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reviewed by: Frances
Frances' Books
My current first love in reading is non-fiction: biography, autobiography and memoirs. In that category, I read, a memoir, Larry McMurty's, Paradise. In it Larry takes a trip to the "end of the world", the Marquesa Islands in the South Pacific. On this trip he intended to write about his parents and their marriage. And he does. He reflects on them and growing up as well as his fellow passengers. He also considers what life may have meant to Gauguin, the French painter who exiled himself in those islands at the end of his life.
Then I read two books in a fiction category I like: Amish-Mennonite books by Beverly Lewis. She writes stories of women and their families. These folk are untouched by "the world" and strive to live close to God. I am much taken with the Amish. I observed many Plain People, their houses, black and blue clothing and horse and buggies while growing up in northern Indiana.
First, I read her newest, October Song. This is a collection of further developments in the lives of several women she wrote about in her other books. Next, I read, Sanctuary. Beverly and her husband wrote this book. Its flavor is more exciting. It is even a sort of page-turner.
Another book I read in the non-fiction category was Labyrinth of Desire: Women, Passion and Romantic Obsession. I thought sure this would give me some insight into my endlessly romantic nature. Alas, I did not read anything new. The author, Rosemary Sullivan, agreed that, in the end, all things have a cycle-even desire, romance and passion.
I also keep a list of books to read. Here is that list, too!
- Fearless by Gavin DeBecker. I read his first book, Gift of Fear, which was very helpful to me.
- Sacred Contract by Caroline Myss. I saw Dr. Myss interviewed on “Óprah” and was quite impressed with her perspective. I thought the book would be worth a look. I also paged through Myss’ book, Women’s Bodies, Women’s Lives.
- The Red Tent. I did not list an author for this one. I know it is about women of the Bible and how they lived their lives. For example, during their monthly menses they gathered. (In those times most women had their “periods” at the same time of the month—probably at the full moon. The reason for the group menses is another story.) According to a review I read, the women gathered in “the red tent.” No men were allowed. The idea intrigued me.
Frances says I hope you enjoyed reading about the books I have read and the ones I want to read. I encourage all Ninepatch readers to send us their reading lists!