This week I started to read Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers and really got into it. It starts out about a little girl named Sarah, who was born because of an affair by her mother and a duke. Her mother dies and Sarah is sold into prostitution by the age of eight. She is found by a kind man and he takes her to live with him. The man, Michael Hosea, teaches her how real love feels, and how to truly love in return.
When Duke says to Sarah that it doesn’t matter what her real name is, that her name is now Angel, I think that he is reverse personifying her. He is making her his object to control as he will.
This book is based off of a story in the Old Testament in the Bible about a man named Hosea who is compelled by God to marry a prostitute, Gomer, and teach her to love God.
This book was very interesting, it really showed that even if you are in a bad situation, there is always a way out…you just need to be willing to ask for help.
My favorite part of this book was when Sarah finally realized that Michael wanted to help her, not just use her. It frustrated me through the whole thing that she just didn’t get it, I was so happy when she did!
In this book I learned to trust in God more and to follow Him, even when it seems crazy (not wanting to make this into a sermon or anything, just putting how I feel).
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Egypt Game
So, I am just a little behind on my blogging…I should have ten full length blogs, and I only have four…but I am currently at about eight books. I just finished The Egypt Game, but I didn’t like it very much. It was written for a more immature audience, like grade six, not grade eleven. I put up with it and finished it though because I hate abandoning a book, no matter how much I dislike it.
I when I imagine the professors’ store I see a ramshackle cluttered building with dirty windows and a creaky door. Most of the windows have dusty, worn curtains covering them, and some of the windows are cracked, the odd one is boarded up, especially on the second level. The front has a yard, but it isn’t tended and the tree is over grown. There is a cement pathway in the middle of it to the door, and then it branches out to the side to go around to the back where there is a worn out fence with a padlocked door. The cement pathway is dirty and cracked with weeds and grass growing through the cracks. In my minds eye it is the type of house that people tell ghost stories about and avoid on dark nights.
When I imagine the professor I see him as resembling his house/store. He has large, dirty glasses, a long, over grown beard and hair, and has a worn face, full of wrinkles. I see him as a once tall man, but now is old and bent over, possibly with a walking stick. His eyes, I imagine, are grey and tired; but were once, in a happier time, full of life.
I don’t understand why he didn’t keep up the shop when his wife died, then when he was dismissed as a suspect in the murder, he suddenly cleaned it up…it was like he had nothing to live for.
I think if he hadn’t been watching through the window when April was attacked, she might have either been killed or kidnapped. I doubt Marshall would have ended up being able to yell for help, although he would have blamed himself for a long time.
I didn’t like how they made almost a cult out of the game because they took it too seriously. They shouldn’t have taken everything that went on so literally. I am not saying that playing pretend is bad, but when your life starts revolving around it, that starts to be a problem. Their parents should have paid more attention to what their kids were doing and where they were going. I understand wanting to trust your kids, but shouldn’t they at least be curious about what they are doing with all their spare time?
I am glad that, in the end, they started switching it up, but in the next book they will probably take it too far again.
I when I imagine the professors’ store I see a ramshackle cluttered building with dirty windows and a creaky door. Most of the windows have dusty, worn curtains covering them, and some of the windows are cracked, the odd one is boarded up, especially on the second level. The front has a yard, but it isn’t tended and the tree is over grown. There is a cement pathway in the middle of it to the door, and then it branches out to the side to go around to the back where there is a worn out fence with a padlocked door. The cement pathway is dirty and cracked with weeds and grass growing through the cracks. In my minds eye it is the type of house that people tell ghost stories about and avoid on dark nights.
When I imagine the professor I see him as resembling his house/store. He has large, dirty glasses, a long, over grown beard and hair, and has a worn face, full of wrinkles. I see him as a once tall man, but now is old and bent over, possibly with a walking stick. His eyes, I imagine, are grey and tired; but were once, in a happier time, full of life.
I don’t understand why he didn’t keep up the shop when his wife died, then when he was dismissed as a suspect in the murder, he suddenly cleaned it up…it was like he had nothing to live for.
I think if he hadn’t been watching through the window when April was attacked, she might have either been killed or kidnapped. I doubt Marshall would have ended up being able to yell for help, although he would have blamed himself for a long time.
I didn’t like how they made almost a cult out of the game because they took it too seriously. They shouldn’t have taken everything that went on so literally. I am not saying that playing pretend is bad, but when your life starts revolving around it, that starts to be a problem. Their parents should have paid more attention to what their kids were doing and where they were going. I understand wanting to trust your kids, but shouldn’t they at least be curious about what they are doing with all their spare time?
