November // What I Read

Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter 

by Kate Clifford Larson 

My first book for November was about an iconic Kennedy. I had never known much about Rosemary and after reading this book I now understand why. Rosemary was born with a mental defect and learning disability that left her limited in social situations and stunted her overall development. The story of her birth was very telling as the midwife did not feel comfortable delivering the baby until the doctor arrived. In so doing, she did her best to push the baby back into the womb prohibiting her natural birthing experience. It is believed that this aided in her mental deformity. 

Being as the Kennedys were a very influential and proud family, they never would let on that anything was wrong with Rosemary. During social engagements a family member was always in close proximity to her and would keep a strong hold on Rosemary to be sure she didn't say or do anything out of the ordinary. 

As Rosemary became older, the family placed her in several institutions to help care for her. Of course, these were kept top secret as the family didn't want the knowledge of a handicapped child to damage their political and social status. 

I highly recommend this read if you are looking to study about this fascinating woman and learn more about this American royal family. It is a sad book but also a very informative one and the ending is pretty darn redemptive. 

The Stories We Tell 

by Mike Cosper 

The title of this book grabbed my attention right away and being as I am a huge TV and movie lover, I just had to read it. I loved the idea of this book and although I enjoyed reading about shows that I have already gone through and what the author gleaned from them, I found it rather reaching and at times a bit annoying. No one ever accused me of not being honest. ;) 

I love TV discussions and "looking deeper" for hidden meanings but found this read a bit over the top for my liking. Many of the chapters were a bit repetitive and as I HATE spoilers the author kept revealing key plots of various shows. There were a couple shows he mentioned that I have been wanting to watch but no longer need to. Cosper dissing my beloved reality TV didn't help his likability with me either. :) 

If you are a TV connoisseur and don't mind spoilers (or if you have seen every single show he references) than you will probably really enjoy this book. 

The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God 

by John Piper 

I grew up listening to Piper read this book on CD and it touched me so deeply every single time. Reading the book for myself brought back those incredible truths to mind that God gives and takes away but in the midst of our pain He is still kind and has a purpose through every trial. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is battling a dark season of their own. 

The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God is penned in poetry form. It is separated into four parts and the wording of the book is absolutely breath-taking. A CD is included along with the book with beautiful music accompanying John Piper reading this narrative of the misfortune of one of my very favorite biblical characters. 

"Behold the mercy of our King, 

Who takes from death its bitter sting, 

And by his blood, and often ours,

Brings triumph out of hostile pow'rs, 

And paints, with crimson, earth and soul 

Until the bloody work is whole. 

What we have lost God will restore - 

That, and Himself, forevermore, 

When He is finished with His art:

The quiet worship of our heart. 

When God creates a humble hush, 

And makes Leviathan his brush, 

It won't be long before the rod

Becomes the tender kiss of God."

Silent Movie 

by Avi; Illustrated by C.B. Mordan 

I picked this children's book up years ago when I worked at an old local bookstore. I've seen a few silent films (The Artist being my favorite) and was drawn to the brilliance of this idea for a children's story. Illustrated in the style of a silent film, this book tells the story of an immigrant boy coming to America and somehow he gets separated from his father. A movie producer discovers him and casts him in a few silent films. Ultimately, his father sees him on the big screen and they are re-united. It's a very sweet story and I absolutely love the vintage feel it brings to children's libraries. 

882 1/2 Amazing Answers to Your Questions About the Titanic 

by Hugh Brewster & Laurie Coulter 

Fun fact: I am obsessed with all things Titanic. This horrible disaster of the seas always fascinated me and in my senior year of high school I did some pretty in-depth studying for a massive research paper on the notorious event. 

Years ago, I picked up this book from a Titanic museum that I visited. This very knowledgeable volume answers any kind of question you may have about the building, voyage, and sinking of the Titanic. Questions range from what kind of cargo the Titanic was carrying, to how many passengers were in various classes, to what happened to the surviving passengers. It's a very fascinating read both for the scope of information they cover as well as the depth of details given. This book is also filled to the brim with pictures and illustrations. This book is a great addition for any Titanic library.