Two very different works are reviewed this week. Both are well worth your time. The first is a short from Dave King, the second is a very compelling story (fiction) about a POW named Jacob Walden. Since they are amazon review links, here are the shortcuts:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R3I7BKEKQEQBIQ/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm
http://www.amazon.com/review/RFX9TCXSAI2VS/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm
Today’s reviews focus on two books for younger children. Both are good, with Christian values and morals written in, but not in an overly preachy way. This might be a good starting point for un-churched children to be exposed to some Christian-based stories.
F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire by M.C. Pearson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this book, especially from the middle to the end where the pace picks up quite a bit. Not that the beginning was bad, it was necessarily slower paced to introduce the main character and set up the plot line. My daughter also read and enjoyed the book. Very well suited for the 10-15 yr old market although others will enjoy reading it. There are so many characters in the story that it is well suited for follow up books that could use any number of them in a larger role. A good, safe read for kids.
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A Rat and A Ransom by Y.I. Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A short book that is well suited to a younger audience. The only complaint I have about the story is how it ended. The story was moving along very well and then .. it just ended. I would really have liked to see the ending handled with the same skill as the rest of the story. I debated between 3 and 4 stars because of this, but went with 4 because what was written was entertaining and kept my interest. A good, safe read for kids.
These two books have one thing in common – family. I enjoyed both and enjoy knowing the family who wrote them even more. Grab yourself a copy of each and have a good read on me.
The Winds of the Molornu by Sherri Lackey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book immensely. A great plot, good characterizations and a story line that kept me hooked until the end. I had known the author for some time as the wife of a friend of mine but didn’t realize she was an author. After finding this out, I had to get her book – am I glad I did. A true talent for telling a good story. This is one book you will want to curl up with and enjoy. Definitely a good read.
Ground of Oam by P.A. Lackey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
For a first time author, I found this book to be very enjoyable. The characters were well thought out and the plot line was far from simple. I admit that I did have some trouble jumping between the different character’s viewpoints, mainly when I would put the story down for a day or two and then pick it back up.
Is this a polished work? No, and that would have garnered only 3 stars except for the fact that for a teenager, this was extremely well done. At this rate, he may one day surpass his mother (author Sherri Lackey – Winds of the Molornu, The Vrykolakas Deviation)
Okay, I admit the second review is quite different than the books I normally review. I don’t know if this makes me a Renaissance man or just an eccentric with eclectic tastes. At any rate, it was a fun read with my daughter and as I get older I cherish those times more and more.
Kicking Habits by Thomas G. Bandy
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
To say that this book was devoid of any useful gleanings would be inaccurate and unfair. It had two or three useful bits of information. The rest was a mishmash of muddled mumbo-jumbo and pseudo-Christian jargon. Do churches and denominations become tradition bound? Yes. Does that mean all tradition is to be considered stifling and outdated – hardly. Following the advice in this book would lead one to forming a “church” without any biblical standards, no responsibilities from members (actually you would only have attenders because membership is also an addiction churches have) and a Laodicean approach to ministry that is already condemned by Jesus.
I am very disappointed in this book, but more so by the conclusion of churches being transformed into visionary motivators instead of places of spiritual growth according to biblical standards. I definitely do not recommend this as a good read.
Bunnies Are for Kissing by Allia Zobel Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My daughter and I love this book. The illustrations are priceless and the story is very cute. My little girl laughed at the bunny waking up, cried at the bunny falling off her bike and smiled as the parent bunnies tucked her into bed. This one has become a bedtime favorite. I also thought the inscription was pretty cool too.
Deep in the Heart by Staci Stallings
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A good Christian romance novel. Many of the characters experience the transformational power of Christ in their lives, which make the story an uplifting one. The only thing keeping it from 5 stars is that I thought it took too long for the protagonist/antagonist conflict to fully develop. The characters were believable and the story line was well written. If you know someone who is searching for something to fill the emptiness inside of them, toss ’em a copy of this book. You and they will find it a good read.
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Tough Faith: Trusting God in Troubled Times by Janet Parshall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An excellent book that unapologetically deals the issues of our day. Moving past the nominal expression of so-called Christianity in our time, the authors give a compelling case for what true belief in Christ looks like. The manner in which they write is not abrasive and it is laid out in a manner that is easy to follow. I recommend this as a good read
These Are The Generations by Eric Foley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Simply amazing. The story is both warming and frightening, inspiring and challenging. To understand what the central characters are going through is impossible in the West unless one has traveled to countries that repress Christianity. I have and can vouch that stories like these are not uncommon. What is uncommon, is the magnitude of faith demonstrated. Pastor Foley is to be commended for relating this account as well as for his work on behalf of persecuted and forgotten Christians across the globe.
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Today’s Gospel: Authentic or Synthetic? by Walter J. Chantry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It was startling to think that this was first written in 1970. It is so relevant and fresh that it could have been penned today. Although written as a book, it could have very well been a series of sermons. It is one of the best expositions of Mark chapter 10 that I have read. If you like David Platt’s Radical, you might be surprised to read this book and see the same things being said thirty years earlier. I heartily recommend this as a good read
Each Wednesday I will try to review a Christian book or two. They may be fiction or non-fiction. I am eclectic in my tastes so the books will run a wide gamut. If you are an author and would like a review of your book posted here, contact me. Today, I have two books to review. The first is The Air We Breathe by Christa Parrish. This review has also been posted on Goodreads. 
The Air We Breathe by Christa Parrish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I received a copy of this book to review from Bethany House. Since this isn't my normal genre to read, I wanted other eyes to look at it also, so my wife was elected. This way, I wouldn't let my biases get in the way. Chrita Parrish writes a book that is full of rich detail, interweaving the stories of three individuals masterfully. The plot line was well thought out and the story kept our attention. The book elucidated many Christian values. Personally, I would have liked a clear gospel presentation given but since the goal of the book wasn't to use it as a witnessing tool, I can't quibble. It is easy to see why this author has won the ECPA Christian Book Award for Fiction more than once. I recommend it as a good read.
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The second book is called God on the Streets of Gotham: What the Big-Screen Batman Can Teach Us About God and Ourselves by Paul Asay
God on the Streets of Gotham: What the Big Screen Batman Can Teach Us about God and Ourselves by Paul Asay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well written and thought provoking. I went into the book a bit skeptical, even though I am both a minister and a comic book collector. With Batman being my favorite hero, I was apprehensive about him being forced into some Christian role model/hero. No worries. An extremely engaging book well worth your time to read - it will even give you a lot to think about
ta ethne 