The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

  "Why, he's Hercule Poirot! You know who I mean---the private detective. They say he's done the most wonderful things---just like detectives do in books. A year ago he retired and came to live down here. Uncle knew who he was, but he promised not to tell anyone, because M. Poirot wanted to live quietly without being bothered by people.                      -Flora Ackroyd, from the novel

Much attention was given to the 100th anniversary of Agatha Christie's first novel in October. Our Page Turners group has not read a single one of her MANY novels over our 12 year history. I set out to choose one for us and this was suggested as one of her best. I found it very entertaining. There was a lot of suspense, of course, but also a good bit of humor. Numerous characters were a bit hard to keep track of but Poirot is an intriguing one, to be sure.

The narrator of the story is Dr. James Sheppard who learns that there is a new person in the neighborhood---that would be Hercule Poirot (see quote). He has retired and moved to the small town of King's Abbot. Near the beginning of the novel, a man is found murdered---Roger Ackroyd, a wealthy man and pillar of the community---has been stabbed. As you would guess there are many suspects and it seems they all have secrets! Of course, M. Poirot gets involved right away. Not being very familiar with Christie's favorite detective, I was amused by his reminders to others to "employ your little grey cells." He admits he is famous for his "little ideas"---quite an understatement; he uses the purest form of logic to find the guilty one. At one point Dr. Sheppard says to his sister Caroline about Poirot,  "Modesty is certainly not his middle name."

In past years I was quite a fan of James Patterson. His suspense novels were certainly page-turners but often very gruesome. One does not get the graphic violence in Christie's work. She is more about the fun of figuring out "who dunnit."

I enjoyed the book and rate it a 4. It was good enough that it has me watching for Christie mysteries on TV. I am curious about a fairly recent release of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict and a series of authorized Poirot mysteries by Sophie Hannah, one of which is The Killings at Kingfisher Hill. They are on my very long to-read list!

Page Turners meet this week. It will be interesting to see what the group thinks of our first selection of 2021. More then....

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Fifteen attended our meeting to discuss The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. We were quite a mix of those who had read little or no Agatha Christie and some more familiar with her work. Our talk was very enjoyable and it seemed almost everyone liked the book to some extent. Our average rating was 3.7. I shared some excerpts of a newspaper article in which Christie's books are called "cozies" because they don't focus on blood and gore and suffering but offer the fun of trying to solve a  mystery along with Poirot. I think we all could appreciate that, plus the humor she adds in places. The article I mentioned also said that this particular novel "came early in her career but has both her best twist and best final line." Doesn't that make you curious? Some attendees admitted getting involved in other Christie novels and TV movies, including me. A good start for a year of page-turners!

Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison

"With each chapter, we've added to the framework for bridge building. We've seen how recognizing the truth is the first step to racial reconciliation. We've also seen how acknowledging and lamenting the truth are crucial to reconciliation. We've discussed the importance of working through shame and guilt. We've talked about how necessary it is to confess as part of our practice of justice. We've explored the healing power of forgiveness and the crucial role of repentance, of turning and walking back toward God and those we've oppressed. But the next step is the costly one, especially to those in positions of power and privilege. What is it? Making wrongs right or, in more contemporary terms, making amends or reparations."                  -Latasha Morrison, from Be the Bridge

 

A few months ago a group in our church began to meet once a week to discuss racial relations. We began by reading and discussing How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. I learned a great deal from that book, most importantly that it is not enough to be able to say one is not a racist; one must be an antiracist. 

Be the Bridge is the second book in our study. I must say it was easier to read and, being written from a Christian perspective, it was more practical and inspiring to our group of church members. The book is subtitled Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation. Morrison has organized the book in 3 parts which are indicated in the quote above, a summary of sorts. Morrison relates how she was shocked by her ignorance of African-American history when she took a course in college. Later while working with a mostly white staff in an Austin, Texas church, she was disillusioned about the impact she was having and was led to eventually found a nonprofit organization, Be the Bridge, which equips many churches around the world to respond to racism and work toward racial reconciliation.

In the book, Morrison uses stories from history and her own experiences to illustrate her points so it is both instructive and personal. There are many Biblical references, as well, and she adds prayers and/or litanies at the end of each chapter. I am glad I read Be the Bridge. My rating is 4.

