I read to relax, to be entertained, and to learn something new. Learning something new is what happened recently as I turned the pages of Mary Pipher’s Writing to Change the World, a book chock-full of scholarly references and bunches of quotable lines, ending with ten pages of recommended readings.
But sometimes I like to escape; I simply want to be entertained with endearing, odd-ball characters like in Elizabeth Berg’s Night of Miracles, a novel which provides “a delightful take on the cycles of life,” as one reviewer puts it.
Amazon blurb: Night of Miracles
Lucille Howard is getting on in years, but she stays busy. Thanks to the inspiration of her dearly departed friend Arthur Truluv, she has begun to teach baking classes, sharing the secrets to her delicious classic Southern yellow cake, the perfect pinwheel cookies, and other sweet essentials. Her classes have become so popular that she’s hired Iris, a new resident of Mason, Missouri, as an assistant. Iris doesn’t know how to bake but she needs to keep her mind off a big decision she sorely regrets.
When a new family moves in next door and tragedy strikes, Lucille begins to look out for Lincoln, their son. Lincoln’s parents aren’t the only ones in town facing hard choices and uncertain futures. In these difficult times, the residents of Mason come together and find the true power of community—just when they need it the most.
“Elizabeth Berg’s characters jump right off the page and into your heart” said Fannie Flagg about The Story of Arthur Truluv. The same could be said about Night of Miracles, a heartwarming novel that reminds us that the people we come to love are often the ones we don’t expect.
***
I review many books I read, but even if I don’t review a book, I’ll usually make note of lines I like the sound of, or find thought-provoking.
Here are some quotable lines I found from Night of Miracles, which I read back in November 2022:
15 She will dream of Frank tonight, she can tell. She will feel she caught him by the tail of his spirit and he really is here, a see-through Frank come back to her. She will believe she is holding him tightly, running her hands up and down the personal mountain range of his spine, which she remembers perfectly, as she remembers everything about them being together, she truly does.
119 One good thing about someone really liking something you have is that you appreciate it yourself all over again. It is funny, isn’t it, the little door snapping open, the bird popping out and then quickly back in, the door slamming behind him.
120 It came to her as she was napping that afternoon and so she knows it will work out fine: things that suggest themselves in sleep almost always work out.
176 The words bring sudden tears to Lucille’s eyes and she wipes them away, embarrassed. That’s what Frank did, made her feel watched over. It was the only time in her life she felt that way. All the rest of the time, it was Lucille watching out for Lucille. Oh, she could do it, but how nice it was for that brief period of time to feel like someone had her back, whether he was right with her or not. If he was in the world, he was watching over her.
188 . . . they had a ride called the Whirligig. You sat in some wooden contraption that jerked you here, there, and everywhere. One minute you’d be going forward, the next backward or sideways or tilted over so far you thought you might fall out. It was never still and you had no idea what might come next. That’s life. You’re born, and you get a ride on the Whirligig.
Share some favorite book titles?
When you read a book, do you record lines you like?
Author Berg points out, things that “suggest themselves in sleep almost always work out.” Do you think that’s true?
Besides reading, what do you like to do to relax?
Good morning, Marian! I love to read, and I always read before bed. But if I can spend sometime in the afternoon involved in the world of a good book, that is bliss (and doesn’t happen too often). 😊
I’m guessing reading and cooking/baking are you go-to’s after a day of writing and research. Good balance, Merril!
Oh, and photographing on your nature walks. 😀
Sometimes, Marian! 🙂
I have read every single one of Elizabeth Berg’s books. She’s the kind of writer I’d like to be. Her books are full of quotable quotes. She just really gets into her characters, so they are ALIVE. I drove with several of my writing students (adults) to Cambridge, MA one spring to meet Elizabeth as she read from one of her new books (this was about ten years ago, in a bookstore near Harvard). A lovely, warm woman (no surprise) who cried at one point, noting that her dog of 12 years had just died. I think we all cried with her.
Oh, my goodness, Pam, you really did hit the jackpot!. I’d been reading Anne Tyler books for a long time, but then one of my lit. students turned me on to Elizabeth Berg. (I think she may have even given me a copy of one of Berg’s early novels.) So Anne and Elizabeth have sat companionably on my book shelf until recently when I gave several volumes of one or the other to my sister, also a reading addict.
