November Book Notes

November has been an unusually busy month, and it took a long time for me to finish the books in my On The Nightstand column. Here, finally, are my thoughts on them:

A Deadly Yarn by Maggie Sefton. Third in the knitting mystery series, this volume seems to have less knitting content than the previous two. Kelly, the main character, is forever pulling her rose sweater out of her knitting bag, only to be interrupted by a phone call or a friend or an idea that she must act on. right. away. She is later distracted by shawl yarns, so we don't know if she finishes either project by the end of the book. The author doesn't seem to know very much about knitting, continually repeating tired descriptions like "frothy." The mystery was pretty anti-climactic. Yet, the characters in this book are warm and caring, and I like the community that Sefton has created around the yarn shop. For that reason, I'll keep going with this series; the next installment, A Killer Stitch, is due out in May.

Complete Care for Your Aging Cat by Amy Shojai. Indispensible for every cat guardian. Your cat may have many, some, or none of the medical problems discussed here, but should your vet diagnose them, you will be prepared to make the best decisions you can. Put a copy on your shelf, and also get Complete Care for Your Aging Dog for your canine friends.

When God Weeps by Joni Earekson Tada. I don't know that I would have read this book, had it not been chosen for this month's book club meeting, but I'm glad I did. It examines human suffering, God's role and our role in that process. Some of the stories in it are heartbreaking, to be sure. It has made me thankful for all that I have been given in this life, especially in light of the holiday tomorrow. As we are being served that second helping of turkey or extra piece of pie, I will be mindful of my ability to feed myself (the author has trouble with this, as she is paraplegic from a diving accident). I will be grateful for food on our table, our family and friends, our pets, and the roof over our heads.  I am thankful for getting to know all of you, and being a part of this special community.

A Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful Thanksgiving to everyone!

Comments

[Kristen]

I'm thankful to have met you, first online and now in real life! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with C, your family, and the kitties.

[alice]

It's great when you read a book you wouldn't normally have read, and you enjoy it. I have a friend who gives me boxes of uncorrected proofs and I've read some books that have really moved me and stayed with me, but I wouldn't have given them the time of day in any other situation.

[Meg]

Lovely post. I'm thankful too.
I have sent you a couple of emails that have bounced. Just so you know I'm not ignoring you! ;)

[Beth]

Amen! We have so many blessings in our lives! I hope your day was wonderful!

[Lori]

Debbie, Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. We do have so much to be thankful for.
I've read Joni's other books and enjoyed them. I'll have to check out this one. My cousin was in a diving accident, so her books mean a lot to me.

[Jenny Raye]

Joni's various biographies are also excellent--I think she has three, at least two. The first.....Joni....tells the story of her accident and rehab. Awesome story of faith and learning to live again. My parents used to have a charcoal drawing of a golden retriever by her from back in the 70s. I remember it being in our den, but we have been unable to locate it. One day I'll find it in their garage. All of her artwork is done by holding a pencil, chalk, pen, paintbrush, etc. in her mouth.