Inner Sanctum

When I hear the phrase "Inner Sanctum", I think of the old radio mystery series, but the radio series was actually named for a line of of Simon and Schuster books. I discovered an "Inner Sanctum" book when I was searching my shelves for something else. I don't remember what now.

I pullled it from the shelf, intending to skim the first chapter. An hour later I was deep into the book and  did not want to put it down. The title was "Murder on the Bluff" by Esther Tyler. Written in 1936, "Murder on the Bluff" is a good old fashioned murder mystery. The best part? I didn't have it figured out in the first chapter! I was surprised at the end, and I like those kinds of surprises!

This blog provides some more info about the book series. I'm definitly going to start looking for these.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! May you read all the books you want, and love all the books you read!

If you haven't noticed, this isn't a "book review" blog, per se. I don't go out a d buy or borrow the newest offerings on the market, then read them, and report on what I read.

If I end up with a new book at all, its usually because some one has given it to me...or given me a gift card for Barnes and Noble. Usually, if I go there, I have a specific non-fiction book in mind. Although I did buy one fantasy book last time I was there. I had two gift cards from my birthday, so I bought some books on herbs and herbal medicine and then I bought "The Ruling Sea" by Robert V.S. Redick. I read the first book in this seriers a few years ago, and had trouble getting hold of this one. I haven't read it yet, but it's on the list for the new year.

I usually buy books at  yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores, and used book stores. I had a lot of store credit when I helped my friend in her store last fall, so I stocked up on a bunch of Native American history books. I also bought several writing reference books. My friend insisted that I take a Flannery O'Connor book because she just knows I will love it. Of course, a lot of the books she was throwing away found homes here.

Additionally, I have books I have inherited from family, particularly my grandparents, most of which is in the form of Bible study/preacing helps. Grandma read a lot of inspirational biographies, and Grace Livingston Hill Christian fiction.  As I think I have mentioned before, there are nearly 3000 books in this house, so I have plenty to chose from.

This is a book review blog in that I do share with you my opinions of what I read, but that is what it is: my opinion.

Which brings me to a few books that I had forgotten I read when I was writing the last post. Two were written by Dale Evans Rogers. "Time Out, Ladies!" was from Grandma's collection, and "Angel Unaware" came from the "throw away" pile at the bookstore. As I read them both, I could hear Dale's voice in every thing she wrote.

The first book is about, as she says "problems particular to us women". which she addresses with candor, wit, and a Christian perspective. This book was copyrighted in 1966, and this particular copy was printed in 1974.

"Angle Unaware" is about "Robin", the Rogers' little girl, who was born "Mongoloid", and only lived two short years. It is written from Robin's perspective as she returns to God in heaven, and tells him about everything that happened when she was on earth. "Angel Unaware" is beautifully written.

The other book that I left out was by Shari Hadley. It's called "From the Cauldron to the Cross".A friend from church loaned it to me.  It's an autobiographical story of  her journey from Wicca to Christianity. A very good read! Here is a link to Shari's site

I have a whole shelf of books here that I want to read this year. I'll let you know what I think?

What are you reading?

Update on the Homeless Books and a Review of the Last Years Reading

I am happy to report that almost all the "throw away" books have been placed somewhere. I gave several away to friends, Ed took two boxes to work with him for coworkers, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters took what was left.

There were some books that were in such poor shape, they seemed destined for the trash truck. However, I did a little research and those books are finding new life as art. The pages from the dictionary that was falling apart have become decoupage pages, and have already covered a switch plate, a vase, and a desk organizer. The copy of "Runaway Ralph" that looks like Ralph got hungry and stopped to chew on his book, is going to be a clock. For those of you shuddering at the idea of dismantling a perfectly good book, rest assured that I feel the same way.  Most of these books are paperbacks that are falling to pieces, or that have significant water, insect or rodent damage.

Sadly, with everything else going on in my life, I seem to have little time left for reading. I have one shelf here next to my writing table that holds all the books I have aquired over the last year that I want to read. Since January, I have read nine books. Nine books in eleven months. That seems like a travesty to me. I can remember a time when I would have read nine books in two weeks. Oh well.

