Bibliography
Gordon, Sarah. A Literary Guide to Flannery O'Connor's Georgia. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press, 2008.
Plot Summary
This is not a work of fiction.
My Thoughts
I bought this book at Andalusia, Flannery's farmhouse home, on my first trip there. What a great reference book for me. The next time I go to Georgia, I will try to spend more time in Milledgeville and look around. Reading this book helped me visualize where Flannery spent her time, not only at the house, but points of interest in town (some places not still standing). The text is informative but not dense. The pictures capture more than I was able to collect during my short visit. I'm happy that I picked this book and hope that I remember to take it with me on my return trip.
Side note: I read this coming home from Atlanta. If I'd been paying attention when purchasing the book, I would have realized the tour guide at Andalusia was the consulting editor of this book. D'oh! I missed an autograph opportunity.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling
Bibliography
Jackson, Neta. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2007.
Plot Summary
This is the sixth installment of the story of twelve diverse women who meet at a Christian women's conference because they are assigned to the same prayer group. When tragedy befalls one family, the group acts beyond the limits of the conference to become the Yada Yada prayer group. When tragedy finds the main character Jodi, she realizes just what this sisterhood of prayer partners means to her. She grows in her faith and her own Christian understanding. Not everyone experiences the same life, even if they live in the same town or attend the same church.
My Thoughts
I'm a bit sad reading this book, because I think it's the last in the series. I've grown fond of these women and look forward to seeing what's in store for them next. I am intrigued as to how these women deal with adversity and grow their faith. Jodi questions God, as I often do, but the Voice inside us both says, "My plans are not your plans. Be alert; My Spirit is moving. Think of the possibilities" (Jackson 287). Jodi often goes off trying to do things her way, when she realizes that sometimes it's hard knowing what is the Holy Spirit and what is her own wishes (Jackson 348). Whew! I know about that struggle!
As Avis explains one night, "Each one of us...finds herself in both roles--running the race of faith, and encouraging each other when we falter" (Jackson 372). I do not have an official Yada Yada group, but I do have friends that help my run my race.
I'm going to miss the Yada Yadas.
Jackson, Neta. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2007.
Plot Summary
This is the sixth installment of the story of twelve diverse women who meet at a Christian women's conference because they are assigned to the same prayer group. When tragedy befalls one family, the group acts beyond the limits of the conference to become the Yada Yada prayer group. When tragedy finds the main character Jodi, she realizes just what this sisterhood of prayer partners means to her. She grows in her faith and her own Christian understanding. Not everyone experiences the same life, even if they live in the same town or attend the same church.
My Thoughts
I'm a bit sad reading this book, because I think it's the last in the series. I've grown fond of these women and look forward to seeing what's in store for them next. I am intrigued as to how these women deal with adversity and grow their faith. Jodi questions God, as I often do, but the Voice inside us both says, "My plans are not your plans. Be alert; My Spirit is moving. Think of the possibilities" (Jackson 287). Jodi often goes off trying to do things her way, when she realizes that sometimes it's hard knowing what is the Holy Spirit and what is her own wishes (Jackson 348). Whew! I know about that struggle!
As Avis explains one night, "Each one of us...finds herself in both roles--running the race of faith, and encouraging each other when we falter" (Jackson 372). I do not have an official Yada Yada group, but I do have friends that help my run my race.
I'm going to miss the Yada Yadas.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Amazing Faith of Texas
Bibliography
Spence, Roy. The Amazing Faith of Texas: Common Ground on Higher Ground. Austin: Idea City Press, 2006.
Plot Summary
This is a collection of brief sketches of various Texans discussing their religion/spirituality/faith.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed reading and learning about different religions that exist in my home state. I've never heard of Christian Contemplative or Baja'i before reading this book. The sketches cover a wide variety of people from across the state. The photography is compelling. It is almost like this is an adult picture book. I kept looking at the buildings thinking that I've seen them. They are universal in many ways. Some of the photos did not have a caption of where it was taken (there is an index to tell), so I enjoyed thinking that the building was familiar.
