"The Dirty Parts of the Bible"

I finished The Dirty Parts of the Bible the other day. Although it's not the most amazing novel I have ever read, it is funny and a delightful distraction from the depressing books on my homework list. The novel, according to the author, combines the Book of Tobit and his grandparents courtship. There is a great reference to the Biblical Song of Solomon. The author actually fit the comparison between deer and breasts into the story. I am glad I read it and have recommended the novel to others.

An amazing novel I finished for a class is Remainder, but that will take a blog entry of it's own. If anyone is out there actually reading this, which I doubt, I encourage you to read this novel. It's weird and amazing, and not like anything I've read, yet like everything. It has tons of Biblical references but you have to pay attention. Honestly, I am going to have to read this book at least two more times before I am happy. This book will leave you dizzy; as if you have been going around in figure eights. (You will understand that reference if you read it).

I need to get back to preparing for midterms. Good journeys.

Bible

   I can't believe how much reading the Bible has changed my view of literature. It's like I am finally getting the big picture. I cannot imagine reading a Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon  without it. I have to say that I truly miss studying the Bible. I can see why Dr Sexon loves it so much. I miss the side journeys as well. Hopefully during spring break I can get back to it.

Another benefit to finishing The Bible.

     Looking at the amazing amount of reading and assignments I am faced with this month, I began to reflect. Thinking back to finishing the Bible and all the other reading I completed last semester, and I feel like I can complete it. After the Bible, reading other books that are challenging really seem manageable.

The Worst Christmas EVER!!!

     We actually got the noro virus as an extra special Christmas gift this year. Hoping everyone was going to recover, hearing my 83 year old father's voice sound weaker than after his heart attack, having to leave my daughter at home sick with a friend while I was in the ER, a surprise visit from my future mother-in-law, and and a general feeling of DOOOOOOMM!! made our Christmas unforgettable. We managed to unwrap our gifts and sort of toss them aside. Some of us managed to nibble at Christmas dinner before getting sick. That's about it really. It was like we got a bit of the commercial empty traditions without being clear headed enough to even ponder the rest. The feeling of togetherness was out since we were not really together at all. The appreciation of family was more of a panic and any prayers of thankfulness turned to desperate pleas for the health of others. But with Christmas snatched out of my grasp, I began to miss it. I admit I am one of those people who think the whole thing is a big hassle; there must be ways to make people know you care without the overspending and crowds was my mantra. But missing out on seeing everyone actually be able to appreciate what they were given, without that feeling of Christmas cheer, without everyone dropping EVERYTHING for the day, or in the case of our family, two days, things seem empty. Honestly, Bible no Bible, God no God whatever. This is why I celebrate Christmas, I can figure the rest out later. For the record, since class has ended and I no longer am confined to a strictly literary view, I do believe in God, I am just not sure about the details. Sounds odd, I know, even as I type it I think it just does not quite fit. I am going to blog on and continue to make connections in literature in my life. If anyone is out there still reading this, I welcome your comments. Journey with me if you like.