Rapid-fire Book Reviews, part 1

Since reading is my absolute favorite hobby, I have several books going at any given time. Books for fun; books to inspire me as a homemaker; books to grow me in my faith; and books to stretch my brain. I wrapped up several books in the last few weeks and decided to share a few thoughts from each. So here goes...

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. I've been a longtime fan of Austen's works, but had somehow never read this one. Since I absolutely love the film version (the one directed by Ang Lee, starring Emma Thompson) I decided it was high time I read the novel. All of my favorite Austen elements are there: witty dialogue, clever prose, humor, good characterization (especially Elinor, who you can see from my sidebar reminds me of myself,) true love that almost escapes. However, while S & S was a very enjoyable read, Pride & Prejudice remains my favorite of Miss Austen's novels. I can read P & P over and over again.

Gold Cord: The Story of a Fellowship by Amy Carmichael. There is no doubt that Amy is one of my biggest heroes in the faith. I have read 2 separate biographies of her (Elisabeth Elliot's A Chance to Die is the best) and many of Amy's own works. In Gold Cord (first published in 1932,) Amy is telling the story of the first few years of Donhavur Fellowship. Donhavur is the name of the ministry that began as an outreach to girls who had been sold to pros.ti.tution at the temples in southern India. Amy and her colleagues rescued these girls, shared the gospel with them, and gave them a place to live. Donhavur quickly added hospital facilities, nurseries, and a school, since many of the "girls" were with child or had children when rescued. It took me a year to finish this book, as I read it only a little at a time, then put it aside. Amy is somewhat old-fashioned in her language and modest in her descriptions of people and events, so it can be challenging to follow the story at times. But there are many jewels to be found here and I highly recommend it.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. I have read portions of this book before and thought it was time for a refresher. The premise is that each of us is wired to show love (and "feel loved") in a specific way. I returned to this book in order to rejuvenate my efforts to show love to my husband and children in ways that would bless them individually. Chapman says children have a "love tank" that, when full, allows them to develop normally and feel secure. When the tank is low, they tend to act out more and misbehave. The five love languages are: Words of Affirmation; Quality Time; Receiving Gifts; Acts of Service; and Physical Touch. If you pay attention to how an individual tends to show love, then you can know how he or she needs to receive it. A very helpful book not only for our marriages and families, but relationships in general.

Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon. This is book eight in the Mitford Years series. Still trying to catch up with My Sweetie, who has already nearly finished Home to Holly Springs. I love Mitford novels and this book is no different. I commented to My Sweetie that whenever I am in a grumpy mood, he should just send me off for 30 minutes with a Mitford book and I will come back a changed woman! This book is set at Christmas time and centers around Father Tim's restoration of a badly neglected European nativity set. It was a joy, as always! If you haven't read the Mitford books yet, you don't know what you're missing!

That's it for part 1 of Rapid-fire reviews. Stay tuned for part 2: Children's Books!