July 2016 reading

On July 15, 2016 I finished reading an epic long book,  Russka, The Novel of Russia by Edward Rutherfurd. This was the longest book I've read, 945 pages. I started it because Grandma Julia (my step-mother) said that she had read it and she learned more about the history of Russia through this book than one of the Great Courses that she took on Russia. I wanted to challenge myself with learning about a place and time I knew very little about. This historical fiction kept me going with the stories of the families that weaved through the history. I listened to it, read it on my own, and listened and read it at the same time. I need to go back to my notes and look up the history associated with some of the events. It broadened my understanding in many areas. Although my husband, Crismon, couldn't believe I was sticking with it, I didn't want to give up, I wanted "to do hard things" and actually finish it. I'm so glad I did. It will bore many, but it kept me going to the end.