Summer Book Review - Love Amid the Ashes

One of my summer reads was The Red Tent about Dinah. I like it so much (minus the one offensive scene) that someone recommended this book. A few days later I found it on display in my church library.

Book: Love Amid the Ashes (story of Dinah and Job)

Author: Mesu Andrews
Published by: Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

What I learned: How NOT to write a book.

What I liked: 
1. The book cover. 

2. The character of Job (he was the most believable and stable of all the characters). 

3. Message of God's love and forgiveness. The love that Job had for God even with the terrible misfortunes and his witness to those around him. 

4. The use of scripture at opening of every chapter.

What I didn't like: 

1. Overuse of cliches and description (facial expressions and body language) to the point that I wanted to scream. Ex. “Jacob raised his chin once again, as though grief and remorse would slide off his hard exterior like water off a bird’s wings.” I could handle one or two of these, but not one or two per page!

2. Unbelievable character actions. Ex. Esau and Jacob at 100 years old had temper tantrums like 2 year olds. 

3. Sub plot with Job's wife, Sitis, and her evil admirer Sayyid was a ridiculous way to bring extra conflict into the story. He was so obsessed with Sitis that all his servants looked just like her. Really? Gag. And later, he was easily killed off.

4. I also found this Review. I agree with it 100%. If you have a minute, it's a good read.

Recommend? No. This is the first book I've read all summer that I would not recommend. This is a debut novel, so I would expect some newbie writing mistakes, but the cliches are so bad that I can hardly finish reading.

Summer Book Review - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

This spring, I loaded up on books to read for the summer (you might remember my Book Sale post). Well, I am happy to say, I've read them all, but one AND I read two others not on my list. As a writer, I wanted to learn what I could from the author on story, content, delivery, etc.

Book: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Author: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

What I learned: 
1. Letter-writing format can work well. In this case, it was VERY well done. I was never confused as to what character wrote what letter. 
2. Unusual titles stir up interest. I had to get this book because I had to know why the the society was called Potato Peel Pie Society! 
3. Historical facts can be worked into a piece of fiction and still educate the reader. This book is set at end of WWII. I learned some true facts about the war and had a lovely time doing it.

What I liked: The relationships that were built through the letters.

What I didn't like: One of the letters (only one) bogged me down with facts. I learned later that the author's health failed and her niece stepped in to do the rewrites. Since the style of the letter I am talking about was different, maybe it was a rewrite. Other than that, I did not want the book to end. I just wanted to stay in Guernsey! Note: visiting Guernsey is now on my bucket list.

Recommend: OH YES!! I think this one was my absolute favorite summer read!

Summer Book Review - Jesus Freaks Vol. II

This spring, I loaded up on books to read for the summer (you might remember my Book Sale post). Well, I am happy to say, I've read them all, but one AND I read two others not on my list. As a writer, I wanted to learn what I could from the author on story, content, delivery, etc.

Book: Jesus Freaks Vol. II

Author: dc Talk

What I learned: True stories motivate people into action. Truth resonates with readers.

What I liked: I love all the Jesus Freaks books. This is probably the fifth one I've read. I love the stories of people that take a stand for Jesus (past and present). I also liked the last part of the book that gives you practical ways that you can take a stand.  One page is also like a covenant that you can make with God.

What I didn't like: Some of the stories are repeats from other Jesus Freaks books. I didn't really mind reading them again, but I'm sure that there are new fresh stories of people all over the world that could have been used. It seemed like this book used more examples from early A.D. than other JF books. I would have liked to see more "today" stories.

Recommend? Yes! Since this book is a collection of short, independent stories, it is a good read if you only have a few minutes here and there...or in my case, I was on vacation and read the entire book in 4 days (I love vacations).

Summer Book Review - The Hole in Our Gospel

This spring, I loaded up on books to read for the summer (you might remember my Book Sale post). Well, I am happy to say, I've read them all, but one AND I read two others not on my list. As a writer, I wanted to learn what I could from the author on story, content, delivery, etc.

Book: The Hole in Our Gospel

Author: Richard Stearns

What I learned: I need to get involved. I need to help others. I know this, but this book has helped me put it into practice (kicked my behind into action).

What I liked: The stories of people in need and the reasons we need help people -- the book backs it all with scripture. I liked Mr. Stearns' testimony on how he went from a CEO with a high bank account to President of World Vision and the mental changes based on God working on him.

One thing the author said, struck me. It was about tithing. He said, if every person tithed 10%, there would be enough money to help every person. There would be no hunger, etc.

What I didn't like: How he states that you can't get into heaven unless you help the poor (that is the hole in the gospel). This was like a slap to my understanding. Surely, you get into heaven by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Period. I had to put the book down for awhile to mull over the scriptures. In the end, I see the truth. Faith without works is dead. If you accept Jesus, you must act upon it! Once I wrapped my head around that, I finished reading the book and it has really helped me to be more open and generous, looking for ways to help the needy.

Recommend? Yes!  When I bought the book, I was worried that the book would just try to get me to donate to World Vision since that is where he works. I was surprised to find that it didn't do that. At the end, it does list possible donation suggestions, but World Vision is just one of them. I decided to just keep my eyes open for ways to donate that God puts before me.

