White

If you have read Ted Dekker's Circle series, or if you have been following along with these reviews and then decided to pick up the series, you may have noticed something very interesting about the books Black, Red, and now White. All three of them are thinly veiled allegories of the Christian faith and the story of Jesus Christ. Told through the wonderful imagination and fluid writing of Ted Dekker, each book in the series holds a story that, though fictionalized, has the ability to strengthen a Christian's faith walk by reminding him where it started. Black told the story of the fall of man and humanity's plunge into sin, Red was the daring rescue of all mankind carried out by Jesus, and White, the third and final book in the Circle series, tells the tale of Christian missions. It is a reminder of what God has called all Christians to do after the have become whole in Christ.

Thomas Hunter always knew this day would come. From the very first moment he was able to live in two realities at once, he knew that someday both his worlds would end. This knowledge wasn't always in the forefront of his mind, but it had always been present in his thoughts. The day of destruction has finally come. With a deadly virus ravaging earth's entire population in one reality and the Hoard constantly chasing Thomas and his friends in the other, there are no options left. Thomas is cornered on all sides and he has run out of ideas; both his worlds are expecting him to be their savior, but does Thomas have what it takes to fulfill their hopes? Can one man truly alter history, are enemies enemies forever, and could love be the answer to all this? 

I have thoroughly enjoyed Ted Dekker's Circle series. Black and Red were both excellent and, now that I've read it, White can stand beside them and receive the same praise. Building off of its two predecessors, White finishes the story of Thomas Hunter and does so in a satisfying way. I have grown very attached to Thomas and the rest of the characters in the Circle series; like any flaky reader, I grew to love these characters because they felt real to me. I felt their pain, were joyful with them in their triumphs, and were with them during every step of their journey. The story of Thomas Hunter is a special one told by a very gifted writer; it is a story that everyone can relate to and learn from in some way, so everyone should take the time to read it. In many ways, the end of this story and the end of the characters struggles in this last book was also the end of part of my story so I'm glad that it finished on a high note. These characters are part of me, they can be part of you to if you choose to join them on their journey. 

*****

RJ

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

Kingdom Come

Kingdom Come is the 16th and final book in the Left Behind series by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim Lahaye. Kingdom Come takes place in what the Bible calls the "Millennial Reign," when Jesus has come to earth once again to dwell, and will reign for one thousand years until the final battle with Satan.

All of the characters from the entire Left Behind series have been reunited, a few having survived the Tribulation, and many of them having been martyrs and now having "glorified bodies." Buck, and Chloe Williams have begun a ministry for the children orphaned after the Tribulation. The ministry is for the purpose of ministering to those born after the return of Jesus, because, even though he literally dwells on earth, the Bible clearly states that many will still reject the power of God. Kingdom Come interprets what this may actually look like, as those who defy God amass an army so large it cannot be numbered, and God and his followers prepare for the fulfillment of the prophecy.

Reading Kingdom Come was very emotional for me. Reading the Left Behind series has really helped me personally in my own walk with Christ, and I have received a greater understanding and awe of God. Kingdom Come is the last book, and I'm sorry to see this wonderful series end. I highly recommend the entire Left Behind s
eries to anyone wanting to learn more about Christ and his love.

*****
AK

Red

I do not read sequels or series often. Perhaps I have a short attention span or I can't sit still long enough to become invested in a long on-going story, but I think the most likely reason is my tendency to get bored when nothing new or exciting has happened in a while. After reading a book, I am just not ready to sit through another one about the same characters in the same setting; the concept becomes boring to me even through the story line of the sequel might be very good. I am more inclined to pick up a brand new book, one that I know nothing about, and throw myself whole-heartedly into discovering brand new characters and a whole new universe. Because of this, it takes a very good author to get me to sit through an entire sequel or series; I have to be completely invested to the point where boredom can't set in. Red, the sequel to Ted Dekker's Black, is one of these attention-holding sequels.

Fifteen years have passed since Thomas Hunter first began to dream of two realities, or maybe only moments have passed. Time seems to move differently in both realities and yet they are both as real as when Thomas first discovered them. He is a resident of both worlds now and, while he has led two separate lives, he is still entirely himself. In one reality, he is barely out of his twenties, a head strong young man who until recently wasn't very important; in the other, he is nearly forty, he has a wife and two children, everyone knows and respects him. Regardless of which reality he exists in, both his worlds are facing a crisis, a disaster that could wipe out civilization as Thomas knows it. And he may be the only man who has the knowledge or the power to save both his worlds. Old enemies rise up again, bravery will be tested, sacrifices must be made to see a new day come, and a promise will be fulfilled.

As I said earlier, I do not usually read whole book series; I find them boring and stray to greener, more exciting pastures. But to my great surprise, this typical boredom did not set in when I picked up Red, the sequel to Black. In fact, I really enjoyed the book and had a heard time putting it down. Though Red picks up right where Black ended, with all the same characters and locations in play, I found myself engaged in the story line to the point of real enjoyment. I wanted to keep reading, I wasn't tired of the world Ted Dekker had created, and I sometimes even read multiple chapters in a row. Maybe this was possible because I was so invested in the characters from Black; I really enjoyed reading about them and cared about them a lot. I was interested in their lives and wanted to see them get a happy ending. When Thomas Hunter and the rest of the characters migrated over to Red, I was more than happy to keep reading about them, to see if they finally found their happy ending. Regardless of all this, and my personal thoughts on the book, though the book is wonderful and I would highly recommend it, I would caution younger readers and parents when they pick up Red. There are intense chapters describing battle, torture, and execution that might be troubling to some readers. A good book can't be fully enjoyed unless a reader is fully prepared for everything contained in its pages.


Photo Credit: Amazon.com

*****
RJ

Black

Fantasy fiction is a genre of literature that is well-loved by many readers. Focusing on the fantastical rather than reality, there is something quite special about fantasy fiction. Within the pages of a fantasy novel, the reader is instantly transported to a reality far different than his own. He can read about far away lands filled with magic, awe inspiring beasts and monsters that could never live outside a story book, and great heroes that take on the ultimate evil for the greater good. When looking for a good fantasy fiction book, look no further than three well-known authors who specialize in this particular genre. Tolkien created a world full of Hobbits, Wizards, and Dwarfs; likewise C.S. Lewis wrote the story of four siblings in a magical land, and Ted Dekker wrote his Colored Books Series. The first of these was Black.

