Book Review: Macbeth

Macbeth

by William Shakespeare

246 pages // published in 1606 // classic play

BOOK DESCRIPTION

One night on the heath, the brave and respected general Macbeth encounters three witches who foretell that he will become king of Scotland. At first sceptical, he’s urged on by the ruthless, single-minded ambitions of Lady Macbeth, who suffers none of her husband’s doubt. But seeing the prophecy through to the bloody end leads them both spiralling into paranoia, tyranny, madness, and murder. This shocking tragedy - a violent caution to those seeking power for its own sake - is, to this day, one of Shakespeare’s most popular and influential masterpieces.

My first venture into Shakespeare's world... And I ended up with the dark tragedy, The Scottish Play itself. Macbeth. I think I like it.

A story of man's (and woman's) selfish desires to be powerful and leader over all; of the sinful and murderous natures that humans have; of the effects of guilt and shame that take a toll on a person who has committed horrible actions...

This play is an interesting study of human nature to contrast Macbeth's actions with that of his wife's. The one, who cannot secretly harbor the evil deed in his heart, the other who has the mental calmness to plot, theorize, and coordinating the whole scheme to get to her desired destination: the royal throne of Scotland. What opposites they are, yet this couple still works out one of the sneakiest assassinations ever known -- fictionally, of course.

Now, it's really not a long play to read. (I was glad for that, as I was just wanting to test the waters of the Bard. I feel like I could read more from him in the future and not feel daunted by the task.) The Old English phrasings may be something you have to adjust to while reading, but I personally felt like I was able to understand the scenes fairly well.

Minimum age to read: 16 and up.

BUY YOUR COPY!
hardcover // paperback // e-book // audio

Book #5 completed // Classic Play




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Book Review: The Keys of the Kingdom

The Keys of the Kingdom

written by A.J. Cronin

480 pages // published in 1941 // classic fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Francis Chisholm is a compassionate and humble priest whose individuality and directness make him unpopular with other clergy. Considered a failure by his superiors, he is sent to China to maintain a mission amid desperate poverty, civil war, plague, and the hostility of his superiors. In the face of this constant danger and hardship, Father Chisholm finds the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Recognized as A. J. Cronin’s best novel, The Keys of the Kingdom is an enthralling, fast-moving, colorful tale of a deeply spiritual man called to do good in an imperfect world.

A moving story, that helps you to grow as a person as you flip each page.

Francis Chisholm's life is separated into two parts, it seems to me. There was his happy childhood and the love of his life who could not be his; then on to becoming a dedicated Catholic priest and missionary.

“....I must record this inescapable sense of belonging to God, which strikes at me through the darkness, the deep conviction....”

I love the details of his life. The story told how he would venture to the church in the nighttime to pray, and peace would overwhelm him. There are great points in the plot showing how he strives to touch people in the heart. He's not the kind of priest to bring people in by the boatloads and have slackers and dishonestly “saved” people in his congregation. No, he worked hard to save each individual soul, by faith, through God's grace, and with his “good Scot's sense”. Even in China, for thirty-five years where he steadfastly worked, where he is faced with miserable circumstances, those same principles keep guiding him.

“Will you young idiots kindly stop treating me like your great-grandmother on her hundredth birthday?”

For the discerning/Christian reader: There are a couple of instances where “adult” content is alluded too. Very brief, not much. Also, there are some references to bits of theology that are not sound doctrine – but I let it pass because Chisholm is a wonderful priest regardless.

The bottom line? Francis Chisholm is a missionary of valor. I found his story, fiction though it is, to be abounding with incredible-ness and awe-inspiring encouragement.

Oh, and another thing... After finishing the book, go back and read chapter 1. I found that it fills in the ending so well. In fact, it's the real ending.

Possibly my favorite quote of the whole book, due to the comical reaction I get every time I read it:

“Oh, Lord, for once – not thy will, but mine, be done.”

Buy the book!

paperback // hardcover // e-book

This is book #8 for me in the Back to the Classics 2018 challenge.
[CATEGORY: 20th Century Classic]




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Book Review: The Young Fur Traders

The Young Fur Traders: A Tale of the Far North

written by R.M. Ballantyne

491 pages // published in 1856 // historical adventure fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

This is the story of the hard life of a trapper in Canada in the early 1800s. Charlie Kennedy lives in the Canadian arctic colony known as the Red River Settlement with Indians, Scotsmen, and French-Canadian settlers. His father, an old fur trader, hopes to convince his son to become a clerk by recounting the dangers of the trapper’s life, but the stories only inspire the boy more to explore the vast Canadian wilderness.

Through a variety of circumstances, Charlie finds himself trapping in the vast forests, on a journey with voyageurs down perilous rivers, and surviving all sorts of scrapes and adventures with a new acquaintance, Jacques Caradoc, and an Indian named “Red Feather.”

