Jen, I liked this book. I also had a lot of emotions as I read it, sadness that she had to go through so much as a child, anger at her father for being so abusive, anger at her mother for being so wrapped up in her own miseries that she didn't protect and nurture her daughter, gratefulness for people like her neighbor (can't remember his sweet name), and astonishment at the attitude of her grandparents.
I really liked the freedom and wildness of the gypsies...I always am fascinated by those who are so colorful. A great attraction to someone like Millie, who had to fight just to survive. She yearned for the freedom and the kind of life that they represented.
But when all is said and done, she made the right choice. She chose goodness, and stability, and someone who loved her for herself and for who she could become. The gypsy loved her, but had nothing stable to offer her, except his lifestyle of wandering and dreaming.
This book made me think of the choices that I have made in my life. I know at times I walked down the "freedom" road, and dreamt of wild and crazy things. But thankfully, when I made the more sensible choice, it led me to the Church; ad when I met your Dad, I had the wisdom to know that he would lead me where I wanted to go, and that he loved who I was and who I could become.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Review of "Into the Free"
It is half way through April and I have just finished the book chosen for March, Into the Free by Julie Cantrell. This was a book that was full of all sorts of emotion. One minute I was full of sorrow at the things that were happening to Millie, the main character, and the next minute I was smiling about the change of events in her life and then the cycle would start over again. I think the quote on the back of the book is perfect in describing the story: "A simple girl with anything but a simple story". This story is about Millie who goes through a rough life at a young age. One that I could never imagine living. She sees and hears things that no one should witness. She lives with a mother who is very depressed and resorts to using drugs to mask her pain, her father is abusive to her mother and doesn't give Millie the time of day. Millie spends her days caring for her Mamma and then suddenly her father dies and then her Mamma dies and Millie is left wondering what the point of life was and what to do next. Her journey leads her to love and hate and figuring out her purpose. In the end the author, Julie Cantrell left me with a feeling of hope. That no matter what the challenges Millie faced there was and is a purpose for her. There was a reason she was born and lived the life she did. I love the ending of this book. Many times I am left feeling like there needed to be more, but Millie found the love she always needed and was able to give the love she had to someone and be free for the first time in her life. A hope and wish for everyone no matter the challenge or struggle is to be free from whatever is binding them down.
The question for this book I have is: What were you left feeling after reading Into the Free?
The Book for April is Seventeen Second Miracle by Jason Wright. We have 2 weeks before the end of the month so lets dive in and enjoy another good read! Happy Reading !!
Monday, March 19, 2012
March Book: Into the Free
This month I have chosen the book Into the Free by Julie Cantrell. It is based during the depression and is about a girl's journey through the ups and downs of a hard life. I have not started it yet but hope to get it started soon. I am a little late in the month (March 19) at introducing the book but hope we can have the determination to finish it this month! So come on we have just over 10 days to read it. Happy Reading!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Great beginning!
Anna, I think you made a great choice with our first book club book! It was interesting and kept me engaged to see where it was going to take us. I can't wait to read the sequels now, to see what actually happens with her awakening desire to make her own choices.
My free agency is very important to me. It was in fact something I had to consider quite a bit before joining the Church...I didn't want anyone telling me what I could or couldn't do. After a bit, of course, I realized that the prophet is just God's mouthpiece and was sharing what Heavenly Father wanted me to do. Understanding that made we want to strive to live all the commandments and to adhere to what the prophet said. I still need confirmation from the Holy Ghost before I will do something that is new or different, and He hasn't failed me yet! I would fight to the death to keep my free agency. A sacred gift.
As far as the perfect match goes, I wouldn't trust anyone but Heavenly Father to know just the right person for me. I wouldn't want anyone else, or a computer program, to make that kind of decision for me. Our spouses need to be someone who will help lift us up to be better than we would without them. I made a list of the things I wanted in my future husband before I met Dad. Needless to say, he doesn't sing, or like to go to concerts so much, or read books, BUT he does honor his priesthood and is good through and through...he loves and respects me and shows it...he is faithful and loyal to me and always will be. And he brings out the best in me and makes me strive to be better. That sounds like a perfect match to me!
One thing I thought was definitely missing from this book was any mention of or acknowledgement of a higher being, or any religion of any kind. It was a society run by men, and their idea of what was perfect. Our Heavenly Father's heavenly "society" will be so much more beautiful and absolutely perfect! Having said that, the artifact I would choose would have to be my scriptures. If there were no scriptures, than I would choose something sentimental, like my Mom or Dad's ring or some other keepsake. Maybe a stuffed Big Bird!
