On the Banks of Plum Creek -- Laura Ingalls Wilder

After leaving "Indian Territory," the Ingalls family arrives in Minnesota and trades their waggon and team for the dugout home and ox team of a man wanting to head West. Pa has big dreams of the wheat crop they are sure to garner and how wealthy they will be as a result. It is a beautiful beginning for the family as the girls enjoy playing in nearby Plum Creek while Pa begins creating a field for planting wheat and then builds a beautiful home for the family on credit -- which he plans to pay back once he harvests his wheat. The girls even start to school for the first time in their lives.

But soon the family learns what the locals meant when they said the mild Winter was grasshopper weather. Because the week before the wheat is ready to harvest, a plague of grasshoppers fall from the sky and eat every living plant in sight -- including Pa's beautiful wheat. Forced to find work to pay his debts, Pa leaves the family and walks East. Ma and the girls hold down the home-front while Pa is away -- not once, but twice -- and learn how harsh a Minnesota blizzard can be. And they all learn the most important lesson of all: what matters most is family.


***Another great book in the Little House on the Prairie series. I love reading about life from Laura's viewpoint in the 1800s.

Desperate Passage: The Donner Party's Perilous Journey West -- Ethan Rarick

The story of the Donner Party: their beginnings, their journey West, their tragedy, and their salvation.

It was 1846, and going West to California was on many Americans' minds. Most weren't willing to uproot their families and themselves and start the arduous journey West across an unforgiving -- and largely unknown -- landscape. But some were. Among those brave enough to undertake the effort were the members of the Donner Party. They were a group better-off than many, as several of the families in the party were wealthier and had made preparations for the long journey. And yet, due to a variety of poor choices (some blatant and others innocent), the Donner Party became trapped in the Sierra Nevada during one of the most brutal winters in an already unforgiving terrain. And so for years the Donner Party was infamous for what occurred while they sat as prisoners to snow and wind, high up in the mountains. Their only hope lay in some of their own surviving the bitter weather to go for help.

***I never intended to read anything about the Donner Party. I mean, it's morbid, right? But then I discovered that this group was going West around the time many LDS Pioneers went West to Utah. I also learned that this group had some wealth and had been preparing for a while and therefore had pretty awesome provisions, all things considered. So I wondered: why didn't they make it? This piqued my interest, so I sought out a book with good reviews and put it on my to-read list. I learned a lot. There were times when the story of the Donner Party lagged a little, but overall, I was intrigued as I read. Horrified by some of the choices made along the trail (given that I know the outcome and hindsight is 20/20); haunted by what happened. As a mother, I can't help but imagine (and pray that I never have to know) the "what if" scenario. I really appreciated the author's statement that the members of the Party were people, just regular people, doing the best they could to survive. Haunting, indeed. But I learned a lot. And I appreciate that the author didn't create a gruesome, gory story.

Brave New World -- Aldoux Huxley

***Thought provoking for sure. Depressing to me. Not my favorite dystopian novel. One thing I do find interesting that is common among several dystopian novels is their view of motherhood, or child-bearing. In The Giver, child-bearing is viewed as a lowly "assignment." In BRAVE NEW WORLD, the term mother is considered pornographic. Again, in both books, the idea of the traditional family is balked at as ridiculous and unnecessary. How interesting it is to me that these books which are written to point out how awful these so-called utopias actually would be also break down the fundamental unit of our society. Methinks the authors, whether consciously or not, recognized the importance of the traditional family.

What Stands in a Storm -- Kim Cross

In April 2011, many states experienced some of the worst storms ever recorded. That month, Alabama was hit with several major tornadoes which killed hundreds and wounded thousands. In some cases, entire towns were demolished. This is the story of some of the worst storms that hit on April 27, 2011, particularly the large tornado which destroyed much of the city of Tuscaloosa where the University of Alabama is located. Damaged though many cities were, example after example was found of people working together to help each other and recover from these devastating storms.


