Joyce Huggett grew up in a close-knit working-class community, and found her roots of caring in the generous - if sometimes brusque - hearts of those around her when she was a child.
Mostly autobiographical, 'Listening to Others' charts the author's gradual introduction to healing and wholeness ministries, and the importance of listening.
Throughout the book she gives useful guidelines and practical advice, in an interesting and well-written format. There are many anecdotes as she charts her journey into the listening ministry, and explains clearly how she learned what she did - and also the mistakes that were sometimes made along the way. Personal tragedies are described, and the way that even one's pain can be used to help others.
It's a Christian book, intended for those who follow Jesus, but without any overt evangelistic message. Most of the caring people Joyce grew up with knew little about God, and many of the ideas she suggests would be of relevance to anybody.
Definitely recommended. Still in print in the UK, and available second-hand in the USA.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Running for the Hills (by Horatio Clare)
I was recommended and lent this book by someone who thoroughly enjoyed it. Horatio Clare has written a memoir: carefully constructed from his own recollection, conversations he's had and diaries he's read. He charts the time when his parents, young and idealistic, bought a rather run-down farm in Wales and attempted to make it work.
It was indeed a very well-written book, full of careful observations and would probably be of great interest to anyone who likes farms, or who is interested in biographies in general. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. I like biographies that have a lot of human interest - with a bit of humour too, if possible - such as those by James Herriot or Gervase Phinn.
But there was very little of that in 'Running for the Hills'. Instead there were detailed descriptions of farming life, some of it rather horrific, and a strangely dispassionate account of the disintegration of the author's parents' marriage.
I found myself struggling to hold interest in the first few chapters, waiting for something to happen. Then I began skimming to find more 'story'. Then I skimmed faster... I'm quite good at skimming, so I did spot a few passages where the children related to one of their parents, and quite enjoyed those parts. But I probably skimmed at least two-thirds of the book, and found it all rather sad in the end.
For those who like biographies it's a highly acclaimed book, and I certainly thought it was very well-written. There just wasn't anything much to hold my interest personally.
It was indeed a very well-written book, full of careful observations and would probably be of great interest to anyone who likes farms, or who is interested in biographies in general. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. I like biographies that have a lot of human interest - with a bit of humour too, if possible - such as those by James Herriot or Gervase Phinn.
But there was very little of that in 'Running for the Hills'. Instead there were detailed descriptions of farming life, some of it rather horrific, and a strangely dispassionate account of the disintegration of the author's parents' marriage.
I found myself struggling to hold interest in the first few chapters, waiting for something to happen. Then I began skimming to find more 'story'. Then I skimmed faster... I'm quite good at skimming, so I did spot a few passages where the children related to one of their parents, and quite enjoyed those parts. But I probably skimmed at least two-thirds of the book, and found it all rather sad in the end.
For those who like biographies it's a highly acclaimed book, and I certainly thought it was very well-written. There just wasn't anything much to hold my interest personally.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Glittering Images (by Susan Howatch)
I was recommended 'Glittering Images' by a friend, some years ago. She told me it was a psychological thriller featuring Church of England clergymen in the early part of the 20th century. It was a long book - just over 500 pages - and the front cover, mostly in black [the one shown at the bottom of this review], didn't appeal to me at all.
The book sat on my shelves for awhile, until by chance I came across another novel by Susan Howatch, which I read - and loved. So one wet weekend, seven years ago, I picked up 'Glittering Images' for the first time.
The book is related by a thirty-seven-year-old widowed clergyman called Charles Ashworth. In chapter one he has tea with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and is asked to undertake an unusual commission. One of the bishops has apparently been creating a stir in church circles; the Archbishop is worried that this bishop, who is known for having a lot of female admirers, might have written indiscreet letters or journal entries, which could be jumped upon by the press. Charles is sent as an undercover spy to find out if this might be the case.
It doesn't sound terribly exciting, and it took me about four attempts to get into the book at first. Charles goes to stay with the bishop, supposedly to undertake some research for his next theological book, and gets chatting to several other guests. He is also strongly attracted to Lyle, the bishop's administrator, and companion to his wife. But there's some kind of mystery surrounding Lyle, who seems to be much more involved with her employers than would be expected. Charles sets out to solve it, and in doing so unravels some of his own insecurities and childhood difficulties, helped - eventually - by an intelligent and forthright monk called Jon Darrow.
