STOP ME IF YOU’VE READ THIS ONE: Prairie Lite

Author Carla Kelly

Prairie Lite is not a romance novel. Carla Kelly is an award winning historical romance writer but her true talent emerges with this compilation of her best newspaper columns. As a former columnist myself, I appreciate her ability to use the few words allowed by newspapers to enlighten and entertain.

Do you ever long for the feel of a hot dusty breeze in the summer or a face paralyzing wind in the winter? Me neither, but I do have some great Midwest prairie memories and Carla Kelly has captured them in print with humor and affection.

Kelly lived in North Dakota and wrote, “North Dakotans must be the most optimistic people in America. I think it’s contagious. Who else would go outside when it was clear and nine below and say, “What a beautiful day!” Anyone from a warmer state (pick any 47 or so) overhearing that Northern Plains euphoria would probably start backing away slowly, speaking in soothing tones and avoiding eye contact.”

Her July 16, 2007 column titled, “Got Zucchini?” made me realize that we all suffer from a crazy mandate to eat everything that our garden produces – even a summer squash that multiplies while we sleep. We can’t just throw it away!

Kelly wrote, “For all I know, the Scenic Byway is lined with roving, feral zucchini, tossed out of car windows by desperate gardeners numb with the idea of thinking up one more way to disguise zucchini so folks will eat it.”

This is one of those books you give to friends, or select for your book club. Each column discusses a different topic ranging from vacation memories in the back of a station wagon to a favorite Christmas story about the candy bomber Gail Halvorsen.  Kelly shares those things we have in common as well as highlighting those odd, quirky things unique to every climate zone. I enjoyed a little lite reading from one of my favorite authors.

Review: Caleb’s Crossing

by Geraldine Brooks

I love historical fiction and I really enjoyed Caleb’s Crossing. I know I’m not alone since lots of women bought this book and we read it in our book club. But statistically romance novels were the most popular genre for women in 2004 with 55% of all books sold falling into this category.

Thank goodness we women have moved past 2004 and have expanded our reading appetites to include fantasies with fangs. I’ll bet that really messed up the stats.

I apparently belong in the minority group who still prefer historical fiction for my reading entertainment. I like to visit a time period before I was born so I can say, “Thank goodness I wasn’t born before central air and heating and outlet malls because I never would have survived.”

Caleb’s Crossing is set in 1660 before any of the comforts of home were invented. On the island now known as Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, we begin reading the story of Bethia  Mayfield and Caleb Cheeshahteaumauk. Bethia is the young daughter of a Calvinist minister and Caleb is an adolescent member of the Wampanoag tribe on the island.

Caleb’s character is based on the true story of the first Native American to graduate from Harvard. The author admits that very little is known about Caleb or his life, but she uses missionary journals from the time to tell his story and shape the dialogue between the two cultures on the island.

Bethia is a fictional character who believes firmly in her religion but not always her “place” in the community. She craves education despite being denied the opportunity. She admires her mother and tries earnestly to go about her hearthside chores with a cheerful heart and silent lips. She doesn’t always succeed. At one point in the story, Bethia stands before the congregation to confess an improper oath uttered only in the presence of her brother. She accepts her vindictive punishment stoically but we are horrified by the injustice and cruelty.

This novel is another example of Brooks’ brilliant use of language to transport us to another time and place. She illuminates all the dark corners of the time filled with ignorance and prejudice but she also shines a spotlight on the strength, courage and love.

BookLook back in business

Time to get back to posting book reviews. Sadly, after my BookLook newspaper column died and was buried with the Springville Herald, I have been busy writing for the Daily Herald but not writing book reviews. So, back by popular request, book reviews are back now shorter but not sweeter.

I Will Survive

I can shower, dress, and dry my hair in the time it takes for one "Dinosaur Train" episode. Yes, I will use PBS as a babysitter when needed.

Every day the boys open a surprise gift from their parents - the helicopter.

Nico the climber

Valentines is past but here's a post

What Mike and baby Paxton did while the rest of us made Valentines.Those cheeks are so cute - the baby's of course.

Dawson and Roman - it's all about the stickers for your Valentine

Haydon writing a note in his valentine, love his cowlicks!

I know it's past Valentines but once a week is all I got folks.

Seattle temple 1st day open after the "Big Snow"

With our principal group. When we attend national conferences together we all go to the temple. There is something wonderful about this group of educators spending their Saturday "free time" at the temple instead of sleeping in or seeing the sights before the classes start.

I said to Mark,"I hope there isn't a wedding today with all the snow covering the pansies." In the background you can see the chilly bride and the photographer trying desperately to choose new photo spots.

See - food in Seattle

Some people eat sea food or fresh produce at Pike's Market in Seattle. I was caught with my bag of fresh hot mini donuts...

First day in Seattle, just rain no more snow. Outside the aquarium.