The Parish Church of St George the Martyr, Waterlooville
I cannot believe it is summer (in theory anyway!) again! If you like to read, I wonder which books you will be taking on holiday with you. How do you choose books to read? From the ‘Summer Read’ on television, perhaps or do you look at the best selling paperback charts for ideas? Do you include Christian Books in your selection?
Amongst my current and recently read books are:
The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith. This is the fourth title in the ‘No 1 Ladies Detective Agency’ series, the first title of which was reviewed and recommended in a previous Book Corner. In this book, Precious Ramotswe has a new problem, competition. Her skills are put to the test once again, when a client, who has been attacked by ostrich rustlers, is eager to reassess his life and Mma Makutsi, assistant detective and acting manager of Tiokweng Road Speedy Motors, starts a typing school with a difference… This is my ‘on the bus’ book and is a pure delight, warm, funny and engaging, an excellent travelling companion.
ISBN 0-
A Trail of Ink by Mel Starr. I found this title in ‘J Source’ the Christian Bookshop in Havant. It is the third chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, who has a mystery to solve. Master John Wyclif, newly appointed warden of Canterbury Hall and Hugh’s old teacher and friend, is in great distress; someone has stolen all his books. In his search for them, the corpse of a poor scholar, who had tried to sell one of the books, is found in the river, but he had not simply drowned…. This series starts with ‘The Unquiet Bones’ where the reader is introduced to Hugh de Singleton who comes to 14th century Oxford in search of a wife. In the first title, though, he finds treachery and murder. The story continues with the second chronicle, ‘A Corpse at St Andrew’s Chapel’ where Hugh must unravel the mystery surrounding the deaths of Alan the beadle and of Henry atte Bridge. Beautifully written, an excellent series, the author has captured the ‘feel’ and essence of medieval life. ISBN 978-
Forbidden Faith Devotions and Inspiring Stories from Around the World (various contributors). This is produced in partnership with Christian human rights organisation Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). Forbidden Faith looks at what the Bible teaches about persecution and calls us to consider our role in reaching out to our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ. This book includes eight weeks of Bible reading notes by well-
Whatever you choose to read this summer, happy reading!
Don’t forget the Summer Reading Challenge for children aged between 4 and 11 at your local library. This is a National reading ‘game’ and, this year, the theme is ‘Circus Stars’. Children receive an excellent 3d ‘stage’ folder upon which to record the books they have read. For every book completed, a sticker is given to stick on the appropriate part of the ‘stage’. For all children who complete the challenge, a certificate and medal are awarded. The Summer Reading Challenge commenced on 18th July.
Lynn Winter
Summer Edition 2011