I agree, she’s the kind of writer I’d like to be too! 😀
Good news here – we’re both our OWN writers, and pretty darn good, at that. 🙂
Hi Marian, I have much more time for recreational reading than I did while I was working and especially while our children were still here at home. My habit now is mainly reading before I go to bed or take a nap, but I’ve just started a book that has made me laugh more times than any recent book so I’m sneaking it in at other lulls in my work/activities/errands. 🙂 The book is Dear Mrs. Bird by a newish novelist, AJ Pearce, published in 2018. She has written other successful follow up novels that I will enjoy looking for. I get most of my leisure reading books at Gift N Thrift whose proceeds go to Mennonite Central Committee’s relief efforts. I liked this book immediately because of my own dreams of being a journalist way back when. She’s a British writer so the English-isms are fun too.
At your suggestion, I put a copy of Dear Mrs. Bird on reserve at the library today. I feel the need to laugh too after months/week of publishing and promotion. (You know the drill.)
Thanks for the suggestion, Melodie, and giving us a window into your reading habits. 😀
A day later, and the library has alerted me for “pick up”!
I think it is true that ideas that “suggest themselves in sleep almost always work out.” Isn’t that the whole concept of ‘sleeping on it’ before committing to something?
I occasionally scribble down a sentence from a novel I’m reading, but usually I mull over it in general rather than remembering it in specific.
Thanks for telling me the (obvious) connection between the E. Berg quote and the expression “sleep on it.” Makes perfect sense, Ally B. 😀
You understand how important balance is, Marian. Thanks for sharing these books. I can’t go hard on one thing without other activities to balance it out – such as exercise, playing the piano and even doing mundane tasks. I’ve never thought about things that suggest themselves in sleep working out – interesting! As for taking notes when I read – I always do it!
It strikes me that many of your daily/weekly activities also benefit your readers: your blog, your YouTube musical renderings, etc. Thanks for all that, Barbara! 😀
I am a bookworm/reader for sure! When we were kids, we got to go to the library every 2 weeks and get 4 books. I would have those read in about 12 hours. I was highly annoyed when my first grade teacher would allow me to check out only 1 book at a time. Seriously?? I still read professional things, but since retirement I have branched out. Currently trying to catch up on back issues of Anabaptist World and quilting magazine. So many books/materials, so little time.
Sarah, I’d have to check, but I believe you “won” a copy of Mennonite Daughter in a blog contest several years ago.
My husband says that I “inhale” books, which describes you reading method. Quilting and reading seem like a great combination, using different kinds of brain power. Thanks for stopping by! 😀
Yes, I just checked, and you were the winner, announced here: https://marianbeaman.com/2019/10/09/meeting-readers-joys-book-tour/
yes, I was the winner! Thanks so much! I need to get your new book.
I’m also working on Shirley Showalter’s book, The Mindful Grandparent. I’m not very far, but enjoying it.
Sarah, here’s the link for my new book: https://mybook.to/MyCheckeredLife
Yup, getting a ride on the whirlygig right now, and it’s the scary part that makes your stomach lurch, not the fun part or the scary fun part! Life is challenging right now. All the things hubby did before, I’m doing now, plus my own jobs and caring for him. I’m also discovering a lot of kind people who are willing to help!
I’m glad kind people are showing up helping with your care of Hardy. Even with that, certain parts of the process are up to you. That’s why friends from afar can lift you up in prayer: for energy, for endurance, for divine power.
During this trying time, know that you are loved, Elfrieda! ((( )))
Marian, I’m glad you enjoyed ths book. I haven’t read any of her books, but I’ve heard of her. Yes, when I love a book I jot down some lines. I’ve always loved this exchange in FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. After Frodo learns that the awful ring is the ring of the enemy, he’s understandably upset.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf,” and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us” (76).
L. Marie, Frodo’s and Gandalf’s exchange seems timely in any era, especially now. Thanks for the reminder to try to distinguish between what we can and can’t control. 😀
Oh those books sound really good to be reading! I wonder if my Library has them? Once in a while I go with my Daughter when she goes; I’ll have to check them out.
To your questions: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and about anything C S Lewis writes. The Painted Queen and just about anything Elizabeth Peters writes. I just love the big novels; I also remember what that color is for….and yes; to sleep on something makes sense because in the Bible it states that when we sleep our Father puts ideas into our minds from Him for our well being and success…so I do think that is true; and lastly, besides reading I love to watch The Chosen series.
Besides reading also I love to do research as I’m an Internet Research Specialist. Speaking of that I need to do a little research before my next post on my Blog.
