Women v. Religion: The Case Against Faith -- and for Freedom, ed. Karen L. Garst, PhD

Nonfiction /Essays

224 pages / 1003 KB

5 Stars

This is a collection of 13 essays about women who have left patriarchal religion and how leaving their religious affiliations affected them.

For those who use the church as their primary social outlet, it will be harder to leave unless they have built up a secular support group, as they will probably either be hounded to come back or shunned for thinking on their own and making their own decisions.

It's amazing what happens when women finally realize that their church, their religion, is used primarily as a tool to dominate women and children. It's really good for the man, for the woman not so much. And how we, as women raised in a culture where the dominant religion has carried through since the bronze age, have been taught since we were wee little ones what our place is, and what our role is, and woe unto any of us who decides to use our brain and think on our own! 

If you as woman are tired of being blamed for all the ills of men, I highly recommend this book. When a man can't keep his pants zipped, it's the woman's fault. All because of a bronze age war god who hated women then, and hates them still.

The essays are written by women who are recovering Christians, Jews, and Muslims. One is by a trans, and one by an atheist minister! Some of these essays will make you angry, some will make you sad, and scattered throughout are snippets of humor to make you laugh. All will give you grist to chew on and think about. If you are still subjugating yourself to a male god (and a male human), I strongly recommend you read this book. 

The Medici Letters (Dr. Fox Marshal Thriller) --by Jeff D. Copeland

Fiction / Historical Thriller

486 pages / 4053 KB

5 Stars

A Page Burner

I've actually read this book a couple of times, and even though I knew what was going to happen the second time through, I was spellbound. I had to read it. I couldn't put it down. 

The characters in this novel are believable, from the evil ones to the truly good ones. There were places I wanted to cry and a place or two I actually did. There were also places I laughed out loud!

If you enjoy car races, train rides, old planes, fascinating architecture, and an Indiana Jones kinda story (only better), you'll like Dr. Fox Marshal. Honest. Trust me.

My biggest (and only) complaint in the whole book was The End. I wasn't ready. I wanted it to continue on for a few more chapters. I hope Book 2 comes soon.

Shallow-Rooted Heart --by Gregory Louis Candela

Nonfiction / poetry

106 pages

5 Stars

No matter what we read, no matter what was written, we each bring our own stories to the book. When you read these poems, you will get a double treat. First will be the gorgeous imagery Candela evokes with his words, then will come your own memories, images from your own life. 

This is a book to be read again and again, each poem rich as a Death by Chocolate cake, to be slowly savored, and with no calories. Though I promise, once you read this book, your mind will be stretched in delightful new ways and will never shrink to it pre-reading state. 

Black Diamond Fall --by Joseph Olshan

Fiction / police procedural

411 pages

5 Stars

I must state up front that I read an ARC so my copy may be a smidge different than yours.

My biggest complaint was the lack of chapter numbers. I don't know why this bothered me, but I would have liked to have chapter numbers with the current titles used as epigraphs. 

The story is told in many POVs, all in first person. I had no problem with that, but if you aren't used to reading that style, you may have a slight learning curve. Had I started reading earlier in the day, it would have been a one sit read.

Luc Flanders is playing hockey on a frozen pond in modern-day Vermont, when the game is over and he's nearly home, he realizes his necklace has broken and he has lost a ring that means everything to him. He goes back to look for it and is never seen again.

As the police interview everyone who might have information to impart, we meet many people from guys who sell steroids to ex-girlfriends to parents, and of course, Sam Solomon, Luc's (secret) lover. 

Although this is a mystery I did not find it an adrenaline gusher; it is also a love story. More than once I cried with Sam, more than once I hurt with Luc's mother. 

I understand this is based on a couple of true stories – the disappearance of a student during winter break at Middlebury College; and the vandalism of the Robert Frost Homestead. This book is well written, worth my time to read, and I heartily recommend it.

The Way to Rainy Mountain --by N. Scott Momaday

Nonfiction / History, Myth, Memoir, Prose Poems

89 pages / 846 KB

5 Stars

I'm not all that sure how to categorize this book, other than Beautiful. Each numbered section is in three parts—History, Myth, Memoir. It tells the search Momaday undertook to find his roots (Kiowa), to reconnect to the land, the people, his family.

A fast reader, I thought I'd have this book devoured in a relatively short time. It took several nights; because I would read a bit, then have to think about what I'd read. Not just the words, but also the artistic way they were placed next to each other and on the page as a whole.

When I finished the book, I realized I had learned a great deal. What a beautiful way to get an education!

From the Ashes (Ravenwood Mysteries Book 1) –by Sabrina Flynn

Fiction / Detective  / Historical

270 pages / 6397 KB

5 Stars

What a fun read! Turn of the century (1899) San Francisco. Atticus Riot returns from a long absence and wants only to stay retired and lick his wounds. Life has other plans for him, and he once again finds himself embroiled in a mystery as an unwilling detective, striving to find the missing wife/heiress before her kidnappers kill her.

Ms Flynn has done a remarkable job of creating the fog-drenched city and time of the era. The tale is told in different times, so pay attention to the chapter headings, when shown. I rather enjoyed her taking us fore and aft along the time continuum. 

I enjoyed the characters, and look forward to meeting them in future books (I believe there are currently 4 in publication). Yes, I solved part of it before the ending. Note, I said PART of it. The fun in mysteries is trying to figure out the who and the why, and then reading through to the end to see if I was correct. I give myself a C on that one. ;-)

I became very engrossed in the story, therefore, in my book; it is a perfect piece of fiction. The ending was satisfactory, albeit too soon. I really wanted to stay and play with the characters a bit longer. Escapism at it's best!

Bless Me, Ultima --by Rudolfo Anaya

Fiction / Coming of age / Magical Realism

276 pages / 1161 KB

5 Stars

Having recently moved to Albuquerque NM, and searching for books by local authors, I came across Bless Me, Ultima. Oh, what a warm and marvelous welcome to my new home!

Knowledge of some Spanish would be helpful, but not necessary, though the next time I read the book (oh, believe me, there will be a next time!) I will take the time to look up the words I couldn't figure out.

When Antonio is 6, the curandera who delivered him comes to live with his family. She has a special fondness for Antonio and takes him with her when she goes out to gather her herbs and medicines. She teaches him the proper way to harvest them, to talk to the plants, explain why he is taking a part of them.

His mother is a Luna, her people till the land; his father is a Marez, his people were free to ride the plains. Mama wants Antonio to become a Priest; Papa wants him to become a man of freedom. Antonio struggles to become Antonio.

I think this is one of, if not the, best coming of age I've read. I highly recommend the book. The writing is marvelous, the story compelling. An insight into a culture in the process of changing.