Just finished a book with this title written by Nancy E. Turner. I am a fan of historical fiction and this is a highly recommended read! ( I have been on hiatus with my computer time because of it) I knew it was one I wanted to read when my sister-in-law Magan told me about it. It did not disappoint and was very emotionally compelling.
(Off of Nancy E. Turner’s Website) "These Is My Words uses the love of learning as a major plot element in a story inspired by her great-grandmother, Sarah Prine. It is set during a time in Territorial Arizona when life was hard and tenuous. The story is a portrait of the courage and perseverance of one woman, and a love affair that will never be forgotten."
FYI, apparently there are 2 more books after this. Anyone ventured to read them?
I seemed to be able to see myself in the main character in the fact that she is completely contradictory at times with her feelings – especially toward her husband, but DID NOT relate when it comes to her fearlessness in combating Indians, snakes/animals, death, and heartache.
I dogeared a few pages to write down a some favorite quotes. They might not mean much to most, but will to me:
"Children are a heavy burden to a mother, but not the way a heavy box is to a mule. Our children weigh hard on my heart, and thinking of them growing up honest and healthy, or just living to grow up at all, makes a load in my chest that is bigger than the safe at a bank, and more valuable to me than all the gold inside it." You really have to read the book to realize the helplessness she must have felt in just trying to keep them all alive. Also felt I could mirror those words to my life in 2009 in a small feeble way – a mother will always worry about her children!
Talking about her husband she said, "In so many things he is rough and ornery but in ways of our family, he is always so gentle it is like I am married to two different men. I love them both and need them equally." Just think it is sweet and my idea of a good romance. He really wasn’t ornery as much as always leaving her to go battle Indians with the military, but he needed her with much urgency. He loved a thrill but he couldn’t live without her.
"My life feels like a book left out on a porch, and the wind blows the pages faster and faster, turning always toward a new chapter faster than I can stop to read it." Great description of how time can seem to slip through our fingers! Very interestingly noted that she adored books and learning – I like how she compared her life to something she loved and could personally relate with.
Get your libarary card out and go get yourself a copy soon!
Comments:
Mom and dad Parker said…
We loved the quotes and the blog. We feel that they were very descriptive of life.
Monday, August 31, 2009 10:02:01 PM
Magan said…
glad you liked it too! I have a another really great read when you are ready well in fact three really great reads in mind.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 4:30:22 PM