You’ve included so much here: Books you love, a biblical reference and the movie series, The Chosen. I’m going to tell readers your website so they can visit “Cactus Flower” from Phoenix, Arizona: https://fromcoaltodiamond.com/
Also, thanks for the reference to Psalm 16:7. I’m copying the NIV version of the verse here: New International Version
Psalm 16:7
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 😀
Thank you Marian; I appreciate that. I think that reference to the Lord putting His thoughts into our spirits when we sleep in somewhere in the book of Job; I kept thinking it was in Proverbs because it seemed a better fit; sure….I know better than God? LOL….I don’t think so! And I did do that research on a fascinating subject and posted it; whew!!! I haven’t made it to the library yet so I also have to renew my books. I used to be so timely, what happened?
Oh I forgot this Marian; I love your flower picture!!!
Thanks for noticing. These flowers came from camellia bushes in our former house. The iris is probably a wild variety. ;-D
My current go-to book for recommendation is The Marriage of Anna Mae Potts by DeWitt Henry. I have his latest poetry book, Restless for Words, waiting for me. I’d also say the collected short stories of Flannery O’Connor, Willam Faulkner, and Eudora Welty. I don’t usually record lines I like. I stop reading to savor the line and say “How did she/he DO that”? I like to relax by exploring the back roads with my husband.
Thanks for gifting me some new titles, Liz. In grad school, I developed an appreciation for Eudora Welty and Flannery O’Connor. (We had a faculty excursion to Flannery’s childhood home in Savannah, GA many years ago.) You mentioned thinking “How did she/he DO that”? when you stop and admire a writer’s technique. Right now I’m thinking that same thought as I read The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean, a word wizard if there ever was one. 😀
You’re welcome, Marian. I do appreciate a good prose stylist. 😀
Thanks for introducing us to these books Marian. I will check them out. I love to read in bed at night, and for a bit in the morning before getting out of bed. 🙂
Ha! My reading in bed at night often results with the book sliding out of hands and banging onto the floor, so annoying because then I lose my place. I’d be fresher in the morning! Thanks for sharing. Debby! 😀
Lol, I too awake with finding my Kindle in weird places 🙂
I was an avid reader before life got busy and I’m determined to get back to it! Eldest Son has loaned me several Halo and Star Wars fan fiction, which I read to stay connected. lol I just finished reading The Little Old Lady Behaving Badly, about a “league of penshioners” trying to be Robin Hood in a series of high-risk capers. It’s apparently the third in a series and I want to find the first two. It was a quick, fun read and I need a little fun! 😉
You have plenty of high-powered activity in your real life. Reading more would only fuel your reality—and your imagination! Thanks, Jenn. 😀
Good morning Marian! Well, I love Fannie Flagg, so if Night Of Miracles is recommended by both of you, I can hardly resist! Thanks for the idea. Not too long ago, I read The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. It’s not new, so I think most people have heard of it, but I had not. Her life growing up was INCREDIBLY challenging, but how she told her story had a big impact. Her style of memoir has opened up avenues for me in the writing department. 🙂
Some people are paralyzed by family dysfunction, but Jeanette Walls bucked against it to create her own destiny. One memorable scene in The Glass Castle: the precocious Jeanette Walls cooking herself hot dogs at age three with disastrous results. Ugh!
Reading memoir is a great way to stimulate your writing juices. One woman who frequently comments here, Shirley Showalter, read and reviewed 100 memoirs before she wrote her own. In my opinion, just reading, memoir or fiction, is the flip side of writing: One fuels the other. Here is a list from her blog published several years ago. I hesitated to share this because of the numerous titles, but I see they are organized by theme: https://shirleyshowalter.com/100-top-memoirs-sue-silvermans-list-will-give-you-even-more/
Thanks, Melanie! 😀
Reading 100 memoirs is beyond impressive! I have seen Shirley’s name in your comment sections. I’ll visit her blog. Yes, it was very strange that both Walls’ parents really didn’t parent, albeit forms of mental illness were on display. It’s truly amazing that 3 of the children walked away and created their adult lives with successful accomplishments and peace. How inspiring.
Yes, amazing!
Marian — I added the books you mentioned to my TBR list. I’m especially intrigued by NIGHT OF MIRACLES. You asked:
Share some favorite book titles?
Maeve Binchy, my all-time favorite storyteller, hasn’t authored a book I don’t adore.
When you read a book, do you record lines you like?
I’ve never done that, but I like the idea of it.
Author Berg points out, things that “suggest themselves in sleep almost always work out.” Do you think that’s true?
It works out for writing purposes (that’s usually when I get plot ideas for storylines). But I can’t say that’s true in real life.
Besides reading, what do you like to do to relax?
I love to read, take long walks, and I usually take photographs on my jaunts.
I like the methodical way you reply here, so Laurie-like!
