Powerful Words

This post is a long time coming...

When he first penned The Book Thief, Marcus Zusak could not have known the phenomenon it would become. Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, Zusak’s novel is tragic, yet it should be cherished. While The Book Thief deals with hardship and heartache, it does so with sensitivity and insight. Zusak’s protagonist, Liesel Meminger, is a young girl whose life is changing. Her parents were communists, and they were taken away from her. While traveling on a train to her foster parents, her brother died. During the course of the novel, her foster parents hide a Jew. Max Vandenburg and Liesel establish a friendship. Adapting to her new life, she develops a need for words. Liesel longs to read; her longing translates into book thievery. In Liesel’s world, these words become very important. Liesel’s story is hard. It is not light; it is not fluffy. It is arduous. With every page, the reader is reminded of the grievous effects of World War II. It is then very appropriate that Death narrates Liesel’s tale.

Liesel’s tale is universal. While Zusak may have written The Book Thief for young adults, adults can enjoy this heartwarming story too. In fact, adults may appreciate it more. Middle-school readers may find The Book Thief too disturbing; the fear and violence may be inappropriate for young children. However, high-school students can (and should) read about Nazis Germany. Markus Zusak’s story may be the perfect combination of a history and literature study for these students. Young women may prefer to read The Book Thief more than young men because of a female protagonist. Though, these same young men may identify with Rudy or Max. As an adult reader, I loved The Book Thief. Initially, I found it hard to warm up to. However, given the chance, The Book Thief charmed me. I am almost sorry that I had never read it before; The Book Thief would have been the perfect addition to my homeschool curriculum.

The Book Thief deals with the bombing of Germany, the Holocaust, and lots of death. While it is terribly tragic, The Book Thief is very moving. Zusak’s prose is dynamic and effective. I cannot help but agree with Max, “The best word shakers were the ones who understood the true power of words” (445). Understanding the power of words is a lesson we should all learn whether young adults or not. 

Prefer reading to cards, do you?

But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. Ecclesiastes 12:12

I am a reader. No doubt about it, but sometimes I just can't read. I don't even want to think about picking up a book.... But, most times, my book stack grows and grows. How about y'all? Any good books lately?

And Floe --> Scarlet is for you. :) I thought that if you had finished Hood, I should start reading Scarlet again, right? Especially since, I don't have The Last Olympian.

Marbles, Pirates, and Books

All part of a babysitter's job. :)

Old Childhood Treasures

Have you ever packed away some of your wonderful, childhood memories in a box? Packed them away in the basement or attic for another day? I have. When we moved, many of my childhood books, toys, and memories were put away. It's been four years since my family moved, and it is time once again to bring out some old friends.

I have really missed my Nancy Drew books, and I was worried about their condition being boxed up in the basement. But, to my great surprise and delight, they emerged unscathed. I can't wait to begin reading them again. I'm sensing a summer marathon in my future. Maybe something to blog about? For now my lovely little collection is setting in my little nook. Oh well, Nancy Drew will have to find a shelf of her own eventually.

Oh, and I found another little treasure.

The "Best of 2009" Series

Rather than putting stock in the Oscars, Emmys, or the People Choice Awards... I wanted to share my favorites of 2009 in a few categories:

Books

This Way for the Gas Ladies and Gentlemen by Tadeusz Borowski

It's an excellent read for anyone interested in WW2 or the Holocaust. Read with caution; it is a dark tale.

Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham -- Review coming soon?

Voddie Baucham's book is an easy-to-read, encouraging work. I *definitely* recommend it!

The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale

Graphic novels are my new obsession. Tim Sale & Jeph Loeb rule the medium. Don't pick up their novels lightly. You could become hooked.

Note: None of these books were published in 2009, yet I read all of them last year. I hope y'all enjoy them too!

Stay tuned...

Some Random Thursday Happenings

Last Thursday was filled with lots of busy nothings...

Bored?

Coolest Carpet. Ever. Period.

More Econ... Does it ever end?

