tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25786423298313820382024-03-12T19:52:26.409-05:00Lori's LibraryLorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-63126395444366503192012-06-13T10:03:00.003-05:002012-06-13T10:07:04.745-05:00Stand by Me by Neta Jackson<br />
I enjoyed Stand by Me by Neta Jackson. Kathryn, a young white woman who is a new Christian, meets Avis, a successful African American who is established in her career and at her church. Their paths cross. Avis is somewhat put off by Kathryn, but eventually she is able to look past their differences. They soon find out that they both need each in other in unexpected ways. <br />
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I liked both Kathryn and Avis. They each had believable stories and problems, as well as flaws and failures. Both Kathryn and Avis go through trials and by the end of the book grow and change. I wouldn't say that everything works out perfectly, but that is not how real life is either. <br />
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This is a sweet, uplifting book. It would make a great summer read. I was provided this copy by Book Sneeze to review. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://xn--booksneeze-0oa.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0c6bbf; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">http://BookSneeze®.com</a>> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <<a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0c6bbf; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html</a>> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-58439275423612625502011-09-05T21:57:00.000-05:002011-09-05T22:05:54.146-05:00Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir by Carolyn Weber<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every once in a while I read a book that just amazes me. Surprised by Oxford is one of those books. I loved everything about this book. This book was engaging and thought provoking. Carolyn travels to Oxford University to study for a year. She brings father issues, has been hurt by men, and is unable to believe in God. Slowly God reveals himself to her at Oxford. This is a beautiful love story. This book is also everything I want a book to be- intelligent, sweet, funny, and charming. I loved the friends Carolyn met along the way. I so wanted the noble and well-mannered man she meets at Oxford to be "the one" for her. <br />
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This book has pleasing story that I couldn't stop reading. Carolyn Weber not only writes superbly, but there is real substance behind her words. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved reading about Carolyn's journey and I was pleased with the ending of this book. I highly recommend Surprised by Oxford.<br />
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I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http: booksneeze®.com="">book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http: 16cfr255_03.html="" cfr="" nara="" waisidx_03="" www.access.gpo.gov="">: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”<br />
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<br />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-86735653617925457442011-07-22T19:22:00.004-05:002011-07-25T10:27:48.787-05:00Every Breath You Take by Travis Thrasher<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snFlzBsF1s0/TioUWZlR8rI/AAAAAAAADns/eRQXmni_I6o/s1600/0615334882.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632336659037156018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snFlzBsF1s0/TioUWZlR8rI/AAAAAAAADns/eRQXmni_I6o/s400/0615334882.png" /></a><br />My first foray into ebooks was Every Breath You Take by Travis Thrasher. My new smartphone has the Kindle app. HOORAY!! I had been wanting to read this book since it first came out. It is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Every-Breath-You-Take-ebook/dp/B003GDI9UG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311601970&sr=1-1">on sale right now for .99 on Kindle</a>. I never pass up a deal so my first download was this book. Can I just say right now I love ebooks! Didn't think I ever would but I do.<br /><br />I have been a fan of Travis Thrasher for years. The first book of his I read was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Three-Roads-Home-Travis-Thrasher/dp/1578566436/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311601082&sr=8-1">Three Roads Home</a>, a collection of three stories. This book blew me away, it was smart, creative, and clever. I have been reading my whole life and have read many different Christian fiction books. Three Roads Home was so different than other books I had read. Each story was so well told and surprising.<br /><br />Next I read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Second-Thief-Travis-Thrasher/dp/0802417078/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311601535&sr=1-1">The Second Thief</a>. This may be my favorite Travis Thrasher book. It is another smart, creative, and suspenseful story. I loved it! Another one of his books I really liked was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sky-Blue-Novel-Travis-Thrasher/dp/0802486681/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311601743&sr=1-1">Sky Blue</a>. Altogether, <a href="http://travisthrasher.com/books.asp">Thrasher has written 17 books</a>. He writes different genres, as some are romance, some suspenseful, and some can be described as Christian Stephen King books.