I read this book in less than an hour. The text is limited to one page per person and there are pages without text.
Spence, Roy. The Amazing Faith of Texas: Common Ground on Higher Ground. Austin: Idea City Press, 2006.
Plot Summary
This is a collection of brief sketches of various Texans discussing their religion/spirituality/faith.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed reading and learning about different religions that exist in my home state. I've never heard of Christian Contemplative or Baja'i before reading this book. The sketches cover a wide variety of people from across the state. The photography is compelling. It is almost like this is an adult picture book. I kept looking at the buildings thinking that I've seen them. They are universal in many ways. Some of the photos did not have a caption of where it was taken (there is an index to tell), so I enjoyed thinking that the building was familiar.
I read this book in less than an hour. The text is limited to one page per person and there are pages without text.
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught
Bibliography
Jackson, Neta. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught. Nashville: Integrity Publishers, 2006.
Plot Summary
This is the fifth installment of the story of twelve diverse women who meet at a Christian women's conference because they are assigned to the same prayer group. When tragedy befalls one family, the group acts beyond the limits of the conference to become the Yada Yada prayer group. When tragedy finds the main character Jodi, she realizes just what this sisterhood of prayer partners means to her. She grows in her faith and her own Christian understanding. Not everyone experiences the same life, even if they live in the same town or attend the same church.
My thoughts
Once again, Neta Jackson has created a community of women that I can relate to and she steps on my toes a little. As I've read this series, I just get more and more connected to the characters. What's going on with them? What is going to happen next? How are their bonds going to be strengthened and challenged and shredded and strengthened and challenged and... I am finding myself looking up the scriptures referenced instead of just reading over them. In this book, I'm seeing Philippians 4:6 as a recurring note to myself. I need to think about this one more!
One of the biggest events is the merging of two churches into one. What a step and commitment of faith. I kept thinking about my own church and what would I say and think and do if we decided to join with another church (or have another church join with us). I'm glad to see this example and feel its realness.
Here's something that stopped my thoughts: "And then we get tangled up in our own mess. Sometimes God lets us flounder there a while, all tied up until we yell, 'Uncle!'" (Jackson 334). How many times have I been tied up in my own plans and not willing to listen to God's? How many times have I tried to justify my own actions because of my desires and not because I felt it's God's plan? Thankfully, God forgives me EVERY time I do my own thing and then realize it's not HIS thing. I'm also, like Jodi, trying "to learn what it means to use 'spiritual weapons,' but I still fail so often. Forget to pray until things fall apart" (Jackson 365). Reading this series has helped me focus. I'm moving out of prayer kindergarten. I'm learning deeper about having faith in God, "no matter what" (Jackson 372).
Only one more book in the series (I think). What am I going to do when these women aren't in my life anymore? Fiction will become a reality. I will look a little differently at my own circle and friends, remembering the Yada Yada stories. I will put my trust and faith in God and grow.
Jackson, Neta. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught. Nashville: Integrity Publishers, 2006.
Plot Summary
This is the fifth installment of the story of twelve diverse women who meet at a Christian women's conference because they are assigned to the same prayer group. When tragedy befalls one family, the group acts beyond the limits of the conference to become the Yada Yada prayer group. When tragedy finds the main character Jodi, she realizes just what this sisterhood of prayer partners means to her. She grows in her faith and her own Christian understanding. Not everyone experiences the same life, even if they live in the same town or attend the same church.
My thoughts
Once again, Neta Jackson has created a community of women that I can relate to and she steps on my toes a little. As I've read this series, I just get more and more connected to the characters. What's going on with them? What is going to happen next? How are their bonds going to be strengthened and challenged and shredded and strengthened and challenged and... I am finding myself looking up the scriptures referenced instead of just reading over them. In this book, I'm seeing Philippians 4:6 as a recurring note to myself. I need to think about this one more!
