Author: Rick Marschall
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
(April 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781595551085
My Review:
Johann Sebastian Bach by Rick Marschall (part of the Christian Encounter series) is a highly inspirational book that goes into the life of one of the greatest composers in history. It gives us a peek inside his life, faith, and musical genius--showing us how his faith and music were absolutely interconnected. Although, it is bent toward the more musically inclined, it nevertheless is a work any reader will appreciate. The areas which relate to his personal life, his knowledge of the Scriptures, his family background, his library, his personality, his devout determination that everything he wrote was to the glory of God, make this a fascinating reading experience.
The book is not lengthy and can be read in a short time. It would make an excellent edition to a musician’s library; school or home library. It is pocket sized which can be carried in a tote or notebook and would make a nice gift for student or teacher. I have very little training in music, but did enjoy reading about a man who had written many of the songs I have listened to over my entire life.
The book also includes a chapter of notes and a bibliography. I highly recommend this read.
(Thank you to Thomas Nelson for my review copy.)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
We All Fall Down (Living with Addiction)
Author: Nic Sheff
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
Book Description:
In his bestselling memoir Tweak, Nic Sheff took readers on an emotionally gripping roller-coaster ride through his days as a crystal meth and heroin addict. Now in this powerful follow-up about his continued efforts to stay clean, Nic writes candidly about eye-opening stays at rehab centers, devastating relapses, and hard-won realizations about what it means to be a young person living with addiction.
My thoughts:
In a world where drug addiction is on the rampage and hardly ever talked about head-on, We All Fall Down is desperately needed. I hope it will be an inspirational read for young and old alike.
(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
Book Description:
In his bestselling memoir Tweak, Nic Sheff took readers on an emotionally gripping roller-coaster ride through his days as a crystal meth and heroin addict. Now in this powerful follow-up about his continued efforts to stay clean, Nic writes candidly about eye-opening stays at rehab centers, devastating relapses, and hard-won realizations about what it means to be a young person living with addiction.
My thoughts:
In a world where drug addiction is on the rampage and hardly ever talked about head-on, We All Fall Down is desperately needed. I hope it will be an inspirational read for young and old alike.
(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Dragonfly, A Book of Love Letters
Author: Ed Pilolla
Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (December 31, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1456471406
Book Description:
Poetry is a difficult genre to review, since it is written from the author's soul. As a reviewer, I am forced to dig around in the soil thereof, while completely respecting the effort, emotion, and creativity that has gone into each project. It may also be understood and embraced by one reader, though discarded by another. Each reader of poetry expects and appreciates that which speaks to their own heart and experience--a few pages here spoke to mine. This is a book of love letters written as poetry. I found it interesting and at times touching.
Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (December 31, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1456471406
Book Description:
"I want to drop into your eyes and catch the wind from your childhood, tear a chunk from my soul and plant it in your garden, hang paper lanterns from your sky, climb into your deepest well and touch the holy water lightly with the back of my hand. Then I'll think about what to make for lunch."
My thoughts:
Poetry is a difficult genre to review, since it is written from the author's soul. As a reviewer, I am forced to dig around in the soil thereof, while completely respecting the effort, emotion, and creativity that has gone into each project. It may also be understood and embraced by one reader, though discarded by another. Each reader of poetry expects and appreciates that which speaks to their own heart and experience--a few pages here spoke to mine. This is a book of love letters written as poetry. I found it interesting and at times touching.
(Thank you to the author for my review copy.)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Alpha Male
Author: XX and XY
Paperback: 222 pages
Publisher: Perennial Press (December 10, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780615175096
Book Description:
Hundreds of hours of interviews with Alpha Males tell in their own words exactly what attracts them to a woman, how they feel about the women they sleep with, what they think about women at work. You can even make an Alpha Male fall in love, propose marriage (these skills can actually be learned) and with training become a great husband. Warning! book is NOT politically correct; does not agree with common thinking today re hook-ups, dating, marriage. Some of what Alpha Males say about women, sex, and finding someone to love and commit to may astound you.
My Thoughts:
This book is so cool! It understands men, how they think, and how to get them to fall in love with you and stay that way. If you have had a difficult time with that guy that you are interested in, just follow clearly written directions in this book for romantic success. All the 5 star reviews can't be wrong. Truly awesome reading. Get goin' girls!!