The book reminded me of a country song (and those who know me well, know that I am often reminded of such!). It is an old song by The Judds called "Love Can Build a Bridge." I am including a link.

https://youtu.be/bWdjRJGhYbs

Miss Julia Knows a Thing or Two by Ann B. Ross

"Sometimes, regardless of how determined one is to mind one's own business, there are good and imperative reasons to speak one's mind and to go as far as to meddle in the affairs of others in order to make things come out right. In such situations it really doesn't matter how many new leaves you try to turn over."                 -Miss Julia, from the novel

I have read plenty of Miss Julia books and have never failed to enjoy them. This one, the 22nd in the series, is no exception--a rating of 5 from me. In this novel, Miss Julia commits to staying out of other people's business. Yeah, right! If you know Miss Julia you just KNOW that is not possible! The quote hints at her frequent rationalizing and it happens about every 3 or 4 chapters. This supplies a great deal of humor in the story.

Julia's next door neighbor and long-time friend Mildred is expected to take in a grandchild she knew nothing about while she is struggling with what to do about her husband who has dementia. Julia's good friend, Etta Mae Wiggins, is worried she will be out of work when her boss sells the Handy Home Helpers business. One could predict that it will be VERY tempting for Miss Julia to jump in and try to "make things come out right." So much for "turning over a new leaf"!

 

One reason I love Miss Julia so much is that we have several things in common. We are likely near the same age, both Presbyterians, hate parallel parking and tender-hearted toward children. Hopefully, I do NOT meddle in other people's business as much as she does! She sometimes uses expressions I remember hearing from family in Tennessee---especially "Well, they Lord!" Miss Julia's housekeeper, Lillian, is a delightful woman, very wise and a calming influence on Julia.

 

I highly recommend this series, especially to GRITS---Girls Raised in the South, and more especially the ones over 60!

 

 

 

A Time for Mercy by John Grisham

 "I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice."

                                      -Abraham Lincoln

I have read many of Grisham's novels and enjoyed them all. I read A Time to Kill and saw the film version years ago. That story captivated me. I believe it is considered a classic in some circles.

Young Mississippi attorney Jake Brigance, once again takes on a very controversial case---reluctantly, this time, but ends up giving all he can to save a 16-year-old accused of murdering a cop. He pursues the defense of Drew Gamble even through loss of earnings, threats of violence and actual assault. I would consider him a hero in his pursuit of truth, justice and mercy. 

This novel was definitely a page-turner!  I was rating it a 5 until the end left me somewhat disappointed, seeming to cry out for a sequel, so it gets a 4 instead. I I anticipate there will be a movie version soon. 

A Time for Mercy is designated Jake Brigance Book 3. I knew A Time to Kill was #1 and somehow I found I had missed #2, Sycamore Row. I have already ordered it from the library.

A Splendid Ruin by Megan Chance

"You don't belong here, Miss Kimble. You're completely in over your head. Learn to swim, or drown. Those are your only choices when it comes to the Sullivans."

                     -Stephen Oelrichs, from the novel

After the death of her mother, May Kimble receives a letter from an aunt she didn't know she had inviting her to come to San Francisco to live with her, her husband and daughter. May leaves her home in Brooklyn to join the Sullivan family and is welcomed with open arms. It is difficult enough for impoverished May to become accustomed to a new city, an elaborate mansion and seemingly unlimited funds, when she begins to get subtle warnings from a Chinese maid and others, including Stephen Oelrichs, quoted above. 

Dark family secrets are revealed bit by bit and frequent foreshadowing make this a true page-turner. A Splendid Ruin is a captivating story of betrayal and desire for revenge. Can the extremely destructive San Francisco earthquake of 1906 also be a positive force or even a means of rescue for May? Apparently, yes!

I enjoyed this novel, rating it a 4.