One of the biggest events is the merging of two churches into one. What a step and commitment of faith. I kept thinking about my own church and what would I say and think and do if we decided to join with another church (or have another church join with us). I'm glad to see this example and feel its realness.
Here's something that stopped my thoughts: "And then we get tangled up in our own mess. Sometimes God lets us flounder there a while, all tied up until we yell, 'Uncle!'" (Jackson 334). How many times have I been tied up in my own plans and not willing to listen to God's? How many times have I tried to justify my own actions because of my desires and not because I felt it's God's plan? Thankfully, God forgives me EVERY time I do my own thing and then realize it's not HIS thing. I'm also, like Jodi, trying "to learn what it means to use 'spiritual weapons,' but I still fail so often. Forget to pray until things fall apart" (Jackson 365). Reading this series has helped me focus. I'm moving out of prayer kindergarten. I'm learning deeper about having faith in God, "no matter what" (Jackson 372).
Only one more book in the series (I think). What am I going to do when these women aren't in my life anymore? Fiction will become a reality. I will look a little differently at my own circle and friends, remembering the Yada Yada stories. I will put my trust and faith in God and grow.
Friday, July 16, 2010
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough
Bibliography
Jackson, Neta. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough. Nashville: Integrity, 2005.
Plot Summary
This is the fourth installment of the story of twelve diverse women who meet at a Christian women's conference because they are assigned to the same prayer group. When tragedy befalls one family, the group acts beyond the limits of the conference to become the Yada Yada prayer group. When tragedy finds the main character Jodi, she realizes just what this sisterhood of prayer partners means to her. She grows in her faith and her own Christian understanding. Not everyone experiences the same life, even if they live in the same town or attend the same church.
My Thoughts
I feel like an extra member of this group (which they get in this book with Becky Wallace a.k.a. "Bandanna Woman"). I can identify with the narrator Jodi, but I'm starting to feel like friendships are forming with the others. I am seeing my world differently because of these books. What am I teaching my daughter and my students about diversity? Like Jodi's son, I wonder is there a point in trying? The main story of this book focused on Mark and Nony Smith. I felt the sting (which I wonder if Jackson meant) and almost cried reading this book. I am glad that I finished this book because there is hope, (Jodi sees a cardinal and realizes the bird is an analogy for the Yada Yada group itself) and yes, there is a point in trying (Jackson 24). . Thank you Ms. Jackson for once again stepping on my toes, making me think about tough topics and ultimately creating a world in the fiction that is very real.
One "take away" from this book I thought was a great idea: put an alarm clock outside your room set for curfew time. When the kids come in on time, they turn off the alarm and you get to keep sleeping. If, however, they are late, the alarm goes off, and you will know when they arrived. GOOD IDEA!
Jackson, Neta. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough. Nashville: Integrity, 2005.
Plot Summary
This is the fourth installment of the story of twelve diverse women who meet at a Christian women's conference because they are assigned to the same prayer group. When tragedy befalls one family, the group acts beyond the limits of the conference to become the Yada Yada prayer group. When tragedy finds the main character Jodi, she realizes just what this sisterhood of prayer partners means to her. She grows in her faith and her own Christian understanding. Not everyone experiences the same life, even if they live in the same town or attend the same church.
My Thoughts
I feel like an extra member of this group (which they get in this book with Becky Wallace a.k.a. "Bandanna Woman"). I can identify with the narrator Jodi, but I'm starting to feel like friendships are forming with the others. I am seeing my world differently because of these books. What am I teaching my daughter and my students about diversity? Like Jodi's son, I wonder is there a point in trying? The main story of this book focused on Mark and Nony Smith. I felt the sting (which I wonder if Jackson meant) and almost cried reading this book. I am glad that I finished this book because there is hope, (Jodi sees a cardinal and realizes the bird is an analogy for the Yada Yada group itself) and yes, there is a point in trying (Jackson 24). . Thank you Ms. Jackson for once again stepping on my toes, making me think about tough topics and ultimately creating a world in the fiction that is very real.
