Wool by Hugh Howey

It’s not often these days that I find a book so good that I read it in a couple of days but Wool was definitely that book.  Simon and Schuster sent me a copy to review.

In a post-apocalyptic world, a remnant of humans remain living underground in a silo that is 144 levels deep. It is a society based on strict rules and regulations and generations have already come and gone when we meet the current inhabitants of the silo.  The society is segregated by function; the farmers and mechanical people are in the lower third, the people who run the information technology sector are in the middle third and the professionals are in the top third.  The top third is the only place that there is a view to the outside.  The silo is self-sufficient and efficient in the way it’s run.  But the secrets are becoming known and the fabric of the society is starting to unravel.  The heroine of the story is a 34 year old woman named Juliette who is from the mechanical sector.  A series of events lead to her moving up to the top level and becoming entangled in the mysteries of the silo.

The writing is tight and atmospheric.  Sometimes I almost felt the claustrophobia of people who had to live underground all their lives.  There is lots of action and the characters themselves are likeable, well-written and I found myself caring about what happened to them.   This book is a page-turner and like Juliette the reader becomes entangled in the mysteries of the silo.   

I was happy with the ending and I hope there is a sequel in the works.    I recommend this book to everyone, even if this isn’t your typical genre to read.    The story is just that good.

Happy St Patrick's Day

St.  Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and although I’m not catholic I am part Irish so top of the mornin’ to you and may St Patrick’s prayer be your prayer today.

The Prayer of St. Patrick

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multiude.

Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise todayThrough the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.

Billy Graham and Me by Steve Posner and Amy Newmark

Simon and Schuster sent me a copy of Billy Graham and Me to review.   This is an anthology of stories from the Chicken Soup for the Soul people.

This is a collection of short stories from the famous people who have known Billy Graham throughout his lifetime; presidents, ministry leaders, leaders of other countries, actors, actresses and musicians have written their memories and praises of this iconic figure in modern Christianity.  Interspersed among these stories are memories from the people who know him best, his family and co-workers.    Also included are leaders from other faiths who have interacted with Billy Graham and appreciate him for his ability to be with those who don’t believe the same as he does and to interact without judgement or condemnation. 

This is an amazing and inspirational read.  It’s like a living eulogy for a 94 year old man who has lived his life and served God with integrity and humility.   To a person, they laud his gentle spirit, his caring for others and his unwavering faith in the message that he preached.    Although offered other positions of power and influence throughout his life; he remained committed to preaching the gospel.

This is also a fun book to read.  Besides the touching memories are funny stories and behind the scenes glimpses that bring Billy Graham and his ministry to life.

The best part of the book for me is the Afterword from Billy Graham.  He can’t write any more because of eye disease but he humbly thanks the people who have written and then, in typical Billy Graham style says “to God be the glory”.

I highly recommend this book.