Just Like Dear Old Dad's Genre

 

The Realms Thereunder by Ross Lawhead
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It must be difficult to enter into the same genre that your Dad also writes in especially when he does it so amazingly. But Ross takes it head on and is no slouch himself as he introduces us to this series of Christian Fantasy books.

In a nutshell, two teens go on a field trip and are sucked into a world of knights, armor, wars and epic journeys and struggles.

Likeable main characters, a plot that bounces along at a steady pace and good doses of humor and clever dialogue round this off. Not a masterpiece but definitely makes you want to invest the time to read the next book in the series.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

View all my reviews

Dark Days for Democracy (Book Review)

 

Life Undercover: Coming of Age in the CIA by Amaryllis Fox
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read the ebook version and listened to the audio version read by the author, Amaryllis Fox herself, simultaneously.

It was an interesting, satisfying, and well-written memoir of how Fox came to work for the CIA. It is fascinating to learn how the organization recruits, trains its workers, and is organized and structured. I also found learning the different methods of trade-craft and all the different training ops very interesting. Amaryllis is a likable person who readily shares her thoughts and does a good job of reading her book aloud with intensity and emotion but without going "over the top" with her narration.

What I disliked about this book was how dark it was as Amaryllis takes us through the various events in her life and world events that deeply impacted her and led her to pursue this type of work as her career. The decline of her mental and emotional state as she is constantly forced to live a lie every day of her life and wonder who she can trust is difficult to witness. As well as the destruction of her close personal relationships and her struggle with keeping her priorities straight and some semblance of reality and normalcy while living a life that is a complete fabrication. It tragically shows the huge sacrifices made by the youngest and brightest among us to gather and disseminate information to keep the world literally "safe for democracy".

Sex is referred to but not in a graphic manner, profanity used though sparingly, and the descriptions of violence are restrained so they don't demean or detract from the reality of what actually happened to the people who suffered. The reality of operating a clandestine life and the pathos that Amaryllis Fox has endured made me wish there was someone around while I read it so I could get a hug and then send someone out to hug Amaryllis too.

I feel like this story needs to be told and these civil servants acknowledged, so if this topic is your "thing” then definitely go for it, but if you need an emotional boost or are already feeling slightly depressed, I think you should move on and pick something else to read.

" For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" Mark 8:36

Sincerely, Laura-Lee (was here)

View all my reviews

FREE Wholesome Weekend Date Movie - November 11/20

I did not see this film coming, which makes it all the nicer for the surprise. It was a "Youtube recommendation" and listed as a "film-noir" classic. Death and murder. Not exactly what I was looking for to take a break from the way our lives are right now. But the 1949 film,   IMPACT , made quite a one on me.

Briefly, it's the story of a rich couple who are happily married and ...

Ha, ha! That's ALL I'm going to tell you specifically about the plot. However, I will tell you that at its heart it is a sweet, poignant, mystery-thriller. It is filled with plot twists and cool forensics stuff long before CSI came along and made them cool. It also has the Biblical themes of justice, sacrifice, turning the other cheek and good, old-fashioned it's important to tell the truth even when you don't want to. It also shows people going to church and praying! 😯

But let me remind you that even though this is a "wholesome" movie, it contains adult themes and is not meant for younger children. Now let me continue to remind you of my other requirements which are listed below and send you off with a "hope this helps you enjoy yourself for a couple of hours."

I've also decided to add a new element to this feature which has now been running for almost six years. 

"Laura-Lee's Cookie of Choice". The appropriate cookie to enhance your viewing pleasure. And since this is a classic film, dark on the outside but filled with sweetness on the inside I MUST recommend (drumroll) Oreos. And I will even go so far as to recommend Oreo Double Stuf as a reflection of this particular film.

I hope you're not sitting next to a chronic talker because even the small details count in this story and you don't want to miss them with a lot of chit-chat. OR making out. So BEHAVE yourselves, but have a good time. Now off you go, dearies.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

Full of vitamins and minerals. And don't forget the big glass of milk. Moo!

LAURA-LEE'S   REQUIREMENTS:   

• Good Story
• Appeals to BOTH Men & Women
• Funny
• Witty
• Good acting
• Plot Twist
• Evokes "warm fuzzies"
• Motivates snuggling
• No Graphic Sex, Violence, or Swearing
• Leaves you with good feelings/thoughts
• "Jazzed" and anxious to share it
• Available on the Internet right now for FREE (so you can watch it Immediately)

LINK "Impact" Immediately FREE at YouTube

 NOTE: Although a good quality upload it has several advertisements that you have the option to "SKIP".

LINK Impact IMDB Page

 DON'T peek at the plot until you've seen the movie. LL

Book Review: A New Theological Dance or Same Old Boring?

 

Romans Disarmed: Resisting Empire, Demanding Justice by Sylvia C Keesmaat
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I SO wanted to like this book. I was on Hold at the library for weeks to get it AND my library app tells me there are several more waiting for it now, so I'll try and keep this brief. (Especially for me)

Romans Disarmed starts by depicting a situation where a group of Christians are meeting and dancing with extreme joy. One person suddenly is overcome with his personal grief and is enveloped by the Community of Believers who wish to "Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn." (Romans 12) Great. Sounds like a wonderful foundation to reexamine the book of Paul to the Romans.

But then we are confronted with a HUGE political agenda by the writers. They have been swept into the legal fight of Indigenous Native Canadians and how they were relocated to various Catholic-run schools in the mid-twentieth century where a great many were abused. The Canadian Government looked into these issues and has since offered a public apology to those (most who are now dead due to age) and the generations that followed. Not to mention backing it up with TONS of government money as well as free homes, and free education to all natives in Canada. As my Native friend used to say, "Being Native is where it's at, Laura-Lee." Knowing I was of French Canadian descent she would urge me, "If you can prove that you are just one-quarter Native or Metis (a new race formed in Canada from the generations of the French Canadians intermarrying the Natives) then you can get your entire education for free!"

Anyway, back to the book review. Somehow the authors got involved with the Canadian Natives plight, swept up in it through the years, and have viewed the book of Romans as a way to fight "colonialism" and stick it to the "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" which actually exists for the sole purpose of "reconciliation." I don't think their comments and assumptions on behalf of Paul are helping in that regard. But everyone has some agenda, so let's move on.

