3. Title: Scandalous Risks
Author: Susan Howatch
Series: Starbridge Series Book 4 of 6
Pages: 469
Date Finished: 21.I.2009
Thoughts: This book has a distinctly different flavour from the previous three books. Told from the point of view of a female instead of a male, it's a lot 'messier' - and I'm not sure if that's because a female author is writing a female character or what. I don't know. It was an interesting change, but it didn't seem as spiritual heavy as the others - which was disappointing for me. And I missed the clear mentor/mentee | director/petulant directed dynamic.

4. Title: Mystical Paths
Author: Susan Howatch
Series: Starbridge Series Book 5 of 6
Pages: 502
Date Finished: 26.I.2009
Thoughts: This book takes place firmly with the seocnd generation, and seems more of a murder mystery than the spiritual crisis novel, but it does give us the chance to meet Lewis, who is absolutely phenomenal. I definitely loved the new characters, not sure how I feel about some of the paranormal things that were presented in this book. However, in this books, Howatch continues to prove just how gifted she is with the pen, and I have numerous pages dogeared for quotes to write down later. Novels that create quotes are always successes in my books.

I've realized that I'm not always great about reading for pleasure. I enjoy it immensely, but grad school & my online life (rpgs, etc) tend to get in the way at times. I'm also not always great about reading for class or recording what I read for class. I read over 10,000 pages last year according to my booklog, which stopped being updated in September. Who knows how many pages I read in the fall semester. I'm always torn whether or not to include readings for class on the booklog and I think it'll continue to be a mixed bag - sometimes I will, sometimes I won't. (Of course, speaking of class, I need to take a closer look at classes for spring semester and possible january term classes. ) I'm going to aim for 50 books (which I probably hit if I include class reading) and we'll see what happens.

1. Title: Glamorous Powers
Author: Susan Howatch
Series: Book 2 of 6 of the Starbridge Series
Pages: 408
Date Finished: 3.I.2009
Thoughts: I'm completely loving this series. naamah got me the first book in the series (Glittering Images) as a Christmas present, which I devoured shortly after Christmas. The novels take place within the Church of England in the twentieth century, each narrated from a different point of view and a different set of events but with several recurring characters. Glamorous Powers follows Jon Darrow (who in Glittering Images was this amazing hardcore monk/spiritual director who could easily put you in your place) as he suffers his own spiritual crisis, leaves the order, comes to terms with his past and present family issues and begins a new life. I didn't care for the pseduo romance & marital stuff in the second half of the book, but I loved (& simultaneously hated) the first half of the book where it focuses on his spiritual issues  and we see him put in place by his spiritual director and his reluctance to the whole thing. This book struck a little too close to home on certain issues and there were times I just wanted to chuck it into a fireplace. However, I persisted and I enjoyed the concluding chapters as much as I enjoyed the beginning (and it didn't strike as close to home by the end) but it leaves me wondering if it's possible to find such a successful spiritual director who can set you on the rails that well and truly be thorough and hardcore without having their own motivations. The books are permeated with religion and whatnot, but if that's not your thing, I can understand, however I find myself immensely enjoying them.

One great line from near the end of the book:
"Ottershaw's reached a difficult decision after much prayer," said Francis. "Who are you to say he's mad as a hatter? What arrogance! Do I really have to remind you we're called to serve, not to run around whing: 'I want, I want, I want,' like some detestable spoilt child? Pull yourself together, stop thinking selfishly, and start reuniting that parish which you've successfully split from end to end - and don't tell me that's beyond the scope of your infamous glamorous powers!"

The next book in the series hasn't arrived from Amazon yet, but since I have a whole bunch of papers due Jan 9, 12, 15, that's probably a good thing since I should focus on those for awhile.