79 posts tagged “books”
Borrowed from: that same Hannah
Rating: 9 out of 10
Synopsis: Throughout the world today Christians continue to face intense persecution, and Christian women are often the most vulnerable. In Pakistan, Christian girls are systematically kidnapped, tortured and raped. In China, underground church leaders are sent to labor camps for hosting illegal home meetings. In Sudan, Christian women are captured and sold into slavery or mutilated and left to die. And in many Muslim countries, a woman can be killed by her husband or father for converting to Christianity.In this deeply moving book, Kay Strom and Michele Rickett tell the stories of persecuted Christian women from around the globe. From Africa to the Middle East to Asia, they give voice to our sisters persevering under the yoke of oppression and injustice. Each section provides specific prayer points and practical action steps to equip us to respond.
Despite the challenges, God is active and present with his suffering people. Do not be discouraged. Take heart from these daughters of hope.
My review: I had a hard time starting this one because I knew it would be a difficult read. It's never easy to read true stories persecution, and these were no different. The stories of the women in this book were incredible, though. Reading about what they endure every day was inspiring. We live in such an isolated wonderland here in the US. Freedom of (or from) religion is something we shouldn't take for granted, no matter what we believe. The "persecution" we receive about our faith is nothing compared to what people go through in other countries. I have never been beaten, imprisoned, tortured, or raped because of my beliefs. My family have never disowned me. I have never had to hide my Bible, whisper at church, or sing silently. It made me extremely thankful to live here. It made me pray that if I am ever in a situation like the women in this book that my faith will stand strong. I liked this book, too, because it gave a lot of helpful suggestions for getting involved and helping the women in the book and around the world. Highly recommended! (Finished 9/25/09)Borrowed from: the Sacramento Library
Rating: 8 out of 10
Synopsis (from Publishers Weekly): Novelist Kingsolver recounts a year spent eating home-grown food and, if not that, local. Accomplished gardeners, the Kingsolver clan grow a large garden in southern Appalachia and spend summers "putting food by," as the classic kitchen title goes. They make pickles, chutney and mozzarella; they jar tomatoes, braid garlic and stuff turkey sausage. Nine-year-old Lily runs a heritage poultry business, selling eggs and meat. What they don't raise (lamb, beef, apples) comes from local farms. Come winter, they feast on root crops and canned goods, menus slouching toward asparagus. Along the way, the Kingsolver family, having given up industrial meat years before, abandons its vegetarian ways and discovers the pleasures of conscientious carnivory.This field—local food and sustainable agriculture—is crowded with books in increasingly predictable flavors: the earnest manual, diary of an epicure, the environmental battle cry, the accidental gardener. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is all of these, and much smarter.
My review: I am definitely becoming a food hippie. The following thoughts went through my head while reading this book: "Ooh, I could definitely make my own cheese." "I wish I had a yard so I could get some chickens." "I think I'll do some canning next year." This from the girl who can barely fry an egg. Who eats toast for dinner. Who has an unnatural love for Sour Patch Kids. All that aside, I thought this was a really informative book. I'm fascinated by eating locally to support local growers and to cut down on the ridiculous cost (to growers, economies, the environment, etc.) of getting so much food from so far away. I've been shopping for my veggies and eggs almost exclusively at the farmer's market now, and I can tell you -- soooo much better than a lot of stuff at the grocery store (although I've noticed that Safeway has quite a bit of food labled "local" lately). I'm lucky to live in California for this reason -- we have a much longer growing season here than my poor friends in Maine. I also like the idea of getting food while it's in season and finding a way to preserve it for the winter (canning, freezing, etc.). I loved hearing from not only Kingsolver but her husband and oldest daughter. They were informative and often very funny, especially when talking about turkey mating. The book made me think a lot about why we eat what we eat and how we are so far removed from the farms that grow our food. Highly recommended if you're interested in the stuff on your plate. (Finished 9/17/09)
Borrowed from: the Sacramento library
Rating: 6 out of 10
Synopsis (from School Library Journal): After Reynie Muldoon responds to an advertisement recruiting "gifted children looking for special opportunities," he finds himself in a world of mystery and adventure. The 11-year-old orphan is one of four children to complete a series of challenging and creative tasks, and he, Kate, Constance, and Sticky become the Mysterious Benedict Society. After being trained by Mr. Benedict and his assistants, the four travel to an isolated school where children are being trained by a criminal mastermind to participate in his schemes to take over the world. Readers will challenge their own abilities as they work with the Society members to solve clues and put together the pieces of Mr. Curtain's plan. In spite of a variety of coincidences, Stewart's unusual characters, threatening villains, and dramatic plot twists will grab and hold readers' attention.