Thomas Hunter never thought he was special. He may have had an unusual childhood growing up on an army base in the Philippines, he may have done a few things wrong in his life, he might have the mind of a flighty wannabe author but he was never special. That is, until he is called upon to save the world. In a strange twist of fate, Thomas' mind is no longer his own; without provocation his mind is suddenly able to jump between two different realities when he sleeps. Both realities seem so real, as if they could be coexisting, though both realities are wildly different from each other and both contain their own unique set of challenges Thomas finds that he is completely at home no matter where his mind is. Thomas hopes that he can exist peacefully in either reality as a man that no one knows or cares about; he thinks he can lead a semi-normal life and one day gain control of his own mind again. But what will happen when worlds start colliding, when both fantasy and reality need a hero? Will Thomas rise to the challenge? Is Thomas Hunter strong enough to save his worlds?

I can't begin to describe this book accurately; it is simply too detailed and too vast to summarize in a few short paragraphs. Ted Dekker has written a wonderful piece of fiction that can stand alongside anything written by Tolkien or Lewis. To put it bluntly, I loved this book. I was surprised that I enjoyed Black as much as I did. I am not an avid fiction reader, I much prefer any other genre. While I can say that I had high hopes going into the book I never expected to come out hungry for more. Written in a beautiful style, Ted Dekker's book truly immerses the reader in a world unlike any other. Vividly described and meticulously crafted, it's not hard to get lost in the book for hours simply admiring the scenery. I genuinely loved the characters and felt attached to them by the end. Though I did typically enjoy series, I am excited to read the next book from Ted Dekker and I'm hoping I enjoy it just as much as this first book. I would suggest that younger readers skip this book for now or read it was a parent due to some graphically described deaths and tense situations; however, if younger children are interesting in reading this book on their own there is an abridged comic-book version for the first three books in the Colored series. That being said, Black would be an enjoyable read for anyone who loves fantasy fiction. Whether in comic book form or not everyone should take the time to read this book and the accompanying series.


*****
RJ

Photo Credit: Amazon 

1984

Every era has it's literature. In every age since the world began there have been writers who have created works of fiction, fantasy, and history. They set their pens to paper and let their imaginations flow, creating whole new worlds for eager readers to explore. There are many different styles and genres of literature, each with its own individual flavor. Sometimes an author will write in only one style, choosing to express himself in one curtain flavor; it then becomes easy to distinguish that author's writing from all others. Dickenson wrote poetry, Poe wrote gothic horror, Tolkein wrote allegory, and Orwell wrote dystopia. Perhaps George Orwell's most famous dystopian writing is 1984.

Winston knows there is something beyond his current reality; he remembers a time before the current age. He looks for a brighter future but does any of that even matter? The thought police would say there is no past and no future that dose not resemble the present. Under the watchful eye of Big Brother, no one is free to be themselves; they all must conform to The Party or be destroyed. Free thought and self-expression are things of the past, a past Big Brother claims never happened. But Winston still dares to explore his own mind. He reasons that The Party can control his body but never his mind, that the space between his ears will always be his. But can one person, one mind, stand against the might of Big Brother? How long can your thoughts stay inside your mind?

I do not read a lot of dystopias simply because I don't like the style. I find most books in this genre to be depressing and too philosophical, the near endless descriptions of how oppressed the people are make it hard to enjoy the book and end up depressing me. Strangely, though it fits all the criteria of a dystopian book and contains all the elements listed above, I found 1984 to be an interesting read that I even enjoyed at sometimes. Following the life and personal struggle of Winston, a Party worker who dares to disobey The Party, 1984 held my attention and had me reading multiple chapters at once.Winston's journey added a human element to the story making it more relatable than many other books in its genre. 1984 is a warning to future generations about the dangers of government overreach and the population's complacency, because of this I think everyone should read it eventually. That being said this book is definitely not for children; some teens many even finding it difficult to stomach. The book contains descriptions of intimacy, torture, and insanity that may be troubling to some readers. In addition, it's a very philosophical story that gets morose in some places. It is best to take all of this into account when deciding on your next read. 1984 is not a happy book and it is not a light read, but it is important all the same, and I'm glad I took the time to read it.


*****
RJ

Photo Credit:amazon.co,uk

Glorious Appearing

Over the summer, I read Armageddon, which is the eleventh book in the Left Behind series. Since I read it over the summer, there will be no book review for Armageddon and this review is for Glorious Appearing, which is the twelfth and final book in the original Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Glorious Appearing covers the end of the Battle of Armageddon foretold of in Revelation, as well as the return of Christ to earth.

The Antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia, has gathered troops from all across the globe to destroy the remainder of the Jewish people in Petra and Jerusalem. Antichrist's army and munitions are more than the world has ever seen and yet the Tribulation Force and the rest of the believers rest assured that this battle marks the end. Jesus is near, the devil has already lost, and soon the millennial reign will begin.

I cried at the end of Glorious Appearing. God has used this entire series to grow my own faith and trust in him. I also used to hate reading but this series has reignited my love for it and I'll be on the lookout for similar books. As for who should read the series, I would say 12 and over; in the last books especially, there are a lot of scenes depicting horrible persecution of Christians and it might be too much for young readers so I would recommend that they wait a few years. I also suggest following along in Revelation as you go through the series, as it really makes you marvel at the promises God has made of what is to come. Once again, I highly recommend Glorious Appearing and the whole Left Behind book series

*****

AK 

Desecration

Desecration is the ninth Left Behind book by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim Lahaye. Set shortly after the midway point of the Tribulation and a month into the Great Tribulation, Desecration covers the Israelite flight to Petra, and the Mark of the Beast.

The Tribulation Force organizes its hideout in Chicago and prepares for the pending persecution of Christ followers by the hand of Antichrist
Nicolae Carpathia. Rayford, Buck, and new believer Chaim Rosenzweig head for Israel to aid Jews who do not follow Carpathia and need to escape quickly.

This was a very emotional book for me personally. I found it very sobering to look at the actual prophesies in Revelation next to this interpretation of what it may look like. Because, while this is fiction, it's based off of a real event that we must watch for. Give Desecration a try; it's really good.

*****
AK

Mine Is the Night

In 1745, Scotland was thrown into disarray and turmoil. For years, the people of this frigid northern land had been subject to the cruel treatment of their king. Ruling the land with an iron fist, King George cared little for his people; he taxed them mercilessly, demanded that they obey his every command, and punished any and all Scots who refused to conform to the state church of Scotland. Unwilling to let this tyrant's reign continue, a small but brave group called the Jacobites rose up to challenge the king; they alone dared to seek a new beginning for Scotland. Mine Is the Night, by Liz Curtis Higgs, is not the story of the Jacobite rebellion; rather it is the story of those who saw the conflict unfold, the story of those who lived to tell the tale.

