90 Minutes in Heaven

Baptist minister, Don Piper, writes an engaging account of his 90 Minutes in Heaven as co-authored by Cecil Murphey. Following a terrible auto/truck accident that occurred 18 Jan 1989, Don Piper spent 90 minutes in a Near Death Experience (NDE) before finally being rescued and taken to appropriate medical aid. While the first chapter deals with incidents leading up to the accident, chapters four through eighteen deal with the pain and horrendous aftermath of that accident. That leaves only two chapters which actually tell about his 90 Minutes in Heaven, so I felt the title was a little misleading. I was expecting him to dwell more on those 90 minutes and less on the months and years afterward that led up to his finally telling his story. The front cover states there are more than four million copies in print, so the book has been very successful in terms of financial success. The two chapters which I enjoyed most were, of course, those dealing with Mr. Piper's NDE, as I have had a keen interest in this topic all my life. The chapters following the NDE, I have to confess, were a little graphic and, on occasion, apparently embarrassing for him to tell. The humiliation he suffered as a result of being unable to do anything for himself following the accident was felt keenly, and this agony comes through powerfully upon the pages of his book. The good that came from Mr. Piper's experiences are manifested in his learning to accept the assistance of others, in his realization of his own limitations, and the strengthening of his character in terms of human kindness. It was an interesting story and kept my interest. That said, I wish he had spent a few more chapters on his NDE and less on his numerous humiliations. A mere fourteen pages included the brief account of his NDE while one-hundred-ninety-one pages were devoted to his agony and overcoming the obstacles of recovery. I would have liked to have read ninety pages of his NDE, as it was a singularly unique experience. However, the parable of gaining strength through adversity shows through admirably, giving readers a glimpse into the human condition that most of us, prayerfully, will never know.

The Twilight Series and The Host

With New Moon coming out in theaters this fall, and Eclipse in full production, I felt it was time I made a few comments about The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. While the four titles in the series kept my attention, as did The Host, another of Stephenie's absorbing reads, I was disappointed at the anticlimax reached at the conclusion of the series (as well as in The Host). With such interesting characters as the Cullens, Jacob and Bella, it was disappointing to see the series end in a brief standoff with the opposition backing down (or as in The Host with not a whisper about what happens with Melanie and her friends after Wanda's "choice").

Stephenie has the power to pull her readers into the story and keep their interest well. She has an active imagination and I can certainly understand why she has such a good following.

That said, I have to confess that I only started reading The Twilight Series when my teen granddaughters encouraged me with, "Grandma, you have to read them!" I had no intention of reading about vampires and such, prior to their insistence, and now that I have read the series, I find myself ambivalent. While I admire the Cullens for their fortitude in giving up human blood, I find myself unwilling to fall into the vampire cult so easily. I found Edward's love and respect for Bella quite charming, but I also found his eagerness to watch her sleep a little unsettling, as I did their spending the night together (her sleeping/him watching). Indeed, as a mother and grandmother, I find the whole idea that teenagers find this behavior acceptable (whether in humans or vampires) completely astounding.

Critics of this particular muse will say, "But, nothing happened." My stance remains the same. My response, "But, it could have, and allowing a teenager to believe that spending the night with her boyfriend, in the same bed (even if nothing happens), is opening a door to temptation that no unwed person should open." In today's society of open sexual relationships, I draw the line and say, "No." It takes a person with real courage and conviction to do the same.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Host, and felt the storyline moved along quickly and kept the readers' fingernails well-bit. I would have enjoyed it more if Wanda had watched the "revolution" gain ground before . . . Well, Wanda had a choice, and her choice left this reader wanting. If a sequel were planned, giving Melanie's view of the revolution, then I could accept the conclusion.

Would I recommend The Twilight Series to others? In light of my opinion on avoiding scenes that would encourage the temptation of promiscuity, no. If Stephenie had avoided writing those few scenes in the first book, I see no harm in a little make-believe with the Cullen vampires and their "higher ethics" than the normal vampire.

