Till We Have Faces, by C.S. Lewis

This is a very powerful book and has the potential to engender amazing discussion at a book group. Book I is a woman's complaint against the gods. When I finished it, I felt like it was a nice story. When I started Book II however, I began to See . . . not only what was written in the second book, but also what was written in the first.

There are so many beautiful themes: what it means to be oneself, how we sacrifice for others, how we cause others to sacrifice for us, what it means to wear a figurative or physical veil, the importance of beauty, loyalty, determination, and humility.

"Are the gods just?"
"Oh no, child. What would become of us if they were? But come and see."

"In that far distant day when the gods become wholly beautiful, or we at last are shown how beautiful they always were, this will happen more and more. For mortals, as you said, will become more and more jealous. And mother and wife and child and friend will all be in league to keep a soul from being united with the Divine Nature."

"... Divine Nature can change the past. Nothing is yet in its true form."

Highly recommended.

State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett

Not recommended. Spoiler alert:

I enjoyed the book until they slept together at the end - that was supremely disappointing, especially because the author casts it as perfectly acceptable because the people they "should" have been sleeping with didn't happen to be there, and they can just move on and never talk about it.

Shell Seekers, by Rosamunde Pilcher



What a great, adult novel! There are references to people going to bed together, but no descriptions that I can remember (it's been awhile since I read the book, sorry. If there are, someone let me know : ) Someone has an affair but just recompense ensues.

The main theme of family relationships is wonderfully explored through Penelope Keeling and her three very different grown children. My favorite quote comes from the most reasonable (though still flawed) child:

"But the next few months would not be easy. As long as Mumma was alive, she knew that some small part of herself had remained a child, cherished and adored. Perhaps you never completely grew up until your mother died."

Very engaging: history, art, gardening, travel, love - enjoy it!