The only problem is that the authors can't. And if that's not enough after they get all warm and "touchy-feely" at the beginning and are encouraging us to use our hearts more while reading Romans to get to the core of Paul's "longings" as he wrote it, they dissolve into a hypothetical question and answer that involves one dry and "brainiac" answer after another to display that their "Phds" are well-earned.
Examples: "The Truth and Reconciliation Commissions call to repudiate the ideology of conquest, assimilation, and genocide amounts to the disarming of the foundations of a colonist society."
"Did this letter legitimate or subvert the foundational myths, symbols, practices, and structures that characterized life at the center of the empire?"
"Paul repeatedly emphasizes an ethos of mutual welcome that abstains from exclusionary judgment".

Get the idea. Page after page of talk like this. I feel very bad for people who picked up this book thinking it would give them a fresh and deeper view of the book of Romans. I feel very bad that it took many years to write this book because the authors were forever rewriting after test readers would ask for clarification (although now I understand why). I feel very bad that I didn't have the heart to see this book to end. I feel very bad that my own mother attended one of these Catholic-run schools but NOT for free and NEVER got any apology or any free education from it.

But on the other hand I realized that, as much of a "brainiac" as he was, the apostle Paul never "subverted" the basic meaning of his letter to the Romans by using all the big words he no doubt knew. He wrote from the heart to people he loved, preached "Christ crucified" and did it so my eleven-year-old self had no problem understanding his "longing".
Skip THIS book, open the Bible, and read Paul's letter to the Romans. And all the others he wrote from the very mouth of God as he sat condemned in prison simply because he loved Jesus.
Nuf said yet?

I hope this helps. Thanks for reading another one of my reviews even though it doesn't put things into "the sociohistorical context of Paul's systematic theology". Yikes!

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

View all my reviews

Serenity - 2005 (Film Review)

 I can't believe it has taken me so many years to give a review of one of my favorite films of all time. Perhaps it just seemed a bit daunting so I avoided it, but here, at last, is my review of "Serenity". 

There are no aliens in this one just a sci-fi film with a difference because of its wonderful ensemble cast led by Nathan Fillion and written and directed by Joss Whedon before he became uber-famous. 

Based on the popular but short-run TV series Firefly, Serenity takes it to the next level and beyond. What can I say? I love it on so many levels and it has something for everyone, including me.

There are a couple of references to sex but none shown and has violence in many areas but it's more intense than graphic, which is a description rather hard to understand until you've seen it. There is swearing but it's made-up words in a make-believe hybrid language of English and Mandarin, so does that count? But there is the word Damn and Hell a few times. Those ones I recognized. Christian themes are found throughout and the nature of faith is discussed because one of the main characters is a minister or a "Shepherd" as they are called in this future. 

There is a definite reason it's a cult classic and the fans are hardcore and lifelong. My "allegiance" as a "Browncoat" (name for its fans) has softened throughout the years but I still watch it with love and respect for its themes of friendship, family, personal redemption, and sacrifice and for its great plot, both excellently acted and directed.

 If you are watching a DVD you must make sure to catch the Director's Commentary special feature the second time around. Joss is so clever and funny and knowledgeable you get a whole new appreciation for the film and its actors while watching it "with" him. He gives us a wonderful balance between telling us technical elements, anecdotal, behind-the-scenes extras as well as his clever and funny personal wisdom.

It's pretty close to the perfect Sci-Fi flick. And I haven't even mentioned the fabulous soundtrack with wonderful elements of guitars and violins that underscores and enhances every scene without intruding. But soon I'll be gushing like a schoolgirl in love instead of the respectable, Christian lady in her fifties I am. Sort of.

And did I mention all the quotes and catchphrases that edged their way into my everyday vocabulary and are still there all these years later? Okay, okay. I'll stop gushing now.

I suppose the big question is, "Do I recommend it, now that time on earth is so short?" It's not an easy question considering this is the first non-Christian review I've done since I've realized we are in the End Times. It cuts to the heart of the question of "How do we spend our free time?" or if we should even have "Free time" anymore? But since I've invested the time to review it I suppose I can't suddenly tell you it is not worth your time to watch it.

Quite honestly, now that time is so precious, I don't think I would recommend investing the hours to watch the original episodes of the Firefly series. But since I know most of us are still watching movies and it's good to have a diversion from the intensity of the way we now live, it (and I) would be hypocritical NOT to recommend you view this film. And there are SO many worse ways to spend your time. It's not a Christian movie but it is definitely "excellent and praiseworthy" (Philippians 4:8) which my review has made abundantly clear. So if you want to "think on it" you may as well go for it.

I hope this helps (and doesn't hinder).

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

Quotes from Serenity. 

Captain Reynolds discusses what keeps a ship in the air.

"Love. You can learn all the math in the 'Verse, but you take a boat in the air that you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds."

"Shepherd Book once said to me, 'If you can't do something smart, do something right.' "

"She is fine. Apart from being crazy she's the picture of health."

"I aim to misbehave." (My personal favorite. 😉)

"Shiney!"

You NEED to Know the Truth

 

The Last Hour: An Israeli Insider Looks at the End Times by Amir Tsarfati
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A wonderful book I stumbled upon while searching for something on Bible prophecy through my local library.

The author starts by telling us his testimony as a Jew in Israel. His years in the Israeli army becoming a Major, his years as a tour guide in the Holy Land and finally as the head of Behold Israel ministries.

A methodical and common sense type of thinker, he puts historical and world events side by side with their Old and New Testament scriptures so we can navigate with ease through End Times Bible Prophecy.

Amir has pulled together for me the jigsaw of Bible Prophecy and Current world events that I have been studying for more than forty years. He has filled in the gaps with lots of information and confirmed many things I already knew. He is SO factual that I have continued to watch his videos on Youtube and Facebook. Amir and the people at Behold Israel have become a massive reference for me to help during these End Times that I have come to rely on.
What I deeply appreciate is that he makes it extremely clear when it is just something he is supposing or assuming as opposed to something the Word of God actually says. In his book and talks, he brings you time and time again to God's infallible word and even gets his audiences to read along with him so that we realize how simple understanding Scripture truly is.

