Total Pageviews

Monday, March 28, 2011

The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick

This book is a work of historical fiction. From the historical account of Helga Etsby and her daughter, Clara's walk from Spokane, Washigton to New York City in 1896, the author delves into insightful speculation of Clara's life story. It is known that Clara became estranged from her family for some twenty years, even changing her last name. The authors takes readers through a fictional, but realistic life story that revels a nonfiction life story of Clara.

This novel is well thought and carefully researched to reflect the most probable biography of Clara. The author writes with careful and vivid detail, making Clara come to life in the novel. A very interesting look at the era when women's suffrage was in flight and a look at how some women were able to financially succeed in a man's world. The real story, in my opinion, becomes vibrant as Clara tries to reconcile with her family and eventually does.

I liked the fact the author shared how she researched and developed the most likely biography of Clara. This is the first historical fiction novel I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a must read for women of all ages. This is a Christian novel and includes discussion questions at the end of the book.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. This in no way influenced my review.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

We Be Big by Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey

This is an autobiography about two highly successful radio personalities, who work together as a team. The book discusses how each became attracted to radio and their lives growing up in Alabama. The book is written so each takes a turn at a chapter, i.e. Rick writes about his childhood in a chapter, then Bubba writes about his childhood in the following chapter. The autobiography covers the span of their lives and how they became a team on the radio. It also includes an idea of what their radio show is like for those who have not heard them.

Overall the book was good. I think it would have been better if it went into more detail. Especially, when they comment on funny stunts that have been done on their radio show. For those who have not heard them, it's a bit of a let down since they do not go into full detail about these funny stunts, etc., leaving the reader wondering. I liked how each wrote a chapter and showed how their lives crossed at different times in their lives to the ultimate point when they became a radio team.

Another aspect of the book leaves ALL readers wondering what is actually true in this book. The subtitle states it's "The mostly true story of how two kids from Calhoun County, Alabama became Rick & Bubba". Mostly true... that leaves a lot to wonder about. On a positive note, the book is filled with bits of humor. It is also an easy read. I would most definitely recommend the book to all who actually know of Rick and Bubba and listen to their show.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, March 7, 2011

Deadly Ties by Vicki Hinze

This is a fictional novel that incorporates aspects of a mystery, suspense and thriller. Annie Harper's husband died, leaving her and her seven year old daughter, Lisa, without financial means. In a seemingly act of desperation, Annie married Dutch, a cruel and vicious man. To save Lisa from Dutch's hatred and evil, Annie gives up custody to a close friend and is separated from Lisa for over ten years. Fast forward twelve years and a compelling, supensefull thriller develops. What will Dutch do, now that Lisa is old enough to be self-sufficent and can rescue her mother from his prison? Moreover, how does the past tie to the current events of Annie's and Lisa's lives?

This novel is smart and clever. There is an intricacy of characters that slowly reveal mysteries and keeps the book suspenseful. The more you read the harder it is to put down! Rich in complex plots and character development, this book is a must read. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys fiction.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. This in no way influenced my review.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

The Blessing of Adversity by Barry C. Black

This book is a scripture-based road map of how to survive life's difficult times. The book is divided into three sections: 1. Mastering the Basics, 2. Avoiding the Sources of Trouble, and 3. Turning Your Adversity into Advantage. The majority of the book focuses on the first section, Mastering the Basics. Sixteen chapters are devoted to every aspect of living your life in firm belief that God has plans for you to succeed, even through difficult times. Jesus said we'd face trials and tribulations and this book is a wonderful source of encouragment and support. The second section, Avoiding the Sources of Trouble, consists of 5 chapters that focus on how we can avoid adversity that comes through giving into temptation and sin. The third section, Turning Your Adversity into Advantage, shows a plan of resilience with two chapters that sum up the underlying premise of this book: Supersize your Faith and Build a Storm-Proof life.

One aspect of the book that could use improvement stems from the author's assumption that his readers are familiar with stories from the Bible. The author, however, provides the references to the Bible which enables the reader to use the Bible to gain a better understanding. This book could be used as a Bible study by studying the full stories of the Bible that the author uses as examples. Overall, the book is very good, but at times it seems redundant, as the author cites the same examples throughout the book.

I think everyone can certainly benefit from reading this book. Implementing the principles will most certainly deepen his/her relationship with God. I'd, however, challenge the reader to go beyond the book and study the complete stories from the Bible.

Tyndale House Publishers sent me a complimentary copy of this book for me to review. This in no way influenced my review.

Friday, March 4, 2011

The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley

This book isn't a self help book, but it can make your life a lot better. We've all done it. Made a bad choice and suffered the consequences. Life is really more than a series of choices, however. Each choice you make leads to a "path" and that path has a destination. The path is the basis of every part of life - relationships, finances, careers, etc. The author does an excellent job of exploring the obvious - all paths/choices have consequences and much of the time, we have the ability to make the right decisions about which paths to take. Have you ever thought to yourself? Why didn't I do it differently? Such as retirement - why didn't I save more? Or, you married someone who is not right for you. You ignored your reservations hoping it will all work out, but it doesn't.

The book is biblically based with stories and verses from the Bible. The Bible is truly a road map of human nature with wisdom to live life to the fullest. The author uses King David and King Solomon as some of the excellent examples of the Principle of the Path. Moreover, the author does not lecture, but rather takes a conversational approach to this subject. The author understands and explores other factors that cloud the decision of which path to take. The author acknowledges that it is not always easy to choose the right path and provides useful advice in an effort to help the reader learn to use tools that will give better insight of the destination of each path.

One excellent example of the depth of this book is the explanation for the verse: In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3:6) In my opinion, that verse could easily be interpreted as no matter what choice you make, even when things get bad, acknowledge God and everything will work out. No, that is not what that verse means. The author provides an insightful explanation, but in short it means that when you acknowledge God, he will make the best path obvious. As the author contends, direction, not intention, determines our destination.

This is a must read for everyone in high school or college. I highly recommend it to everyone, though. I believe everyone, regardless of what stage in life they are at, will gain a lot from this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”