Summer Book Review - The Supernaturalist

This spring, I loaded up on books to read for the summer (you might remember my Book Sale post). Well, I am happy to say, I've read them all, but one AND I read two others not on my list. As a writer, I wanted to learn what I could from the author on story, content, delivery, etc.

Book: The Supernaturalist

Author: Eoin Colfer

What I learned: Have fun with world-building! The author created a world in future earth that was different in some ways, but the same in others.

What I liked: I like the opening description of where the orphaned children slept (very unique). I liked the invisible creatures and their role throughout the story. I enjoyed the main characters and the villians.

What I didn't like: Hmmm....I liked it all.

Recommend: Yes! This is a quick read and if you like MG and/or sci-fi, you'll like this fast-paced book. Sure wish I had known about this book when my daughter (7th grade) had to read a sci-fi book. She would have loved this one! It's now on her reading pile.

Summer Book Review - In the Sanctuary of Outcasts

This spring, I loaded up on books to read for the summer (you might remember my Book Sale post). Well, I am happy to say, I've read them all, but one AND I read two others not on my list. As a writer, I wanted to learn what I could from the author on story, content, delivery, etc.

Book:In the Sanctuary of Outcasts

Author: Neil White

What I learned: 
1. Memoirs can be extremely witty and enjoyable! I have to admit that this is the only memoir that I've ever read. I never wanted to read one before, assuming that they would be dull and boring. This book was funny. The author learned a valuable lesson that changed his life. This book changed my mind about memoirs.

2. Look for real-life people for inspiration for characters. The author learned to love one of the leper patients: an elderly black lady in a wheelchair. It is everyday people that can make lasting impressions.

What I liked: The author's humor and his honesty at sharing how arrogant he was at the beginning and how he changed and learned what life was really about.

What I didn't like: That the story ended. I wanted to stay in the prison/leper colony in a place where time seemed to stand still, where I didn't feel rushed. I wanted to stay in the breezeway.

Recommend? YES!

Summer Book Review - Pay It Forward

This spring, I loaded up on books to read for the summer (you might remember my Book Sale post). Well, I am happy to say, I've read them all, but one AND I read two others not on my list. As a writer, I wanted to learn what I could from the authors on story, content, delivery, etc.

Book: Pay It Forward

Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde

What I learned: 
A strong theme and moral lesson can work in a book. This book is a call for action to make our world better, but it doesn't hit you other the head with it. Instead, the author uses a humble character with a small idea to show how big change can happen.  

The theme of Paying It Forward is profound. As a Christian, the whole time I was reading it, I was thinking about how Christ wants us to help others. The day after I finished the book, I left a waitress a $60 tip. That's how good this book was!

What I liked: I loved the down-to-earth characters, their messed-up lives, and how they interacted with each other and formed relationships.

What I didn't like: The ending, but I was forewarned.

Recommend? YES!

Summer Book Review - The Red Tent (UPDATED)

This spring, I loaded up on books to read for the summer (you might remember my Book Sale post). Well, I am happy to say, I've read them all, but one AND I've read two others (not on my list). As a writer, I wanted to learn what I could from the authors on story, content, delivery, etc.

Book: The Red Tent

Author:Anita Diamant

What I learned: 
1. Bring your world to life! Ms. Diamant certainly brought the Bible to life. The characters (their personalities and actions) were so real that I'll never read the Old Testament the same ever again. 
2. Do your research because details matter! Customs, life, worship, etc. (of the time) all came through seamlessly.

What I liked: Her manner of storytelling was very unique - it puts you right in Biblical times in a land that worships foreign gods. I also loved her take on what exactly happened to Dinah (and the aftermath), though it was bloody.

What I didn't like: I didn't agree with everything the author wrote (what and how things happened). It didn't all match the Bible. She took some liberties with her story-telling.

Recommend? YES! Maybe - I had forgotten there is a part in the book that is EXTREMELY offensive. Tyrean reminded me of it. For this reason, read at your discretion. I am still glad I read the book, but I almost stopped at that one part in the red tent (idol worship/explicit sex).

Ants. Ants. Ants.

Warning - If you are an ant lover, read no further.

 

Ants are on the counters -- Even though they're clean.

They are crawling in the new package of Entenmann's donuts -- still factory-sealed shut.

My formica countertop is speckled with little black spots. Some are moving.

As I try to cook, they are on my cookbook, they are on my bowls. They are on me.

I've tried ant traps. I've tried ant spray (indoor and out). Nothing seems to work....until now.  

Raid Ant Gel. It looks likes thick hand sanitizer. Just a pea-sized squirt - what a tasty meal!

The ants think they've found the mother-load and have invited their friends to come feast.

They're supposed to take some back to the queen and her brood and then I should see them no more.

So, this is my life (and has been for months now). 

We'll see if Raid Ant Gel lives up to its claims.

Finishing Revision

Worked on book by the lake

BOOK UPDATE: This week I took a week vacation (went camping) to focus solely on my book (Kingdom Guardian, Book I of Traboltia Trilogy). I spent my days on the shores of the lake at Gifford Pinchot State Park working from my binder. I was able to almost finish the revision -- that's about 50% of the book, done in 1 week! 

I only have a few more scenes to complete. Then I'll be doing cosmetic surgery -- just polishing it up. After that I can begin searching for a publisher.  Wow -- finally getting close enough to say that!