Return to Harmony

Janette Oke has done it again, but this time, she was assisted by T. Davis Bunn. Together, they've written a heartwarming, sweet story about love, life, forgiveness, and living your values and beliefs, in Return to Harmony. Its description states, "A quiet southern town, the distant storm clouds of the first world war, and two girls who are best friends. Jodie Harland and Bethan Keane had little in common before the plight of a homeless dog brought them together, but from that day on the two young girls were bound together as best friends. As different as night and day in personality and interests, their friendship grows strong through shared joys, trials, and, finally, devastating loss faced together. Then a day comes when it seems that faith itself drives a tragic wedge between them and shatters the love and respect that had cemented them even closer than sisters. During the next few years, the emotional distance between them appears to be finalized when Jodie goes off to college. The United States joins the war effort in Europe, threatening even the peaceful security of Harmony. When will the time ever come for a return to Harmony?" This book was amazing, filled with heartbreaking, all too familiar situations, comparable to our daily lives and struggles. Two girls, one strong friendship, all put to the test. Return to Harmony addresses forsaken faith and the need to forgive and be forgiven. It was especially meaningful to me due to the failed friendships and broken relationships that I have already experienced, and am experiencing, in my life. Anyone who has been hurt by others or are in need of atonement themselves can find comfort, hope, and inspiration in Return to Harmony. It is a novel good for the mind, soul, and spirit.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

It was incredible. Not only did it have an astounding plot, but this 1991 Newberry Honor Book has also won numerous other awards. Written by Avi, I am speaking of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. As described by the back cover, "Not every thirteen-year-old girl is accused of murder, brought to trial, and found guilty... Charlotte Doyle is just such a girl and she swears to tell the truth in all its detail. It happened during the summer of 1832 aboard a ship called the Seahawk. The only passenger on the long Atlantic Ocean crossing, Charlotte found herself caught between the madness of a ruthless captain and the rage of a mutinous crew. This is her terrifying account of that faithful voyage." It had an amazing ending and was filled with unexpected events that will keep you reading into the night (literally). Usually, I'm easily bored with adventure, and it's not a genre that I normally enjoy. I love a good mystery, a Christian romance, or any type of uplifting, meaningful novel. Although The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle does not fall under any of these categories, I would definitely recommend it. I am fairly picky about what I read, and certain books just don't hold my interest. This one was filled with suspense, foreshadowing, and descriptive writing from beginning to end. The only setback that I'm sure bothered some was the occasionally tedious descriptions. Because of this, it may not be a novel satisfying everyone's tastes. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it immensely!

As Daddy Cries

Life isn't always easy, and recently, for my pastor and his wife, their daily journey has been very difficult. Martha, their youngest daughter, had been battling cancer for several years. This past August, her battle ended and she was taken home. Not only was she married, but she also had a three year-old daughter, Eliya. I wrote this poem a few months ago as a school assignment, but it turned into something much more meaningful. It summarizes some of the events my parents and I observed while we were at the funeral. "As Daddy Cries" is written in Eliya's perspective, and it is in memory of her mother, Martha.

As Daddy Cries

He clutches me tightly,

And with a solemn face,

Carries me through the door,

My feet far from the floor.

Strangers consume us as

We walk the lonely halls.

As Daddy softly cries,

I reach and wipe his eyes.

We reach an open door,

And slowly enter in.

There she quietly lies,

Peaceful, like the blue skies.

"Sweetie, she's with Jesus,"

He whispers in my ear.

As Daddy softly cries,

I reach and wipe his eyes.

I sadly push my head,

Deeply into his chest,

And tears fall through my hair,

Though I don't know from where.

People come and greet us,

Faces both old and new.

As Daddy softly cries,

I reach and wipe his eyes.

We again go see Mommy,

This time to say good-bye.

And the casket closes,

Surrounded by roses.

We follow the casket,

It stops as pastor speaks.

As Daddy softly cries,

I reach and wipe his eyes.

It moves to the middle,

And we sit down in pews,

Me on my Daddy's lap,

Closing in every gap.

Grandpa sings to Mommy,

And Grandma sheds a tear.

As Daddy softly cries,

I reach and wipe his eyes.

We slowly leave my church,

And get into our car.

We reach an iron gate,

And solemnly we wait.

Rocks stand up everywhere,

Names carved in their faces.

As Daddy softly cries,

I reach and wipe his eyes.

The pastor says some more,

As Mommy's lowered down,

Down, down, into the ground.

We leave without a sound.

At the church we all smile,

And laugh with lots of glee.

And Daddy doesn't cry,

'Cuz we've said our good-bye.

Literature Expounded...

I am overwhelmingly excited about this new blog! I think it is going to become a great way for me to share my literary affection with everyone I know. I absolutely love literature. This includes reading, writing, analyzing, evaluating, and expounding upon books, both nonfiction and fiction, and poetry. In fact, that's the reason I am starting this blog. As you might have already guessed, English is my favorite subject. I love words. Dictionaries are amazing, but thesauruses are my best friend. This is because of the extreme enjoyment and excitement I experience over new, different, and "big" words. Through this blog, I can not only talk about literature that I've recently read, but, also, make ongoing lists of great literary quotes and favorite books, and, of course, get your input and opinions on the literature that I really like. So, be sure to stop by this new blog. Hopefully, if I'm any kind of writer, my excitement and love for literature will rub off on you!!

By the way, don't forget to mention any books/poems that you think I might like in your comments. I love reading new literature and when I get a chance, I'll be sure to check them out at the library!