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

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

View all my reviews

[Immediately FREE] Wholesome Weekend Date Movie (Nov. 11, 2016)

Deborah Kerr  "makes time" with Trevor Howard

This week is a unique "little" film that I had never previously heard about until it was recommended to me by YouTube. 
I had no idea that a movie could so perfectly blend the elements of humor and suspense. But what is best about this movie is the captivating and stellar performance by Deborah Kerr in "I See a Dark Stranger" (1946).

She plays a young, Irish woman who decides to "sign up" in the IRA because she grew up hearing several  [ tall ] tales about her late father defeating the English almost single-handedly.

"But he is ENGLISH ! "

She leaves her small town, arrives in Dublin and ends up joining a group that is definitely against the English. But through her naivete, a series of ridiculous blunders and bad circumstances, it's actually a nest of German spies she's tumbled into and not the IRA at all. By the time she realizes what is really going on, she is up to her neck in trouble with only Trevor Howard to help her. The problem with that is  ... he is English! [GASP]

This is another story that will appeal to BOTH men and women, but this week you won't need any tissues to wipe away your tears. You'll be constantly swinging between laughing and gripping tightly to your chair (or preferably the person next to you).

NOTE:  [Once again] I caution you that lack of "graphic" scenes does not necessarily mean "safe for younger children". I'm also going to remind you to take an occasional breath while viewing this tense movie  (so you can't sue me later for not warning you adequately).

I don't have to "hope you enjoy this film" because I'm sure you will. But I always hope a good story will somehow enhance your date and your weekend.

Sincerely,  Laura-Lee 

"Just taking 'Grandad' for his walk."

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 "I See a Dark Stranger" at YouTube

LINK to More Info on "I See a Dark Stranger" at IMDb website

I See a Dark Stranger (Promo Poster)

LINK "Complete Films Play List" at YouTube

LINK Laura-Lee's YouTube Channel

(I always welcome you to look around my YouTube Channel. My Play Lists are full of many entertaining options)

[IMMEDIATELY FREE] Wholesome Weekend Date Movie (Sept 16, 2016)

The Labour Day long weekend is behind us, students are back into the routine of school days, we have lots of work to do to get ready for winter and this weekend it's time for ...

CHRISTMAS!    

 
At least as far as my "Wholesome Weekend Date Movie" is concerned. 
This week I'm going to do something odd (which is actually the 'norm' for me) and recommend to you a Christmas movie that was made for TV several years ago. It's simply called, "Silent Night" and the only actor in it that I've heard of is Linda Hamilton (from the "Terminator" films).

Hamilton gives a solid performance as a German mother who takes her pre-teen son to the secluded, family hunting cabin on Christmas Eve during the last days of World War 2 and the infamous Battle of the Bulge. 
For those of you who don't know what the "Battle of the Bulge" is,  I'm not going to tell you because it will spoil at least one plot twist (and there are several in this often suspenseful film).

During a storm, a group of American soldiers AND a group of Nazis all find themselves lost and stumbling into the cabin for shelter. Through a series of events, this mother is able to hide their guns and carry out her demand that they call her cabin "neutral territory" for this one "holiest of nights" in exchange for her hospitality and help. What follows is a series of interesting events, plot twists and a Christmas none of the participants will ever forget in this story based on true events.

We Christians often say we celebrate Christmas all year round because we know the "true" meaning of Christmas ... Jesus. 
At any rate, I found myself watching this interesting, charming, well-made and well-acted film once again during this past week. I got carried away by it and put in the "Christmas Spirit" and thought I might try to pass on some of those good feelings to you too. 

And, as usual, I wish you all a wonderful weekend and a ...

      Sincerely, Laura-Lee 



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
• Available on the Internet right now for FREE (so you can watch it Immediately)

LINK to movie "Silent Night" at YouTube

(Look around my YouTube Channel at my Play Lists and more recommendations)

LINK Laura-Lee's YouTube Channel

LINK more INFO about "Silent Night" at IMDb Website

"Silent Night" Promo Poster

 

Final English verse of the song, "Silent Night"

[Immediately FREE] Wholesome Weekend Date Movie (July 15 2016)

                                                 

"The Hiding Place" (Behind the Scenes during filming)

The Real Corrie Ten Boom & the Actress who portrays her: Jeannette Clift

Also starring: Julie Harris, Arthur O'Connell, Eileen Heckart, Nigel Hawthorne,

When I found this film on YouTube earlier this week I was so thrilled I immediately "shared"  it with everyone. I believe it to be the BEST film I've ever seen. I think that 'earns' it a second recommendation (at least).

The best part about this World War 2 action film? 
It's ALL true! Right down to the dialogue being what people actually said and it being filmed at the actual locations where the action took place. Gripping, intense, full of action and compassion. This one you do NOT want to miss!

"The Hiding Place" is the story of two middle-aged spinsters and their elderly father who saved many Jews by hiding them in their home in occupied Holland during World War II. Proving again that God uses ordinary people to do EXTRA-ordinary things. 


What is YOUR destiny?

(The Real) Corrie Ten Boom 
          in the 1930's

Based on the  book of the same name by Corrie Ten Boom.

Love Laura-Lee

LINK to The Hiding Place FREE and Complete at Youtube

LINK to Laura-Lee's YouTube Channel

More Info about "The Hiding Place" at IMDb Website

The Hiding Place Promo Poster

Real Photos from World War II:

All Jews forced to sew this star on their clothing to identify them as a "Jew"

Real little girl from World War 2


"It is no easy thing to stand in the palm of God's hand." 
- Casper (Papa) Ten Boom

[Immediately FREE] Wholesome Weekend Date Movie (July 8 2016)

You almost didn't get a film this week. It's not that easy to find a film that fulfills ALL my requirements, especially the "immediately FREE" part. But this is the film I am currently watching myself, so we will learn together how it ends. 

One of Paul Henreid's first roles,
 when he was still using the name "Paul von Henreid"

I've picked a World War 2 spy thriller called, "Night Train to Munich" and it's got lots of plot twists (as all good spy thrillers do). That's the main appeal of them, trying to figure out who is a Nazi agent and who is the "double agent".  In the 1940's, when people did business with only a handshake, someone lying was a HUGE deal. But if the lies could land you in the hands of the dreaded Nazi's and maybe your son or husband was in these very circumstances, a movie with this topic was very prevalent. Today it simply makes for good story telling. 

Rex Harrison "sings" to Margaret Lockwood

So together we will find out if Rex Harrison, who is portraying an Englishman pretending to be a Nazi in order to retrieve a scientist (and his lovely daughter), will be able to carry out his mission. And ultimately, who will lose their lives in the process. Sacrifice being another key element in any good World War 2 film.

Have a good weekend everyone. Thank you for coming by again.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee 


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
• Available on the Internet right now for FREE (so you can watch it Immediately)

LINK to "Night Train to Munich" at YouTube

LINK to Laura-Lee's YouTube Channel

(Check out my "recommendations" & "Play Lists" at YouTube)

LINK More INFO about "Night Train to Munich" at IMDb Website

Promo Poster