Don't Worry, Be Happy

On this day in 1988, Bobby McFerrin's Don't Worry Be Happy was the #1 song. I thought you might want to celebrate by reminiscing with the ridiculous video.

Book Review- Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

This book was really my first foray into the world of Amish fiction. To be honest, I wasn't really aware of it as a literary genre. So when I received a copy to review, I really had no idea what to expect. I do know that I wasn't expecting it to be a page-turner that I didn't want to put down. It was.

The story revolves around Beatrice Zook, a young woman that believes she never wants to be married, especially to her childhood nemesis, Ben Rupp. As her family visits Montana, Bea decides to stay back, taking a job helping a family with newborn triplets. Bea's friends decide to try to bring Bea and Ben together. Through many trials and tribulations, the book draws you in- keeping you wondering if and when this couple will finally get together. I won't give away the ending for you though.

I didn't realize until I finished the book that it was the final story in a series called The Courtships of Lancaster County, each featuring a character found in Becoming Bea. I was even more surprised to discover that each book in the series is based on one of Shakespeare's- this one being an adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. Knowing this, I now want to go back and read that play again, then re-read Becoming Bea to discover the similarities.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book and how the story is highly relatable to any young woman, Amish or not. I look forward to reading more of Gould's work in the future.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in order to facilitate this review.

This Day in Music

Here are some of the fun things that have happened in the music world on October 3rd.

First off, Happy Birthday to Eddie Cochran, Chubby Checker, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tommy Lee, and Gwen Stefani!

On this day in 1945, 10-year old Elvis Presley made his first public appearance at the Mississippi Alabama Dairy Show. He took second in the talent competition.

On this day in 1978, Aerosmith bailed 30 fans out of jail who had been arrested for smoking pot during a concert in Indiana. How nice.

Apparently in 1997 a court battle began on this day between Garth Brooks and Warren G over the trademark of the letter "G." I wasn't aware you could copyright a letter of the alphabet.

And of course some not so fun things happened on October 3rd as well.

In 1967, folk singer Woody Guthrie passed away. Benjamin Orr of the Cars died at age 53 in 2000 as well.

Just some facts for you folks!