What are you reading this week?

What is everyone reading/watching this week?

Being winter,  my two favourite activities are; curling up in bed with a book in the evening or wrapped up in my cosy throw rug on the lounge watching a DVD. I can't think of a better way to spend time in the evening!! Thought I would share the books I am currently read (I usually have 2 on the go, its all I can manage!) and tell you about the DVDs I have been watching.

BOOKS

1950's Housewife:  Marriage and Homemaking in the 1950's by Sheila Hardy

I am half way through this book and finding it very interesting. This is not a nostalgic journey through the 1950's (in Britain), rather looks at the ups and downs of young married women at that time.  These women were the product of war and children of parents who had gone through World War One, the Great Depression and just come through World War Two. They knew all about austerity (and ration card) and loss and that coloured their views on life and their early married life. They also lived in an era where everyone knew their place and the role of women was pre-defined, whether they were happy about it or not.  This is not a feminist view of the 1950's, rather a sociological look at what happened and why. This is book one of a two part series, book two is all about being a mum in the 1950s and bringing up baby. It is on my "to-buy" list!

Shelia Hardy covers everything from bridal gowns, the introduction of paper patterns, how beds were made, buying cutlery piece by piece from the supermarket, the introduction of convenience food . . .  all the through to having to share a home with the in-laws (due to the lack of housing in Britain after the war), work and money. Here is a newspaper article about the book: link

Damsels in Distress: Biblical Solutions for Problems women face by Martha Peace

Like the previous book, I am half way through this one and so far so good. As some of you might have guessed, I have been a damsel in distress at times latterly as my son goes through a difficult period in his life.  I am fully aware of God's wonderful care and protection of me, but it is good to read books like this to have that reenforced. This is an easy read, full of bible verses and wise words that keep on reminding us that during difficult times we must cast ALL our worries on Him and trust 100% that He will care for us. He does, there is no doubt about it.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

FILMS

Besides books, I have watched a number of interesting DVDs latterly: one was the 1971 movie Nicholas and Alexandra about the last days of the Tsar and his family and the rise of the Bolsheviks. A long film at 189 minutes (which we watched over 2 nights) but very well done (great acting) and reasonably accurate considering how much history needed to be included. I don't know how I miss this for so many years!

I watched an interesting documentary on the Danish Royal Family (as at 2011) which was both fasincating and educational about the inner workings of the royal family.

The documentary "Forks over Knives" about plant based diets is well worth watching. Even if you don't want to take the extreme step of removing meat and dairy from your diet (as I don't), I think the documentary makes a very valid point about cutting back on the amount of meat we eat -  we eat far more than previous generations and it isn't doing us any good. All things in moderation.

I really enjoy watching murder mystery, always been a fan of Agatha Christie. Therefore I have enjoyed the Australian series "Dr Blake Mysteries" on DVD (which I didn't watch when on TV). These are really good if you like murder mysteries set in the early 1950s. Nothing gory or violent in this series.

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The next couple of books on my list are:  "The Help" for book club (I have seen the movie, which I really enjoyed however it made me cross and I am sure the book will to) and Divine Design by Macarthur.

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