<br /><br />Thrasher self-published Every Breath You Take . He describes it as a love letter to his daughter and to the band Coldplay. Yes Coldplay. This book is well written and has a great story. Kayla is engaged and will be married soon. Billy is her lost love and Kayla's Dad is sent from heaven to reunite them. This book explores the idea that people in heaven can see us living our life here on earth. Isn't that a great thought? Family and friends that have passed away might be sitting together and cheering on a loved one when they choose to do what is right and overcome difficulty. Every Breath You Take succesfully demonstrates the love between a father and daughter. Kayla's grief and damage from her father dying is believable and heartbreaking.<br /><br />This book has clever chapter titles, you can discover them when you read this book. Anyone who loves music or Coldplay would love this book. I am not too familiar with all of Coldplay's music. Certain songs are mentioned, and as I was reading I would google them to read the lyrics to see how they fit in with the story. Love this, so out of the box.<br /><br />I really liked this book. At first I wasn't to crazy about the ending, but I've thought about it more and I've warmed up to it. The characters are not perfect people. They sometimes say and do the wrong thing. Everything does not work out perfectly for them, but hey isn't that how life is? This book is not a fairy tale. What it is is thought provoking. I would love to see this book become a movie.<br /><br />Every Breath You Take is another great read by Travis Thrasher. While not overtly Christian (purposely maybe?) it is still a positive book and life affirming.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-69911758551850881102011-07-01T08:36:00.002-05:002011-07-01T09:34:43.870-05:00Pujols More Than The Game<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqbJ5RG0pwo/Tg3N0NI0zbI/AAAAAAAADgk/vlkgA0Z1Y0o/s1600/_240_360_Book_310_cover.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 359px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624377806419185074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqbJ5RG0pwo/Tg3N0NI0zbI/AAAAAAAADgk/vlkgA0Z1Y0o/s400/_240_360_Book_310_cover.jpg" /></a><br />During the thick of our Little League baseball season I received this book on Albert Pujols to review. It took me awhile to read it. I am not a big sports fan, but I was interested in reading about a professional baseball player who lives his life for God. Honestly, I was tired of baseball players, their sometimes greed, cheating, and overall bad behavior. Wow, I certainly was judging MLB players and lumping them altogether. I shouldn't have done that. Albert Pujols is one of the good guys, living a life of character.<br /><br />This book on Albert Pujols is a fascinating read. I especially enjoyed the chapters that told of his childhood in the Dominican Republic and his quick rise to the majors. After playing one year of college ball and one year in the minors, he began playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was named Rookie of the Year and has been successful ever since.<br /><br />This book also tells of the importance of his faith and his family. I enjoyed learning more about one of the best baseball players of today. This book is well written. At times I had hard time getting through some of the chapters because of all of the baseball details. A sports fan would love all of the details I labored to read through.<br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http:>book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http:>: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising</span></em>.”Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-72515851818652019382011-06-14T09:58:00.004-05:002011-06-14T10:20:18.624-05:00If I Gained the World by Linda Nichols<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEsgXN43EIo/Tfd3I9vqu3I/AAAAAAAADcE/dEoCvrNdCGA/s1600/gainedtheworld.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618090056065137522" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEsgXN43EIo/Tfd3I9vqu3I/AAAAAAAADcE/dEoCvrNdCGA/s400/gainedtheworld.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I love<a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-Gained-World-Linda-Nichols/dp/0764227289"> <em>If I Gained the World</em> by Linda Nichols</a>. I found this book at the library in 2004, and have since read it at least four times. There is something so wonderful about this book. The story is excellent, the characters are real, the writing is skilled, and Biblical truths are evident throughout.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Lenore and Daniel live together and have a child. Daniel is an actor waiting for his big break. Lenore longs for marriage with Daniel. When Daniel is unable to commit himself to Lenore and their son, Scott, everything changes. Lenore and Scott move to Seattle to begin a new life. There they face many challenges, but the church and more importantly Christians help them. Meanwhile Daniel gets his big break, but comes to realize success is meaningless without the family he loved.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I love, love this book. This book speaks to me. It is one of my most favorite books. I love how Lenore becomes part of a community, how she slowly puts her life together, and how the colorful characters are flawed, yet experience grace. </div><br /><br />I highly recommend this book. A perfect summer read.