Here is the list::

Eolyn  by Karin Rita Gastreich
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Facts of Life and Other Lessons My Father Taught Me by Lisa Welchel
Prominent American Ghosts by Susy Smith
While My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark
Lakota Woman by Mary Crow Dog
A Companion of Lesser Brilliance by Eve Brackenberry and Paul McGlamery
Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

I am not a book critic and I will never claim to be one, so what you read here is simply my opinion, and nothing more. I have my own tastes, just like everyone else. I'm not going to say any of these books were "good" or "bad", but I will say what I liked and what I didn't. You are free to read them yourselves, and form your own opinions. I have provided links to other reviews (mostly through "great reads") of these books as well.

Eolyn is a work of fantasty by a local author.  I fell headlong into that world and could not wait to see what happened next. I understand there is a sequal in the works, and look forward to reading it. If you like fantasy, get your hands on this book.

Outlander is what I would call a fantasy with historical fiction thrown in. Another page turner, but some parts were a little too erotic for my taste. A movie is in the works for this one.

The Facts of Life and Other Lessons My Father Taught Me  is an autobiographical account of one of the stars of the sit com. Although I do not doubt the sincerity of Ms. Welchel's faith, her telling of it left me a little cold.

To be honest, Prominent American Ghosts and While My Pretty One Sleeps made such  weak impressions on me, I don't remember much about either one.

Lakota Woman was a fascinating look into the life of one of the Native Americans involved in the stand off at Wounded Knee in the 1970's. According to Good Reads, a movie was made from this one too.

Companion of a Lesser Brilliance is a book of poems by two local authors. The poetry itself is very good, but I felt the use of the "f" word unnecessary.

Messy Spirituality was an interesting little book. It talks about how committed Christians fall on their faces in sin, but get back up and keep trying.

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. Oh my goodness! This 800 page tome contains a great story, if you can find it! There were so many times I wanted to say "Oh, for heaven's sake, will you get on with it!" I saw where the BBC is making a series from it. This just might be one of those rare cases where the movie is better.

So there you have 11 months worth of reading. I get to start new books now. I'll let you know how that turns out.

Homes for Unwanted Books

I have an acquaintance who owns a book store. She mostly sells used books, but also carries new books by local authors. She also hosts book signings, poetry readings, and "Parkside Pickers", which is Ed, me, my sons, and whoever else we can get to come in with an instrument. We play the first Friday of the month.

A while back, she asked me if I would be willing to fill in for her at the store, if she had to be away. I told her I would, and have spent a couple days a week "learning the ropes". Sounds like my dream job, right?

Most of her innventory comes from people bringing in books for "store credit". What this means is that she gives them so much for each book, which they can use for half off store purchases. She gets in a lot of books. She really needs a bigger store.

Imagine my horror when I realized that books she can't sell, for one reason or another, end up in the dumpster. I'm not talking about unreadable books, I mean perfectly good books. She does donate some to the VA, but they will only take one box. I told her I would take them and find homes for them. She thinks I"ve lost my mind. Ok, well maybe temporary insanity.

Do you know what banana boxes are? They are the boxes in which bananas are shipped to the grocery stores. I have brought home about 10 of those full of books. Paperbacks, hard backs, children's books, romance novels, spy thrillers, text books, biographies, and just about every thing else you can think of. Did I mention we live in a very small house? Did I also mention that we already have about 2500 books? Ed was about ready to kill me. I told him that at least I didin't bring home things he has to feed!

So the house looks like a library blew up. There are books everywhere. I did call Children's Mercy Hospital to see if they take donated books. They do, but only 1985 printings or later. Something to do with old ink. Ok, that cut out most of these books, although there are 10 or 15 that would be ok. Ed's looking into some possibilites for some of the other books. My sons took some and my friend Mary was delighted to take some others. Some are going to stay here.

Although I could never bring myself to deface a good book, there are also a few here that need to be repurposed. I'm looking into that too.

I'll let you know how it goes. Next time, I'll catch you up on what I've been reading.

