Before I share today's part of the blog challenge, I'd like to share a quick prayer request with you all.  My little sister Amy just underwent surgery today for a detached labrum (hurt shoulder).  It was hard for me to be so far away while all of this was happening.  Not only did I want to be there for my sister, but I also wanted to be with my family during a time like this and I was stuck ten hours away.  That has been tough.

She made it out of surgery quickly and safely.  Although recovery is going to be tough (six weeks with little use of her right arm), she is okay.  If you could remember to say a few prayers for her over the next month and a half, that would be wonderful.

As for the blogging challenge...

Day 2: A book you love.

I haven't been reading many books outside of what I've had to read for school recently, so I had to think hard to come up with a good book to write about.  I finally settled on CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan.  This book is phenomenal and changed my perspective on God's love and about something even more important that I've struggled with in my life: stress and worry. 

One of my favorite quotes of all times comes from CRAZY LOVE.  I think about it all the time, almost every single day.  Check this out.  The first time I read it, I felt like I had been slapped... but in a good way.

Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.  Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towards others, or our tight grip of control.

I am a worrier and I tend to stress out... a lot.  CRAZY LOVE helped me to get a grip on my focuses on life.  God loves me.  That's all that matters.  Everything else is so insignificant compared to His crazy, relentless love.  I would recommend for anyone to read CRAZY LOVE.  It is a quick read and somehow manages to fill you with both joy and conviction at the same time.   

Here is the description on the back of the book:

God is love. Crazy, relentless, all-powerful love. Have you ever wondered if we're missing it? It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe--the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor--loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. Whether you've verbalized it yet or not... we all know something's wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts--it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis Chan describes it, you will never be the same. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

And that's a book I love.  CRAZY LOVE.  Francis Chan.  Check it out here.

Summary- (taken from the back of the book)

Fleeing pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into possession of a vial of blood and a cryptic vellum.  When consumed, the blood will bring him back to life; revive his emotions; when decoded, the message will lead him on a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love.  But the blood will also resurrect hatred, ambition, and greed at terrible risk.

Set in a terrifying, medieval future, where grim pageantry masks death, this tale of passionate love and dark desires from master storytellers Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee peel back the layers of the heart for all who dare take the journey.

What I Liked-

Although I'm not usually a fan of the sci-fi/fantasy genre, I love the world created in FORBIDDEN.  Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee have captured a fascinating setting with realistic and lovable characters.

The way emotions are described in FORBIDDEN is absolutely stunning.  Dekker and Lee write with such raw emotion that at times, tears would spring to my eyes and chills would ripple down my arms.  Emotion is such a beautiful gift from God.  Without it, life would be dreary and even meaningless.  I have never seen a piece of writing describe emotion with the same level of intensity and honesty as what I've found in FORBIDDEN.  I've never appreciated love, tears, and even heartbreak so much.

At first I was a little confused about how FORBIDDEN was a Christian story, but then I began to see parallels and allegories hidden in its pages.  I was amazed with each new revelation.

The Order, with its strict legalism, is in many ways like the laws of the Old Testament.  Those forced to exist without emotions, often described as the living dead, remind me of those who are living without the light of Christ in their lives.  And the grace and redemption found throughout the entire story is a lovely expression of the beauty the Lord eagerly brings into our lives.

What I Didn't Like-

Some may disagree with this, but I did not enjoy all of the morbid and violent scenes in FORBIDDEN.  At times, I feel like Ted Dekker revels in writing shockingly violent scenes.  (I assume he was the one who wrote them, as I've read the works of both authors and Dekker tends to be more violent than Lee.)  I realize there is darkness and evil in the world, and to an extent, a taste of darkness should be shared to remind us of the beauty that light can bring.  However, I'm unsure if violence and darkness should be penned in such disturbing detail... and with such perceived delight.

However, the violence in FORBIDDEN isn't as excessive as it is in some of Dekker's books that I've enjoyed, so it wasn't enough to make me put the book down and stop reading.  I merely feel that at times, some of the scenes of murder and violence seem unnecessary and perhaps are added for shock value rather than to add to the purpose of the story.

I recommend this for-

This isn't Young Adult fiction.  This is a story about adults, written with brutal honesty and some graphic descriptions.  Sex is briefly discussed.  There are some explicit violent scenes.  In my opinion, FORBIDDEN is appropriate for mid-to-late teens and adults.  If you're faint of heart, you might struggle with a few of the scenes in FORBIDDEN, but they come far enough apart that you could skip over them fairly easily.

FORBIDDEN is similar to The Circle trilogy by Ted Dekker.  It's a brilliant blend of Dekker and Lee's styles.  Tosca Lee is a beautiful wordsmith.  Her writing often reminds me of poetry.  Ted Dekker is raw and intense.  Together, they have created a masterpiece.  I cannot wait for the next book in this trilogy.

