Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Sunday, 23 January 2011
book reviews
the books i've read this year so
far:The Help - Kathryn Stockett
Set in 1960s Mississippi, The Help is the story of the lives and friendship of three women in the midst of racism and segregation. Heartwarming and at times heart breaking, this is an excellent page-turner that cuts through some of the stereotypes surrounding relationships in the deep south. 9/10
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
A harsh story set in a dystopian future where women are deprived of all rights, the focus is on Offred, whose only function is to breed. The loneliness and hopelessness of her situation is marked by her memories of what she has lost. Somewhat disturbing, but definitely thought provoking this novel could serve as a warning. I'd like to think it could never happen, but you only have to look to existing countries to see that the author apparently had the gift of foresight. 8/10
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
Narrated by death, this is the story of 13 year old Liesel in Germany during WW2. As she sees the death and destruction all around her, Liesel discovers the power of words and reading, and helps her adoptive family hide a Jew in the basement. We see all the shades of humanity, from the committed nazis to those who risk themselves standing up for what is right. Beautifully told, this insightful story is a must-read. 10/10
Mister Pip - Lloyd Jones
The wartorn island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea is the setting for Mister Pip. Jones, who covered the civil war in Bougainville, never shies from the brutal realities and violence of war as he tells the tale of a village that has never really seen civilisation. The only white man left in the village takes over running the school and introduces the children to Dickens' Great Expectations. there is great constrast between the solace and delight the central character of Matilda takes in the book, and the terrible events surrounding the village. Somewhat flawed, and slightly irritating in parts, this is nevertheless worth a read. 7/10
Thursday, 19 November 2009
my cross-dressing baby!
those who read this blog regularly may well remember this picture from earlier this year when our delightful boy put on a dress and twirled around the kitchen. unfortunately this has not been an isolated incident....
dressed as a fairy princess - this time in public!!
with proper make up on (admittedly on halloween and i didn't have any face paint so i used my industrial strength stuff)
but there is no excuse for this one! and there have been other occasions when i was not quick enough with the camera. my baby is a cross dresser!!!!!!
english countryside
we went for a walk one sunday afternoon in october near our house and these are some of the photos. i just think we are lucky to have such beautiful countryside so close to us.
even if it has a dirty great road stuck in the middle of it... the other side is fields and meadows and streams and is great for walking in.
see! told you it was gorgeous!
the house in the middle of this photo is ours! i love the view from the top of our street, with all the trees and the church on top of the hill. love it!!Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Mind the gap
i have spent this evening preparing and giving a seminary lesson, followed by watching the Relief Society general broadcast. i am filled with the love of the Lord and wanted to share my testimony that He lives! He guides us for our good and listens to our prayers. i am grateful for the many, many blessings i have and am mindful that they come from Him. i loved the idea in one of the talks from the RS broadcast to 'mind the gap'. i am suddenly aware of the gaps in my life and am determined to do better. i look forward to the day spoken of by Lucy Mack Smith and quoted by Henry B Eyring when after all we have done here to help one another, we will all sit down together in heaven. to that end i pledge myself anew to living the gospel with all my heart, might, mind and strength.
love you!
love you!
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Eileen Webster, beloved Grandmother
this is my gran, who died today age 87. she has been married to my grandad for 68 years and they have been together since they were 11. he fulfilled his promise to look after her all her life and he can rest assured that she knew she was loved greatly. i know she is at rest and free from any more pain, but she will be missed and it is hard to watch grandad suffer the loss of his lifelong companion. so this is in memorial to her, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
eileen webster 1921 - 2009.
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