Usborne Books and More

Usborne books and More is an international company that sells children's books. Once upon a time, when they were simply known as Usborne Books, I thought they were extremely overpriced for the product I had seen. I was not impressed. When my mom’s friend Sara approached me about becoming a consultant, I cringed. Not only do I not do sales; I couldn’t sell a crust of bread to a starving man, there is no way I could bring myself to push a product I didn’t care for. Sara, who could sell the proverbial ice water to Eskimos, said in the past, she would have agreed with me, but things have changed. Now called Usborne Books and More, the prices have gone down and the quality has gone up. She said she would even pay for the starter kit for me if I would just take a look. Well…ok. After all, it is books.

When the box, which included several books, arrived, I couldn’t help myself; I dug in. The books ranged from touchy feeling books for babies, to a new thriller series for tweens. They were all well made, quality books, and best of all, the prices were competitive with anything one might find at a quality retail bookstore, only you probably wouldn’t find these books there. My personal favorite, called “Everyone Poops” by Taro Gomi, talks about all kinds of different creatures, including people, how and where they poop. Anyone who has ever tried to potty train a child will appreciate this book.


Katherine grabbed the book called “Sharks” and went off to read. She then went through the catalog and made a wish list of about fifty books, mostly about dinosaurs. My friend Mary, who is a published author, came by shortly after I received the books. In addition to looking over the selection I received, she also inspected how the books were made and was duly impressed by their quality.

The “and more” part of the new Usborne books includes kits and activity books. My kit included one called “Sticker Dolly Dressing Pop stars”. With over 400 stickers, and heavy pages, little girls, or whoever else might want to, could spend hours dressing three pop stars as they go through their day. Stops include a beauty shop, photo shoot, and on stage. “And more” also includes Kane/Miller books, recently purchased by Usborne, which produces children’s literature from around the world. From what I understand, school libraries are often anxious to access Kane/Miller materials. Both the previously mentioned thriller series, which is called “Conspiracy 365’ by Gabrielle Lord, and “Everyone Poops” are Kane/Miller Books.


Additionally, many of the books, like “Sharks”, are internet linked, which means that a tool has been created that will allow the child access to kid friendly sites to gain more information about the subject of the book.

Ok, I was impressed. There is still one problem. I don’t do sales. I definitely don’t do home parties, and the thought of asking someone to buy something turns my stomach.. Sara had told me she was doing a booth at a local fair in August. Well, I was going to be there anyway, so I told her I would help. I can fill out order forms, as long as I don’t’ have to talk much. Sara talks enough for both of us anyway. Then I though I should at least read the consultants material to learn more about it. That’s when I found out I didn’t have to do home parties. I could do what Sara was doing, working town fairs, I could do book fairs and preschool and daycare centers. I could even work with the local school libraries. Still all that would require that I talk to people. Then I saw it. Usborne Books and More sets each of its new consultants up with a free website for the first six months. Here was my niche. Maybe I could do this. So, I went online and found my site, all ready for me. It just needed a little tweaking. Now, Connie’s Usborne.com is up and running and I invite all of my readers to drop by and take a look. You can even host and eShow, or enter a drawing for a chance at fifty dollars worth of free books. Check it out.

Upheaval: Moving the Books

The last few months have been crazy on many fronts. First the house I have rented for the last eleven years was sold , and we have a very short time in which to find a new place and move. Thanks to a lot of prayer, and some good friends, we were able to do both. We moved into a much smaller home, which meant we had to downsize.

As one might imagine, after eleven years, I had a significant amount of “stuff”. I was willing to part with any and everything except for…you guessed it…my books. Although the sizes did vary somewhat, most of the boxes in which we moved the books were about one square foot. We moved sixty-three of them. Of course, we had to move shelves too, although, I was particular about which ones went. Most of the cheap particleboard shelves were left behind.

The new house has a long hallway down one side. It was perfectly designed to be lined with bookshelves, which is exactly what we have done. We lined up the shelves we had, and Ed built a few more. We also have four short selves in the living room, but two of those contain hymnals, music books, and sheet music (yes, its still technically books).

