"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." -Thomas Jefferson

This summer I was able to realize one of my dreams, to visit England and Scotland for the first time. My husband I got to see many amazing castles, churches, memorials, and cities that helped us to paint a picture of some of the history that we'd previously only known through books and teachers. I'm always ready to learn something new, to do something that I've never done before, and to meet people who are different from me. I think Jefferson nailed it in this quote. Yes, there are many events in history that no one wants to repeat, but there were also glorious days that we may wish we could return to, a time when life was less complicated and people took the time to talk to one another. Still, I would really rather live in the present with a hopeful dream for the future of my family and my country. Obviously, none of us wants to repeat the sad, deadly events of the past. So let this be another gentle reminder to you...always have a dream before you so that you are always looking forward and not dreading the past.

On to our topic of BOOKS! Since my last entry, I can proudly say that I completed the LONG book, Paris: The Novel. Yes, I read all 805 pages but my enthusiasm was fading somewhat toward the end. Still, I enjoyed following several different colorful characters through various decades in the history of Paris. Some of the characters met well-known people such as Hemingway, Picasso, and Monet. These characters live through epidemics, the French Revolution, and Hitler's regime. I also learned a little bit about Charles de Gaulle, the French general for whom the large airport in Paris is named (CDG airport). If you are interested in French history I think you will enjoy this book.

Earlier I wrote about one of the best novels that I've ever read, Cutting For Stone, by Abraham Verghese. I would put this in the top 15 books that I've ever read. This is the book about twin brothers who were born in Ethiopia. Have you read this book? If so, what did you think? I would love to read your comments. I found it to be an amazing story of charismatic characters who loved each other deeply and who also loved the poor, suffering people of their country. This is the only novel that I've ever read about a nun who gave birth to twins and died in childbirth, leaving the father's identify a deep mystery. It's an intriguing plot with powerful characters.

I hope you're keeping up with my card catalog list of all of the books that I've read since 1984. Somehow, throughout various moves, I still have the two card catalogs. I recently had to buy a third plastic file because the first two were too full. It would be easier to put these books on a spreadsheet, but when I started the list I didn't own a computer and didn't know anyone who had one. So here are the next five books in my card catalog:

The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank.
The Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank
Death of the Soul by William Barrett
The Work of the Minister of Education by Will Beal
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt

I neglected to mention in earlier entries, that when I talk about the best books that I've read, I believe that the Holy Bible is the greatest, most important, and most life-changing book that has ever been written. It comes before all of the other books that I've ever read because it is the guide for all people on earth to live their lives, regardless of the language spoken or time in history. In other words, the Bible is for ALL people throughout all of history. It has probably been translated into more languages than any other book. In a day when people are searching for hope amidst chaos, suffering, sadness, and evil, the Bible has something to say that will encourage and guide everyone who reads it. When I read the Bible, I see how God has encouraged His people, and I know that He will surely rescue me as well, encouraging me all along the way.  This is a statement of faith, and people who acknowledge their "spiritual-ness" will also receive this hope through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is very, very powerful.

The book that I started today is The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman. My good friend, Anita, recommended this book, and I've thoroughly enjoyed it so far. It is a story of an immigrant and how she made it in America, so since I enjoy historical novels, I'm sure this one will not disappoint! Can't wait to dig deeper into it. Incidentally, this book is not out in paperback yet, so get it on your kindle or try to get it from the library.

It's officially Fall now, so enjoy it! I'm looking forward to a beautiful, cooler week here in North Carolina. I would appreciate any feedback that you can give me about my blog, so please leave me your comments when you have a chance!

-Melissa