***This book was terrifying, intense, and absolutely eye-opening. I read it, because I lived in Tuscaloosa and attended graduate school at UA from 2006-2008. When the tornado went through, it was shocking. Thankfully, none of my dear friends there were hurt. Reading this book gave me a whole new appreciation for tornadoes and the power they have and the damage they can inflict. It has made me want to be better prepared to help others with first aid in the event of a major natural disaster where I live, because this book painted a picture of how difficult it can be for emergency services to reach people after such an event, and how we all need to lean on each other. I could not put the book down and would recommend it. It was very detailed and vivid, though, so it may be hard to read for some.

The Invisible Wall -- Harry Bernstein

In a small mill town in England before World War I began, an invisible wall divided the Jewish families from the Christian families who lived on the same street. They were neighbors, and yet they were far removed from one another as a result of their differences in religion. Nothing was feared more than possible fraternization between their young people, particularly the young women and young men. There were severe repercussions for those who ignored the unofficial status quo and began relationships with the "other" half.

Harry Bernstein was a young boy then. He saw the invisible wall, but he didn't always understand it. He also saw his mother struggle to make ends meet for their family in spite of an abusive and neglectful husband. And, in time, he saw his oldest sister Lily fall in love with one of "them" -- the Christians. Though he knew what his religion required and what his mother believed, he didn't know if he could feel the same. After all, what if true love could crumble the invisible wall?


***I really enjoyed this memoir. I learned some interesting things about the Jewish faith. My heart was touched by many of the stories shared by Harry.

The Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times

The East End of London in Post-World War II years was a rough place to be. So Jennifer Worth found out when she went to work at Nonnatus house as a midwife. Respected for her profession, she was never in fear of her surroundings; but she recognized the challenges and hardships around her. The East Enders were a tough lot, because their lives were hard. And as she served them and worked among them, she grew to love many of them. She witnessed miracles as she helped bring new life into the world. She witnessed heartache and sacrifice, forgiveness and joy.


***I LOVED the book. But that didn't surprise me, since I'd already loved the TV show. Some of the stories were/are heart-breaking, particularly for anyone who has ever been a mother (in any way). And some of the stories just warm the heart as well. A lovely memoir well-written and even laugh-out-loud funny at times, this was well worth the read.

Deenie -- Judy Blume

Middle school is an awkward time for most teenage girls. But Deenie isn't a typical teenage girl. She is gorgeous. In fact, her mom wants her to be a model and fully believes Deenie has the face to make it happen. These things make Deenie very sure of superiority when it comes to physical attributes, and Deenie isn't particularly kind to her peers who are different. She steers clear of a classmate with what she calls the "creeping crud" and avoids her neighbor who is handicapped. She knows she'd just die if she was like them.

...Until she discovers that she has scoliosis. And that the only way to help her spine is to wear a brace. Mortified, Deenie tries to find a way to escape the hideousness of it all. But there is no other way. And so Deenie must look inside herself to find strength, and look into the hearts of others to find their true beauty. And she may just end up not being a model after all...


***This was on my to-read list because it's one of those well-known pre-teen/teen novels, but I'd never read it. I can totally see the appeal to a 5th to 8th grade girl. Some of the things written are things I can imagine having written in my journal at that age. It was a tolerable read for me as an adult, too, although there were some aspects of the novel with which I don't agree.

Orphan Train -- Christina Baker Kline

Molly Ayer is a 17 year old Foster-care child who has been moved from home to home for nearly a decade after her father died. Learning quickly that she was basically a money-maker for most of her foster parents, Molly built a huge wall to keep everyone out -- and her feelings in. She took on the most off-putting persona she could imagine (Goth) and chose to live up to everyone's expectations of her, though they were all negative ones. She finally finds herself in Spruce Harbor, Maine; and though she tried to keep people at a distance, somehow she found a friend and boyfriend in Jack who believes in her despite her telling him he shouldn't.

