What I've been reading...

The Story of the Trapp Family Singers was a good but long(ish) read.  It was not a book I couldn't put down, but it was an interesting story none the less.  The beginning is similar to the movie, but Maria Trapp tells their story long after they escape to the US.  Sometimes the perfect harmony and  altruism of this family is unbelievable at best and annoying at worst, but I found it overall to be inspirational. 

Death in Holy Orders was my first P.D. James mystery.  I had to get through the first third before I really got into it.  You really can't predict "who done it" because she gives reason for many people to be suspect.  She has excellent character development, as you feel you know something about the nature of even the most minor characters.  Similar to a Sherlock Holmes mystery, you aren't sitting on the edge of your seat, scared at every turn, but it is fun to read through the process of the investigation and the logic behind the detective's conclusions.  She explores many ways that good and evil interact in our society and human nature.  Without giving anything away, there was one part of the ending that was WAY too contrived, but overall it was a good read.

Never Let Me Go is written by Kazuo Ishiguro (who also wrote Remains of the Day).  I can't really tell you anything about this book because anything I write will be giving something away.  You don't really "get it" for a long time into the book.  I expected to like this book more than I did.  It was recommended by someone for our book club....someone that is well read and has good taste.  Maybe it was too built up in my mind for me to actually enjoy it.  However, when I finished it, I did find myself wishing I had someone to discuss it with....so I guess it really may have been a good book club selection.  Anyone read it?

The Zookeeper's WIfe by Diane Ackerman.  If you can get past all the technical nature writing, there is a wonderful story here.  Ackerman tells the true story of Jan and Antonina Zabiniski, who ran the Warsaw Zoo, and harbored hundreds of Jews, during the Nazi occupation.  Much of it is written using Antonina's diaries.  If you enjoy reading about WWII heros, this glimpse into life in the Warsaw ghetto is certainly worth your time.

You should read The Reason for God (Belief in an Age of Skepticism) by Tim Keller.  Really, you should.  It is a modern day "Mere Christianity," addressing many of the common arguments against Christianity.  The first half is entitled "The Leap of Doubt," and it explores "beefs" people have with Christianity....How could a good God allow suffering?  How can a loving God send people to hell?  Christianity is a straitjacket....are just a few of the chapters.  The second half is "The Reasons for Faith."  In this section, Keller writes about why we all KNOW that God exists, and he gives compelling reasons for why Christianity makes sense.  It is a great book for apologetics, will strengthen your faith, and/or may answer some questions for you if you haven't yet made the decision to give your life to Christ.  This book is well written and easy to read.  One of the best I've read this year...