Recent Reads

I've been trying to read alot more lately. I used to be a voracious reader growing up but I haven't made alot of time for it recently. Here are some quick reviews of some recent books I have read this month.

Escape by Carolyn Jessop- the story of a 6th generation polygamist woman who escaped her brutal upbringing and marriage along with her eight children. I was reluctant to read a book on the FLDS church that was written by an ex-member. It seems to me that someone who has left a church (especially in anger or poor circumstances) is never a good expert on that religion. I was pleasantly surprised by how kind Carolyn's writing is to those of the FLDS church. She is very direct in the way she addresses things but not unfeeling towards believers. I was shocked and horrified by the events and abuses chronicled in this book but it was an interesting and enlightening read.
Love In The Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez- The supposed love story of a jilted lover who has 622 affairs while waiting for his love's husband to die. The language is beautiful but the level of description is nauseating at times. I despised the insipid protagonist. The premise of the book is slightly revolting and the story is painfully slow. I really wanted to like this book but it just didn't happen. I definitely DO NOT recommend this book.

The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia) by CS Lewis- The story of creation in Narnia and the first of the series. It isn't my favorite of the collection but it's a nice quick read. I love the creation of the balance of good and evil. It's poetic and fun.

The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia) by CS Lewis- Four children travel to the land of Narnia where they join and epic struggle between good and evil. This is one of my all time favorite stories. I grew up watching the cartoon movie of this story daily as a child. I love the characters, I love the parallels with the bible. There simply aren't enough uplifting and simple stories like this one. I have loved it every time I have read it.

The Horse and His Boy (Chronicles of Narnia) by CS Lewis- The story of two misplaced children trying to find where they belong. The adventure and magic of the story make for a wonderful short read.

Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia) by CS Lewis- Nothing like the movie that was recently released. The movie had too many battle scenes for my taste. The children return to Narnia to find that the balance of power has changed dramatically. They join Aslan to restore peace and happiness. I love all of the Narnia books and I HIGHLY reccomend them!