I am glad that, in the end, they started switching it up, but in the next book they will probably take it too far again.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Peace Like a River
This week I read Peace like a River and loved it! It definitely wasn’t what I was anticipating, but it was good. A sick boy, his miracle worker dad, and his imaginative younger sister go on a journey to find their older brother.
One night two boys broke into Reuben’s family’s house with baseball bats, but Davy, Reuben’s older brother, shot and killed them. Davey went on the run after breaking out of prison the night before his sentencing. The family went looking for him the next spring and landed up boarding with a widow. While they were there, Mr. Land didn’t have any miracles, but Reuben found Davey who was staying with a man in the woods. It killed Reuben not to tell his sister or dad, but he knew he shouldn't. The family, excluding Davy, went back home to continue with their lives. One night Davy drove up with the girl who was living with Davy and Jape. It came out that they had run away from Jape while stopping on the highway. When morning came it was time for Davy to leave because he was still on the run. Davy went to start the car and Jape shot at him from his hiding spot near the barn, but missed and got Mr. Land in the side. The second shot hit Reuben in his lungs. Mr. Land should have lived and Reuben died, but he switched places and died in Reuben’s place.
I think that Davy instigated the two boys into breaking into the house so that they wouldn’t have to worry about them anymore.
When I see Roxanna I see this big motherly figure that was never blessed with kids, who just needs an outlet. She is caring and gentle when you get to know her...and seems to me the type who makes really good chocolate chip cookies, as it is she makes cinnamon buns.
Reuben feels pure gratitude and sadness at his fathers’ passing; he gave his last miracle to Reuben.
If Davy had been found at the cabin, I don’t think Mr. Land and Roxanna would have gotten married, I also don’t think Reuben’s lungs would have survived the grief.
My favorite part was at the end when Mr. Land gave his life for Reuben because it was written so imaginatively and powerfully.
One night two boys broke into Reuben’s family’s house with baseball bats, but Davy, Reuben’s older brother, shot and killed them. Davey went on the run after breaking out of prison the night before his sentencing. The family went looking for him the next spring and landed up boarding with a widow. While they were there, Mr. Land didn’t have any miracles, but Reuben found Davey who was staying with a man in the woods. It killed Reuben not to tell his sister or dad, but he knew he shouldn't. The family, excluding Davy, went back home to continue with their lives. One night Davy drove up with the girl who was living with Davy and Jape. It came out that they had run away from Jape while stopping on the highway. When morning came it was time for Davy to leave because he was still on the run. Davy went to start the car and Jape shot at him from his hiding spot near the barn, but missed and got Mr. Land in the side. The second shot hit Reuben in his lungs. Mr. Land should have lived and Reuben died, but he switched places and died in Reuben’s place.
I think that Davy instigated the two boys into breaking into the house so that they wouldn’t have to worry about them anymore.
When I see Roxanna I see this big motherly figure that was never blessed with kids, who just needs an outlet. She is caring and gentle when you get to know her...and seems to me the type who makes really good chocolate chip cookies, as it is she makes cinnamon buns.
Reuben feels pure gratitude and sadness at his fathers’ passing; he gave his last miracle to Reuben.
If Davy had been found at the cabin, I don’t think Mr. Land and Roxanna would have gotten married, I also don’t think Reuben’s lungs would have survived the grief.
My favorite part was at the end when Mr. Land gave his life for Reuben because it was written so imaginatively and powerfully.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Taming the Star Runner #2
This week I finished reading Taming the Star Runner. The first two thirds were really good, but I was completely disappointed in the end, it just dropped off.
When I read about the horse show, I saw Casey’s fierce side while she was jumping. When the Star Runner died, I saw her sensitive side. The most important part, in my opinion, was when Travis found out how he was judged for how he dressed, both from the publisher and from the girls at the show. The message through out this story is no matter how you are stereotyped; you can change, or know that you aren’t the person they think you are. During the horse show Travis and Casey unofficially started dating. She got first in both speed and style runs, and he took care of the horses. Casey was determined to jump, even though Travis told her not to because of her broken ribs.
