The Witch of Cologne

Rich in historical details set in 17th century Germany, this novel does an excellent job of illustrating political, religious (Jewish & Catholic), and societal issues of the period.

Ruth is the daughter of the local rabbi who also happens to be a trained midwife. Despite the fact that she is only 23, she's gained the reputation of being the best and so she finds herself called on by the Catholic population. Add a Catholic Canon who falls in love with Ruth and a Spanish inquisitor to the plot and you have a wonderfully entertaining (not to mention a tad educational) story.

Despited the titillating cover (which gives it more of an S & M appearance in my opinion, than a historical appearance! lol), I recommend this as a good satisfying read!

The Historian

I'm not especially intrigued with all the YA vampire-themed novels/series that are popular right now, however, this book is so filled with intriguing historical details and characters that they overshadow the supernatural aspects. For anyone who has traveled Europe--especially eastern Europe--I think you'd find this an especially interesting read.

Somehow I wasn't "in the loop" last summer when Lisa, Natalie, and Kari read this. I picked this up for $1.00 at Half-Price Books...great read...highly recommend it.

A Can of Peas by Traci DePree

How do newly weds learn to support each others' dreams, find a shared sense of place, and learn toward common goals? After his grandfather dies, Peter and Mae Morgan decide to change their life by managing the family farm near the tiny Lake Emily, Minnesota. How hard can it be to milk a heard of cows or to raise hay, corn, peas (yes, peas!), and chickens? Peter and Mae initially think it'll be a quiet, simple existence after living in the city, but the stress of long hours in the field, the rigors of the milking parlor, and their inability to control weather or milk prices -- it all taxes their young optimism and their relationship. DePree alternates the storyline with early vignettes of characters, giving the reader a sense of history, helping make sense of characters' actions and providing a thread of hope that things just might turn out.

Having lived in a rural community like Lake Emily, MN, the characters and story ring true: the isolation, the dependence on nature and market prices, the peaceful countryside, the bountiful (or meager) harvest, and especially the relationships -- the community that arises to provide hope and unquestioned support during both celebrations and heartaches.

This book came to me via Paperback Swap...but I cannot remember why I placed this on my wish list. DePree is known for editing and writing Christian novels, and I'm not known for being a lover of Christian fiction. But although this book does incorporate a strong strand of Christian message throughout, Can of Peas is a well-crafted storyline and contains powerful characters...and it all works well together. I started reading and had trouble putting the book down when it was time to turn out the light. I found the ending particularly compelling -- life is a full circle of joy and heartache.

Devil in the White City

Apologies for the size of the "Water for Elephants" picture. I tried!!

Another amazing book I read in the last couple of months was "Devil in the White City." I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction for some reason. Perhaps because I know the fate of the characters is either predetermined or bent to fit the historical facts. But "Devil" read more like a journalistic foray into the 1893 World's Fair. I wasn't a standout student in American history class, but I do think I picked up the basics. And I had no idea a) that we hosted a World's Fair, or b) how many, many parts of the American vernacular had their start at the 1893 Fair. Author Eric Larsen takes the reader on a journey through the planning and creation of the fair, from first meetings through the creation of a structure to top the Eiffel Tower.

Interwoven into the chapters of the creation of a fantasyland are chapters relating the story of a madman, one of the first known serial killers in the United States. Larsen has done extensive research on all of the characters in the book, and he states at the beginning that everything in quotation marks was actually written or said. It's still hard to believe that a person like the man described in the book actually existed.

The contrast of the two settings is thrilling, and knowing that this all took place in the blossoming city of Chicago is fascinating. A wonderful read, for mystery-lovers and history-lovers alike.

Water for Elephants

Hey everyone!
I've been a slacker for a while (and I still can't update what I'm reading in the sidebar. Any ideas?) I haven't read much lately, probably because when I have a good book in the house, things like dusting, cleaning, and bathing take a backseat. (Ok, if I must confess, dusting always takes a back seat. You're not allowed to look under the beds.)

But lately, I inhaled "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. Despite it arriving through Paperback Swap with mold damage (ew!) I had heard so many good things about it that I was excited to read it. And, thankfully, it was much more refreshing than popular books often are. I love Gruen's simple style. Each adjective seems chosen specifically, and her images are striking. It's been several weeks since I read the book, and the picture I have in my head is a fuzzy black-and-white photo with bright spots of red in the circus bigtop.

The story is told as a series of flashbacks from the protagonist, who is now a lonely old man in a nursing home. He remembers the circus from his youth, of running away after tragedy strikes and joining with the motley bunch of performers, workers, and animals. The characters are based in truth, and the author discusses her extensive research into the Depression-era circus. Fascinating--a world I never knew existed!