Les Livres du Lundi

I just finished reading The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.  In this book, the story of the Price family is told from the perspective of Orleanna, the wife and mother, and from the views of each of the four daughters.  Each narrator brings a unique personality and an alternative perspective to the story of an American family's missionary endeavor in the Congo during the 1960's. 

While some Christians might find the presentation of Nathan Price and his family to be an unfairly negative representation of Christian servants, there is, unfortunately, considerable evidence for imperialistic cultural ideals associated with historic missions movements.  I prefer to consider this novel as a personal challenge toward seeking to understand before seeking to be understood.  Certainly, this is a lesson that has many implications!  Therefore, I would recommend this book to discerning readers, especially those who are interested in Africa or missions philosophy.

Jadon's Pick of the Week is Bat's Big Game by Margaret Read MacDonald.  This story is a re-telling of a folk tale regarding the question of a bat's classification as an animal or a bird.  In this version, bat tries to play on both sides of a soccer game, according to whoever is winning at the time.  Jadon says, "The bat learned to stick on one team."

Other favorites included Llama, Llama, Home with Mama by Anna Dewdney, and The Retired Kid by Jon Agee.  Oh, and one afternoon, Jadon spent about an hour reading the hymnal--too cute!

Happy Reading!