Elizabeth never thought her life would turn out like this. She had supported the Jacobite cause because her husband had fought with it; she had spurned King George's authority in the hopes of creating a better Scotland. She had seen a brighter future for herself in the Jacobite cause. Now, a year after the Jacobite rebellion, all that Elizabeth had hoped for has vanished. The cause failed, Scotland remained the same, and, because she defied the king, everything Elizabeth lived for was taken away from her. Traveling with her mother-in-law Marjory, another casualty of the rebellion, Elizabeth is seeking out a new life and a fresh start. Rebuilding her life isn't going to be easy, but Elizabeth is determined to try. With hope in her heart, God's promise of provision in mind, and the love of good friends in her soul, she is ready to take the next step into a new life.

I was pleasantly surprised when I finished this book. I didn't expect it to be such a good read but I am glad that I was mistaken. I picked up Mine is the Night randomly and decided to read it, if only to shorten my reading list. It had been sitting on my shelf for years and I had no desire to read it so I let it sit. I have read other books by Liz Curtis Higgs, one of which, Whence Came a Prince, is reviewed on this blog. I didn't like that book and found the story and writing sloppy. I expected the same from Mine is the Night. Luckily, the book dispelled all my worries in its first few pages. Unlike Whence Came a Prince, this book had wonderful writing, a solid story, and likable characters that are instantly enduring. I found the characters likable because they seem like real people, they have messy lives that they have to work through, they are not written as flawless protagonists. The book took a simple premise and expanded it into an interesting story that I highly recommend. I do think that the book is better suited for older readers because of some intense situations later in the book and parents may want to pre-read chapter 61 and decide if their child is ready for it's content, (the chapter depicts an assault.) But aside from that, all kinds of readers can enjoy this book. A nice diversion from what I thought is was going to be, Mine is the Night shouldn't be overlooked.



*****
RJ

Photo Credit: Goodreads 

The Mark

The Mark by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye is the ninth Left Behind book. The Mark is set halfway through the Tribulation foretold of in the Bible and ushers in the Great Tribulation.

The time where the Tribulation Saints can have any sort of freedom is drawing to a close. The newly-risen-from-the-dead Antichrist is about to implement a law that requires a microchip embedded in the forehead or right hand in order to buy or sell. Those who do not accept this mark must die according to the law.

I read this entire book in about three days. The story line was captivating and, once again, there were many Scripture verses listed that made me open up my Bible and read for myself. I absolutely love the Left Behind series and highly recommend The Mark

*****
AK

The Indwelling

The Indwelling is the seventh book in the Left Behind series by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, The Indwelling, unlike the six books before it, only spans a few days rather than months.

After the assassination of the Antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia, the world descends into further chaos. Rayford and Buck must escape New Babylon and reunite with the rest of the Tribulation Force. But plans go awry when Buck attempts to take a non-believer back with him in hopes that he will be saved.

This book was a pressure cooker of tension. The whole book leads up to the resurrection of the Antichrist, foretold of in Revelation. There was a difference in pacing in The Indwelling from the other books, as it seems that all of Book 7 takes place in less than a week. It wasn't my favorite in the series, but I still highly recommend The Indwelling.

*****
                                      AK

Assassins

Assassins is Book 6 in Tim LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins' Left Behind series. Closing in on the halfway point of the tribulation and the death and resurrection of the Antichrist, this is perhaps the most suspenseful Left Behind book yet.

The Tribulation Force has been hiding out in its safe house. All they can really do is wait. Tempers are short, though, and all of a sudden a woman they've harbored takes it upon herself to kill the Antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia. Rayford and Buck must track her down.

The suspense buildup of Assassins was very well done. As with the prior Left Behind books, it was hard to put this one down and I finished it in a matter of days! If you're also a fan of Left Behind, then try out Assassins; it won't disappoint.

*****
AK

Apollyon

Apollyon is book five in the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Apollyon is set after the Rapture of God's church and follows the Tribulation Saints as they fight to survive and make it till when God comes to reign on earth.

Rayford Steele is no longer in the employ of the Antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia, and now focuses on leading the Tribulation Force as it sees firsthand prophesy coming to life. First 144,000 Jewish witnesses spring up. Then the Trumpet Judgments continue, with a third of the sun, moon, and stars going dark, and a plague of terrible locusts coming to earth.

This series always amazes me because it's obvious how much research the authors did. Real Scripture is tied into these books and they've helped me want to read the actual Bible more! If you liked the first four Left Behind books, then give Apollyon a try

*****
AK

Soul Harvest

Soul Harvest by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins is the fourth installment of the Left Behind book series. Soul Harvest is set after the worldwide earthquake foretold of in Revelation and follows the Tribulation Saints as they search for loved ones in the wreckage of a cursed world.

After the worldwide earthquake, the Tribulation Force is scattered. Most are in America, while Rayford Steele is in Babylon, still working as the pilot for Nicolae Carpathia, the Antichrist. Prophecies continue to come true and the Tribulation Saints are marked on their foreheads to be recognized as the world takes sides for either God or the Devil.

I can't say enough good things about this book, complete with Scripture references that I looked up myself. It's amazing to see this book as an educated guess about what the world could be coming to. Reading Soul Harvest alongside of Revelation helped me focus on the Scriptures themselves, which I loved. If you are interested in dystopia, prophecy, religion, or Bible study, I highly recommend Soul Harvest.

*****
AK

Keeping Secrets

The Civil War was perhaps the darkest time in America's history. It wasn't as bloody as World War I or II, it wasn't as pointless as the Great Depression, and it wasn't a desperate fight for freedom like the Revolutionary War. But it represented the depth to which people can sink; it was the split of a nation that had become the most free in the world, and it tore America apart at the seams. Families were divided and thousands of lives were destroyed simply because two sides couldn't see eye to eye and refused to hear each other out. Witness to all this horror and trapped in the middle of it were the Kelly children. Their story can be found in the Orphan Train Series by Joan Lowery Nixon, and in the sixth book in the series, Keeping Secrets. 

Peg Kelly has watched the Civil War rage on for years now. She's seen it ravage its way across America, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake. She saw her siblings rise up to join the fight; she saw them stand up for what they believed in. They came through each trial they faced; they came out bruised and scared but as stronger people. And Peg feels that she is ready to do the same. But Peg, the youngest Kelly girl, is only eleven. The biggest challenges in her life are surviving school and turning twelve. Her mother refuses to treat her like a young lady and no one thinks Peg is old enough or mature enough to do anything for her country - that is except for her brother, Danny, and Miss Hennessy, a new friend who seems ready to trust Peg with anything. And when Miss Hennessy needs help, Peg might just get the chance to help her country yet.