One "take away" from this book I thought was a great idea: put an alarm clock outside your room set for curfew time. When the kids come in on time, they turn off the alarm and you get to keep sleeping. If, however, they are late, the alarm goes off, and you will know when they arrived. GOOD IDEA!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Half Broke Horses
Bibliography
Walls, Jeannette. Half Broke Horses. New York: Scribner, 2009.
Plot Summary
This is the story of Lily Casey. She is an Arizona cowgirl/teacher/wife/ that finds herself "penned up" in Phoenix. This book is part biography and part fiction written by her granddaughter, Jeannette Walls. As such, it follows the chronology of Lily's birth until the marriage of her daughter, Rosemary (which might be the metaphorical death of Lily).
My Thoughts
I enjoyed how Walls merged the real Lily Casey Smith with the fictional account because I couldn't tell what might not be true. I also liked the generation separation that Walls shows between Lily, her mother and Lily's daughter, Rosemary (later spelled Rose Mary since it "made for a prettier signature" (Walls 229) .
I believed in Walls' characters. She describes them and puts them in realistic (I think) situations for the time. The believability was a little stretched with Lily traveling four weeks across New Mexico by herself, but then again, it could have happened. I imagine Lily to be quite the tough woman, and she had to be. She literally lives in a man's world. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she enjoys life. She makes things happen. She is a survivalist. She is also practical, "hope for the best and plan for the worst" (Walls 257). Some members of my book club, however, found her to be selfish and immature. Perhaps.
Late in the book, Rosemary meets Rex. Lily says, "No better way to read a man's character than to watch him play poker" (Walls 254). She is almost as good reading people as she is reading horses. After meeting Rex, she tells Rosemary, "you'll never have any security with him" (Walls 257). I think this is prophecy for the next story The Glass Castle (which I've not read yet) which actually was written first, about Rosemary.
If nothing else, Lily is adventurous. She is always learning (flying a plane, earning her degree, picking up and moving to a new place) and tries to applies her lessons upon her daughter. Of course, much of this backfires.
I found myself underlining and marking passages that I felt were good descriptions of life. Early in the book, we learn from Lily's dad that "horses were never wrong" (Walls 7) and "God deals us different hands How we play 'em is up to us" (Walls 15). This might be why Lily can read a man's character through poker as mentioned earlier. Lily admires people that "never felt sorry for [themselves]" (Walls 11). She tries to instill into her daughter the valuable lesson that, "life's too short to worry what other people think of you" (Walls 198).
I was amused by her teaching experiences. She learned early in her career that "kids were like horses...get their respect from the outset" (Walls 92). She taught in places that no one else would. She got hired and fired and hired again. (I'm glad that I don't share that experience with her). She didn't like teaching in Phoenix because of all the "paperwork for the bureaucracy" (Walls 229). I can imagine what she would say about today's paperwork.
I feel like I've lived on an Arizona ranch for a few days. I want to capture that cowgirl spirit that Walls encompasses in her grandmother's story. If only I knew the stories of my grandmother's early life as well. I think there would be some similarities. I enjoyed traveling to the past through this book. It's worth the read. Giddy up!
Walls, Jeannette. Half Broke Horses. New York: Scribner, 2009.
Plot Summary
This is the story of Lily Casey. She is an Arizona cowgirl/teacher/wife/ that finds herself "penned up" in Phoenix. This book is part biography and part fiction written by her granddaughter, Jeannette Walls. As such, it follows the chronology of Lily's birth until the marriage of her daughter, Rosemary (which might be the metaphorical death of Lily).
