The Bee Sting - I started reading this and got very annoyed and bored with it. It's very long and the library needed it back when I was 3/4 through. I got back in the queue and it took a few months to get back. It seemed to pick up a bit so I don't know if it was me who changed or if the book was hitting it's peak so the pace was better. It's quite good by the end but just too long to carry the story in my opinion. Good story, plenty of menace but just diluted in the lengthy telling of it.
Star Spangled Jesus - Someone on one of the blogs recommended this, and as I recognised the author of Insta, I thought I'd give it a go. It looks at the rise of Christian Nationalism in America (something that to those of us outside of the States seems very UNChristian and against most of Christian values. It's ok to be Christian and love your country but when that comes at a cost of helping the poor and the sick and persecuting people, there's something very, very wrong with it). The book gives a clear insight into how it came about but where this book differs, is she used to think all these things. A lot of her quotes and examples are her own tweets or essays (or even songs she wrote and performed). She uses her own misguided behaviour as examples, so it helps you see how it happens, and not just write it off as crazy or nasty people. I've recommended to a friend already, so I guess it's a thumbs.
The Group - Someone also recommended this. It's a strange book. Maybe translation makes it odd but I did like it. It's got a bit of a nasty edge and is a little uncomfortable at times (but that might be my age). An easy to read, and only took me a few days, so I guess that's a good sign.
The Reflections of the Queen Snow White - The concept is great but I struggled at times with the execution. Snow White was a little annoying and the sex scenes were really ick to be honest (maybe it is my age??). The idea is interesting but not a must read.
The Intruders - This is a little comic about a returned soldier with PTSD. It's very melancholy and a little surprising. I found it very sad. It's super short, I read it on the train to the city. It sort of stuck with me so I guess that's a good sign.
Linking with #SeniorSalonPitstop #StackingtheShelves #SundaySalon #SundayPost #Bookdate #AnythingGoes #TalkaboutitTuesday
Thanks for these interesting mini reviews! It is very wrong to most of us here in the states too!
ReplyDeleteQuite different, but we just had a case where a religious cult let an 8 year old die because they wouldn't give her insulin (thinking God would heal her) and it was astounding listening to them talk after the death still believing she'd be given back to them by God. I was incredulous that you could be so wrong in action and yet still believe you were right. I think that's what I liked in the book. She pointed out her own flawed action, over and over again. So she had that understanding of how it happens.
DeleteSuch a varied and eclectic mix of books!
ReplyDeleteSome of new interesting titles to read
ReplyDeleteI loved your comments about the books, especially the parentheses ( ). Most of my comments about books, television, and movies would have the same, (maybe it is my age??) and that says it all. I finally wrote a book for myself, it's odd, but I liked the process and the product. I had to set it in the 60's to feel good about it, and (Maybe it is my age??)
ReplyDeleteWhat's the title? Promote, promote! That's exciting.
DeleteI feel like I would like to learn more about Christian nationalism. This book sounds like it would be good as it is based on personal experience.
ReplyDeleteI liked The Bee Sting, but it was a tragic story and it was very long.
Star Spangled Jesus seems very relevant right now. I'll look for that one.
ReplyDeleteI saw Paul Murray at an author event last year. Whilst the conversation was very interesting I wasn't in a huge hurray to read the book!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
The Bee Sting has been going on and off my tbr list ever since it was first published. Still can't decide whether it's worth investing all that time! I should probably just borrow it from the library and see...
ReplyDeleteOur family heritage is filled with military service, but the cost is definitely PTSD. I look forward to reading Intruders. Yes, (sigh) people of faith can definitely be challenged in the U.S., as well as those without faith. Intolerance, judgement and harshness seem to becoming the sad norm in my country.
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry about your family members. It's a high cost to pay but also, how could you not be affected by what you saw or did (or the heavy loss of those around you). I hope they are getting the help they need to adjust and resettle. I think it's appalling that the cuts are being made to those who were made vulnerable by their service - economically, physically or mentally.
DeleteInteresting assortment of books. I don't think I could manage Star Spangled Jesus without heaving the book at the wall. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteIntruders sounds like something I would like. My dad was a war vet and it impacted him greatly, and I work with families who sometimes are dealing with PTSD from time in the military or other life events, so it's a topic that interests me.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I will read Star Spangled Jesus, but it does sound like an interesting read. It sounds like the author handles the topic with sensitivity, which probably is helped given her own experiences. This entire Christian Nationalist movement in the U.S. is scary.
I hope you have a great week, Lydia!
As an American who voted against Trump and is leaving the U.S. because he won, a part of me wants to read Star Spangled Jesus, and a part of me is just so sick of the wholly unchristian, hateful crap that’s come to dominate American politics that I’m just done. Kudos to you for reading it!
ReplyDeleteIt must be devastating watching what he is doing to your country. That he would deliberately destroy your economy is incomprehensible. The pain we will all feel as it filters across the globe is very worrying. I do feel for all the people that will suffer both with persecution and poverty. I hope you are okay and find peace somewhere. It is not an easy thing to do, as I'm sure you are discovering.
DeleteThe book is sort of hopeful, I think because she is so positive and full of love herself.
DeleteThe Snow White book caught my eye with its beautiful cover illustration and the unfamiliar award (to me) it has received. I thought it was a children's picture book until I read your review. Nevermind.
ReplyDelete