When I read about the horse show, I saw Casey’s fierce side while she was jumping. When the Star Runner died, I saw her sensitive side. The most important part, in my opinion, was when Travis found out how he was judged for how he dressed, both from the publisher and from the girls at the show. The message through out this story is no matter how you are stereotyped; you can change, or know that you aren’t the person they think you are. During the horse show Travis and Casey unofficially started dating. She got first in both speed and style runs, and he took care of the horses. Casey was determined to jump, even though Travis told her not to because of her broken ribs.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Blog Post #2 Taming the Star Runner.
So this past week I started Wuthering Heights. So far it is pretty boring, and I am in the mood for a bit of a faster read, so I started Taming the Star Runner by S.E. Hinton. I read her first book The Outsiders three years ago and really enjoyed it.
Now that Travis knows he likes Casey, I think he will ask her out and/or try to like horses. Upon this happening, I think his friends in the city will start to tease him because he used to be the most popular kid in the school and now has no friends. He also used to spend all his time with his guy friends and cars, not girls and horses.
I think Travis is going to try to like horses to gain Casey’s’ attention, and, ultimately, affection. In the end there will be a major decision to be made by Travis. He is already starting to like life on the ranch, but he misses the city, so he will have to decide which he wants more. In the city is abusive, if now partially brain damaged, Stan, and at the ranch is annoying and clingy Christopher.
When Travis let Jennifer approach him instead of the other way around, I think it was because he doesn’t know her or know a lot about girls. Travis feels like a loner and an outcast because in the city he fit right in, but here everyone is smaller town style and he hasn’t found any friends. This makes me wonder how small this town actually is. It is just small compared to the city, or is it actually really small?
I pictured Casey as a girl in my class, not only because of the resemblance in names, but also the minimal descriptions given are similar. This book doesn’t give much description on the ranch, but in the meantime I have been picturing it quite the same as I pictured the farm in the book series Heartland. I see Travis waling with a bit of a city strut, although now that he is getting less and less arrogant, I see it going away. I see him wearing jeans (not baggy) and tight t-shirts. I could also see him wearing a leather jacket from time to time. He has light brown hair, a nicely toned body, and moderately tall.
The author included the section when Kristen broke her leg to show the connection between Casey and Travis, or at least to start the connection. It gave us a glimpse of what might happen.
I can’t exactly remember where I have heard of stuff like this, but they are pretty common story lines, this is just a combination of them. A kid doesn’t like the step parent and gets sent away; kid almost accidentally kills someone and gets sent away; kid moves in with uncle; oddly matched crushes; comparison between city and country life, etc.
Travis kind of reminds me of my friend Taylor, just in his attitude and his looks, not his actions. Casey reminds me of a girl in my class for most of her looks, as I have mentioned, but also of my cousin Carrie in the way she loves and has a way with horses, are both short, and also have an air of authority.
If Travis hadn’t smoked, then he wouldn’t have had the smokes in his hand when he went into the barn. Kirsten wouldn’t have rode past him and stolen them, he wouldn’t have chased her, her horse wouldn’t have slipped in the mud, she wouldn’t have broken her leg, and Travis wouldn’t find out that he is falling in love with Casey.
Now that Travis knows he likes Casey, I think he will ask her out and/or try to like horses. Upon this happening, I think his friends in the city will start to tease him because he used to be the most popular kid in the school and now has no friends. He also used to spend all his time with his guy friends and cars, not girls and horses.
I think Travis is going to try to like horses to gain Casey’s’ attention, and, ultimately, affection. In the end there will be a major decision to be made by Travis. He is already starting to like life on the ranch, but he misses the city, so he will have to decide which he wants more. In the city is abusive, if now partially brain damaged, Stan, and at the ranch is annoying and clingy Christopher.
When Travis let Jennifer approach him instead of the other way around, I think it was because he doesn’t know her or know a lot about girls. Travis feels like a loner and an outcast because in the city he fit right in, but here everyone is smaller town style and he hasn’t found any friends. This makes me wonder how small this town actually is. It is just small compared to the city, or is it actually really small?
I pictured Casey as a girl in my class, not only because of the resemblance in names, but also the minimal descriptions given are similar. This book doesn’t give much description on the ranch, but in the meantime I have been picturing it quite the same as I pictured the farm in the book series Heartland. I see Travis waling with a bit of a city strut, although now that he is getting less and less arrogant, I see it going away. I see him wearing jeans (not baggy) and tight t-shirts. I could also see him wearing a leather jacket from time to time. He has light brown hair, a nicely toned body, and moderately tall.