That probably still sounds rather dry... and in the hands of another writer, perhaps it would have been. But Susan Howatch has a wonderful style - fast-paced, terse, yet with incredible depth into the human psyche. Her characters are totally believable, even in the bizarre circumstances that gradually emerge for some of them. Her plotting is brilliant, with cliff-hangers at the end of chapters and some most unexpected events that kept me intrigued and interested at every moment. By the time I'd read the first hundred pages or so, I could hardly put the book down.
It's shocking in places, it's exciting, it's deep, it's thought-provoking. And while the chief characters are mostly Anglican clergymen, it's a book that seems to appeal to people of all faiths or none.
I first read the book in 2000, I re-read it in 2001, and I read it again recently... enjoying it all the more despite knowing what was coming.
It's the first of six novels in the 'Starbridge' series, and I recommend it highly! Unfortunately it's currently out of print in both the USA and UK, but is widely available second-hand from both countries.
The book sat on my shelves for awhile, until by chance I came across another novel by Susan Howatch, which I read - and loved. So one wet weekend, seven years ago, I picked up 'Glittering Images' for the first time.
The book is related by a thirty-seven-year-old widowed clergyman called Charles Ashworth. In chapter one he has tea with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and is asked to undertake an unusual commission. One of the bishops has apparently been creating a stir in church circles; the Archbishop is worried that this bishop, who is known for having a lot of female admirers, might have written indiscreet letters or journal entries, which could be jumped upon by the press. Charles is sent as an undercover spy to find out if this might be the case.
It doesn't sound terribly exciting, and it took me about four attempts to get into the book at first. Charles goes to stay with the bishop, supposedly to undertake some research for his next theological book, and gets chatting to several other guests. He is also strongly attracted to Lyle, the bishop's administrator, and companion to his wife. But there's some kind of mystery surrounding Lyle, who seems to be much more involved with her employers than would be expected. Charles sets out to solve it, and in doing so unravels some of his own insecurities and childhood difficulties, helped - eventually - by an intelligent and forthright monk called Jon Darrow.
That probably still sounds rather dry... and in the hands of another writer, perhaps it would have been. But Susan Howatch has a wonderful style - fast-paced, terse, yet with incredible depth into the human psyche. Her characters are totally believable, even in the bizarre circumstances that gradually emerge for some of them. Her plotting is brilliant, with cliff-hangers at the end of chapters and some most unexpected events that kept me intrigued and interested at every moment. By the time I'd read the first hundred pages or so, I could hardly put the book down.
It's shocking in places, it's exciting, it's deep, it's thought-provoking. And while the chief characters are mostly Anglican clergymen, it's a book that seems to appeal to people of all faiths or none.
I first read the book in 2000, I re-read it in 2001, and I read it again recently... enjoying it all the more despite knowing what was coming.
It's the first of six novels in the 'Starbridge' series, and I recommend it highly! Unfortunately it's currently out of print in both the USA and UK, but is widely available second-hand from both countries.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Blind Spots in the Bible (by Adrian Plass)
I've just finished reading one of Adrian Plass's non-fiction books, 'Blind Spots in the Bible'. It's not a book to read at one sitting: it's a collection of short passages from Scripture, some better-known than others, with the author's thoughts about them. Each of the passages either has something that doesn't appear to fit with the rest of the Bible, or something which is often ignored.
I suppose some fundamentalists would be unhappy with this; Plass slightly satirises the point of view that every last semi-colon of Scripture is divinely inspired. That's not to say that he doesn't take the Bible seriously - he clearly does. But he also acknowledges that it was written by humans, in a particular culture. Jewish culture of the time often used deliberate exaggeration to make a point, for instance.
I love Adrian Plass's writing. I suppose it's very 'British', with gentle irony, and places where he pokes fun at himself. But there's a lot of depth amidst the apparent lightness, and I found this book quite thought-provoking at times. Don't expect deep theology; this is the author's own thoughts, including some personal anecdotes. But in my view, that makes it all the more readable - and all the more comprehensible, too.
Recommended to anyone who struggles with certain aspects of the Bible - or, indeed, to those who would like to pick holes in it. This little book shows how even some of the trickiest passages do make sense, so long as one takes a broader view of God.
