BECOMING by Michelle Obama

Becoming by Michelle Obama
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Becoming, by Michelle Obama, is not a dramatic revelation of a heroic, sacrifcial servant of humanity, nor is it a fantasy about a SuperWoman none of us could hope to imitate.

Becoming is the confession of an ordinary woman, blessed in extraordinary ways, who year by year, month by month, day by day faced the same struggles most women face - balancing home and work and a spouse whose demanding career and lofty purpose competed with both their vision for their family and their mutually supportive relationship as a couple.

Becoming, is the confessions of a bossy little girl who grew up in a loving family who insisted on the best she could perform and fought to protect her from poor academic situations.

She absorbed her parents' commitment to each other and their children in good times and bad, rich or poor, in sickness and in health, as her model of what a marriage must be, what her future marriage must Become.

Becoming, is the confession of a Harvard-educated woman whose husband's extremely high intelligence and tendency to lose himself in deepest thought concerning the well being of America and all humankind left her a bit ashamed of commenting on her novel or People magazine.

Day by day, choice by choice, Michelle charts her path, preparing for the challenges she faces and learning how to handle the unanticipated.

Her choice to focus on healthy eating and exercise was her response to a threat to her own children's health due to the pressures of living on the campaign trail. What I thought had been a long term discipline was a new part of what Michelle was Becoming.

Believing every child... every woman can Become what their gifts and experiences have prepared them to be, having the strength to choose for themselves and the grace grow without condemnation is Michelle's desire for everyone. Working to give them opportunities, support and education to Become is Michelle's passion.

Michelle frequently shares events and thoughts that do not cast her in the best light, details that could have easily been left out to allow her image the greatest shine. I found myself saying, "But Michelle...." then realized her honesty is a refusal to hide that, like you or me, she's an ordinary woman who thinks, "What about me?" like I sometimes do. She's not perfect, but her heart is right, and like me and you, she is still Becoming.

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Making Rounds With Oscar

Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oscar the "death angel" cat lives at a senior care facility. He is not especially friendly or cuddly, unless a resident is going to die soon. He acknowledges the attending family members, then leaps onto the bed and snuggles against the patient, humming a comforting purr.

Nurses and aides, and even family members are aware of Oscars good gift but geriatric physician, David Dosa has more cynicism than faith. However, when Oscar begins to accompanying him on his rounds, his curiosity grows.

Through his experiences with Oscar, patients with dementia and their families, Dr. Dosa learns a lot about how people cope with or function during the slow demise of Alzheimer's and similar conditions.

Making MY rounds with Oscar was a gentle tour of what so many face as they struggle with both loving and losing a treasured loved one. I'm passing my copy to close family members, and might even read it again if my strength and emotions need re-propping!


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Streams in the Desert - book review

Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Streams in the Desert is encouraging devotional reading compiled from a wide variety of sources by Mrs. Cowman. The readings range from anecdotal to prayer, all chosen to supply living water to thirsty souls.

Perhaps it is in some ways dated and not all the sentiments expressed reflect the views of generations who have a longer historical perspective on past events, but it's still a treasury of faith and comfort.

I particularly like the peek into the lives of believers who went before us, their struggles, victories and testimonies of courage and how God led and strengthened them.

We've had this book and its sequels in our home for decades. My mother and grandmother read this. My husband and I have been enriched by it.

Dive in! The water's fine.

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On the Beach - Book Review

On the Beach by Nevil Shute
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This review might be a spoiler. I consider it a warning.

In "On the Beach," Nevil Shute describes the last weeks in the land "down under," after the rest of the world has died following a nuclear halocaust. How they choose to spend their final days, facing certain death, is the primary focus.

I read this at age 12 and had recurring nightmares thereafter. In each one, a beloved cousin of mine and I suffered the horrifying symptoms described in the novel. Just as we slipped into death, the dream would start all over again!

No other book has had this kind of impact on me.

As you can see, as a teen, I read freely from the library offerings and the volumes found in the 2 for 1 used book shop.

Perhaps, rereading it as an adult might reveal concepts I overlooked at age 12.  I have no desire to so! 

In Conversation With God

In Conversation with God: Complete Set v. 1-7: Meditations for Each Day of the Year by Francis Fernandez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading this set is an ongoing process for me. It is a work meant to be read as part of daily prayer and meditation. The richness and depth of its spiritually nourishing content is not absorbable in mass quantity. It must be savored, pondered in one's heart and mind, accepted as a communion of bread and wine, to receive its refreshing and healing properties.

This set is on my "short list" of books and writers who have bottled and administer an infusion of living oil and wine. These range from strongly astringent to the tenderest of offerings. Their common factor is the revelation of Jesus to me, in my life, my own inner being, and in those I encounter along the way.

This list includes:

'My Utmost for His Highest' by Oswald Chambers
Anything by Henry Nouwen
and George MacDonald

There are a few others, but these rank highest on my "stranded on an island" reading material.


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Smouldering Flame, Book Review

A Scottish Laird makes an inn of his castle in order to be able to afford to keep his family land. He is served and assisted by his loyal ghillie, whose family line have served the Laird's family for generations.

Among the groups of guests that stay in his castle, the Laird meets a woman and her young son who are hiding from her abusive ex-husband. The Laird and his lady guest become friends and fall in love, but circumstances complicate their path to romantic bliss.

Some reviewers express dismay at a twist in this tale of love and loyalty. In my opinion, that's what makes the book a genuine exploration of Scottish heritage and not just another pleasant romance novel. Though an avid fan, I've forgotten the story lines of several of Ms. Stevenson's books, but this one still tugs at me, years after I read it. I've been trying to find it for years.

Angel in the House

A childless couple, a failing toy factory, a troubled marriage,  and a door nobody opens set the stage for a mystery that will keep you guessing from start to finish. 

Who can slueth out this puzzle?  Enter Eli - a suit wearing, news watching, 7 year old foster child who sleeps with a teddy bear and calls a taxi when he decides to play hookie from school.  That just leaves one missing piece -  who is this pint sized cosmopolitan sage?  

"Angel in the House " is heartwarming and sweet, without a crumb of cheese.

"Angel in the House" deals with sensitive issues of grief, loss and disappointment with disarming delicacy and a mischievous grin.

This movie was first released under the title "Foster," then "Angel in the  House."  At one point, Netflix released it as "Christmas Angel in the House."

Netflix released it as "Christmas Angel in the House."

I streamed "Angel in the House," via Amazon Prime.

Rated PG for 1-2 uses of strong language and sensitive issues.

Photos used under Fair Use terms for the purpose of product review.