I have read and reviewed the entire Orphan Train series now. I didn't read them in order and there were some books that I liked better than others, but all of them are now reviewed on this blog. This series was geared towards middle school and younger kids, and age demographic that I am not in, but, despite that, I found a couple of the books in the series entertaining if not enjoyable. Sadly, Keeping Secrets was not one of them. The book has many issues that should be addressed: the pacing is strange; the author spends too much time on uninteresting things like laundry and skims over pivotal parts of the story; the main character, Peg Kelly, is a very passive character who spends the book doing nothing and observing what others are doing. It seems like the author put Peg in the story to be the main character but was more interested in other characters and spent more time developing them. Because of this, for the first several chapters I had a hard time remembering who the actual main character was; and the book missed a huge opportunity for some solid character building on Peg's part. As an eleven year old girl she is struggling with very relatable issues, issues that could have been explored further as a lesson to the younger readers who might be struggling with some of the same things. But unfortunately Peg never actually overcomes her struggles they all just magically disappear in time for the exiting climax to the story. Perhaps I'm just too old for this book series and younger kids with enjoy it. Maybe this last book was just too juvenile for me to find it believable. Overall I found this book unsatisfying and found myself wishing I was reading something else.


*****
RJ


Photo Credit: Amazon.com

Nicolae

Nicolae is the third installment of the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Nicolae is set after the Rapture of God's church and after a year and a half of peace prophesied about in Revelation. Nicolae focuses on the tribulation saints and the beginning of The Apocalypse.

Rayford Steele, his wife, daughter, and son-in-law are shell-shocked from the recent death of their pastor, who died in an explosion from people rebelling against the anti-christ, for whom Rayford and his son-in-law, Buck, both work! As World War III breaks out across the globe and prophesies are seen fulfilled left and right, the only question is: will they survive to see the Second Coming, or will they die martyrs to Nicolae Carpathia, the anti-christ?

I loved this book and I loved the two before it, because, even though it's fiction, it's also a prediction and a reminder of the love, forgiveness, and power of God that we all need but sometimes choose not to see even when it's right in front of us. The subject matter of these books, though, could be hard to comprehend, and I would recommend the Left Behind series to ages 13 and up.

*****
AK

Havah

Havah, by Tosca Lee, is a novel telling the story of Eve, the first woman to exist. The novel is written in memoir form from Eve's own perspective, and covers everything from her creation, to her death.

The story starts in the Garden of Eden, when Eve first comes to life, learns about the world around her, and has a personal relationship with God, or, as the book addresses him, The One. However, there is a tree she has seen, and been warned not to touch, as it will lead to death, a strange concept for someone immortal. But with the coaxing of a snake, Eve and her husband Adam eat the fruit, banishing themselves from The One.

I liked this book and thought it was a fresh perspective on the story of creation, and Adam and Eve's lives after the fall. I would not recommend this book to children, though, because the first few chapters have many sexual innuendos regarding Adam and Eve.

*****
AK

Lighthouse

Lighthouse, by Eugenia Price, is the first book in the Saint Simon's trilogy. It's a retelling of the building of the first lighthouse built on Saint Simons Island and follows the life of James Gould, who eventually built that lighthouse.

James Gould is portrayed as a very somber, matter of fact young man who has never been without responsibility. His father was badly injured in the Revolutionary War and can really only sit in the house all day. His mother has never really paid James any mind and always assumed that he would take care of himself. James' brother, Horace, is his mother's favorite; he has a very happy go lucky disposition that everyone but James finds charming. After his father dies, James goes off to find work as a builder, his adventures take him all sorts of places, and he becomes a successful business man. His dream is to build a lighthouse, though, and that dream seems too out of reach for a logical man like James.

I enjoyed this book; it was a sweet story of a somber man finding love, joy, and success. If you like historical fiction, then try out Lighthouse. It's a win!


*****
AK

Roots

There is something about history that I find very interesting. I've been studying it for years and have read about many centuries and still haven't gotten tired of it. Perhaps it's the mysteries of long ago eras, where the norm was so much different than today, or maybe it's the sheer elegance found in the pages of history. Many things make the study of history exciting, but I think the most interesting part of history is the people who lived in it. History is full of people who lived very interesting lives, they are remembered throughout the ages. But what's most intriguing is the realization that these faces of history were real people. They lived the lives that were normal to them and were as human as anyone. Sometimes you can trace these faces of history all the way down to today, history transcending time to become real. I recently read a book that did exactly this; it linked generations of history together as one narrative. It was called Roots by Alex Haley. 

When Kunta Kinte was a young man, he never would have guessed that he would be the patron of a long family line. Growing up in Africa, his only thought was to gain the favor of his father and grow into a revered man. Then one day his whole world, including his plans, was shattered. While out walking alone, Kunta was jumped, bound, and kidnapped by white slave traders who, with no regard for the young man's life, placed him on a ship heading to America. Once there, Kunta had to rebuild his life and adapt to a future he hadn't expected or wanted. While he wouldn't live to see its far reaching effects, Kunta's capture turned into something good; he would start a family that would travel down through the ages. His family would see the good and the bad and live through the greatest upheavals in American history. The family would see America, break apart, and then rebuild itself, and its members would build themselves up with it. They would be a true American family, proud, loyal, and always free.

Before I critique this book, I want to make it known that I really wanted to like it. I was expecting to put it on my list of good books. But, sadly, this book just couldn't make the leap to the good side of literature because, Roots makes some critical mistakes that caused me to dislike it. Roots is one of the longest books I've read, and it's also frightfully boring. It started out with the promise of introducing us to Kunta, a likable character who really grows as a person over the course of the story. But by the time his part of the story ends, the book is half over and the other seven generations of Kunta's family aren't even born yet. Roots spends too much time on a few character arcs and has to graze over the rest, creating a weird pacing that throws the reader off. By the end of the book the author had breezed past so many generations that I found it hard to feel connected to the characters anymore. In addition, the book head-hops between characters, in the middle of a chapters, so much that I had a difficult time keeping track of who was talking or thinking. Finally, while this book is very detailed, there are parts that are described in detail that should be left to the imagination. I would also caution parents before a child reads this and only recommend it to high school and older. It could have been a great book and some people may still like it. But I feel that Roots tried to do too much at once and ended up creating more of a mess than a complex story.


*****
RJ

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

Sense and Sensibility

The words "classic literature" brings to mind many different things: dusty old books a hand length wide, the charming English countryside, demure ladies and dashing men, and language so flowery that you can almost smell it. Many people are daunted by classic literature; they claim it would be too hard to read the works so why bother at all. This is a real shame because among the ranks of classic literature there are some brilliant works that everyone should eventually read. But there are also some very bad classic books that aren't worth the read. There is a good kind of classic and a bad kind; something like Wuthering Heights is an example of good. Unfortunately, this is a book review about a bad classic.