Plus, it is all about Jesus and telling the world the Good News of Christ. He speaks knowledgeably on historical and current events and douses it with the comfort, hope, and peace of Jesus right from the pages of the Bible. And doing it all from the point of view of an Israeli Jew who loves Jesus.
(And he often gives updates from his home that overlooks the Valley of Megiddo. How cool is that?)
A book and resource for these tumultuous times. I believe he and Behold Israel have been spotlighted by God "for such a time as this."

How much do I believe this? The Behold Israel website is now listed as a link on my blogs.

However, I took one star off for his writing abilities. Sorry, Amir. But honestly, you have to HEAR Amir teach to truly appreciate Amir anyway. If you want to know the truth of what is going on in the world RIGHT NOW, turn off mainstream news media and head for Behold Israel. And since I never have recommended anyone or any ministry (besides Charles Stanley and In Touch) to this extent, this is no shabby thing.

I will see you there. Look for me in the comments. Because you KNOW I've always got tons to say.

I hope this helps.
Sincerely, Laura-Lee

View all my reviews

ANOTHER Ill-prepared American Takes on the Canadian Wilderness

 

The Twenty-Ninth Day by Alex Messenger
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Couldn't even stand to finish this one. I haven't even gotten to the first week and I'm ANGRY and FRUSTRATED. Do all us Canadians a favour. Would all you clueless, arrogant Americans please STOP coming to our country ill prepared, naive, taking not even the most basic of precautions, putting your lives on the lines and leaving us to clean up your messes because your lives are so small and have NO meaning!!!!
Can you tell useless waste of human life makes me angry?!

Deeply, DEEPLY, Sincere.
Laura-Lee

View all my reviews

New Book for Old Time Religion (Review)

 

Prophecies of the Bible by Daymond R. Duck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whether it's THIS book on prophecy or Daymond Duck's books of the "Smart Guide to the Bible" on Revelation and Daniel too, these books are filled to the brim with information made simple. Line by line examination of the Scripture, comments by the most reputable Bible-believing scholars and lots of great illustrations by cartoonist Reverend Fun too. These are the go-to books for the modern examination of Bible Prophecy. And if you're like me and feel a deep need to know, you'll be going to them over and over again through the years as you sort out fact from non-sense and study God's Word.

I highly recommend them to both new Christians and "old timers" like me (Nope. I didn't "out" my age on the internet this time) for an insightful and encouraging read as we navigate these difficult and dark days that are so unlike the original times when I was barely twelve years old back in 1978. (Arg! 🙊)

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

PS. Is it a "spoiler" to tell you that Jesus comes back? So be it! We're going to need all the hope and encouragement we can get! LL 

LINK Reverend Fun Cartoon archives

View all my reviews

(FREE) Wholesome Weekend Date Movie - OCTOBER 3, 2020!

 

Just when you think it's safe to come out of the ... 

Wait! Let me start again. 

Just when I thought I was through with "Immediately Free Wholesome Weekend Date Movie" it rears up again. Either I discover a perfect movie OR somebody mentions it to me, as in, 

"When are you going to start doing that Wholesome Date movie thing again?"

Yesterday, it was some of both. I came across the following film when it was recommended to me by YouTube and it's Cookies. How could I say "No" to it?

I had never heard of "Woman's World" which is strange considering what a huge Van Heflin fan I am. And when I discovered it also had Fred McMurray, June Allyson and Lauren Bacall in it too, I figured it would be "wholesome" and also have some GREAT clothing from the 1950s in it too. 

However, what I didn't expect was a well acted, clever character study of three marriages in various stages. Clifton Webb portrays the head of a huge car company with headquarters in New York who brings three medium level employees (and their wives) to the Big Apple for the weekend in order to evaluate and choose one to take over for the CEO who recently died. It is a high pressure but lucrative position that they must compete for and we learn all sorts of things along the way about people and what makes us all tick. And there is a good amount of romance, nice clothes and some cool, old cars too.  As well as a few plot twists and a happy-ish, though unexpected ending. 

And so I finished it and thought, "Wholesome Weekend Date Movie" will see yet another reprise. 

Let me remind you of what a movie requires to make the grade for the WWDM.

LAURA-LEE'S   REQUIREMENTS:   

• Good Story
• Appeals to BOTH Men & Women
• Funny
• Witty
• Good acting
• Plot Twist
• Evokes "warm fuzzies"
• Motivates snuggling
• No Graphic Sex, Violence or Swearing
• Leaves you with good feelings/thoughts
• "Jazzed" and anxious to share it
• Available on the Internet right now for FREE (so you can watch it Immediately)

So get your snack, snuggle up with someone special and enjoy the first Wholesome Weekend Date Movie of the COVID-19 "New Normal" era. It is my pleasure to bring you some pleasure.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

LINK "WOMAN'S WORLD (1954) FROM YOUTUBE

LINK IMDB "Woman's World - 1954

PS. May I also recommend my "Complete Films" playlist at YouTube which has more than 150 films suitable for viewing by we "sensitive though discriminating" viewers. 

LINK "Complete Films" Playlist at YouTube

Not to be confused with my "Caution Full Films" playlist which also contains wonderful films but with some profanity and violence. LL

LINK "Caution Full Films" Playlist at Youtube

Narrator Builds Kingdom He Reads About (Review)

 

Pendragon by Stephen R. Lawhead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I still plan on writing a review that encompasses the entire Pendragon series but I wanted to say this now. 

I've read this series several times but this is the first time listening to it in audiobook format. In this case, read by Frederick Davidson (aka. David Case). I have said that there is a fine line between narrating a book and performing it. The one enhances, the other upstages. I am now going to amend those words if not eat them all together. But I should be forgiven because I hadn't yet heard a book read by Frederick Davidson.

Davidson goes all the way! Voices, intensity, singing (even though somewhat tone-deaf). Whatever it takes, Fred does it. And he does it oh so well. In fact, I gave the extra fifth-star rating (which to me means perfection) to any of Lawhead's books Davidson has read - at least for the ones Stephen Lawhead hadn't already received from me on his own.

In looking for more books narrated by Frederick Davidson I discovered that he died in 2005, which has brought me great sadness even though I'd never even heard of him a few weeks ago. But after listening to his voice speak the words of my beloved author for close to a hundred hours I feel close to him. I knew he got "IT" and so it bonded us. But before I had but a moment to lament his passing I discovered he had recorded more than 700 books. What a legacy to leave behind!