We have been moved about two months now, but the books are not settled yet. Many of them, although on the shelves, are stacked vertically instead of horizontally. Our goal is to have them all displayed horizontally, as they are easier to reach. Then I plan to use my limited IT education to create a database, so they are easier to keep track of.

Due to many extenuating circumstances, I haven’t been able to read as much as I had hoped. What little reading I have done, however, has been a delight. Although I have never read “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Dr. Maya Angelou, (I plan to now), I was able to pick up copies of “Gather in My Name”, and “Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now”. What wonderful, wonderful books! The first is another installment of her autobiography, and covers a short period in her late teens and early twenties. The second is a series of short observations and opinions.

Another book that I should have read long before now is “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. A moving story of racism, justice, and doing the right thing, because it’s the right thing, during the great depression in the south, told from the viewpoint of a young white child. Sometimes children see much more clearly than we give them credit for. Great book!

Ed's First Review

First of all, I apologize for the lapse in posting. Things got a little crazy for awhile. However, I did finally get Ed to do a book rewiew. I tried to get him to post it himself, but he said he couldn't remember his password, blah, blah, blah.

Anyway, I am delighted to post it for him.

Book Review by Ed Hall
Zeke and Ned by Larry McMurtry

First a confession; I am a McMurtry nut an absolute fan. If he publishes his grocery list, sign me up I’ll read it. Zeke and Ned is one of his many historical fictions. It is based on the lives of the last two great Cherokee warriors Ned Christy and Zeke Proctor.

There are three things McMurtry seems very interested in; the history of the frontier, the plight of the Native American in that history and the random events that toss all our plans and good intentions into the nearest cocked hat.

The real stories of Ned Christy and Zeke Proctor incorporate all three of those things so this subject is real grist for the McMurtry mill. But being Larry McMurtry he does not let the facts limit him. I imagine he figures that is why they call it historical fiction.

I am an amateur follower of frontier history; my grasp of the facts of the old west is more extensive than the average person. Normally, my response to historical inaccuracies in historical fiction range from mild irritation to tossing the book in the garbage. McMurtry, however, has the gift of weaving his stories so well that while you might know his historical figures did not do anything he is saying you are so enthralled in the story you either don’t care or think they should have.

This applies to the book Ned and Zeke because if you know anything about the stories of the two men they were not contemporaries, were not related by marriage and did not fight together in any way. Their two separate battles with the Federal Government never entwined as they do in the book.

As I said before, Mr. McMurtry is so gifted at his craft that by the end of the first Chapter he had thoroughly suspended my disbelief. To his credit, McMurtry does have all the incidences and traditions in there. The massacre at the Going Snake Courthouse, the Cherokee Nations constant problems with the Federal Marshals out of Ft. Smith and Judge Isaac Parker, the oddities of Cherokee custom and tradition, all of these things are woven into a fine story set in the later period of the Indian Nation.

Larry McMurtry is one of my favorite authors. Any of his historical fictions are worth the read. Baring a touch of the Cherokee in me the stories of Zeke Proctor’s and Ned Christie’s battles with the Federal Government are two of my favorite tales. How could I not like this book?

The Wolves are Still Running…and I’m Still Trying to Catch Up

Monday is normally our running day. Ed doesn’t have to work and the kids are in school.

Last week we went to Parkside Books in Blue Springs. Ed decided he wanted to read the Bourne books by Robert Ludlum, and found one there. I found a copy of
The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit by Sloan Wilson and another book that I had to have simply because of the title: Pissing in the snow & Other Ozark Folktales by Vance Randolph. After grabbing some lunch, we headed over to the Brass Armadillo to check on our booth (still losing money) and do another book hunt. We found a decent hardback copy of a different Bourne book for $2.00.

As for my own reading, I am diligently plodding through Women Who Run with the Wolves. I was hoping to have it finished before I posted this time, but too many other things got in the way.

Ed however, has finished the Bourne Identity and is working on the next book (not sure which one it is). He has never seen the movies, but knows Matt Damon plays Bourne. He commented the other day that as much as the guy gets beat up, they should have got Bruce Willis to play him.