My review: Ah, a lesson on Being Yourself and not falling for What the Media Tells You. TV is bad! Sarcasm aside, it was a cute book and I did like it quite a bit. I'm guessing that the moral of the story isn't quite so obvious for the intended audience (grades 5 to 9). I liked solving the little puzzles along with the kids and I kept thinking, "Well, isn't that clever!" The kids were nicely drawn (although the twist with Constance made me go, yeeahhh...not so much.) and they really, really acted according to their own character. I listened to the audio book, but I wasn't really impressed with Del Roy's reading. He didn't really read with voices -- it was more like your friendly grandpa reading it to you. Which was a little weird because I'm 28 and I haven't had a grandpa for a while. (Finished 9/15/09)
Borrowed from: my friend Carolyn
Rating: 7 out of 10
Synopsis: Humans were clearly designed to eat all manner of meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains. But, as Pollan points out, America's farmers have succeeded so wildly that today's fundamental agricultural issue has become how to deal sensibly with overproduction. The result of this surfeit of grain is behemoth corn processors, who have commoditized the Aztecs' sacred grain and developed ways to separate corn into products wholly removed from its original kernels. This excess food and Americans' wealth and rapid-paced lifestyles now yield supersized portions of less-than-nutritious eatables. Pollan contrasts the technologically driven life on an Iowa corn farm's feedlots with the thriving organic farm movement supplying retailers such as Whole Foods. Pollan also addresses issues of vegetarianism and flesh eating, hunting for game, and foraging for mushrooms. Throughout, he takes care to consider all sides of issues, and he avoids jingoistic answers. Although much of this subject has been treated elsewhere, Pollan's easy writing style and unique approach freshen this contemporary debate.
My review: It took me FOREVER to read this book. I think I borrowed it in February and have slowly been working my way through it on and off for months. I don't know why that was -- it's not like it was difficult reading or anything. Anyway, I learned a lot. I can't believe the amount of corn we consume. It's absolutely nuts. Because of this book (and several other reasons) I've been making many different decisions about the things I'm eating -- more fruit and veggies from the farmer's market and much less meat that has been industrially raised. I haven't purchased regular eggs since I hit the chapter on hens (shudder). I also gained a new respect for hunting -- we're so removed from our food sources these days. After reading about the industrial food chain, hunting seemed one of the best ways to go about getting meat. I think you can be more thankful for it if you've killed it yourself (not that I'm going to put that particular principle into practice -- but I get it!). I also learned about mushrooms -- I had NO idea what they were. I still don't really have any idea what they are. But the chapter was interesting. (Finished 9/14/09)
Read for: September FBC Book Club
Borrowed from: my friend Jen
Rating: 6 out of 10
Synopsis: With eye-opening insights and soul-inspiring truths, One Month to Live challenges readers to embrace the life God has entrusted to them and to live it out moment by moment with wholehearted authenticity, honesty and integrity. Each of One Month to Live's 30 chapters—one for every day in a life-changing month—offers fresh strategies for overcoming habits that mire Christians in mediocrity. These strategies come to life through uplifting make-it-count moments, inspiring quotations, colorful true stories and questions for reflection. Readers examine how they can live passionately, love completely, learn humbly, and leave boldly to create a legacy that endures for generations after they're gone.
My review: I would have liked to have read this book several years ago. Not because I've been mired in medocrity and I wish I'd read it sooner. Instead, I feel like I've already applied a lot of this book to my life and now I'm wanting more. Compared to some of the other books I've read by Shane Claiborne, Gary Haugen, and John Ortberg, One Month to Live didn't seem to call me outside of the life I'm already living. It moreso explained how to be content and notice things on a day-to-day basis. Which is good advice, but I'm past it. I want my inspirational books to make me want to give up this very safe life I'm living so that I'll head for the edge -- I think Jesus loves to hang out at the edge. I'm tired of making small changes -- I want people to go, "Cori's doing WHAT?!" Still, I think it's a good book for people who feel like there's no light at the end of their tunnel full of chores and kids and commitments and money issues. But I am beyond that now. (Finished 9/14/09)
Yayayay. Vox's ability to add books is back!
Read because: Do I really need to explain myself on this one? Elizabeth. Darcy. Ultraviolent zombie mayhem.
Borrowed from: the Sacramento library
Rating: 8 out of 10
Synopsis (from Booklist): This may be the most wacky by-product of the busy Jane Austen fan-fiction industry—at least among the spin-offs and pastiches that have made it into print. In what’s described as an “expanded edition” of Pride and Prejudice, 85 percent of the original text has been preserved but fused with “ultraviolent zombie mayhem.” For more than 50 years, we learn, England has been overrun by zombies, prompting people like the Bennets to send their daughters away to China for training in the art of deadly combat, and prompting others, like Lady Catherine de Bourgh, to employ armies of ninjas. Added to the familiar plot turns that bring Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy together is the fact that both are highly skilled killers, gleefully slaying zombies on the way to their happy ending. Is nothing sacred?
