A Soul as Cold as Frost: a twist on Christmas and winter characters

 A Soul as Cold as Frost by Jennifer Kropf is the first book in the Winter Souls series. Sixteen year old Helen Bell knows tragedy. She knows what it is like to be bullied and fight for all she has. She thought she was prepared for anything, however, she wasn’t ready for what was coming next. When a strange girl gives her a crystal orb, Helen’s eyes are opened to the realm of Winter, a world that intersects with the real world. A world where monarchs rise and fall and the name of The Dead King is forbidden to be spoken. Helen is summoned to The Crimson Court to participate in The Quarrel of Sword and Bone, a traditional duel to the death performed in front of one thousand witnesses, with the deranged Queen, a queen with a cold soul. She must find a way out or die in the wintry world. 

I saw this book come highly recommended on BookTok and other sites. I was intrigued by the premise of a series that “blends action and warm Christmas traditions” with “new and grittier versions of famous characters out of holiday legends, folklore and myths.” I was excited to start reading this story as the opening prologue was poetically written. However, I was quickly lost and bored. While I get that as a first book in the series, there would be a lot of world building going on; however, it felt disjointed. I also didn’t believe Helen as a 16 year old. She acts more like a child, than a teen. The book is marketed as a young adult novel; however, it doesn’t read like it. Overall, I was disappointed as it was not the story I was expecting. However, if you enjoy fantastical stories, you may want to try A Soul as Cold as Frost. 

A Soul as Cold as Frost is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Mary of Bethany: a woman of faith and discernment

Mary of Bethany was a faithful woman completely devoted to Jesus. She was also a woman of few words (compared to her sister, Martha, who never lacked something to say). As Jesus neared the time of his triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to Passover, Mary performed a gesture of great prophetic significance and one that greatly offended Judas Iscariot. When she wept at the tomb of her brother, Lazarus, and showed great sorrow at the cross. Mary was a woman who was unafraid to express her love for Christ and was determined to seek the heart of God. Her story is an example of how gestures speak louder than words. Mary was a woman of thoughtful worship. Her story is an example of hospitality. What lessons can we take from her story? 

When Jesus returned to Bethany before the Passover, Martha prepared a feast. While Jesus reclined at the table, Mary entered the room with a pint of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus’ head with it. Judas, failing to appreciate the gesture, objects and asks Jesus to admonish Mary for wasting such an expensive item. She did not defend herself in the face of criticism. She was so confident and secure in her faith that she allowed Jesus to defend her. And defend her, he did. Jesus praises Mary instead, stating that Mary has prepared him for burial. And he makes the claim that when the gospel reaches the world, her act will be remembered. Throughout her story, Mary had one goal: to have the closest relationship possible. She soaked up his teachings, taking in his promises to heart and she picked up on clues that others had missed. Somehow, she had the insight or discernment that Passover would not be a time of honor for him but a time of darkest and dishonor. Mary knew how to embrace the difficult parts of the gospel as well as the joyful parts. 

Hospitality was highly valued in the Jewish community. God had commanded it in the Old Testament. It is defined as “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” It is an art to make sure guests are welcomed, warmed and well-fed. It requires creativity, organization, and, oftentimes, teamwork. It is also an important aspect for the Christian community as it can become an opportunity for sharing the gospel. Romans 12:13 says “share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” We are to show hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:2) and not just the people we know. 1 Peter 4:9 states that we are to “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” When we offer hospitality “with all your heart” we do so “as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23). Mary and Martha offered different aspects of hospitality. As Martha prepared a feast for her guests, Mary was making sure they were welcomed and entertained. For Mary, hospitality was giving more attention. She would rather talk and listen than cook. For Martha, it was in the preparation of and providence of the food and drink. 

There are lessons we can take away from Mary’s story. First, small acts of obedience and service have widespread effects. I think this lesson is one we all can understand. Remember when someone’s small, simple act of kindness had a huge impact on yourself. Second, when we focus on Christ, he will become our greatest passion and our tendency to self-absorption diminishes. Mary was so focused on Christ that the cost to herself was secondary. The perfume is said to have cost a year’s wages. It is understandable that Judas questioned why she would waste just an expensive item, although his motives behind his objection were purely selfish. When she was moved to honor Jesus this way, did she consider the cost? Maybe, maybe not. All that mattered to her was to honor Jesus. Third, Christ is our greatest comfort. As Mary grieved for her brother, she turned to Jesus and he wept with her (John 11:32-36). When we come to Christ, we find comfort, peace and security. We experience the truth of “weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5b).

