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


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Unbelievable Life of a Country Boy Plowboy from AMAZON

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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National Bible Bee LIVE WEBCAST Schedule

You've heard of "spelling" Bees. Well, this is the same idea except it's how much of the Bible these young people have memorized. 

Once again God shows me His perfect timing, because I have just
learned about this "National Bible Bee" Event with enough to time to let all of you know, and plan to be there myself. Or at least to watch it LIVE over the Internet.

Throughout the year young people have been brushing up on their knowledge of the Bible and competing in order to be ready for the MAIN EVENT: "The National Bible Bee Competition" starting on:

Wednesday, November 18th, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (CT) USA

You can watch it LIVE over the Internet for those of us who won't be there in person. I've never seen a Bible Bee  before, but if it's half as nerve-wracking as a Spelling Bee, I'm sure we'll all enjoy ourselves as we watch Christian young people sweat it out. 

For all the INFO you will need, just follow the LINKS below. You can do everything from get the history of the Bible Bee to Sign Up for a REMINDER when the Live (Streaming) Internet Broadcasts begin (via LiveStream.com).

I highly recommend it and hope to see you there. (In a manner of speaking)

Sincerely, Laura-Lee (Rahn)
Laura-Lee Was Here (PERSONAL BLOG)



National Bible Bee LIVE WEBCAST (2015)


National Bible Bee (HOME PAGE)

LIVE WEBCAST SCHEDULE:

WEDNESDAY 11/18/2015

6:00 - 7:30 pm. CST

Opening Ceremony

THURSDAY11/19/2015

8:30 - 10:30 am. CST

Primary Semi-Finals

11:30 - 1:30 am. CST

Junior Semi-Finals

2:30 - 4:30 pm. CST

Senior Semi-Finals

FRIDAY11/20/2015

8:30 - 10:30 am. CST

Primary Finals

11:30 - 1:30 am. CST

Junior Finals

2:30 - 4:30 pm. CST

Senior Finals

FRIDAY 11/20/2015

6:00 - 8:30 pm. CST

Closing Ceremony

"BRAVE" Film is BEAUTIFUL

PIXAR has done it again. Their new film, "Brave" was released in theatres on June 22, 2012 and is now another official notch on their sword hilt or an arrow in their quiver. I haven't seen it yet, but I dare anyone to view the trailer, any commercial or a promo for this film and NOT want to see it.

 I surmize that this story must be "grrreat" due solely to the caliber of actors and artists involved in the making of this film. Academy award winners and nominees aplenty. These people don't spend a couple years of their time working on a film unless it has captured their interest and their hearts.

 I must make another observation. I have become tremendously awe struck at the level of talent that goes into the visual aspects of creating an animated film these days. If you freeze any frame of the movie you will be looking at a work of art worthy of hanging in any museum or gallery. From graphic novels (aka. comic books to us old-timers) to animated films (aka. cartoons to us old-timers) there is practically nothing a person can conceive in their imagination that cannot be brought to fruition on a movie, TV or computer screen. It's a "Brave" new world and I'm happy to see that something of lasting quality is being created by it's people.

Please follow the links below to check out the film, "Brave" and don't be shy to comment at the end of this post.

BRAVE LINKS:

DISNEY - "BRAVE" Official site
DISNEY site
PIXAR Official Site

Also, watch this space for further blog posts, news and comments about "Brave" and related issues.