FORBIDDEN comes out on September 13, 2011.  You can pre-order it here.  If you're a fan of Ted Dekker or Tosca Lee, I highly recommend for you to check out FORBIDDEN as soon as it's released.  It gave me a new perspective on love, emotions, and faith.  It was beautiful.

Today I'd like to share a website that my inventive cousin created recently. 

It's called Book Shrub.  It's an app you can sign onto through Facebook and share all the books you're reading with your friends and keep a log of sorts for yourself.  The idea is quite clever and the website is new, but easy to navigate. 

So go add what you've been reading and share the app with your friends.

www.bookshrub.com

What have YOU been reading recently?

Here's my list of books I've read during February so far:
1.) The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
2.) A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
3.) Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
4.) Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery
5.) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

And I'm reading right now...
Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
House Rules by Jodie Piccoult

To be honest, the reason I've been re-reading all of these classics this month is because my dad recently gave me his Amazon Kindle since he got an iPad for Christmas. 

I love the Kindle.  I 100% recommend it.  It's the handiest thing ever and all the books whose copyrights have run out are free.  Free books!  Over a thousand of them!  The screen doesn't hurt my eyes.  It's small.  I can carry it everywhere.  I can add bookmarks, notes, and highlights.  I even keep a study Bible on there.  Have I mentioned the free books? 

The Kindle is my new favorite thing.  I take it everywhere.  I used to be against e-readers because I love books, but after being given my Kindle I think I'd like to have an e-reader forever. :) 

Summary-
(From the back of the book)
Six months ago, brutal murders shook the small Ozark town- murders that stopped after a house fire reportedly claimed the killer's life.  Lauryn McBride's family auction house has taken responsibility for the estate sale of one of the victims- the enigmatic Markus Chisom.  Submerging herself in Chisom's beautiful but strange world, Lauryn welcomes the reprieve from watching Alzheimer's steal her father from her, piece by piece.  She soon realizes that centuries-old secrets tie Abbey Hills to the Chisom estate and a mysterious evil will do anything to make sure those secrets stay hidden.  Even the man who grew up loving her may not be able to protect Lauryn from the danger.

When Amede Dastillion receives an unexpected package from Abbey Hills, she hopes it might be the key in tracking down her beloved sister, long estranged from her family.  Visiting Abbey Hills seems the logical next step in her search, but Amede is unusually affected by the town, and when mutilated carcasses begin turning up again in the small community, the local law enforcement isn't sure if they are confronting a familiar evil or a new terror.

Two women brought together by questions that seem to have no answers.  Can they overcome the loss and darkness threatening to devour them- or will their own demons condemn them to an emotional wasteland?

What I Liked-
Bateman painted a friendly, likable main character in Lauryn.  It was easy to relate to her personality and easy to become immersed into her struggles she faced with her father who was suffering from Alzheimers. 

I liked the title of this book, Tandem.  It fits the story well and was actually what first drew me to this novel.

What I Didn't Like-
Unfortunately, I wasn't a big fan of this book, but I'm not a big fan of most paranormal and vampire stories in general.  I prefer realistic general fiction, mystery, and thrillers.

I had a big issue with this book for the reason that I picked it from the Blogging for Books program, but nothing about the book made me believe that it was about vampires, which are a huge focus in the story.  I was given a thumbnail view of the cover, like you can see to your left, and I was given the description of the book, which you can read above.  Do you see anything about vampires?  No.  It seemed like a murder mystery.  If I had known that Tandem was about vampires, I would have NEVER chosen to buy it because those books don't interest me whatsoever.  I feel like whoever wrote Tandem's blurb was a little deceptive about the book's content. 

But onto the actual review...

I felt like Amede and her story seemed very cliche, like what today's culture expects a vampire story to contain.  Hundreds of years old, a creepy name (Amede Dastillion), beginning the story by rocking in an old rocking chair and reading aging love letters.  To me, Amede's side of the story seemed so fake and one-dimensional.  I never really felt a connection to her character, especially when she took a mortal servant everywhere with her.  No, vampires aren't real, and of course the story is entirely fictional, but it shouldn't have such a forced feel to it.  Even a paranormal story should have a natural flow, which I couldn't find in Tandem.

Too many stories seemed to go on at once.  Amede and her vampire antics, Lauryn and her father and her life, the journalist, and the nameless girl who was tormented for half the book.  In italics at the beginning of each chapter is a memory of Lauryn's, which adds yet another story to the confusing mix.  The reader was thrust jerkily from one scene to the next, which made the story flow seem awkward and confusing rather than suspenseful and intense.

There was very little Christian content in what was advertised as a Christian book, which disappointed me as well. 

Finally, I have to share a small pet peeve of mine.  Names.  It seems that the author couldn't bring herself to use normal names in her story.  Charley, Lauryn, Amede, Corky...  In a way, I can understand odd names for old vampire characters, but I can't quite grasp the purpose behind the "misspelling" of some of the names of average human characters.  Writers are usually encouraged to keep names simple and easy to read as to not detract from the story.  Readers should be able to focus on the plot (or the many, many plots in this book's case) without being distracted each time they read a character's name.

