City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction

by David Macauley
Available from Amazon
*****
In this book, David Macaulay expertly describes and illustrates the construction of the imaginary Roman city of Verbonia. It is based hundreds of real Roman cities built between 300 B.C. and A.D. 150. I was amazed at the planning that went into the city, and the systematic and precise manner that everything was managed. I was fascinated to learn how they built the aqueducts for the city's water supply, even going through hills, and the sewer system underground to keep the city sanitary. The architecture of the forum and baths was so intriguing. Of course, this might be expected from the author of "The Way Things Work"! His detailed drawings are fabulous. This a terrific book for learning about Roman cities in this time period and for studying the way the cities were put together to provide for all the needs of the inhabitants.

The Rose Round

by Meriol Trevor
Available from Amazon
****

This book is narrated by Matthew, the brother of a central character. His sister Caro, has become the cook at an impressive estate in England, called Woodhall. The mistress of Woodhall is a bitter woman, her favorite child, a daughter, having died. She is resentful against her gentle son who has a physical deformity, but a heart to help those in need. Her granddaughter Alix befriends Matthew under her grandmother’s disapproval, and sets the catalyst for the entire book of healing and forgiveness.

In some ways, the story is reminiscent of Burnett’s The Secret Garden, but there is more intrigue to the plot, no magic, and plenty of Catholic overtones. I enjoyed the story, which never faltered for interest. The themes of compassion and forgiveness add a moral depth to make the reader look into his own heart. I recommend this book with the caveat for non-Catholics that Catholicism is promoted.

The Way Home: A Princess Story

by Max Lucado
Available from Amazon
****
Princess Anna had not always been a princess. She had been abandoned when a baby, and the King had found her in the great forest, and brought her up as his daughter. When she grew older, she became discontent at home in the castle. She had to work at her studies. It had been a good life, until she heard about the Lowlanders, who never had to work, and played all day. She knew her father the King loved her, but she began to think it wasn't too much fun to be a princess. She was warned that the Lowlanders were enemies, but Anna thought longingly of the fun they had, and reflected on how hard her life as a princess was.

One day she is lured into the dark forest, and when she turns back, the way had grown up, and she could not return. The Lowlanders were the minions of Olbaid, and did not, after all, spend their days in fun. Olbaid desired to have the princess under his control to spite the King, and under his power, she began to wilt, becoming like a Lowlander herself.

The King's love for his daughter caused Him to go to Olbaid for her. He offered Himself, which was what Olbaid really wanted, as a ransom for Anna. He seemed to die, but He told Anna that they could never kill Him. Anna was unhappy under the dominion of Olbaid, but she could not see a way out before, and she knew, everyone knew, that she herself had chosen to enter the dark forest. After the King conquered death and Olbaid and his Lowlanders had fled, the King told Anna He would take her home. In her hopelessness, she said she did not know the way anymore. The King told her that was why He had come for her. He had made a way for her return home, to be His daughter, His princess. He was the Way.

I cried when I read this beautiful allegory. Truly we have each chosen to go our own ways, literally despising what God has given us. But He has made a Way for us. John 14:6