief" is ultimately about the triumph of hope in the face of unspeakable cruelty. Written for young adults, it is a work adults may appreciate more. It is long...over 500 pages..but absorbing, once you get caught up in Liesel Meminger's story of survival in Hitler's Germany. This is not Ann Frank revisited-though there is a Jewish boxer hiding in the basement.
Recommended by Barbara Thomas and Tina Dunlap
Given to the Christus Victor Library in memory of Georganne Carswell

Three Cups of Tea by Mortensen

"Three Cups of Tea" is at once an incredible adventure story of a mountain trek gone wrong in the ungovernable territory of Pakistan. The failed mountain experience leads to a spiritual awakening that results in the author's establishing schools in areas where none had existed before. This establishment results in a dedicated, long term transformation which involves the uniting of divergent communities on two continents. Greg Mortensen's book is excellent non-fiction. Reviewed by Skipper Smith

The Thirteenth Tale by Setterfield

In this era of multiple births it is easy to get sucked in to this story of twins and siblings who are intent on fooling everyone around them.

The story revolves around a highly successful author's efforts to record her life story as she fights off imminent death. The young lady she hires to write her memoirs soon suspects that all she is hearing is not strictly true. The reader moves quickly from past events to a present inquiry and back again - always with the strange feeling that there is a 13th tale to be told. These mischievious, unbridled, and some felt uncivilized twins take you on a merry chase that will thrill and chill you.

This adult fiction is for the serious reader and is best enjoyed without too many interruptions. But it is worth every minute and will leave you wanting more. It is now in the CVL.

Oh, Little Town by Don Reid

Don Reid’s face on the flyleaf of this book will look familiar to most of us. He is one of the Statler Brothers, a southern country/gospel group that has been around a while. Don writes music but also is a writer of fiction. This story is set in his native Virginia in the late 1950’s and introduces us to several of the citizens of Mt. Jefferson much like Staunton, Mr. Reid’s hometown. It is just a few days before Christmas and trouble is brewing. From troubled teens, troubled marriages, and troubled friendships, we and the characters in Oh, Little Town, learn some good lessons, the main one being forgiveness.
A story for all ages, Oh, Little Town is a quick read but won’t quickly be forgotten.
Judy Shirley 2-20-09

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Shaffer and Barrows

Imagine being allowed to peep into the private letters of a famous author as she writes to her publisher, her best friend and confidant, and to a newly found group of islanders who endured German occupation during WWll. Sometimes hilarious, often heart wrenching, these letters hold nothing back as they expose the most intimate thoughts and prayers of a unique and highly diverse people. What an awesome way to absorb history and have a great romp at the same time.

Read carefully and you might get an invitation to this very special society. Appropriate for young adult to old age, the book can be found at Barnes and Noble (or borrowed from Becky Simpson).

90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper

When do we really die? And what happens next? We've all thought about it. Perhaps we should ask Mr. Piper, or read his description in "90 Minutes in Heaven". Although you will be left with many questions, I believe you will think often about the events immediately following Mr. Piper's horrendous car crash.

This little one-night read is a book whose story keeps on giving. It is true, so look on the biography shelf in the "P" section.

And one more question for you; what did prayer have to do with it?

The Shack by William Young Adult Fiction

THE SHACK is a little book with a big message: “God comes to us in any and all ways in which HE decides we can best perceive Him.” At least that is how I was affected by this work of fiction by William Paul Young. Not since the Space Trilogy by C. S. Lewis have I been so excited by an author’s work that drew and continues to draw me to the living, loving and active-in-my-life Creator. Young’s character, Mac Phillips, has a Great Loss in his life and struggling with it has caused him to suffer grief that makes his life and relationships with family, friends and especially with God less than what he knows those relationships should be. This is where God steps in, surprising Mac and surprising each reader in life changing ways. It is an entertaining and inspiring story that has made THE SHACK a best seller and the topic of some my most interesting conversations. A story for any audience.

The Tale of Despereaux by DiCamillo *J Fic

What happens when a little mouse falls in love? While you are thinking about all the possibilities, let me add that he falls in love with a princess. Now, that can boggle your mind and lead to all sorts of adventures. But the unique thing about this book is that it is told by a narrator as if he were speaking directly to the reader. In fact, you are warned when something is important to remember and reminded of what each thing "really" means. For instance, at one point you hear, "Reader, as the teller of this tale, it is my duty from time to time to utter some hard and rather diagreeable truths."

The movie is out now and it will be interesting to see what 'the big screen' does to our little story.
For now, I am sticking to the book version and recommend it to all young readers whatever their age.

Amazing Grace by Kenneth Osbeck 245.21

Do you ever REALLY LISTEN to the words of the hymn you are singing? I thought I did until I began reading this 'amazing' book. It begins with #1 and goes through to #365 so we decided to read one a day. It makes a great Daily Devotion. You will find the story behind the hymn, the author, and each one begins with an appropriate verse of scripture and ends with specially chosen words from the hymn itself.

You don't have to be a musician to appreciate this book; just one who loves hearing the many beautiful ways God's love can be expressed.

Healing Waters by Joyce Hostetter

I confess that, as I opened this book, I was fearful of what I might find. The author is a very close friend and I wanted to like her book. However, I knew it was about the leper colony in Hawaii and I was afraid that Joyce was trying to write about a subject that neither she nor her readers had any experience with.

Wow! How wrong can you be! I was immediately drawn in to the story of Pia, a young boy who saw his life uprooted when he developed leprosy. I guess I had forgotten that you don't have to know about leprosy and Hawaii to know and empathize with the shattered dreams of a little boy. Then God sent him Father Damien. Pia's adjustments to his new life are both heart breaking and heart warming. Aloha and God were with him always.

This book is recommended for good readers from the fourth grade up. It should be in every library where young people are encouraged to believe in the power of Aloha. Reviewed by Shirley Cunningham

Welcome to "Booking Good", created by the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Library Ministry

THIS BLOG IS TO ENCOURAGE ALL READERS TO SHARE THEIR IDEAS

HOW IT WORKS: Once you have become a 'blogger' on this site, you will be able to go on-line and read what others have said about a particular book. Then you will have the opporturnity to respond with your opinions and suggestions.

You are also invited to write a review or opinion of a book you have read. There are very few exceptions - fiction, non-fiction, adult or children's books, how-to books, etc. We just ask that you not write about anything that would be offensive to fellow members.

The Library Ministry team who sponsor this team will be enlisting members during the coming months. If you do not have a computer at home, you may use the one in the Christus Victor Library.