Tuesday, January 15

Back to History Reading Challenge


Shannon at Shannon's Reading Log has issued a Back to History Challenge. This is what she says:

HERE WE GO... This is a challenge to sharpen the mind, go back & visit times long since forgotten in this day in age. The Back to History Challenge is designed to encourage readers to stretch themselves in the history genre. I am truly interested in getting people to venture into unfamiliar territories of literature. So...take this challenge and discover what history has to offer you!

A FEW RULES... All participants should try to mix up their reading choices. Please do not have ALL biographies, or ALL memoirs, etc. There is no limit on any sub-category, but remember...this is supposed to be a CHALLENGE. You should be getting out of your comfort zones and finding something new to explore. You should read one historical non-fiction, or historical fiction novel a month. Ultimately...let’s have fun!
You must formally sign up through Mister Linky to participate in the Travel Back to History Challenge Challenge, which will take place during the months of January - December 2008. Mister Linky is providing a place to store all the participants' sites for everybody to peruse. If you choose to join, you must have your final list posted by Dec 30, 2008.
To sign up with Mr. Linky, visit Shannon's site HERE!

Well, I've read my first book for this challenge. It was Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin. Published by Bethany House. It is rich in history of the South and I enjoyed it very much. There are other books in this series and I will be checking them out as well. This is Christian fiction.
REVIEW:

Caroline Fletcher is the daughter of a wealthy slave owner who lives in Richmond, VA. From the time she is very young, Caroline realizes that slaves are human beings who feel emotions and pain. When Caroline's mother takes her own life, the young girl is sent off to the Fletcher plantation and then to live with relatives in Philadelphia.

By the time Caroline turns 15, the Civil War is looming. Her father sends for her to return home, which she does, but she has a difficult time living in the south because she is now a passionate abolishionist.

Caroline's men folk are off fighting for the cause but Caroline is not satisfied with the way things are going. She takes on the role of spy, which exposes her to some very dangerous situations. Along the way, her faith in God grows and she turns from a teenager into a beautiful young woman.
This is an enjoyable book and Caroline's journey of faith is truly amazing.




12 comments:

  1. that sounds like a fun challenge... but I might have to pass on that one.. I have so many Christian books to finish or start... I love to read and seems that my time is getting less and less to do so..... but I have made a commitment to watch MUCH less TV... We do not watch every night all night but we do watch about an hour each night and maybe two.. so I am going to cut way back on that... anyway... my friend Jean is home and I will be going over there every day ,,,,,,,,, pray for me as I sit with her... that may sound selfish but I need to know how to be her friend and sit right there with her as she makes her transition into the eternal.......


    I will be here off and on and try to post as often as I can...

    hugsx0x0x0

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  2. Denise,

    I am not a TV watcher. I love my computer and reading. I read every night before I go to sleep. The length of time depends on how tired I am.

    I took up this challenge back in November. I am going to be reading a mix of Christian historical fiction and historical non-fiction. I am a history buff, so this is right up my alley.

    I have been keeping you and Jean in my prayers and will continue to do so. If I was making my transition into eternity, I would love to have you sitting with me.

    Love and blessings,
    Mary

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  3. Hi there, Mary!

    I have read your last few posts and I love the photos and how you've shared about your adventures. I especially enjoyed the bit of information and photo of Johnny Rockets! A nickel in the jukebox? Wow! I love old fashioned places and things. ;-)

    I'm so glad you all had a safe and happy trip! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!

    Smiles,
    Michele

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  4. I enjoyed your review my friend.

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  5. Sounds like a book I would enjoy as well. I have several books about the civil war on my Back to History Challenge list. Can't wait to dig in...

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  6. Mary,

    I enjoyed reading your review! It sounds like a very interesting book. :-)

    Hugs,
    Tina

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  7. I grew up in front of the TV and I am sorry to say that was such a mistake .... Hard habit to break.. but my DH is helping me to change... I love to read and seems that the Lord is nudging me to turn the TV off more and more and use my time more efficient.. The only thing we watch now is American Idol... it is too fun... but I can let that go if needed........ I am headed over to Jeans here in a bit ... and your comment is so sweet...... I know we will all make that journey one of these days and I want to be there when she makes hers.. What a wonderful way to say goodbye..

    hugsx0x0x0

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  8. Good Afternoon Mary,
    I'm just dropping by to check on you. I hope everything/everyone is okay your way. I know it's not like you to not post especially since you have been sharing your vacation with us. I am still going to be online. "PRAISE GOD" I was able to pay the Cable & Internet Bill late yesterday afternoon. Take care my friend and I will check back in with you tonight after we get home from the game. May God Bless You and Yours.

    Love & Hugs,
    Karen H.

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  9. I'm reading Undaunted Courage about the Lewis and Clark expedition. Amazing book.. even more so that a teenage Indian girl named Sacajawea, literally saved their bacon about a half dozen times on the journey, traveling alone as their guide, WITH a baby.

    Great read.

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  10. Thanks for the review of the book and the recommendation, I am going to see if our library has any of the series.

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  11. Thanks for the reminder about the challenge. I should go sign up. I am currently reading Noll's book about church history.

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  12. Thanks to all of you beautiful ladies for commenting. I have had a hectic day and haven't had time to answer you each personally. I have been or will be over to your blogs for a visit.

    Lin, I can't access your blog, but Undaunted Courage sounds like a terrific book. I have read the story of Sacajawea but am always interested in hearing more about her. She was a brave one, that's for sure and so wise.

    Blessings and prayers going up for each of you.

    Mary

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