Thank you, David, for doing more than your job required and for pouring out your talents into an ever-increasing dark world. I pray the Great Light has welcomed you wholeheartedly into His Kingdom of Summer, which you spoke of with such desire and reverence as to make it sacred and to help those of us dedicated to ushering it in and giving it life.


THE KINGDOM OF SUMMER (Fantasy)
"I have seen a land shining with goodness, where each man protects his brother's dignity as readily as his own, where war and want have ceased and all races live under the same law of love and honour.

I have seen a land bright with truth, where a man's word is his pledge and falsehood is banished, where children sleep safe in their mother's arms and never know fear or pain.

I have seen a land where kings extend their hands in justice rather than reach for the sword; where mercy, kindness, and compassion flow like deep water over the land, and men revere virtue, revere truth, revere beauty, above comfort, pleasure or selfish gain. A land where peace reigns on every hill, and love like a fire from every hearth; where the True God is worshipped and his ways acclaimed by all.”

- Quote from "Arthur" by Stephen R. Lawhead

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

View all my reviews

Frederick Davidson (aka. David Case)

REALITY

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:1-4

"Dear Jesus. The End is Really Here!"

When COVID-19 hit, I knew for sure we were in the Last Days spoken of in the book of Daniel (Old Testament) and in the book of Revelation (New Testament) and by Jesus himself in Matthew 24 and Luke 21. I thought to myself that THE Peace Treaty would show up "at some point". Probably sooner than later. I first discovered this event would come when I read about it in 1980. Forty years ago!

 I held my tongue through Y2K. I held my tongue at 9/11. I held my tongue when the Mayan calendar predicted 2012 would signify the End of the world. I held my tongue as I watched the scientists move the Doomsday Clock through the years as it went from twenty minutes to midnight to two minutes to midnight. I've held my tongue as Christian after Christian got "weird" and decided to try and figure out and calculate the exact day of Christ's return, even though Jesus said NOBODY knows the exact moment except the Father. I said nothing because they didn't EXACTLY fit what the Bible said would happen. And if it was the "real deal" it would be precise and exact because God knows ALL and His prophecies are specific and would be PRECISELY fulfilled.

Then when COVID-19 hit and I knew for sure we were in the very last days of the world, I still held my tongue. To be honest, I was a little freaked out to see it actually happen before my eyes and was unsure what to say.

Now I've just discovered that while I was napping yesterday President Trump witnessed the Peace Treaty that is spoken of in the Bible and after four decades I am holding my tongue no longer. 

The Abraham Accords Peace Treaty, spoken of thousands of years ago in the Bible, brings stability, prosperity and safety to Israel. It is the precursor of the soon to be invasion of Israel by Russia, Iran, Turkey and their allies recorded in great detail in Ezekiel chapters 37-39.  When you add that to the anarchy and "lawlessness" started by the Black Lives Matters movement, and many other specific world-affecting events there is no doubt we are here at last in the few final years of human history before Jesus returns.

All I want to do is weep. I feel so overwhelmed by it. How do we just go on living a regular life knowing this and seeing it all happen before our very eyes? But before I go into even more details I will hold my tongue just a little more. I need to be alone with Jesus right now. But I will say this, because it may be the last post I have the chance to write, if my caution, suspicious nature and silence for all these years has earned me any credibility at all than listen to what I simply tell you. Grab the nearest Bible and drop to your knees and call on the name of Jesus because the End IS finally here and you and I will live to see it.

That Doomsday clock is now chiming midnight and it is "tolling for thee."

This was the Scripture Jesus led me to directly and miraculously on Monday. He told me to "hold fast to it during this coming week." Now I know why.

8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 

9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 

11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 

13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

(Romans 10:8-13)

I humbly thank you for all the time you've spent through the years coming here and reading my hundreds of posts. I pray that you will find Jesus in each and all of them. Because of infinitely more important than me being here is that "Jesus Was Here" as we wrote the story of my life ... Together.

"To Christ be the glory great things He has done".

Love always, Laura-Lee

ABRAHAM ACCORD PEACE TREATY via White House website

A Believable Man Lives an Unbelievable Life (Book Review)

 

The Unbelievable Life of a Country Boy: from Country Plowboy to Lt. Colonel by Age 30 by Peter Newton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a great and refreshing life adventure this book is! I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review and I am most grateful for it. In fact, I'm thinking of going to get myself a paper/hard copy version of it too.

This is the story of a remarkable man, although I doubt he thinks so, who makes no apologies about the way he lived his long life. He doesn't swear or drink, he believes devoutly in God, was married to only one woman his entire life, loves his family, and just happens to have survived both the Great Depression and World War 2. Whew!

His memoirs are not the act of a great writer, although obviously a very intelligent person, but rather the desire of a sincere individual to leave a legacy in writing. Much of what you first think of as typos has been left in on purpose as a reflection of the way he actually speaks as he weaves his various anecdotal tales filled with wisdom and humor. It is fascinating to learn how things were done in his days and he doesn't shy from giving us details knowing that these ways are foreign to us now and will be even more so to those who are reading it in the future.

Although it will never be considered great literature, it is written by a great person, which is so much more important. There is nothing profane or graphic in this story. Safe for even the most sensitive of readers as Peter Jack Newton calls you near and tells the stories that make up the fabric of his life as only he can. And if you don't think all that classifies him as "Remarkable" yet, consider the Foreward of his book written by all his children which permeates their continuing respect, pride, and love for the man who is their father.

Like meeting someone who is unique and heroic in all the best ways, The Unbelieve Life of a Country Boy is just exactly that. And fits right into my own vision of everything a life can be as I often describe my own journey as "an ordinary life led by an extraordinary God." Whether you love history and memoirs or not, this book is definitely worth your time because Lt. Colonel Newton has something to say and pass on to you. Don't keep him waiting.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee


View all my reviews

Unbelievable Life of a Country Boy Plowboy from AMAZON

Choosing to Grow Up

 

Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Chosen Ones by YA author Veronica Roth is being touted as her big foray into adult storytelling being previously known for her very popular YA "Divergent" series. Even though I had not read that series I was very anxious to read something by her in my constant search for another great author. So I am very grateful for receiving a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and the opportunity it afforded me.

That being said, it seems that what goes for an adult story, in Roth's estimation, is having characters who are not teenagers, that use a lot of profanity, drink, and have live-in boyfriends. I wasn't even a chapter into it before the F-bomb had been dropped several times.