Sense and Sensibility is a product of its time. Considered  a romantic comedy, this book is not very romantic or funny. The story follows the daily lives of the Dashwood sisters, confident, levelheaded Elinor who spends her time in polite society and lovesick pianist and daydreamer, Marianne who would rather spend her days roaming over the green hills and little rivers around her home. Together these sisters navigate the perils of English society, endure tea time with notorious gossips, and spend their time conquering the height of 1790s drama. On top of all that, there's love and betrayal to navigate and the sensitive issue of over-staying their welcome at a friend's house. Gasp!

I didn't like this book at all. While I normally love the classics and all their idiosyncrasies, I found Sense and Sensibility quite hard to read. The language is so embellished that the small story line there is gets lost between overly polite banter and senseless phrases. The story began well enough, but was focused on only one problem; once that issue came to head in chapter five, the rest of the book dragged, with characters eloquently reiterating the problem every other page. Finally, while Sense and Sensibility was written in 1811, so the characters are characteristic of that time era, I can't stand the wilting flower attitude of every woman in the story. Their tendency to faint into nearby furniture upon hearing something slightly inconvenient or constantly complaining of their delicate constitutions makes the characters very unlikable and had me screaming at the page for them to man up. 

Read Sense and Sensibility only if you have to or, instead, spend your time reading Wuthering Heights or Dracula. 

*****

RJ

Photo Credit: Amazon UK

The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax

The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gillman was written in 1970 and is the second book in the Emily Pollifax series. It's about an elderly widow named Emily Pollifax who becomes a CIA agent and is sent on many an adventure.

The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax opens in New Brunswick, New Jersey on Emily Pollifax as she plans out her week. All of a sudden her CIA superior calls and gives her half an hour to get ready to leave for Turkey. She quickly packs and leaves on a plane; afterwards she learns that her mission is to make contact with a Russian spy who needs help defecting to the free world. Of course, it's not an easy trip and Mrs. Pollifax will face all sorts of troubles, including jail!

I honestly don't know if I liked this book or not; I'm still not sure if a story about an elderly lady becoming a spy is a good idea, but it definitely was a cute book. If it sounds interesting to you, give it a try.

*****

AK

Left Behind

Left Behind is a novel written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, It's set in the future and depicts the end of the world and God's rapture of his church. It is the first in the Left Behind series, which is 16 books in total.

The book opens on a jet as the pilot, Captain Rayford Steele, considers having an affair with one of the stewardesses. He's grown tired of his wife and her ideas of God and the end times and feels justified to pursue the affair. But all ideas are quickly forgotten as half of the passengers disappear without a trace and the same happens all around the world. Rayford quickly realizes that God has come and he has been left behind.

I couldn't put this book down! I loved how the authors tied their interpretation of the end times to actual prophesy in the Bible. I look forward to reading the next book and I recommend this one to anyone interested in philosophy, religion, or prophecy.

*****
AK

Diary of a Teenage Girl; I Do

I Do is the last book in the Diary of a Teenage Girl series by Melody Carlson. This fifth novel focuses on a Christian girl's life after college, and it also focuses on moving on to a new stage of life.

Caitlyn O'Connor is in her senior year of college and is newly engaged to her high school boyfriend. In the few, short months that this book spans, they ready themselves for their wedding, their hopes to be missionaries, and their overall life together.

I was happy to finish the series here. As usual, there was little character development, and after the four books before it, it just seemed like it was time for the series to end. If I had to sum up all five of the Caitlyn books, I would describe them as a bit cheesy and good for early teens who are just beginning to come into their own and understand the problems of the world.

*****
AK

Diary of a Teenage Girl; On My Own

On My Own is the fourth book in the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. Unlike the three books before it, On My Own focuses on college life rather than high school.

Caitlyn O'Connor has finally graduated and is off to college. She quickly realizes that college is a lot different from high school and it doesn't help that all her friends go to a different university. Through her freshman year, she faces almost daily struggles with her roommate, and enters a very confusing relationship with an old flame.

On My Own was a bit better than the previous book, but I found it difficult to ignore the protagonist's lack of character growth. The plot line seems to reach at hard-hitting problems in the world, but seems to fall short of a satisfying ending. But, once again, if you are a fan of the Caitlyn book series, give this one a try.

*****
AK

Wuthering Heights

Cold, windy, flat, and grassy. That's how I can describe the English moors; a land all on its own, the moors seem other-worldly. Only the most desperate people would make a living here, carving out a life from the rough, craggy cliffs and beating out happiness from the howling winds. The moors hardly seem the proper setting for a love story, and yet Emily Bronte did it. She set one of the most famous stories of passion her only novel, Wuthering Heights in this wind swept locale. Perhaps this is why Wuthering Heights works, the moors' coldness contrasted by fiery passion, and the stone cliffs' roughness overshadowed by a loves' tenderness. Drawing from her own home  on the moors, Emily Bronte's novel is as beautiful as an English spring while still remaining oddly mysterious like the moors of Wuthering Heights.

Who can know the depraved mind; who can find the man behind the beast? When Emily Bronte created the man Heathcliff, she created a very unique monster: a man who had spent his childhood on the moors, a gypsy with an unknown past, a man who only knew how to hate because all he had ever known was people's hatred for him. It seems inconceivable that anyone could love Heathcliff. But then Bronte created Cathy, a woman who was the complete opposite of Heathcliff and yet his equal in every way. Cathy loved a monster; she gave him part of herself. This is a story of forbidden love that spans two generations, a story of passion born on the moors, passion that is strong, strange, and everlasting even beyond death.

I found this book quite interesting but a little strange. While I like classics, and this is definitely that, I have a genuine dislike for many of the characters. The story its self is well written and tells a fascinating tale, but most of the characters are so rude, conniving, and ill tempered that I found it very hard to be invested in their struggles. Written in 1800s English, the languages is flowery and some might find it hard to read. There is also one character who speaks with such a thick Gaelic accent (the words are written how they would be spoken) I couldn't understand them. Wuthering Heights is an interesting book and is worthy of being a classic; I think it's a book everyone should eventually read. But there are many other classics which are much better and worth more time.

*****
RJ

O Pioneers!

O Pioneers! is a novel written in 1913 by Willa Cather. This book spans more than 16 years and follows the life of a young pioneer woman determined not to give up and to turn a small Nebraska homestead into a prosperous farm.

