JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH

I received a copy of JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACK by Rick Marschall, from Thomas Nelson. It is a biography that is part of the Christian Encounters series. I never learned much about Bach, so I was excited to enter his world. He is famous for his music, but he should also be remembered for his strong ties to Christianity.

I never knew he began his works with “Jesu, juva.” It is also how the book begins, which I feel ties the story together well. The biography is divided into eight chapters. It also includes an introduction, a part about his family, a chronology, an annotated glossary, notes, bibliography, and acknowledgements. I had never known much about his family, which made him seem like a real person. I also learned a few fun facts about him, such as that he married his cousin. That was not uncommon for the time period, but becoming famous for music was. The tales recounted in this biography gave me a new appreciation for the man I once studied in elementary school. Schools should teach the history behind the person, not just the music. It makes the notes come alive. After I read the book, I looked up some of his music and this time listening, I had a greater understanding.

THE GIRL IN THE GATEHOUSE

I received a copy of THE GIRL IN THE GATEHOUSE by Julie Klassen, from Bethany House. It is a complex, heartwarming story. Once I started it, I found I couldn’t put it down. The girl in the gatehouse is Mariah Aubrey. After a scandalous event at a party, she is exiled from her home and sent to live with her aunt. Her aunt puts in the gatehouse, a fate most girls must dream about. Who does not want to live in a picturesque, miniature castle?

The characters are realistic and endearing. Captain Bryant is the male heartthrob – he fulfills that role and then some. He’s a rich sea Captain, handsome, intelligent, and a great friend. Then there is Dixon, Mariah’s sweet companion, who once was her nanny and then her governess.

Near the gatehouse lies a workhouse. Mariah meets astounding friends there, including two elderly woman, an eccentric man who walks the roof, and playful children. Mariah becomes a stronger person while she lives alone with Dixon – and later Martin, her aunt’s servant, and Lizzy, a young woman from the workhouse. To earn money, Mariah sells the novels she writes, but keeps her identity secret by calling herself “Lady A.”

Who does not want to live in a gatehouse while writing novels, with a handsome captain renting the estate? I will definitely look for more of Julie Klassen’s stories.

PROMISES TO KEEP

I received a copy of PROMISES TO KEEP by Ann Tatlock, from Bethany House. The cover is unique, an image of the back of a girl’s head, her neck bared by two braids. On the back of the book is the picture of a house. That image fits the story perfectly, for it’s the tale of a house and a family, the home important enough to be its own character.

The story is told by Roz, short for Rosalind. She is eleven-years-old and trying to come to terms with her parents’ separation. Her father, Alan Anthony, is vicious. He drinks a lot and beats her mother. He even tries to kill her brother once. Sometimes, when the whole family was in the car together, he would drive recklessly and threaten to crash if anyone cried out. Roz’s mother has had enough of Alan – she packed up the kids and moved to her father’s town. She feels sad and helpless, and struggles to provide for her family.

This house is not just any house. It used to belong to Tillie Monroe. She and her husband built it, and raised their children in it, and she’s not about to be put away into a nursing home. She wants to die in her beloved home, so she convinces Roz’s mother to allow her to live with them. While Roz’s mother works, Tillie looks after the chores and the children, Roz and her baby sister Valerie. Tillie helps the family build a new life for them. Roz still wants her daddy though, so when Alan meets her secretly, she’s excited, and wants to help him back into their lives – even though he steals, lies, still drinks, and eventually tries to shoot them.

I couldn’t put the story down. The characters are not only believable, they are likable. The writing is smooth, and there were only two predictable moments – Roz’s mother married Tillie’s son and Roz’s father turned out to be thoroughly “bad guy.” I feel like I could go to the town and meet everyone, even though the story took place during the Vietnam War. The wide range of characters ensure that there will be someone to relate to, whether it is Wally, the young man who decides to take out his anger on Alan by joining the army, or Roz’s best friend Mara, who suffers with prejudice.

Stylish Blogger Award

I have been awarded! Yay!
Shelley HW awarded me the stylish blogger award. I have never heard of such awards before, but I find this very cool. Wow, that was informative – “very cool.” Anyway, you know I’m excited. *squeal*




I must list 7 things about myself. Here goes:

1.) My dream is to become a published novelist.

2.) I love to knit. I have a whole drawer of knitted items…like lopsided sweaters and too small shirts, haha.

3.) I also love to make jewelry, especially using hemp.

4.) I love to paint with water colors and acrylics.

5.) I love to drink green tea. I usually have at least 1 cup of iced green tea a day. Yummmmm!

6.) I always keep a book in my purse and often find opportunities to read it in random places.

7.) I love life. It takes you to the most amazing places and brings you the most remarkable people. *loves*

Thank you, Shelley HW. 

Now, for the seven people I pass the award onto…

1.) Vedha - http://pozhudhu-pogala.blogspot.com/

2.) Roza - http://adayintothewriter.blogspot.com/

3.) Aaron – http://mythadvocate.blogspot.com/

4.) Eliza - http://girlspwn.blogspot.com/

5.) Marisa - http://tootsiegrace.blogspot.com/

6.) LM - http://lmpreston.blogspot.com/

7.) Mel - http://mcrogerson.blogspot.com/

Win a Critique

For those of you who write YA, this is a great opportunity:

http://oasisforya.blogspot.com/2011/03/win-critique-from-all-of-us-at-oasis.html

THE THIRD MIRACLE

I received a copy of THE THIRD MIRACLE: AN ORDINARY MAN, A MEDICAL MYSTERY, AND A TRIAL OF FAITH by Bill Briggs, from GoodReads and Crown Publishers. The letter is dated February, so it should have come sooner. There has been a lot of snow here lately, and the mail carrier left the package on the deck where it became covered. My uncle discovered it while he was shoveling.

I enjoyed the book, but it was a little dry. When I sat down, the words didn’t flow so well that I forgot the time. Rather, I would glimpse ahead to see how many more pages I had left. Overall, though, this is a very powerful book about the Catholic faith. Now that I’m done, I am passing it on to my devout grandmother.

Jay Trisolino Poetry Contest

Put on by the Utica Writers Club.

Deadline: March 4, 2011

1) Seasoned Poets (18 years and older)/$5/poem
2) Student Poets (17 years and under)/$2/poem
(No more than 2 entries per person in either category)

Poems are to be 1000 words or less

First Prize Winners: $100 plus free membership to UWC for 2011-2012
Second Prize Winners: $75 plus free membership to UWC for 2011-2012
Most Original Poem Topic: $25 plus 50% off 2011-2012 UWC membership
Two Honorable Mentions per category plus 50% off 2011-2012 UWC mem bership

Mail Entries and Fees to:
Jay Trisolino Poetry Contest
9562 Roberts Rd.
Sauquoit, NY 13456

An open public reception will be held May 18, 2011 to celebrate all writers and winners at the Kirkland Town Library.