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December 22, 2003
Essential Reading - Sara Darst
In a society saturated with choices, sometimes
it's nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.
America’s Queen
by Sarah Bradford
This is a biography of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. A
quick glance in the local bookstore at the rows and rows of books focusing on
this prominent, and yet also mysterious, former president’s wife reveals that,
despite passing years, her life has not ceased to captivate readers all over the
world. Bradford takes a chronological approach to her study of her life and
utilizes interviews, documents, and endless books and periodicals to support her
work, which is highlighted in 24 pages of endnotes. While Bradford captivates
the charm and allure of Jackie’s personality, painting a clear picture of a
classy lady with impeccable taste, she does not shy away from the controversial
topics surrounding Jackie’s sad life. She tackles subjects such as Jackie’s
marriage to JFK and Aristotle Onassis, her lifelong quest to finalize her
relationship with her father, and the details of her flamboyant lifestyle.
Published in 2000, the book also features an interesting, yet brief comparison,
between Jackie and Hilary Rodham Clinton. The black-and-white glossy
photographs in the middle of the book serve as a nice supplement to the text.
This book is detailed and thorough, definitely not a book one can skim through
on a rainy afternoon, yet it is a fascinating story of a woman who has made a
clear mark on the pages of American history forever.
The Precious Present
by Spencer Johnson
Written in the same allegorical style as Johnson’s Who
Moved My Cheese, this is a quick read that forces the reader to think beyond
the surface of the simple plot of a boy who gradually grows and seeks wisdom
from an older man. The story tells of his quest to find fulfillment. Looking
in all the obvious places, he finally determines that education, career, and
human approval will not win him the satisfaction he so desperately desires. A
great book for young adults, The Precious Present conveys the message
that we must be content with the state we are in and seek to serve God using the
talents and abilities He has given us.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
by Barbara Robinson
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
is a fun and amusing Christmas
book guaranteed to entertain audiences of all ages. The story focuses on the
Herdman family, a group of six children who have terrorized their schoolmates
and horrified their neighbors for years. When they show up at church and force
their way into the annual Christmas play, the members of the congregation
receive a different perspective on the familiar Christmas story.
When God Writes Your Love Story
by Eric and Leslie Ludy
A booklist would not be complete without yet another book
written to enlighten singles on the mysterious art of finding that perfect
person with whom to share one’s life. In this book, a couple who have done just
that share their insights by alternating chapters, appealing to both male and
female readers. The Ludys believe that singles should turn their love lives
over to God, allowing Him to set up their love stories. By giving God complete
control, they assert, true happiness will be found in the perfect will of God.
Two From Galilee
by Majorie Holmes
This classic novel details the story of the birth of Jesus
Christ through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. While many of the details are
fictional, they allow the reader to explore what life must have been like during
the time of Christ and what those involved with this miraculous event must have
experienced. Holmes’ perspective on this familiar story is full of vivid
imagery and excellent character descriptions, and gives readers a new
appreciation for a story that truly altered the course of mankind forever.
ninetyandnine.com
© 2003, Sarah Darst
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Sara Darst is a 3rd grade teacher from Ohio and a proud
football fan of the Ohio State University Buckeyes, her alma mater. When she
isn’t busy dispensing wisdom into her students’ craniums or working at her
church, she likes to read. She is bemoaning the fact that she will soon be a
quarter of a century old!
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