Alexandra Bergson lives in Nebraska with her father, mother, and three brothers. When her father unfortunately dies and leaves the land to Alexandra, she must decide whether to sell it or to farm it. As the years pass, it becomes a successful farm, but troubles for the Bergson family aren't over yet, as Alexandra's beau meets with disapproval and one of her brothers falls for a married woman.

I enjoyed the format of this novel and how it spreads across a long period of time. I started to feel attached to the characters and they felt like real people. If you're a fan of classic literature, be sure to check out O Pioneers!.

*****
AK

Diary of a Teenage Girl; Who I Am

Diary of a Teenage Girl; Who I Am is the third book in the Caitlyn Diary of a Teenage Girl series. This volume focuses on social constructs of the world and how one particular Christian girl decides to face them.

Caitlyn O'Connor is now a junior in high school and has her sights on becoming a missionary. She also has two more years of school and, when systemic racism and homophobia enter, it seems that those last two years will be tricky.

Of all the Caitlyn books I've read so far, I liked this the least. The main character lacked empathy in my opinion and came across as incredibly judgmental, as she seems to force her personal convictions onto others. As for who I would recommend this book to, I would say anyone who liked the first two, because it seems necessary to read them in order.

*****
AK

Diary of a Teenage Girl, It's My Life

Diary of a Teenage Girl, It's My Life, is the sequel to Diary of a Teenage Girl, by Melody Carlson. It takes place in a small town and is geared toward Christian teens trying to see where God calls them.

This book opens about two months after the last one ends. Caitlyn O'Conner is trying to grow in her Christian faith and share God with the world around her. She also gets ready for a trip to Mexico with her youth group, as well as being there for her pregnant friend, Beanie.

I thought this book was a bit too cute. It seems to have many Christian cliches and paints an unrealistic picture of the average Christian and how the average Christian would share their faith with others. But if you're up for it, go ahead.

*****
AK

A Tale of Two Cities

As with Shakespeare, I think a lot of people are reluctant to try reading Dickens. Both authors are from a different time and wrote their works in a language that is dying out. No one speaks like Dickens wrote; therefore, we find it hard to comprehend and read. But Dickens demands to be read. In the pages of his novels he has created stories that are important, gorgeous, and worth the effort. Dickens is the creator of many stunning and intriguing characters set against the backdrop of familiar places in a different time. His stories pull you in, his settings dazzle you, and his characters find a special place in your heart. One of his best known works, A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, is a masterpiece that should be read by everyone.

"Rebellion!" everyone cried. The poor fought back against their oppressors and sought to create a France where poverty was destroyed and every man, woman, and child had an equal share. But with the overthrowing of the monarchy there arose a new oppressor. France itself became the dictator of its people and buried them in the blood of those who dared to fight back. There was nothing except death, mire, and poverty, and over it all hung the shadow of the guillotine. France's cruel mistress who daily called thousands to her to die. As the book says, It was the best of times, in was the worst of times.

Caught in the middle of the bloodbath were fair Lucy, Charles, and their only child. Victims of a world that was burning around them, they desperately sought a way to return to the safety of England. They wanted to survive; Lucy knew she must survive for her child. Accompanying them were four companions, Dr. Manette; Lucy's father and a former prisoner of the Bastille; Mr. Lorry and Sydney Carton, family friends who would do anything for their dear friends; and Miss Pross, a dear companion to Lucy who loved her like a daughter. Everyone was in danger and no one dared to hope. England seemed so far way and to return to it sacrifices must be made. Someone might have to die to save the others.

It is a far far better thing I do, than I have ever done. I'm sure these words will stay with me for a while. I put off reading A Tale of Two Cities and now I regret waiting so long. While horribly sad and gruesome, this Dickens novel is a gem. Written in gorgeous language, this story of hope in bleak times and sacrificing for the ones you love fills your heart and then crushes it with tragedy. Yet it ends with hope for the characters and is one of the better books I've read in a while. While the language is old - fashioned and the writing flowery, all that is superseded by the beautiful story and wonderfully crafted characters. Be prepared to cry at the end of this book. Though sad, A Tale of Two Cities should be read and appreciated.

Photo Credit: Classical Conversations Books

*****
RJ

Diary of a Teenage Girl

Diary of a Teenage Girl by Melody Carlson is a Christian coming of age story. It is set in the modern time and is told through the perspective of a high school girl writing in her diary.

Caitlin O'Conner is a typical teenage girl. She has a desire to be well liked and popular. As she writes everything down in her diary, she will undergo huge changes. Through the course of seven months, she has family problems, friend problems, and relationship problems, but during this time she also finds God.

I enjoyed this book and would read more from Melody Carlson. I would recommend this book to anyone over 10.

*****
AK

Othello

I think that every house should have at least one work of Shakespeare in it. And every person should read one of those works in their lifetime. Shakespeare was a brilliant author and playwright who, through his great romances, tragedies, and comedies, brought to life the rawest of human emotions personified into characters. Shakespeare could craft a story like no other and he has contributed so much to modern literature. Everyone should be able to read his writing and be moved by the stories Shakespeare wrote. Unfortunately, not many people take the time to read Shakespeare; they are daunted by his use of language and the sheer size of some of his writings. They, therefore, miss out on these wonderful works. Othello, by Julius Lester fixes the problem for one gorgeous tragedy. It takes Shakespeare's play and retells it in modern English novel form.

Othello had fought in many wars and waged many battles. He had lived the life of a soldier ever since he came to Europe. Othello had seen many horrors too gruesome to speak of: his men slaughtered around him, his own sword taking a life before his eyes, and a shadow of death that he had grown used to. His lifestyle had hardened him and made him what he thought was unlovable. If his profession didn't turn people away, his color certainly did; as one of the only African men at court, many feared him for his black appearance. But she was not afraid if anything; she loved him all the more for it. Desdemona came into Othello's life like a spark of light that burst into brilliance. He loved her, she loved him, their love would go down through the ages. But would it be enough?

I loved this book! Before picking it up, I had not read many of Shakespeare's works; I found them challenging to read and not altogether interesting. But Othello rewritten by Julius Lester changed my mind. Written in plain English, with the occasional line from the original thrown in, the story packs no less of a punch. Though a tragedy, Othello is beautifully written and pulls at the heart strings as the doomed lovers' tale unfolds. With a love as strong as Romeo and Juliet, Othello and Desdemona capture the heart and break it in two. While not good for younger children, Othello is a tale that everyone should read. It will pull at your heart, bring tears to your eyes, and make you ache for a love so strong. It is a wonderful read.

