Thursday, April 26, 2012

My Book Reviews- and Amazon disclaimer

I appreciate all my blog readers as well as the talented authors that contact me for reviews.  I enjoy reading, and writing reviews.  I believe a review should not simply be a summary of the book- but a crtical and thorough analysis.  Sadly, so many reviewers post short  elementary grade level summaries and try to pass it off as a review.  Worse yet, I've seen reviewers simply copy and paste the publisher's review from either the website, bookseller or even the back cover of the book itself! I believe that if an author asks me to read a book that he or she has devoted time to write, that writer deserves a well thought out  unbiased review beyond an  elementary school grade level effort.

Regretably, I do not post reviews on Amazon.com.  I've tried but this comercial site restricts reviews to paying customers only.  That means if you don't shop from Amazon you can not post reviews for a book (even if you read the book)-  on their website. They don't even care what you buy as long as it is any purchase. According to Amazon policy - "You don't need to have purchased the product you're reviewing." It need not even be the book in question that you wish to review.  Therefore Amazon can not present the argument that buying a book is proof you read the book.  Apparently- its not buying a book,  but buying products that makes one qualified to write a review. Personally, I don't have the luxury to be able to do online shopping- or any shopping for that matter.  yet, I do not feel that my lack of spending ability dters me from writing reviews.

(Amazon  policy is as follows: "To submit a customer review: you need to use an Amazon account that has successfully been charged for the purchase of a physical or digital item. Free digital downloads don't qualify. You don't need to have purchased the product you're reviewing. There's a 48-hour waiting period after your first physical order has been completely shipped, or your digital item has been purchased, before you'll be able to submit your review." )

I believe it is overly restrictive, and in fact is a disservice to customers who want to get honest high quality reviews from a variety of readers- not just those with enough money to buy from Amazon.  In fact, Barnes and Noble and Christianbooks.com allow reviewers to post reviews even if they did not make a purchase.

I will be happy to offer a thorough and unbiased review- posted to my website to any author that requests.  I will also submit the review to Barnes and Noble if the author requests, in addition to my blogsite. If the author has any other ideas or suggestions to post a review (that do not require making a purchase)- I am more than happy to post. 

Comeback by Rick McDaniel

Comeback: Overcoming the Setbacks in Your Life  by Rick McDaniel, is a short yet empowering book that guides the reader on how to overcome, despite the setbacks that may be faced.  This simple to read and simple to understand book is the perfect outreach opportunity- especially for the young adults.  While this book may not appeal to those seeking comfort for severe life issues- such as  terminal illness or other life threatening scenarios- this book is sure to have mass appeal to many readers facing job loss, divorce, injuries or other issues.  The setbacks of well known figures- historical and contemporary, are used to illustrate the concept of overcoming after a setback.  Using the life stories of well known sports personalities, the author portrays that even the worst of setbacks: health issues, injuries, financial crisis and hardships, need not be an excuse to define one's life.  In fact, the examples of comebacks provide real life scenarios, that overcoming is possible. Many readers will be drawn to the examples of famous figures they already know and respect.   These contemporary and well known sports figures and entertainment personalities featured provide the perfect outreach method to draw in readeers, not normally exposed to spiritual concepts.  Furthermore, Rick does not neglect to  introduce the gospel message of salvation to the reader. Theologically, this book is not complicated, so if you are a theologen looking for insight into the purpose of evil- this book will not go into extensive detail.  In contrast, this book is the perfect introduction to introduce a person to the gospel saving message.  As Paul himself stated he became many things to many people for the purpose of delievering the gospel message- this book is perfect for young adults and sports fans.  As a blogger I receieved this book for the purpose of writing this review - this book is published by  Westbow Publishers, a division of Thomas Nelson.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

A Flash in the Night

It was the flash of light that first drew my attention to the window. I dismissed it as lightning at first. The usual evening’s activities kept me busy: dinner,  homework projects and a movie and finally a long book. I think I even drifted off for a nap, I was so tired.  It was late, and I was ready for bed. I was exhausted  yet, I could not ignore the bright flickering light any longer, so after sending the kids to bed, I dutifully trudged back into to the living room. Behind the sofa, with growing haste, I pushed the curtain and dusty blinds aside, and practically pressed my face to the dusty pane of glass to get a better view at the night sky above. The taste of the cold bitterness of the filmy glass pane tainted my lips. Craning my neck beyond the image of the living room’s reflection in the glass, I took a quick look above- and immediately was filled with a surge of fear and dread. I was transfixed in shock, as I could not comprehend or describe what I saw. I could not believe my eyes and for a split second, tried to convince myself that I was dreaming. A quick glance around the room brought me back to reality- the new reality. It was not a dream. A lump formed in my throat as I observed horrific, strange, pulsating waves of bright yellow light in the atmosphere above and the bright flashes of light. There was a stark contrast between the glowing. yellow aura against the night sky. Ripples of slow moving, yellowish plasma appeared to roll across the evening sky. Far into the distance, the horizon appeared as bright as day as if the sun were rising- and it was still the middle of the night! I stood transfixed in terror for what seemed like forever- my thoughts were drawn to my two sleeping children in the other room.