I Recommend This For-
I would say Tandem is PG-13 because of mild violence and mature content such as blood drinking.  Vampire fiction readers might enjoy Tandem, even if I did not.

----------

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
 

Today I'm going to recommend three awesome books that you should definitely put on your reading list.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
This is one of the most touching, phenomenal books I have ever read in my entire life.  While I was reading this story, I literally felt traumatized when the women were being traumatized.  I actually cried while reading this book.  It's just... amazing.  I love it.  I love every single moment of this book, even the moments that are heartbreaking and terrible.  A Thousand Splendid Suns brings to light the abuse and difficulties that Muslim women in Afghanistan have to endure every day.
Rating: PG-16
Quick Summary: A Thousand Splendid Suns is a breathtaking story set against the volatile events of Afghanistan's last thirty years... that puts the violence, fear, hope, and faith of this country in intimate, human terms.  It is a tale of two generations of characters brought jarringly together by the tragic sweep of war, wearing personal lives... are inextricable from the history playing out around them...  It is a striking, heart-wrenching novel of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love. 
Violence/Sex/Cussing: There was some minor violence, a few rape scenes with some details that someone under sixteen probably should not read, and a few minor cuss words.
Get this book on Amazon.



Deadline by Randy Alcorn
I read this entire thick book in about two days.  It had me floored.  Randy Alcorn is a phenomenal writer who painted a beautiful and frightening perception of the afterlife and Spiritual warfare.  I still talk about this book, years after I read it for the first time.  Deadline is thought-provoking and truly captivating, which is what I enjoy most about Christian fiction.  It was an amazing read.
Rating: PG-13
Quick Summary: "His body hung suspended between two friends, his soul between two worlds." When tragedy strikes those closest to him, award-winning journalist must draw upon all his resources to uncover the truth about their suspicious accident.  Soon he finds himself swept up in a murder investigation that is both complex and dangerous.  Unaware of the thread to his own life, Jake is drawn in deeper and deeper as he desperately searches for the answers to the immediate mystery at hand and- ultimately- the deeper meaning of his own existence.  Deadline is a dramatic and vivid novel of substance, filled with hope and perspective for every reader who longs to feel purpose in life.
Violence/Sex/Cussing: Because this book is Christian fiction, it's fairly clean, although it has some mature thematic content and deals with subjects such as Spiritual warfare and death.
Get this book on Amazon.

 

The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne
I don't read a lot of nonfiction, but I was highly recommended to read this book.  It was honestly revolution-inspiring.  The pages of the book were creatively designed and lovely.  The Irresistible Revolution was controversial, and at times, I disagreed with what Shane Claiborne was saying, but mostly, his words truly touched me and renewed my fire and passion as a child of God.  I recommend all young Christians to read this book with an open mind, so long as you remember that this was written by man.  Irresistible Revolution encouraged me to stand up for my faith, change my generation, and live on the edge, just like Jesus did.  It's a very inspiring book.
Rating: PG-13, not because of mature themes, but because of the maturity needed to understand the content
Quick Summary: In The Irresistible Revolution, Shane Claiborne invites you into a movement of the Spirit that begins in the heart and extends through our hearts into a broken world.  Using examples from his own unconventional life, Shane Claiborne stirs up questions about the church and the world, challenging you to live out an authentic Christian faith.  This book will comfort the disturbed, disturb the comfortable, and invite believers to change the world with Christ's radical love.
Violence/Sex/Cussing: None. This is Christian non-fiction.
Get this book on Amazon. 


 

I started out the Left Behind series with the kid books when I was nine years old.  Ever since then, I've adored the books.  I've read the original Left Behind several times and read it again recently, so I thought I would go ahead and review it on here. :)

Summary-
In one cataclysmic moment, millions around the globe disappear.  Vehicles, suddenly unmanned, careen out of control.  People are terror stricken as loved ones vanish before their eyes.  In the midst of global chaos, airline captain Rayford Steele must search for his family, for answers, for truth.  As devastating as the disappearances have been, the darkest days may lie ahead.

What I Liked-
There aren't many fiction novels about the rapture that I know of, but the few I've read seem more wacky than realistic.  Left Behind lets you see from the eyes of its characters.  You feel their terror and sadness and emotions.  You feel redemption when they become Christians.  You mourn for their families.  LB doesn't feel futuristic like a lot of rapture books do either.  It was written in 1999, but it could easily fit into today's world.  I love how I can still relate to LB's characters, even a decade after the book has been written. 

I love the way the scenes switch from character to character.  Rayford Steele seems to be the main character, but the reader also reads from perspectives of Chloe and Buck.  The switching scenes add momentum to the story. 