Many of Charlie’s exploits are taken from the real-life experiences of R.M. Ballantyne’s own time with the Hudson Bay Company in Canada. Just as Ballantyne had done, Charlie learns to shoot mercury from his rifle through a two inch board in 39 degree below zero temperatures! Discover the strenuous and vigorous life of a trapper through the eyes of Charlie and his intrepid friends.

My first takeaway: A Scottish author telling (in detail) all about the rugged landscape of North America? Hmm, this is a twist, one I don't encounter too often – but it turned out well. The author seems to be thoroughly educated on the topic and has created a believable setting.

Charlie Kennedy and his other young friends have waited for an adventure in the wilderness all their lives, instead of having a mundane “desk job” at the settlement. Finally chance allows them to set out intrepidly into the unknown, where they'll have to fend for themselves, and survive as trappers in the cold and biting weather... A long-forgotten (tough and dangerous) style of life is brought alive for us to read about.

There's a lot that I enjoyed in this novel, so here's a list of the basics:

1. Ballantyne is witty and humorous in his writing, sometimes fitting in absolutely absurd remarks. I couldn't help but laugh out loud on occasion – maybe it was something a character said, or maybe just the way in which the author describes a comical scene (scratch that, even in serious scenes he can still add something amusing in there). I love his writing style.

“'My eye,' exclaimed Harry, in an undertone, 'how precious cold it is!'
His eye making no reply to this remark, he arose...”

2. God is in control... many times, the story brings out the goodness and grace of God, and how the natural beauty we see on earth is done only by His hand (the forests, the animals, etc). I was greatly encouraged by the intensity and frequency of mentions of God throughout the novel. This book (and others by the author) make for good spiritual food, even if it is fiction.

3. As a tag-along to my previous note, there is also sound Biblical wisdom shared on these pages. Some passages are almost overwhelming in the precious words. For example, just before embarking on an adventure into manhood, a clergyman provides a small sermon that is fit for any growing boy. Later in the story, the men discuss topics such as lies and good/bad morals of the world – and how to handle tough temptations as a child of God as to come through it triumphantly.

Any age, young or old can enjoy it. If you have an adventurous reader on your hands, I'd say anywhere from 10 and up could enjoy it. (Some kids might consider it a long or slightly dry read, but if they like anything that's written more in the vintage style, then they'd probably be just fine with it.)

“'[W]here's the kettle, Hamilton? Have you eaten it?'
'If you compose yourself a little, Harry, and look at the fire, you'll see it boiling there.'
'Man, what a chap you are for making unnecessary speeches. Couldn't you tell me to look at the fire, without the preliminary piece of advice to compose myself? Besides, you talk nonsense, for I'm composed already, of blood, bones, flesh, sinews, fat, and–'”

Available on Amazon in paperback and (FREE) ebook format.

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2 Book Reviews: Down to the Bonny Glen & Beyond the Heather Hills

Down to the Bonny Glen

Little House: The Martha Years series, #3

written by Melissa Wiley

321 pages // published in 2001 // children's historical fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Martha is frustrated because Mum has said she's too old to be playing on the moors now, and she must have a governess. First there's Miss Norrie. All she must to do is teach Martha sewing and etiquette. But Martha's high spirits are too much for her, and she leaves in a hurry. Martha thinks that's the end of that, but then another governess shows up. Her name is Miss Crow, and Martha is sure she's going to be even worse!

Down To The Bonny Glen is the third book in The Martha Years, an ongoing series about another spirited girl from America's most beloved pioneer family.

'Tis a bonny book, indeed!

The chapters simply fly by -- I, for one, couldn't stop reading it! When away from the book for hours at a time, I found myself wondering what would happen next to Hedgie (Martha's dear little pet hedgehog that lives in the larder to collect the bugs), or what special bit of wisdom that Auld Mary would next impart to her starling pupil, or worrying about whether or not Martha will end up sending the second governess packing, just as she did to Miss Norrie.

Martha Morse herself is quite a bonny girl. She loves spending her days out on the moors and imagining where the little fairy folk flit about. Even though she's the daughter of the Glencaraid laird, she doesn't put on fancy airs, and instead desires to put in some honest work whenever she can finagle it in (which is mostly when her parents or governess isn't looking). I like her character a lot -- she's a good, honest lass that other girls can look up to as a role model.

I tell you, I read so many passages aloud to myself (always in as best a Scottish accent as I can manage). The writing is simply perfect. The author somehow went above and beyond what is needed for a children's book to truly convey the Scottish heritage. I really liked how in this volume, it covers several months of time and we get to experience quite a few special days and holidays of the Scottish culture with Martha and the Morse family (most of the traditions I barely knew about myself!).

