The Host, by Stephanie Meyer

The idea of having two people inside one mind and body was fascinating and well-done. The concept of 'self,' what it means to love oneself, and what it means to have others love you, were all main themes. The treatment of others who are different from you was given a thorough discussion. Being strong in the face of adversity, keeping passions within set boundaries, working together with others to accomplish goals, and keeping priorities straight were other important things addressed.

The two main external relationships that are compared and contrasted include discussion of the sense of heat when skin contact is made and of molten earth moving inside. There is also some violence but for the most part, I felt the themes of the book were meaningful and thought-provoking 

The Kitchen House, by Kathleen Grissom

I didn't finish this book - so much of it was just about the inappropriate relationships that were going on, and I didn't see that discussion abating any time soon. And the first chapter of the book is a flash-forward that shows you that the main character's mother-figure is hung and that she hasn't turned out to be a stellar mother herself. I wasn't interested in finding out how everyone got through the mess they were in in chapter 14 to end up with that body swaying from the tree and a seven year old whimpering at the sight.

Not recommended by me.



The Rent Collector, by Camron Wright

 

Sang Ly lives in the shanty town surrounding the dump. She and her husband work every day finding recyclable items to sell so they have enough money for dinner each night and can put away a little bit toward rent for the month. Their son is miserably ill and every time they get western medicine for him, his symptoms stop, but when the medicine runs out he is just as ill again. They will never be able to save up enough money to travel back to Sang Ly's village to see the healer there. Then one day, Sang Ly stumbles upon a way to become literate.

 

I loved this quote from a day when the family was in the city:

As we eat, a man walking past catches my attention--he is carrying a stack of brightly colored books, though it's not just his books that give me pause. He sets them down near an adjacent garbage can with the spines toward me, and then he proceeds to clean out his pockets, throwing scattered items away. Naturally I long to read the titles, to learn what the books are about, to thumb through their pages and attempt to read them myself. However, as these thoughts roil through my head, I also have the odd desire to tear open the bag of garbage and see if he's throwing anything worthwhile away.

 

And this one touched me: "For news of a mother's heart, watch her child's face." I ought to make sure that I can always empathize with my children.

 

This is a story of love and ascension and overcoming. It is beautiful and moving and I found it valuable pondering material during the time I was reading it. We never know what those around us are going through or how much a kind word or action will mean to them. We ought to be more accepting and loving.

 

Sang Ly and her husband do talk about making love but are not explicit or sensual in their discussion.



Behind the Scenes, by Elizabeth Keckley



This is the memoir that Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker was based on. It was quite a drag to read after just having read the other, because so much of the information and dialogue is exactly the same. I did enjoy reading Mary's letters to Elizabeth as they were compiled at the end of this book. This is an incredible story and a recommended read.

There are descriptions of slave beatings from Elizabeth's childhood and teen years, as well as footnotes about her delicately-described years as a forced mistress to a white man.