The rapture is a mystery to so many people.  While it must be remembered that Left Behind is fiction and written by men, the book casts light on the book of Revelation and adds interesting perspectives onto confusing and mysterious verses.  It has also encouraged many people to further study Revelation and prophesies from the Old Testament and end times.

I love how Left Behind has drawn attention to the fact that if the rapture occurred today, you might be left behind.

LB captures the attention of many age groups.  Rayford is in his forties, Buck is in his 30s, and Chloe is in her 20s.  Teens can read the kid series, where the characters are aged twelve to sixteen.  These varying age groups help most readers to be able to relate to a main character in the book and further immerse themselves into the story.  

What I Didn't Like-
I wish that the authors would have added more direct Bible verse locations in the story instead of vague references.  I would think, "Oh, I know that verse... but where is it so I can look it up myself?"  It would be nice if they had a Bible reference section in the back. 

At times, the old technology is distracting when they talk about old VHS tapes and cable and dial up internet.  It would be nice if Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins made some minor editing and created a more modern version by fixing those few old references.

What I Learned-
Readers need to remember that LB is fiction and the way the rapture is portrayed in this book is the way Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins see it.  However, LB gave me many ideas about the rapture.  It's a very thought-provoking novel. 

I Recommend This For-
Anyone 13+.  Young children might be frightened about the serious subject, but it's a great book for Christians and non-Christians alike.  It involves romance, action, and Jesus, so just about anyone should enjoy something about this book.

Demon: A Memoir is a startling tale that left me in a stunned daze long after I finished the last page.  Tosca Lee is an absolutely brilliant writer and an excellent wordsmith.  She knows how to paint a picture onto a page with a few words placed beautifully together.  Demon: A Memoir left me chilled, but most importantly, it left me thinking.

Summary-
Recently divorced and mired in a meaningless existence, Clay drifts from his drab apartment to his equally lusterless job as an editor for a small Boston press- until the night Lucian finds him and everything changes with the simple words, "I'm going to tell you my story, and you're going to write it down and publish it."  What begins as a mystery soon spirals into chaotic obsession as Clay struggles to piece together Lucian's dark tale of love, ambition, and grace- only to discover that the demon's story has become his own.  And then only one thing matters: learning how the story ends.

What I Liked-
I loved the ideas that Lee placed in my mind with each word that Lucian spoke.  I never thought I would actually see where demons were coming from as haters of humans, but I now do.  One of my favorite scenes in the novel involved Lucian following Clay into a church.  When he asked if they could leave, Clay asked if the cross was bothering Lucian.  Lucian replied that the cross wasn't bothering him... but the prayers were.  Ouch.

What I Didn't Like-
To be honest, there wasn't much that I didn't like about this book.

I Recommend This For-
This would definitely be a PG-13 book at the least, because of the mere theme of the book.  Demons and spiritual warfare can be confusing and frightening to anyone, let alone a child.  I would recommend this book for all Christians in their mid-teens through adulthood.  If you like your faith and beliefs to be challenged and piqued, Demon: A Memoir is the book for you.

---

Tosca Lee's first novel could be compared to authors such as Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, and Randy Alcorn, yet her work can easily stand on its own.  I can already see Lee emerging as a successful Christian author in the near future.

Demon: A Memoir is literally spine-tingling and shocking from the first page to the last... especially the last, hint-hint.  The ending literally had me floored.  This novel is one of my new favorite books, an I plan to keep it on my bookshelf for years to come.

I read a book recently that truly brought my thoughts into perspective.  It's called "Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations" by Alex and Brett Harris.  If you haven't read this book, I recommend it, whether you're ten, fifteen, or forty-five.  It's fantastic and it smacked me in the face (in a godly way), many times.  If the title alone isn't enough to sell you on this book, does it help that Chuck Norris wrote the foreword?  Yeah, I thought so.

Summary:
The title of this book is pretty self-explanatory.  It's nonfiction.  The focused audience is teenagers, but the book could easily inspire people of any age.  The back of the book says, "Most people don't expect you to understand what we're going to tell you in this book.  And even if you understand, they don't expect you to care.  And even if you care, they don't expect you to do anything about it.  And even if you do something about it, they don't expect it to last.  We do."  "Do Hard Things" is basically a book that challenges young Christians to step outside our comfort zones and do amazing things for Christ. 

What I Liked:
"Do Hard Things" was very straightforward and simply written, but it wasn't "dumbed down," as they talk about in the book.  In other words, while a young teenager or pre-teen could easily sit down and read this book without having to drag along a dictionary, the book is still challenging.  It was even difficult for me to read, a "model" teenager who many adults brag about because I haven't done drugs and alcohol, like many others my age.  "Do Hard Things" is truly the kind of book that "stabs you in the face," just like what that Superchick song talks about.  I felt so inspired and challenged after reading "Do Hard Things," and I know you will be too.

What I Didn't Like:
At times, I thought Alex and Brett Harris could use fewer examples and delve deeper into God's Word and their own writing, but this is only a very small critique, and while there are many teenage examples, many of them inspired me.

