Book Review: “Gravity” by Tess Gerritsen

Plot

Emma Watson is a doctor an astronaut-in-training for one of the next Space Shuttle Discovery flights to the International Space Station. Her mission is moved up when one of the space station residents needs to vacate due to the death of his wife. Emma is horrified to discover that one of the science experiments aboard the space station has gone horribly awry, becoming a fast-moving fatal virus that is picking off the crew one-by-one. Did the virus infect earth when the previous Discovery shuttle crashed upon reentry? Will the current space station residents survive and come home?


My Thoughts

I’m not much of a sci-fi fan, but this book was a rip-roaring page-turner. I stayed up until 2 am one night because I couldn’t put it down. I was totally into it until the Disneyesque rescue at the end. It totally fell apart for me after that. I would still recommend it, but it gets ratcheted down several pegs due to an ending that was particularly unbelievable.

Book Review: “44 Scotland Street” by Alexander McCall Smith

Plot
Pat moves into an apartment at the address in the book’s title and gets a job at a small art gallery. This is a character-development story of the people in her building, her job, and other folks connected to them. The setting is Edinburgh and the story plods along like a typical British novel (can you say, “Pride & Prejudice?”). The characters each have an interesting personality trait or two, and more connections develop between them along the way, leading to several different story lines. You’ve got an underachiever, a narcissist, a portrait painter, an archeologist, a controlling mother, and a genius youngster, among others. The book ends without much being resolved in any of the story lines.

My Thoughts
Interesting fact: this was originally a 110-episode serial in a Scottish newspaper. At first I wasn’t sure I would stick with this book because it was so slow, but I don’t like giving up on books unless they are terrible, which this wasn’t. There are some humorous scenes that help redeem the story. However, I was hoping for more at the end and I was a bit disappointed. McCall Smith is also the author of the excellent No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, which is much better in my opinion. (The art connection between these two reviews is just a coincidence – I’m not on an art bender.)

Book Review: “False Impression” by Jeffrey Archer

Plot

Anna Petrescu is an art expert. She works for Bryce Fenston, a scurrilous character/art collector/banker whom she discovers is cheating his customers. Acting as a modern-day Robin Hood, Anna decides to take matters into her own hands by stealing a priceless Van Gogh, one of Fenston’s targeted purchases, but the events of 9/11 temporarily foil her plans. (Interesting side plot of reliving the fateful day’s events through the eyes of a survivor, even if fictional.) The story takes Anna to Bucharest, London, and Tokyo with a knife-wielding assassin and a handsome FBI agent both in hot pursuit. Through forgeries, severed ears, multi-million dollar deals, and great plot twists, you’ll enjoy your wild ride through the world of sophisticated art collectors.

My Thoughts

The cover of this book features a quote from the New York Post that says, “A worthy successor to The DaVinci Code,” but I don’t see it except that both books are about art and crime. While I really enjoyed this book, I wouldn’t put it on the caliber of DaVinci, which I thought was exceptional. (It was fiction, people, so don’t start thinking I’m some heathen whacko.) Nevertheless, it was a good read and I recommend it.

PS – Holy cow! I just saw this very painting on a commercial for eye drops. What a small world.

New Category

I’m a fiction reader much of the time and plan to start offering book reviews to all of my loyal readers (both of you, and you know who you are). Most of the blogs I read regularly offer reviews of good scholarly works, and I enjoy them very much. But for those of us who dabble in the world of the imaginary, I’ll offer up whatever has its place on my bedside stand. Enjoy!

"Driving Miss Daisy" While Driving

I have discovered a new phenomenon occurring in vehicles driving down the highway -- the practice of people watching DVDs in the car. Technology sure has taken us a long way. But as one who is always the driver, and most often the sole occupant of the car, I find myself a bit jealous. I certainly would like to be able to watch movies, too. It would beat books on tape by a long shot. When I pass, or am passed by, a vehicle with a DVD player, I'm instantly curious about what they are watching. In fact, on my most recent road trip, I pulled up next to a vehicle in just the right position so that I could try to see exactly what was on their screen. This was not a good practice for a couple of reasons. One: I was driving 70 mph. Two: the other car didn't like it much, judging by the way they stepped on the gas and pulled away from me rather quicky.

Would it actually be possible for me to watch movies while driving, as it appears in the above picture? My heart tells me it would be fun to try, but my head tells me it probably isn't a very good idea. What do you think?

Amazing Race Finale

It's my favorite show... and the finale is next Sunday night at 8 pm. Root for the 'Bama Girls -- they are the best!

Natural Unity

I witnessed one of nature’s miracles the other morning on my way to work. I was stopped at a long stoplight and I got to watch a flock of birds doing an avian dance. They were flying in a tightly bound unit that resembled a swarm of bees. They flew back and forth, up and down, in fast fits and starts while staying in complete unison. It seemed to defy reality that so many birds could operate as one. There had to be one lead bird, but because of all the different directions they flew, it was impossible to tell who was the lead bird. It was amazing that nobody made a wrong turn and crashed into the group. And somehow they all knew where to go because they landed in a nearby tree all together.

