Right Words

Below are recent reads completed by 1-25-26.

The French Foreign Legion by Wyatt Blassingame. An excellent, young adult (YA)-level introduction to the legendary fighting force. Makes me want to read a deeper treatment like that by Douglas Porch.

The Story of Australia by A. Grove Day. YA-level history of Australia from its exploration to its entrance into the British Commonwealth in the early 1900s. Hits the high points of Australia’s settlement and the interaction between the settlers and natives.

Who Is Taylor Swift? by Kirsten Anderson. Part of the Who Was? YA series (I have over 100 of them). One of my major takeaways: Many parents approved of Ms. Swift because her lifestyle wasn’t driven by addictions. 

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner. Harrowing tale of a family transporting their deceased matron across the Mississippi countryside for burial in her hometown. The character portraits are excellent, but Jewel’s constant bitterness and swearing were like shots of vinegar every time he spoke. Considering his illegitimacy, one can understand his troubled soul, but I wearied of his constant swearing, even if it emphasized his condition.

Pietr the Latvian by Georges Simenon. The first of Simenon’s famous Maigret novels, I found it engaging from the start. Inspector Maigret reminds one of Hercule Poirot, but they’re not replicas (e.g., Maigret is married).

Absolutely Alabama by Marjie McGraw. An absorbing and amusing set of 500 factoids about the state. As a former resident (1983-88), I was newly impressed by the events that took place in Alabama and people who hailed from or lived in the state.

The Barbary Pirates by C.S. Forester. I knew next to nothing about this chapter of American history until reading this YA-level book. U.S. involvement in the Middle East dates back to the early 19th century, and this book explains how it all started. Brian Kilmeade’s Thomas Jefferson and the Barbary Pirates is a more modern and detailed version of this story which I may read one day.

A New Administration at the Close of Acts by Adlai Loudy (from StudyShelf.com). Dense and helpful booklet on the Acts 28 dispensational position, but not the best place to begin. I found acts28.net a better place to start, plus Bro. Brian Kelson is alive (Loudy died in 1984) and still posting both studies and videos online. As with every dispensational position (Acts 2, mid-Acts, covenant theology, etc.), some writers use the KJV while others do not. Remember what your mama told you: eat the chicken and spit out the bones!

Alexander the Great by Philip Freeman. Wonderfully accessible and readable, the author’s intent was to tell a story, and wow, did he succeed! At a little over 300 pp., I could hardly put it down. Kudos to Dr. Freeman for writing with the READER in mind, not merely himself, as some writers do. I feel like I have a much better understanding of Alexander as an individual now, complex as he was, and his momentous role in history. After all, he’s even mentioned in the Bible (Dan. 2, 7-8)!