The Visitation

Summary:  The sleepy, eastern Washington wheat town of Antioch has become a gateway for the supernatural—from sightings of angels and a weeping crucifix to a self-proclaimed prophet with an astounding message.
The national media and the curious all flock to the little town—a great boom for local business but not for Travis Jordan. The burned-out former pastor has been trying to hide his past in Antioch. Now the whole world is headed to his backyard to find the Messiah, and in the process, every spiritual assumption he has ever held will be challenged. The startling secret behind this visitation ultimately pushes one man into a supernatural confrontation that has eternal consequences.

Cons:  The only thing I didn't like about this book was that I didn't agree with all the religous views held by the main character in the book.  That annoyed me to a certain degree.

Pros:  I really enjoyed this book.  It was a page turner and even managed to creep me out just a bit (and, in my opinion, that is a hard thing to do when it comes to books).  I liked how the main character was not a perfect person but was struggling like everyone else.  However, he was a character that I easily came to like.

Overall, I would give this book five stars.

Recommended for ages 17 and up.

O Jerusalem

Summary: This remarkable classic recounts, moment by moment, the spellbinding process that gave birth to the state of Israel. The authors weave a brilliant tapestry of shattered hopes, fierce pride, and breathtaking valor as the Arabs, Jews, and British collide in their fight for control of Jerusalem (amazon.com).

Cons: Obviously, with a book like this, you can't be sure everything you read is totally accurate. Also, there are some graphic details in this book due to the fact that there were some terrible things that occurred during the birth of Israel. There are also a few curse words. However, they were very few and far between.

Pros: I really enjoyed this book. The authors did a great job of making this an interesting book to read, not just another history lesson. I also liked how the book went from the Jew's point of view to the Arab's point of view. It didn't show just one and not the other. I felt like that gave it a more rounded view of things.

I would give this book four stars.

Recommended for Ages 17 and up.

The Scribe

The Scribe--Francine Rivers

Summary--
Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. The Scribe, the fifth and final book in the Sons of Encouragement series, author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Silas. Like the other Sons of Encouragement, this book tells the story of a lesser-known biblical character who made an impact on eternity. The Scribe tells the story of Silas, the man behind the spotlight who recorded most of the New Testament Scriptures we read today. In classic Francine Rivers style the story lets readers grasp the Scriptures in a whole new light—from a perspective never before imagined. Along the way readers will be captivated by the growth of the early church and the trials Paul suffers before he is martyred for the cause of Christ. (From Amazon)

Con's-- I actually did not care much for this book. I'm not sure I could exactly lay my finger on why exactly except that it was almost solidly fiction...about a real character and  I have never seemed to like that. I did not connect at all with Silas.

Pro's--For not having liked this book very well I did learn some things from it. It was an eye opener to see what things were probably like after Acts ended. Everyone was dying, the church was being persecuted and Christ still had not come back. It would be a confusing and depressing time. Something else I liked was seeing just how focused all Christians were. They ate, slept and breathed Jesus and his words. That was a smack in the face that I as a 21st century Christian needed to feel.

Ages 13 and up. 3 out of 5 stars.

The Prophet

  The Prophet--Francine Rivers
Summary--Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. In The Prophet, the fourth book in the Sons of Encouragement series,  author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Amos. Francine examines the life of Amos and his relationship to Israel during its prosperous years. Amos's message—and his relationship with God—made him unpopular. But his challenge to those who were enjoying the blessings of prosperity was crucial then and is strikingly timely today as well. (from Amazon)

Con's--As with any book dealing with Biblical characters there are going to be many fictional things. Things the Bible did not tell us. I think Rivers deals pretty well with this, and I really appreciate how she always puts right up front in her books that she had to make some things up. Still, it is something you have to keep in mind.

Pro's--Grace was the one who got me into this series and she told me once that she liked this book because it kind-of gives you insight into the background of a prophet's...well, prophesying. I agree. Though I had a hard time connecting with Amos' character I enjoyed getting to see what it might have been like for a prophet of God. It opened my eyes to just how unpleasant of a life it might have been. I also learned many things I did not know about Amos. The most interesting is that he was from Judah, but prophesied in Israel!

Age 13 and up. Four out of Five Stars.

This year I had made a mental goal with myself that I would write reviews for all the books I read...when you start out behind on something it is awfully hard to catch up. This book was actually read back in January. :z

No Less than Victory

No Less than Victory--Jeff Shaara

Summary--Opening in mid-December 1944, the novel covers the Battle of the Bulge and the fall of the Third Reich, including the death of Adolf Hitler. It also covers the Allied discoveries of concentration camps at Ohrdruf, Buchenwald, and Dachau. The main characters are George S. Patton, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and two young soldiers named Eddie Benson and Sergeant Buckley. Portions of the narrative are also told from viewpoints on the Nazi side of the war, primarily Albert Speer and Gerd von Rundstedt.(from Wikipidia)

Con's--I was always on the verge of pitching this book out my window--the language was terrible. It seemed like just about every five words there would be a word I didn't appreciate. There were a very few off-color comments as well. Also, I did not find this book captivating, if it hadn't been for my love of history I would never have read it. As it was, it took the somewhere around three months to finish. There was nothing I could point as a wrong with Shaara's writing, it just was not gripping.