This book picks up with the same characters as the Divergent series and I had no trouble understanding their back story because Roth is able to insert it quite easily within the contents of this one. It is many years later and our heroes are being acclaimed as heroes on the anniversary of dispatching the "Dark One" and saving the world. But being a hero has its drawbacks and each character is dealing with the trauma of the previous battle. And not very well. For instance, Sloane is now a messed up, pill-popper struggling to deal with (her version of) PTSD. But she and her friends soon discover that old "Dark" nemesis' don't just lay down and die that easily.

But just because a character isn't an adult anymore, does not mean an author is ready to take on issues from an adult perspective. Issues like grief. (Hint. Hint) I felt like I was dealing with a situation of teenagers "playing house" and trying to get "dressed up in Mama's clothes."

Roth is a capable enough writer and the story bounces along at a quick pace too, but if she believes adulthood is living life at an R-rated level, I fear she is not there yet. I also feel bad for all the teenagers who will no doubt follow their beloved characters into this story and come to believe that these various elements are what make someone a grown-up. Veronica Roth just isn't ready to depict life, with a capital L. But she has time to grow too, so maybe next time.

I didn't come across any graphic sexual content, but neither did I finish this book. So also take note of that fact when you see the stars rating I gave it.

I hope my comments help. Thank you for reading another of my reviews.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

View all my reviews

Surviving, the Laura Ingalls Way

 

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just read this book again but tried it as an audiobook narrated by Cherry Jones this time.

She has narrated previous Little House books and just keeps improving. In this one she completely "brings it"! From feeling the intensity of the predicament of trying to survive the long winter to understanding these beloved characters, to actually SINGING (even as Pa sometimes!) along with the fiddle, Jones takes this book to an even deeper level.

The Long Winter remains my favorite in the " Little House" series because it is by far the most realistic as the Ingalls family has to dig deep into their resources, (financial, physical, emotional, and spiritual) in order just to survive and not starve to death. Plus, the "shine" around Pa is tarnished a bit and Ma gets some of the appreciation she so deserves for being the anchor that pulls everyone through these true events.

There are lots of opportunities to learn life lessons (as well as survival techniques) and read between the lines as everyone works together using their creativity and ingenuity in order to keep going. Be transported to this hard place and time. But I warn you that you will end the book exhausted, emotionally depleted, and physically hungry. Yet grateful for the everyday blessings in your life. This one gets under your skin no matter what your age, gender, or location is.

I hope my review helps.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

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Laura Ingalls Meets Nellie Oleson: The True Story (Book Review)

On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The continuing saga of the struggling Ingalls family AFTER they have built their "little house on the prairie" and stopped to settle in a little sod house by the "banks of plum creek" where they get livestock, plant crops and the girls attend school for the first time and meet Nellie Olsen. (Gasp!)

They also encounter hardships (of course) like blizzards, failed crops, and LOCUSTS!

Well written, interesting, and appropriate for ALL ages from young children right up to old fogies (like me). Enjoyable for boys and girls, men and women, and with so much more depth and realism than the 1970s TV show, this would be perfect for a family read-aloud time.

NOTE:
About mid-way through this ebook, I decided to give a listen to it in audiobook format when I read a review stating it had a wonderful narrator. So here is my review specifically "speaking" 😉 to that format.


AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:

It seems strange to hear someone else speak the words that have so far been only in my voice and in my head throughout these many years. But it's good to have a new experience with the book and Cherry Jones does a lovely job reading it with her calm and expressive voice. I get a fresh perspective when I hear her different inflections and how she emphasizes different things than I do.

But audiobooks are never quite as good as being directly engaged with the written word, no matter who is reading it. And the harsh fiddle music they have inserted in between some of the chapters feels more like an interruption. Although a good idea, it might be better if they chose music better suited to the tone of the story or event they are attempting to enhance at that moment. Or perhaps just someone with a better singing voice. (Sorry, sir, whoever you are.) As it is, it only serves to remind me how much this version is missing the Garth Williams illustrations which have become synonymous with this series of books for generations.

Also, since being able to read is not a requirement for an audiobook, I'm lowering the Age Suitability to three years old. Actually, you can go even younger if you can locate a two-year-old that will stay in one location longer than ten seconds! 😉


Main books in the "Little House" series:

1. Little House in the Big Woods
2. Little House on the Prairie
3. Farmer Boy (Almanzo Wilder's story)
4. On the Banks of Plum Creek
5. By the Shores of Silver Lake
6. The Long Winter
7. Little Town on the Prairie
8. These Happy Golden Years
9. The First Four Years

I hope all this information is helpful. Thank you for reading it.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

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Cuddle Your Children with Max Lucado (book review)

Just in Case You Ever Wonder Educator's Guide by Max Lucado
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Words: Max Lucado, Illustrations: Eve Tharlet

NOTE. There is more than one version of this book, but each with a different illustrator. I am reviewing and recommending the one with drawings by EVE THARLET and my rating mainly reflects her contributions. Which I make more fully understandable in the review below. LL


This book is what I call a "Cuddle Book". You take a young child into your arms and gently flip through the pages as they see fit and just enjoy your time together.

As far as what Max Lucado contributes, it doesn't really matter. His talent is to use words to create an emotional bond to God. But that's not really required here because there are few words on few pages. They are used primarily as the structure to hold the pictures together and give them a coherent order, as well as to depict the general theme of our worth to God.

This book is primarily about the contributions of illustrator Eve Tharlet, even though she gets secondary credit. And what wonderful illustrations they are! Calming with their muted colors and full of little details that are fun to search for, as your child gets you to read it for the umpteenth time. Like, in the "Bric a Brac" shop there is a stuffed animal in the front window and the tricycle on the sidewalk. They aren't referred to in the words, so why are they there? Maybe you and your child could imagine your own reason or story for the answer.

I would look at this book as a chance to share some quiet, quality time with the child/children in your life. Probably by the time they are past six years old the opportunity with this particular book will be over. So grab at this deeply satisfying opportunity now.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tommy Nelson (I love that name) for allowing me to have an advanced look at this book in exchange for an honest review. Even though I don't have a small child in my life right now, I can always appreciate beautiful pictures and the lower blood pressure I enjoy when I browse through them. (sigh)

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

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Mankind Through Alien Eyes (Graphic Novel Review)

 

The Uprooted by Fred Duval
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm still quite new to Graphic Novels as a genre (format ?), so I never know exactly what to expect. But upon receiving my free copy of Renaissance: The Uprooted from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion (which is what you know you always get), I was very pleased to receive a "comic book" (which is what they were called in my day) made for adults.