Found O'Connor at the Used book sale

Economic Thinking

"Every individual is continually exerting himself to find out the most advantageous employment for whatever capital he can command. It is his own advantage, indeed, and not that of the society, which he has in view. But the study of his own advantage naturally, or rather necessarily, leads him to prefer that employment which is most advantageous to the society."

~Adam Smith The Wealth of Nations~

A Future Teacher & Beowulf

As a former homeschooler and (prayerfully) as a future homschooler, I often think about what I want to teach my children. What curriculum will I use - if any? What books do I want my children to read? What history to I want them to know? What should I learn more about now to help guide them later?

Do y'all think about this?

For my Adolescent Fiction class at WVU, we were assigned Beowulf. But not the one you think. :P I had the pleasure of reading the graphic novel... Here are my thoughts.

Gareth Hinds’ Beowulf could be an integral part of a multi-media English curriculum. While Beowulf is the oldest epic of the English language and is revered by many teachers, it often remains inaccessible to students. Incorporating film, music, and art (such as graphic novels) would help students to appreciate the great poem that is Beowulf.

Hind’s Beowulf follows the original poem very faithfully. Aware of the hideous monster Grendel, Beowulf of the Geats arrives at the homeland of the Danes to destroy the beast. In a heroic struggle, he kills Grendel. However, his fight is not yet over; Beowulf goes on to battle Grendel’s mother and the dragon before his tragic death. Hind’s Beowulf traces Beowulf’s journey, but his audience is quite different from the original poem’s audience. Fans of comic books and graphic novels will be entertained by Gareth Hinds’ Beowulf. Even studious, stodgy English students may find themselves surprised by how much they appreciate Hinds’ graphic version.

Graphic novels never cease to surprise me; I am a word-oriented person, yet I am always captivated by the beauty of the artwork. Imagination is a wonderful gift; readers can create their own images to go with the story. The greatest strength of the graphic novel is the imagination of the artist on the page. Even the font of the text can be inspiring. While reading, I especially loved Beowulf’s fight with the dragon. Seeing the elderly Beowulf stand up for his people really makes the text come to life.

Drawn to the battle sequences, young men are will appreciate Hinds’ graphic version of Beowulf. Young women of diverse tastes (like me) will admire Beowulf despite its gore. Visually appealing, Hinds’ Beowulf is exciting because it is new and different. Most young adults will never get the chance to read a graphic novel in the “standard” English classroom. Perhaps the “standard” English classroom needs to change.

When I was a young teenager, I read voraciously; I also watched an abundance of films. A fair part of these films were adaptations of novels I had read or wanted to read. The films inspired me to read more. Comparisons between the novels and the films made for great discussions. While the text should still be the most important element of the English literature classroom, many types of media could enhance and enrich our understanding and appreciation of the great works of literature.

So what do you think? Is a multi-media approach appropriate? Or should we stick to the text alone?

Descent into Twilight

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. - Genesis 2:17

Unless you've been living in a cave somewhere, you've probably heard of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. The books, movies, music, & posters populate our culture. We're bombarded with images of Bella & Edward. No doubt all of you have an opinion of Twilight, whether good, bad, or indifferent... But regardless of whether your a obsessed teen-age fan or a horrified college student (can you guess which I am? :P), Twilight is in our culture. It needs to be addressed... So without further eloquence, here are my thoughts:

Girls love "love stories." Surely this comes as no surprise to anyone. Girls love Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice... we love Bronte's Jane Eyre and Gaskell's Wives & Daughters. We rejoice when Aragorn & Arwen reunite, when Anne & Gil finally marry, when Prince Charming kisses the Sleeping Beauty, some of us even wish the Pan had never left his Wendy. A girl's desire for marriage and family are God given. However, romance novels are not healthy; they make reality seem less than satisfying. Twilight is a romance novel for teenagers. The whole plot revolves around Bella's relationship with Edward. She admits it herself, "I was consumed by the mystery that Edward presented. And more than a little obsessed by Edward himself" (p.67). Bella's whole world is Edward; he is her idol. Everything in her life is in relation to him. Her thoughts, her emotions, her behaviors -- all in direct connection to Edward.

