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Anne (15117 KP) rated This Tender Land in Books
Nov 4, 2019
Thank you to Libro.fm and Recorded Books for letting me listen and review this book. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would and it has a lot to digest from it. I've been thinking about it to try to formulate a review for a couple of days since I finished it.
This story is about 4 orphans on a life-changing journey during the era of the Great Depression in 1932.
In Minnesota, they are at a horrible place called The Lincoln School, where Native American children that have been separated from their families are sent to get an education. It's also where Odie is, who is the MC/one of the 4 orphans in this story. After getting in a lot of trouble and gaining the school superintendent's attention and wrath, Odie, his brother, Albert, their friend, Mose, and Emmy all run away together in a canoe they stole, going to the Missippi and to find a place of their own.
What follows is the telling of their journey during the summer, an adventure where they meet others who are wandering and on their own journeys as well. They meet all types of people like pig farmers, faith healers and others who are lost and trying to find their own way in life and to their own places to call home as well.
It's a coming of age tale, where they come across and are deciding and figuring things out for themselves like religion, belief in God, first crush/love, what's right and wrong, how to treat others with respect and love and so many things.
This story kept sucking me back in whenever I listened to it so I felt like I was there on the banks of the river watching their story or in the school or in the faith revival tents or towns along the way. I was a bit overwhelmed at times from the bigger picture they were showing and talking about along the way, but it also resonated with me a lot and reminded me a lot of Mark Twain's writing with his books about Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer that I remember loving and connecting with when I was younger.
The only thing that bothered me some was that if like me you try to go for clean reads, there's a little bit of language throughout the book, but other than that it was a really good story and the audio was great.
This story is about 4 orphans on a life-changing journey during the era of the Great Depression in 1932.
In Minnesota, they are at a horrible place called The Lincoln School, where Native American children that have been separated from their families are sent to get an education. It's also where Odie is, who is the MC/one of the 4 orphans in this story. After getting in a lot of trouble and gaining the school superintendent's attention and wrath, Odie, his brother, Albert, their friend, Mose, and Emmy all run away together in a canoe they stole, going to the Missippi and to find a place of their own.
What follows is the telling of their journey during the summer, an adventure where they meet others who are wandering and on their own journeys as well. They meet all types of people like pig farmers, faith healers and others who are lost and trying to find their own way in life and to their own places to call home as well.
It's a coming of age tale, where they come across and are deciding and figuring things out for themselves like religion, belief in God, first crush/love, what's right and wrong, how to treat others with respect and love and so many things.
This story kept sucking me back in whenever I listened to it so I felt like I was there on the banks of the river watching their story or in the school or in the faith revival tents or towns along the way. I was a bit overwhelmed at times from the bigger picture they were showing and talking about along the way, but it also resonated with me a lot and reminded me a lot of Mark Twain's writing with his books about Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer that I remember loving and connecting with when I was younger.
The only thing that bothered me some was that if like me you try to go for clean reads, there's a little bit of language throughout the book, but other than that it was a really good story and the audio was great.
If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat
8.0
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Based on John Ortbergs award-winning best-seller. Youre One Step Away from the Adventure of Your...
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Year of Wonders in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Even though I don't usually read historical fiction, this one peaked my interest. I had no idea that the village of Eyam actually existed when I read it, but the idea of a village instituting a self-imposed quarantine seemed both plausible and intelligent. Watching the village through the eyes of Anna was a bit like the morbid attraction of a massive car crash. In addition, I knew so little about the Black Plague that I thought this would give me an imaginative recounting of living during such a tragic time in history.
I found the opening to the book to be confusing and seemingly irrelevant to the main plot - only at the end is the opening scene explained, but the complete scenario still seems disconnected from main plot and an added tool to simply move the main plot along by giving Anna a way to leave the village. At the same time, the faith and endurance that some of the characters exhibit is both profound and inspiring. I don't know that I could have had the same courage to face almost inevitable death as these characters did, or even with the same attitude of complete acceptance that Anna displays.
I found the opening to the book to be confusing and seemingly irrelevant to the main plot - only at the end is the opening scene explained, but the complete scenario still seems disconnected from main plot and an added tool to simply move the main plot along by giving Anna a way to leave the village. At the same time, the faith and endurance that some of the characters exhibit is both profound and inspiring. I don't know that I could have had the same courage to face almost inevitable death as these characters did, or even with the same attitude of complete acceptance that Anna displays.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Indivisible in Books
Feb 27, 2019
As a former military brat, I love to read anything about the military. As a long time fan of Travis Thrasher's this book was a double bonus for me. I loved every second of this 5 star worthy novelization of true events.
PTSD is a very real, very scary thing for many folks. This story is about that. I felt every emotion of Heather and Darren as if it was my own. Every pain filled moment, every tear filled scene was my own. That is powerful when a novelization can do that to me. The beautiful story of Heather and Darren become a part of me and I won't soon forget them.