I suppose some fundamentalists would be unhappy with this; Plass slightly satirises the point of view that every last semi-colon of Scripture is divinely inspired. That's not to say that he doesn't take the Bible seriously - he clearly does. But he also acknowledges that it was written by humans, in a particular culture. Jewish culture of the time often used deliberate exaggeration to make a point, for instance.
I love Adrian Plass's writing. I suppose it's very 'British', with gentle irony, and places where he pokes fun at himself. But there's a lot of depth amidst the apparent lightness, and I found this book quite thought-provoking at times. Don't expect deep theology; this is the author's own thoughts, including some personal anecdotes. But in my view, that makes it all the more readable - and all the more comprehensible, too.
Recommended to anyone who struggles with certain aspects of the Bible - or, indeed, to those who would like to pick holes in it. This little book shows how even some of the trickiest passages do make sense, so long as one takes a broader view of God.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The Tinner's Daughter (by Rosemary Aitken)
'The Tinner's Daughter' is a novel set in Cornwall around the turn of the 20th century, written by Rosemary Aitken - an author I had not previously come across.
The story is about Carrie, the much-loved only daughter of a tin miner and his hardworking wife. We first meet her in her early teens, when she's about to leave school and take her first job, in service as a kitchenmaid. Life is hard, but on the whole Carrie is contented, despite lack of money, few possessions, and sometimes harsh conditions.
As she grows up young men start to court her, and inevitably she marries, has a child, and suffers bereavement and more hardship. Yes, it's one of those 'Catherine Cookson' type of novels; when I realised this, after a few chapters, I wondered if I would bother to continue. I understand that life was appalling for many people a century ago, but I read in the evenings for relaxation and entertainment. However, I continued, and am glad I did. There aren't the horrific details of some books in this genre, although the unpleasant side of life certainly isn't glossed over. Carrie remains optimistic even when life crashes around her; moreover she always knows she is loved by her family, and has some good friends she can trust. The sordidness and poverty of life is compensated for, somewhat, in the closeness of family and neighbourhood ties.
The style of writing is confident and the plot moves forward at the right kind of pace without great excitement or suspense, but with sufficient to hold my interest over a busy week. The author is clearly comfortable in a Cornish setting, and the background of mining (tinning and claying) as well as the use of mild dialect seem natural rather than researched.
So it was interesting as a bit of social history, enjoyable as a novel, and a reasonably enjoyable light read.
The story is about Carrie, the much-loved only daughter of a tin miner and his hardworking wife. We first meet her in her early teens, when she's about to leave school and take her first job, in service as a kitchenmaid. Life is hard, but on the whole Carrie is contented, despite lack of money, few possessions, and sometimes harsh conditions.
As she grows up young men start to court her, and inevitably she marries, has a child, and suffers bereavement and more hardship. Yes, it's one of those 'Catherine Cookson' type of novels; when I realised this, after a few chapters, I wondered if I would bother to continue. I understand that life was appalling for many people a century ago, but I read in the evenings for relaxation and entertainment. However, I continued, and am glad I did. There aren't the horrific details of some books in this genre, although the unpleasant side of life certainly isn't glossed over. Carrie remains optimistic even when life crashes around her; moreover she always knows she is loved by her family, and has some good friends she can trust. The sordidness and poverty of life is compensated for, somewhat, in the closeness of family and neighbourhood ties.
The style of writing is confident and the plot moves forward at the right kind of pace without great excitement or suspense, but with sufficient to hold my interest over a busy week. The author is clearly comfortable in a Cornish setting, and the background of mining (tinning and claying) as well as the use of mild dialect seem natural rather than researched.
So it was interesting as a bit of social history, enjoyable as a novel, and a reasonably enjoyable light read.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
A Task Unfinished (by Michael Griffiths)
'A Task Unfinished' is subtitled: 'How to recruit, support and pray for missionaries and Christian workers in a constantly changing world' - and that's a pretty good brief summary of what this book is about.
Dr Michael Griffiths spent some years on the mission field himself, so he speaks from experience as well as from a Biblical perspective. He encourages his readers, first of all, to identify with Jesus' command to go out into the world and make disciples. Missionaries, he insists, are not special in any way - they're just the ones who happen to be in other countries doing God's work. But we all have a role to play in our own workplaces and homes, as well as a role in supporting those who are further afield.