Carefully I turned the squeaky knob to the bedroom door so as not to wake the two sleeping children. By now, the oppressive bright glow was filtering through the bedroom windows- casting an eerie dim glow into the bedroom. Thankfully they remained peacefully asleep. I sat down on the bunk below and watched my youngest, sleeping peacefully, oblivious to the flashing light outside. I gently wiped a bead of moisture, glistening from the yellow light, with my hand- from his forehead. He did not wake. He was a heavy sleeper. At that time, I noticed it was uncharacteristically warm for a Spring evening- most likely attributed the atmospheric anomaly. Before long, I dreaded the heat would grow oppressively hot. I glanced around quickly in an attempt to absorb any information possible- trying in vain to come up with an explanation. I heard a soft spark, and a dreadful buzz. It was just as I imagined- the power in the house must be out. All the lights were off! And the only light, was the ominous yellow glow that loomed outside. A quick glance outside confirmed the global loss of power- and that the street lamps, sign lights and in fact all electricity in town was out as well. All I observed was the threatening bright light everywhere! By now it was almost as bright as the sun itself! My next quest, however predictable and uninspired, yet practical- was to get my cell phone. Stealthily, with renewed purpose I took a few steps into the kitchen and found it on the countertop. The sight of the cell phone gave me an initial burst of hope- yet it was false hope; there was no battery power. It was dead and apparently there was no reception either. My inability to place a call confirmed that the phone did not work and that I was completely detached from the outside world. Dejectedly I dropped the useless phone to the ground and purposelessly walked back into the kids’ bedroom. I felt lightheaded in fear. The sense of dread loomed over me like a wave.

By now it was almost as bright as day, and instinctively, my two sleepy- eyed children were stretching and yawning in their beds- eyes barely open, with outstretched arms asking, “is it morning, mom?” ….. just as if it were any other normal school morning. Transfixed, I stood in place with my eyes tightly closed, as I recalled those once dreaded early morning rushed routines where I would be getting my kids ready for school: clothes picked out, breakfast prepared, lunches bagged, dog- walked and then daycare and school drop offs and then finally the commute to work. And by the time I arrived at work, I was exhausted. Yet how I longed for those days; how I wished this was just another weekday morning. I could not believe how I used to dread those safe, predictable mornings. I almost made myself believe that the eerie glow was actually the warm sunlight on an early Tuesday morning- as I imagined it was time to prepare breakfast and get the kids ready for school. I could even imagine inhaling the scent of fruit flavored powder as I poured the fruit loops into a cereal bowl. I could feel the condensation of moisture and the weight of the cool gallon of milk as it was poured. I could see the eager cheerful smile as I handed his favorite green color changing spoon to my little boy at the kitchen table. Meanwhile, my older daughter would be brushing her hair and admonishing me for neglecting to feed the Sea Monkeys, yet again.

I wished that time could stand still, as I dreaded the explanation that I would have to give to my children, who were by now waiting expectantly on their beds as I stood transfixed into place with a glassy blank stare. How could I explain that it was not actually 7am, but the middle of the night? How could I explain the unexplainable aberration in words that would not frighten my children. In mere moments, they would learn the dreaded truth that it was not morning, and that something had gone terribly awry. They would learn that an atmospheric anomaly threatened our world- the planet where we live and call home. They would be faced with their own mortality as the progression of the events continued mercilessly through its course until the ultimate end. They would feel afraid, insecure and unsafe. I had to protect them, yet I myself felt powerless and vulnerable and alone. In an instant, various plausible scenarios and explanations flashed through my mind. I had to conjure up a believable and realistic explanation that would not illicit terror and fear- though I myself felt terror and fear. I could not tell them the awful truth that the sun was expanding, or that solar flares threatened to burn up the Earth to a smoky crisp. Would an eclipse be a believable explanation? Or could I just pass this off as Just another Tuesday morning? In my heart, I dreaded the reality that this in fact was the end, yet I felt that I had to protect my children.