(Thank you to the author for my review copy.)
The Twelfth Insight (The Hour of Decision)
Author: James Redfield
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (February 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446575968
Book Description:
On December 21, 2012, the Mayan calendar will end. Many see it as an apocalyptic sign.
But is it?
In The Twelfth Insight, the long-awaited fourth book in the beloved Celestine Series, we again follow our Hero and his close friend Wil. They have just received a portion of another ancient and mysterious manuscript that describes a secret approach to spirituality that is silently arriving in the second decade of the 21st Century. But the manuscript is only available in fragments.
To understand its full meaning for mankind, our Hero and Wil begin an urgent search to find the message in its entirety. As they embrace the power of Synchronicity and begin their search, they are confronted by powerful political forces and religious extremists that stand in the way of these spiritual revelations.
Utilizing what he calls the "parable effect," and based on his own sources, James Redfield explores the similarities and differences that exist among the world religions, revealing the essential messages contained within them that can energize our experience of spirituality-- and produce a new wave of integrity and reform that can transform our lives and our world.
My thoughts:
This timely book will surely interest those who are following world events and the rumors of devastation which some are saying will occur on December 12, 2012. Also, if you have read other books in the series, you will want to read The Twelfth Insight.
As are James Redfield's other writings, this one is interesting and insightful. If you are a pilgram on the spiritual road, I would recommend this as a guide for thought, at least.
(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy)
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (February 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446575968
Book Description:
On December 21, 2012, the Mayan calendar will end. Many see it as an apocalyptic sign.
But is it?
In The Twelfth Insight, the long-awaited fourth book in the beloved Celestine Series, we again follow our Hero and his close friend Wil. They have just received a portion of another ancient and mysterious manuscript that describes a secret approach to spirituality that is silently arriving in the second decade of the 21st Century. But the manuscript is only available in fragments.
To understand its full meaning for mankind, our Hero and Wil begin an urgent search to find the message in its entirety. As they embrace the power of Synchronicity and begin their search, they are confronted by powerful political forces and religious extremists that stand in the way of these spiritual revelations.
Utilizing what he calls the "parable effect," and based on his own sources, James Redfield explores the similarities and differences that exist among the world religions, revealing the essential messages contained within them that can energize our experience of spirituality-- and produce a new wave of integrity and reform that can transform our lives and our world.
My thoughts:
This timely book will surely interest those who are following world events and the rumors of devastation which some are saying will occur on December 12, 2012. Also, if you have read other books in the series, you will want to read The Twelfth Insight.
As are James Redfield's other writings, this one is interesting and insightful. If you are a pilgram on the spiritual road, I would recommend this as a guide for thought, at least.
(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
And I Shall Have Some Peace There (Trading in the fast lane for my own dirt road)
Author: Margaret Roach
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
(February 23, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780446556095
Book Description:
Margaret Roach worked at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia for 15 years, serving as Editorial Director for the last 6. She first made her name in gardening, writing a classic gardening book among other things. She now has a hugely popular gardening blog, "A Way to Garden." But despite the financial and professional rewards of her job, Margaret felt unfulfilled. So she moved to her weekend house upstate in an effort to lead a more authentic life by connecting with her garden and with nature. The memoir she wrote about this journey is funny, quirky, humble--and uplifting--an Eat, Pray, Love without the travel-and allows readers to live out the fantasy of quitting the rat race and getting away from it all.
My thoughts:
Here's a book that feeds the fantasy of most city dwellers. Dreams about having that little quiet place out in the country and living an unhurried life-style have hit most of us from time to time. But how many of us would actually leave a well-paying, glamorous job for that dream? Author Margaret Roach tells us what it's like to do just that.
Although, the title and message seem compelling, I could not get excited about the writing style. I'm sorry to say, it did not pull me in.
(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
(February 23, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780446556095
Book Description:
Margaret Roach worked at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia for 15 years, serving as Editorial Director for the last 6. She first made her name in gardening, writing a classic gardening book among other things. She now has a hugely popular gardening blog, "A Way to Garden." But despite the financial and professional rewards of her job, Margaret felt unfulfilled. So she moved to her weekend house upstate in an effort to lead a more authentic life by connecting with her garden and with nature. The memoir she wrote about this journey is funny, quirky, humble--and uplifting--an Eat, Pray, Love without the travel-and allows readers to live out the fantasy of quitting the rat race and getting away from it all.