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-66112831262390779102011-06-03T10:50:00.008-05:002011-07-25T10:40:23.891-05:00May Reads<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfnYTFN5Nzg/TekGl4fBNRI/AAAAAAAADaU/Cj_GNXSxuE8/s1600/help.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614025658381448466" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfnYTFN5Nzg/TekGl4fBNRI/AAAAAAAADaU/Cj_GNXSxuE8/s400/help.jpg" /></a><em> The Help </em>by Kathryn Stockett was last years "it" book. So many bloggers read it and loved it. Being skeptical, I just didn't think the book could be as good as everyone said it was. Well I finally read this book. I did enjoy it. It is set in Mississippi in the 1960s and tells the story of African American maids who work for white families. The story is told from the point of view of three ladies, Abileen and Minny- both maids, and Skeeter a daughter of white, wealthy parents. I cheered along as the ladies each attempted to bring about change to the racial inequality and prejudice in their circumstances and city. This book is outstanding and an excellent read. The movie, based on this book, is opening August 12th.<br /><br />One small complaint, I would have loved this book so much more if it was a true story. But guess what? It's not a true story. There were many African-Americans who lived the same life as Abileen and Minny, but didn't get the same ending as the characters in the book do. Where's the book about real life help in the South?<br /><br />I do recommend <em>The Help</em> to anyone who likes to read. I don't know if it quite lives up to all of the hype, but definitely read it before you see the movie.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBUy5Xa9bHM/TekGlljvBEI/AAAAAAAADaM/OLMk0VqGJDs/s1600/GirlwithDragonTattoo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614025653300954178" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBUy5Xa9bHM/TekGlljvBEI/AAAAAAAADaM/OLMk0VqGJDs/s400/GirlwithDragonTattoo.jpg" /></a> An author I like to read, on her blog recommended <em>The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo</em> by Stieg Larsson. This book is also being turned into a movie that comes out this December. It is being touted as "the feel bad movie of the year". Um yeah, I should have considered that before reading it. I picked this book up from the library and read it. I know many people love this book, but I did not. It might be because I am not a fan of the crime drama genre. Or it might be because everyone is so promiscuous in this book. Or maybe it's because the author gives so many details. Whatever the case, I read it and do not recommend it. It may be well written but I just had a hard time getting by everything else. I do like the character of Lisbeth Salander and how she fights back against people who abuse and mistreat women. She is somewhat of a female Jason Bourne, with tattoos, piercings, and a bad attitude. Lisbeth is flawed, damaged, and way out there, but I still was pulling for her to get the bad guys and find happiness and peace in her life. She gets one of those things at the end of this book.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gwcx45godM/TekGlSvUMUI/AAAAAAAADaE/bI8SdLuEgjk/s1600/oherbook.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614025648249254210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gwcx45godM/TekGlSvUMUI/AAAAAAAADaE/bI8SdLuEgjk/s400/oherbook.jpg" /></a><br />Did you see The Blind Side? It was based on Michael Oher's life. He wrote <em>I Beat The Odds</em> to encourage kids who are living the same kind of life he had and to speak out about inaccuracies in the movie. This book is excellent and inspiring. I am fascinated by his story. His story is like a fairy tale, but it is a true story. Although, it is not really a fairly tale because he worked hard and endured things no kid should have to, that lead him to his success today. He tells how the movie portrayed him as not very smart (wearing shorts in winter, not understanding the game of football, and acting dumb) but that those things never happened. The real story was a slow and gradual change from him being a son of a women hooked on crack, in and out of foster care, homeless with no place to go, to being admitted to a private Christian high school with mainly rich students, and then being taken in by a rich family and finding his home and a place to belong. Amazingly, he now plays football professionally and is one of the good guys in the NFL.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-2551423467328687722011-03-29T05:57:00.001-05:002011-03-29T06:30:24.898-05:00Francine Rivers Giveaway1993 was a big year for me. In the spring my family moved from Maryland to Texas. Texas was a whole new world. We came from a somewhat rural area and were now in the city of Beaumont. One of the things we were excited about was that our new city had a Christian radio station. I remember being in my sunflower room, with the windows open, listening to the radio, and a commercial came on for a new book by a new author. The book being advertised was "A Voice in the Wind" by Francine Rivers. My 16 year old self, with plenty of money from my part time job, drove down the road to the Christian General Store and purchased "A Voice in the Wind". This book was and is life changing to me. I had never read a book before that I loved so much. Hadassah's story was compelling and intriguing. What spoke to me was the way Hadassah chooses the right