In conclusion, Mary is an example of faith and discernment. She was perhaps the only person who understood and accepted Jesus’ coming death. Mary took, what turned out to be her final opportunity, to anoint Jesus, to show her love and devotion to him. She took her grief and sadness to Jesus for comfort and security. We can too. Coming to Jesus in prayer with our grief and he will comfort us. Hospitality is a perfect opportunity to show Christ’s love for each other and share the gospel. And every time we offer hospitality, we do so as if Jesus was sitting at our home. Whether or not our guests are appreciative or receptive to our hospitality, we do so for the Lord. In the hopes that through us, our guests see Jesus. 

Purim: a Jewish holiday of celebration

Today is the Jewish holiday of Purim, which begins at sundown as do most Jewish holidays/ Purim is the Jewish holiday commemorating the saving of the Jewish people from genocide during the ancient Achaemenid Persian Empire and told in the Book of Esther. It is also known as the Feast of Lots. It is a day of deliverance and became a day of feasting and rejoicing. The story is one of courage in the face of death. Modern historians view the story behind the holiday differently than did the traditional historians. As well many holiday, certain foods are enjoyed during the day of feasting.

In the Book of Esther, Esther becomes queen when King Athasuerus gets rid of his wife and queen, Vashti, for refusing his order. Esther hides her Jewish heritage from the king. Shortly afterward, Mordecai, her uncle and adopted father, discovers a plot to kill the king by two of the palace guards. He reveals the plot. The two guards are hanged, and Mordecai’s service is recorded. A man named Haman becomes the king’s viceroy and is outraged when Mordecai refuses to bow down to him. When he discovers Mordecai is Jewish, he plots to kill not only Mordecai but all the Jews. Mordecai learns of the plots and goes into mourning. He would also plead Esther to intercede with the king on their people’s behalf. Esther agrees to do so despite the great risk to her life as it was upon penalty of death to approach the king. At a feast, Esther reveals she is Jewish and exposes Haman’s plot to kill the Jews. The king becomes enraged and orders Haman to be executed instead.

Traditional historians have written about the events of the Book of Esther. Berossus from the early third century BCE, wrote the context for the account in the introduction of idols of Anahita under Artaxerxes II Mnemom throughout the Persian Empire. Josephus from the first century CE recounts the origins of Purim in the 11^th book of his Antiquities of the Jews which follows the original biblical account as well as information in the Greek version, the Septuagint. The Islamic historian from 915 CE, Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari, gives a brief Persian account similarly to Jewish and Christian sources as well as additional details. However, modern historian argue that Purim has no historical basis. Amnon Netzer argues that “Mordecai” and “Esther” are names derived from the Babylonian gods, Marduk and Ishtar (Netzer, 1999). Shaul Shaked argues that the Book of Esther is historical fiction despite its accurate account of the Achaemenid court (Shaked, 1998).

Purim is more a national rather than religious holiday, on a different level than days ordained as holy by the Torah. There are four main mitzvot (obligations). First, listening to a public reading, usually a synagogue, of the Book of Esther in the morning and in the morning. Second, sending food gifts to friends. Third, giving charity to the poor. Lastly, eating a festive meal. The customs of Purim including a greeting “Chag Purim Sameach” which in Hebrew which loosely translate to “Happy Purim Holiday.” Another custom is masquerading in costumes and masks, believed to originate with Italian Jews in the end of the 15^th century. One explanation for this custom is given as to emulating God who was “disguised” during the events of the Book of Esther and remained concealed yet present in Jewish history. Hamantaschen (Haman’s pockets), a traditional food made among Ashkenazi Jews, is a sweet pastry dough filled with a poppy seed filling and folded into a triangle. More recently, prunes, dates, apricots, apples, and chocolate fillings have been used. Fazuelos, a traditional food among the Sephardi Jews, is a fried thin pastry.

In conclusion, Purim is the Festival of Lots which commemorates the Jewish people being saved from execution and the courage of one woman to stand up and say something despite cultural rules dictating she remain silent. The Book of Esther details the story behind Haman’s plot to kill the Jews and Esther’s plan to expose his evil intentions. Throughout history, the views of the story range as historical to fiction. The day is filled with customs and food. The foods made during the holiday symbolize the events and people involved. To the Jewish community, Chag Purim Sameach!