Pro's--As you have probably figured out by now I am a sucker for history. This book was simply a medly of first hand accounts of historical events. The persepectives changed from a private in the Ardennes, to General Patton, General Eisenhower, and even over to the German side with Albert Speer, Hitler's "Golden Boy" and Gerd von Rundstedt. I usually like changing perspectives because I feel that I get a more balanced picture that way. Shaara did a good job not making the character changes confusing for his readers.

I wouldn't really recommend this book. I think the history could be got better elsewhere without the nasty language.

Ages 18 and up. 2 out of 5 stars.

Seabisuit--An American Legend

Seabiscuit--Laura Hillenbrand

Summary-- No one saw any promise in him. He was gawky, had ugly knees and spent most of his time sleeping. He was not made of racehorse material despite his Man O' War pedigree. Then Tom Smith found him and Seabiscuit's life changed. First, he burned up the track...but only when he wanted to. Then, with patient care from his trainer, Tom, and jockey, Red Pollard, one of America's greatest racehorses began running in earnest. Beating better and better horses Seabiscuit eventually warms up to the "race of the century" between himself and his uncle War Admiral. Pollard, who had been badly injured is not able to ride so his good friend and fellow jockey, George Woolfe takes the reigns (spoiler warning!) and to the astonishment of many, wins. Then, Seabiscuit's racing career was smashed--he broke his leg. Pollard and Seabiscuit remove to Charles Howard's, the horses owner, ranch to recover together. Over a year later horse and jockey shook the racing world. They are back on the course and make Howard's final goal, the Santa Anita Handicap. Seven year old Sebicuit, who was told he would never race again, and Red Pollard who was told he would never ride again make a smashing win. The horse's course is run.

Con's-- As with any Laura Hillenbrand book, there is a lot of language and plentiful off-color comments. I have to give her credit though--she only write the language if she is quoting.

Pro's-- I love horses, yes, but that is not the sole reason for me loving this book. It was masterfully written to capture an amazing story. I loved the history, seeing the background of those who were instrumental in Seabiscuit's life, and feeling the serge of joy as the old horse made track records. Seabiscuit is a perfect rags-to-riches story for those out there who think they have no talent. Everyone has a wonderful talent it just might be deeply hidden and take some coaxing to convince it to come out!

Ages 17 and up. Five stars.

When A Secret Kills

Summary:
Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it's time to put the past to rest. She's tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She's no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do--ferret out the truth and expose it. Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago--and Jillian watched it happen.

Didn't she?

Pros:  This has to be one of the most suspenseful books that I have ever read.  There was constant action, which I love, as well as some surprising twists and turns which kept me jumping. The author also did a great job of conveying the character's emotions.  I could feel the anger, sadness, and fear that dominated much of the book.  I have read very few books that can do that so well.  I also enjoyed Jullian's selfless love for her daughter.  I mean, she loved her.  She wasn't just tolerant of an annyoing little kid, she loved her, even though it made her life harder to raise her and keep her safe.   

Cons:  I have to admit that this book made me mad.  It was so well written and so enjoyable to read . . . except for one thing:  you find out in the first few chapters that Jillian has a daughter.  Basically, if you want to put it this way, she and her boyfriend made a mistake ten years ago.  Yeah.  Kinda ruins the whole story.  However, I will give the author credit that the boyfriend, Colton, realizes what he did was wrong (which was good!) and asks for her forgiveness.  At the same time, unfortunately, I felt as if Jillian didn't feel much remorse due to the fact that she loves her daughter so much (of course, it is good that she loves her daughter, but I still feel as if she should have acknowledge that what she did was wrong).  I also felt like Jillian and Colton moved very rapidly through their relationship.  But I am willing to let that slide considering Colton was on the verge of proposing to her before she disappeared.

My overall opinion of this book is that it was very enjoyable to read, however, the author did disappoint me with some of the things she chose to put in the story line.

I would give this book 4 stars. 

Recommended for ages 17 and up.

The Centurion's Wife (Acts of Faith Book 1)

Summary: 
This is the story of Leah, a young Jewess of mixed heritage trapped in a vortex of competing political agendas and private trauma. Caught up in the maelstrom following the death of an obscure rabbi in the Roman backwater of firstcentury Palestine, Leah finds herself also engulfed in her own turmoil facing the prospect of an arranged marriage to a Roman soldier, Alban, who seems to care for nothing but his own ambitions. Head of the garrison near Galilee, he has been assigned by Palestine's governor to ferret out the truth behind rumors of a political execution gone awry. Leah's mistress, the governor's wife, secretly commissions Leah also to discover what really has become of this man whose death and missing bodyis causing such furor (from amazon.com).