Photo Credit Scholastic

*****
RJ

Out of the Shadows

The Old South is a time that no one remembers. It was a time far different than our own and the last remnants of it passed away during the Civil War. The South was destroyed in that war and nothing remained except the memory. But The South rebuilt itself, becoming a place full of huge mansions, sophistication, and mystery. Behind the walls of its ornate mansions the secrets of the South hid, the lies and plots of well-respected families found a place to fester, and centuries old mysteries swelter under layers of dust. Underneath the beauty of The South hides its darker side: mystery, plots, and murder. Out of the Shadows by Sigmund Brouwer is a tale of just such intrigue.

Nick never thought he would return to Charleston, South Carolina: he hated that town. After growing up alongside his cousin in that city and seeing all the horrors it covered up, he had never wanted to come back. But when a mysterious letter summons him back, Nick takes the plunge just to find some truth in an ocean of lies. For years, Nick has searched for his mother, who left him when he was 10; for years, he believed he was the one who drove her away. But upon his return, the letter and whoever sent it may hold the answer to the mysteries that Charleston isn't ready to give up.

To star off, technically this was a very good book. The story is interesting, the characters are compelling, and the author keeps the mystery together and doesn't fully reveal everything till the very end. The book also has a very open ending, leaving room for the reader to speculate. On the other hand, the story does drag in a few places and there are just a few too many chapters; what the author could have said in one become two chapters. The writing style seems a little messy but that comes down to personal preference. There are some delicate matters in this book - namely, domestic abuse, sex outside of marriage, and one woman is called some pretty nasty names, so parents should preread. It was a good book, though, and one for my not - sappy - Christian - novel collection (unfortunately, too many Christian authors write plain fluff). This book wasn't afraid to address harsh issues.

*****
RJ

Dune

Dune is a science fiction book written by Frank Herbert. It is set in the far future on the distant planet Arrakis, the spice planet.

As the book opens, each of the planets is ruled by a great house. The duke, Leto, of House Atreids is ordered to transfer to the desert planet Arrakis. He suspects it is an attempt on his life but continues with the assignment. After the palace is overrun and Leto is killed, his son Paul must flee into the desert with his mother. They find shelter with desert dwellers, who believe Paul to be their messiah.

I liked this book and would like to read more in the series. It is a very long novel and I would not suggest that anyone below twelve read it because of the sheer length.

*****

AK

Juliet's Moon

In my last book review - of The Color of the Soul - I said there were many different sides to the Civil War. And there were. You can find the stories of the life and times of southern gentlemen, northern ladies, children caught in between, slaves who wanted freedom so badly that they risked dying to get it. There are stories of northern politicians who debated how to stop the war, southern generals with men to command, and even the stories of presidents who were trying to hold the country together. When you pick up a book about the Civil War, not all the characters were real people. But in Juliet's Moon by Ann Rinaldi you'll find the story of real people who lived through the split and reunification of a nations.

Juliet Bradshaw has nothing left. After seeing her father shot and killed by Union soldiers and watching as her family's beautiful farmhouse burns to the ground, she wonders where she can go. She is not completely alone; she has her older brother Seth. But he is always away fighting the Union army with a group of renegade bushwackers. There is also Martha, a friend who has been like a mother to Juliet. But even with what's left of her family with her, Juliet still feels alone and completely lost in the chaos of the war around her. She finds hope and friendship in a woman soldier and spy named Sue Maudy, but what happens when Sue Maudy entrusts Juliet with a terrible secret, one that could cause the death of everyone she loves?

I have read a book by Ann Rinaldi before and enjoyed it very much. Rinaldi's writing style is interesting and really engages the reader in her story. Sadly, I think that this book fell short of that former book. The chapters in this novel felt choppy and a little unfinished, with some chapters being only two if three pages long. Parts of this book moved too fast and I found it hard to catch important details. On the other hand, though, the story was very intriguing and I found myself wanting more of it. It was also very interesting how Rinaldi had some made up characters interacting with real people who lived through the Civil War. One note for parents: there is a character in this book who is a man but dresses as a woman; he is not transgender but only dresses as a woman because he is undercover. Also, there are some very intense chapters and the author didn't shy away from graphically describing the drama, including the use of vile language. Use caution when letting younger children read this. In a nutshell, this could have been a great book, but it was a little jumbled and it was hard to understand in some places. Yet the story is an interesting one and the book is good once you get use to the writing style.

*****
RJ

The Color of the Soul

There were many different sides to the Civil War. There were people on all sides of the fighting. These people were not just faces in old photographs or names in the family tree. They were people; they lived lives like we all do. They lived in a time when life was torn apart by war and they either had to give up and die or scratch and claw out a living to survive. They had to pick sides against their neighbors and family. They all had to fight to survive the Civil War. And after the war ended, these people had to put their lives back together piece by piece and slowly mend the bonds of a broken family. The Color of the Soul by Tracey Bateman is the story of these people - people who refused to die and kept on living when their world was falling apart.

Andy has lived his whole life resenting where he came from and the parents who sent him away when he was only six years old. Though being sent away to Chicago has given Andy opportunities that a black man otherwise wouldn't get in 1948, he still wants to know who his family was and why he was sent away. But when Andy gets the chance to go back to Georgia, the trip is much more dangerous than he thought it would be. Miz Penbrook wants to write her memories before she dies; there are things she has kept hidden for far too long. Stories from her past and the Old South that need to see the light of day. Truths about her own life and about Andy's that she finally has to admit. 

This was a very interesting book! Tracey Bateman has presented a whopper of a book that asks a very pressing question; "What is the color of you soul?" While I think in some parts of the book the story gets a little too complicated and parts of it move too fast to be understandable, the story in general was very intriguing. Children under 14 should not read this book though! There are some very intense chapters involving the Klu Klux Klan and their warped brand of justice, as well as mentions to sex and rape. These topics should be approached delicately with kids under 14, and this book is not exactly subtle. But in the long run this is a very good book with an important message that I think everyone should take time to read. This book dares to ask, "Does your outer skin color matter? Or does the color of your soul?"

*****

RJ

A Coming Evil

Perhaps the most written about time in history is World War II. It seems that there a dozens of books written about this war, dozens of books with many stories to tell. After all, many different countries, cities, towns, and people were affected by World War II. It's no wonder that their stories are constantly resurfacing and being put to print. The time of the Nazis' regime was perhaps the bleakest in human history, a time when no one knew what tomorrow would bring, a time when people feared an evil power that was taking over the world, and a time when heroes were made - brave men and women who would not let darkness snuff out light. A Coming Evil by Vivian Vande Velde tells the story of one of these heroes, the story of a girl who wouldn't give up.

