Gems of Scripture, English Literature, Adolescences, and Gifts

I have too many Red Room heroes to pick one favorite.  So I’d like to take this opportunity to mention a few neighbors according to the order that I’ve come to learn from them through Red Room blogs.

Rosy Cole's "Dreams of Gold” is the first book I purchased from the Red Room. All because I just had to have her book! I wanted to know how she managed to write so pitch-perfect.  I noticed the way she responded to me through her comments.  She always used the proper scripture or quote which was perfectly in line with our conversations, as well as her correspondence with other members.  All of her writings are the confirmation and support I was searching for. Her poems mesmerized me.  I still re-read them every time they appear on the popular blog post. And the very first time I heard her voice; it was a song in my heart that lifted me with her eloquent articulation of English Literature and Scripture woven together.  It was obvious to me when I learned that she previously sang in opera groups and choirs at Birmingham Symphony Hall and was part of a quintet.  I’d bet she holds an audience in awe, regardless of where she sings or reads.  Her written works of ancestral religious history fit in with all the text worthy books belonging to a part of our society.  I’m honored to own a copy of her writings.  She is my hero because her words and actions are precise and devoutly spoken from a heart filled with gems of wisdom that our world needs to have and to hold onto for evermore.  

Harrison Solow’s “Felicity & Barbara Pym” is the favorite and most pleasurable English Literature book I’ve read.  Unfortunately, I once was a stranger to these types of books. I only read religious and inspirational books, all because I just couldn’t get interested in anything else, no matter how many times I’ve tried. All of this changed for the better when I began reading Harrison’s blogs.  I immediately learned that my mind was open for more.  I noticed that she was much more than just an expert in her field of literature.  She is a devout humanitarian of the heart.  However, there was something larger stirring within me beside my admiration of her professional degrees and diplomas.  Felicity & Barbara Pym is a most valuable book in English Literature and it changed my life.  It did wonders for me. I was totally entertained.  And at the same time, I was being taught about literature through their corresponding letters.  I learnt surprising lessons on both sides of the letter that was once a mystery. I mostly loved the delightful air of humor in Felicity & Barbara Pym.  I will always regard this book as my first true English Literature course, and attribute Harrison Solow as my teacher.  I totally agree with all the reviews "It should be mandatory reading for all undergraduate students of English Literature.” I’m looking forward to the day when I own a hard copy.  All the while, I am grateful I’m already the heir to this one.             

Jennifer Kathleen Gibbons, “I Woke Up In Love This Morning” graciously fell in the palms of my hands.  I was curious what Jennifer’s book had to say from her amazing blogs.  Her memory, photos, memorabilia, and writings of the Hollywood stars are astonishing!  It should be no surprise to me that her book brought me back to joyful memories of my own life.  Jennifer’s tenderness and true-to-life stories recollected the innocence of my young teen years perfectly.  It brought tears of the emotional and physical changes and pain that certainly take place for all of us women.  I can vow for every bit of truth that runs through a young girl’s mind, body, and spirit during those confusing years of adolescence.  I grew up with seven sisters who quietly shared similar stories.  Jennifer is my hero because she brought these sometimes painful and emotional years to life with delightful stories that we all can look back on.  We can laugh and forgive ourselves for our complexes, confusions, and what happens to us during the natural changes of puberty.  I immediately bought copies for my granddaughter, nieces, and grown-up daughter.  I wanted to share these heartwarming stories which reveal an understanding of the truth that we are one and the same.  And Jennifer explains it precisely!

And just to name a few more of my Red Room heroes whose books I haven't yet had an opportunity to read, since I am impressed and grateful for their blogs.  I gifted their books to those close to me, which I felt would bring pleasure to both:

Lauren Lise Baratz-Logsted, The Sisters 8, I gifted the whole series to my granddaughter.

Christopher Meeks, Love at Absolute Zero, I gifted his book to a dear mathematic genius.

Patricia Volonakis Davis, The Diva Doctrine, I bought her book for a friend to lift her spirits.

Jon Stewart, Earth, I gave his book to my husband and son for Christmas.

Alan Zullo and Chris Rodell, Golf is a Funny Game. I gave this book to my golf friend for his birthday.

Gifts that are on the way:

Dr. Steve McSwain, The Enoch Factor.

Mylene Dressler, The Medusa Tree and The Deadwood Beetle

Sam Barry, Write That Book Already!

Nina Amir, How to Blog a Book ( May 21, 2012)

 And many more!

Blogging is a wonderful way of communication in getting to know an author and his works, and Red Room is the special place that makes it all possible to mark our heroes' imprint for ourselves or another through having their books.  It is for me.