My thoughts:
Here's a book that feeds the fantasy of most city dwellers. Dreams about having that little quiet place out in the country and living an unhurried life-style have hit most of us from time to time. But how many of us would actually leave a well-paying, glamorous job for that dream? Author Margaret Roach tells us what it's like to do just that.
Although, the title and message seem compelling, I could not get excited about the writing style. I'm sorry to say, it did not pull me in.
(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)
The 5 Dreams of Every Woman
Author: Sharon Jaynes
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (March 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736929398
Book Description:
Sharon Jaynes, author of the popular Becoming the Woman of His Dreams (more than 65,000 copies sold), shares how God can restore a woman’s dreams when loss, heartbreak, and trials have changed her journey.
With stories of biblical and contemporary women’s paths to renewed hope, Sharon sheds light on the desires of a woman’s heart—love, marriage, friendship, motherhood, personal purpose, and more. With compassion and practical wisdom, she leads readers to
- embrace the dreams they’ve left behind because of disappointments
- give their longings and brokenness to their heavenly Father
- evaluate their desires from a godly standpoint and move forward
- receive strength and inspiration by witnessing transformation in other women’s lives
- believe in wholeness, unconditional love, and God’s sovereignty
My Thoughts:
Five dreams of every woman? What are the common dreams that connect us? What are my own dreams? Have I ever stopped to examine them? Have I achieved those dreams? If I haven't, where do I start? What is God's plan for me?
This book helps us understand our inner-most longings and how we can come to terms with them through God's faithful love. 4 stars****
(Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for my review copy.)
I Love My Mother, But....
Author: Linda Mintle
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (March 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780736930598
Book Description:
For any woman who would complete this title with “she drives me crazy!” this book is a goldmine of guidance from nationally recognized author, speaker, and family life expert Dr. Linda Mintle.
Many grown daughters struggle to find balance and perspective with their mothers, and they don’t realize that this emotionally charged relationship greatly impacts the health of all others in their lives. With expertise, great examples, and biblical insight, Dr. Mintle reveals how women can reinvent their connection with their mothers by
- practicing the spiritual acts of prayer, empathy, and forgiveness
- making new connections to break old patterns
- letting go of guilt and shame and finding peace
- applying anger management techniques
- discovering ways to honor their mothers and themselves
My Thoughts:
My first thought on receiving this book was, "at last, a book on the complex relationship between mother and daughter!" How many times have we heard 'you drive me crazy!' from one or the other--mother or daughter?
I Love My Mother, But... should be mandatory reading for every woman. It is packed with inspirational and common sense approaches to understanding and preventing the hurt and misunderstandings that come with the close female vs female dynamic.
Chapters include: Now, Let's All Just Stay Calm; Anger at Our Impossible Mothers; Handling Conflict; I Am My Mother?; Families: The Ties That Define; and more.
Sometimes our expectations are unrealistic. This book will help sort out those expectations and open our eyes to healthy possibilities. 5 stars*****
(Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for my review copy.)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
All That's True / Review
Author: Jackie Lee Miles
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
(January 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781402240850
Book Description:
"My life was close to being perfect until my brother Alex got killed. Then my mother started drinking and my father started having sex with Donna, my best friend's stepmother. She's not even thirty years old."
With an equal mix of joy and sorrow, All That's True follows Andi's poignant-and sometimes laugh out loud-journey to young adulthood, where she struggles with the elusive nature of truth and the devastating consequences of deception.
My Thoughts:
A brilliant author has produced another brilliant novel. All That's True is southern fiction at its best. Poignant; wise; witty; and entirely human--it finds a voice the young female audience will connect with. Congratulations on a work well done!
(Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my review copy.)
The Time-Traveling Fashionista
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Poppy (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316105422
Book Description:
What if a beautiful vintage dress could take you back in time?Louise Lambert has always dreamed of movie starlets and exquisite gowns and longs for the day when she can fill the closet of her normal suburban home with stylish treasures. But when she receives a mysterious invitation to a vintage fashion sale in the mail, her once painfully average life is magically transformed into a time-travel adventure.
Suddenly onboard a luxurious cruise ship a hundred years ago, Louise relishes the glamorous life of this opulent era and slips into a life of secrets, drama, and decadence. . . .
