Books read in 2009, IV (July, August)

As part of the new year's resolution, I set a goal of reading 50 books in 2009. See my post here: Book reading plan in 2009

Work is as demanding as usual. Besides, I was pretty addicted to and spent much time playing games on Facebook, thus I didn't read as much as I should in July and August. I did finish one more book compared to the last report though, see the list of 7 books below. However, I didn't read my Bible these past two months so I am a little weak spiritually right now. :(

1. Springs in the Valley by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

It is a companion daily devotional book to 'Streams in the Desert'. I was inspired and comforted so many times by the wonderful messages in this book. Here is an example of how God touched me when I needed Him the most: God Spoke to His Exhausted Child.

2. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

The story of two sisters from 1930s to 1960s, from Shanghai to Los Angeles. The author did a wonderful job leading me to know them gradually, to go through the hardships with them, to worry about their fate, to feel their happiness, sadness, fear, and the love & hate between them. The family's story of three generations is by all means connected to big events in China and U.S. during that time. I was disappointed that the story didn't end with the book. I am not sure if I have enough patience to wait for the sequel.

3. Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson

In 1954, a fisherman was found drowned on San Piedro Island, and a Japanese American was charged with murder. This book not only covers the trial itself, but also the conflicts and connections between Japanese and Americans during/after the war, the lives and emotions of farmers and fishermen, their love stories, memories, etc. A powerful story beautifully written.

4. Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens our Future by Chris Mooney and Sheril Kirshenbaum

David K. wrote a review for this great book, so I don't need to comment more on its insightful and powerful discussions. However, I don't agree that human evolution is the scientifically verified truth. It is a theory at most. The frequently used term 'anti-evolutionist' sounds a little biased. I actually believe I am a precious child of the Almighty God, not a descendent of fish or monkeys.

5. Speaking in Tongues by Jeffery Deaver

It is really dangerous when a psychiartrist becomes a criminal - he looks into people's souls and can talk them into doing almost anything. Well, his adversary being a lawyer who is equally silver-tongued makes the story all the more interesting. Also, it is set near where I live and seeing the familiar places (Vienna Metro, Fair Oaks Mall, I-66, etc.) mentioned is exciting. A great novel with unexpected twists.

6. Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love by Dava Sobel

I don't know why it is titled "Galileo's Daughter" when the book is more about Galileo himself. Nonetheless, it is a wonderful book. I only had superficial knowledge of this great man in the past, now I learned much of his life - his scientific discoveries, his faith, his trial and house arrest from championing of Copernicanism, and the love and support between him and his illegitimate daughter, Suor Maria Celeste, as they went through major events of their lives in Italy, and the earth-centered world in which they lived.

7. The Appeal by John Grisham

A typical Grisham book - sometimes serious, sometimes funny, with much legal jargon. He makes a great point of showing the power of money and how electoral process (in this case, Supreme Court justice) can be manipulated. I hate the ending, but I suppose it is closer to real life than the alternatives. I never liked politics and even more so after reading this book.