Although it has no profanity, graphic sex, and only mild violence and is therefore okay for pre-teen or sensitive readers, it deals with the themes of marriage, family, death, loyalty, greed, individuality, and mankind's' future, even though the story is about aliens. All of these are cleverly woven through an interesting, quick-paced, and complex plotline.

The illustrations are lush, detailed, and set a perfect other,-worldly yet familiar ambiance, while the written words do exactly the same. In fact, it's a rare case where the different contributors each add their uniqueness to telling the story, yet work so well to enhance each other that it's hard to believe we are dealing with more than one writer.

I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to review it and happy that "Renaissance" was so enjoyable that it's certain I'll be continuing to read more Graphic Novels in the future.

Thanks for reading another one of my reviews.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

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A Dystopian Hour (Graphic Novel Review)

 

ApocalyptiGirl: An Aria for the End Times by Andrew MacLean
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm still pretty new to Graphic Novels as a genre. I remember when they were called "Comic Books" and you usually read them over and over, while laying on your stomach on the floor with a snack in one hand as you slowly browsed the various pictures. It was supposed to be something to do to relax and enjoy yourself. So I still approach each Graphic Novel with that same "la-dee-da" attitude and ready to quietly meander wherever the story and pictures take me.

With that in mind, I was also not expecting great literature or an on the edge of my seat thrill-ride. Which is good, because I didn't get either of those things with ApocalyptiGirl. What I did get was an interesting, all be it run of the mill, dystopian story with a likable main character ... and her cat.

Aria is a young woman on earth with the assignment to seek out any unknown transmissions and a hidden power source, while trying to survive two warring factions, and the occasional attack of cannibals and mutant dogs. In between her searching and kicking serious butt, Aria wanders through her everyday life making the most out of her isolation as the only normal human being left on earth.

I found it a satisfying action story with a few funny moments and a few poignant moments added. Aria ponders some weightier issues but not for long because the action keeps at a pretty steady pace. The illustrations are not complex, but still hold some interesting details that you don't want to miss. So don't flip through them too quickly. But it's her interaction with her cat, Jellybean, that is definitely the high point of this read. And I personally enjoyed all the different creative words used to identify sounds. Like "skritch, skritch" to depict Aria scratching Jellybean's head.

Although it has many violent fight scenes, they aren't illustrated too graphically. And with only mild profanity (hell) and no sexual content at all, I would say it's okay for pre-teens and above.
It's not a very long book, so if you're looking for an interesting Graphic Novel with a strong and capable young woman as the protagonist, ApocalyptiGirl is a good way to spend a relaxing hour. May I personally recommend you get yourself a package of Strawberry Twizzlers licorice as the corresponding munchie of choice?

Thanks for reading another one of my reviews.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee 

P.S. Note that the book cover depicted here is not the actual one and does not reflect the book's illustrations. It must be a throwback to a previous version.

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Hit by The Governess

 

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are familiar with my reviews I'm sure you know by now that Romance is NOT one of my favorite genres. Even/especially Christian romance novels which I find repetitive and pappy. But I'm glad to say this one is a cut above the rest.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a fictional, historical, stand-alone, romance novel with a Christian foundation. It starts with a widowed governess who accompanies her five charges to their new home at Penwythe Hall after they are orphaned and must go to live with their uncle. It proceeds as the usual book of this nature does. There is a time of adjustment, various enigmatic characters are introduced as well as a hidden past and a big mystery hinted at and "unspoken passions" constantly referred to. Same old, same old. (sigh)

However, I got my copy of this popular book from my library so I had to initially wait weeks for it, couldn't renew it immediately, had to wait weeks for it again, had to give it back, and then decided to switch to the audiobook format in order to finish it. I was surprised to see myself so determined to complete something that was "same old, same old". But the characters are what make this journey worthwhile. More complex than one would usually find in a book of this nature, I found myself continually drawn to them even if not finding the story itself anything unique. But in the final chapters, there were some events that were rather thrilling and unexpected and family relationships (apart from the main " Romance") that were complex and rang very true to life.

As far as the Christian elements, they are mostly in the periphery and merely hinted at as our main characters ponder human nature, how to deal with their pasts, and conquer their fears. That is until we are led to the deathbed of one of the "periphery" characters who hits us with God's truth right between the eyes, into our brains, and then planted into our hearts. So much so that I found myself reaching for something to wipe my eyes with. Yes. I admit I cried. Though not very willingly.

But I am happy to say my "standing" in the Holds lineup was worth my wait, the book worth my time, and the Governess of Penwythe Hall worth my recommendation.

Without any profanity or graphic sex and only some mild violence (some shoving, a few punches, and gunshots ringing out) it is appropriate for preteens as well as sensitive readers.

May I also add that the audiobook format was well done by English lady, Jude Mason. She read it with a good amount of emotion without being melodramatic and varied the voices and accents without overdoing it. There is a fine line between narrating a book and performing it. One enhances while the other upstages.

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

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"Ahead" to England's Past" (Audiobook Review)

 

Full Steam Ahead: How the Railways Made Britain by Peter Ginn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is added information to the popular BBC living history TV show with Alex Langlands, Peter Ginn, and Ruth Goodman. Read by the two authors, Peter and Ruth.

Full Steam Ahead discusses how the advancements of train travel spurred on the industrial revolution and touched EVERY aspect of life in the UK. To say it holds a wealth of information is a gross understatement for both this book and the TV series it is based on, which has three historical experts thrust back to recreate and experience what life would have been like during this time period in Scotland, Wales and England.

This audiobook is definitely a case of "too much, but not enough". It serves to enhance and add things that there wasn't enough time to show in the TV series but misses the thing which makes the show version so great. It's spontaneity. Although the enthusiasm for the subject comes through while Peter and Ruth take turns narrating the following chapters, they are READING it not LIVING it. What has made their series of living history documentaries so wildly popular is that through the years and previous series these three people have gone from colleagues to friends to family. Not just obviously to each other but to us the viewers as well. Funny, informative, poignant, thoughtful, and heartfelt describe the show but are elements missing from the book and therefore you are left feeling unsatisfied.