Cons: The main things you could point out as problems with this book (and I only noticed them on my fourth  read) are that you might not get into the book until you read the first two or so chapters (I honestly don't remember having this problem, but it is possible someone else could ) and it does move a bit slow at times.  Also, (and this doesn't actually count as a con) if you do not enjoy books that are set in the time period of the Bible and that involve some Biblical characters, then you will not enjoy this one.

Pros:  This book brings the time right after Jesus's death (and the early church) alive.  I find it easy to forget how the people in the Bible were real people, and that there were other real people that they interacted with (I'm sorry if that sounds strange).  Also, the authors of this book are very talented at bringing the land of Israel to life.  For years, this book has been one of my favorites to read and read-read. 

Note:  This is the first book of three of the Acts of Faith series.  While I will not write book reviews on the other two, I will mention that they were just as fantastic as this one and that I would highly recommend them.

This book easily gets five stars.  Recommended ages 15 and up.

Unbroken

  Unbroken--Laura Hillenbrand

Summary--Louise Zamperini, had a childhood that though he was unaware of it at the time, would prepare him for his horrific future.Living as an extremely successful thief, as well as an accomplished nuisance he speeds through his childhood with the police always on his heels. His frantic parents couldn't keep him in line until one day he discovered he had an amazing talent--running. He began burning up the track and even made the Olympics where, though he didn't place, he was personally greeted by Hitler as "the boy with the fast finish." Running hard to prepare for the next Olympics and to be the first man to make the four minute mile, Zamperini has to put his dream on the back burner as World War II strikes and he is summoned to the Air Force. On one bombing mission in Japan Louise comes back to base amazingly unhurt, but in a plane that will never fly again. When another air crew is reported Missing at Sea he and his crew are sent up in the Green Hornet, a plane that is unsafe. It never sees land again and only three crew members survive on life rafts. One is Zamperini. With shark attacks, starvation, dehydration and over a month of nothing but water and sky one man breaths his last and is buried at sea. Zamperini and the other float on, into Japanese territory. They are captured and taken to a POW where they learn they are in (to put it mildly) the most disgustingly inhumane place they have ever been. "The Bird", a brutal and bitter enemy soldier takes Louise into his "special care" and by the time the war is over and he is release he is an emotional wreck, ready to fall apart. After coming home and eventually marrying, he comes undone. Turning to drinking, smoking, anything to numb his feelings he becomes dangerous and his wife, with their new born child flee. Eventually she is forced to return but both are only waiting for their divorce to come through. Then Zamperini's wife attends a revival hosted by the new phenomenon, Billy Graham and her life turns a 180. Louise can hardly help but be affected.

Con's--This book had much more language and off color comments than I ever care to read. I can stomach them better than some however because they were mostly direct quotes. Also, the POW camps are horrifically, and graphically accurate.This last fact is not necessarily a con, just a warning. This is certainly not a bedtime book! The other con to the book was the author's perspective. She is obviously not a Christian so at times she can be a bit irreverent. She presents Christianity as Louise's way (spoiler warning!!) to find peace but not as the only way. Simply another option. I did appreciate that she quoted nearly a whole chapter of John though!

Pro's--Laura Hillenbrand is a wonderful author! This book was so fascinating that I stayed up last night in an effort to finish it. I loved the history most of all. Another thing that I appreciated was that Louise Zamperini finally found peace--exactly where he needed to in the only real place, Jesus Christ. (Spoiler warning again!!) I was also very encouraged and challenged at his forgiveness to those who had done "unforgivable" things to him. He fully forgave, loved and witnessed to them.

I would recommend this book to anyone with a strong stomach, love for history, and a mind not too sensitive to language.

A mature 17 and up book! 5 stars.

This Present Darkness

Summary:
Ashton is just a typical small town. But when a skeptical reporter and a prayerful, hardworking pastor begin to investigate mysterious events, they suddenly find themselves caught up in a hideous New Age plot to enslave the townspeople, and eventually the entire human race. The physical world meets the spiritual realm as the battle rages between forces of good and evil.


Cons:  I can honestly say, that I can't think of anything negative about this book.  However, one must keep in mind that when someone writes about the spiritual realm, they are only speculating.  And that is all that this book (and I think the author) meant to do.  The author is simply throwing out an idea of how it might be. 

Pros:  Frank Peretti does a masterful job of weaving a tale involving the spiritual realm.  The story is fascinating and suspenseful and the writing style is magnificent.  Besides that, the reader is given a glance into the spiritual side of things making the book even more interesting and unique.   

I would give this book five stars.  Recommended for Ages 17 and up.