path even though it comes at a great cost to her and causes much pain. Additionally, Hadassah is a servant to all and selflessly serves others. I have read this book and the two others in the series many times. These books spoke to my teenage self and still speak to me as a 34 year old mom. I need to be reminded to put all my trust in God, to serve others, and to always follow God's commands and do what is right. Hadassah is a perfect example of that. I love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Voice-Wind-Mark-Lion/dp/0842377506">"A Voice in the Wind"</a> and the other two books in the Mark of the Lion series. I love all of Francine Rivers books! She is one of my favorite authors, and she continually puts out entertaining but thought provoking books. Tyndale House Publishing is giving away a complete Francine Rivers giveaway. You or I could own all of her books. I would love to win, but I would love for you to win too! Her books are so good. <a href="http://www.tyndale.com/blog/?p=1042">Go here for your chance to win</a>. If I win I will have a giveaway for the Mark of Lion series, as I still have my first edition books on my shelf. Please, please if you haven't read the Mark of the Lion series, seek out these books. Happy Reading!Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-20705273584185098342011-01-27T09:10:00.000-06:002011-01-27T09:36:23.097-06:00Scott O'DellRecently I have been on a Scott O'Dell kick. I love, love his books. He wrote 26 books for children. Amazingly, he won five Newberry awards for his books.<br /><br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TUGLE9MEueI/AAAAAAAADG4/2EZPvjxjPC8/s1600/island.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566883531667585506" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TUGLE9MEueI/AAAAAAAADG4/2EZPvjxjPC8/s400/island.jpg" /></a><br />Island of the Blue Dolphins is a intense book that tells the story of an Indian girl who is left alone on an island for years. Karana has adventures, troubles, has to face wild dogs, and loves her animal friends. This is such a great book for children or adults. Eventually Karana thrives on the island and enjoys happy days, while longing for the day that a ship will come and reunite her with her people. Will the ship come to her island?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TUGLElBDTFI/AAAAAAAADGw/wrUL0f8IKrs/s1600/pearlhc.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566883525178903634" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TUGLElBDTFI/AAAAAAAADGw/wrUL0f8IKrs/s400/pearlhc.jpg" /></a><br />The Black Pearl tells the story of a 16 year old boy named Ramon Salazar. Ramon's father is a successful pearl dealer. Ramon is made partner in the business. On a pearl hunt he finds the Great Pearl of Heaven, an enormous black pearl. An old Indian tells Ramon it belongs to the great manta ray and that he must return it to the ocean or be cursed. Events occur that convince Ramon that the old Indian is right. What will Ramon do? I love the family interaction in this book, how Ramon matures, the good vs. evil tale, the description of the pearl hunts, the water, and the great manta ray.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TUGLEgAxY7I/AAAAAAAADGo/9ksvhL5dD7k/s1600/moonsc.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566883523835552690" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TUGLEgAxY7I/AAAAAAAADGo/9ksvhL5dD7k/s400/moonsc.jpg" /></a><br />Lastly is Sing Down the Moon. This is the chilling tale of a 14 year old girl named Bright Morning, a Navajo Indian living in Arizona. She has to face the threat of Spanish slave traders and then the forced migration of her people to Fort Sumner in New Mexico. So, so sad that this really happened in America's past. Bright Morning's story is compelling.<br /><div></div></div></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-10086339983760002562011-01-21T09:13:00.000-06:002011-01-21T09:28:18.948-06:00Book Review- An Amish Love<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TTmi75_DzFI/AAAAAAAADEw/hBabODpohUo/s1600/_225_350_Book_317_cover.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 346px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564657964654251090" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TTmi75_DzFI/AAAAAAAADEw/hBabODpohUo/s400/_225_350_Book_317_cover.jpg" /></a> This week I received An Amish Love in the mail to review. I must say first off that I am not the biggest fan of Amish fiction. The Christian fiction market is flooded with books about young Amish girls and their quest for love. Again, not my favorite. I thought I wouldn't like this book that contains three novellas written by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long. Surprisingly, I enjoyed all three of the novellas. Each one is well written. Not only do they contain sweet love stories, but each contained life truths that challenged me in my own walk. Themes of forgiveness, mercy, kindness, and love are all explored. The conflicts each of the main characters faced were original and not cliched. This would be a wonderful addition to your library or a great gift for a woman in your life. These Amish stories will be enjoyed by whomever reads this book.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br />Book Description (From the publisher)<br />Two of today's most popular genres--Romance and Amish fiction--together in one volume.