I Recommend This For:
Everyone.  Seriously.  Randy Alcorn said, "[This] will prove to be one of the most life-changing and culture-changing books of this generation.  I'd love for every teenager to read this book, but I'm just as eager for every parent, church leader, and educator to read it."  Wow.  That's all I can say.  I needed a boost during my stressful senior year of high school, and this book was just what I needed.

One thing I love about Ted Dekker is that his works are unlike any others.  No one else can sculpt as twisting and frightening of a story about good evil like Dekker can.  BoneMan's Daughters was just as disturbing as I expected, and I've read it many times.

If you are faint of heart, do not read this book.

Summary-
They call him BoneMan, a serial killer who's abducted six young women.  He's the perfect father looking for the perfect daughter, and when his victim fails to meet his lofty expectations, he kills them by breaking their bones and leaving them to die.  Intelligence officer Ryan Evans, on the other hand, has lost all hope of ever being the perfect father.  His daughter and wife have written him out of their lives.  Everything changes when BoneMan takes Ryan's estranged daughter, Bethany, as his seventh victim.  Ryan goes after BoneMan on his own.  But the FBI sees it differently.  New evidence points to the suspicion that Ryan is BoneMan.  Now the hunger is the hunted, and in the end, only one father will stand.

What I Liked-
I adored Ryan's selfless passion for his daughter and his willingness to do absolutely anything to save her.  Ted Dekker apparently based Ryan's desperation on his own emotions when his daughter ran away with a boy whose manipulations and ill intentions left Dekker feeling helpless.  Read about it here, at Ted Dekker's website. 

I like the written profile of Alvin Finch, the cruel and calculating serial killer.  No one can so realistically write into a serial killer's mind like Ted Dekker.  Alvin Finch's vulnerability actually makes the reader relate to him, but his narcissism and horrible actions makes the reader hate him at the same time.  I love that character development.

What I Didn't Like-
Dekker includes a cuss word within the dialogue at one point, which disappointed me because of the fact that he's a Christian author.  I had always respected Dekker for abstaining from swearing while maintaining an attention-grabbing, realistic story.  The cuss word did seem unnecessary, overall.  Simply a shock factor.  The word was a--. 

I assume that to an extent, Ryan Evans' devotion for Bethany was meant to reflect Christ's love for His children, seen in Ryan's self-sacrificing behavior.  However, Ryan was willing to hurt others, cuss, and steal in order to save his daughter, which doesn't seem like a very Christlike love.  Also, Ryan was originally portrayed as a distant, "bad" father, which God has never been and will never be.

I Recommend This Book For-
Definitely no one under the age of sixteen because of graphic murder scenes, violence, and mature theme.  Anyone who loves Ted Dekker's works, intense thrillers, and books about criminal investigation and serial killers should enjoy this book. 

---

BoneMan's Daughters can be quite disturbing at times.  It left me turning pages so quickly, I couldn't think of anything else until I had finished the read.  Ted Dekker can bring a reader to his knees with a pen and paper. 

While there were some issues with the story, a clear message shines through: a father will sacrifice everything out of love for his daughter, and no amount of evil can get in the way of that.

I originally read Pride and Prejudice over the summer.  I loved at first before my attention dulled.  If you take long periods of time without reading Pride and Prejudice, it becomes dull fast.  It's the kind of book you'll want to swallow in a week or so.  I had to read this novel again for a school project, and I liked it even better the second time around.  Jane Austen is just amazing.  There's no question about it.  I generally prefer to read thrillers, mystery, and action stories... definitely not old-time romances.  However, there is a charm to Pride and Prejudice that can't be denied.

Although... I must say, I don't know why everyone is so in love with Mr. Darcy.  He's a jerk.

Summary-
The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring.  [The] characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.

What I Liked-
I enjoyed the unique and funny characters in Pride and Prejudice.  I could get no end of satisfaction from Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's quarrels.  Every plot twist in the story was well-covered, realistic, and surprisingly funny, even written so long ago.

What I Didn't Like-
The old style of English literature simply does not appeal to me as a reader.  At times, the old-fashioned wording had me a bit confused.

I Recommend This Book For-
Anyone over the age of fourteen could probably understand the novel with concentration.  It isn't inappropriate, only difficultly worded, so a child younger than fourteen would be welcome to give Pride and Prejudice a shot if they honestly wanted to, in my opinion.  This novel will most likely be best enjoyed by females, as its primary focus is romance.

For those of you who can't stand reading fancy prose, watch the movie, staring Keira Knightley.  It's a good movie, gotta say.

Step into the Garden of Eden and survey what God has made.  All of creation, perfect and brand new.  And amidst it all: the adam and Havah. 

