Night Flight by Antoine de Saint-ExuperyIn this gripping novel, Saint-Exupéry tells about the brave men who piloted night mail planes from Patagonia, Chile, and Paraguay to Argentina in the early days of commercial aviation.
After reading "The Little Prince" I wanted to know what else he wrote. There are actually a few other books out there, and I believe they all revolve around aviation. This will be a quick read, about 80 pages.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline KellyA charming and inventive story of a child struggling to find her identity at the turn of the 20th century. As the only girl in an uppercrust Texas family of seven children, Calpurnia, 11, is expected to enter young womanhood with all its trappings of tight corsets, cookery, and handiwork. Unlike other girls her age, Callie is most content when observing and collecting scientific specimens with her grandfather. Bemoaning her lack of formal knowledge, he surreptitiously gives her a copy of The Origin of Species and Callie begins her exploration of the scientific method and evolution, eventually happening upon the possible discovery of a new plant species. Callie's mother, believing that a diet of Darwin, Dickens, and her grandfather's influence will make Callie dissatisfied with life, sets her on a path of cooking lessons, handiwork improvement, and an eventual debut into society.
Callie's confusion and despair over her changing life will resonate with girls who feel different or are outsiders in their own society. Callie is a charming, inquisitive protagonist; a joyous, bright, and thoughtful creation. The conclusion encompasses bewilderment, excitement, and humor as the dawn of a new century approaches. Several scenes, including a younger brother's despair over his turkeys intended for the Thanksgiving table and Callie's heartache over receiving The Science of Housewifery as a Christmas gift, mix gentle humor and pathos to great effect. The book ends with uncertainty over Callie's future.
Loved the cover, that is what attracted me to it. It is also a children's book, but after reading they synopsis, I had to read it. It sounds charming indeed. As of today there is a perfect 5 star rating on Amazon.
When Morning Comes (Sisters of the Quilt: Book 2) by Cindy WoodsmallHer relationship with fiancé Paul Waddell in tatters, Hannah Lapp has fled her secluded Old Order Amish community in hopes of finding a new home in Ohio with her shunned aunt. Hampered by limited education and hiding her true identity, Hannah struggles to navigate the confusing world of the Englischers.
Back in Owl’s Perch, Pennsylvania, Paul is wracked with regret over his treatment of Hannah. Fearing for her safety, he tries to convince Hannah’s remaining allies–brother Luke, best friend Mary, and loyal Matthew Esh–to help search for his love. Hannah’s father, however, remains steadfastly convinced of her sinful behavior. His blindness to his family’s pain extends to her sister, Sarah, who shows signs of increasing instability.
Convinced her former life is irreparably destroyed, Hannah finds purpose and solace in life with her aunt and in a growing friendship with Englischer Martin Palmer. Will the countless opportunities in her new life persuade Hannah that her place is amongst the Englischers — or will she give in to her heart’s call to return home and face her past?
I recently finished When the Heart Cries (Sisters of the Quilt: Book 1) by Cindy Woodsmall, and I loved it. The library has all 3 books in this series, however, book 2 only came in large print. Pah! Well I'm not going to let that stop me. The good thing is, I won't need to put on my glasses when reading this one.
Currently Reading:Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
What if our beliefs were not what divided us, but what pulled us together?
In Have a Little Faith, Mitch Albom offers a beautifully written story of a remarkable eight year journey between two worlds – two men, two faiths, two communities – that will inspire readers everywhere.
Have A Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an 82-year-old rabbi from Albom’s old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.
Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he’d left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor – a reformed drug dealer and convict – who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.
Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Mitch observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi, embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat.
I've read a few Albom books and I've enjoyed them, this is his latest effort. I've started it and I'm enjoying it very much. Should be done with this by the end of the week if not sooner.
Waiting in the library as I write this:The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans
Real-estate mogul James Kier, who gets the chance to read his obituary—before he dies. What he discovers unnerves him as the death notice portrays a ruthless, friendless man. James decides to make amends to the many people he's hurt over the years.
Suspiciously sounds like A Christmas Carol, but we will see. I wasn't thrilled with Evans' book last year, too depressing, I'm hoping this years offering will be more joyous. I got this early, I was expecting it for November, but it came out on October 6th, and the queue is quite long, so I'm going to have to read it this month. come to think of it, last year's book "Grace" , I got in October as well. Look for my review on this one.