But if you've seen the series, Full Steam Ahead, and can't get enough of this sweet and unique "family" of historians run amok, go for the book in audio or paper. But it will never take the place of watching them attempt to fulfill their hearts' desires; bringing the past to life to understand those who lived it ... and ourselves.

TV Series with Alex Langlands, Peter Ginn, and Ruth Goodman:
(Currently available for free viewing on YouTube)

Full Steam Ahead
Tales of the Green Valley
Victorian Farm
Edwardian Farm
Wartime Farm and
Secrets of the Castle

Thank you for reading my review and I hope you avail yourself of the opportunity to watch these warm, entertaining and somewhat addictive series' as well. Be prepared for some binge-viewing that's safe for the entire family.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

PS. Ruth Goodman is my hero. I want to be her when I grow up. 😊

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Full Steam Ahead: Episode One

Victorian Farm: Episode One

Ready Reader One. Nope!

 

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline


I know this book is massively popular. Mr. Spielberg made it into a massive movie. But after a couple of attempts at reading it, I decided I didn't want to spend a massive amount of time on it. So I DNF.

Life is too short and I have too little of it left to spend all the time reading this book will require. Escapism just isn't enough for me anymore. I want amazing! The fabulous! The thoughtful, clever, inspirational and edifying. And I suspect I have a better chance of finding those things elsewhere than I will continuing to read this ENTIRE book and hoping through the whole thing that they may show up at some point.

So basically this is a non-review review. Stop reading it and go hug someone you love. Right now!

Laura-Lee 💓

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Lawhead and Langdon: Match Made in (Book) Heaven

Byzantium by Stephen R. Lawhead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stephen Lawhead does his best work when he writes a series of books, but if I had to choose one book that displays all his talents, this stand alone novel would be the one. It's also the first one that got him noticed on a worldwide scale, has been translated into several languages, and has never been out of print. If I were to introduce Lawhead to a person and could do it with only one book it would be Byzantium. And once you've read just one of his books, you are a hardcore fan (a Lawheadian) and go out to buy his complete catalog. He's that good.


UPDATE:
I just finished for the first time Byzantium as an audiobook. Read by Stuart Langdon. Fortunately, Mr. Langdon understands the difference between Narrating a book and Performing a book. He also understands the gem of a book that he was reading and truly warmed to the task. This book takes more than 25 hours to be read. SO worth the time!

However, an audiobook is not quite the same or as good as the real thing. It helped tremendously that I've read Byzantium many times on my own because there are several terms, place names, and historical references that might be overlooked without the words in front of you. But for me, it was pure enjoyment and just reaffirmed while I still call Stephen Lawhead my favorite author more than twenty years after discovering him.

"All hail Jarl Lawhead, King of Wordsmiths!" (I still don't know if I need quotation marks if I am quoting myself!)

Thanks for reading my review. Now, go reward yourself by reading something -anything- by Stephen Lawhead.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

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Leave the Words to the Lord

I Still Believe by Jeremy Camp
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay. I may as well just do this review, let everyone think I'm a heartless jerk, and then I can pass this book on to those waiting in the Hold line behind me at my local library.

Let me begin by saying, I heard a Jeremy Camp song for the first time just last year after I came home from being in the hospital for several months and it was truly a goose-bump moment. I could tell his music was anointed.
Secondly, I am well-acquainted with grief having lost all my immediate family members in a very short period of time.
Thirdly, I've been on a waiting list for 12 weeks from my library to get my turn to read this book. So I fully expected to love this book. But while I was waiting for my turn I read the Sample and didn't get much out of it. Then when it FINALLY was my turn, I discovered I was having some trouble getting into it. Curious.

This is the story of Jeremy's brief first marriage that ended when his wife died of cancer. It details this time in his life, his struggle with the grief and confusion, and his decision to continue his walk of faith with Jesus in spite of the fact that he didn't understand what God was doing or why Jesus would let his young, beautiful wife suffer and die. Considering the subject of the story and my own intimate knowledge of grief and how it relates to my faith in Jesus, I expected this to be a gut-wrenching read and was a bit apprehensive to stir those emotions in myself. I needn't have worried. I made almost no emotional connection to this story at all.

I've been trying to figure out why I can't get emotionally invested in Camp's story. We have a lot in common. Including growing up excessively poor. But I believe it comes down to two factors. I just don't connect with his perceptions and sensibilities and ... he's not a very good writer.

It seemed like it was being written by a preteen. So much so that I actually checked the copyright of the book to see how old Jeremy was when he wrote it. It was originally published in 2011 which puts him in his early thirties. I found several examples of his descriptive abilities in one area where he's telling us about he and Melissa declaring their love for each other and deciding to get married while she is quite ill having just undergone chemotherapy.
"She seemed pretty bummed out." ; "Her parents were super-stoked." and, "she thought the proposal would be all glamorous but instead she 'felt all sweaty and gross'" because apparently, she had been able to go outside for a run.

Plus, the part when they are discovering their love for each other in view of the uncertainty of their future together should have been deeply intense but it sounded more like discussing going to the school dance. "Does she like me? He liked her first. I wish I could have taken back that I told her I liked her." This is basically the height of the romantic dialogue you will get. Even the discussions of faith are so filled with Christianese clichés that most nonChristians will have no idea what he's talking about.

But how can that be, Laura-Lee? Jeremy Camp is a very successful Christian song-WRITER!

I have pondered that dilemma too. Let us examine Jeremy Camp's song, "Revive Me" which is based on Psalm 119.

Consider my affliction and please deliver me
Plead my cause and redeem me
Salvation is not for the wicked
For they don't seek your word
Great are your tender mercies, Lord
Revive me, according to your loving-kindness
Revive me, that I may seek your word
Revive me, according to your loving-kindness
Revive me, oh Lord
You give me understanding
According to your word
Great peace for those who seek your face
I long for salvation
My lips shall praise your name
I rejoice in the treasure of your keep
Revive me, according to your loving-kindness
Revive me, that I may seek your word
Revive me, according to your loving-kindness
Revive me, oh Lord

Basically, all those words belong to the original writer. King David. Camp has just shuffled them around so that they are in the position to rhyme appropriately for the music he wrote. Which is, I still believe, where Camp's actual talents are. But as a wordsmith, he just doesn't have it. And although I'm sure this time in his life was both heart-breaking and ultimately faith-inspiring, he should have left the telling of the story in prose to someone who has the ability to express and reveal Jeremy's broken heart and the road back to his renewed faith and restored relationship with Jesus. Not everyone is equipped with the ability to write a good book. Jeremy Camp is no exception. Give this book a skip and go listen to one of his songs and prepare to get goose-bumps ... Whenever he starts singing God's words directly from the Bible.

