Here are the reads since the end of May:
Miracles and Massacres by Glenn Beck-- Yes, this was the book that stopped up the reading train. It did take me 17 months to finish this book, but I actually really enjoyed this book. Unfortunately, each chapter is a stand alone read so it is easier to put down than many others and forget for months. In this book, history comes alive. You anger at injustice. You cheer for the brave. I struggled with how much was conjecture vs reality. Without going through every single source listed in the back, it is hard to know if the conclusions reached were accurate. I appreciated the heart but am a skeptic until I have researched for myself. 4/5 stars
The Expats by Chris Pavone-- Don't even remember how I came across this title. Must have been recommended by a secular source. Wildly inappropriate in places but a well written suspenseful read. More and more layers are unwrapped during the read and at the beginning one would never guess the outcome at the end although each part comes into focus along the way. A bit farfetched at the end however. Thriller/spy suspense. 3/5 stars (but cautionary--because of previous comments)
You're Already Amazing by Holley Gerth-- a free audiobook from Christian Audio. I first started listening almost out of a sense of "duty" because I had it and wanted to plough through all of the audiobooks I owned. But something pulled me in. I don't typically like "feel better" Christian nonfiction. This didn't end up being that at all. Yes, there were reminders of the promises of who we are in Christ but I found so much practical application on our reliance of Christ for our identity. Not because I have low self-esteem but because this book hit me over the head--I am a bit of a perfectionist. And as such, I can rely on myself rather than Christ. I had all sorts of wonderful notes about this book but I lost them all when my app crashed. But this book profoundly impacted me. When I saw myself as the performing perfectionist, I was able to acknowledge my own weakness and His sufficiency. 4/5 stars
The Boy Born Dead by David Ring-- another free audiobook from ChristianAudio. An autobiography detailing the special relationship between a pastor's son and a peer with cerebral palsy. Lots of heavy stuff. Lots of trigger subjects.(bullying, divorce, rape, etc) Definitely not kid friendly. But a good story of God's redemption through/because of the hard stuff. 3/5 stars
Treasure Hunters by James Patterson-- the kids and I listened to this book over the summer. A bit middle school humor in parts but a fun story. Adventure with a group of shipwreck diving kids chasing after a mystery when their dad "dies." Leaves you wanting to listen to the sequel. 4/5 stars
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen-- David had been given this Newberry winning book several years ago but hadn't read it yet. I decided to listen to it with the kids. Was caught off-guard by the book. It was an interesting survival book (we love survival stories), but definitely wouldn’t have considered it a good book for kids. Deals with difficult issues of divorce and infidelity. Wasn't just a minor part of the book either--despite not being a very necessary part. The book was also very graphic in other parts. Found the conclusions reached very humanistic. Guess I wasn't on the same page as those who gave the book its accolades. 2/5 stars
Human GPS by Janet Palmer-- I was given this book by the author, a neighbor. I told her I hadn't been reading a lot of physical books (true at the time) and wasn't sure when I would get to it. But after seeing how short it was, I felt obligated to pick it up and try to get through it for her sake. One of my least favorite genres of books. Psychology/self-help. The book starts with the suggestion that we all have a human GPS built into us. We need to discover "our why." Janet describes how she found her why in God. But she backs off from declaring it to be an absolute truth and states that it is important no matter what you believe to find your why. I would argue with that premise because I believe that there is no "why" apart from Christ. There were several places in the book that could be so easily misunderstood by non-Christians. I was disappointed that the gospel message wasn't proclaimed more boldly. 2/5 stars
Steve McQueen: The Salvation of an American Icon by Greg Laurie-- I love biographies so I was excited to read this. I was completely unaware that Steve McQueen had become a believer so I was looking forward to hearing his story. I had never previously heard of the author, apparently a well-known pastor. He figured largely in the story. But not because he knew McQueen so well (or at all) but because the story was really his autobiography disguised as something else. He kept likening his life to McQueen's life. He spent more than half the book talking about himself. He seemed rather consumed with himself. He also tells us at the beginning that everything is true except his road trip which figures into every aspect of the story. How can we determine what the truth is from the fiction? Because of the author, I even had large doubts about McQueen's salvation experience. McQueen's life was just as he is portrayed in almost all his movies and in real life. A very lost man with a rotten upbringing who made dozens of poor choices. But at the tail end of the book, I felt that his near death-bed redemption probably was accurate and there were a few pages of the gospel spelled out. Wished I had not wasted my time with the rest of the book... 2/5 stars
Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush-- My summer beach read (literally)- an autobiography of the presidential Bush twins. I knew they had been a bit wild, but learned more while reading. Written by a younger generation, at times a bit more open and less tactful than perhaps should have been but this openness leads to feeling like you know the Bush sisters and their family personally, rather than glimpses into lives you will likely never meet. I enjoyed the book not because of them, but because I particularly loved the look into Gampy Bush (ghwbush). Made me admire the man the more. And chuckled at Barbara Bush (the elder) as I saw my proper grandmother in her. 3/5 stars
Five Children on the Western Front by Kate Saunders-- I pulled this from the shelves in the library because of the title. Sure enough, it was a "sequel" to one of my favorite books/authors...E Nesbit's Five Children and It. Well written by a Brit. In the style of E. Nesbit. Started promisingly. But the magic in this story doesn’t follow the original rules. Not explainable easily. About halfway into the book, I realized it was just an excuse for a commentary on war. It takes place during World War I. We see the atrocities of war and it is really heavy at the end with the death of the eldest son. Categorized as juvenile fiction, but too heavy for anyone but a mature teen. Not light and charming and magical but full of value as a glimpse of the war (and the sorrow inherent in any war). Too bad the psammead storyline is far fetched and generally unnecessary to the main point of the book. 3/5 stars
Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum-- this was one of my favorites growing up (and favorite in the Oz series). I was excited to share this story with my kids. Yes, lots had gone over my head as a child--never thought of the impracticality and gruesomeness (according to my kids) of the queen who changes her head according to the occasion. I mean---why worry about magically changing heads when you live in land where a hen can talk??? The story is still magical and the adventure in this particular one more fun than many of the Oz series. 4/5 stars
The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum-- not as good as the previous Oz story but still magical and the kids enjoyed the talking Pumpkin Head and the sawhorse. 3/5 stars
Horton Halfpott or the Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor or the Loosening of M'Lady Lugertuck's Corset by Tom Angleberger-- Geared for youth, but just as wonderful as an adult. Loved this quirky tale! So reminiscent of Wodehouse (from whom I’m sure the author took inspiration since he referenced one of Wodehouse’s main characters in the book). Also patterned after Dickens (but easier to read) All turns out well in the end but not without mishap after mishap. Each chapter is but a page or two and so easy to read. Character description is key with all sorts of perfect words applied to each. And their names! Loved it! Hoping there are more like this book. 5/5 stars
If the Magic Fits by Susan Maupin Schmid-- a bit juvenile in places but the magic of the story is fun. A tad reminiscent of Cinderella. The mouse who helps is sweet. Sweeter than the main character who acts a bit bratty and very immature at times like the eleven year old she is. But overall the mystery and adventure was fun. Listened to on audiobook and felt that was to the detriment because the narrator sounded so young and immature. 3/5 stars.
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede-- I read a review of this on a fellow blogger's site and decided I wanted to read it. It is a fascinating, little known look into September 11 from the perspectives of those who were caught on international flights trying to enter the U.S. The book reads quickly. I found the complications that arise very interesting. Many I had not considered previously. What about the pets? Where would that many people stay? Who washes the towels? What about the orthodox (Jews in this case)? The warmth and generosity of the Newfies (everyone ended up in a remote part of Newfoundland) was touching. And brought back sweet memories of my own after flooding during Harvey. The stories of the individuals is interesting albeit more time is spent in the book describing the lives of these very different individuals all traveling on the plane than anything else. Definitely worth a quick read! 4/5 stars
The Kremlin Conspiracy by Joel C. Rosenberg-- As usual a fun political thriller. The twists in this one were a bit more expected though than some of his others, but that being said, I liked it better than a few of his other series. Make sure you have the second one already when you start this though; it is a cliffhanger. There are two main characters in this story, one a western Christian, the other a Russian atheist. Rosenberg did a good job getting inside their heads and hearts with the inner struggles and emotions that are common to all in their situations. The book was far less “preachy” than some of his other more recent ones. 4/5 stars
Only Time Will Tell (Clifton Chronicles Book 1) by Jeffry Archer-- A historical fiction family saga. The book is penned by a Brit and is very well written. Even his changing narrator point of view only adds to the story rather than confusing or detracting. It came recommended with the caveat that it is not written from a Christian perspective. Within the first few paragraphs you have already come across some immoral behavior, but it is the basis for the book and dealt with tactfully. There were a few other similar elements in this incredibly long book but all handled delicately with one exception that probably could have been left out but developed the characters. I was amazed to find that several of the twists and turns in the plots did keep me guessing; normally I can see it all spelled out. The book takes place over many years. There will be pages and pages of a single time period and then a quick fast forward 5-10 years. Most around 1930s. This book is only the first in a series of 7 books. It will be interesting to see where the next book goes.