The problem with Bella is her bad example. Girls reading this novel want their existence to be for one man. And that's the problem. We weren't created to exist for each other. We live to glorify God alone. Yes, we do love, marry, and work together in marriage. But neither the husband or the wife lives solely unto the other. Other concerns include, Bella's disrespect for her father and mother & lying about her relationship with Edward.

Edward is just as beastly. Ok. Pun not intended. For a guy that's a hundred years old, he sure is selfish. Several times during the course of the novel, Edward warns Bella to protect herself... by staying away from him. "It would be more... prudent for you not to be my friend. But I'm tired of staying away from you Bella" (p.84). Seven lines later, Edward continues, "You really should stay away from me. I'll see you in class" (p.84). I'll admit I have trouble keeping up with his roller coaster of emotions. The "I want to be with you, but I could hurt you... so I'm going to follow you around, until we quasi-date, even though I could easily kill you... " is terribly shallow to me. Where is the depth of morality? The dying to yourself for the other? Edward cannot "help" himself. Is he really that noble? He gives in... but keeps warning Bella to flee. How can she flee if he is constantly around?

The immorality. Everyone has different standards for appropriate behavior in a dating/courting relationship. I'm not here to say my way is best. But, a girl being alone with a boy in her bedroom without the knowledge of her father is inappropriate! Bella and Edward's privacy was awkward to read. The level of the intimacy between them was strange considering the early stages of their relationship. (Um, wait until marriage anyone?) Excessive contact between the sexes is not a lesson we want young ones to learn.

Despite my criticism, I'll admit... I want to know how the series ends. Despite every flaw, despite every frustration, I want to know what happens. The avid reader in me craves an ending, a conclusion, a resolution. All that being said, I would not recommend this series to any young girl. The danger is too great... Meyer's Twilight is too wrapped up in the crush world to be edifying for anyone. The problems with her characters are too numerous to be a healthy read. The themes of love, obsession, and secrets are not admirable.

However, my English professor had another theory; she proposed that Twilight's central theme was self-control. James, the vampire who believes in wholly in unbridled passions, lusts after Bella's blood, and it destroys him. Edward MUST control himself not to prey on Bella; even when he drinks her blood, he does so only to save her life. Metaphorically sucking out the poisonous venom of James' philosophy of life. Maybe, Dr. Juckett has a point... Meyer's Twilight may have a message of self-control. I can certainly see it now. From the cover with the "tempting" fruit to the quotation of Genesis 2:17... yep, the message IS there. I just wish it was more clear. Having read the book myself, the message is murky and dark. I think I'll stick to books with clearer messages... rather than make the descent into darkness. The descent into Twilight.

Textbooks Galore

School starts tomorrow... Are YOU ready to study?!

John Calvin's 500 years

Ever since I can remember, I have been named by Christ. I am a christian. Among the many branches of the Christian church, I have grown up in the OPC. I have learned from the time I was a child the doctrines that John Calvin put forth. And I identify myself as a Calvinist.

Happy Birthday, John Calvin. God continues to use your legacy and vision to bless many lives.


"All these things will be easily understood after we have given a clearer definition of faith, so as to enable the readers to apprehend its nature and power. Here it is of importance to call to mind what was formerly taught, first, That since God by his Law prescribes what we ought to do, failure in any one respect subjects us to the dreadful judgment of eternal death, which it denounces. Secondly, Because it is not only difficult, but altogether beyond our strength and ability, to fulfill the demands of the Law, if we look only to ourselves and consider what is due to our merits, no ground of hope remains, but we lie forsaken of God under eternal death.

Thirdly, That there is only one method of deliverance which can rescue us from this miserable calamity—viz. when Christ the Redeemer appears, by whose hand our heavenly Father, out of his infinite goodness and mercy, has been pleased to succor us, if we with true faith embrace this mercy, and with firm hope rest in it. It is now proper to consider the nature of this faith, by means of which, those who are adopted into the family of God obtain possession of the heavenly kingdom. For the accomplishment of so great an end, it is obvious that no mere opinion or persuasion is adequate. And the greater care and diligence is necessary in discussing the true nature of faith, from the pernicious delusions which many, in the present day, labour under with regard to it...