Thanks to all for reading this review (which must have been hard for all you Camp fans!)

Sincerely, Laura-Lee 

UPDATE: All these weeks later and I can't get this review out of my mind. I feel like I've back-stabbed a family member, as indeed that may be exactly what I've done by criticizing Jeremy so harshly. I was listening to some of his music today and thinking how talented he is as a songwriter and how much he obviously loves his Saviour and felt I needed to say something more. However, as I reread my review of "I Still Believe" I find that I still believe what I said about it and am reluctant to change or delete it.

Let me end this by apologizing to Jeremy (and his fans) if I've hurt anyone's feelings and let you know that even before I read it, I had made a Purchase Suggestion for this book at my local library which they approved. So they added I Still Believe in ebook format to their catalog. Because even if in my opinion it's not my thing, I Still Believe it can be for others.

(Continually trying to speak) The truth with love, Laura-Lee

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,"  (Philippians 2:3)

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A Graphic Look at Canadians at War

Canada at War: A Graphic History of World War Two by Paul Keery
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Graphic books are a new format for me and this is the first one that is not a novel. It looks at the role Canada's military had in World War 2. But since the text had very little flow, it felt like the illustrations are the driving force of this book. The text is only there to set the scene or give some added information. World War 2 is such a massive subject that there truly is no way to get at it in such a short book, so it helped immensely that I had a solid knowledge of the topic.

Canada at War jumps around and highlights a specific person, then a specific battle, then a specific division of the military, and then suddenly mixes in a bunch of statistics. And if you don't particularly like this style of illustration, you probably won't get much from this book. However, I did like the illustrations and once I approached the book as a series of vignettes about Canada's involvement in World War 2, I was able to appreciate it. I especially liked it when they highlighted the sacrificial contributions of someone who won some award for courage or valor. But the statistics have their story to tell too.

Because Canada and Britain worked so closely during World War 2, if you are from England you might enjoy this book too. But it will appeal predominantly to Canadians, although I was sorry to see the huge contributions made by French Canadians almost completely ignored. But like I said, this is predominantly the illustrator's Show and Tell and what he considered important and inspired him to draw.

If you're looking for a page-turning, thrill-ride, this "ain't" it. But if you want to see some wonderful artwork, learn a bit more about Canada's involvement in WW 2 and feel some Canadian pride, then this will be a good fit for you. I got my copy from the library, which may be a good idea to help you decide if you like the illustrations too before you pay money for a paperback copy of it. Some people may consider it dry, but after sitting through years of Canadian History classes that truly were dry, this graphic, historical ebook is like a trip to the oasis. I didn't come to Canada at War with any specific expectations and when I just accepted it for what it is, a short glance into my country at war through the eyes and talents of a couple of people, I found it interesting and enjoyable. Definitely not for everyone, but for me, I considered it well worth my time.

I should mention that due to the nature of the topic I would not recommend it for children. However, considering the restrained depiction of the horrors of war, I feel okay to recommend it to those who consider themselves "sensitive" readers.

Thanks for reading my review.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

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Don't Tell Your Dog He's an Animal - Especially while he's driving.

The Dog Who Wouldn't Be by Farley Mowat
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I originally read this book many years ago when I got it from the library as a child. I had just got a dog so they were my favorite topic at the time. Also, the edition I checked out had a picture of a dog behind the steering wheel of a car on it. Nuf said? Well, this is me, so not yet.

This book by Canadian author, Farley Mowat, is taken from his own experiences with the family pet who thought he was a person. It's not a fantasy novel with talking animals, but rather an anecdotal, comic telling of the funny and odd things their dog did as a result of his belief. I won't give away any more than that except to say it is more an amusing book than laugh out loud. But if you have a pet that holds this similar belief, then I guarantee you will find yourself with a big grin on your face more than once as you relate to this true to life story.

Even though it revolves around children, it was written many years ago and Farley Mowat is not the average hyper-kindergarten teacher type of children's book author, so it will be appreciated by people of all ages. I gave this very popular author just an average rating because I've never been much of a Farley Mowat fan. I find his stories okay but personally hard to connect with his thought processes, writing style and vibe. But I am definitely in the minority. It's an enjoyable, clean read that one gets much more out of once you're an adult, for sure. I'm glad I stumbled upon it again here at Goodreads in a list of "Wholesome Books to Read Out Loud to your Children".

This book is available at most libraries, so I encourage you to check out the book and the Goodreads list too. It's also a great find if you are a parent wishing to do something fun to connect with your kids.

Thanks for reading my review.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

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A Hindered Journey to God's Wisdom

A Touch of His Wisdom by Charles F. Stanley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love Charles Stanley's teaching which is evident by the fact I've been listening to him preach for more than twenty years. But I had trouble getting into this book and it has somehow missed the mark for me.

It's a devotional structured around the thirty-one chapters in the book of Proverbs in the Bible. Each section in this Large Print, paperback edition also includes a photograph taken by Dr. Stanley somewhere on his journeys. But the photographs are in black and white (though they were taken in color) and I didn't enjoy this endeavor as much as Dr. Stanley's other books.

I think the intention with this devotional is to make us pause to ponder, but I found it just broke my train of thought when it should have been helping me to focus it. It's as if I was riding a bus that was constantly stopping and starting and I eventually just wanted to say, "Let's just get there already!"
I have read many other devotionals that I do like, so it's not that format per se that is bothering me. And I found this one to be scripturally accurate and full of insight as I have Charles' other books. But this was edited/constructed by others and I was hindered from hearing Dr. Stanley's voice in my head, which is what usually occurs when his teaching flows unimpeded.

It's not the best effort from Charles Stanley and since he has so many other books to choose from, I suggest you do exactly that.

Thanks for reading this.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

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