A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg

 "As he read on, he decided that according to the book, he was definitely a medium-sized, redheaded, nonbreeding accidental. At last he knew what he was, and it amused him no end. He was a rare bird, after all."             -Oswald Campbell, after perusing Birds of Alabama

I am quite a fan of Fannie Flagg. I find her novels easy to read with interesting characters and very  engaging plots. I discovered this one on the library site while looking for her most recent, The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop.  A Redbird Christmas dates back to 2004 but I had not heard of it. It is only 206 pages, making it a pretty quick read. As Christmas was approaching, it seemed like the perfect choice. I wasn't wrong.

This is a delightful story of Oswald Campbell who, after getting an extremely unsettling diagnosis from his doctor in Chicago, decides to move to South Alabama where a warmer climate might extend his life. He ends up in Lost River, a small town on the Gulf Coast. Oswald, a recovering alcoholic, doesn't have much going for him and is rather a sad, lonely character when he meets the warm and welcoming people of his new home. They include Frances Cleverdon and her sister Mildred and Roy Grimmitt, proprietor of the general store. Early in the story Roy rescues and adopts an injured redbird called Jack. From the title you can tell the bird will be central to the tale.

Another important character is Patsy, a pitiful, crippled girl who is neglected and seemingly unwanted by anyone in her family. Patsy becomes very friendly with Jack, the cardinal. It is endearing how the townspeople of Lost River come to love Patsy and find ways to help her, including getting her the surgery she needs for her affliction. 

This a sweet story, full of love and hope, ending with a Christmas miracle. My rating is 5.

And by the way, there are recipes at the end. I will copy a few before returning the book to the library!

Songteller by Dolly Parton

 "I am a singer, an entertainer, and a businesswoman. But if I had to choose just one thing to be, I would choose to be a songwriter. I could happily just sit in my house forever, enjoy life, and write songs. The songs lead to everything else. Everything that I am starts with that song. No matter who you are as an artist, if you don't have a great song, you're not going anywhere. I decided to call my book Songteller because that pretty much sums me up. I love songs. I love to tell stories, and most of all, I just love to write. It's just who I am. I am a 'song teller.'

           -Dolly Parton, from the Introduction 

I have long been a fan of Dolly Parton and when I recently read an article about her in Parade magazine, I noted she had released a new book. I ordered it from the library having no idea what it would look (or feel) like. It is a tome, about 9"x 12" and weighing almost 5 pounds! The subtitle is My Life in Lyrics which is appropriate since 175 song lyrics are included of almost 3000 she has written. Some of the songs were favorites of mine: "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene," "9 to 5" and "I Will Always Love You," a blockbuster hit recorded by many including Whitney Houston. Of course there were many songs I was unfamiliar with, although if I heard her sing them, I would maybe recognize them. Oddly I have only two CDs of Dolly's music, one I purchased at a Cracker Barrel and the other at Target a few weeks ago, "Holly Dolly Christmas." A favorite duet with Kenny Rogers, "Islands in the Stream" was not in the book and when I looked it up, I found it was written by the Bee Gees, one of my favorite groups.

I have a few things in common with Dolly. I was born in East Tennessee, just under two months after Dolly. I have great memories of summer days in the Smoky Mountains in my youth. My husband went to college in the area and I have relatives there so we have visited the Smokies a number of times and feel an emotional connection. We have been to Dollywood more than once and loved it. I have enjoyed country music for many years, even though I grew up on Rock and Roll. 

As a retired elementary school teacher I can fully appreciate Dolly's Imagination Library which she began in 1995. Over 150 million books have been given to children. She says the first book was The Little Engine That Could. I remember a very special principal who used that book as a theme one school year. It has such an inspiring message. Dolly says her proudest accomplishments are her songwriting and her Imagination Library.

I loved reading about Dolly's early history. Her mother was a singer and Dolly says she has "Smoky Mountain DNA." It seems as if most of her family was musical, many of her 11 siblings and extended family, too. She "wrote" her first song at age 6, debuted on the Grand Ole Opry at age 13, moved to Nashville at 18 years and became known for her part on The Porter Wagoner Show before going on to a stellar solo career. She has earned the nickname "Iron Butterfly" for her many lucrative business interests and has won innumerable awards over the years!

There are beautiful photos in the book, some full-page. And Dolly's commentary is so much her "voice" and quite endearing. I will rate Songteller a 4. I enjoyed it but I wish it had not been so HEAVY, literally!