Bitter Cold and Country Quilts

This week was almost a bust. I say almost because I actually finished a book!
I finished Reba’s Comfort from a Country Quilt. I really enjoyed it. Like a patchwork quilt the chapters are short; some just two or three pages, and are in no particular order. They are just short little anecdotes about different times in Reba’s life. I could almost hear her voice as she described the joy of being a mother, horror of losing her band, and the love for what she does. I laughed and cried right along with her. It’s a great find.

Because we have been hit with severe winter weather the last few weeks, Ed and I have traveled only when we had to, so we didn’t do any real book hunting. We’re supposed to get better temperatures this week, so hopefully we’ll get out on his days off. He was borrowing from my waiting list tonight before he went to work

I also set him up so he can write on this blog as well. I hope to get him contributing soon. He asked if there is a word processing program on the spare computer, so I know he’s thinking about writing something.

I’m trying to get my nine year old daughter Katherine interested in reading some of the books I did when I was her age, but I kind of have to be sneaky about it. She loves horses and I think I read everything Walter Farley and Margueritte Henry wrote. I’ve managed to replace a few of the ones I had before, and hope to get her started soon. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Connie

I Am So Far Behind

Have you ever heard the saying “We were put on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things…At this point I am so far behind, I will never die!” That’s how I feel about my books right now.

Most of the reading I’ve done this week pertained to an essay I was writing about supermarkets. It was academic reading as opposed to pleasure reading which is what I really want to do. However, the academic reading helps pay the bills.

As for my pleasure reading, I read two chapters in Reba’s book and a section in Women who Run with the Wolves. That one borders on academic reading though, and I had had enough of that for the week. In the current chapter she’s analyzing “The Red Shoes”. As for Reba’s book, I have enjoyed it and hoped to have it finished this week. Ok, well, maybe next week.

Ed, on the other hand, is going through books faster than we can bring them in. He got two for Christmas, one of which was a copy of The Education of Little Tree, which I gave him to replace the copy he left in North Carolina. Then, I bought him an Orson Scott Card in a bargain book bin yesterday. Right now, he is re-reading The Last Juror. I think he started to tell me that I should read that one, but the look on my face must have stopped him. My thinking was, Honey, I can’t finish what I’m reading now, and I have three more on my “waiting list”. Please don’t tell me about something else I need to read!

He has an advantage though; if things are slow at work, he can sit and read. Since I work from home, my “slow” times are filled with such past times as dishes and laundry. To be fair though, I have to say that he helps with all that too and still finds time to read.

Maybe my New Year’s resolution should be to catch up all my reading…well at least it can be this week’s goal. I imagine Ed and I will be bargain book hunting this week. I’ll let you know what we find.

Happy New Year and Happy Reading
Connie

Add One More To The List

The two best Christmas gifts I received this year involved reading. The first was a beautiful love letter from Ed, too personal to share, and the second was a book from my sister.

My sister, like my mother and middle son, has serious reading comprehension problems. They have to read something over and over again to fully understand it. Needless to say, reading isn’t something they really enjoy. As far as she can remember, she has never finished a book, but she knows that I love them. The book she bought me is called…”Sisters” Essays by Carol Saline and Photographs by Sharon J. Wohlmuth.

What a lovely, lovely book! Yes, I had to start it. It contains short essays about sisters and the bonds they share, and includes some letters and stories about some rather well known ladies such as Coretta Scott King and her sister Edythe. The photographs are fabulous too. This would make a nice coffee table book. Oh, and bring the Kleenex.

When my sister called tonight, I asked if she had looked at it, and she said she had “read through it”. I told her I loved it, and she said she was glad.

I’m going to take a few days off from the blog. I have a major writing project in the works and its going to need most of my attention. I’ll be back in a few days to let you know how I’m doing with what I’m reading now and anything new I’ve discovered. We might check in with Ed too and see what he’s reading. Until next time.

Connie

What I'm Reading Now

A head cold has put me a little behind, but here I am.

