Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist, and Charles Dickens in particular, get a bad rap for being difficult reads. Surprisingly, Oliver Twist was a much easier read than I expected. I can't say the same for Dickens other stories since I haven't read them. Oliver Twist was published in 1838 and the language was not at all difficult. A modern teen would have no problem reading the story - that is if they don't get bored.

The story does bog down in a few places. It is interesting to see how Dickens is able to tie so many irrelevant chapters to the resolution. The story was originally published a chapter at a time, or so, in a magazine/newspaper. On the surface it would be difficult for an author to write a story in such a fashion. Today an author rewrites and edits many times before publishing. Dickens didn't have that luxury, but created the story as he went along. (from wikipedia).

Oliver Twist chronicles the story of an innocent, naive orphan who experiences much as he tries to find a safe and secure place. He naturally chooses good over evil despite his circumstances. Throw in some organized crime, class warfare, and Victorian ideals and you have an interesting story that is still relevant today. Today, some people would question Oliver's innocence and naivete. I just see him as a victim of circumstance and when given the opportunity he chooses good.

A classic worth reading. There have been many film adaptations. I have only seen the 1960s musical, so can't comment on any of the others. The story is darker than the musical, though I still get the Food song stuck in my head when I set out to make dinner.

Book Rating: 5 stars

Travels of a t-shirt

Travels of a T-shirt in a Global Economy by Pietra Rivoli is an interesting look at the complete product cycle of a common item of clothing. Many of us own and wear t-shirts. They are screen-printed with catchy phrases, trimmed, embroidered, or even stained. T-shirts are a commodity nearly equal with toilet paper. I leave the statistics to the author, but I think you get the idea.

The author traces aspect of the birth, life, and eventual death of a t-shirt. From the farming and harvesting of the cotton fiber, spinning the yarn, knitting the fabric, sewing, retailing -- the author leaves no step untouched. I was already familiar with most of the topics covered in the book. What I didn't know was how much government (Global, not just US) is involved in cotton production. There are quotas, laws, regulations, and an amazing amount of government farm subsidies. In other words, US taxpayers own a large portion of US cotton production - of course it only enriches certain individuals.

Another interesting exploration comes at the end of the t-shirt's life. I was fascinated by the textile product recycling industry. The free market found a way to move a large amount of unwanted, by some, material that finds a still useful life.

Anyway, an interesting book.

Angel of Hope

Angel of Hope by Lurlene McDaniel is a sequel to Angel of Mercy. I didn't know that when I picked up this book - you could read this book without reading the first. These books are part of a young adult series called the Mercy Trilogy. The series is also Christian literature for young adults - who have been previously ignored by the genre. There is no overt preachiness, and any Christian may enjoy the stories.

The story was interesting, although predictable. Amber decides to fill in for her slightly older sister on a mission of mercy to Africa. Her sister has mysteriously taken ill and would not be able to return. On this trip Amber and her mother, a surgeon, help at a rural hospital. Her mother would perform surgeries on young children with cleft palates and Amber would volunteer in public health education programs and a church day-care. There is teen romance, adventure, and a nice, tight resolution.

The author is a skilled writer and I didn't have any problems with the writing itself. Rather, I was concerned about a teenager being allowed to roam by herself in a foreign country with hostilities. It's the same problem I have with many teen television programs. Where are the parents?