References

Netzer, Amnon. Festivals vii, Jewish. In Encyclopaedia Iranica, vol. 9, 1999, pp. 555-60.

Shaked, Shaul. Esther, Book of. In Encyclopaedia Iranica, vol. 8, 1998, pp. 655-57.

Philippians and Colossians: encouragements and instructions

Today’s study is on the books of Philippians and Colossians. Paul’s purpose in writing the letter of Philippians was to thank the church of Philippi for their gifts they sent to Paul as he was in a Roman prison at the time and to strengthen believers everywhere by showing them that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone. It is a letter of joy and encouragement. For the letter to the Colossians, Paul’s purpose was to combat errors in the church and to show that believers have everything they need in Christ. The church had been infiltrated by religious relativism and Paul confronts these false teachings and urges to let go of harmful behaviors that poison us and seek behaviors which build us up.

One of my favorite verses is Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God began a good work in us when Christ died on the cross and we believed in him and accepted his gift of salvation through faith. That good work will continue until we meet God face to face either through death or the second coming of Jesus. The focus on this verse is that we aren’t done yet. Many people who are Christian believe because they have accepted Christ, they are done and perfect in Christ. While yes, we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17); however, we are still human, with human failings that need help, guidance, molding and reminders to overcome those failings. The Holy Spirit comes to us, enabling us to be more like Christ every day as we seek him through prayer and studying God’s word. It is a process that begins when we accepted Christ and as long as we are breathing, will continue. While we are on Earth, we aren’t done yet. So even you have been a Christian for many years, there’s always room for improvement. There’s always a new lesson to learn or an old lesson to relearn.

Another one of my favorite verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” A simple phrase with a great meaning. Being in union with Christ has sufficient power to do God’s will and face the challenges that arise with our commitment to him. It is not superhuman abilities we receive to accomplish anything we want but strength through Christ as we seek him through faith as we face troubles, pressures and trials. It is not a verse about personal achievement but reliance on Christ for strength to endure whatever circumstance may come our way. For example, praying for strength to do God’s will if it be talking about a topic that is uncomfortable or a forging a new path that may takes us from what we know and love. It is strength to endure whatever circumstance you may face when doing God’s will. It may be the loss of a friend or loved one due to your commitment to God. It may be leaving home for a country far more dangerous and puts your life in danger. When we read this verse, we need to be reminded of where Paul was when he wrote these words. He was in a Roman prison. He wasn’t living the high life of prosperity but in chains due to his commitment to the message of Christ. God is the God that can do anything (Job 42:2). There isn’t anything on earth or in heaven that is too difficult for God (Jeremiah 32:17). Therefore, we, as believers, can do anything, through God’s strength.

The church of Colosse had a lesson to learn and Paul’s letter is filled with love as he strives to correct the errors in their thinking and teaching. In Colossians 2:8, Paul warns about hollow and deceptive teachings. These teachings depend on human traditions and the basic principles of the world rather than on Christ. Teachings or philosophies which credits humanity with being the answer to life’s problems, an approach that becomes the focus of many false religions. There are many man-made approaches to life’s problems which disregard God. For example, attacks on Christ and his teachings. Laws, rules and handed down regulations that have no biblical basis or are no longer needed. Paul uses the example of circumcision throughout his letters. While the practice of circumcision was first commanded by God to set his people apart, it had become so ingrained in the lives of the Jewish people that many early Christians who were of Jewish heritage held on to the practice even though Christ died on the cross to fulfill the law and thus had done away with the need for circumcision. These same Jewish Christian were insisting that Gentile Christians follow the same tradition to be a true follower of Christ. Paul writes to focus on Christ, on his truth and not on human preference. A true follower of Christ starts unseen in the heart and mind which translates into one’s actions of love, kindness and spreading the gospel, not the physical changes to one’s body.  

