Accountability

Accountability is a very good thing.

The Mercy Seller

Have you ever read a book without reading the Prequel? oops. I just did this. I wanted a book to read, saw this one, picked it up, and found myself into it without having read The Illuminator. Oh well. The Mercy Seller is historical fiction, one of my favorite genres. It was harder to get into because I wasn't up on my 15th century history, but I persevered and thoroughly enjoyed it. It opened in Prague, and I could say "I've been there! I know exactly where she is!" It was fun to be able to picture in my mind precisely what the author was writing. The story is about the "heretical" practice of transcribing texts, mostly the Wycliffe bible translation. The Roman Catholic church was on a mission to annihilate anyone committing this crime. The protagonist is a young girl who has learned the art of transcription and is dedicated to the protestant cause and the struggles involved. Now I need to go back and read the prequel.

The Friday Night Knitting Club

I finished the book about a month ago. A chick book. You know, the equivalent of a chick flick, only I suppose there was a bit more depth to the book than there typically is to a chick flick. But the book was written by a woman, and you could tell. A single mom opens a yarn shop as a means to support herself and her daughter. Gradually a group of ladies gathers on Friday nights for knitting. Anyone who knits would completely understand. I found it interesting how the author brought in the aspects of knitting and how that also plays into the ways that friendships are knit together. I enjoyed the book. It didn't take much thought ;-)

The Red Violin

Another movie that I enjoyed watching. Interesting turns. Lots of jumping from the past to the present as the director tells the history of the violin and brings that history into the present. Except for a few explicit scenes, the movie was fascinating and kept me awake ;-)

The Painted Veil

I watched this movie the other night. A woman marries to escape her mother, only to discover that wedded life is not as exciting as she thought. She falls into sin, is discovered, then spends a long time trying to atone for her sins. Only by pouring her life into serving others selflessly does she really understand the meaning of love. Good movie.