The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore

 

Book Title: The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear
Author: Kate Moore
Audiobook Performer: Kate Moore
My Rating: 4.25/5 stars
Content Rating: PG-13
Quote: "From within the darkness of the Jacksonville insane asylum, a new moon rose, and her name was Elizabeth Packard." 

So I don't consider myself a feminist by any stretch of the imagination. But this book made me mad! It also made me really, really grateful I live now instead of in the mid-1850s. And I also felt a great deal of gratitude for those women, like Elizabeth Packard, who fought for women's rights at a time when so doing could land you in an insane asylum. 

This is the story of Elizabeth Packard. After 21 years of marriage to Theopholus Packard, a preacher 17 years her senior, he had her committed to an insane asylum; because she has disagreed with his doctrine and left his church, AND had the audacity to share her opinions on the matter freely. She had become, in a word, inconvenient. 

While locked away, Elizabeth (who is totally sane) witnesses the cruel treatments of the inmates of the asylum at the hand of its employees, including by the superintendent Dr. McFarland. She also sees that many other women are much like herself: sane, but committed for being a nuisance to their husbands. At a time when women were their husbands' property and certainly couldn't think for themselves (insert angry emoji here), this was more commonplace than we can now imagine. 

But Elizabeth was a woman of great fortitude. She would not be kept down, and she found ways to stand up and, eventually, to be heard. And, in time, she would help her sisters, too. 

Elizabeth Packard was an amazingly strong woman. I was in awe listening to this book. She was determined, a loving mother, and a compassionate friend. There is much I can say, but I will run out of room. This was a very good book (even if it made me mad). And I loved listening to Kate Moore's reading of it. I think anytime I read the name Packard in the future, I will always hear it pronounced just as Kate Moore does it here!

Washington: a Life by Ron Chernow

 

Book Title: Washington: A Life
Author: Ron Chernow
Audiobook Performer: Scott Brick
My Rating: 4.25/5 stars
Content Rating: PG
Quote: "Never a perfect man, [Washington] had always had a normal quota of human frailty,... But over the years, this man of deep emotions and strong opinions had learned to subordinate his personal dreams and aspirations to the service of a larger cause, evolving into a statesman with a prodigious mastery of political skills and an unwavering sense of America's future greatness. In the things that mattered most for his country, he had shown himself capable of constant growth and self-improvement... For a quarter century, he had stuck to an undeviating path that led straight to the creation of an independent republic, the enactment of the Constitution, and the formation of the federal government. History records few examples of a leader who so earnestly wanted to do the right thing, not just for himself but for his country."

At 42 hours on audio, I can attest to the fact that this book was very thorough. While there were a few times I found my mind wandering more than I wanted it to, overall, I was engaged and I learned so much! (I definitely recommend speeding it up to at least 1.4x).

From birth to death, this is George Washington's life story. The book is very well-done, and it makes me excited that I have two more books by Chernow on my shelf to read. 

I can't possibly share everything I learned while listening, and I'm sure I did miss some awesome stuff (or have already forgotten it). But here are a few things that I didn't know before that really stood out: 

George Washington's father died when he was very young, and his mother didn't re-marry. 

Washington's relationship with his mother was never good, and, at least publicly, she was not proud of his accomplishments (and was very loyal to the King of England).

Washington never fathered any children and it is believed he may have been sterile. 

Martha had four children with her first husband, who passed away, and she outlived them all. 

This is ignorant of me, but I didn't realize The French Revolution took place so closely (time-wise) to the American Revolution. 

I also didn't realize Alexander Hamilton worked so closely with Washington. 

In the course of his life, Washington suffered  from dysentery, malaria, smallpox, and was terrified of dying from tuberculosis, as his brother died of that. 

Washington outlived all his siblings. 

Washington created The Purple Heart honor. 