Paul writes that we need to put to death to whatever belongs to our earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed (Colossians 3:5). Like a tree with dead limbs, we need to remove these things before they poison us and destroy our lives. We need to make a daily, conscious decision to remove anything that supports or feeds these practices. It’s easier said than done, I know, especially when the behavior is such a habit that we are often cannot fight the urge. It was easy to lie, cheat, steal, anything to satisfy our desires. He also writes that we need to rid ourselves of anger, rage, malice, slander and lying to each other (Colossians 3:8-9) as these things disrupts unity and destroys trust. Relationships are torn down and leads to serious conflict. It is a very human response to lash out in anger and plot revenge when someone hurts us, to make them feel the same pain we did from their actions. It takes great discipline and God’s strength to turn away from such a response. As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, we are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12) and these practices are bound together with love (Colossians 3:14). Loving someone doesn’t mean we let them continue to hurt us but when we response in anger and seek revenge, we hurt ourselves far worse then the payback hurts the offender. The best response we can do sometimes is pray, let go and let God.

In conclusion, the letters to the churches of Philippi and Colosse are great reminders and lessons for us. In Philippians, Paul reminds us that we aren’t done yet. Christ is still molding us in his image. We will fall. We will fail. But when we look to him, we can move forward, learn from our mistakes and improve. Paul also reminds us that our strength to do God’s will comes from Christ. We do not do it with our own power. In Colossians, Paul confronts false teachings that was prevalent in the early church (and still today, unfortunately). We need to focus on Christ and his teachings when confronted with new teachings. We also need to focus on getting rid of behaviors which harm ourselves and others and focus on those which build us and others up.

Good Friday: traditions and the trials of Jesus

Today is Good Friday the day Christians commemorate Jesus’s crucifixion and death on the cross. It is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. The origin of the word “good” in Good Friday is unclear. There are traditions to commemorate the events of Good Friday. The trials Jesus had to endure leading up to his crucifixion and his final words as he dies on the cross are worthy of remembrance.

Some people may ask why the day is referred to as Good Friday when it’s the day in which Jesus is killed. There are some conflict as to the origin of the word “good” in Good Friday. Some claim “good” refers to pious or holy, while others claim it’s a corruption of “God Friday.” The Oxford English Dictionary supports the former claim with a definition as “a day or season observed as holy by the church.” It is interesting that in German speaking countries, Good Friday is generally known as Karfreitag. Kar is from the Old High German word, kara meaning “grieve” or “mourn” and Freitag is “Friday.” Essentially meaning Mourning Friday which fits the events of the day better as mourning is appropriate when someone dies. Those individuals who were there on that day didn’t know what was coming so “Mourning Friday” would fit what they were feeling.

There are a few Good Friday traditions that are followed around the world. A popular tradition is hot cross buns. Hot cross buns are spiced sweet buns made with currants or raisins marked with a cross on the top. The ban mark the end of Lent. The cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus and the spices used to embalm Jesus at his burial. When I was in the fourth grade, I learned the nursery rhyme to hot cross buns on the recorder. The lyrics go: “Hot cross buns!/Hot cross buns!/One a penny two a penny/Hot cross buns!/If you have no daughters/give them to you sons/One a penny two a penny/Hot cross buns! The earliest recording is in the Christmas Box London 1798) and earlier references as a London street cry recorded in Poor Robin’s Almanac in 1733. Another tradition is many churches recreated the path that Jesus took with the cross. Generally, following a person carrying a cross, the congregation stops at certain points to read Bible passages or sing a hymn before heading to church for a service.

Over the course of six trials, Jesus is questioned, tortured and beaten. The first three were before the religious leaders and the next three were before the Roman authorities. First, a preliminary hearing before Annas, the high priest (John 18:12-24). Second, a hearing before Caiaphas Annas’ son-in-law (Matthew 26:57-68, Mark 14:53-65) Third, a trial before the Sanhedrin, 70 member Jewish council (Matthew 27:1-2, Mark 15:1, Luke 22:66-71). Here the religious leaders who charged him with blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God and approve the previous trials before sending Jesus to the Roman authorities. The religious leaders had condemned Jesus to death on religious grounds but only the Roman authorities could grant the death penalty. Jesus’ first appearance before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14, Mark 15:2-5, Luke 23:1-5, John 18:28-37), the Roman governor was for the charge of treason and rebellion crimes. Pilate saw that Jesus was innocent but was afraid to set him free for a possible uproar caused by the religious leaders. So Pilate sends Jesus to stand trial before Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6-12). Herod Antipas was the ruler of Galilee and was in Jerusalem for the Passover. He asked Jesus questions and demanded to see miracles but Jesus refused to answer. Herod then sent him back to Pilate. The sixth and final trial was before Pilate (Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:13-25, John 18:39-19:16). He knows Jesus is innocent and he knows that a religious uprising would cost him his position as governor, so he tries to compromise and have Jesus beaten to satisfy the leaders. When that didn’t appease them, he finally gave in and hands Jesus over to be executed.

