OSR: November 2011--so close

Eve and the Choice Made in Eden by Beverly Campbell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Eve gets a bad rap, and we all know it. Even I've had my own qualms with the Eden story because of simple lack of understanding, and this book really cleared so much of that up for me.

The Garden story is now one of my new favorite scriptural stories because I've started to understand it so much better. Eve knew what she was doing, and she was influential and powerful. Not only did I start to gain a deeper understanding of gospel principles regarding womanhood and agency, but I also learned more about our relationship with God and my own personal mission.

I have a better idea of the kind of woman I want to be and realize that Eve is the ultimate pioneer. Every woman should read this book. I know I'll reference mine often.


The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Whenever I read or watch mystery stories, I try to figure everything out, and The Woman in White was no exception. The thing is, though, that I didn't really predict any of the twists in this book. Collins had me hooked the whole time--and I really liked that.

The mystery of the woman in white isn't your expected murder or robbery, but rather involves intricate and crafted conspiracy. The characterizations were thorough, and the web of the mystery solid. The story maybe felt a little long at parts, but the writing was so well crafted that I stayed involved.

I enjoyed this story for its unexpected unpredictability and its winning protagonists. The Woman in White is a great 19th-century mystery that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a thrilling, if not fast, read.


Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Princess Academy is sweet, simple, engaging, compelling, and interesting. This was the perfect young-adult book for me to read right now. It's full of good writing, endearing characters, and driving plot. I loved this book and was sad to see it end.


Slathbog's Gold by M.L. Forman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Categorized as a young-adult novel, I'd place it as a middle reader book. The story followed the traditional Joseph Campbell hero format and often leaned toward the didactic side. That said, Alex was likable enough, and for a tween needing a wholesome and adventurous read, this will do the trick.



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Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


In Dickens's Christmas classic, Jacob T. Marley is perhaps the most important character besides Scrooge. It was interesting to read the story through Marley's eyes, especially when I could see how Marley got to be how he was.

The writing was reminiscent of Dickens's own 19th-century style, but sometimes strayed into the didactic zone. Overall, though, this book is a great support to its classic counterpart and sends a clear and uplifting message of love and redemption. I'd like to read this whenever I reread A Christmas Carol.


A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


How could you not love this story? (When I was reading it, I kept thinking of the characters played by Muppets, and that was actually delightfully nostalgic.) You can't help but be inspired by Scrooge's redemption and reclaimed life.

One of my favorite parts of this story is the fact that most characters in the book frankly forgive Scrooge when he seeks their love and friendship--what a beautiful reminder to be kind and forgiving always.

Something I especially enjoyed about this edition was the illustrations. This particular illustrated version is one that I look forward to reading with my family in Christmases to come.

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***
I made good progress in my annual goal. I finished November with six books left to read in the year. I quite enjoyed my November reading, perhaps with the minor exception of Slathbog's Gold, a book I reviewed for the bookstore. According to Goodreads I'm still one book behind my goal, so it looks like my December reading is cut out for me.