Born Survivors by Wendy Holden

 

Book Title: Born Survivors: Three Young Mothers and Their Extraordinary Courage, Defiance, and Hope
Author: Wendy Holden
My Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Content Rating: R for war violence and concentration camp atrocities
Tidbit: The stories of three Jewish women who carried and delivered their miracle babies while in concentration camps ruled by the Nazis.
Quote: "'The more people who know about what happened, the less likely it is to happen again, I hope,' [Anka] said. 'This is a story which should teach people that it mustn't happen again.'"

So many of the events during World War 2, and specifically the Holocaust, were horrifying and unbelievable. The worst atrocities imaginable... and then some. 

Yet even in the midst of all that unspeakable horror, there were miracles. This is the story of such a miracle. Three of them, in fact. This is the story of three Jewish women who experienced some of the worst things humans can do to each other.  But is also the story of the babies they each carried and then delivered in the worst of circumstances and the vilest conditions. It is the story of three miracle babies who were born survivors. 

I'm not sure the reason, but this book took me about 2 months to finish. Was it the heaviness of the content? Or was I just not giving it its due time, and was instead prioritizing other books over it? I'm not sure. I do feel the book was very detail heavy. The history of each mother was given before her time in the concentration camp. This one also ranks up there with one of the most raw World War 2 books I've ever read, as far as description of what life was like, particularly once these women had been taken into the concentration camp existence. It is not easy stuff. 

But so unbelievably amazing that these three women: Priska, Rachel, and Anka, fought to survive for the life they carried within them. While their bodies wasted away, another tiny body was growing within each of theirs. That alone seems impossible. Yet it happened. A true miracle. Three miracles. Proof that life - and love - can overcome hate and death. I believe, ultimately, that is the truth.

The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias

 

Book: The Way They Learn: How to discover and teach to your child's strengths
Author: Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
My Rating: 4.25/5 stars
Content Rating: G
Tidbit: A look at a variety of learning styles to help parents understand their children better.
Quote: "...each person is a complex and unique combination of natural strengths and preferences."

This was one of my backlist reads! My friend, who has home-schooled two of her daughters, shared it with me 3 or 4 years ago; because she knows I've considered home-schooling since before my oldest started Kindergarten. While we haven't chosen to home-school yet, it's always a possibility. So I was grateful for this read!

I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I chuckled a few times at the stories the author included (especially those about she and her husband who seem pretty much opposites). I also couldn't help seeing myself and my husband in a few of the category descriptions. And it explains SO much. 

To give you an example, I'm the kind of Concrete Sequential list-maker who adds items to my list that weren't originally on said list, but which I accomplished, just so I can cross them off. My husband optimizes EVERYTHING, including toilet paper, and I think it drives him crazy that my brain doesn't work that way.

That said, I love that she cautions us not to pigeon-hole ourselves or others, because though we may have certain dominant ways of learning and perceiving information, we still have aspects of other types. And we can learn other types too!

I just thought this book was a great look at different types of intelligences as well as different learning types. Now I'll try to notice how my kids learn best!

If I have any complaints, it's that I think it needed a little more editing checks.

Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe

 

Book Title:  Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
Author: Patrick Radden Keefe
Audiobook Performer: Patrick Radden Keefe
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Content Rating: R (for language, drug use)
Tidbit: A shocking look into the Sackler family and the drug that made them their billions (OxyContin) and helped America fall into an opioid crisis.

"Of course, Oxycontin was stronger than morphine, that was a simple fact of chemistry, but one that the company would need to carefully obscure. After all, there were only so many cancer patients... The real jackpot was non-malignant pain." 

My husband is sick of hearing me talk about this book, I'm sure. But I could not believe it. It completely blew my mind. Just this morning I was telling my dad about it. Let me go ahead and warn that my review will not do this book justice. I've been pondering this for a day and I know I won't find the right words. So check out my stories for the reviews that motivated me to read this book. 

I'm pretty naive in a lot of ways about the drug world. But even I had heard of the opioid crisis in America before this book. Well, this book takes you into the history of the Sackler family, the family who started Purdue Pharma. And Purdue Pharma produced and marketed OxyContin/Oxycodone. And that drug was largely responsible for the crisis. 

