Books Read & Reviewed: August 2008

The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette by Carolly Erickson
Historicial fiction
Another glimpse into the fragile world of the monarchy and court. If this version is to be believed, Antoinette's husband was a wimpy but benevolent king and they both had dozens of chances to escape and save their necks--literally. For some reason they stuck around. Even though I knew the outcome, I kept wishing they'd run, run...


Elizabeth I of England by Kerrily Sapet
Non-fiction
It would seem that these books about queens would be all romance and balls, but in truth they are more political. There are so many important historical characters in this book (Shakespeare, Raleigh, Mary Queen of Scots, King James, etc...) Elizabeth was fascinating. She turned her country around amidst constant pressure to marry and produce an heir and despite continued plots to usurp her throne. A remarkable woman.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Fiction
My son badgered me relentlessly to read this book. It is the first of a series; there are four so far. They deal with a young teen who finds out he's actually the son of one of the Greek gods. The story supposes what it would be like if the ancient gods were real and part of modern life. Some reckon these books to an urban, hip Harry Potter. It was an interesting story but I prefer Rowling's writing style.


Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
Non-fiction
This book was powerful. One of the best books I've read on the real power of God in people's lives. Loved it.


The Lamb and the Fuhrer by Ravi Zaccharias
Fiction
This is the imaginary scene if Hitler were face to face with Christ and given one last chance to truly see the horrors he committed and repent and embrace the love of God. It also features Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor that Hitler had executed. I thought the author had several good insights, but it was unsettling to imagine Hitler disrespecting Christ, and hard to accept the author essentially putting words in Christ's mouth.


Catherine the Great and the Enlightenment of Russia by Nancy Whitelaw
Non-fiction
Wow, this woman was fascinating. She was taken from Germany to Russia as a 14-year old and betrothed to a crazy czarling with the idea that she would produce an heir to rule the country. Instead she studied all she could about the country and determined to rule it herself. Eventually she did and the changes she made in the country were stunning--introducing art, literature, hospitals, architecture, infrastructure, etc... She even had herself publically vaccinated against smallpox to show her suspicious country that it did work. She also had some very human weaknesses, including a never-ending string of lovers.

Eleanor of Aquitaine by Kerrily Sapet
Non-fiction
Such a fascinating woman but so hard to understand. Eleanor was a very wealthy princess who became Queen of France, and later Queen of England and all of Aquitaine. She is sometimes called the Grandmother of Europe because her offspring have ruled dozens of countries. She was strong and smart in a time when women were valuable only for their ability to bear children.


A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and Great Expectations by Charles Dickens All fiction,
I read all four of these novels in the last month, but they were all the abridged or illustrated versions so it was quick and easy going. Dickens always writes happy endings which make them fun to read. I liked them all. Oliver Twist was quite violent. And I found A Tale of Two Cities easier to understand since I had just read about the French Revolution in the Marie Antoinette biography.
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