Dreamy and imaginative, The Time-Traveling Fashionista features thirty full-color fashion illustrations to show gorgeous dresses and styles throughout history.
My Thoughts:
What young lady hasn't dreamed of living in a Cinderella world of beautiful clothes and luxury? In The Time-Traveling Fashionista dreams come true.
The star of our book, Louise Lambert, receives a mysterious invitation which propels her back into time--into a world of glamour and drama; a world in which she finds herself in the lap of luxury. How does she respond?
This is a well-written, fairy-tale story that I think every young woman will enjoy reading as much as I did. I also absolutely loved the many beautiful full-page fashion illustrations.
(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)
Dewey the Library Cat (A true story)
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reprint edition (April 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780316068703
Book Description:
Now everyone's favorite library cat can inspire a new audience of young readers with his story of courage and love. Like the hardcover, this paperback edition of the middle-grade adaptation of New York Times bestseller Dewey features an 8-page photo insert of the Dew!
In the tradition of Marley: A Dog Like No Other, this is the story of a cat who was more than a pet, and the amazing effect he had on the people around him. Abandoned in a library book drop slot in the dead of winter, this remarkable kitten miraculously endured the coldest night of the year. Dewey Readmore Books, as he became known, quickly embraced his home inside Spencer's public library, charming the struggling small town's library-goers, young and old. As word of Dewey's winning tail, or rather his tale, spread, the library cat gained worldwide fame as a symbol of hope and proof positive that one small cat could change a town, one reader at a time.
My Thoughts:
A kitten is dropped into a book return slot at the local library. It is found tucked into a corner, under one of the books. Scared, weak, and cold, it is nursed back to health by library friends.
This is the true story of a handsome, orange male tabby named Dewey; his love for the library and everyone around him. Everyone also loves Dewey. The story takes the reader through Dewey's life and adventures and ends with his death, which is handled in a gentle and inspirational way by the author.
I am passing this book on to my granddaughter who loves cats. I think she will love Dewey as much as I did.
(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)
Monday, April 11, 2011
1001 Unforgettable Quotes About God, Faith, & The Bible
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736928480
Book Description:
Bible scholar and avid reader Ron Rhodes gathers his favorite quotes from classic and contemporary Christians about Scripture, belief, God, and life. For added spiritual insight, Rhodes provides Bible truths behind each presented quote.
Topical selections can be read in order or as areas of interest arise for a reader.
My Thoughts:
1001 Unforgettable Quotes About God, Faith, & The Bible is a treasure trove of inspiration by the world's great religious thinkers. It not only offers the reader Bible verses, but also quotes and poems by the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Francis Schaeffer, Charles Swindoll, Martin Luther, James Dobson, Corrie ten Boom, and many other great leaders.
This is a nice reference book for the pastor, church school teacher, or layman. It contains the best of the best, laid out in an easy to find topical format.
(Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for my review copy.)
Saturday, April 9, 2011
13 rue Therese / Review
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books; 1 edition (February 2, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316083283
Book Description:
American academic Trevor Stratton discovers a box full of artifacts from World War I as he settles into his new office in Paris. The pictures, letters, and objects in the box relate to the life of Louise Brunet, a feisty, charming Frenchwoman who lived through both World Wars.
As Trevor examines and documents the relics the box offers up, he begins to imagine the story of Louise Brunet's life: her love for a cousin who died in the war, her marriage to a man who works for her father, and her attraction to a neighbor in her building at 13 rue Thérèse. The more time he spends with the objects though, the truer his imaginings of Louise's life become, and the more he notices another alluring Frenchwoman: Josianne, his clerk, who planted the box in his office in the first place, and with whom he finds he is falling in love.
My Thoughts:
I love the cover art for this book. It is as captivating as the story it represents. The art doesn't stop with the cover; it is also carried throughout the novel, along with old photographs.
The story itself is a romantic fantasy which the author tells with breathtaking skill. It is surprising, mysterious, heart-breaking at times, romantic, and definitely unique. 4 stars****
(Thank you to Hachette Books for my review copy.)
Transforming Prayer / Review
Paperback: 236 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (January 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780764208515
Book Description:
Praying Christians are hungry to learn how to connect with God in a way that takes them beyond the typical grocery-list approach. Transforming Prayer explores the profound difference between seeking God's hand (what he does for people) and seeking God's face (who he really is).
