A Place on Earth

A Place on Earth, by Wendell Berry

4/60 | Started 12.28.24 • Finished 01.19.25 | 4 stars

This is my second Wendell Berry novel, as I attempt to read through his Port William books in order. I enjoyed it more than the first one - more characters and intertwined plot lines.

He feels himself beyond the reach of all that might lift him back. All the force of his life seems to have withdrawn into his own body, to survive or perish there beyond the help of anyone but himself.

This portion takes place during the decline of World War II. We meet several inhabitants of Port William, including Jayber Crow, Burley, and Mat Feltner. Berry has a real knack for bringing a character to life, what with his flaws and triumphs and quirks. This is a sad story of love and loss, so you'd need to be in the right frame of mind to read it.

“Mat, when we’ve lost it all, we’ve had what we’ve lost.” “But to lose it. Isn’t there anything in you that rebels against that?”

Fullness of Joy

Fullness of Joy, by Daniel Ragusa

3/60 | Started 12.27.24 • Finished 01.14.25 | 4.5 stars

In this short yet punch-packed volume, author Daniel Ragusa helps the reader trace how the presence of God shows up through the covenants, beginning in the garden of Eden and consummating in the new heavens and the new earth. I received this for Christmas from my dear husband, who commented that maybe it was a bit late, given that the subtitle is "A Biblical Theology of God With Us," and therefore seems to be about the incarnation. But it's so much more than that. I did find it to be a little technical at times, and there were a lot of quotes and footnotes, etc., but overall it was an encouraging read, and one I will probably return to each year around this time as a reminder of God's presence with me as part of his body.

Riding the Pony Express

Riding the Pony Express, by Clyde Robert Bulla

2/60 | Started 11.14.24 • Finished 01.08.25 | 5 stars

"The story is about a boy named Dick whose father rides for the Pony Express. An Indian boy named Little Bear and Dick become friends. Dick rides for the Pony Express because his father gets shot. I was happy when Dick survived, shooting his father’s pistol."

Carolyn, age 7