Deceit, infidelity, narcissism, greed, power, corruption (including in governmental agencies)... it's all here in the pages of this book. It kind of reminded me of another book I read about the Stock Market Crash in the 1980s called Den of Thieves. 

At 18 hours, this audiobook was a commitment... but I say this honestly: it never dragged for me. I was riveted. If you already have strong feelings against Big Pharma, this book won't give you warm fuzzies. 

"If the true personality of oxycodone was misunderstood by America's doctors, [Purdue] would not correct that misunderstanding; instead, they would exploit it."

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin

 

Book Title: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
Author: Doris Kearns Goodwin
Audiobook Performer: Richard Thomas
Audiobook Length: 9+ hours
My Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Content Rating: PG (no real content concerns, but probably not engaging for a younger audience)

"There was little to lead one to suppose that Abraham Lincoln, nervously rambling the streets of Springfield that May morning, who scarcely had a national reputation - certainly nothing to equal any of the other three - who had served but a single term in Congress, twice lost bids for the Senate, and had no administrative experience whatsoever, would become the greatest historical figure of the 19th Century."

This book was so good. Usually, when I think of Abraham Lincoln, my thoughts are focused on his role in the emancipation of the slaves and the Civil War, or his assassination. Those are, of course, such vital aspects of him and his presidency. But I loved that this book was about so much more than that. 

To learn that Lincoln was running for the Republican nomination against men who were much more qualified and much more well-known than he was eye-opening. I had no idea. I feel like that fact alone could qualify this story to be part of a book I read last November called Seven Miracles That Saved America. 

But then, to see that each of those men whom he beat out for the nomination were men he requested to be part of his Cabinet was amazing. That, plus his response to some underhanded things done by certain members of that Cabinet, speak volumes about his character. 

And I LOVED how his friendship with Seward developed. 

I found out at the end of the audiobook that this was the abridged version.  I was somewhat disappointed, because it was so good, I think I could have listened to the whole thing!  So I am contemplating ordering the hard copy so I can read the book in its entirety one day.

Moon Over Sasova by Christopher Shaffer

 

Book Title: Moon Over Sasova: One American's Experience Teaching in Post-Cold War Slovakia
Author: Christopher Shaffer
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Content Rating: PG-13 for a couple instances of strong language and more mature themes

This book was a happy surprise for me! I bought it for two reasons: 1. because the author is a former boss of mine, and I like to support the dreams of people I know (and people I don't know too), and 2. I've never read anything about Europe post-Cold War, and the more I read about history, the more interested I am to learn about new things. 

This memoir is a collection of brief stories of the author's experiences teaching English in Slovakia for 6 months in 1993. This was less than 5 years after the Iron Curtain came down, so there were a lot of interesting things happening, especially to the view of an American. Though the focus is on Mr. Shaffer's experiences, I appreciate how he weaved bits of history and Slovak culture into the narrative. I feel like I learned quite a few things about Slovakia during the time when the people there were trying to break free from the communism way of life they'd been living under for so long. The author notes that there have continued to be changes for good in Slovakia in the years since his teaching stint in 1993 (he returned in 2007 for a visit). 

Perhaps it is because I know the author personally and could picture the events, but I laughed quite a few times. 

Lightning Down by Tom Clavin

 

Book Title: Lightning Down: A World War II Story of Survival
Author: Tom Clavin
Audiobook Performer: George Newbern
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Content Rating: PG-13, possibly R for concentration camp related descriptions
Tidbit: When Joe Moser's P-38 Lightning goes down behind enemy lines, he finds himself a prisoner of war and resident of Buchenwald Concentration Camp.

Joe Moser was the pilot of a P-38 Lightning, one of the best American fighting aircraft of World War 2. While flying a mission over occupied France, his plane went down. He survived by was captured by the Nazis and, though it was completely against the Geneva Convention's terms, was taken to the Buchenwald Concentration Camp, rather than Prisoner of War camp as he expected. This is his story of surviving some of the most harrowing treatment of human beings during this war. 

