First, there was the wonderful book,Ransomed Dreams written by author, Amy Wallace. This book made it's way to my house via my SIL Heather. Heather is a friend of Amy's (a Christian author) and had the pleasure of attending her book release and signing party in Georgia. She was so kind to have Amy sign a copy for me and surprised me with the book in the mail.
I read it on my way to, and in, Toronto. In fact, I could hardly put it down! This book reads like a quality episode of CSI or Law and Order. It kept me turning pages and wondering just how it was all going to resolve. Amy does an excellent job weaving faith into her writing without it being overpowering and/or shoved down the reader's throat. I found the characters REAL and could identify with them on more than one occasion.
I have passed the book along to my friend, Suzi. I also have planned to buy a few more copies to send to some of my other avid reader friends. This one would be a great "Summer Read" if you enjoy a good mystery mixed with stories of heart and passion.
The second book I read is Night by Elie Wiesel. Beyond, The Diary of Anne Frank, I have never read a book about the Holocaust. I HAVE been to the Holocaust museum in Washington, DC. I only took the cursory tour, however (I believe time was an issue). I have also visited a traveling "museum" of the Holocaust at one of the boys' schools. It was a grim reminder of the hatred that was aloud to exist during that period in history.
I found this book a challenge, though, because Elie talks about wrestling with his Jewish faith. And as I let his words and experiences seep into my heart and mind, I can only somewhat imagine how this horiffic experience would make you angry at God. It is also a challenge, because, as Wiesel notes in his 1986 Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech:
And that is why I swore to never be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivites become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must--at that moment--become the center of the universe.
Both of these books have "kicked off" my Summer Reading list on quite a "high". I have several more waiting in the wings that I can't wait to dig into...some personal, some professional, some christian growth/study, and others just fun take-me-away novels. I, for one, can't wait...
What will you be reading this Summer?
10 comments:
I've got a coupon to use at my bookstore. I think I'll have to get that first book you mentioned! I'm always on the lookout for new books, as I've read every book I own at least 4 times! :)
Hi Susan,...My daughter has read the book ...Night ..and she said it was great.I will have to read it.Happy Week-end
Baba
I put Night down on my Book meme as one that I read... it was awesome... I also saw on an hour long special on Oprah ... I was so touched by his life...
it is a wonderful book.. I cannot imagine living through a life such as that... we truly are blessed
Connie
Goodness. You don't want to know what's on my reading list...mostly because I don't know what's on my list just yet. I did pick up the Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder book yesterday. It's supposed to be like a Christian verison of the Stephanie Plum novels. I'll let you know how good it is.
Ohhhhh deary me! I have sO many books on the burner and the back burner it's just not right! At the moment I am reading Sidney Poitier's The Measure of a Man, Max Lucado's Love, and Love Walked Among Us by Paul E. Miller. I need to get my hands on the new Stephanie Plum novel - SOON! In waiting are Growing Old Still Ain't For Wimps (which Amanda got me for CHRISTMAS!), True Love & Homegrown Tomatoes, God On Paper, and Lazy Daisy just sent me If You Want To Walk On Water, You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat. So... I think I have enough to keep me busy for awhile!
That one from your sister's friend sounds good though! LOL!
I'm sorry! The Max Lucado book is A Love Worth Giving ... I was going to come back to fill in the rest of the title and forgot! *blush*
Susan,
Thanks so much for your wonderful review of Ransomed Dreams! A quality episode of CSI? That's high praise indeed. ;-)
Heather made the booksigning a joy and it was an honor to hear about you and sign a book for you, Susan.
Thanks again for your great blog post! Happy summer reading!
I read Night not too long ago - really, really liked it. Can't wait to hear about what else you're reading this summer.
Shamedly...I actually checked out Night once from the library & never even opened it! THanks for the reminder to put it on my reserve book list! Like you don't have enough to do or read or whatever already....BUT another excellent book & quick & easy read is Run Boy, Run. The author was a very young boy during the Holocaustt.
I've read both of these, too...well, you KNEW that about one of them.
I'll let you in on a secret. I'm a "consultant" on the second book in the Defenders of Hope series and just read the pre-galley draft. It's even better than the first book!
Stay tuned for it's release next April.
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