41 posts tagged “reading challenge”
Borrowed from: the Sacramento Library (although, if someone wanted to get it for me for Christmas, I would love them forever and ever)
Rating: 10 out of 10
Synopsis: God in couples counseling? Sounds sacrilegious, but in the adept hands of comedian, writer and actress Isaacs, it's a success. Isaacs reached bottom at age 40: no job, no boyfriend, no home. Of course, she blamed God. So off they went to counseling with the ever-patient therapist Rudy. Isaacs moves easily between recounting her life story and her counseling sessions. She describes encounters with the Nice Jesus of her Lutheran upbringing; the Oakie Pentecostal church and the militant counselor; the Rock-n-Roll church and the Orthopraxy, Dude church, plus her rocky acting career and her love life, including guilt-ridden sex and Mostly Mister Right. Isaacs readily admits to being snarky, but she's honest about her quest and its conclusion. She's funny, biting, earthy and brilliant.
Review: I've been putting off writing this review because of just how much I loved this book and I don't feel like my review can do it justice. Susan Isaacs is a) raw, b) brilliant, and c) hilarious. The literary device she created —of taking God to couples counseling—worked perfectly and did a great job of giving the whole book a cohesive feel that is sometimes absent from memoir. The evolution of God's voice throughout the book is especially well done. Reading about the difficulties Isaacs went through in her walk with God felt so much more real than a lot of other Christian books I've read in the past. It's like she's, this is going to sound crazy, an actual person. She is refreshingly honest and I just fell in love with her story and the way she dealt with what came her way. And did I mention she's funny? Bitingly funny. I couldn't recommend this book more highly to all of my Christian girlfriends and to anyone who's disillusioned with the church. We ended up reading it for my book club and every single person absolutely loved it.
Received from: Thomas Nelson.
Rating: 7 out of 10 (might have been higher had I read the first book -- this is the second)
Synopsis: The more than four hundred thousand readers stirred by the story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore will resonate with the all new, stand-alone true stories of hope and healing offered in this intimate, authentic follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Same Kind of Different as Me. With new "Denverisms" and reflections from Denver on his personal dealings with homelessness and disrespect from others, additional insights from Ron on what we can learn from people not like us and from those dealing with a terminal illness, and the stories of readers who have been impacted by the book's central themes, this inspirational reader will generate a host of new fans.
My review: I really wish that I'd read the first book, Same Kind of Different as Me, before I read this one. I have it coming to me from the library, so I'll review it soon. This book says it's standalone, but I really think I would have benefited from reading Same Kind first, just so I could have known the background of the three people What Difference focuses on -- Ron, Denver, and Deborah. Half of the chapters of the book are written by Ron, and half by Denver. Both had a lot of interesting things to say on the subject of homelessness and Christians. There are also stories of people around the country who were inspired by the first book. There was even a woman from West Sacramento mentioned -- her story hit very close to home. Needless to say, I really got a lot out of this book. It shifted my views of homeless people quite a bit, and it challenged me to think differently about the people I pass every day on the street. I don't have enough space to quote all of the different passages that affected me, but this one that really stood out (it was written by Denver, in his own voice):
"Since I been visitin a lotta churches, I hear people talkin 'bout how, after readin our story, they felt "led" to help the homeless, to come alongside the down-and-out. But when it comes to helpin people that ain't got much, God didn't leave no room for feelin led. Jesus said God gon' separate us based on what we did for folks that is hungry and thirsty, fells that is prisoners in jail and folks that ain't got no clothes and no place to live. What you gon' do when you get to heaven and you ain't done none a' that? Stand in front a' God and tell Him, "I didn't feel led"? You know what He gon' say? He gon' say, "You didn't need to feel led 'cause I had done wrote it down in the Instruction Book."
Hello conviction, I'm Cori.
(Finished 10/30/09)
Borrowed from: the Sacramento library
Rating: 8 out of 10
Synopsis: This sequel brings back the young wizard-in-training to face suspicious adults, hostile classmates, fretful ghosts, rambunctious spells, giant spiders, and even an avatar of Lord Voldemort, the evil sorcerer who killed his parents, while saving the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from a deadly, mysterious menace. Ignoring a most peculiar warning, Harry kicks off his second year at Hogwarts after a dreadful summer with his hateful guardians, the Dursleys, and is instantly cast into a whirlwind of magical pranks and misadventures, culminating in a visit to the hidden cavern where his friend Ron's little sister Ginny lies, barely alive, in a trap set by his worst enemy. Surrounded by a grand mix of wise and inept faculty, sneering or loyal peersplus an array of supernatural creatures including Nearly Headless Nick and a huge, serpentine basiliskHarry steadily rises to every challenge, and though he plays but one match of the gloriously chaotic field game Quidditch, he does get in plenty of magic and a bit of swordplay on his way to becoming a hero again.
My review: Ah, the adventures of the young Harry Potter continue. Again, I listened on audio book and fell in love all over again with Jim Dale's reading. He just brings everything to life. Also, he sounds exactly like Maggie Smith. Which is weird and awesome. This book is a little more intense than the first, especially toward the end. The characters are expanded more in this book, as are the growing mysteries surrounding Voldemort and Hogwarts. It's was also really well-paced -- unlike some of the others in the series, this one doesn't really get bogged down in the middle (I'm talking to you, Deathly Hallows). Plus, we get to see more of Ginny. And I just adore her. (Finished 10/13/09)
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)Read because: It's the second in the Hunger Games series. My review of Hunger Games.
Purchased from: Costco, along with Hunger Games. I couldn't help it. The covers are hot.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Synopsis: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.
My review: I'd heard mixed reviews about the second book in Collins's Hunger Games trilogy. After utterly devouring the first in the series a few months ago, I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into Catching Fire. Luckily, I wasn't disappointed. A few reviewers thought it had a bit of a sophomore slump feel to it, but I thought it was still fresh and intriguing and followed up Hunger Games very solidly. I think most readers would agree with me. The dynamics between the characters (including a few new characters that were woven in without seeming forced—see the TV show Lost for poor examples of this) were just as good as in the first book, and the relative ethics were still pervasive, which I loved. I didn't think the love triangle was as in-your-face as some might have—I think the triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale was realistic and a good part of the plot. I thought it did drag just a little around the 2/3 mark (it got a little deja vu-ish), but picked right back up and ended with a bang. A big fat grumblecakes for having to wait another year until book three is released. (Finished 9/25/90)
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)