I have books all over my house. We have more books than we have bookshelves. Last year I inherited about 800 books from my Grandpa. He is still living, but he decided it was best that I get them now. He is a retired minister and most of what he had is related to that vocation, but there were also many books that had belonged to Grandma. (The daughter of the Grandma I wrote of yesterday).

Initially, I had books stacked down the hall and all around the walls of the living room and master bedroom. A few months ago I got a better handle on it, but I still need more shelves. Before I get more bookshelves, I need to get more space to put them in. As far as I am concerned, it is a wonderful problem to have.

At one time, I had well over a thousand books. Then I had what can only be described as a Bi Polar manic episode, and gave almost all of them away. I have regretted it many times over. You would not believe how badly I’ve missed many of those books and have tried to replace them as I can. Some just cannot be replaced. Now, thanks to Grandpa, I have at least that many again, and as selfish as it might sound, I’m keeping them. That’s not to say that I won’t loan them out, however.

As for what I am reading now. I have several books with bookmarks in them. A few were Grandpa’s, some I already had, and some Ed bought for me.

The Life and Works of Flavius Josephus translated by William Wiston: Josephus was a Jewish historian who lived during the time of Christ. It is slow reading, but his commentary on his time is extremely interesting.

The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence that Points Toward God by Lee Strobel: Haven’t got far into this one. Strobel documents his own search for truth.

500 Little Known Stories from American History by J. Vernon Jacobs: Ok, I need the large print edition, and if there isn’t one there should be. Strange how I know many of these “little known stories”

Comfort From a Country Quilt by Reba McEntire: Reba’s candor and humor make her as much as joy to read as she is to hear and watch. Almost done with this one.

Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estes: This is an interesting psychology book that uses ancient stories and folklore to help women find who they really are. You won’t look at some fairy tales the same way again.

Dragon’s Dawn by Anne McCaffrey: I read Dragon Riders of Pern when I was young (one of those books I gave away) and loved it. Just starting this one.

Sorrow’s River by Larry McMurtry: Third installment of the “Berrybender Narratives” More escapades with a group of the most unlikable characters I have ever met in a book.

I know what you’re thinking. Why can’t she just read one at a time? I don’t know, but I can’t. In addition, I’m also working through a few books in the “For Dummies” series.

Well, the sneezing fits have started again, so I’m going to quit for now. We’ll talk more tomorrow.

Connie

My First Post

I've put this off long enough...We've just had a blizzard, so its not like I have a pressing engagement elsewhere. Anyway, here goes.
I have a deep relationship with books, that dates back to my childhood. In the earliest years of my recollection, I moved a lot. Me. Literally. Sometimes, I was with Mom, sometimes I was with Dad, other times I was with Grandma. I was probably with Grandma more often than anyone else, and that is where I got my love for words.
Grandma loved to read, and everyone is fairly sure she taught me to read. I can't remember not being able to read, so they may be right. She had memorized countless excerpts from plays and other literature and only God knows how many poems. When I think of her now, so many of those words float through, along with a few choice ones she came up with herself.
My mom remarried when I was eight, and we moved into a real house. When our new neigbhor (a lady named Dana... thats all I remember)learned I liked books, she gave me, what seemed to me at the time, the mother lode. I don't remember how many there were, but I know what they were. They were Trixie Beldon and Nancy Drew Mysteries. I was in heaven. That year I also became acquainted the Scholastic book club and the library. Its where I met Old Yeller and Henry Huggins. I still have that copy of Old Yeller. Somewhere along that time is when I began to equate books with comfort and safety. Not just the stories which provided such a lovely escape from a not so nice childhood, but the books themselves. There is probably a psychiatrist somewhere who could explain that to me. Today, I have over a thousand books here at the house with more coming in all the time. Thats not just me though. My partner Ed, loves them as much as I do, and has more time to actually read them.
Any way. I thought this blog would be a good place to air my thoughts about books. The ones I love, the ones I don't, old books, new books, kids books, and any other kind of book. Right now, there are five books I am "reading". Maybe tomorrow, I'll talk about them. Hey maybe tomorrow, I'll finish one!