Historical fiction that has it all . . .

Lots of laughs, plenty of suspense, and the ability to bring one to tears are all available in Christopher Paul Curtis' latest book, Elijah of Buxton. I recommend this book. I have loved books written by Curtis since his very first, The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963. That book was a Newbery Honor Book as is this one. His second book, Bud Not Buddy, won the Newbery Award. All of this authorship is pretty amazing given that his first job of 13 years was attaching doors to autos in a factory in Michigan. I heard Curtis speak at a conference some years back and he credits his wife who as a nurse offered to support them for a year while he wrote. He would go to the public library everyday to sit and write in the children's section. That is also where he wrote Elijah. I love his strong characterizations and ability to give his characters a unique voice. Ultimately this book is about HOPE. Buxton is a community formed for and by former slaves in Canada. It is the terminus for the Underground Railroad and a place where they can indeed be "free." Hope is found both figuratively and literally in this book.

http://buxtonmuseum.com/index.htm

Now for some of my reflections on HOPE. In my reading and study of the Book of Mormon this year, I am once again brought to some of my favorite quotes and musings on hope. Years ago in a Sunday School class, Pat Arnett shared the following which really entered into my heart:

FAITH
Faith - Faith in God
Hope - Faith in Ourselves
Charity - Faith in Others

So simple, yet so clear, it as stayed with me over the years.

Neal A. Maxwell, who always spoke and wrote so well, has a conference talk in the Nov. 1994 Ensign entitled "Brightness of Hope." I want to share just a part of that address.

While weak hope leaves us at the mercy of our moods and events, "brightness of hope" produces illuminated individuals. Their luminosity is seen, and things are also seen by it! Such hope permits us to "press forward" even when dark clouds oppress. Sometimes in the deepest darkness there is no external light - only an inner light to guide and to reassure.

Daily hope is vital, since the "Winter Quarters" of our lives are not immediately adjacent to our promised land either. An arduous trek still awaits, but hope spurs weary disciples on.

Those with true hope often see their personal circumstances shaken, like kaleidoscopes, again and again. Yet with the "eye of faith," they still see divine pattern and purpose.

By pressing forward, we can stand on what was yesterday's horizon, thereby drawing hope from our own experiences. Hence Paul described how "tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience: and experience, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). . .

Genuine hope gives spiritual spunk, including to deserving parents drenched in honest sweat from being "anxiously engaged." . . . Giving parents never give up hope!