My Thoughts
I enjoyed how Walls merged the real Lily Casey Smith with the fictional account because I couldn't tell what might not be true. I also liked the generation separation that Walls shows between Lily, her mother and Lily's daughter, Rosemary (later spelled Rose Mary since it "made for a prettier signature" (Walls 229) .
I believed in Walls' characters. She describes them and puts them in realistic (I think) situations for the time. The believability was a little stretched with Lily traveling four weeks across New Mexico by herself, but then again, it could have happened. I imagine Lily to be quite the tough woman, and she had to be. She literally lives in a man's world. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she enjoys life. She makes things happen. She is a survivalist. She is also practical, "hope for the best and plan for the worst" (Walls 257). Some members of my book club, however, found her to be selfish and immature. Perhaps.
Late in the book, Rosemary meets Rex. Lily says, "No better way to read a man's character than to watch him play poker" (Walls 254). She is almost as good reading people as she is reading horses. After meeting Rex, she tells Rosemary, "you'll never have any security with him" (Walls 257). I think this is prophecy for the next story The Glass Castle (which I've not read yet) which actually was written first, about Rosemary.
If nothing else, Lily is adventurous. She is always learning (flying a plane, earning her degree, picking up and moving to a new place) and tries to applies her lessons upon her daughter. Of course, much of this backfires.
I found myself underlining and marking passages that I felt were good descriptions of life. Early in the book, we learn from Lily's dad that "horses were never wrong" (Walls 7) and "God deals us different hands How we play 'em is up to us" (Walls 15). This might be why Lily can read a man's character through poker as mentioned earlier. Lily admires people that "never felt sorry for [themselves]" (Walls 11). She tries to instill into her daughter the valuable lesson that, "life's too short to worry what other people think of you" (Walls 198).
I was amused by her teaching experiences. She learned early in her career that "kids were like horses...get their respect from the outset" (Walls 92). She taught in places that no one else would. She got hired and fired and hired again. (I'm glad that I don't share that experience with her). She didn't like teaching in Phoenix because of all the "paperwork for the bureaucracy" (Walls 229). I can imagine what she would say about today's paperwork.
I feel like I've lived on an Arizona ranch for a few days. I want to capture that cowgirl spirit that Walls encompasses in her grandmother's story. If only I knew the stories of my grandmother's early life as well. I think there would be some similarities. I enjoyed traveling to the past through this book. It's worth the read. Giddy up!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real
Bibliography
Jackson, Neta. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real. Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 2005.
Plot Summary
This is the third installment of the story of twelve diverse women who meet at a Christian women's conference because they are assigned to the same prayer group. When tragedy befalls one family, the group acts beyond the limits of the conference to become the Yada Yada prayer group. When tragedy finds the main character Jodi, she realizes just what this sisterhood of prayer partners means to her. She grows in her faith and her own Christian understanding. Not everyone experiences the same life, even if they live in the same town or attend the same church.
My Thoughts
Yea, we learn more about Stu in book three. I predicted (hoped) correctly after finishing book two. As I read about this "mysterious" character, I wondered what was her huge secret. Why did she have reservations about attending the church that she left? What I thought was not what happened at all. Jackson dropped clues leading me to believe that Stu's secret was her gender. What happens is really about another character, and how Stu's past is now intertwined with Becky Wallace's son (Becky showed up in book two. Her actions caused the group to become even closer and now they are truly showing how Christians can behave, in spite of the fear they feel). God teaches us that we must trust him, even when we are afraid. The Yada Yadas are experiencing this in book three.
I can relate to how Jodi feels when Stu is around and always "saving the day." Sometimes I feel like Jodi (being upstaged) and sometimes I feel like Stu (always running to the rescue). There were many "points" made during this book that I felt like an "AMEN!" or an "OUCH!" that Jackson shares with us. One such point was Jodi saying that "this diversity business was complicated" (Jackson 98). I find myself conflicted on this very issue often. I am ignorant about so many worldly and cultural things. How would I fit into this group? I am curious about others, but at what point does politeness overstep knowledge or does knowledge overstep politeness? I think that's why I can identify with Jodi so well. We are both curious, but we hesitate behind what we think is the "right" thing to do or say.