And then Molly gets in trouble for trying to steal a copy of JANE EYRE from the library. It's either juvie or community service for Molly, and with Jack's help, Molly ends up choosing community service. That's how she meets Vivian Daly, a wealthy 90-something year old widow with secrets of her own.

Vivian Daily was once named Niamh. But that was before she was named Dorothy. And before she was an orphan who had lost everything in a fire. Her family had come to America from Ireland with hopes of a better life in the late 1920s. But a better life was not to be found, and soon it was much worse than anything she could ever have imagined. After the death of her family members, Niamh is taken by the Children's Aid Society and put on an orphan train to the Midwest where she would eventually be taken in by a family in Minnesota. And kicked out of their home. And taken to another family. And kicked out... Until she finally finds a place.

A story of love, loss, and reinvention, Vivian's resonates with Molly and the two of them change in unexpected ways as a result of their association.

***I really liked this book. There was some language I didn't appreciate and a few scenes that were shocking. But it was one I kept wanting to return to in my quiet moments -- a sure sign of a good book! Which is awesome, since I didn't vote to read this one for Book Club. I love the way the story ends (mostly... but it would be a spoiler to talk more about it...).

Jane Eyre -- Charlotte Bronte

Orphaned at a young age, Jane Eyre found herself the charge of an unloving aunt-in-law who despised her and eventually sent young Jane away to a school for orphans. Finding there a kind teacher and headmistress, Jane is able to blossom and eventually become a teacher at the school. But Jane is not content to stay put. Eventually she desires to expand her horizons, so she advertises her services in a newspaper and is soon hired on as a governess in a wealthy home. There she meets Edward Rochester, the owner of the home. Though at first he is off-putting in his sternness, he and Jane eventually fall in love and plan to be married.

But life has other plans. A long-held secret is revealed on Jane and Edward's wedding day, causing Jane to flee Thornfield Hall. She finds herself a pauper and happens to beg at the right home in a little town. There, the local parson and his sisters take her in and nurse her back to health. Given a chance to begin afresh, Jane proves her strength as a woman and eventually comes into her own.

***I think I simply don't like the style of writing of some of these 19th-century English novels... They are so wordy that I take forever to get into them. I am a lover of language, but these just seem superfluous. That said, once I got into the story, I was excited to continue reading. There were unanticipated twists that Bronte added to the story expertly. I found myself wondering what decisions Jane would make as the story drew to a close and was almost certain, for a while, I would be disgusted with her choice. I was pleasantly surprised at the end, though. All in all a good read. Just wish there was a little less (what I consider) unnecessary description.

Starvation Heights: a true story of murder and malice in the woods of the Pacific Northwest -- Gregg Olsen

Claire and Dora Williamson were wealthy spinster sisters in their 30s. They had traveled the world and knew all the comforts of their time. And yet, they were, in a sense, unhappy. Convinced they had medical issues that kept them from enjoying life to the fullest, the sisters were always in search of the next best cure. And so they were drawn to "Dr." Linda Burfield Hazzard, the woman who believed in the fasting cure. Linda Hazzard was a formidable woman -- a strong woman able to convince others to see things her way. She did so with the Williamson sisters, convincing them her fast cure would succeed where modern medicine had failed. She promised them a return to full health. And they believed her.

It was a decision both would come to regret, either in life or in death. The following months would find the sisters wasting away to mere skeletons as they "enjoyed" a diet of tomato "broth" and a regime of intense internal baths (a.k.a. enemas). It was only through the rescue of their childhood nurse that one of the sisters managed to survive.


***Read this book for book club. This book (which takes place in the county where I live) was very intriguing. I was engrossed in the book and amazed at how these sisters were hoodwinked by this "doctor". Maybe it's the foodie in me, but if someone told me I was to subsist on tomato broth for 40-some days, I'd laugh in their face and say goodbye! This book is definitely one of those examples of how truth is sometimes way more haunting (and twisted) than fiction!