With captivating stories of the transformative power of personal worship and its connection with prayer, this book equips readers with practical tools for a more effective personal and corporate prayer life.
My Thoughts:
When ask to review this book by the publisher, I was more than happy to read about 'Transforming Prayer'. I had recently read a fasinating article in our local newspaper about a man who was healed from a crippling disease through seeking only the love of God. This book seemed to go along with that concept.
Topics addressed in 'Transforming Prayer' include: Beyond a "Grocery List" of needs; What is Blocking the Breakthrough?; All Prayer List Are Not Created Equal; Go For the Glory; Pray This, Not That; The Bible and God's Glory.
This handbook on prayer is practical, doable, and has the potential to take one's prayer life from mediocre to fantastic. It also includes a section of chapter by chapter questions for reflection and discussion in the back of the book.
(Thank you to Bethany House for my review copy.)
Monday, April 4, 2011
100 Great Poems for Boys
Edited by: Leslie Pockell
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 256 pages Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (April 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780446563826
Book Description:
Reading any great poem for the first time is always a thrilling discovery, even if it's only four lines long, and this collection brings together some of the best ever to read, memorize, or recite. Boys of all ages will enjoy reading poems catered specifically to them, whether it means discovering great heroes and dangerous animals, or simply laughing at pure nonsense and hilarious rhymes. The book is divided into seven sections: Animals, Fun to Read Aloud, Battlefields and Heroes, Things to Think About, Limericks, Tongue Twisters, Just for Laughs.
100 BEST POEMS FOR BOYS is a perfect introduction for those encountering poetry for the first time, but readers who grew up with poems will also cherish this treasury of classics.
My thoughts:
I am very excited about this book. Leslie Pockell has compiled 100 of the most loved poems of childhood into one volume. I found in it poems about nature and life; poems that made me laugh; poems that inspire me; and poems to read aloud. This is a good poetry beginning for any young person, especially boys. If you are thinking of giving a gift, this is one that can make a difference in a child's life. I highly recommend it.
(thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)
100 Great Poems for Girls
Edited by: Celia Johnson 
Reading level: Ages 9-12
ISBN-10: 0446563846
Book Description:
Reading any great poem for the first time is always a thrilling discovery, even if it's only four lines long, and this collection brings together some of the best ever to read, memorize, or recite. Girls of all ages will enjoy reading poems catered specifically to them, whether it means envisioning adventures with princesses and witches, or laughing at the antics of mischievous little girls. The book is divided into eight sections: Nature, Imagination, Love & Friendship, Inspiration, Animals, Nursery Rhymes, Limericks & Tongue Twisters, and Fun & Nonsense.
100 GREAT POEMS FOR GIRLS is a perfect introduction for those encountering poetry for the first time, but readers who grew up with poems will also cherish this treasury of classics.
My thoughts:
I am very excited about this book. Ms. Johnson has compiled 100 of the most loved poems of childhood into one volume. I found in it poems about nature and life; poems that made me laugh and poems that inspire me. This is a good poetry beginning for any young person, especially girls. If you are thinking of giving a gift, this is one that can make a difference in a child's life. I highly recommend it.
(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)
Reading level: Ages 9-12Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (April 4, 2011)
Language: English ISBN-10: 0446563846
Book Description:
Reading any great poem for the first time is always a thrilling discovery, even if it's only four lines long, and this collection brings together some of the best ever to read, memorize, or recite. Girls of all ages will enjoy reading poems catered specifically to them, whether it means envisioning adventures with princesses and witches, or laughing at the antics of mischievous little girls. The book is divided into eight sections: Nature, Imagination, Love & Friendship, Inspiration, Animals, Nursery Rhymes, Limericks & Tongue Twisters, and Fun & Nonsense.
100 GREAT POEMS FOR GIRLS is a perfect introduction for those encountering poetry for the first time, but readers who grew up with poems will also cherish this treasury of classics.
My thoughts:
I am very excited about this book. Ms. Johnson has compiled 100 of the most loved poems of childhood into one volume. I found in it poems about nature and life; poems that made me laugh and poems that inspire me. This is a good poetry beginning for any young person, especially girls. If you are thinking of giving a gift, this is one that can make a difference in a child's life. I highly recommend it.
(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)