BOOKS ARE LOYAL FRIENDS...

I just finished reading two books this past two weeks.  Both were wonderful!  One was non-fiction, profound and full of truth.  The other was a beloved re-read that made me glad to be alive.  Here are my reviews:

The Crucible of Doubt by Terryl and Fiona Givens was a book I borrowed from the Pina Family.  It was brilliant!  This book asks the questions: Are doubt, uncertainty, and questions the enemies of faith?  Is it possible to hold both faith and doubt simultaneously?  Reading this book requires attention, pondering and effort.  But the reader is well-rewarded.  The authors did extensive research and shared beautiful thoughts and quotes throughout the book.  It is definitely an "academic" book... I loved the way in which they encouraged everyone to explore and draw their own conclusions.  It made great sense.  I recommend it.

I read Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury in high school and loved it.  I haven't read it sense, although I think of it every summer.  This year, since I'm re-reading a book between every new book I decided to tackle Dandelion Wine again.  I'm glad I did.  This is the story of a 12 year old boy discovering that he is alive.  Throughout the pages, Douglas Spaulding discovers the wonder of a Number Two pencil, the joy of rising early in the morning to watch his town come to life with the sunrise, new shoes, and good friends who move away.  He also learns that everything that is alive must someday die.  He discovers the joys of listening to stories from the older generation, the importance of extended family and learning to deal with fear and death.  This book reminds me to be passionate and joyful and "fully alive" from moment to moment.  It is a beautiful affirmation of childhood and innocence.  I believe that everyone has their own "classic books" list and each list is different from other's "classic books."  This one is one of my "classics!"