Jesus is led away to be crucified to the place called Golgotha (The Skull) where he is nailed to the cross and hangs there as his body is essentially crushed under its own weight and breathing is extremely difficult. The gospels record his final words. Both Matthew and Mark record him saying “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34). Luke records him saying “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46) and John records “It is finished” (John 19:30). He was laid in a borrowed tomb. The tomb is sealed and Roman guards stood watch as to deter any followers from stealing Jesus’ body. Little did they know that the seal and the guards wouldn’t stop what would happen next.

In conclusion, on Good Friday, Jesus completed the second part of his mission. He died on the cross for our sins when he was completely innocent. He took our sins upon himself so that God his father had forsaken him. While there is mourning on Good Friday, there is also rejoicing. For us, as believers, our sins have been paid with Jesus’s death on the cross. We have created many traditions to honor the day with hot cross buns or recreation of Jesus’s path to Golgotha. No matter what you do, remembering the price which he paid for us is the important part. 

The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds: a beautiful story of one woman's life through changing times

The Woman who breathed two worlds by Selina Siak Chin Yok is a beautiful story about one woman’s life in a changing world. Chye Hoon was born in 1878 of Malayan-Chinese descent and raised with deep and meaningful family and cultural traditions. As a young girl, she often rebelled against the role she was destined to play and as she approaches marriageable age, it becomes clear that no one wants to marry her. Until one day, when she was 20, a man does marry her and the story switches to her life as a beloved wife and a mother of their seven children. The winds of change are in the air and Chye Hoon and her husband, Wong Peng Choon, must decide where they go in a changing world. The British began to take control of the area and Chye Hoon fears her traditions are fading. Will she be able to pass on the traditions to her children in the hopes they will still be passed on to future generations? Will the life she has known no longer exist?

The Woman who breathed two worlds is an amazing story with such details and depth that it is long; however, extremely enjoyable. I enjoyed Chye Hoon as the fiery young girl, then as the devoted wife and mother. The title has several meanings in the story which I will not give away before their discovery as you read is a part of the story. I loved the details in the descriptions of life in China and surrounding areas, the complex history and the people who lived there. While the names were confusing and took some time to get straight, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved that the story is based on the author’s ancestor’s life from birth to death and she does it so well. I highly recommend The Woman who breathed two worlds. Take your time and soak in the story of this wonderful and amazing woman.

The Woman who breathed Two Worlds

is available on Amazon

in paperback and on the Kindle

The season is more than just a phrase

The holiday season is in full swing. Christmas songs are playing on the radio. The stores and malls are decorated with garlands and trees. And the ads are begging you to buy the expensive gift for your special someone. I love this time of year especially now that my daughter is old enough to fully participate in decorating the tree and wrapping the presents. Even old enough to ask for specific gifts and talk about Santa (even though she really knows Santa is Daddy). This year I have been studying the Bible book by book and I’ve been thinking about many things that some Christians do that I think really shouldn’t be done.

First, harping over “Happy Holidays.” I’ve heard stories of people, very rudely, lecture “Merry Christmas” when a cashier has told them “Happy Holidays.” This attitude takes away from the meaning of the holiday. Yes, Christmas is Christ mass, a celebration of Jesus’ birth. However, it does not give Christians the right to bully others to say “Merry Christmas.” Yes, I said bully because that’s how I see it. Christmas isn’t the first holiday to be celebrated in the winter. The celebration of Christmas was moved to the winter solstice to encourage non-believers to convert to Christianity. Everything we love about Christmas has non-Christian origins. The Christmas tree was originally a Scandinavian tradition as it was thought to protect the home during the long dark winter. Even gift giving, originally a New Year’s Day tradition, was shifted to Christmas in the Victorian Age  when Queen Victoria gave her family gifts on Christmas Eve in 1850. So I’m not going to get snippy with a cashier for saying “Happy Holidays.” I’m going to reply “Thank you. You too.” Why? Because the cashier was pleasant enough to acknowledge the season and he or she doesn’t know if I’m Christian or Jewish, etc. I know why I celebrate Christmas and someone saying “Happy Holidays” to me doesn’t take away that reason.