The story of the Garden of Eden and The Fall is such an iconic tale that sometimes Adam and Eve can seem more like cardboard cutouts than real people who actually felt and lived and loved.  All of this changed with the novel Havah by Tosca Lee.  I'll admit, I was a little skeptical before reading this story.  I was afraid that it would be a cheesy Biblical story that puts Adam and Eve on to a pedestal like most other books of this genre, but I was shocked at the realism and questions behind this novel.  It was an amazing read. 

Summary-
Told from Eve's- or Havah's- point of view, Havah begins with the moment Havah first opens her eyes to God's murmur, "Wake!"  The rest of the novel unfolds in a whirlwind of beauty, turmoil, and temptation.  Explore the Garden of Eden through the fall of mankind.  Read about the births of Havah's children, of the murder of Hevel by Kayin.  Rea Havah's story as the first woman, first mother, and first human to ever sin.

What I Liked-
Although Havah is obviously fictional, I love all of the questions it raised.  Was the animal that God skinned a friend of Adam and Eve?  When Abel died, how did they even understand what death was?  How did Eve realize she was carrying a child... and what a child even was?

I also loved the personalization and human feel that Havah gave to Eve.  Eve is no longer a Renaissance painting of a two-dimensional Bible character in my mind.  She now feels like a real person who existed.  She felt fear, pain, joy, and love.  She was a real person, just like you and me.

What I Didn't Like-
Some theological aspects I did disagree with.  In Havah, Havah and Adam eat meat, when according to the Bible in Genesis 9:3, God did not give men meat for food until the time of Noah.  Similarly, Havah mentions rain, while I believe it did not rain until the time of the flood, after reading Genesis 7:11-12.

I Recommend This Book For-
I would recommend Havah for  PG-12 audience.  Sex is mentioned once or twice, although not in inappropriate detail whatsoever.  Havah is deep and intensely written, more of an adult book than a book for children or young teens.  Havah is great for those who love to delve into scripture and personalize Biblical characters.

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Tosca Lee is my new favorite female author after reading Havah; it was that good.  Havah is eloquently-written and beautiful in every way.  I could not stop talking about it for days.  If you love stunning and thought-provoking novels, then this book is for you.  

I first borrowed a copy of Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy at the library.  I was around twelve years old.  After reading the first few chapters, I was completely hooked.  I've read Bloody Jack multiple times since then.  Six years later, I would still consider it to be one of my favorite books of all times.  The eighth book in the Bloody Jack series has come out, so I'm reading through the entire series again.  I thought I would go ahead and review all of the Bloody Jack books and you can decide for yourself whether or not they are right for you.

Summary-
Jacky Faber is used to fighting for survival.  For an orphan on the streets of eighteenth-century London, every day starts with begging and ends with an empty stomach.  But now luck is finally on Jacky's side- a departing warship is taking on ship's boys, and Jacky jumps and the chance to pursue pirates and riches beyond imagination.  There's only one problem: Jacky is a girl.  And she will have to use every bit of her spirit, wit, and courage to keep the crew from discovering her secret.  This could be the adventure of her life- if only she doesn't get caught...

What I Liked-
I love the character development in Bloody Jack.  L.A. Meyer is a brilliant storyteller.  I also love how Bloody Jack captures so many genres in one novel: adventure, action, historical fiction, piracy, romance... really, everything you need for a good read.  Jacky is one of my favorite written characters of all times.  I could see us being great friends.  And I'm rooting for her through every adventure.

What I Didn't Like-
There are some cuss words in this novel.  Think of the term "sailor mouth" and you'll know what I mean, as this is a book about sailors.  In my personal copy of Bloody Jack, I've scribbled out every cuss word (mostly consisting words that most people wouldn't consider cuss words, but ones that I don't like, such as p!$$ and hell) so I don't have to read the words over again.  If you plan to read the book more than once, I would recommend doing that as well.  There are a few sexual insinuations throughout the novel and Jacky is nearly molested once.

I Recommend This Book For-
Anyone who likes adventure.  Any girl who hates her history being confined to a young lady in a prim and proper dress.  Anyone who simply likes a good, entertaining story.  I would definitely recommend this story for people over the age of fourteen, despite the age recommendation on the book that says "12 and up."  There are some mature themes in Bloody Jack and a few curse words as well, as I have discussed above. 

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Overall, I still love Bloody Jack, even after reading it more than ten times.  It will never cease to capture my interest.  I love Jacky and Jaimy and all of their adventures together.  I just love this story in general.  L.A. Meyer has definitely earned my approval as an excellent wordsmith and story teller. 

Despite a few "iffy" parts- which you should consider before purchasing the book- for a historical fiction young adult novel, I still recommend it to teens.

  

Immanuel's Veins by Ted Dekker is a love story, without a doubt.  Taking place in a world of ball rooms and armor, vampires and heroes, the novel weaves together a tale of rescue and romance.  The novel is one of the most sexually explicit Christian love stories I've ever read.  In fact, it was banned from Holland's Christian book stores for being too sensual.  Whether Immanuel's Veins is appropriate or too promiscuous, I'll let you decide for yourself.

