Not My Father's Son - Alan Cumming. This engaging memoir explores two interesting threads of actor Alan Cumming's family history. The first is the mystery of his maternal grandfather's disappearance and death during World War II; the second is Cumming's own upbringing as the victim of his father's physical and emotional abuse. When his father, whom he hasn't spoken to in years, reconnects to share a secret from the past, Cumming is forced to confront that past, and his father, in order to heal and move on.
This book has some dark, tough parts, yet what comes through most is Cumming's joyful, almost childlike personality. The fact that that was preserved in spite of the suffering he endured as a child is a testament to the support and love of his brother, mother, partner, and friends, and his own determination to become more than just "his father's son."
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Bold Love - Dan Allender. I took this book out of our church library because it looked intriguing. Published in the 1980's, Bold Love unpacks many of our Christian misconceptions about what love really is and explores how to love courageously and redemptively even in the midst of conflict. I found much of this book helpful and thought-provoking. Allender's style is idiosyncratic, though: he is a passionate writer who uses a lot of metaphors. When he talks about loving "an evil person," "a fool," and "a simpleton," I find the distinctions contrived, and sometimes his logic seems a bit convoluted. Yet the honest, un-airbrushed examples are great, and the ending of the book is moving and inspiring.
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What have you read this past month? Please share in the comments!
Yay! I'm glad you liked Cumming's book. He is fantastic. I think it's cool how much he valued his family's story over defaulting to celebrity anecdotes (which I still would have gobbled up).
ReplyDeleteThat's true. And what a fascinating family history that guy has.
DeleteI thought Cumming's book was just a regular celebrity memoir, but now that I know it is about secret family history I'm In. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's much more than just Hollywood gossip. Really interesting, touching, and pretty funny too.
DeleteI'm always interested to see what you're read. The Cummings book sounds interesting, and I've of Bold Love, but never read it myself. I read a book by Tricia Goyer called "Balance: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom." It was an easy read and very practical, helpful. She talks about the writing life since she's an author, so it was motivating for me. Also reading a Beth Moore book, Praying God's Word. It's almost like a devotional to pick up once or twice a day. Has tons of prayers adapted from Bible verses. Very encouraging to pick up and pray through a few at a time. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThat Tricia Goyer book sounds like it would be right up my alley, Betsy. Thanks for that tip - and for stopping by!
DeleteOh, I love a good memoir. Between you and Dawn, I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for this one at the library.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can find it, and that you like it! Thanks for coming by, Anne.
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