My review: I could see how people wouldn't like this book, taking one of my favorite writers of all times and shoving zombies into the nooks and crannies, but frankly, I don't want to be friends with those people. I thought PaPaZ was a riot. It was a great way to get people reading Austen, and I thought Graham-Smith did a good job of not only putting zombies in the book, but reworking plot points so they made sense in the British/zombie world (poor Charlotte Lucas). 85% of the writing is still Austen's, so if you really, really, really can't stand Austen (and I know who you are), then this might not be changed enough for you to like it. My one gripe would be the unneccessary sophomoric sexual innuendos. This book was definitely re-written by a dude (no offense, guys). (Finished 9/12/09)
Read for: I am taking a Crown Finanical course through my church, and this was required reading.
Purchased from: Crown Financial
Rating: 6 out of 10
Synopsis (from Christianbook.com): Many people are experiencing financial challenges like debt, a frustrating job or inadequate savings. Recent surveys have found that over half of all divorces are the result of financial pressure at home. Suffocating materialism is robbing people of their spiritual identity. You will learn that the Bible has a lot to say about money; in fact, there are over 2350 verses that address everything you need to know about handling money. Indeed the bible is a blueprint for managing your finances.
My review: Well, it wasn't anything I hadn't heard before. I've followed Dave Ramsey quite a bit and he and this book are quite similar -- debt isn't Biblical, honesty in financial dealings is important, "snowball" your debt, your money isn't yours -- it's God's, etc. So I was sort of bored througout the whole thing since I wasn't learning anything new, plus I was a little irked that so much of the book concentrated on the ways finances affect a marriage. Good info for some day in the future -- just sort of blah blah blah now. One small thing that resonated with me, however, was the idea that debt "stifles your creativity." In Wide Awake (my review), Erwin McManus made a connection between creativity and finding ways to serve your neighbors and practice social justice. I hadn't thought of debt that way, but it's true -- you can't go out and find solutions to problems in your community and the world if you're constantly worried about yourself and your financial state. My only debt is my house, but there is part of me that wants to pay it off as quickly as possible so that I can live more freely, without having to worry about my mortgage. We'll see how that idea plays out in my study course. I would definitely recommend both this book, however, and the Crown Financial course to pretty much any Christian who wants to learn what the Bible says about money (and it says a lot) and how to apply that to your own finances. It's more than tithing -- it's a stewardship of the money that you've been blessed with. (Finished 9/12/09)
Read for: TheOOZE Viral Bloggers
Received from: TheOOZE Viral Bloggers
Rating: 7 out of 10
Synopsis: In this panoramic view of two millennia of Christian history, Butler Bass (Christianity for the Rest of Us) attempts to give contemporary progressive (the author prefers the term "generative") Christians a sense of their family history, refracted through little known as well as famous men and women whose work within and outside the institutional church fueled sometimes "alternative" practices as they tried to follow Jesus the Prophet. "Without a sense of history, progressive Christianity remains unmoored," argues Butler Bass, a former columnist for the New York Times syndicate. Organized chronologically, each section of the book includes a chapter on religious observance and one on social justice, illuminating the author's conviction that authentic Christianity can be discovered in the practice of loving God and neighbor. Laced with stories from the author's own life and with contemporary examples of "generative Christianity," Butler Bass's version of Christian history includes familiar figures like the fourth-century church father Gregory of Nyssa and lesser-known individuals like the 19th century American abolitionist Maria Stewart. Is this truly "the other side of the story," as the subtitle proclaims? It's definitely a start.
My review: I haven't read Howard Zinn's bestselling novel A People's History of the United States, although it is on my to-read list (along with 487 other books -- I'd better get crackin'). I really like the idea, however, of re-telling history through the eyes of the people who lived it -- both those who were powerful, and those who stood up to the powerful. A lot of times contemporary Christians want to throw out all of church history, labeling it old-fashioned and irrelevant. Butler Bass makes the wonderful point that there is so much to learn from the people who came before us, and throwing out this history is detrimental to Christians in 2009.