The book is well-structured, giving easy access to anyone wanting to use it as a quick reference guide. I read it over about ten days, a chapter or two at a time, and while much of it was familiar to me I still felt it useful to read. The author explains how to prepare for service overseas, different styles of funding, what it means to be a 'tent-maker', the importance of keeping in touch, and so much more. He explains, too, the oddity of the overseas worker having two different worlds - almost as if going through a wardrobe to Narnia - something which I have certainly experienced.
A bit dry in places, but still recommended to anyone wanting to know anything about what Christian mission work is, and how churches can become enthusiastic in supporting those working abroad.
Dr Michael Griffiths spent some years on the mission field himself, so he speaks from experience as well as from a Biblical perspective. He encourages his readers, first of all, to identify with Jesus' command to go out into the world and make disciples. Missionaries, he insists, are not special in any way - they're just the ones who happen to be in other countries doing God's work. But we all have a role to play in our own workplaces and homes, as well as a role in supporting those who are further afield.
The book is well-structured, giving easy access to anyone wanting to use it as a quick reference guide. I read it over about ten days, a chapter or two at a time, and while much of it was familiar to me I still felt it useful to read. The author explains how to prepare for service overseas, different styles of funding, what it means to be a 'tent-maker', the importance of keeping in touch, and so much more. He explains, too, the oddity of the overseas worker having two different worlds - almost as if going through a wardrobe to Narnia - something which I have certainly experienced.
A bit dry in places, but still recommended to anyone wanting to know anything about what Christian mission work is, and how churches can become enthusiastic in supporting those working abroad.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Stage by Stage (by Jan Jones)
Stage by Stage is a light romantic fiction novel by Jan Jones, published by Transita who specialise in novels about women in their forties.
Beth, in her mid-forties with two teenagers, is shocked when her husband Alan walks out on her after a row. Not, as he has before, to play a game of golf and then return to a night in the guest room. This time, he packs his things and does not return. Beth's daughter Natalie is nearly 16; she and her brother Robin are heavily involved in the theatre, working as extras in repertory when the 'Footlights' company is nearby.
Beth starts taking in lodgers, and three of her earliest guests are from the Footlights company. Owen is in his late thirties, a brilliant actor who - like so many in his profession - drinks, swears too much, and is afraid of commitment. Seb is in his early 20s, a polite, very good-looking, up-and-coming star. Cate is the Assistant Stage Manager, and constantly
stressed...
I didn't think I would particularly enjoy this book. It is rather unashamedly 'chick-lit', and I'm not generally very keen on that style of book. The plot moves rapidly with multiple viewpoints
and casual relationships (though, thankfully, no lengthy details of bedroom antics). But there's humour, wisdom, kindness, and loyalty. And the settings seem very believable, without the tedium of lengthy 'researched' explanations.
I'm still not entirely sure why I liked it so much, but these people rather got under my skin; I particularly found myself empathising with Beth. I was quite disappointed when I got to the end, and already look forward to re-reading it in a few years.
My longer review is here at the Bookbag site.
Beth, in her mid-forties with two teenagers, is shocked when her husband Alan walks out on her after a row. Not, as he has before, to play a game of golf and then return to a night in the guest room. This time, he packs his things and does not return. Beth's daughter Natalie is nearly 16; she and her brother Robin are heavily involved in the theatre, working as extras in repertory when the 'Footlights' company is nearby.
Beth starts taking in lodgers, and three of her earliest guests are from the Footlights company. Owen is in his late thirties, a brilliant actor who - like so many in his profession - drinks, swears too much, and is afraid of commitment. Seb is in his early 20s, a polite, very good-looking, up-and-coming star. Cate is the Assistant Stage Manager, and constantly
stressed...
I didn't think I would particularly enjoy this book. It is rather unashamedly 'chick-lit', and I'm not generally very keen on that style of book. The plot moves rapidly with multiple viewpoints
and casual relationships (though, thankfully, no lengthy details of bedroom antics). But there's humour, wisdom, kindness, and loyalty. And the settings seem very believable, without the tedium of lengthy 'researched' explanations.
I'm still not entirely sure why I liked it so much, but these people rather got under my skin; I particularly found myself empathising with Beth. I was quite disappointed when I got to the end, and already look forward to re-reading it in a few years.
My longer review is here at the Bookbag site.
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