Another point is that Yo-Yo has questions...tough questions...about Christianity. Like Jodi, I wonder, "did I really understand all the truths I took for granted about my faith?" (Jackson 117). I often take my own believes for granted and may not know why I believe or act in certain ways. I do believe that if I'm not questioning my faith, I'm not growing in it.
By reading this series, I'm finding so many parallels to my own life. My prayer time is stream of consciousness, but I also use a rote "thank you" list to God. Should I stretch and include scriptures like Nony (and am I familiar enough with God's word to do that?)?
This book is aptly titled "Gets Real." I think that Jackson is peeling away the superficial layers that we often display to get to the core of our beliefs. Thank you, Mrs. Jackson, for making me peel away some of my layers because you've exposed them to me. I want to be like Stu and "have a heart for redeeming lives" (Jackson 363). I know this will take work and faith.
Book Three ends with the entire group being baptized. I am excited to read book four to see how their new birth will shine through their lives.
Jackson, Neta. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real. Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 2005.
Plot Summary
This is the third installment of the story of twelve diverse women who meet at a Christian women's conference because they are assigned to the same prayer group. When tragedy befalls one family, the group acts beyond the limits of the conference to become the Yada Yada prayer group. When tragedy finds the main character Jodi, she realizes just what this sisterhood of prayer partners means to her. She grows in her faith and her own Christian understanding. Not everyone experiences the same life, even if they live in the same town or attend the same church.
My Thoughts
Yea, we learn more about Stu in book three. I predicted (hoped) correctly after finishing book two. As I read about this "mysterious" character, I wondered what was her huge secret. Why did she have reservations about attending the church that she left? What I thought was not what happened at all. Jackson dropped clues leading me to believe that Stu's secret was her gender. What happens is really about another character, and how Stu's past is now intertwined with Becky Wallace's son (Becky showed up in book two. Her actions caused the group to become even closer and now they are truly showing how Christians can behave, in spite of the fear they feel). God teaches us that we must trust him, even when we are afraid. The Yada Yadas are experiencing this in book three.
I can relate to how Jodi feels when Stu is around and always "saving the day." Sometimes I feel like Jodi (being upstaged) and sometimes I feel like Stu (always running to the rescue). There were many "points" made during this book that I felt like an "AMEN!" or an "OUCH!" that Jackson shares with us. One such point was Jodi saying that "this diversity business was complicated" (Jackson 98). I find myself conflicted on this very issue often. I am ignorant about so many worldly and cultural things. How would I fit into this group? I am curious about others, but at what point does politeness overstep knowledge or does knowledge overstep politeness? I think that's why I can identify with Jodi so well. We are both curious, but we hesitate behind what we think is the "right" thing to do or say.
Another point is that Yo-Yo has questions...tough questions...about Christianity. Like Jodi, I wonder, "did I really understand all the truths I took for granted about my faith?" (Jackson 117). I often take my own believes for granted and may not know why I believe or act in certain ways. I do believe that if I'm not questioning my faith, I'm not growing in it.
By reading this series, I'm finding so many parallels to my own life. My prayer time is stream of consciousness, but I also use a rote "thank you" list to God. Should I stretch and include scriptures like Nony (and am I familiar enough with God's word to do that?)?
This book is aptly titled "Gets Real." I think that Jackson is peeling away the superficial layers that we often display to get to the core of our beliefs. Thank you, Mrs. Jackson, for making me peel away some of my layers because you've exposed them to me. I want to be like Stu and "have a heart for redeeming lives" (Jackson 363). I know this will take work and faith.
Book Three ends with the entire group being baptized. I am excited to read book four to see how their new birth will shine through their lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)