The Atlantis Code -- Charles Brokaw

Thomas Lourds is a linguistics professor who finds himself in Alexandria as a guest on a British TV show. Lured there by the hopes that he might find something intriguing in Alexandria, instead he unwittingly finds himself embroiled in the hunt for the lost city of Atlantis and the secrets held there. He and several others find themselves traipsing across Europe and Africa following a trail of instruments engraved with a language not even he has seen before. But they are matching wits with a ruthless cardinal who seeks the power hidden in Atlantis. A man who will stop at nothing, even murder, to fulfill his egotistical dreams.

***I had a really hard time getting into this book. It eventually picked up, but never really was "can't put it down" good. And I don't agree with some of the review on the cover... There were a lot of things I found to be fake about this book, and I felt that the author included a lot of superfluous details (like the food they ate -- and I'm a foodie, so that's saying something that I thought it was rather pointless to include). This was another of those books I put on my to-read list when I worked in a library and came across it during work. Years later, I finally crossed it off my list. And it's definitely one I'd have stopped reading if I was smart enough to stop reading books that don't grab my interest... ;).

The Hiding Place -- Corrie Ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom grew up in a house full of love with her three siblings, her parents, and several aunts. Bible-reading was a central part of daily life for the ten Boom family; as was love and kindness. Yelling in anger was not a part of their household. Service to others less fortunate, though they themselves were not wealthy and several members of the family even suffered from serious health issues, was a way of life for the family. And so it was that many Jews found refuge through the help of this family during World War II when Germany occupied Holland.

Corrie ten Boom, her father Casper, and her sister Betsie -- all three of them still living in Corrie's childhood home -- soon found themselves central to an underground effort to help Jews to safety. Over the course of many months, they helped to save many lives and witnessed miracles they were sure came from the Lord. But eventually, they were found out and all were arrested. What followed were horrors most can only imagine. Yet with faith and hope Corrie continued onward, learning the lessons she felt God would have her learn and helping the people she felt He would have her help. Through it all, she learned about love and forgiveness, and then she taught what she'd learned: that when God commands us to forgive, He also sends with the commandment the forgiveness, which comes through Him.

**I'll admit it did take me a while to get into this book. A couple of chapters. But once I got into it, I loved reading it and wanted to read more. Amazing true story about turning our hearts over to the Savior and how He can heal us. It was amazing to me how Corrie spoke so highly of her sister and acknowledged her own downfalls when I can't help but admire Corrie for her strength and faith. I have a lot to learn about how to be better as a person!

The Help -- Kathryn Stockett

Life was not easy for black women in Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 1960s. Life was predictable, though: a black girl would grow up to become a maid for a wealthy white family. She would raise white children, clean white homes, serve white women. Some were treated well. Most were not.

The rest of the nation was facing unrest about civil rights. Violence was spreading, and if you were a white person who sided with equality for all, you could expect serious repercussions. So when Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, a wealthy white girl who herself was raised by a black woman named Constantine, approaches her friend's maid Aibileen with an idea, it is at a great risk -- though Skeeter doesn't know just how great the risk is. Aibileen does, though. As does her friend Minny, who eventually joins Skeeter and Aibileen in telling the true story of black women working for white families in the South. They share their experiences -- both the bad and the good, the heart-breaking and the joyful. Eventually, they all realize the risk they are taking as they join efforts to share truth. But they also feel strongly that it is a truth which deserves to be told. And so they tell it, despite the consequences.


***I loved this book. I watched the movie first, so I knew what was coming for the most part. But I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is hard for me to imagine things as they were in the 1960s, but I have an appreciation for those who experienced those times; and I'm grateful the world has changed a lot since then. Because I know amazing women of all races and color, and I'm glad I've not been raised with the prejudices others had been.