September "Twitterature"
Reading has taken a back seat for me this summer, but I have read a couple of good books to share here at Modern Mrs. Darcy's "Twitterature" linkup:
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. I loved this novel by the author of The Secret Life of Bees. It's based on the real-life story of Sarah Grimke, a wealthy girl living in Charlotte, South Carolina in the early 1800's, and her relationship with her maid/slave, Handful. The story alternates between the two girls' voices; short chapters keep the reader turning the pages, and Kidd's beautiful writing is evident throughout.
The Book of Forgiving by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu. (I quoted from this book in an earlier post). This is a simply-written but profound book focusing on what the authors call the "Fourfold Path of Forgiveness": telling the story, naming the hurt, granting forgiveness, and renewing or releasing the relationship. Examples from South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and elsewhere, ground the discussion. Questions and exercises follow each chapter, allowing readers to do personal or group work on the forgiveness issues in their own lives.
(For a thought-provoking take on the Tutus' view of forgiveness, you might be interested in reading author Lesley Leyland Fields' analysis here. I appreciate what she has to say, although I assume that the desire to address a broad audience -- not just Christian readers -- partly explains the Tutus' approach. It's certainly something to think about.)
Another great book on forgiveness is The Gift of Forgiveness by Charles Stanley. It changed my life. I will have to take a look at the Tutus' book, as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dawn - I'll have to check out the Stanley one too. I've also read Forgive and Forget (I think that's the name of it?) by Lewis Smedes, who wrote many excellent books.
DeleteOh! The man who gave me a tour of the Harriet Beecher Stowe house mentioned The Invention of Wings. I'm trying to remember what he said now. I think the Stowes and the Grimkes were friends. I'll look into it. Enjoyed The Secret Life of Bees. The Mermaid's Chair by SMK-- eh, not so much.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, Adriana! The Invention of Wings is so good; I hope you get a chance to read it. I've read SMK's other novels too, and I agree that The Mermaid's Chair was not as good. I liked it OK, but it didn't stand out.
DeleteThese look good, Jeannie! Thanks! I tend to shy away from historical novels, but so many people have mentioned this Sue Monk Kidd book, I just might have to check it out. The Tutus book looks good, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by and commenting, Anne. I'm kind of the same about historical fiction: when the book liner says "a sweeping saga covering several generations..." my eyes sometimes glaze over. Of course, I probably miss some great books for that reason! But this one is really excellent: the historical context is crucial to the story, of course, but it's really the characters' voices and journeys that keep you reading.
DeleteI'm still #23 on the waiting list for The Invention of Wings. I've been waiting all summer. Sounds like it's worth it!
ReplyDeleteYou're a woman after my own heart, Jillian! :-) (I actually ended up buying it, though, because my book club is going to do it.) The good thing is, when the people in line ahead of you get it, they won't take long because they won't be able to put it down.
DeleteI have been delving into some older books recently. I just went lickety split through 5 H. Rider Haggard novels, starting with King Solomon's Mines, and am now on a re-read of Tom Sawyer. Every time I read Mark Twain I am struck by how good a writer he is. Is it too much to say that he might be the best this country has ever produced?
ReplyDeleteI'm no expert on American literature, but I wouldn't think that would be an exaggeration at all, Tim.
DeleteI've heard of King Solomon's Mines of course but I've never read it or anything else by Haggard.
I heard an interview of Desmond Tutu by Krista Tippett on the program "On Being" recently and he discussed the Reconciliation project and the power and effect of forgiveness. Impressive and moving. Thanks for recommending the book.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Bill. That would be a great interview, I'm sure.
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