What I Read: October 2020

I gravitated towards some shorter books this month after I finally finished the Alexander Hamilton biography (see below) and the Count of Monte Cristo. I'm not adding photos of the books because I am lazy.

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow ★★★★/5

It's been awhile since I picked up a hefty biography. When I was in highschool, I would frequently have a stack of biographies next to my bed as my 'fun' reading before bed. Majoring in History has righted that weird habit, but I do enjoy a biography here and there.

Like most people, I was led to this biography because I watched Hamilton the musical on Disney+ this summer. I loved the production and I wish there were more historically based musicals out there.

My main problem with this biography is Ron Chernow's obvious biases for Hamilton and against Jefferson. While I find many of his criticisms true and valid, I prefer biographies that contain less obvious bias. If this is the only information you've ever read on the founding fathers, I would recommend reading a few more perspectives in order to gain an accurate view of the events. As always, primary sources, whenever possible, are preferable to someone else's opinions on the subject. Overall, I found Chernow's writing style engaging, and his storytelling well done.

The Bridal Wreath by Sigrid Undset ★★★★★/5 & The Mistress of Husaby by Sigrid Undset ★★★★/5

I've been meaning to read the Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy for many years now, and have just finally gotten around to it. As a wife and mother, I think I appreciate it more than I would have as a young whippersnapper, so it was worth waiting.

My feelings during the first novel, The Bridal Wreath, reminded me a little of how I feel when I read Gone with the Wind. The stories are in no way similar, it's just the feeling of: "NO! STOP GIRL, DON'T! STOP! BAD CHOICE!" I don't want to spoil the story, but essentially, Kristin volunteers for her problems, and she receives realistic consequences in return. I haven't read the third book yet, The Cross, but based on the title, it sounds like Kristin's life will continue to be challenging.

A note: the newer and more popular Penguin translation of this book is rumored to be less accurate to the original language (Norwegian). I went with the older translation (Archer), which the author actually helped with, being fluent in both Norwegian and English. However, it is worth nothing that the Penguin edition may include some text that was excluded from the Archer English translation. I'll have to read that one someday and maybe I can give some better insight.

Where the Light Is by Heidi Pattee ★★★★★/5

Full disclosure, I know the author (friend of my mom's) of this short poetry collection and really like her, so I could be biased, but I loved this book. If you're a lover of poetry, it's definitely worth a perusal. It's quite short and took me less than an hour to read.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis ★★★★★/5, Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis ★★★★★/5, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis ★★★★★/5, The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis ★★★★★/5

Ah, Narnia. I re-read these books every few years, and every time, they enchant and teach me. I got through the first 5 in October, and finished up in November. I can't really pick a favorite--they are all so good--but if I had to, I guess I would go with the first. 

I will say that this read through was much more interesting since I recently read Lewis's Space Trilogy, as well as some of his other works. I feel like I understand his worldview so much more after reading many of his books all in a row. His ideas about life outside of our world really fascinate me, especially since he presents it from a Christian perspective.

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming by Henri J.M. Nouwen ★★★★★/5

I've had Nouwen on my list for several years, and I'm glad I started with this beautiful reflection. I hope to read more of his work in the future. As someone who also loves art, I was very impressed by how much insight he found in this one Rembrandt painting and am inspired to become a more contemplative person. I think I am so easily distracted as a result of being a part of the 21st century, and the importance of sitting and quietly meditating on beauty was really brought forward by this book.

When God Wrecks Your Romance: Orthodox Faith, Unorthodox Story by Amanda Vernon and Matt Fase ★★★/5

I heard Amanda Vernon on a podcast a year or so ago (can't remember which one), and I was intrigued by her forthcoming book. I loved how boldly she spoke about about a topic which was so personal, and potentially controversial. I've since watched some of her youtube videos, and she has an amazing voice as well as a fun personality. This memoir was a very fun and quick read, but I wouldn't necessarily read it again. If anyone wants to borrow it, my copy is up for grabs!

KPA