<br /><br />"Healing Hearts" by Beth Wiseman: Levina Lapp and her husband Naaman are alone for the first time in 30 years. When Naaman left to visit cousins in Ohio, Levina wasn't expecting him to be gone a year. Now that he's back, will they be able to move beyond this estrangement and fall in love again?<br /><br />"What the Heart Sees" by Kathleen Fuller: A tragic accident rocks a peaceful Amish community, leaving Ellie Chupp blinded and Christopher Bender's future shattered. But they find love and forgiveness in a place they least expect.<br /><br />"A Marriage of the Heart" by Kelly Long: Rachel Yoder is tired of her Amish lifestyle and her domineering father's ways. When handsome Joseph Lambert comes back from the Englisch, she lies to force a marriage of convenience, providing the perfect means to escape her father's rule. But Rachel never imagined she'd fall in love with Joseph so quickly or irrevocably.<br /><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http:>book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http:>: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising</span></em>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-84788681745695991032010-09-09T08:03:00.000-05:002010-09-09T08:44:04.356-05:00The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TIjbTSv7LBI/AAAAAAAAC1o/z2O1nP8M3Co/s1600/_225_350_Book_237_cover.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514898868212018194" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TIjbTSv7LBI/AAAAAAAAC1o/z2O1nP8M3Co/s400/_225_350_Book_237_cover.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I loved Andy Andrews' new book <em>The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters.</em> This book illustrates that point in such a beautiful way. I think everyone needs reminding that each decision we make affects others and could impact the world for years to come. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>This short book is an easy read. I think I read it in less than an hour. But the truths contained in this small book will stay with me for life.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>I think this book could be especially impactful to young people ages 10 and up. I am going to require my 5th/6th Literature class to read this book this year. As I think all of us have this desire deep inside us to impact and change the world for the better. This book illustrates how choosing to do the right thing can have far reaching consequences. And that each person's life matters.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>I highly recommend this book. This book spoke to me in a very personal way, as <a href="http://bmtbutterfly.blogspot.com/2008/10/on-butterflies-birthday-and-other.html">I felt God speak to me through other people on two occasions, that I was like a butterfly to God</a>. I understood this to mean that I was changing and becoming something new. But through this book I am challenged to see the "butterfly" in a different way. That the butterfly is more than me just changing, but that through my life I can start a chain reaction to change the world.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">I received an advance copy of this book for free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http:>book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. </span></em>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-18793904700179969212010-08-14T21:39:00.001-05:002010-08-17T22:30:38.934-05:00Where the Mountain Meets the Moon<div align="left">I came across a <a href="http://outergrace.blogspot.com/">delightful blog</a> a few months ago. Grace Lin is an children's book author and illustrator. Her newest chapter book, <em>Where The Mountain Meets The Moon</em>, won the Newberry Honor Award this year. Grace Lin's <a href="http://outergrace.blogspot.com/2010/07/newbery-banquet-or-my-cinderella-night.html">blog post on the Newberry Banquet</a> was delightful to read. How fascinating it was to read about her experience receiving her award. </div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TGdTgs0wMiI/AAAAAAAACzY/KiGD69pnY6M/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505460890737062434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TGdTgs0wMiI/AAAAAAAACzY/KiGD69pnY6M/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Minli spends her days working hard in the fields with her parents. They are poor and Minli decides she will go on a journey and find the Old Man of the Moon and ask him how her family can change their fortune. Minli encounters people and creatures, including a dragon, who help her on her way.</div><div> </div><div><em>Where The Mountain Meets The Moon</em> is a masterpiece from Grace Lin. The story, the writing, the stories within the story, the art work, even the font used in the book all show such amazing attention to detail. I understand why this book was given the Newberry Honor.</div><div> </div><div>I feel like I need to read this book again to glean the truths that it contains. The book explores making wise choices, treating people right, doing good, and putting others before yourself. This book also explores the theme of contentment and how to go on when life disappoints.</div><div> </div><div>Please read this book, you will so enjoy getting to know Minli and discovering where her journey takes her.</div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-75211638308681868592010-08-02T15:21:00.000-05:002010-08-03T06:58:01.660-05:00New CF books from the libraryI love my library. I keep requesting books and they keep ordering them for me. Last week three new books were waiting for me. All three were great reads!