Gosh, it's been a while since I've updated so here goes...
#40 The Ragamuffin Gospel
Many believers feel stunted in their Christian growth. We beat ourselves up over our failures and, in the process, pull away from God because we subconsciously believe He tallies our defects and hangs His head in disappointment. Only when we truly embrace Gods grace can we bask in the joy of a gospel that enfolds the most needy of His flockthe ragamuffins.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. It was a message that I needed to hear at this stage in my life, and it gave me a different perspective on God's grace and His love for me.
#41 Calling Invisible Women
A mom in her early fifties, Clover knows she no longer turns heads the way she used to, and she's only really missed when dinner isn't on the table on time. Then Clover wakes up one morning to discover she's invisible--truly invisible. She panics even more when her family doesn't notice a thing. Her best friend immediately observes the change, which relieves Clover immensely--she's not losing her mind after all!--but she is crushed by the realization that neither her husband nor her children ever truly look at her.
Clover discovers that there are others like her, women of a certain age who seem to have disappeared. As she uses her invisibility to get to know her family and her town better, Clover leads the way in helping invisible women become recognized and appreciated no matter what their role.
I really liked the premise of this book and can certainly identify with Clover and her "invisibility" as I age, and it was an easy & lighthearted read. I think I found myself disappointed, however, with where the storyline actually went and how it ended... I don't know. Hard to put into words... just found it lacking somewhat.
#42 Look Again
When reporter Ellen Gleeson gets a Have You Seen This Child? flyer in the mail, she almost throws it away. But something about it makes her look again&The child in the photo looks exactly like Ellens adopted son, Will. But how could it be if the adoption was lawful? Everything inside her tells her to deny what she sees, but she cant shake the question: If Will rightfully belongs to someone else, should she keep him or give him up? Ellen makes the wrenching decision to investigate, following a trail of clues no one was meant to uncover. And when she digs too deep, she risks losing her lifeand that of the son she loves.
My sister recommended this book to me and I couldn't put it down. I love books that make me think and ponder what would I do if I found myself in the same situation.
#43 The Bell Jar
Esther Greenwood is brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and successful, but slowly going undermaybe for the last time. The author brilliantly draws the reader into Esther's breakdown with such intensity that her insanity becomes palpably real, even rationalas accessible an experience as going to the movies. A deep penetration into the darkest and most harrowing corners of the human psyche, The Bell Jar is an extraordinary accomplishment and a haunting American classic.
Huh? ?? I didn't get this book at all. I kept reading it thinking it would get better because of all the good reviews.... but nope. I honestly feel like I missed something along the way, lol. This is when a book club would have been handy & insightful...
Currently reading Mystic River, nearly done (10 pages or so). No idea what to read next - was hoping to start Bad Monkey but I'm still in line for that one...