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![]() I listened to this book on CD during my most recent trip to Illinois. This is the story of a man who is terminally ill. He has 3 children, a fifteen year old daughter and 2 younger sons. After his wife dies in a tragic accident, his children go live with relatives and he goes to hospice. While there, he experiences a miracle and recovers from his illness. The story is about how he works to rebuild his life without his wife, and especially how he learns to truly be a father to his children. This is a feel good story with a few bumps along the road--an angry teenage daughter, a hurt and seemingly vindictive mother-in-law, tabloids, thugs and snotty teens. The plot held my attention during the long drive by myself and I liked the various characters and how they developed. There was nothing offensive in terms of content...no swearing that I recall, no explicit sexual content, just a family hurting emotionally, trying to find their way to new life. This story extolls the virtues of small town southern living and the value of true friends and not judging based upon appearances. It also stresses the importance of family and connecting with multiple generations. And, most ultimately, it recognizes that death is not the end, especially when we lose someone we love and that love can be a power in our lives.
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![]() The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan was a unique read. I would love for someone else to read this book so we can discuss it. I was left with more questions than answers. Here is a synopsis of the story: "It is the summer of 1914 and Europe is on the brink of war, but Grace Winter’s future finally seems secure as she and her new husband set sail for New York, where she hopes to win over a disapproving and status-conscious mother-in-law. When a mysterious explosion sinks their ship, Grace is thrust into a lifeboat by a quick-witted crew member, who climbs in after her even though the boat is already filled beyond capacity. As the weather deteriorates and the passengers are forced to choose sides in a brewing power struggle, Grace realizes that her survival could depend on whether she backs the ruthless but experienced John Hardie or the enigmatic but increasingly forceful Ursula Grant. Over the course of three perilous weeks, the lifeboat passengers plot, scheme, gossip and console one another while questioning their deepest assumptions about goodness, humanity and God. Grace is finally rescued, only to be put on trial for her life." Is Grace a self-serving, calculating, ambitious, devious woman? Or, is she simply blessed by "grace?" Did she really love her husband? How did she really happen to get in the lifeboat? What really happened on the lifeboat? Who is her next husband (or victim)? Read it and tell me what you think. April recommended this book to me. I liked it very much. I finished reading it on the way home from Boston. It was a great book to read as I was visiting Boston for the first time. It is the story of a young woman during early colonial times who longs for an education. It details her friendship with a young Indian man who ends up attending Harvard. His character is based upon a real person. This was a well-written novel that is also very thought provoking.
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AuthorMy name is Elizabeth. I love to read. In college I took speed reading and kept a list of everything I read (I wish I could find that list!). As a teen I would read under the blankets half the night. As a child I first patronized the book mobile and later read entire sections of books from the school library. Now, with dozens of books on my "want to read" list, I tend to doze off if I read at night and I am usually in the middle of several books at one time. Archives
September 2015
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