NOTE to the discerning reader & parents: There's a lot of folklore, fairy tales, and superstitions that the villagers of Glencaraid either believe in or at least talk of often. At a later point in the book, the mother tells the story of her own birth.

Available on Amazon in paperback format.

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Beyond the Heather Hills

Little House: The Martha Years series, #4

written by Melissa Wiley

208 pages // published in 2003 // children's historical fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION
In this fourth book in the Martha Years series, ten-year-old Martha journeys to the bustling city of Perth to visit her newly married sister Grisie.

This is Martha′s first time beyond the familiar heather hills and this city on the River Tay is more exciting than she could have ever imagined!

In "Beyond the Heather Hills", the young, adventurous Martha Morse, is taking a trip away from home for the first time in her life. The only land she's laid eyes on before is her father's land of Glencaraid... but she's about to discover that there's so much more of the world.

I cherish the moment that Martha and her older sister Grisie locked eyes and bonded like never before. It's a beautiful scene. There's other such enjoyable moments in "Beyond the Heather Hills" -- lots of things to chuckle over, but quite a few solemn moments too. And through it all, there's the Scottish brogue to keep every single conversation SO riveting.

Although these books are nice and lovely to enjoy, this one seemed to have a few grim scenes that could be perceived as a little scary for youngsters reading it alone. For example, while visiting her older sister, Martha stays in a room which once belonged to a girl that is sometimes referred to as "Dead Cora", and Martha is unsettled with the situation for a while (who wouldn't?). About half-way through, Martha witnesses a man having a seizure -- and it's a very dramatic event for her to experience.

There's much Scottish folklore in these books, which colors the culture well. Anyone would learn much about Scotland. (This series isn't just for children to enjoy, you know!)

If only there were more books in this series! It's still hard for me to believe I've read the last of the Martha set, and there's no more! (This probably just means I'll have to re-read the series one day, as Martha Morse is now a character very close to my own heart.)

Already I miss Cook, Nannie and Hedgie (yes, that's the hedgehog), Grisie, Alisdair, Duncan and Robbie, Auld Mary, and I think Miss Crow too. Plus I have the most curious of feelings towards Lew Tucker, the blacksmith's son. If only I could see a peek into Martha's future!

Available on Amazon in paperback format.

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Book Review: A Man Called Peter

A Man Called Peter // written by Catherine Marshall

351 pages // published in 1951 // Christian biography

BOOK DESCRIPTION

A MAN CALLED PETER is a book about love -- the compelling love between a dynamic man and his God, and the tender, romantic love between a sensitive man and the girl he marries. The extraordinary life of Peter Marshall is a gripping adventure -- a poor Scottish immigrant, he becomes Chaplain of the United States Senate and as such one of the most revered men in America and an inspiration to Americans of all faiths.

"The best stories are those that really happen. None of the novels concerning the ministry written during the last few years touches the heart and appeals to the mind in the way that Catherine Marshall does in telling the story of her husband's life." (Chicago Tribune)

My Review...



What an AMAZING and INSPIRING book this is!

I was drawn to reading it after watching the film, and was not let down. It's impossible to say if I liked the film or book better (and that's a major compliment to the movie, as the book is ALWAYS better than the film version!).


Some people may also recognize the author Catherine Marshall as the writer of Christy (which is a great novel). But in this book, A Man Called Peter, Catherine tells the story of how her husband Peter reached the pinnacle of his career as a minister. The highlights of his life are found in the small stories which lead to how Peter Marshall became a household name in the 1930-40s.

Being a pastor (or pastor's wife), as you can imagine, can lead one to become involved with people and the community. In turn, it leads one to become involved in a lot of "interesting" situations that one might not have considered doing before. Catherine divulges some funny stories, a few secrets, and the demands of the Marshalls and their life led by Christ.

When Scottish-born Peter Marshall desperately wanted to follow his calling to "the Chief" (one of his names reserved for the Lord), a friend led him to try ministering in America. There's a lot of (really good) stuff that happened before and during this move, but after coming to the U.S. in 1927, he eventually finds his place in life. And yes, it is in ministering about the grace of God.

It seems that what set Peter apart from other ministers of his time is how he wrote his sermons. He talked to the community in a common way. He didn't talk in technical theological terms; he didn't speak over the knowledge of the common people. And what happened? Thousands flocked to him; they couldn't get enough.

"Whereas most people write a sermon to develop an idea, Peter wrote his sermons to paint a picture and to arouse our emotions."

He believed in "a God that knows folks' names."

What I liked? Catherine simply adores her husband, and although she sometimes found his habits a bit comical (and they were), she lovingly supported all he chose to do. Frequently she talks about how he is a Scotsman, through-and-through. He had a few peculiarities, but that probably only aided in his likability. As every chapter went by, I couldn't wait to learn something new about this down-to-earth pastor. Always, it seems, he kept his humbleness about him, even as he reached for the very heights.