Summary-
Toma and his close friend, Alec, are warriors dedicated to service by their empress, Catherine the Great.  Catherine has sent them on an assignment to protect a wealthy countess and her two wild and promiscuous twin daughters, Lucine and Natasha.  Toma is instantly attracted to the more conservative of the twins, Lucine.  A group of strange Russians keep showing up at the castle, displaying bizarre abilities and an odd allure about them.  When Lucine is swept away into a darkness even she can't prevent, Toma is faced with a decision: stand his ground as a serviceman of Catherine the Great or fall into the dangerous folds of true love.

What I Liked-
I liked how Immanuel's Veins turned down the idea of Christianity being a pretty white church with stained glass windows.  When Toma entered a church in a panic, the priest turned to him and snapped something similar to, "Leave before you mess up the carpet with your muddy boots!"

What I Didn't Like-
1.) In my opinion, Immanuel's Veins was too sensual.  While one could argue that it goes into similar detail to that of Song of Solomon in the Bible, the characters are unmarried, and most are lusting rather than loving.  Immanuel's Veins treads the line between accepting the idea of sex to flaunting the lust of unmarried couples.

2.) The novel is about vampires, much to my disappointment.  In a way, I feel like Dekker conformed into the popular culture's demands by needlessly adding vampires into his story.  At times, I felt the vampire aspect made Immanuel's Veins borderline cliche and even uninteresting to me.
 
3.) There was little character development.  The story introduced Toma without any kind of background.  We never learned about his history, about his family, about his likes and dislikes, about his relationship with Alec, about his personality... we only learned that he was an experienced warrior who was devoted to the empress.  There was also no basis into why Toma fell in love with Lucine.  They knew each other for a few days and the reader was given even fewer conversations between them, and Toma was smitten.  It seems like Lucine's beauty was a huge influence in Toma's infatuation, which would make his love closer to "lust".  The villains actually had more character development than the protagonist of the novel.  At times, Toma was too reminiscent of Thomas Hunter from the Circle Trilogy, to the point where he actually seemed to be him in another story setting... similar name, description, etc.

4.) The plot seems rather thin for a Dekker novel.  Toma fell deeply in love with Lucine in a matter of days.  The reader was never given a chance to fall in love with the characters or witness a true relationship between them.  Immanuel's Veins also touches on pieces of Dekker's other novels, mentioning things such as Alucard and the Shataiki.  If a reader isn't already an avid fan of Dekker's work, he or she may become easily confused.  The plot moved too quickly and the ending also didn't seem resolute and impacting enough to my Dekker-novel-obsessed eyes.

5.) Most importantly, I miss the jaw-dropping sense of God's love and adoration for His children in this novel.  The idea of Toma's conversion seemed more like a cliche, typical Dekker tool to move the story along, rather than a tale of true romance between God and man.  Toma never truly seemed to meet God except in one short instance that did not linger long or in detail.  I feel like Immanuel's Veins was more focused on the romantic relationship between Lucine and Toma rather than on expressing the true impact that Christ's love could have had on Toma's life. 

I Recommend This Book For-
I certainly would not recommend anyone under the age of sixteen to read Immanuel's Veins.  Anyone older than that should spend time in prayer, read my review and/or others, and decide for themselves.  The sensuality, violence, and blood-drinking play large roles in Immanuel's Veins and should be considered before read.

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I am one of Ted Dekker's biggest fans.  I've devoured every single book he's ever released to the public, and advertised them eagerly to my friends and family.  However, for the first time, I have been sorely disappointed with Dekker's work.  Immanuel's Veins seemed more like a pop culture fad rather than a brilliantly-written Dekker novel.  It's missing a decent plot, realistic characters, any kind of background, originality, and most of all... a true Christian sense to the story. 

I miss the tingly feeling I always get from reading a Dekker novel.  I miss the revelation and new perspective into my relationship with God that Dekker novels usually share.

Yes, sadly, Immanuel's Veins fell short of the Dekker standard by a long shot in my eyes.  Hopefully this was one small fluke and his next novel will be a million times better. 

Ted Dekker, please drop the vampire fad and move on to real literature.  
 

Day 3: A favorite book

One of my favorite books of all times is Blessed Child by Ted Dekker and Bill Bright.  I've read it at least five times and as I write about it, I feel the need to give it a sixth read. 

Publishers Weekly gives this review:

"Jason Marker, an embittered Peace Corps representative, must spirit the 10-year-old wunderkind Caleb out of Ethiopia with the help of Leiah, a Red Cross nurse who is covered with disfiguring scars.  Upon their arrival in the U.S., Caleb is put in the care of the nefarious Father Nikolous at the rather stereotypically cruel Sunnyside Orphanage.  Caleb's extraordinary powers manifest themselves early in the tale: raising a man from the dead, restoring sight to a blind boy, healing a paraplegic.  Even as religious authorities are thrown into turmoil about the source of Caleb's amazing abilities, Father Nikolous loses no time in exploiting those powers for his own financial gain.  When a powerful politician realizes that Caleb holds the key to the destruction of his presidential ambitions, he contracts for the boy's murder.... Caleb is satisfactorily presented as an uncorrupted innocent who finds the world a stumbling block to his childlike faith."

