The Poisonwood Bible

[libodem]

Thank you to whomever mentioned this book the other day. I got the flu and have had to be down so I've had plenty of time to read. I'm about mid way through. I had this on my bookshelf but was put off by the title. Can't judge a book by the cover.

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[Curmudgeoness]

1. I think that was me.

If not, I have suggested it several other times. It has been several years since I read it, I will have to take it off the shelf and re-read it myself. I loved that book.

Glad you are enjoying it.

[libodem]

4. Yes it was!

I should have combed back through to figure out my benefactor but this worked out fine. Thank you again.

We've made it through the ant swarm and the big hunt with the fire. I can't put it down.

[Curmudgeoness]

7. You are right that the title is off-putting.

I will be honest, I might never have read the book if it were not for a book club that I belonged to. We were going to read it, and that was what forced me into it. I was not excited about it. Boy, was I wrong!

Hope you are feeling better.

[northoftheborder]

2. That is one of my favorite books also.

[libodem]

6. .

I can see why.

[In_The_Wind]

3. It is an excellent book.

I hope you're feeling better soon.

[libodem]

5. Viral throat thing

Lost my voice. Then a cough. Then the sore throat. Yucky secretions. TMI. Thank you for your kind sympathies.

[llmart]

8. I read it quite a few years ago...

and couldn't put it down. However, I'd read anything written by Barbara Kingsolver. She's a terrific writer.

[Lex]

9. A great book by Kingsolver. But not her very best.

She has written so many wonderful books.

[Curmudgeoness]

13. What do you think is her very best?

I think that I have read all of her books, but may have missed one or two somehow.

Personally, the only two on my top list are The Poisonwood Bible and The Lacuna.

[scarletwoman]

15. I've read most of her fiction novels, and it's The Lacuna that most stuck in my mind.

I really loved that book.

[Curmudgeoness]

16. Me too. I learned so much from that one.

I knew so little about Diego Rivera or Trotsky or that whole situation. And I have always loved books that intertwine history into the fiction.

[scarletwoman]

17. Yes, the historical aspects were wonderful!

I learned a lot, too. And I trust Kingsolver enough to feel that what I learned was true and valuable.

[SalviaBlue]

10. That was one of my favorites.

I think I finally read based upon so many people here saying it was on their top 10 list.

[libodem]

11. It has been on my bookshelf for quite a while

The title didn't sound like something I'd like so I overlooked it. It was recommended here so that made me open it. The Girl With A Pearl Earring, has been sitting there too. So I'm reading that, now. And my flu has resolved. So all is well.

[Curmudgeoness]

12. So.....

In the end, what did you think of the book? Has it hit your top anything list?

[libodem]

14. I loved it

It was tough and gritty but it brought me a lot of insights. I've had a question in my mine forever wondering why missionaries felt so compelled to spread the gospel where the message was likely to be rejected.

I think the father must have sustained a brain injury during the war plus what ever personality problems and ptsd he must have had to endanger his whole family for a fool's errand.

Thank you for recommending this book. How sad it might have been if I had ignored it because Poisonwood didn't sound pretty to me.

[vanlassie]

18. The Poisonwood Bible and The Lacuna are way way up there.

But, you HAVE to read "Animal Vegetable Mineral" to have a complete understanding of Barbara Kingsolver! PS. It's not fiction!

[libodem]

19. No

Sounds intriguing. I just finished Cane River. That was touching and emotional. Now someone has given me The Help. I'm on a journey.

[womanofthehills]

20. I also liked "Prodigal Summer" & "Flight Behavior"

These 2 books are not as dramatic as "The Poisonwood Bible" - more about nature - coyotes and butterflies. Very enjoyable reads!

[Lex]

21. I adored "Prodigal Summer."

It struck a chord with me.

[Ineeda]

23. I highly recommend her

essays -- High Tide in Tucson is my favorite, and Small Wonder is not far behind. The short story collection, Homeland and Other Stories is terrific too. I find her work thought-provoking, of course, but written in a way that is poetic and musical.

[libodem]

24. I'm about ready to go looking for something to read

I felt like I was in Africa living in that house with the sisters and that nutso preacher father. Such complex characters and the most excellent follow through on the continuation of the family members' lives. It stayed with me for a few days after I finished it. I had to finish processing everything.

[llmart]

25. I love "Small Wonder" too.

Her essays are just as wonderful as her books.