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TFcqNakfgMI/AAAAAAAACyw/qTUKHCEcI8Y/s1600/n310646.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500911879815397570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TFcqNakfgMI/AAAAAAAACyw/qTUKHCEcI8Y/s400/n310646.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />First is <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Limelight-Novel-Melody-Carlson/dp/1400070821/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280782798&sr=1-1-spell">Limelight</a></em> <a href="http://www.melodycarlson.com/">by Melody Carlson</a>. Claudette Fiore used to be beautiful and somebody in Hollywood. Now she is old, poor, and alone. She thinks her life is over, but returning to her hometown and the house she grew up in, she learns about what is really important in life. I so enjoyed this book! It is well written and life affirming.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TFcqNDsDZxI/AAAAAAAACyo/Iryj0PXImLU/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500911873673094930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TFcqNDsDZxI/AAAAAAAACyo/Iryj0PXImLU/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a> Next is <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Splitting-Harriet-Tamara-Leigh/dp/1590529286/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280782756&sr=1-1">Splitting Harriet</a></em> <a href="http://www.tamaraleigh.com/">by Tamara Leigh</a>. Tamara Leigh's books are Christian chick lit, with thought provoking deeper issues included. <em>Splitting Harriet</em> was a fun read. I especially appreciated the depiction of the inner workings of a church that are spot on. Harriet is a pastor's daughter who rebelled in her life but has since returned to the church and works part time as the Women's Ministry Director. Her Dad retires and his new replacement at the church wants to change things and brings in a consultant to bring new life to their church. Harriet does not want anything to change. She bumps heads with the consultant, but ultimately learns much about herself, forgiveness, grace, and freedom in Christ. Highly recommended!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TFcpGiaOJYI/AAAAAAAACyg/ai-Vo7E79NI/s1600/n298777.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500910662149088642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TFcpGiaOJYI/AAAAAAAACyg/ai-Vo7E79NI/s400/n298777.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Last is <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Intuition-Lisa-Samson/dp/1578565960/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280782712&sr=8-1">Women's Intuition</a></em> <a href="http://lisasamson.typepad.com/">by Lisa Samson</a>. I LOVE Lisa Samson. Her book <em>Embrace Me</em> is one of my all time favorite books. <em>Women's Intuition</em> was written in 2002, so it is not one of her new ones. I loved <em>Women's Intuition, </em>too! It is the story of a grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter, and a housekeeper. You will have to read the book to find out more. There is something about Lisa Samson's books that just make me happy to be alive. I so enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of Lisa Samson's books.</div></div></div></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-59978275846694911252010-07-26T08:29:00.000-05:002010-07-26T08:53:20.388-05:00Wanted: Perfect ParentsI purchased <em>Wanted: Perfect Parents </em>by John Himmelman from a garage sale for 10 cents. It has quickly become one of Luke's favorite books. We have read it so many times. Gregory's parents see a sign on his bedroom door that reads Wanted: Perfect Parents. They ask Gregory what the sign is about and he tells them he is looking for perfect parents. He then describes to his parents what "perfect parents" would let him do. The perfect parents would never make him clean his room, would let him have every kind of ice cream at once, would let him flood the bathroom with water and swim with sharks, would buy him a pet elephant, and more. The illustrations are so much fun. Of course the book ends well with Gregory understanding the parents he has are perfect for him.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TE2OVzqJudI/AAAAAAAACyA/4bbon88BHhg/s1600/Luke%27s+book+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498207225384647122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TE2OVzqJudI/AAAAAAAACyA/4bbon88BHhg/s400/Luke%27s+book+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />In the book the "perfect parents" let Gregory do whatever he can imagine. I think that is why Luke enjoys the book. Luke has already told me he wants to do some of the things Gregory imagines. I enjoy the book as well and especially love reading it with Luke!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TE2OVhmS6MI/AAAAAAAACx4/6i_MDaaQpzQ/s1600/Luke%27s+book+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498207220536633538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TE2OVhmS6MI/AAAAAAAACx4/6i_MDaaQpzQ/s400/Luke%27s+book+004.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-23928919009933089852010-07-19T10:58:00.000-05:002010-08-02T15:20:56.617-05:00Screen Play by Chris Coppernoll<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TER2knYziFI/AAAAAAAACuY/toDE0GM4PmU/s1600/screen-play.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495647816719239250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TER2knYziFI/AAAAAAAACuY/toDE0GM4PmU/s400/screen-play.