I listened to this on audio, and for the majority of it, I was pretty committed to a 3.5 star rating. Not sure if it was just listening to it on audio that made it more "ok" to me than other WW2 books, or what. I struggled a lot on focusing with this one, but I also had trouble following when I was focused. I feel like the author brought in far too much "extra," which, while informative, I felt it detracted from Joe's story and so I felt less connected to him. For example, there was A LOT of mechanical/technical talk about the different jets being constructed for the war and by which companies at the beginning of the book. While somewhat interesting, I just didn't feel it added to Joe's story. The author also gave a lot of history about other captives in Buchenwald, such as how they got to be there. Again, interesting (and often very sad), but it took the focus away from Joe Moser's story for me. 

There was a lot I learned from this book, though. And what ultimately pushed my rating up was the end of the book. Tears came to my eyes several times hearing the descriptions of certain things. As a mother, I ached to think of what it must be like to rejoice that your son is in a POW camp because the alternative is that he is dead or missing. It broke my heart to hear that many Americans, because the concentration camps weren't widely known about, didn't believe the stories of those Allied airmen who endured Buchenwald. How upsetting that would be to one who endured such horrors. 

Despite the hard parts of the book, the end was wonderful.  I definitely think it's worth a read (or a listen!) if you are inclined toward WW2 reading.

Divine Signatures by Gerald N. Lund

 

Book: Divine Signatures: the Confirming Hand of God
Author: Gerald N. Lund
Series: Divine Guidance (Book 2 of 4)
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Content Rating: G

"What we call coincidence is God's way of letting Himself be known."

There are many reasons I really enjoyed this book. It gave me so many warm fuzzy feelings. Because I 100% believe we are so loved by our Heavenly Father that He arranges blessings and circumstances in our lives to help us and show us His love. I know I've seen His divine signatures in my life... those little moments that can be dismissed as mere coincidence or luck, but I know they aren't.

This book is full of real-life examples of such divine signatures. I loved those best. Many of them gave me a happy tingly feeling. The other aspects of the book weren't as engaging, but were still good. This book was definitely a wonderful Sunday read for me.

And it was especially sweet as I turned the page today and found a scripture that has special significance to me. It was a sweet reminder that I needed today. I'm grateful to be reminded my Heavenly Father is aware of me and my little family in our tiny little corner of the universe.

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

 

Book Title: Taste: My Life Through Food
Author:  Stanley Tucci
Audiobook Performer: Stanley Tucci
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Content Rating: PG-13, possibly R for multiple uses of strong language
Tidbit: Stanley Tucci shares the stories of his life as it revolved around food from before his birth to almost-present day.

In this memoir, Stanley Tucci tells the stories of his life as they pertained to his culinary experiences.  The memoir is written mostly in chronological order, starting with a brief introduction of his parents and how they met and married.  The stories go right up through the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020.  

I listened on audiobook, and I liked that I recognized his voice from the movies in which I'd seen him in the past.  I did check out the hard copy for reference to the recipes he includes (which I think is a fun addition to his memoir).  

I started out really enjoying this book.  Some of his stories of his family, and the way he told the stories made me chuckle out loud.  About mid-way, though the strong language (particularly the F word) started being used quite a bit.  I may not have minded so much about that in the hard copy, since I can see it coming and skim over it.  But with an audiobook, I couldn't anticipate it, so I was stuck getting that full-force.  And he would often really emphasize and draw out the word, so that made it even less desirable for me.  And he also started coming across more snobbish and pompous as the book went on.  I wasn't expecting that, and I was kind of disappointed in it.  

So, while it was fun to hear about his life through food, it did lack some of the details I think would have been interesting, and there were a couple big things that didn't really work for me. 

If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't) -- Betty White

 

Book: If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't)
Author: Betty White
Audiobook performer: Betty White
My Rating: 3.25/5 Stars
Content Rating: PG
Tidbit: Ever optimistic, Betty White, at age 89, shares her thoughts on a variety of topics.

