Traci DePree

Well I've done it. I've read not one, but two Christian novels by Traci DePree — a can of peas and dandelions in a jelly jar. If I came upon a third I'd probably read that too. While the writing started out immature, by the second book of the Lake Emily series she had found her voice and rhythm. It was not saccharine like a Chicken Soup story and the deus ex machina was only slightly convenient. The vignettes and plot lines are wholly plausible. While her multiple characters seem to be fixated on avoiding "self-pity" the lack of sex scenes is refreshing and the awkward prayers endearing. I cried healthy cries (a lot), laughed a bit, smiled with comfort and was inspired to tackle the dishes. There's my confession: I read a Christian novel and I liked it.

The Hamlet by William Faulkner

I just finished my first Faulkner novel The Hamlet. I just didn't enjoy it. Between his use of subtlety, euphemism and symbolism I never felt I knew exactly what was going on. I felt like this fluid writing was describing a panorama of culture, scene and plot. But I was looking through a cardboard tube and try as I might could not get the whole picture. Now I am comfortable with the surreal and postmodern, Shakespeare and Austen but I cannot fathom the point Faulkner was trying to make with this book. I'm sure if it were explained to me I would have enjoyed it more.