Butler Bass's history of Christianity was a great overview of many of the people who influenced modern-day Christianity. Having studied for four years at a Christian college, not to mention having read more Christian books than I can count, I had heard of most of the people she covered in the book. But it was fascinating to learn how those people, through their writing and actions, shaped the face of Christianity. She skirts around the Big "C" Christianity -- Christ, Constantine, Christendom, Crusades, Calvin, Christian America -- and instead focuses on different people who spoke out against things they felt were wrong with the church at that time. I was especially moved by the early church's call to hospitality and social justice -- it's something that we've lost in our current Christian culture and I think it would do us well to learn from our predecessors in this area. Butler Bass notes that hospitality (opening up your home to those in need) was the highest morality -- I don't think it even registers on anyone's radar anymore. Which, to me, is incredibly sad. How could we have lost this particular part of our faith?
My only gripe is that sometimes she seemed to hit people who made me a little nervous, doctrinally -- Thomas Jefferson for instance, who cut out all of the supernatural elements of his Bible (she didn't mention this in her book, though). He did have some interesting thoughts on science and religion, but if you're deleting God from the equation, what are you left with? Still, I would definitely recommend this book to people who already know most of the Big "C" Christianity history. It's a great supplement for those who want to know more about why the Church looks and behaves like it does today. (Finished 9/8/09)
Recommended by: Brittney and Esther (again)
Borrowed from: the Sacramento Library
Rating: 8 out of 10
Synopsis: Fleeing assailants through alleyways in Denver late one night, Thomas Hunter narrowly escapes to the roof of an industrial building. Then a silent bullet from the night clips his head and his world goes black. Now Thomas wakes from a deep sleep, remembering the vivid dream he just had of being chased. Incredibly real. His head is even bleeding—but he's fallen on a rock. He's in a green forest, waiting to meet Rachelle, the woman he's falling madly in love with. That night, Thomas tumbles into bed and falls into a fitful sleep. He dreams. But here comes the real mind bender. Every time Thomas falls asleep in one reality, he awakes in the other. He truly no longer knows which reality is real. Each reality has dramatic impact on the other, each proves to be real, each presents huge stakes, and the fate of each will depend on one man: Thomas Hunter.
My review: So this one one crazy book. I haven't read anything like it. It took me a while to get into it, since I'm not super familiar with the Christian fantasy (if that's what this can even be classified as) genre and I had a hard time wrapping my brain around the concept at first (the two worlds, both real and yet both dreams). But I really did like it. It's dark and twisted and really gory in places. It has an over-arching allegory that would be fascinating to discuss in a book club setting (it's been suggested before at my Christian book club, but it keeps getting out-voted). The two worlds Tom is in are both described in great detail, especially when he's in the Dark Forest. And the big black bats are utterly terrifying. I can't wait to get the other books in the trilogy, Red and White. (Actually, now it's a four-logy...er, quadrilogy...um, tetralogy...uh, series -- Green just came out.) Highly recommended to people who like things a little off the wall. (Finished 8/19/09)
Read because: I found his first book, Word Freak, to be utterly fascinating.
Borrowed from: the Sacramento Library
Rating: 8 out of 10
Synopsis: Fatsis (Word Freak) is dwarfed by any of the NFL athletes who put their bodies on the line each Sunday. But that doesn't stop him from asking to attend the Denver Broncos' training camp in hopes of learning one very specific athletic skill—that is, placekicking—and not to become an NFL-caliber kicker, but to become a credible one. Fatsis is treated like any rookie, from having to sing his alma mater's fight song minutes after stepping into the locker room to carrying the team's duffel bags and bunking in the hotel with all the other rookies. But his vibrant enthusiasm for improving his kicking ability helps his Bronco teammates accept him as one of their own. With that, the reader gets a glimpse of the true NFL, in the tradition of George Plimpton's Paper Lion. We see the crippling injuries that are kept secret for fear of losing playing time; the heartbreak of standing on the sidelines in camp, just aching to prove one's worth; the tears that come when the NFL dream could be over. Fatsis, too, has his own personal highs and lows through camp, enduring the long days, the trainer's visits and the sting of failure in front of coaches and players. It's an incredibly fascinating read for football fans, squashing the notion that the life of an NFL player is always glamorous.
My review: This definitely isn't a book for everyone. If you don't like football, you might fall into a coma while reading it. But seeing as I've been a 49er fan since before I could walk, I really enjoyed Fatsis's inside look at the NFL. He really breaks apart the NFL's cover and delves into the players' lives. For the first time, well, ever, I could see these giant guys as really people. The way the NFL treats players (who have no guaranteed contracts) was scary -- you can be dropped from the team without any warning for any reason. I can't imagine having to do my job under that kind of pressure. I found his personal story slightly less interesting than the player's stories, mostly because no matter how he tried, he was never really, truly one of the gang. The process of learning how to placekick was interesting, though. I learned a lot about training and the mental game. I wish *spoiler alert* the NFL had allowed him to kick in the pre-season game. Oh well. You can't win them all. (Finished 8/17/09)