Frankly, I'd say it's a charming biography.

I'm going to have to read this one again one day.

A Man Called Peter is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover and audiobook format.

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*Any Amazon.com purchase made through the links in this post support this humble blogger with a small commission. Thank you!

2015 reading plans are a-stirrin' already...

As the year draws to a close, I've gleefully discovered many 2015 reading challenges popping up on all the book blogs. I already have a few personal reading goals in mind for myself in 2015, and am signing up for challenges that match these goals.

Here's what I'm planning for myself...

(1) Finish a few series that I've been reading "for years".

(2) Dig into my hoard of free ebooks that I've collected.

(3) Catch up on any books I've received for review.


Do you have reading goals for 2015 too?



Now, for the challenges...

I'm putting together a list of the challenges I'm taking on with other bloggers. You might like to join some of these too!



This challenge fits me exactly! It lasts until March, and will rouse me to get caught up on some of those free ebooks that are just sitting on my Kindle. (Sounds like there will be fun prizes involved!)



I'll be tackling Mt. Ararat in 2015! Not climbing it though. This lingo just specifies that I'm aiming to read at least 48 books from my TBR piles. (Yes. The plural noun "piles" means exactly what it says.)



In 2014, I had taken on Peggy Ann's Scottish reading challenge, and enjoyed it so much that I'll be joining her again this next year! The goal is to read books written by a Scottish author, or about or set in Scotland. Again, I'm taking on the The Highlander level, aiming for 8 books that fit these categories.



Now for the "fun" challenges! "Where Are You Reading" interests me greatly because of its unique idea: Keep track of everywhere you travel in 2015... via the books you read. Oh, yes! Why have I never done this before?



LASTLY, this list couldn't be complete with a library challenge. I use a variety of resources from my local library, and every month I'm either reading books, ebooks or audiobooks from my library. For this challenge, I'm going to tackle the highest level, 28+ checkouts from my library (aka, Going Pro).



So that's what I'm reading in 2015. Can't wait.

Book Review: The Far Side of the Loch

The Far Side of the Loch

written by Melissa Wiley

256 pages, children's fiction
published in 2000

The Far Side of the Loch is the second in a series about Martha Morse, great-grandmother to Laura Ingalls Wilder. This series tells Martha's childhood story, in much the same way that Laura's childhood is vividly chronicled in the popular Little House books.

Martha is a Scottish lass, through and through. She loves her family's Stone House and the sweet country life found in Glencaraid. Martha is the laird's daughter, and uses the entire valley village for her playground. Across the loch someone special is moving in, to a house long abandoned. What joys and triumphs (and perhaps near-disasters) that this news brings to the Morse family.

My favorite parts of the story had to do with the new critter in Martha's life. As she calls it, a hedger! They are so cute, and actually helpful around the house. After reading about Martha's experience with a hedgehog, I'd love one for my own self.

With a wild imagination, the young character of Martha brings the story to life. She has a few so-crazy-it-just-might-work schemes. (It may or may not have actually worked.) -- But she's a fun girl to read about.

Recommended for young readers, or for a family read-aloud.

Favorite Finds #44

Here we are at the last Friday of the year. The last of the Favorite Finds that I'll be sharing with you in 2013. Who knows what delights I'll be sharing in 2014?! So then, take a look through some of these pages if you like. They're just a few things I happened to enjoy myself.

To start out the list... a couple more reading challenges I plan to take on...


Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge
{Reading to Know}

I'm excited to again partake in Carrie's January challenge! I plan to read the book I won from her blog last year (yay!), Akin to Anne, and also join her in reading The Blue Castle (which I downloaded online for free). Come join us if you're interested in reading any of LMM's writings for this next month!

Read Scotland 2014
{Peggy Ann's Post}

When I was invited to take part in a Scottish reading challenge, I couldn't resist! I'm joining at the "The Highlander" level, hoping to read 8 books by Scottish authors this year, including: The Sign of Four and The Hound of Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Duncan's War by Douglas Bond, The Golden Key and The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald, The Young Fur Traders by R. M. Ballantyne, The Far Side of the Loch by Melissa Wiley, & The Keys of the Kingdom by A. J. Cronin. A good selection of literature by Scots, if I do say so myself.

I Scarce Can Take It In
{Inspiring Daring}

In Rachelle's words: "....Christmas isn't over, you know. The day has dawned and gone, but that Baby, that Man, that Savior, He lives. And He loves...."

5 Things Photography Has Taught Me about Creativity
{HOW Design}

My sentiments exactly! Photography has opened my brain into other angles of creative thinking that I wouldn't have achieved otherwise.

A few photographs of a festive hedgehog
{Sword of Ink}

Hedgehogs are just soo cute. But this one takes the cake!