As you will notice, I didn't include this book with my most recent post featuring the books I've recently read. This is because, this book deserves a post of its own...great books always do.
This is one of those books I didn't want to end, yet, I refused myself to savor its chapters, staying up well into the early morning to finish it.
It took a few pages getting use to the format in which the authors used to write it. It's written as Patsy telling her story to the reader while she searches through her father's, Thomas Jefferson, lifetime of letters. These letters are in fact, the archives in which the authors used as their foundation of the book.
I find myself amazed at just how much I enjoy learning history through such types of historical fiction. One must read this book understanding that while the book is fiction it is written based on actual events recorded in history and in the case of this book also written based on actual letters written by Thomas Jefferson and several of his comrades and family.
One of the enjoyments of this book for me was the vocabulary and communication style used at the of Thomas Jefferson's era. The vocabulary is exquisite, even so, I benefitted from having read this book using my Kindle so to have immediate access to a built in dictionary.
Upon reading this book, you will see that the authors romanticize certain events and relationships. They admittedly do so in order to add assumptions to the characters and relationships that aren't clearly defined in research. However, I don't believe they comprised the history to the point of making the story a fabricated work of fiction and they tried as much as able to keep the story as truthful as possible.
The historical aspects I enjoyed were of course learning more about the culture, the society and the politics of the time. I learned that some things have yet to change but that others have progressed for the better.
This book will be a part of my all time favorites. In fact, I find myself wishing this could be made into a movie, if not for the theaters than maybe a fictional documentary to be enjoyed on TV.
5 Stars! Even the cover is beautiful. It's one I would want to frame and hang in my personal library...if I had one.
There are elements in this book I really enjoyed. Some of events were written to be humorous while I think some were written as a joke to make fun of The South and its traditions.
The sex and heavily used vulgar language wasn't necessary to make the story line better. The story, itself, was enjoyable and needn't the added sex and vulgarity.
There were twists in the plot that made this book a page turner but not enough for me to give more than 3 stars.
This book is about a boy coming from Indiana coming of age in Mississippi during the 70s.
Romance isn't a genre I typically choose to read. I had one of my boys choose a book for me, and he chose this one because he thought I would like the cover. So, to keep my promise, I read it.
I didn't care for the romance aspect, though it was sweet, it's just not my interest for reading. I enjoy love stories but not romance.
However, this book did have minor suspense elements that made it more enjoyable than I anticipated.
I would normally rate historical romance as a 1 or 2 star but given it was better than I anticipated I give it 3. It was well written with a ease of reading.
(Christian, Historical Fiction)
5 stars. This book challenges to do be and do more for Christ than just sitting on the sidelines.
Though I was born and reared in Mississippi and now rearing my own family in Mississippi, I am not from the Delta. However, the Delta isn't too unfamiliar to me as I lived in Greenville for 2 years and my father is from the Delta.
Richard depicts most accurately the race relations in the Delta, though, it can ring true for most of Mississippi. His conclusion...it's complicated. If black/white relations had to be described as you would describe a relationship on social media, "it's complicated" would be the answer. I think only those from Mississippi can actually understand it. Outsiders just can't begin to understand and certainly not from a perspective of only one year of living here.
I would like to say that his depiction of life in the Mississippi Delta, though very much riddled with drugs and alcohol, is not indicative of all Deltans. There are many who can enjoy life without having to include large amounts of alcohol if any at all.
Mississippi certainly has a past that isn't all glorious but Mississippi is certainly a place I love to call home.
Longest.Book.Ever. 776 pages.
I was disappointed in the ending. I guess if you like and can understand deep philosophy, you might would like it. I thought it left the reader hanging for more about the characters' future. Or maybe I was just disappointed bc the ideas I had for them didn't happen as I expected or hoped.
Sweet and juicy watermelon pairs beautifully with salty feta cheese! Blueberries add an extra bite of sweetness and a pop of color. Drizzle the whole thing with honey lime vinaigrette and enjoy your refreshing Watermelon, Blueberry and Feta Salad!
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
6 c. cubed watermelon
2 c. fresh blueberries
1 c. feta cheese, crumbled
2 T. fresh mint, or basil, chiffonade
2 T. fresh lime juice
1 T. fresh lemon juice
3 T. olive oil
1 T. honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Add cubed watermelon, blueberries, feta, and mint (or basil) to a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, add lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper. Whisk until blended. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
Just before serving toss fruit and cheese together. Drizzle with dressing and toss again to coat fruit with dressing. Serve immediately.
My parent's neighbors have several blueberry bushes that produce an abundant amount of blueberries every summer. They are so gracious to allow my parents to pick any amount of blueberries they like. So each summer, we are looking for delicious blueberry recipes. I came across the above on Pinterest. While I wouldn't consider this a most fabulous, must have at every meal, it's tasty enough to enjoy the blueberries in salad as a healthy alternative of something to eat.
State Champions 10U-A. What makes this team unique is that they are a true All-Star team. They are nominated by their coaches and then voted to be a part of the team. Being on this team is truly earned. Clinton sponsors the team and the team represents the city; therefore, behavior from the coaches, the parents and players is utmost valuable.
We entered most of the tournaments as underdogs as we had not played as a team before the first tournament. All our players had played on separate recreational teams during the Spring season. Our first tournament, in May, was the first time our players had played as a team. Our team won 3 out of 5 tournaments with the 3rd being the State Championship.
We have been honored to be a part of this All Star team for the past 2 Spring seasons and I can sincerely say that it has been the best baseball experience we have had in our 6 years of playing baseball bc of the coaches, the players and the parents.
