more than letters on a line today

Undistracted  Bob Goff  3 stars, barely   Perhaps, I’m the only one who decided to read this book who didn’t know who Bob Goff is. I have re-read the description provided and did not see any reference to Scripture or God. So I was quite surprised to see the frequent story-telling with Jesus.  Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to a biblical lesson, but I often thought that the story provided by Goff was a far stretch in how it related to Jesus or God. Yes, we can all use more focussed time and not be distracted by the frivolous and inconsequential but this book was not what I was expecting. A lot of the author’s stories went on and on and were difficult for me to follow for what I can imagine was the intended lesson he was driving at.  His sense of humour was often at best corny and not to my taste and some of the stories were just plain silly. I did finish the book to the end, but I feel that my time would have been better spent. Thank you #NetGalley for thi...

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting Clare Pooley Pub date June 7 4.8 stars     ClarePooley, you’re the best! Thank you for your words and the birth of these wonderful characters.  Iona and friends brought me much delight as they each emerged to be their better selves. They are characters who experienced the anonymity of silence on their common journey each day until something changes! (That scene alone will make you want to keep reading.) From Iona's flamboyant outfits to her tea pouring ritual onboard the train, she is the person we could all use in our lives. She gathers, consoles, and advises this unlikely bunch to become more than when they first met on Platform 5. This book reminded us that we are better to be honest with each other than to continue hiding our frailties. That we each possess something worthwhile for sharing and to always be (Bea) brave. Strangers on a train who meet and have the ability to complement and enrich the others’ lives with patience as they ...

  Joan Katherine J. Chen 4 stars  The war between England and France wages on, and serves as the stage for the arrival of Joan of Arc (Joan d'Arc). A poor, belittled but not destroyed by her father, unpleasant looking girl of immense resilience and courage. Katherine Chen's words about the legendary Joan who goes on to lead many battles with nothing but determination, in-born skill and a fiery will. She is made real with the rashness of her behaviour but always acts with great aplomb. She is a typical young girl/teenager sad and missing her favourite people but also knowing that she is destined for fulfilling her strengths in battle. Chen describes the story leading up to the final days with feeling for each character, even the ones who will eventually let Joan down. Filled with tenderness 'she recalls the dust motes like fairies' and sadness 'you couldn't live your whole life covered in hurt...' Joan is brought to life unlike the typical saint we have seen ...

    The Magician Colm Toibin 3 stars       Oh my goodness this book went on and on. Thomas Mann as described here was an elusive man except in his interpretation of his children, the wild Erika and the disturbed Klaus. His homosexuality was re-discovered in his daily encounters and his wife, Katia was patient and likeable. This was my first go at anything other than a high school knowledge of Mann, and honestly, it's all I needed. The Manns were a dysfunctional family that also dealt with the world wars, the rise of Hitler thinking, and the choice of suicide as an option, this was a dark book. Not an easy time in history but this book is meant for those who perhaps have further interest of Mann and/or those times and not those looking for a lighter read. If this family was alive now, there would definitely be a reality show on them. Outlandish, shocking, immoral (to some), and lonely. I had so enjoyed Toibin's earlier works and a recent interview that I'd give t...