I've had the pleasure of reading Walk in My Soul by Lucia St.Clair Robson several times now. It's one of those books you find a new pleasure in every time you read it. This masterpiece of historical fiction lends details and emotions to the life of the legendary Sam Houston and his Cherokee wife, known as Tiana.
This isn't exactly a historical romance, though there are certainly romantic elements woven through out the book. It's more of a detailed documentation of the lives of the Cherokees before and during the infamous Trail of Tears.
Lucia St.Clair Robson gives us a glimpse into the childhood of the one who would become Beloved Woman to her people as well as the glory and pains of the one we know as the father of Texas. With excellent character development and a plot that grips the reader to the core, Lucia St.Clair Robson has brought not only her characters to life, but has given us invaluable details so that we may better understand the times they lived in.
Set in times when land seem to hold more value than human life, the struggles of a nation who seemed to live as one with nature are pitted against those who would destroy the very land they hungered for. This isn't just an account of two people's lives. This is a wealth of insight into an entire matriarchal society that struggled to hold onto its heritage even as that heritage was systematically being disassembled.
Book Review: Walk in My Soul
Book Review: House Rules
by Kathy Foust
House Rules by Jodi Picoult is one of those books that grips the reader in such a way as to make it impossible to put down once the cover has been opened. Jodi Picoult does an excellent job of providing details and insight into the minds and actions of her characters so that the reader ends up with a sense of affinity for each and every one of them.
The plot of the story itself is written using the voice of each character. As the story unfolds, the reader is entranced by the variety of perspectives that are offered. This makes for a great method of story telling with a story so heart wrenching that putting the book down before finishing it feels almost like abandoning an old friend.
Autism takes center stage and makes for a unique persepctive as each individual deals with the issue of Asperger's in their own way. Not only is the reader introduced to the details of the family dyamics of dealing with Asperger's, but they are introduced to a different kind of concept of truth and rule following right up until the very end when the basic 'who done it' question is answered.
For anyone with a penchant for mystery, this novel will take them through unexpected turns and twists. For those that have a personal interest in autism and Asperger's in general, this novel provides incredible insight into the inner workings of the autistic mind.
In the end, hats off to Jodi Picoult, an author who puts her heart and soul into her characters and story line. Whether you love a good mystery, want characters that you can personally relate to or are just interested in the facets of autism through the eyes of those closest to it, this book makes for a wonderful read. Truly, this book is a masterpiece, story telling through character development at its best!
Halloween Contest Winners Announced
Whether it's comic books or encyclopedias, reading is of benefit to everyone. Fresh imaginations offer us insight into the past and the future.
All of the entries that I received showed unique imaginations and true effort. Some were scary. Some had a sense of humor. They all had personality, which is so important to writing. I had a very difficult time narrowing the selection down. I offered an anonymous poll on the Accentuate Writers Forum, which is full of professional writers of all levels. They seemed to enjoy the reading and were kind enough to cast their votes. A special "thank you" goes out to them. A.B.A.T.E. of Starke County has also donated their time in the way of a cash donation to help pay for the costs of prizes. Thank you writers and thank you A.B.A.T.E., but thanks most of all to the young writers who entered the contest.
Which brings me to the original terms. Prizes were to be awarded in 3 categories, but all of my submissions were from 8-10 year olds, so I narrowed it down to 3 prizes within that age range. Now, enough of my rambling. I'm so excited to announce the winners of the Halloween contest! congratulations toooo.....
Annika P., Age 8
Kennedy A., Age 9
Madelyn S., Age 8
(last names were not placed on here out of respect for privacy)
by Annika P., Age 8
H-ollow shadow looking at me
A-ah! A monster! I have a shaking knee
L-ots of candies filling up my bag
L-oads of pounds making me sag
O-ut to go in a fright
W-erewolves,witches and wizards cast a spell at night
E-ek! The door was closed and locked
E-veryone was scared and shocked
N-ine O' Clock, time to say good night. I might have a cavity tomorrow night.
by Kennedy A., Age 9
Happy Ghosts
Ate
Lollypops
Like Monsters,
On Halloween night
When the goblins come out
Every person has a fright,
Every ghost has a EKK
Never ever go to a ghost's house on Halloween night.
by Madelyn S., Age 8
Halloween night is here!
Apples bobbing, popcorn popping,
Lanterns glowing in the moonlit night.
Let’s Trick or Treat, while the
Owls hoot, and the goblins giggle, and the
Witches work their magic.
Every kid screams with delight for candy
Eyeballs, chocolate bats, and gummy spiders.
Night has come, let’s all have fun!
Congratulations for some great poems!