Saturday, August 14, 2010

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

I came across a delightful blog a few months ago. Grace Lin is an children's book author and illustrator. Her newest chapter book, Where The Mountain Meets The Moon, won the Newberry Honor Award this year. Grace Lin's blog post on the Newberry Banquet was delightful to read. How fascinating it was to read about her experience receiving her award.





Minli spends her days working hard in the fields with her parents. They are poor and Minli decides she will go on a journey and find the Old Man of the Moon and ask him how her family can change their fortune. Minli encounters people and creatures, including a dragon, who help her on her way.
Where The Mountain Meets The Moon is a masterpiece from Grace Lin. The story, the writing, the stories within the story, the art work, even the font used in the book all show such amazing attention to detail. I understand why this book was given the Newberry Honor.
I feel like I need to read this book again to glean the truths that it contains. The book explores making wise choices, treating people right, doing good, and putting others before yourself. This book also explores the theme of contentment and how to go on when life disappoints.
Please read this book, you will so enjoy getting to know Minli and discovering where her journey takes her.

Monday, August 2, 2010

New CF books from the library

I love my library. I keep requesting books and they keep ordering them for me. Last week three new books were waiting for me. All three were great reads!


First is Limelight by Melody Carlson. Claudette Fiore used to be beautiful and somebody in Hollywood. Now she is old, poor, and alone. She thinks her life is over, but returning to her hometown and the house she grew up in, she learns about what is really important in life. I so enjoyed this book! It is well written and life affirming.


Next is Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh. Tamara Leigh's books are Christian chick lit, with thought provoking deeper issues included. Splitting Harriet was a fun read. I especially appreciated the depiction of the inner workings of a church that are spot on. Harriet is a pastor's daughter who rebelled in her life but has since returned to the church and works part time as the Women's Ministry Director. Her Dad retires and his new replacement at the church wants to change things and brings in a consultant to bring new life to their church. Harriet does not want anything to change. She bumps heads with the consultant, but ultimately learns much about herself, forgiveness, grace, and freedom in Christ. Highly recommended!


Last is Women's Intuition by Lisa Samson. I LOVE Lisa Samson. Her book Embrace Me is one of my all time favorite books. Women's Intuition was written in 2002, so it is not one of her new ones. I loved Women's Intuition, too! It is the story of a grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter, and a housekeeper. You will have to read the book to find out more. There is something about Lisa Samson's books that just make me happy to be alive. I so enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of Lisa Samson's books.