Raehink: Responses and Reading

Hey all! Glad to see some reading going on. I love hearing what you are reading.

Lynness: I have only seen that book in the bookstores. It seems to have a cult following and the author has now written a second spoof of some similar sort. Can't remember the title though. I'll be interested to see what you think. Maybe I could finally get into Jane Austen with it. Just kidding. I have such a hard time with her.

Abby: What are the things that Autumn has a passion for? Sometimes it works to find books that revolve around those same things. And it's amazing how many novels have been written around so many subjects. Perhaps she's more of a non-fiction kid. I was. As long as she IS reading, don't push too hard. It may make her not want to read at all. Just be consistent. For me, it was Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown that woke me up in about fourth grade. Ooh, and The Mad Scientists Club. Haven't been able to keep away from books since :)

Lulu: Your Turette's book sounds really fascinating. Our YW group read a book called Memories of Summer which dealt with schizophrenia back in the 50s (I think) before it could be treated well. I have such compassion for those who suffered odd disorders before we even knew they were disorders...sometimes I wonder how they endured such things.

Annie: I just finished a unit on banned books for my adolescent literature class. Had to write a couple papers on how I approached censorship in my own reading. I'm glad you've discovered the lists. When I was in high school I read just about every book on a list just because they had been banned. I really wanted to know what all the fuss was about. So often that's just what it is. Fuss. No real reason other than someone was offended and wanted no one to read that material. The other thing I found was that some of the "greatest" books really aren't worth much. They are considered great because they were banned or challenged and not because they are worthwhile books. It's such an interesting subject to wrap your head around. I always loved the fact that Grandma encouraged us to read lots of things and make up our own minds. She knew we had been taught right from wrong and that choosing good media material is an excellent way to exercise our agency and learn from the Spirit. Off my soapbox now.

I've been reading quite a bit whenever I can squeeze it in. I'm amazed (don't know why...) at how time-and-thought-consuming Relief Society is. But I love my calling. I've learned that it ebbs and flows, like the tide, and when there's a low tide I make the most of it and sharpen my own saw. How's that for some metaphors! I did go away to Moab for a couple of days to refresh and two people died while I was gone! I hope that doesn't mean I can't get away when I need to :)

I'm just finishing up Lemon Tart for one book group. It's a very light and fluffy culinary mystery and is written by a member of the Church. Entertaining but definitely not deep. I'm still reading about the Kennedy family and am about halfway through True Compass by Ted Kennedy. It's extremely interesting. I picked up a Sheri Dew book that Grandma had given me called No One Can Take Your Place. So far it's delightful. And I'm also reading Evidence of Harm which is about the supposed connection between vaccines and autism. When I finish it I will read a book that refutes that whole idea. I like to check out both sides of issues before I make up my mind.

We are in the science fiction unit for my lit class and I should finish up Starship Troopers this afternoon. It's been a difficult read for me because I don't normally enjoy that kind of novel.

Gotta go. Chela's here to go over the invitation list. Love to all.

Happy reading!