Would I recommend The Host? Yes. It is an interesting read, the premise of a higher lifeform (which is also a lower lifeform) than we humans was quite interesting, and while I was disappointed by the ending, I do not see that as any reason not to recommend the story to others.

Would I read other novels by Stephenie Meyer? Of course.

Famous Family Nights by Anne Bradshaw

Famous Family Nights, by Anne Bradshaw, is one of the best books I've ever read on Family Home Evenings. It's an excellent book for parents of all ages! I laughed, I cried, I read several entries over and over and out loud to my hubby. The stories within its pages are so much fun to read. Amazingly, many parents felt their family home evenings were disastrous, which reminded me of some rather catastrophic Family Home Evenings we had in our own home, as well! You'll find stories about measuring lint in belly buttons and stylishly modeling newly-washed clothes over . . . whatever. Many of the stories touched on eternal issues, listening to the inspiration of the Holy Ghost and learning to stretch beyond what is expected. Others point out simplicity and directness and honor in following the Family Home Evening pathway. The entire book is a profound statement of love and devotion to family. Famous Family Nights is a great reminder to parents everywhere that the Lord never expected us to get it perfect, He just expected us to do it! The blessings far outweigh the challenges is one of the many themes that run through these beautiful stories. Anne Bradshaw, Famous Family Nights is one book I will read many times over. Thank you so much for your faith and fortitude in bringing such inspirational stories to the world!

Far World: Water Keep, by J. Scott Savage

Far World: Water Keep is one of the best books for middle-grade readers and early teens around. I was particularly impressed with the message in the book, "Keep going, no matter what the obstacles." This is one book parents can let their teens and pre-teens read (and read to their older children) with no worries. It's gripping, won't let you out until the very last word, and makes you almost desperate for the sequel. I loaned my copy to my eleven-year-old grandson because of its high standard, fast-paced action and engaging tale. J. Scott Savage has triumphed over all his past novels with Far World: Water Keep.

It's time

It only takes a few seconds to decide it's time. It's time to change. It's time to commit. It's time to improve. It's time to take a desired path. But, life isn't about deciding, it's about doing. All the decision-making in the world will not improve upon the process of action. Like New Year Resolutions that we agonize over making, if we don't act upon resolution, it won't get done. My life has been all about decisions lately, and very little about "doing." For me, it's time to do something more than merely make a decision and say it's time. It's time to do. I hope you will hang out with me as I struggle beyond my own failings and plunge myself into the reality of action. My father once taught me "Sorry is an action word." Erroneously, I thought he meant it was a verb and, grammarian that I had become at fifteen (ha!), I knew he was wrong. As I've dwelt on the deeper meaning behind his statement, I've realized that action is spurred on by feelings of regret. I didn't do something I should have done (or I did something erroneously) . . . I felt sorry . . . I sought change . . . I change . . . I do! That's what Dad meant: sorrow for past actions means nothing without future action upon past behaviors. Deep thinking. Rare for me. Now, onward!
Over the next few months, I hope to post my thoughts on books I've read, books I'm writing, memories of special value to me, encouragement I've received, discouragement I've overcome, a few musings I may have over contemporary and earlier issues. Join me as I ramble along with Miller's Musings . . . .

Snowbirds

Hubby and I will be taking our fifth-wheel trailer along the Pacific Coast during the Holiday Season. Although we're not truly "snowbirds" this year, perhaps next. What will it be like, spending Christmas in a place other than "home" . . . ? Is this really the lifestyle for us, or will this change bring with it too many headaches? What's your spin on snowbirding?

Please, no zits! by Anne Bradshaw

As always, Anne Bradshaw delights me with her latest title, Please, no zits! Each story within the book's pages is enchanting and inspiring. This is one book every teenager should read. It teaches profound lessons on life in a compelling way, leaving the reader in tears. The settings she uses in Great Britain are well-written. One can actually see the landscape and feel the internal musings of the characters involved. Bravo! Anne, with your finely honed writing skills, this book may be one small step for you . . . but, it is one giant leap for youth!


Sherry Ann Miller