Lisette hated the country; she hated everything about it. She couldn't believe that her parents would send her away from Paris to live on a small farm with the aunt she barely know and the cousin she couldn't stand. Lisette couldn't find a reason to enjoy any of it, but then it only gets worse. Unknown to herself and her parents, her aunt has been secretly housing and caring for five children, three Jews and two Gypsies. If the Nazis find them, the children will be taken away and Lisette's aunt will be killed. And now that Lisette knows too, she will be punished as well. On top of all that, the hill near Lisette's aunt's house is said to be haunted. Lisette says she doesn't believe in spooks, but what will happen when she comes face to face with a ghost?

This book was very strange. It felt like the author didn't quite know what sort of story she wanted to write. It seems to be two completely different stories, one about the real life heroism of normal people during World War II, and a second about older history and a ghost hunt. Either story could have been good on its own, but lumping them together doesn't work. Also, I will not give it away, but the final plot twist in chapter 20 made no sense and actually angered me a bit. The twist seems like an afterthought and left me with more questions than answers. That said, technically this book is well written aside from a few chapters where Vivian Vande Velde dumped too much information to the page. I would advise that parents exercise caution when letting their younger children read this book; after all, it is set during World War II and talks a great deal about the Holocaust. Like I said before, this was a strange book and, while a younger reader might enjoy it, it is not for everyone.

*****
RJ

The Virginian

There are so many stories about the Old West, a time all its own and uniquely strange. We have all heard stories of the West: the vast open plains and prairies full of tumbleweed and framed by tall snow capped mountains; the lonely towns sitting out in the desert with a few dusty cowboys walking about; the saloon and the bank, the church that doubles as a school; all covered by a thin layer of humidity and sand. And we see the cowboy on his horse, the righteous character of the story, a tall man with a dark hat pulled over his eyes This is what we call the Old West; this is what we are used to. The Virginian by Owen Wister is all this and more; it shows the Old West the way we know it but also with a bit of something new.

No one really knows who The Virginian is; he is many different things. To his boss he is a hard working man who can be trusted, to his friends he is a quiet, stoic man who can drink them under the table anytime, and to his few enemies he is a force to be reckoned with and a fast gun. But he is still a mystery to everyone - a man with seemingly no past, no family, and no permanent home. Then Molly Wood comes to town. She is fiercely independent and The Virginian's opposite in every way. But when fate throws these two together, they can become a perfect team. The Virginian may be the only person who can tame Molly, and she might be the only person The Virginian will open up to.

This book was very interesting to read. Written in 1902, it is very much a product of its time; the language is very eloquent and flowery, which made it a little hard to read at times. There are also some very long chapters. The biggest problem with this book is the way in which it is written. While it starts out as a second person narrative, the character who is narrating slowly falls out of the story and he is replaced by a third person narrator. These two narratives switch back and forth over the course of the book, making it a little hard to read and a little mentally jarring. What I did like about this book, though, was how neatly if finished. Many things happen in the book and I thought a lot of them were going to get lost at the end, but every one of them is finalized and ended by the last chapter, leaving me with a sense of satisfaction. The ending itself is also wonderful with a nice aftertaste of happiness and joy. Aside from a few things, this book was very good and worth at least a try - another notch to add to my classic books holster (pun intended.)

*****
RJ

Cast Two Shadows

In 1776, the colonists of America started a war against Great Britain. They began a fight for freedom from tyranny, daring to dream of a free country. While the revolution started out as a grand and glorious fight for liberty, it soon became very obvious that war was nothing to be proud of; it kills young men in the fields, destroys families forever, and sets father and son against each other. But for the cause of liberty the patriots fought on through the war and bought their freedom dearly. Cast Two Shadows by Ann Rinaldi paints a picture of the end of the revolution perfectly. Through the eyes of a young southern girl, we see the other side of the war and exactly what fighting does to families.

Caroline has people hanging inside her - not literally, but she has seen things. She has seen the horrible things that the British have done; she's seen what war can do. The British killed her friend, a boy she had grown up with. It all happened so fast. One moment he was with her, her childhood friend, riding over the hills with her and the next he was just a hanging body in a tree. He's gone but he still hangs inside Caroline, and she is determined that she will not let anyone else hand beside him. So when Caroline has the chance to save her brother's life, she goes to help him. But the way to him is full of danger and British soldiers. Will Caroline be able to save her brother in time and will she learn something about herself along the way?

I loved this book, while it is probably below my reading level it was still great. It was a little slow to start but Ann Rinaldi still offers up and interesting perspective of the Revolutionary War from the point of view of the south. The pacing was almost perfect and Rinaldi's characters and descriptions jumped right off the page. I do recommend that only kids 12 and up read this book, as there is a bit of langues and several chapters with gruesome descriptions and thing that might upset younger children. Parents should also be aware that the book mentions things like mistresses and "confusing" family angles. But, in general, this was a good book and I thoroughly enjoyed it and think it is worth a read.

*****
RJ

The Captivity of the Oatman Girls

The Captivity of the Oatman Girls is a retelling of the true story of Olive, Mary Anne, and Lorenzo Oatman. Published in 1857, it told by the actual Lorenzo and Olive, and gives a good example of Native American life, and Culture.

The Oatman family had been traveling to California when the Apache tribe attacked. Young Olive and Mary Anne were captured and Lorenzo was left for dead. All the others were massacred. Along the way with their captors, the girls faced poor living conditions, malnutrition, and death, but nothing stopped their brother on his journey to find them.

i recommend this book to any adventure lover or anyone curious about Native American culture. It was a great read, and i will read it again

*****
AK

Case for a Creator

Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel is the third book on his search for the truth about God. the Case for a Creator focuses on Strobel's research regarding science and the actual facts.

Strobel was once a profound atheist. He was offended by Christianity and the "lack of evidence." He did, however, decide to look into the philosophies and building blocks of it after his wife accepted Jesus. in this book Strobel has recounted the fraud of Haeckel's embryos and more.

I found this book very informative and, if you are looking for answers about God, I strongly recommend it. There is a lot of evidence i didn't know about, and I definately feel stronger in my own faith.

*****
AK

Beauty's Daughter

Beauty's Daughter by Carolyn Meyer is the story of what might have happened to Helen of Troy's daughter as she grew up on a war front without a mother.

Hermione was the daughter of King Menelaus and the spectacular beauty, Queen Helen. taking totally after her father, and her brother taking after Helen, Hermione was a bit resentful until Paris of Troy came and spirited Helen and her brother away. Left with her vengeance-seeking father, Hermione will journey to far off troy for a great war.

I very much enjoyed this book. I have read it twice for its beautiful composition of suspense, action, and romance. I recommend it to you if you are interested in those things, for Beauty's Daughter has it all.


*****
AK