If you are looking to read a book that will fill you with hope, understanding, mercy and faith, then grab this book now. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I imagine it will be just as powerful as this book is. Five stars just doesn't seem like enough praises for this. Hats off to Travis Trasher for creating a beautiful, emotion filled novelization of Darren and Heather's story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under not obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
PTSD is a very real, very scary thing for many folks. This story is about that. I felt every emotion of Heather and Darren as if it was my own. Every pain filled moment, every tear filled scene was my own. That is powerful when a novelization can do that to me. The beautiful story of Heather and Darren become a part of me and I won't soon forget them.
If you are looking to read a book that will fill you with hope, understanding, mercy and faith, then grab this book now. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I imagine it will be just as powerful as this book is. Five stars just doesn't seem like enough praises for this. Hats off to Travis Trasher for creating a beautiful, emotion filled novelization of Darren and Heather's story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under not obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2163 KP) rated Mouse Trapped (Mirage Mysteries #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Phoenix Robbery detective Marsha “Mouse” is shot in a meeting with an informant gone wrong. All the police have to go on is part of a name and the original tip that the thieves were targeting a collection of Native American silver jewelry. Homicide detectives Joe and Tom are pursuing some of the tangential leads, which brings them into the Robbery side of the case. Can the two figure out what happened without inciting a turf war within the police department?
It’s nice to have a mystery that involves another crime as well, and I enjoyed tracking down the thieves as a way to find the killer. Since the only clue is part of a name, we get too many suspects with similar sounding names, meaning we have to work hard to remember them all until we really get to know the characters. New Christian Joe is trying to grow in his faith, something I enjoyed seeing. I first read this book over 25 years ago, and it’s nice to see it stacks up to my memories of the series.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/03/book-review-mouse-trapped-by-sandy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
It’s nice to have a mystery that involves another crime as well, and I enjoyed tracking down the thieves as a way to find the killer. Since the only clue is part of a name, we get too many suspects with similar sounding names, meaning we have to work hard to remember them all until we really get to know the characters. New Christian Joe is trying to grow in his faith, something I enjoyed seeing. I first read this book over 25 years ago, and it’s nice to see it stacks up to my memories of the series.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/03/book-review-mouse-trapped-by-sandy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Gail (4 KP) rated Fisher of Men in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Fisher of Men by Phoebe Alexander
Four Stars
What an interesting read. I was not expecting the twists the author put in this story. The main character Leah was a pain. The whole I'm a good girl act was just tiring. She used her “faith” as an escape and it was annoying. I know we shouldn’t judge how people choose to live but it just seemed so reckless. I did however keep an open mind about it. This book was full of things that were out of my comfort zone. The story was well written. The characters were flawed and it seemed like something that truly happened to someone. Cap was a mystery to me. I couldn’t figure him out. Did he want the lifestyle or did just want Leah. I was truly confused on the end game for them both. She was always running away and getting mad. It’s not like the man didn't say what he was into. Anyway if you choose to read this book keep your mind open. And don’t judge how some people choose to live and they do what makes them happy. We all need to learn how embrace our differences and just live.
Four Stars
What an interesting read. I was not expecting the twists the author put in this story. The main character Leah was a pain. The whole I'm a good girl act was just tiring. She used her “faith” as an escape and it was annoying. I know we shouldn’t judge how people choose to live but it just seemed so reckless. I did however keep an open mind about it. This book was full of things that were out of my comfort zone. The story was well written. The characters were flawed and it seemed like something that truly happened to someone. Cap was a mystery to me. I couldn’t figure him out. Did he want the lifestyle or did just want Leah. I was truly confused on the end game for them both. She was always running away and getting mad. It’s not like the man didn't say what he was into. Anyway if you choose to read this book keep your mind open. And don’t judge how some people choose to live and they do what makes them happy. We all need to learn how embrace our differences and just live.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Creole Princess (Gulf Coast Chronicles, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Lyse is caught in the middle of the strife between countries during the Revolutionary war. Not just the British and the Americans, but the French and the Spanish as well. Don Rafael seems as mysterious as his comings and goings. Whose side is he really on, and can he be trusted? Lyse's best friend is the daughter of a British commander, but where do her loyalties truly lie? Caught between loyalties to family and country, what path will Lyse choose?
The Revolutionary War is a part of history we should all know. But I have never considered the effect that it had on the colonies on the Gulf coast. The colonies that remained loyal to Britain. Creole Princess is a wonderfully unique book about a chapter of our country's history that is not very well known. Beth White has opened my eyes to the involvement of the Spanish's help with the American's fight for freedom. Lyse's journey is also one of hope and faith. Trusting in God to lead us down the right path and that He knows what is best for us.