Why can’t the body of Christ be like this? When we have a leader who has been chosen by God and is leading the way, we decide we would rather go in a different direction. Unlike the birds, we bump into each other a lot and we hurt each other, too. We decide we’d rather land in a different tree than the rest of the group. Why can’t we share the shame vision, and follow the leader, like the birds?

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity
among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.
-- Romans 15:5

Back At It

I seem to take longer breaks from this blog than the time I spend writing in it. But I’m back at it again. Figured I’d give a brief update on what’s been happening…

… The conflicted situation I’ve mentioned in the junco posting is improving. Hearts seem to be softening somewhat and a great bit of attention is being paid to the whole thing in order to work through it. God is good and is at work.

… I had the privilege to travel to the French Riviera this summer with family to met new family members (by marriage). It was a great experience. There was a definite language barrier and many new things to experience, but it was all good. I try and compare my trip to my friends here who are spending four months in Nairobi. I would like to think that what I did might be similar, but I know they are experiencing much more culture shock than I did. It is strange how you can be in a completely foreign place, and after about a week, everything around you starts to seem normal. I wish all the bread, cheese and pastries really could be normal for my life. More on the France trip later.

… My county was the focus of national attention recently: we were chasing the most recent fugitive to be named to the America’s Most Wanted List. Ralph “Bucky” Phillips had been on the run since April 2006 and after several months, he became somewhat of a cult hero. One local restaurant created the “Bucky Burger” and some folk painted “Run Bucky Run” on the back windows of their cars. A variety of his friends and family members were harboring him and helping him. And then he shot a state trooper who later died. And then the reward money went from $25,000 to $250,000. What was once a kind of joke all of a sudden became very serious. It was a bizarre situation to have happening around you. Glad it’s over.

… This summer I had the pleasure of working as an usher in the Amphitheater at Chautauqua Institution. I got paid to listen to music – how cool is that? My favorite concerts were Peter, Paul & Mary, and Lyle Lovett. Also heard numerous symphonies, saw several ballets, and listened to opera highlights. Of course, I spent all the money I made on the gas to drive back and forth five nights a week, but who is counting? I met some great people who I believe will be my friends for a good long time. Isn’t that what life is all about?

Oh, To Be A Junco

This morning on my walk, I stopped to observe a flock of juncos playing in a small wooded area. They were flitting from branch to branch, chasing each other, and chattering happily amongst themselves. I enjoyed a moment of clarity from God.

I am currently in the midst of a situation filled with great conflict. Parties on both sides seem entrenched and unwilling to move. As I ponder my role in it all, I am intimidated by what I may have to do. I am trying to trust God in it all, but I often return to, “How in the world would I ever be able to do what is asked of me?”

This morning as I watched the juncos, I thought of the verses in Matthew 6 where Jesus says, “Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down … careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.” (from The Message) I felt God’s comfort and care for me. He does know what is going on in my life, what concerns me, what challenges me, and He is with me every step of the way. He will provide the way and the strength to do what he calls me to do. Thanks to God and the birds for bringing home that familiar verse to me today.

Visual Imagery

I really love photography. I'm amazed at people's eye for a moment in time, at composition, at color (or lack thereof), and just being able to see things I've never seen before through another's lens. So I'm adding some beef to my blog. Flickr is a great website to see the creativity of your fellow man -- and woman. I don't know if it is illegal to use a Flickr photo or two in my blog... I will never claim that all of these images are mine.

By the way, this is the way the outdoors looks these days in Western NY.

To Be Is To Do

"The work is more important than the talking and the writing about the work." - Dorothy Day

"There have been enough words, enough sermons and books. What matters now is deeds." - Emmy Arnold

My Prayer Today

As we approach the holidays, let's remember the following:

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the vacant space inside of someone's life today.

Rude Awakening

This morning started out poorly. As I dragged myself out of bed, eyes half open, and stumbled to the bathroom to do my business, I stepped squarely on a deposit of cat yack on the bathroom floor. Not being a morning person only added to the distress and confusion over what had just squished between my toes. And I’m sure the cat did not understand anything I was saying about what she had done. Note to self: even though it is distressing, it might be helpful to turn on the lights before getting under way in the morning.

Movie Review: “Capote”

I saw “Capote” over Thanksgiving weekend and I give it four bells out of four.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t know much about him and wasn’t sure what the angle would be: would it delve into the crime that prompted his book, “In Cold Blood,” or would it focus on a flamboyant and eccentric character? It was neither.