Second, I think too many Christians are seasonal Christians at Christmas and Easter. As Christians, we should celebrate Jesus’ birth, as well as his death and resurrection, every day. To be thankful that I have Christ in my life every day. I wake up every morning knowing that Christ will be there to be my guide. And peace on earth and goodwill toward men should be practiced every day. While at Christmas time, I am more active to give to my fellow man in the form of physical gifts; however, every day I give the gift of my time. Every day when someone asks for my help, I will help. Even though I may grumble about the person needs my help again. I am reminded that Christ helps me when I absolutely don’t deserve it. I’m not saying that Christians should be a doormat and be taken advantage of. What I am saying is if someone truly needs your help, even time after time, reach out your hand and help. If it’s to help a tired new mom watch the baby as she takes a shower she desperately needs and wants, do so. If it’s to help the man with the car that constantly breaking down, do so. If it’s the friend who needs to talk at 1 am and you want to sleep, talk. We can show Christ’s love more in our actions than our words.

Lastly, many Christians forget that Christ told us that many will be invited but few will be chosen (Matthew 22:14). Don’t be surprised when your family and friends resist your message of salvation through Christ. Christ even warns us that His message will divide people (Luke 12:53). Jesus speaks of the four soils in Matthew 13:1-23 when the seed is thrown in different soils and not of all them take root. Just as His message will not take root in everyone’s hearts. We see the division that Jesus speaks about in the world today. Today Christianity is becoming the number one persecuted religion in the world. However, again do not be surprised at that. As Jesus warned about that. Matthew 5:11, Christ says “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” Also don’t forget that many evil things were done in the name of Christ either. Many people have read the message of Christ and perverted to their own means. Totally missed the message and used it to persecute others for their gain. Today’s true believers will have an uphill battle to show the world Christ’s love and message. Many non-believers will not let you forget about the atrocities done in Christ’s name. Keep in mind Matthew 5:11 when they spit back at you.

In conclusion, the holiday season is a time when we stop to reflect on the year past, to celebrate Christ’s birth and remember what’s more important. It’s not the gift but the person giving it. We need to stop nitpicking on the small details like Happy Holidays versus Merry Christmas and remember Christ’s message of salvation. Reach out with love as we spread Christ’s message. Be gentle but firm and remember that not all well receive His message. Remember the parable of the four soils and keep in mind that it may not be their time for the message to take hold if it does at all. So refrain from insults and name calling when someone rejects your message. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, may you and your family’s holiday season be filled with love, laughter and precious time together. 

The namesake: family and traditions

The namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri is the story of one family’s life in America and one man’s journey to coming to understand his name. It is a story about family, tradition and change. The book was named into a film in 2006 starring Kal Penn and Irrhan Khan. 

Ashoke and Ashima Ganguli are immigrants from Calcutta in 1968. Ashoke is attending an American university pursuing his doctorate in physics. The story opens as a very pregnant Ashima tries to recreate the comforts of home in her new country. When she goes into labor, the experience is shocking for her as American hospitals are very different than she expected. After their baby boy is born, they are forced to give him a name for the birth certificate. They are accustomed to giving a child an official name years later. They name him Gogol, after a Russian author that Ashoke feels a close kinship with. With the addition of a daughter, Sonia, in 1974, the family settles in their new American life. Ashoke and Ashima are slow to assimilate with in regards to foods and clothes while their children are very much American teenagers in clothes, friends and eventually lovers. Problems begin when Gogol is 18 and he wants to legally change his name. His father refuses to tell Gogol the reason behind his name for many, many years. With his new name, Gogol begins to lead a life very different from his parents’ dreams. As Gogol seeks to become independent, his rebellion grows. It isn’t until tragedy strikes the family that Gogol realizes that he is caught between two worlds. Two worlds he didn’t know that he wanted to belong to. Remembering the story behind his name, Gogol finally begins to father’s footsteps into the past.

The namesake is more than just a story about an immigrant couple who has children who become Americanized. As I read, I see many aspects of all times of families as the younger generation questions or rejects the traditions and the parents desperate to hold on. I also see how some of the older generation hold on to traditions simply because it’s how it has always been done. Sometimes without trying, the generations comes full circle. I highly recommend The namesake as look inside the life of a family during times of changing values and traditions.