This was a fun, easy read/listen. Betty White shares her thoughts on a variety of topics from animals to death. But she does it with such optimism and humor! Betty White was a classy lady, and listening to this book made me want to read some of her earlier books to learn more about her life, since this one focused mostly on her later years to that point (she wrote this when she was 89). I loved that she seemed full of integrity and believed in hard work as well as treating everyone with respect and not getting a big head over her fame. While there was nothing earth-shattering or terribly new, I just enjoyed the light-hearted listen in the middle of some heavier reading I've been doing.

 

Title: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Author: Angela Duckworth
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Content Rating: PG
Tidbit: Dr. Duckworth examines the importance of grit on success and debunks the idea that all success is talent-driven.

According to this book, I'm about 30% gritty. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Thankfully, Dr. Duckworth believes, and aims to prove, grit can be learned and is not fixed. 

As with most "self-help" books I've read (though I'll admit this may not entirely fit that category), there were things I agreed with and things I didn't. But at the end of it all, I do feel like I learned some stuff to benefit my life, and hopefully help me develop more grit (because, honestly, I've felt lacking in this area most of my life). I added this book to my tbr back in 2016 or 2017 after it was featured in the Costco Connection (anyone else find books this way?). 

I also feel like this helped change my perspective on things for parenting, and gave me ideas for how to help my children develop grit. 

Things I liked:

- the nod to Steve Young and his life that got me excited to read his memoir that is sitting on my shelf

- that I didn't feel completely lacking in grit (in fact, one thing she mentioned I have accomplished, but never thought of it as gritty, so that was nice to see it that way)

- it was a hopeful book 

Things I didn't enjoy so much:

- sometimes it felt long-winded 

Overall a worthwhile read with some good insights.

 

The Boys by Ron & Clint Howard

 

"I learned that success didn't need to be painful or punishing, though it did require hard work."

Book: The Boys: a memoir of Hollywood and Family
Authors: Ron & Clint Howard
Audibook performers: Ron & Clint Howard
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Content Rating: PG-13/R (for language, drug use, and some sexuality)
Tidbit: Nostalgic memoir about Ron and Clint Howard's life in Hollywood and show-business.

This was a fun book, and I do recommend it on audiobook, because you can hear Ron and Clint tell their story. There's just something added when you hear their own tones and inflections as they share the stories of their lives growing up in Hollywood.

I love that they started with the story of their own parents: Rance and Jean Howard. It was so fascinating to hear how they got started in acting, what kept them going, and what drove them to pursue different aspects of the Hollywood life. Ron's drive to become a director was really impressive, and really loved how he focused on the value and importance of hard work. I appreciate how Clint was honest about his own past with drugs and the choice he made to get sober.

There's a lot I could say. It was so fun to hear some background stories about The Andy Griffith Show as well as Happy Days. The Howards really do come across as a family that love and support each other, and I thought that was beautiful.

A bit of strong language and references to drugs and male puberty-related things are present. While the sexuality isn't particularly explicit, there are enough instances and topics covered that I think readers should be aware, particularly when listening to the audiobook with younger ears present.

Though I didn't grow up watching Ron on TV (aside from the random episode of Happy Days on Nick at Night or something), I have watched several of the movies and shows he was involved in: Apollo 13! Arrested Development!) The book just had a nostalgic feel. And you know I'm all about some nostalgia! I really enjoyed this one!

 

Believing Christ by Stephen E. Robinson

Book: Believing Christ
Author: Stephen E. Robinson
My book rating: 4/5 stars
Tidbit: Uplifting and beautiful commentary on a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ.

"What matters is not how much we bring to the equation, but only that we can make the equation by entering into a covenant relationship with an infinite Christ, however great or small we may think ourselves to be."

This had been my Sunday read for the last couple months. So many beautiful insights about how Jesus Christ's all plus my best efforts (however minimal they may be) equal enough, always. And while I've always been taught this truth and believed it, something in the way it was presented in this book touched me in a new way. I feel such gratitude for my Savior and all He does for me. 

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.

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.

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 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!