Pope Joan - Donna Woolfolk Cross

I'd heard about this book years ago and made a mental note to read it....someday.

Well, someday came when a neighbor loaned it to me for my vacation.  I wasn't sure if I wanted a "deep" read or a "no-brainer," so I took it along just in case I chose "deep."  I'm really glad I did, too!  I immediately was engrossed in Joan's life and was intrigued by her plight.

Legendary Pope Joan was a woman who posed as a man in the Middle Ages in order to gain the education and equality that men in that time automatically aquired.  Intellegent, strong and brave, Joan goes from abused child to Pope in a time when women were treated as inferior to men, enslaved as wives and daughters without the hope of education and knowledge.  Brutality and unfairness bombard her at every turn, yet she fights the fight in order to gain what she knows she deserves.

I wouldn't say I LOVED this book, but I couldn't put it down.  I read it every chance I got because I just had to know what would happen to Joan next.  I have no idea if this legend has any truth to it, but regardless of if Pope Joan was a woman that did indeed exist in the Middle Ages, she is a woman who we can all learn quite a bit from.  Perserverance, dedication and strength of character just pour out of this woman, as if she could truly handle the next horrible action against her.  Most of us would have crumbled from the beginning, let alone stand 'til the end.

The hardest part for me, personally, was any interaction Joan had with her father.  Bottom line:  He scared the crap outta me.  Supposedly a "religious" man, he was evil, vile and abusive to anyone he came in contact with....unless they were his superiors.  I cringed when the author brought him up.  I hated what he would do to his wife, his kids...in the name of his religion.  Grrrrrrr.  He made me so mad.  I know, however, that that was how the author, Donna Woolfork Cross, wanted us to feel.  It made Joan's destination that much more desirable.  Get safe.  Get respected.  Get glorified!  Ha! So there, DAD!

Historical fiction has always intrigued me, and this book was no exception.  The idea of it potentially happening, I suppose, brought that much more enjoyment out of the book.  I honestly doubt it's true, but who cares.  It was a fascinating read. If you're into historical fiction, touched with romance, then you'll like this book. 

****
(4 stars)

These Is My Words - Nancy Turner

Death.  A lot of death.  Depressing, drag ya down death.  (Uh, is there any other kind?)

But hope, too!  I thought, after the first few chapters of These Is My Words, that I would seriously have to find another book to read.  The story was interesting, I really liked the characters.....but then those characters would die or be close to someone that did.

Now, I know that was part of the 1880's...with wagon trains, expanding the western territories and violent Indian raids.  But for Sarah Prine, it was a horribly sad time of loss and pain.  Her words cut through me and I just didn't know if I could read any more.

But I did - and I'm so glad!  Her close-knit family and all it's quirks, challenges and wonderful personalities kept me loving them through the whole book.  I know this story is just BASED on true accounts of Sarah Prine's life, but I'm so hoping some of the good times, the antics and the love that flowed between the people were true.  I just LOVE her and her story.

It's a tough read, but a wonderful, fictional account in a difficult time in history.  I'm a big fan of historical fiction, so this was right up my alley - with a bit more truth than I'm used to, but something I'll turn to again.  It was deeply moving in parts, frustrating in others and then just downright hilarious at times.

Read it.  You won't regret it.  It's actually a fairly easy read considering the history behind it.  Because it's in diary form, there are little to no "empty" words or long descriptions.  I got the idea and picture in my head JUST FINE.  Perfectly tuned in to what was going on - even thought it was only from one persons perspective and in first person.  I was never bored and never confused.  The story just simply flowed.

Again....read it.  Unless you like fantasy or books with the eternal happy ending.  'Cause then, well, you'll be sorely disappointed.

I PROBABLY won't read the sequels.  (I believe there are two more?)  I haven't decided at this point.  I liked this story, but I don't know if I need more.  I know, I'm weird like that.  But - so many books, so little time!

****
(4 Stars)