I received a free copy of Creole Princess from Revell Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
The Revolutionary War is a part of history we should all know. But I have never considered the effect that it had on the colonies on the Gulf coast. The colonies that remained loyal to Britain. Creole Princess is a wonderfully unique book about a chapter of our country's history that is not very well known. Beth White has opened my eyes to the involvement of the Spanish's help with the American's fight for freedom. Lyse's journey is also one of hope and faith. Trusting in God to lead us down the right path and that He knows what is best for us.
I received a free copy of Creole Princess from Revell Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Always Watching (Elite Guardians, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Can I just say...Listening to this was creepier than if I had read it...Especially when I was in the car, alone, at night...in the middle of no where....Maybe not one of my smartest ideas.
That being said...this was a great story. Interesting characters, intense story line, and a healthy dose of creepy-stalkerness. Heart pounding scenes, swoon worthy kisses, and the leading woman is totally my hero! Olivia is a member of a team of body guards. And all the women on the team are incredible. I can't wait to read the rest of their stories now. Olivia's past has things that haunt her, that have changed her, shaped her into the protective, intelligent, woman that she is. I loved watching her grapple with her faith, her feelings for Wade, and letting God heal the broken areas of her life.
If you are looking for a different and unique book, this should hit the mark for you! And don't forget to check out the rest of the series.
I borrowed the audio version of this book from my local library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
That being said...this was a great story. Interesting characters, intense story line, and a healthy dose of creepy-stalkerness. Heart pounding scenes, swoon worthy kisses, and the leading woman is totally my hero! Olivia is a member of a team of body guards. And all the women on the team are incredible. I can't wait to read the rest of their stories now. Olivia's past has things that haunt her, that have changed her, shaped her into the protective, intelligent, woman that she is. I loved watching her grapple with her faith, her feelings for Wade, and letting God heal the broken areas of her life.
If you are looking for a different and unique book, this should hit the mark for you! And don't forget to check out the rest of the series.
I borrowed the audio version of this book from my local library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated End of Days (1999) in Movies
Nov 21, 2019 (Updated Nov 21, 2019)
Arnold vs. The Devil
Arnold has foughting alot of things over the years and the last thing that you expect him to fight is the devil and well that happened. And out of all the years it came out, it came out in 1999, before the new millennium and its about the devil to come and raid the new millennium. If you filp 666 you get 999 like in 1999 was the dumpest thing in this movie. That and other movies like a grandma overpowering Arnold, how is that possible, well its not, but it happened. Also the devil's pee is fire? IDK.
The Plot: A private security guard finds himself caught up in an apocalyptic conflict. The Devil's only chance of getting out of his eternal prison is to mate with a chosen girl in the last hour of the millennium, and the guard finds himself having to protect the woman from an enemy in whom he does not even believe.
I feel bad for Gabriel Bryne, such a great underrated actor. He was in this and Stigmata the same year. Both about faith, religion, god and the devil.
I like this movie, its entertaining, its so good its bad, its so bad its good.
If you havent seen this movie, than watch it.
The Plot: A private security guard finds himself caught up in an apocalyptic conflict. The Devil's only chance of getting out of his eternal prison is to mate with a chosen girl in the last hour of the millennium, and the guard finds himself having to protect the woman from an enemy in whom he does not even believe.
I feel bad for Gabriel Bryne, such a great underrated actor. He was in this and Stigmata the same year. Both about faith, religion, god and the devil.
I like this movie, its entertaining, its so good its bad, its so bad its good.
If you havent seen this movie, than watch it.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated I Go with God in Books
Jan 25, 2020
I Go With God is a good decent book for young children. The pictures are clear and tell the story. The plot I believe the story is being sick and prayer. Then again it could be just about Prayer.
This little boy seems to learn some things and that asking god is a good thing to do. It also seems to be something you may be able to go anywhere. The pictures are the story. The message is that you can pray to go and ask for help.
It book that could to read your child or children. They can learn about faith and prayer. This is what I got mostly from the book. The angel thing is sweet and I got that they could be helpful though. The concept of them angels maybe what a bit confusing. The idea was not to bad. The angels' message on one of the pages is really good. I understood that and the rhyming of it. Done well.
The art is clear. You get the boy want to help himself and also his pet fish. He asking the one for that help. The topic is decent and something any child or children would go through. That sadness and being sick.
This little boy seems to learn some things and that asking god is a good thing to do. It also seems to be something you may be able to go anywhere. The pictures are the story. The message is that you can pray to go and ask for help.
It book that could to read your child or children. They can learn about faith and prayer. This is what I got mostly from the book. The angel thing is sweet and I got that they could be helpful though. The concept of them angels maybe what a bit confusing. The idea was not to bad. The angels' message on one of the pages is really good. I understood that and the rhyming of it. Done well.
The art is clear. You get the boy want to help himself and also his pet fish. He asking the one for that help. The topic is decent and something any child or children would go through. That sadness and being sick.