So, I’m taking a small break.  I know, I know, I just got started.  But this was more of an experiment than it was a serious endeavor.

I’ve spent my Christmas and New’s Year break thinking about what I’d like to do moving forward.  I’m almost there.

Thanks for your patience.  Be back soon.

Stacie

• J.K. Rowling – Smart geeks.
• Ayn Rand – Workaholics seeking validation.
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – People who drink scotch.

What do you want to have eradicated from the commercial line up?

What are your favorite Christmas Traditions?

Plot Basics

• A 13 year old girl meets her future husband, the charming 17 year old that is the catch of the town.
• The girl is visited by an angel.
• Before they are married, the girl is pregnant, yet a virgin.
• Joseph must decide if he will or will not marry Mary.

What makes it different

• The focus is on both Mary and Joseph, completely leaving out Jesus except where he is essential to the story line.
• Mary is accepting based on the experiences of her mother as well as her cousin Elizabeth.  Yes, Elizabeth the mother of John.
• Joseph is not the strong believer that Mary is.
• Joseph believes in the traditions of his people, but not necessarily that Mary’s son is also the son of God.

Why you should read it

• While the Bible tells quite a bit about Mary’s confusion and acceptance, little is said about Joseph.
• It is very cool to see one author’s view of how Mary and Joseph adjusted to their life with Jesus.
• The bit about the Wise Men visiting really cemented in my mind how that may have taken place.

Why you shouldn’t read it

• It challenges what the Bible says about Mary and Joseph’s acceptance of their situation.
• It’s speculation, which may or may not sit well with certain personalities or religions.
• It isn’t your traditional Christmas Story.

Final Word

I really liked this book, but I’m fairly opened minded about Christianity.  It doesn’t bother me not knowing whether or not it is true; it possible that Mary and Joseph had the very reactions that Berg outlines.  I really enjoyed that side of the story.  It puts flesh on a great story outline, the same way that the Red Tent by Anita Diamant.

That probably puts me firmly on the Naughty List this year.

are my regulars.  How are you wasting time today?

That’s what I’m bringing.  How about you?

• Title: Leviathan
• Author: Scott Westerfeld
• Genre: Steampunk
• Length: 434 pages
• Copy: Courtesy of Oshkosh Public Library

Plot Basics

• Aleksandar Ferdinand escapes a plot to murder him.
• Deryn Sharp, a girl, has tricked the British Air Service into enlisting her.
• The Great War is about to begin.

What makes it different

• Clankers or giant machines owned by Austro-Hungarians and German.
• British Darmwinsts fabricate animals from life threads for weapons.
• It’s not quite history, nor is it alternate future, but a great blending of both.

Why you should read it

• Westerfeld’s previous series, the Uglies, lends credibility to his ability to write on the line between sci-fi and straight out fiction.
• It’s a fun way to discover history.  There’s just enough there to make you wonder what’s true and what borrowed.
• You’re tween or teen may be reading it too.  Great conversation starters in here.

Why you shouldn’t read it

• It’s pretty light weight reading.  Plan for it to take one or two days.
• The story is split between Deryn and Alek.  The continuous flip flopping inevitably leads to them meeting but it is frustrating to switch.
• It’s my first steampunk novel.  While I liked it, it could be trite to someone familiar with the genre.

Final Word:

• I’m going to add book two to the TBR list.  I liked the first one and it’s something my 9yo may like in a year or two.

Choices include the following:

• Snickerdoodle
• Mint chocolate chip
• Butterscotch and chocolate chip
• Oatmeal with orange flavored craisins

What do you leave out for Santa?