Some books I read, and quickly forget. Sometimes I can’t even remember the author or what the books was about. When I was in my early 20s I was obsessed with Sidney Sheldon. I can remember reading every book he wrote. The book that started my love for his writing was “Master of the Game”. I obsessively checked out book after book from the library. However, I can’t remember the plot of any of his other books. Sorry Sid…that was 20 years ago.
Then there are books that I have never forgotten. These stories between the pages are written on my heart.
The Princess trilogy by Jean Sasson is a autobiographical series about a real-life Saudi princess and her family. The Princess is a member of the privileged Saudi Royal Family but has no control over her own life. The trilogy follows her as a young child growing up unloved and unwanted by her father, to her arranged marriage to a man she hardly knows, then the birth of her daughters, and finally her crusade to rescue Saudi women from a life of sex slavery, beatings, death by stoning, and female circumcision. It is a riveting story of courage and the unbreakable spirit of women. Put this on your summer reading list…and it’s only $8.99 for the complete set as a Kindle download at Amazon.
I have been thinking about these women lately.
I am beginning to realize that God had set the plight of women and girls around the world upon my heart a long time ago. How else could I explain my fascination (with my heart aching) reading stories of women overcoming incredible odds in Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt, China, Jordan?
Other books that I have never forgotten are:
- Mayada, Daughter of Iraq (also by Jean Sasson). I screamed out loud at the torture Mayada endured in an Iraqi prison. Her crime? She was born female.
- Queen Noor, Leap of Faith. The true life story of Queen Noor of Jordan. What would possess an American woman to marry the King of Jordon? This is truly a love story and inspiring.
- Have a Little Faith, by Mitch Albom. When a Rabbi asks Albom to write his eulogy he discovers that it is not our different beliefs that separates us, it is what brings us together.
- Shanghai Girls by Lisa Lee. This book is fiction but based on historical facts. It follows two sisters from 1937 Shanghai to America by way of an arranged marriage, and deep family secrets that threaten to rip their family apart. It’s a page turner.
- Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. This too is fiction by based on historical facts…and based on a famous Geisha. It is so delicately written that I forgot a man wrote this book! It is fascinating and riveting, full of scandal and love. Or, read the real life biography of the actual Geisha in Geisha, A Life by Mineko Iwaaki. Either book I highly recommend adding to your summer reading.
So, what books are you putting on your summer reading list?
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FOR YOUR WEEKEND…
…women around the blog world planting their Small Seeds.
Moms: May your weekend be filled with love and joy. May you find rest, laughter, conversation, a great meal…and no dirty dishes. May you be filled up and recharged.
Have Faith Everyday 