Suddenly, the bouncing, energetic family hound interrupted my thoughts, drawing me back into reality as she ran into the bedroom, jumping on the bottom bunk. The dog’s presence offered a comforting sense of normalcy as she enthusiastically licked my younger one’s face. “Yuck!”, he exclaimed as he attempted to cover his face from dog slobber. My 11 year old daughter reluctantly climbed down from the top bunk and proceeded to the closet to select her clothes for the day. Then instinctively she walked into the kitchen, approached the counter, and dropped a small pinch of green powder into Sea Monkey container. “Mom…how long has it been since you fed these Sea Monkeys”, she reprimanded me. Clearly, both were oblivious to the strange, bright solar light that penetrated the house. And maybe it was for the best. “Umm… I thought I did, I don’t remember for sure”, I answered as usual.

By now, it was bright as day, and come to think about it, maybe it was day. I looked at the clock, and it was 7am. It was time for me to prepare breakfast, make lunches and walk the dog. Here I was standing around, not even dressed yet and I was running out of time if I didn’t want to be late for work.


This short story is based on the dream that I had last night.


Saturday, April 21, 2012

Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick

Even though the new novel, Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick may seem like just another romance story disguised as a historical work of fiction- this book is actually a historical fiction novel.  I've read a number of books by contemporary writers that call their fiction books historical novels when they are nothing more than disguised romance novels.  Perhaps by including a western themed setting or an Amish town, the many authors use a loophole to call the book historical.  Yet, Jane Kirkpatrick's books, with its authentic details, actually live up to the genre of historical fiction.

The author does not rely on simplistic happily after after fairytale endings where the heroine gets married, has children and live happily after after.  Her storylines, based on historical lives, show true heartache and misfortune, yet all the while, the imperfect characters are well developed moral characters with realistic personal flaws.  Her noble casts of characters have more substance, than just to simply seek out romance and marriage.

The setting of this story may seem too simple and uneventful- a married woman with 4 kids living at the turn of the century, tends to her garden and experiments with producing a greater variety of lilacs.  The years the woman, a German immigrant named Hulda, takes to develop a lighter shade of lilac with an increased number of petals, may appear to be trivial, costly and time consuming.  And, in fact her hobby was perpetuated at the expense of purchasing a much needed motor vehicle in favor of a few silly imported  lilac bulbs.  As it turned out, just about half the bulbs were defective and therefore a waste of money. It is hard to believe her husband tolerated such behavior at the expense of more important issues of survival in a turn of the century home. In fact this issue is addressed when the characters wrestle with personal and financial  hardships as either a direct or indirect result of her devotion to gardening.  There are extraordinary circumstances- almost unbelievable- if it were not actually based on historical fact.  There is the death of her two young son in laws, within one year apart, leaving her daughters young widows. Thereafter, during her long life, Hulda lives to bury just about all her children- two daughters and one son.  One is left to wonder how a mother can outlive her children by so many years.  In fact this is addressed by the suggestion that Hulda's intent for the  pursuit of her trivial passion of gardening superceeded that for her children and husband and that her family's life revolved around the pursuit of making her comfortable and happy pleasing her every whim.  The dysfunctional family was had a codependant relationship, and that she manipulated her family through a prolonged mental illness inorder to get their support for her gardening passion. As a reader I could not share the passion that Hulda had for her blooms.  Nevertheless this was a very well written book with well developed characters and a good storyline.  It was truly a good adaption of an actual historical figure into a novel. As a blogger for WaterBrook press I received this book from the publisher in order to write this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Necessity of an Enemy: How the Battle You Face Is Your Best Opportunity

The Necessity of an Enemy: How the Battle You Face Is Your Best Opportunity


byRon Carpenter is among the most motivating books that I have recently read. Ron Carpenter challanges rthe way we view blessings and God's favor.  In contrast to common belief, comfortable living and financial prosperity and health are not always signs of God's favor.  Just because your life is "good" does not mean it is because you found favor with God.  It might actually mean the opposite! In fact the reverse may be true!  Those so called "blessings" may mean that you are spiritually dead and that satan feels no need to bother with you because he has already won you over! The author address real issues- true enemies, tangible, spiritual and circumstantial- job loss, financial and professional ruin, slander, terminal illness, grief and loss. This book is designed to help those who are suffering from extreme circumstances. If you are bellyaching because you burned your husband's dinner, or the grass stain won't come out of the soccer uniform, or if missed an apointment for your pedicure, or your favorite coach bag sold out before you reached the mall, then this book isn't for you. What you need is a fluffy, superficial, condescending, feel- good, women's devotional book. But, if you truly suffer from life's heartaches, and true hardships and adversity, then this book will offer the strength you need.
The author  writes in an animated, personal easy to understand style that communicates biblical truths to the reader. He went through serious hardship and he shares his personal experience candidly with the reader.  His books bring bible stories and biblical truth to life in an inspirational way that speaks out to the reader.  For example David had his Goliath, Job had his adversary, and you have yours- he explains that bible heroes had enemies. He even explained that Judas was a neccessary enemy for Jesus to accomplish the will of God.  In fact, he claims that Peter- a so called "friend" actually at times attempted to hinder God's greater purpose.  
 
