2017 Reading Quest 19

Book:  Jayber Crow.
 

Author: Wendell Berry

Info: Copyright 2000: Thorndike, ME:  Thorndike Press

Rating (on a scale of 1-4 stars):  ✮✭✭

Where Acquired:  Library check out.

What it's about:  This "as written by himself" novel is a first-person account of the life of Jayber Crow.  As the town barber, he has ringside seats to the happenings (and non-happenings) in the little town of Port William, Kentucky.  It is a portrait of the life of one man, but it also chronicles the changing times and attitudes, and the struggles we all face that come with such change.

Takeaway:

I really can't divide this book into things to like and not like.  It was a good book...in an odd sort of way.  I could complain about many things, but they really didn't detract from the overall novel.  Thought quite lengthy (686 pages in large print), the narrative draws the reader to keep going with the story.  Though the accounts can get quite convoluted, the author has a way of getting to a certain anticipation of the climax of a scene, then pulls back and changes gears just enough to keep the reader interested. 

The lead character's struggles with theology, love, anger, and hatred are themes to which many can relate.  Barry's descriptions of scenery and events paint a vivid picture of small time life in the early part of the 20th century. 

I enjoyed this venture into something different. 

Five Minute Friday: "Comfort"

"Tidings of comfort and joy."

It's no secret that one of my greatest desires is to have a house of my own.  The dream is not only a comfortable, joyous place for myself, but also for those who visit.

But, what does that look like?  It's not just comfy furniture, soothing paint colors, welcome spaces for both adults and children, or lovely outdoor areas; it's an atmosphere of God's peace.  Comfort and joy because one feels God's love in my home.

Those are tidings of comfort and joy...and they're not just for Christmas.
-----
Prompts provided by Mrs. Kate over at Five Minute Friday.

Right Now: The Weekly Hodgepodge



Join the fun! 

Come on over to 

From This Side of the Pond 

for the Hodgepodge link-up!

When and where were the best fireworks you've ever seen? Speaking of fireworks...do you know your hot buttons? The things people can say and/do to set you off? When was the last time someone pushed one of your hot buttons?

I've only been to one fireworks show, so I don't have a comparable list to pick a best from.  The show was a couple of years ago at the Jacksonville High School football stadium.  I was still in the Community Band then, and we played several patriotic tunes as part of the live entertainment.

Speaking of Community Band...hot buttons.  I know, I know, dead horse, BUT for some dumb reason I keep hoping the director will come to his senses.  Anyway.  Two of my biggest hot buttons are people talking down to me, or treating me like I'm stupid.  The last time my hot buttons were pushed?

**This is the part where I keep my mouth shut. **

Have you hosted any outdoor summer parties this year? Attended any? What makes for a great outdoor party?

No, and no.  A great outdoor party is one with good food, music that isn't so loud that conversation is impossible, and conversation that isn't so impossible you wished you could just listen to music.  It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just friendly and open.

What does freedom mean to you?

Everything.

July is National Cell Phone Courtesy month...what annoys you most about people's cell phone habits?

A customer who will not get off his cellphone long enough to handle a business transaction.  I see it everywhere I go, plus customers do that to me also.  They don't speak or even make eye contact with the person serving them.  It's pathetic, not to mention downright rude.   I wish we could post a sign that said:

 

"Before approaching the front desk for any reason, please get off the freakin' phone!  All violators will be punched in the throat!"

What's your current summer anthem?

Insert your own random thought here.

I started to go on a rant here about someone peeing on my Independence Day fun at work because they didn't feel it was a "black" holiday, but I'm going to share some good things instead.

So there!

Didn't know that JackVegas had a Little Free Library just off the Square.
Nice!

Saw this at a gas station in Oxford, Alabama and thought it was hilarious.
Made me think of the Commodores song Too Hot ta Trot.



Meet my new ride.  I have named her
The Green Hornet



We have a new baby coming to our church family and this couple likes
handmade gifts (Yay!).  I got the chance to sew another one of my big
bags and fill it with goodies.  Enjoy, Baby Calvin!