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><em>Screen Play</em> is a new Christian fiction book by Chris Coppernoll. I had never heard of this author before but what caught my eye is that he is married to Christa Parrish, who is a phenomenal author.<br /><br /><em></em><br /><br /><em>Screen Play</em> was good and an entertaining read, but I can't say that I loved it. I think what I didn't like about it was that it seemed too much like a fairy tale. Everything worked out so well for the main character and real life just isn't like that. Also, a situation at the end involving a rescue just seemed silly and not necessary to the overall story.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-47067681633454932532010-07-19T10:12:00.000-05:002010-07-19T10:51:05.209-05:00Seesaw Girl by Linda Sue Park<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TERrmGfuhTI/AAAAAAAACuQ/cF2sIXO36jM/s1600/n233435.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495635747621733682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 389px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TERrmGfuhTI/AAAAAAAACuQ/cF2sIXO36jM/s400/n233435.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>After reading <em>A Single Shard</em> by Linda Sue Park I set out to read more books by this author. I found <em>Seesaw Girl </em>from the library and enjoyed it!<br/><br/><br /></div><div></div><div>The story, set in 17th Century Korea, introduces us to Jade, a girl who wants to experience the world around her. But as a girl, as was the custom, she is not allowed to step beyond the walls of her family compound. At first Jade seemed somewhat silly and the pranks she pulled seem a bit much. But she matures and even though her circumstances don't change (she still is not allowed to go beyond her family compound) her outlook does. I love the line on the last page where Jade says, "It's not enough. But I will learn to make it enough."<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><em>Seesaw Girl</em> is a wonderful children's book with themes of family and contentment that speak to all ages.</div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-17913900686412265322010-07-11T23:44:00.001-05:002010-07-13T15:50:07.598-05:00Book List<div align="left">Starting in August, at the Homeschool Co-op we attend, I am teaching K and 1st grade Literature and 5th/6th grade Literature. 5th and 6th grade are combined with 17 students. We will have class once a week and they will have assigned reading during the week. Our focus for the year is the Middle Ages/ Medieval time period. Since I am teaching, I get to choose the books. Yay! I have read and read and read trying to find the best books to use for the year. All of these books I love and I hope the students love them too.</div><div align="center">Here are the books I have chosen:<br />5th/6th Grade Book List</div><p align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqe26XpKwI/AAAAAAAACso/RxMJHC5gOYQ/s1600/the-tale-of-despereaux-by-kate-dicamillo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492877361750289154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqe26XpKwI/AAAAAAAACso/RxMJHC5gOYQ/s400/the-tale-of-despereaux-by-kate-dicamillo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqe2hVgH8I/AAAAAAAACsg/a22aMa_-Tbs/s1600/0440402832_01_LZZZZZZZ.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492877355030421442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqe2hVgH8I/AAAAAAAACsg/a22aMa_-Tbs/s400/0440402832_01_LZZZZZZZ.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqe2eQx6RI/AAAAAAAACsY/uWiYOUaTz54/s1600/188784032X_01__SX140_SY225_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492877354205309202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 136px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqe2eQx6RI/AAAAAAAACsY/uWiYOUaTz54/s400/188784032X_01__SX140_SY225_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqe2DHJnuI/AAAAAAAACsQ/wbmlUrcGWK8/s1600/good-masters-sweet-ladies-cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492877346917162722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqe2DHJnuI/AAAAAAAACsQ/wbmlUrcGWK8/s400/good-masters-sweet-ladies-cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqejgTeg4I/AAAAAAAACsI/eM8v4Bdcneg/s1600/redwall-book-cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492877028335977346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqejgTeg4I/AAAAAAAACsI/eM8v4Bdcneg/s400/redwall-book-cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqejJuPfoI/AAAAAAAACsA/bFXmeshBLPc/s1600/1592075.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492877022274223746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqejJuPfoI/AAAAAAAACsA/bFXmeshBLPc/s400/1592075.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqei6NnWxI/AAAAAAAACr4/MZAqBJGNI0A/s1600/the_wanderer_lg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492877018110843666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqei6NnWxI/AAAAAAAACr4/MZAqBJGNI0A/s400/the_wanderer_lg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqeio3HZmI/AAAAAAAACrw/8zXnZclYHfw/s1600/single-shard.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492877013453071970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqeio3HZmI/AAAAAAAACrw/8zXnZclYHfw/s400/single-shard.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqeiV312mI/AAAAAAAACro/zmnCPbQw4Jw/s1600/island-blue-dolphins.