The author included the section when Kristen broke her leg to show the connection between Casey and Travis, or at least to start the connection. It gave us a glimpse of what might happen.
I can’t exactly remember where I have heard of stuff like this, but they are pretty common story lines, this is just a combination of them. A kid doesn’t like the step parent and gets sent away; kid almost accidentally kills someone and gets sent away; kid moves in with uncle; oddly matched crushes; comparison between city and country life, etc.
Travis kind of reminds me of my friend Taylor, just in his attitude and his looks, not his actions. Casey reminds me of a girl in my class for most of her looks, as I have mentioned, but also of my cousin Carrie in the way she loves and has a way with horses, are both short, and also have an air of authority.
If Travis hadn’t smoked, then he wouldn’t have had the smokes in his hand when he went into the barn. Kirsten wouldn’t have rode past him and stolen them, he wouldn’t have chased her, her horse wouldn’t have slipped in the mud, she wouldn’t have broken her leg, and Travis wouldn’t find out that he is falling in love with Casey.
Monday, February 22, 2010
So, my last week worth of reading took me a little further than expected…that is to say I started and finished Before I Die within 24 hours of getting it. Needless to say, it was good.The visual content in this book wasn’t as good as some other books I have read, it concentrated more on the actions of the characters than where they were; for example I was about half way done when I found out that it was in London, not the US. I pictured Tessa as a tall, slender teenager with long brown hair…later on I found out that she was shaved bald (my imagination doesn’t always like to follow what the book says).I found it the hardest to create a full picture in my head the most when they were going somewhere, at any location I was good, but it was the in-between places that I struggled with.
In answer to the question “Why did Tessa do that?”, I thing she was so reckless with her life because she knew it was going to be cut short and she wanted to get about 25 years worth of life lived in a matter of months. She made the list to prioritize the top ten things she wanted to do most before she died, and just continued it as she finished stuff.
Tessa’s actions in the months leading up to her death are the stories events, they don’t just affect it. Nothing would have really changed if she hadn’t done a number of the things she did, she still would have died, but she wouldn’t have had as much fun and she wound have had so many people that loved her. BUT the lives of the people around her would have been totally different. Zoey probably wouldn’t have softened up, Adam might never have gone to university, and her mom and dad more than likely wouldn’t have gotten back together.Some of the characters in Before I Die underwent major life changes throughout the book. Because of Tessa having terminal cancer, she wanted to be wild. Zoey and Tessa went to a club, found some cute guys, and slept with them. Zoey really liked the guy she slept with and they continued to see each other, eventually she got pregnant. She turned from wild to just plain self destructive and wanted an abortion. Finally something clicked and she decided to keep the baby. Neither the guy, nor her parents liked this and they all abandoned her. Her only choice was to settle down and become more responsible for the baby she thought she could never love. When Zoey calmed down, it helped Tessa through to the end. I think if Zoey never calmed down she would have ended up abandoning Tessa.This was a really good book, but when you get closer to the end you might want to find a place to yourself with access to a jumbo box of tissues!
In answer to the question “Why did Tessa do that?”, I thing she was so reckless with her life because she knew it was going to be cut short and she wanted to get about 25 years worth of life lived in a matter of months. She made the list to prioritize the top ten things she wanted to do most before she died, and just continued it as she finished stuff.
Tessa’s actions in the months leading up to her death are the stories events, they don’t just affect it. Nothing would have really changed if she hadn’t done a number of the things she did, she still would have died, but she wouldn’t have had as much fun and she wound have had so many people that loved her. BUT the lives of the people around her would have been totally different. Zoey probably wouldn’t have softened up, Adam might never have gone to university, and her mom and dad more than likely wouldn’t have gotten back together.Some of the characters in Before I Die underwent major life changes throughout the book. Because of Tessa having terminal cancer, she wanted to be wild. Zoey and Tessa went to a club, found some cute guys, and slept with them. Zoey really liked the guy she slept with and they continued to see each other, eventually she got pregnant. She turned from wild to just plain self destructive and wanted an abortion. Finally something clicked and she decided to keep the baby. Neither the guy, nor her parents liked this and they all abandoned her. Her only choice was to settle down and become more responsible for the baby she thought she could never love. When Zoey calmed down, it helped Tessa through to the end. I think if Zoey never calmed down she would have ended up abandoning Tessa.This was a really good book, but when you get closer to the end you might want to find a place to yourself with access to a jumbo box of tissues!
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