 His use of colorful language and his conversational tone, make it so that biblical truths are memorable and meaningful to the average modern reader. You need not be a theologen, educated in an expensive seminary or college to understand. This inspirational book will be certain to leave the reader with a lasting impression. In today's self centered society, without offense the author  illustrates the importance of living life based on biblical principles. After reading this book, and really meditating on the biblical truths communicated via the author , one can feel a renewed sense of embpowerment to live a selfless life style. Max makes use of personal anecdotes as well as bible stories to illiustrate the importance of depending on God rather than on the material things of this world. If you are looking for bible based motivation and a relief in a world that takes pride in materialism, selfish ambition and competition, then this book is perfect. As a blogger for booksneeze, I receive books from Water Brook publishers in exchange for writing an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado

He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado By Max Lucado is among the most inspirational and motivating books that I have recently read. That can be said about almost all of Lucado's books, actually. This book specifically impresses upon the reader the enormous sacrifice Jesus offered each and every one of us.  It brings to life, the experiences that Jesus faced on the cross for each one of us- the cold painful nails, the sharp thorns and the splintered wood. Adjectives and description brings this sacrifice to animated life- in vivid detail. It helps those who are enduring really difficult times, to endure and persevere. 

The beginning of this book had a slow start, with Lucado's analogy of the painstaking process of finding his wife the perfect gift. I found there was too much detail. Yet I am sure many economically "gifted" or  comfortable  readers can relate.  At times, he is a bit self serving in addressing the issues of financial prosperity and comfort in life that he and many readers are lucky enough to enjoy.  Yet, Lucado puts his God given resources to good use- there is no doubt about that! He uses his economic gifts and wisdom to help countless readers. Pehaps if Lucado was not in a comfortable financial position, he would not have the practical resources and time to be able to deliver his wisdom to the masses. Personally, I could not afford to buy his books, and I assume that much of the readership that actually read his books are upper middleclass that can afford to buy his books and have the luxury of time to dedicate to read-  but I am thankfully they are offered free to bloggers so that not only the economically advantaged have access to his wisdom.

The author address real issues- job loss, terminal illness, grief and loss. This book is designed to help those who are suffering from extreme circumstances.  If you are bellyaching because you burned your husband's dinner, or the grass stain won't come out of the soccer uniform, or if missed an apointment for your pedicure, or your favorite coach bag sold out before you reached the mall, then this book isn't for you. What you need is a fluffy, superficial, condescending, feel- good, women's devotional book. But, if you truly suffer from life's heartaches, then this book will offer the comfort you need.


In true Lucado fashion, Max writes in an animated, easy to understand style that communicates biblical truths to the reader. His books bring bible stories and biblical truth to life in an inspirational way that speaks out to the reader. "Catch God in a bad mood? Won't happen. Fear exhausting his grace? A sardine will swallow the Atlantic first. Think he's given up on you?" ..... Lucado's use of colorful language and his conversational tone, make it so that biblical truths are memorable and meaningful to the average modern reader. You need not be a theologen, educated in an expensive seminary or college to understand Max Lucado's books. This inspirational book will be certain to leave the reader with a lasting impression. In today's self centered society, without offense Max Lucado illustrates the importance of living life based on biblical principles. After reading this book, and really meditating on the biblical truths communicated via Max Lucado, one can feel a renewed sense of embpowerment to live a selfless life style. Max makes use of personal anecdotes as well as bible stories to illiustrate the importance of depending on God rather than on the material things of this world. If you are a theologen, looking for an apologetic defense on the purpose of depending on God then this book isn't for you. But, if on the other hand you are simply looking for bible based motivation and a relief in a world that takes pride in materialism, selfish ambition and competition, then this book is perfect. As a blogger for booksneeze, I receive books from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for writing an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.