What I liked-
My favorite scene in the entire book is when Jason and Leiah decide to try praying to God for the first time.  In this specific scene, God decided to show them His love with bright, beautiful lights.  At a loss of what to pray for, Jason and Leiah simply said, "God, please bless the orphans in India."  Suddenly, a bright and beautiful flash of blue covered the entire horizon in the direction of India, and Jason and Leiah realized how much God loves us and responds to our prayers.  Beautiful.  I get chills even as I type this.

What I didn't like-
There is honestly nothing I didn't like about this book.  That's why it's one of my very favorites!

I recommend this book for-
I would call it PG-13 because I think it is too deep and a little too violent for children under the age of thirteen or fourteen.  Anyone else who wants to read an intense novel that will deepen their faith in the Lord should love this book.

You can purchase Blessed Child at this link.  It also has a sequel, A Man Called Blessed.

 
 

Obviously, I am not a father, but I chose this book from BookSneeze so that I could give it to my dad after reading it.  I figured, "Hey, even if I'm a teenage girl, I can still look and see if this Bible has potential to be a great study Bible for fathers."  I am reviewing after reading the book of James and the notes included within that book.

According to its description-
Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan is the perfect gift for father's, fathers-to-be, and father figures of any age.  The Dad's Bible is filled with challenging and helpful information designed to encourage and uplift fathers whose lives will be a priceless legacy for generations to come.  Whether as a personal purchase, a Father's Day gift, or "just because," Dad's Bible is sure to draw the reader into quality personal time with our Heavenly Father.

What I liked-
I liked how the inscriptions in the Bible made James seem like a man that other men could relate to.  Notes would bring up certain verses from a spiritually-growing man's point of view, from an elder's point of view, and from a father's point of view.  They seemed to cover all topics and offer a lot of encouragement.  This Bible looks nice and crisp.  The designs on the inside are appropriate for the targeted gender.

What I didn't like-
This isn't a huge critique, but I wish that this Bible went into further depth than a small paragraph here or a one-liner there.  Maybe I am missing out on some of the depth because I only read a small book, but this Bible seems to waver between study Bible and small encouragement Bible.  However, there are great tips for every Father and in no way do I discourage you from buying it.

I recommend this book for-
Fathers, obviously.  New fathers and elderly fathers alike.  No matter their place in life, this Bible seems to have notes for everyone.  Since today is Father's Day, I think this is a great last-minute gift for your dad.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <https://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <https://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"I am Hutterite" is a touching memoir written from the viewpoint of a young girl growing up in a Canadian Hutterite community.  For those like me who have never heard of "Hutterites" before, they are very similar to the Amish.  Mary-Ann never knew any other life until her parents moved the entire family away from the colony into the "English" world.  Mary-Ann was forced to conform to a completely different lifestyle. 

What I Liked-
I've always been curious about the Amish/Hutterite communities.  Mary-Ann Kirksby gave readers a rare look into her childhood and culture.  She was descriptive and eloquent in her writing skills and she provided beautiful stories.  Kirksby's moments of comic relief are funny and well-placed.  Kirksby also showed that it was possible to keep her faith even while transitioning between religious beliefs. 

What I Didn't Like-
The description on the back of the book is a little deceiving.  It appears that the book begins with Kirksby leaving her Hutterite colony and adjusting to a new life.  However, the majority of the book talks about Kirksby's family history and only the last few chapters involves Kirkby living in the "English" world at all.  I would have liked to see a little more about Mary-Ann's difficult transition into her new life.  There are times when Kirksby is too descriptive and her paragraphs get a little lengthy and slow, but she manages to re-attract the reader's attention fairly quickly.   

I recommend this book for-
Solid readers, probably over the age of fifteen.  This isn't an incredibly difficult read, but it isn't a sit-down easy read either.  Anyone curious about the way of life in Hutterite and Amish communities should check out this book, as well as those who enjoy coming-of-age autobiographies and memoirs. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <https://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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All I can ask is why? 

He had to try to destroy our ears when he was a contestant on American Idol.  Why burn out our eyes too?  Why do this to us?

Why draw out his fifteen minutes of infamy any longer than he has to?

Why this title?  "Dancing to the Music in My Head: Memories of the People's Idol."  He wasn't the people's idol.  He was the people's terror.  And "dancing to the music in my head" sounds almost schizophrenic. 

What on earth could he have endured in his life that is fascinating enough to write about in memoirs other than his frightening hair and murderous voice? 

No, I did not purchase this book.  I could not bring myself to endure the humiliation of having it in my book shelf.

My eyes are still burning.  Where is the bleach again?