Although we have already in some measure shown how faith possesses Christ, and gives us the enjoyment of his benefits, the subject would still be obscure were we not to add an exposition of the effects resulting from it. The sum of the Gospel is, not without good reason, made to consist in repentance and forgiveness of sins; and, therefore, where these two heads are omitted, any discussion concerning faith will be meager and defective, and indeed almost useless. Now, since Christ confers upon us, and we obtain by faith, both free reconciliation and newness of life, reason and order require that I should here begin to treat of both. The shortest transition, however, will be from faith to repentance; for repentance being properly understood it will better appear how a man is justified freely by faith alone, and yet that holiness of life, real holiness, as it is called, is inseparable from the free imputation of righteousness.

That repentance not only always follows faith, but is produced by it, ought to be without controversy (see Calvin in Joann. 1:13). For since pardon and forgiveness are offered by the preaching of the Gospel, in order that the sinner, delivered from the tyranny of Satan, the yoke of sin, and the miserable bondage of iniquity, may pass into the kingdom of God, it is certain that no man can embrace the grace of the Gospel without retaking himself from the errors of his former life into the right path, and making it his whole study to practice repentance. Those who think that repentance precedes faith instead of flowing from, or being produced by it, as the fruit by the tree, have never understood its nature, and are moved to adopt that view on very insufficient grounds."

- John Calvin in Institutes of the Christian Religion

My Girl Friday

For those of you involved with the Man Friday discussion. =)

Merriam Webster -

Main Entry: girl Friday

Function: noun

Etymology: girl + Friday (as in man Friday)

Date: 1940 : a female assistant (as in an office) entrusted with a wide variety of tasks

THE Oxford English Dictionary
Girl-Friday:
[<GIRL n. + Friday, the name of Robinson Crusoe's servant in Defoe's novel (see MAN FRIDAY n.), after MAN FRIDAY n.] A female assistant, esp. one who performs general tasks in an office.

Man-Friday:
[Alluding to Robinson Crusoe's servant Friday in Defoe's novel, whom Crusoe usually refers to as ‘my man Friday’.
1719 D. DEFOE Life Robinson Crusoe 224 And first, I made him know his Name should be Friday, which was the Day I sav'd his Life. 1719 D. DEFOE Life Robinson Crusoe 245, I takes my man Friday with me.]

Someone regarded as having the characteristics of Defoe's man Friday; a servant, an attendant; a personal assistant who does all kinds of work; a companion.

Summer Reading - Part 2

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” ~C.S. Lewis

“You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.” ~ Paul Sweeney

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” ~Groucho Mark

“If a book is really good, it deserves to be read again, and if it's great, it should be read at least three times.” ~Anatole Broyard

“A lot of people ask me if I were shipwrecked, and could only have one book, what would it be? I always say 'How to Build a Boat'.” ~Stephen Wright

“Beware the person of one book.” ~Latin Proverb

Summer Reading - Part 1

No more pencils!
No more books!
No more teacher's dirty looks!

Um... on second thought... scratch the second one.

I love to read. Unfortunately, because of my college reading and responsibilities, I often neglect my own reading. Often when summer time arrives, I cannot stand the thought or sight of a book! However, Providence this year has decreed that I should once again pick up some good ol' friends...

Some Graphic Novels... And the DC Universe

Comics, more graphic novels, and the Marvel Universe

Fantasy, historical fiction w/a twist, and another graphic novel

concerning the Holocaust

Yes. It's lovely to read again.

what's the difference?

Men and Women are different. Whoa! Big shock! Stop the presses! We have to get this news out and now!

Please. Most of us know that men and women are different. It's not a mystery. However, it is something that American culture tries to suppress and forget about. This suppression results in heartache and confusion for so many people.