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492877008355842658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDqeiV312mI/AAAAAAAACro/zmnCPbQw4Jw/s400/island-blue-dolphins.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">I am so excited for this class. Such great books. I can't wait!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-29496011633886548852010-07-07T23:03:00.000-05:002010-07-11T23:06:35.410-05:00The Unfinished Angel by Sharon Creech<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDVOh4Ed1UI/AAAAAAAACnw/IYgtUm9EE40/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491381664541955394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 277px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TDVOh4Ed1UI/AAAAAAAACnw/IYgtUm9EE40/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I will be teaching Literature for 5th/6th grade in the fall. To prepare I have been reading and reading so many excellent books. One author I have fallen in love with is Sharon Creech. Her books are so good and deep. I have read four of her books so far and each one is a treasure. I have just started <em>Walk Two Moons</em>. My mom, the librarian, recommended <em>Walk Two Moons</em> to me three years ago, and she even lent me the book. But did I listen to her expert advice and read it? It has only taken me three years to start<em> Walk Two Moons. </em><br /><em></em><br />But on to <em>The Unfinished Angel</em>. It is a brilliant little book. Oh what an amazing writer Sharon Creech is. This book is told from an angel's perspective. Somehow Ms. Creech captures the angel's voice and makes this angel so charming. The combination of the angel's confusion over which words to use and her imperfect English only add to the charm. The angel is unsure of herself and wonders if she is a fulfilling her angel duties as well as other angels. She meets a girl and together they transform a town.<br /><br />Be careful where you read this book. I read it during the boys' swimming lessons. After reading the chapter titled "The Nature of Papas" I had tears running down my face because it was so moving. I had to keep wiping my face. Who knows what the other parents thought of me?<br /><br />Please, please read this book. It will be in the children's section, but any age will enjoy this book.<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://sharonkaycreech.blogspot.com/">Sharon Creech's blog here</a>.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-11210309189653207252010-06-20T22:23:00.000-05:002010-06-23T09:53:29.630-05:00Demon A Memoir by Tosca Lee<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TB7eEfDOgaI/AAAAAAAACkY/mjSe6MX_AIs/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485065564819718562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TB7eEfDOgaI/AAAAAAAACkY/mjSe6MX_AIs/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I finally read <em>Demon A Memoir</em> by Tosca Lee. I requested this book at the library and they ordered it for me. I love it when they do that! Anyways, I had heard nothing but praise for this book, and I had high expectations that I would be blown away by it and love it. <em>Demon</em> is well written and has some interesting parts but I just didn't love it. Tosca Lee definitely raises some interesting points. I had never really thought much about why Lucifer was thrown out of heaven. He just wanted to be equal with God right? This book showed Lucifer in a different light. In this book a demon visits an author and tells him the story of Lucifer and the author begins to write the story. But I wanted more than just the demon telling the story. <em>Demon</em> is essentially a love story of God's love for man. Overall a good book, I just didn't love it.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2578642329831382038.post-4060764033374478962010-06-16T10:10:00.000-05:002010-06-16T10:36:37.362-05:00Dogwood by Chris Fabry<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TBjpzKS_nVI/AAAAAAAAChw/exXMmKxflwY/s1600/978-1-4143-1955-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483389611470200146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 337px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NSZmHo7qv6M/TBjpzKS_nVI/AAAAAAAAChw/exXMmKxflwY/s400/978-1-4143-1955-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From the publisher:<br /><br /><em>Will returns to Dogwood intent on pursuing Karin, the only woman he has ever loved--only to find there is far more standing in his way than lost years in prison. The secrets of Will and Karin's past emerge through a young boy who wishes he hadn''t survived the tragedy that knit those two together and then tore them apart. </em><br /><p><em></em></p><p><em></p></em><br />Please right now go to the nearest bookstore and buy this book. Dogwood starts out a bit slow and kind of confusing as the chapters are told from different characters' point of view. But it picks up quickly. I had no idea where the book was going and how everything would be resolved. Chris Fabry is a master storyteller and kept me on the edge of my seat, especially waiting to find out the details of the events that lead up to Will being put in jail. The first big reveal at the end was shocking and brilliant. I was amazed at the author going there. The last chapter was beautiful. This book shocked me, brought me to tears, and revealed Jesus' love to me in a different way. I so enjoyed Dogwood. I am excited to read more books by Chris Fabry.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073460608225762888noreply@blogger.com1