My choice for the 100 books would be either The Count of Monte Cristo or Les Miserables, because they are about forgiveness and redemption; or something by Neal A. Maxwell who gives me so much to think about.
My choice for the 100 paintings would have to be Picasso's "Hand with Bouquet" painting...it is how I wish the world would always be.
Until next read!
My free agency is very important to me. It was in fact something I had to consider quite a bit before joining the Church...I didn't want anyone telling me what I could or couldn't do. After a bit, of course, I realized that the prophet is just God's mouthpiece and was sharing what Heavenly Father wanted me to do. Understanding that made we want to strive to live all the commandments and to adhere to what the prophet said. I still need confirmation from the Holy Ghost before I will do something that is new or different, and He hasn't failed me yet! I would fight to the death to keep my free agency. A sacred gift.
As far as the perfect match goes, I wouldn't trust anyone but Heavenly Father to know just the right person for me. I wouldn't want anyone else, or a computer program, to make that kind of decision for me. Our spouses need to be someone who will help lift us up to be better than we would without them. I made a list of the things I wanted in my future husband before I met Dad. Needless to say, he doesn't sing, or like to go to concerts so much, or read books, BUT he does honor his priesthood and is good through and through...he loves and respects me and shows it...he is faithful and loyal to me and always will be. And he brings out the best in me and makes me strive to be better. That sounds like a perfect match to me!
One thing I thought was definitely missing from this book was any mention of or acknowledgement of a higher being, or any religion of any kind. It was a society run by men, and their idea of what was perfect. Our Heavenly Father's heavenly "society" will be so much more beautiful and absolutely perfect! Having said that, the artifact I would choose would have to be my scriptures. If there were no scriptures, than I would choose something sentimental, like my Mom or Dad's ring or some other keepsake. Maybe a stuffed Big Bird!
My choice for the 100 books would be either The Count of Monte Cristo or Les Miserables, because they are about forgiveness and redemption; or something by Neal A. Maxwell who gives me so much to think about.
My choice for the 100 paintings would have to be Picasso's "Hand with Bouquet" painting...it is how I wish the world would always be.
Until next read!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Book Review
So we have all finished reading Matched. It was better than I expected.
I found it very interesting that the society was so perfectly designed.
It was almost too perfect. It makes you understand the feelings that Cassia had of realizing she didn't have any angency. It makes you wonder if Satan's plan would of been similar. Scary! So grateful for the opportunity to choose.
Anthother thought I had was if were matched would we come up with the spouses we have. I should think so since we all have perfect matches!
I also wonder if you had only one "artifact" what would you choose?
In the society there were only 100 art, poems, books, and music. How sad! What would you choose?
overall I walked away from this book feeling gratitude for the opportunities we have even though at times it's hard to make choses and decisions I am so glad that I can!
Please share your thoughts!
I found it very interesting that the society was so perfectly designed.
It was almost too perfect. It makes you understand the feelings that Cassia had of realizing she didn't have any angency. It makes you wonder if Satan's plan would of been similar. Scary! So grateful for the opportunity to choose.
Anthother thought I had was if were matched would we come up with the spouses we have. I should think so since we all have perfect matches!
I also wonder if you had only one "artifact" what would you choose?
In the society there were only 100 art, poems, books, and music. How sad! What would you choose?
overall I walked away from this book feeling gratitude for the opportunities we have even though at times it's hard to make choses and decisions I am so glad that I can!
Please share your thoughts!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Ready Set Read!
I am so excited to start our little family book club!
Thank you Jen for making us look so cool!
This month's book is Matched. A story of a society where everything is decided for you including who you marry and when.
So far I am only 1/4 of the way into the story but am so far very intrigued. This gives me a perspective of how life would be without the gift of free angency. I am excited to read further. I've got to hurry so mom can get started so we can come back here and discuss.
Happy Reading!
Thank you Jen for making us look so cool!
This month's book is Matched. A story of a society where everything is decided for you including who you marry and when.
So far I am only 1/4 of the way into the story but am so far very intrigued. This gives me a perspective of how life would be without the gift of free angency. I am excited to read further. I've got to hurry so mom can get started so we can come back here and discuss.
Happy Reading!
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