Taking time away from school work this week, I began to read John Piper's what's the difference? for the women's book study. This book is amazing. I have only read 2 chapters, and I already feel encouraged and challenged. I must recommend this book to anyone who is confused about the roles for men and women, but also for those of us who need a little encouragement now and then.

Excerpts:
At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, provide for and protect women in ways appropriate to a man's differing relationships.

At the heart of mature femininity is a freeing disposition to affirm, receive and nurture strength and leadership from worthy men in ways appropriate to women's differing relationships.

Thoughts from Edith Schaeffer

"One reason for the loss of family life today, I believe, is the incessant emphasis on dividing ages into tight categories. There are the kindergarten group, the juniors, the intermediates, the seniors, the young business people, the young married ones, the older married couples, and the 'senior citizens'. There are high school groups, college groups, university groups, and professional groups; everyone segregated from everyone else who is not the same age, and often of the same occupation. This seeps into the family unit, too, so that people just do not expect to enjoy each other or really communicate unless they are exactly the same age. The family should be the place where an opposite trend is begun." (The Hidden Art, pg. 201-202)

"There is no real possibility of an integration that is true and meaningful in the total sense unless it is based on the inner integration which God has made possible through the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ. He died so that man might move out of his 'segregated' position, segregated from Go0d, from other men, and even from himself in so many aspects, into a true integration. This true integration comes only when man is integrated with the Trinity. "(204)

Couldn't have said it better myself... Though, I do see a huge argument for homeschooling right here. :-)

CHEWV Conference

Hurray for better pencil sharpeners!

Okay, maybe some of you won't understand that previous statement, but this past weekend was the Christian Home Educators of West Virginia Conference. It held a graduation ceremony, encouragement, and fellowship with like-minded Christians.

I had never heard Kevin Swanson speak before... WOW! What a wonderful speaker! If I wasn't already convinced myself of the benefits of homeschooling, he would have convinced me. He gave a great commencement address. I wish many of my family and friends could have heard him.

The vendor hall held great books! Just walking into the room, I could feel the money slipping through my fingers... :P

But beyond all these things, my good friend Keely graduated..I can't wait until next year's conference.

Stretching a bit: Prince Caspian and the Book of Acts

In devotions, my family has been reading the book of Acts. Specifically, we have been reading chapter 10. The roman Cornelius, described as "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually" (Acts 10:2), sees a vision telling him to send for Simon called Peter... Peter in turn sees a vision of many different animals, and God tells him to take and eat. Peter is abhorred at the thought of eating unclean animals, but God shows Peter all these animals are now clean. Peter then goes and visits Cornelius and explains his vision: "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him" (Acts 10:34,35). Amazing words! The gentiles were now welcome into the covenant. It wasn't exclusively for Jews...

I also am reading Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis in anticipation of the new movie coming out. Last night, I was reading of Caspian's tutelage by Dr. Cornelius about Old Narnia, and this line struck me: "For I know that you also, Telmarine though you are, love the Old Things" (Prince Caspian, p. 49).

This reminded me so much of the book of Acts. In both stories there is a man/boy who loves the old things/old ways (even though some of those ways are changing). There is the man/dwarf who will share the good news/stories of Old Narnia with the man/boy. Also something that struck me as curious, is the name of the Roman is also the name of the dwarf: Cornelius. Was C.S.Lewis being clever in these connections? Or is it the crazy imagination of an English minor? I don't know, but I was interesting in this connection... Please feel free to share your thoughts (even if you think I'm crazy).

Do Hard Things

"Most people don't expect you to understand what we're going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don't expect you to care. And even if you care, they don't expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don't expect you to last. WE DO." - The back cover of DO HARD THINGS

I finally picked up DO HARD THINGS by Alex and Brett Harris. Yeah, sure I told myself... It's for teenagers, but that doesn't mean I can't learn anything from it. It was one of my brighter moments! This book is one that every teenager should read. Whether you have just turned thirteen, or you're a nineteen (almost done) year old. It even can teach something to us "old" college students. Don't be defined by a culture with low expectations. Be defined by what you DO, not what you don't. Go out and do HARD things for God.