You may know, Maeve Binchy died not long ago, so no new work from her. In my opinion, Rosamund Pilcher has a writing style similar to Maeve’s, also with British settings. 😀
Hi Marian, a lovely review of this book. I like most books I read. I am a bit of a chameleon with books and will appreciate a book for its positive aspects even if its not a favourite genre. Hi Marian, I do keep a record of quotes I like from classic books and include them in my reviews. I sleep deeply and never dream so I can’t comment on that quote / thought. I also like to draw, paint, bake, write, and make fondant art.
I hope other readers who peruse the comments will read “I like to draw, paint, bake, write, and make fondant art”–and gasp in wonder.
By the way, full disclosure: the review of Night of Miracles posted came directly from Amazon, which I noted, so I can’t claim authorship! 😀
👍🏻🤗
My other comments on this are, yes; I love to cook, do adult color books with colored pens, write; I have numerous journals I may use to write a Trilogy of my life; I believe the Lord wants me to…I believe I have around 9 to 12 that I can draw from; I used to draw when I was younger but I haven’t for a long while; I even took Art in High School back in the 60’s. And I love educational fields on various topics.I’m very interested in Israel and it’s culture per the Bible so I take online classes at Israel Bible Center and absolutely love them!!! Reading the Bible with knowing the culture makes it like reading or watching a movie and a lot more relevant and real; not that it isn’t but you know what I mean…
You will never be bored with all you have going on. I like the idea of “trilogy” of your life. My own seems to have three parts too. And I agree, knowing biblical culture helps the Bible come alive, knowing the setting and the customs. Thanks so much, “cactus flower”!
I am reading travel books right now, Marian, getting ready to go to Iceland with grandson Owen in July and to Switzerland with family in September. I read a novel by Dave Eggers called The Lifters. My granddaughter Julia was reading it, and I wanted to talk about one of her books with her. I guess my reading these days is being influenced by my grands!
Oh how wonderful, Shirley! My Grandmother Hester had a life-long friend from Switzerland and she used to pay her fare to join her in Switzerland from Wisconsin when she got a break from her nursing. Grandma never went to school for that, she was like an apprentice and just jumped in working at a hospital right away. When she came back she had all these little cups and colorful little spoons hung up in her kitchen. The ladies name was Hermantz Gurney; can you imagine? That is real authentic. I met her as a child once and loved her accent; love them ever since! Oh well, you have a wonderful time with your Grands!!!
When I read your comment about your Grandma, my thought was that in both the state (Wisconsin) and the country of Switzerland, cheese is a popular menu item. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, “Cactus flower,” such a descriptive name for an Arizonian. Ha!
Shirley, how wonderful you can indulge in a life of both fantasy and adventure through books and travel with the grands. I’ve never been to Iceland although I think my Aunt Ruthie has. We enjoyed Switzerland, land of our forebears, the locale of the Longenecker dairy farm in the Langnau/Emmental region (canton of Berne).
You may notice I provided a link for Melanie (above) to read about your 100-book memoir project. She’s in the thinking-about-memoir stage now and eager for suggestions. 😀
I completely adore reading . I never go anywhere without a book . A book is my constant companion. I have recently discovered a writer called Rachel Joyce . I have had an earlier book of hers on my self for years because I didn’t fancy it . It was one of those books I’d get to read eventually, when the time was right . The book was :The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry . Have you heard of it ? ( it’s been made into a film ) Anyway some time ago I picked up a book that was amazing called Miss Benson’s Beetle …who was it by ? Rachel Joyce . After that I read all of her books including the above that had been on my shelf for ages and took my husband to see it at the cinema…fab ! Never judge a book by the cover .
Thanks for your recommendation and all your lovely readers recommendations too.
Cherryx
Dear Cherry, yesterday you crossed my mind, and here you are today, my lucky day! You are in good company with all the bookish friends here. Thanks you for adding to the literary litany.
I didn’t think I had read Rachel Joyce’s books, but when you mentioned “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” it immediately rang a bell. Who would have guessed that a shy man treading across the UK in a friend’s behalf would make such riveting reading. I was not aware she wrote other books; I must check them out. Thanks for the visit, and keep reading to that darling grandson! 😀
I like Elizabeth Berg and have read a few of her books but not this one. It looks very good. I just finished reading Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. It is excellent. So well written, every sentence perfection. I also make note of exceptional passages in books. Another book I read that had amazing lines was The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zaffron. Here is one: “Every book has a soul. The soul of the person who wrote it and of those who read it and lived and dreamed with it.”
We are kindred spirits, savoring special books and extraordinary lines.
Thanks for adding some new authors here. I’m sure every author would like to be complimented with this: “every sentence perfection.” Thanks for stopping by with encouragement, Darlene! 😀