PS I googled the author after I read this book. Wow! He is something else. An English lord who is a rascal and has done some rotten things but has had quite a life. Apparently these books are semi-autobiographical and you can see it when you read his life story on wikipedia in conjunction with these books.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin-- Love this author. Have previously read her Ling and Ting books. They are humorous and fun. This is more serious. It is a fantasy as there are talking animals and the old man in the moon... but the lesson taught— to be grateful and content with what you have— is invaluable! And it is refreshing at the end of the book to see the mother apologize for her behavior. A Chinese folk tale with excellent wisdom hidden therein. 3/5 stars
The Sins of the Father (the Clifton Chronicles #2) by Jeffrey Archer-- A bit more far fetched at times than the first book but still a fascinating look at the complexities of the Clifton family. There was a long look into legal proceedings in this book. And it actually ends as a cliffhanger while awaiting the outcome of a court case. Guess I’ll be reading the next one. 😉 4/5 stars
Forever and Ever, Amen: a Memoir of Music, Faith and Braving the Storms of Life by Randy Travis-- I have always loved Randy Travis’ voice and his choice of true country songs, but after hearing his "Rise and Shine" album, I have listened over and over. That is still one of my favorite albums of music. Each song included has such depth and the words are full of gospel truths. I began wondering whether Randy was a Believer or not. How could you sing those words through without comprehension? So when I saw his new memoir, I was so curious to read it. A sad start to life. Poor choices. Even after he stopped stealing, drinking and drugs, he was still living with a gal who was not yet his wife. I wondered at the story of his conversion when he was younger.
Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess by Richard Platt-- Suggested reading for CC Cycle 2. Found this look into a medieval castle life fascinating. I learned quite a few new terms. The English is written in the old English style and harder to understand for younger kids. 4/5 stars
The Minstrel in the Tower by Gloria Skurzynski-- Another CC Cycle 2 suggested reading. The story was rather lackluster. Perhaps suspenseful for a child, but the plot was rather poorly rounded for a more mature child or adult. Don’t feel like it was overly educational either. And the storyline ended with modern feminism— the girl is told she can continue to climb trees and act as she wishes despite being a noblewoman by birth. 2/5 stars
Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham-- An interesting look into the legal system with many terms defined for a newbie or a kid. But I felt the subject matter was too mature for kids (more sheltered kids anyways). It was a violent murder by a man who had marital issues. Other issues, including a nasty divorce, were addressed in the book as well. And as an adult, I kept expecting John Grisham to take his usual turns and have some unexpected ending but it was very expected... except that the book did not exactly finish the story. All was semi-wrapped up, and I felt no real desire to learn what happened afterward. 2/5 stars
The Persian Gamble by Joel C. Rosenberg-- Preferred the first book in this series. This one, at times was more far fetched. Pretty gruesome in parts. When Rosenberg shares the gospel, it often seems a bit contrived. But nonetheless, lots of action and adrenaline. 4/5 stars
The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True by Gerald Morris-- A bit odd but love the strong message of honor that is taught in this book. “Let your yes be yes...” The lessons in character throughout are rare among children’s books. The humor is comical and there is a bit of a twist at the end. 4/5 stars
The Detective's Assistant by Kate Hannigan-- Fiction but based on a true person, Kate Warne, the first female detective to work for Pinkerton and some true cases. The other main character in the book is pure fiction but adds color to the book. Not a bad book but it did take me 13+weeks to finish this book. Does that say anything? 3/5 stars