“Capote” is a fascinating study of Truman himself and gets into the psychology of why, and how, he wrote the first true-crime novel. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays the lead and is outstanding. I’ll never be able to look at him again and think of anything but Truman (just like I can’t look at Ralph Fiennes and think of anything but Nazi). The film adeptly draws you into Truman’s personality and leaves you wondering throughout whether he really cares about the crime’s victims and the perpetrators, or is he just there for the story. Along the way, there are some nice surprises about his social circle (including the fact that he was a childhood friend of Harper Lee, of “To Kill A Mockingbird” fame). Other than a flashback to the crime that prompted the book, the movie was pretty tame.

I think we have a “Best Actor” nominee here, so see it if you can. It’s a good one.

Still Fed Up

It seems to get worse, which is so disappointing. See my previous post on being Fed Up.

Veteran’s Day

I know I’m a few days late, but I have an affinity for this holiday. For one thing, it is my birthday. Since my mom always flew the flag on our house when it was any friend’s birthday, naturally I thought everyone knew it was my birthday due to the many Old Glory sightings on 11/11. Yes, I was disappointed when I learned at a young age that it had nothing to do with me.

I have come to appreciate Veteran’s Day by growing in my appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who have served in our Armed Forces. My family is full of veterans: my father, four uncles and two cousins, and a great-great grandfather who was in the Civil War and spent time in Andersonville Prison. I have seen many photos of fighter jets with noses painted like sharks. I’ve admired the dress uniforms. I’ve seen a Purple Heart. I’ve heard many stories, both of those who served and how those left behind survived in the absence of loved ones. Most of all, I’ve absorbed the respect and dignity that is portrayed and offered by the ones who sacrificed for our country. I am proud to be one who grew up as I have, surrounded by heroes who love me and teach me. I’m a much better person for it.

Matters of the Heart

Recently I attended a worship service where we sang, “Lord, I Want To Be A Christian.” This song is very familiar to many, including me, but for some reason, I was very moved by the words this time. The verse that hit me was, “Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart.”

I’ve been thinking about the words to this song, and why it affected me this time and never before. It has reminded me about my heart, and why its condition is so important to God. I don’t know about you, but I think it is easy to become focused on the mind. We seek to fill it with information because we think the more information in there, the better. We think that Bible study is important because it feeds our minds. We forget about some key verses about the heart like “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7) Or, “Create in me a pure heart, O God. And renew a right spirit in me.” (PS. 51:10) Or, “Search me and know my heart…” (PS. 139:23). I’m not suggesting that knowledge isn’t important, but the Bible doesn’t say, “The Lord looks at the mind…” or “Create in me a pure mind…”.

Obviously, God is trying to point out that there is a big difference between our mind and our heart. To me, it is saying that we can think we are right in our minds (no pun intended), and act as such, but our heart may tell a completely different story. We can hide behind the front we project with our minds, but the truth of our character lies in our hearts.

Back to the song. It says we must be Christians in our hearts, not our minds. We must be more holy in our hearts. We should seek to be more like Jesus in our hearts. And the one that moved was to be more loving in my heart. I was confronted by the fact that many times my heart is pretty ugly. As I seek to draw closer to Jesus, I want it to go beyond my head to transform my heart more and more. Let us not forget the matters of the heart.

I’m Fed Up…

… with rules that exist for the sake of simply being rules, with no regard for sensibility. Like companies that won’t order something because it isn’t on the “approved list,” even when that something is cheaper than what IS on the approved list. Or organizations that won’t give money to a worthy cause because it is outside their money distribution guidelines, never mind that they could save someone who is starving to death. Unfortunately, I have to remain vague here so as not to incriminate myself. But do these types of situations irk anybody else, or is it just me? What if Rosa Parks had said, “Well, I better get to the back of the bus because that’s where they told me to sit.”

Rosa Parks

I didn’t think much about Rosa Parks until she died last week, but for some reason, her death has stirred a lot of things within me. I came across the following quote of hers, with I think is profound:

“The time had just come when I had been pushed as far as I could stand to be pushed, I suppose. They placed me under arrest. And I wasn’t afraid. I don’t know why I wasn’t, but I didn’t feel afraid. I had decided that I would have to know once and for all what rights I had as a human being and a citizen, even in Montgomery, Alabama.”

The reality of the lives we live today has been shaped by what Rosa Parks did. Her courage was the catalyst for change and justice in a social system that was clearly wrong. I wonder if the perpetrators of the racial injustices knew they were wrong, or were they just enjoying the power they had?

It is probably considered a privileged existence for me to have not lived through the turmoil of the 50s. Maybe that makes it easy for me to be astounded that this diminutive woman (in size, but not in spirit) took such a stand and risked her life. I have no reason to doubt her when she said that she was not afraid, but that is equally astonishing. It has been interesting to see some of her contemporaries sharing at the various memorial services in her honor. There is a whole horde of small, old black women who still speak to injustice with power and conviction!

I can’t help but wonder if I would ever have the courage to do anything like what she did. Only with God.

Back At It

It's been ages since I've posted, but my mind has certainly been actively ruminating on things. So here's to hoping that I can go from thinking to doing, even if nobody reads it but me. It's all about the therapy of writing, isn't it?