by Lawrence Hill
HarperCollins, 2007
A "Canada Reads" (CBC) book selection; also the "One Book, One Community" book choice for Waterloo Region, 2009.
Aminata Diallo is of the Bayo tribe in Africa, and is kidnapped by slave traders at the tender age of 11. Forced to march with other captives to Bance Island, she crosses the sea and lands in South Carolina. Along the way, she witnesses much brutality, death, and disease. She leaves nothing out in her recounting of events, and so the reader experiences all of the horror with her.
But Aminata, who becomes known as Meena in the Colonies, is an intelligent, strong, and resilient girl, and survives, both through the care of those who take her under their wing, and through the use of her own wits. Though she suffers cruelty and hardship, she continues to press on, always with the ultimate goal of returning to Africa and the Bayo village. She moves from South Carolina to New York to Nova Scotia (as a black loyalist), and finally to Sierra Leone. At last close to realizing her dream, she joins forces with the abolitionists in England in a bid to end the slave trade once and for all.
Beautifully written, with strongly developed characters, the book draws the reader in from the very first pages, and never lets go. Highly recommended, it is based on historical fact, and acts as a rebuke and a reminder. We must do all that we can to end human slavery, for sadly, though not officially or generally tolerated, it continues to this day.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul
by John and Stasi Eldredge,
Thomas Nelson, 2007
After reading Wild at Heart last year, I thought I would enjoy the companion book for women. Alas, not so.
The premise of the book is that every woman has three common desires: to be romanced, to play a role in her own adventures, and to display beauty. Sadly, many women do not get these desires met and end up depressed, angry, isolated, and tired. The authors believe that if women see God as the ultimate lover, look to Eve as their model of ideal womanhood, and form close, intimate friendships with one another, they will better get their needs met. This is not new material, and not every woman will agree with the foundational concepts on which the authors build their argument.
Not recommended. The writing style was challenging, and it took me about six weeks to plod through. You would spend your time more wisely with a book like Completely His: Loving Jesus without Limits by Shannon Ethridge.
Thomas Nelson, 2007
After reading Wild at Heart last year, I thought I would enjoy the companion book for women. Alas, not so.
The premise of the book is that every woman has three common desires: to be romanced, to play a role in her own adventures, and to display beauty. Sadly, many women do not get these desires met and end up depressed, angry, isolated, and tired. The authors believe that if women see God as the ultimate lover, look to Eve as their model of ideal womanhood, and form close, intimate friendships with one another, they will better get their needs met. This is not new material, and not every woman will agree with the foundational concepts on which the authors build their argument.
Not recommended. The writing style was challenging, and it took me about six weeks to plod through. You would spend your time more wisely with a book like Completely His: Loving Jesus without Limits by Shannon Ethridge.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Grace is Enough
by Willie Aames and Maylo Upton-Aames
B & H Books, 2007
In alternating chapters, Willie and his wife, Maylo, share the stories of their growing-up years, their Hollywood lives, their meeting, epiphany of faith, and subsequent marriage. At first, it's a bit confusing trying to keep track of all the relatives, but this smooths out as the book progresses.
Willie and Maylo both experienced a fair amount of "freedom" during their youth and young adult lives, and also more than their share of personal suffering. Both became deeply involved in drugs and alcohol, dabbled in (oc)cultic practices, and Maylo even lived on the streets at one point. It's amazing that either one came out of their situation as well as they did.
The last section of the book deals with their coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, an encounter that transformed and informed their lives thereafter. Willie talks briefly about his stint as Bibleman (a DVD series my son still enjoys) and the couple discusses their financial difficulties and disappointments (being a Christian doesn't make your problems all magically go away).
If the book is reprinted, it will need a postscript. Just a year after it was published, Willie and Maylo went their separate ways, Willie "fell off the wagon", attempted suicide, and declared bankruptcy. A very sad part of a story that I hope will yet have a happy ending.
B & H Books, 2007
In alternating chapters, Willie and his wife, Maylo, share the stories of their growing-up years, their Hollywood lives, their meeting, epiphany of faith, and subsequent marriage. At first, it's a bit confusing trying to keep track of all the relatives, but this smooths out as the book progresses.
Willie and Maylo both experienced a fair amount of "freedom" during their youth and young adult lives, and also more than their share of personal suffering. Both became deeply involved in drugs and alcohol, dabbled in (oc)cultic practices, and Maylo even lived on the streets at one point. It's amazing that either one came out of their situation as well as they did.
The last section of the book deals with their coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, an encounter that transformed and informed their lives thereafter. Willie talks briefly about his stint as Bibleman (a DVD series my son still enjoys) and the couple discusses their financial difficulties and disappointments (being a Christian doesn't make your problems all magically go away).
If the book is reprinted, it will need a postscript. Just a year after it was published, Willie and Maylo went their separate ways, Willie "fell off the wagon", attempted suicide, and declared bankruptcy. A very sad part of a story that I hope will yet have a happy ending.
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective
by Andy Andrews
Thomas Nelson, 2009
LPGA Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez says, "This is the best book I have ever read in my life." While I can't agree with that, I do affirm that the book is well worth reading.
Confused initially as to whether it was fact or fiction - it seemed too fantastic to be true - I consulted the CIP (cataloguing-in-publication) information at the front and ascertained that it's shelved in the library's "philosophy" section. Upon discovery that one of the author's other books is considered allegorical, I determined that this title also falls into that category.
Readers who enjoyed the Touched by an Angel television series will very much enjoy The Noticer, the story of a man named Jones, who shows up at critical moments in people's lives and helps them get the perspective and wisdom they need in order to make informed decisions and choices. He stops short of saying, "God loves you," but you sense that he means that just the same.
Very much in the allegorical style of Spencer Johnson's One-Minute and Who Moved My Cheese? books, and with the emotional feel of a Richard Paul Evans novel, Andrews combines a captivating story with important ideas about living effectively. Can be read quickly for plot, then read again slowly for life application. Comes with a Reader's Guide to enhance one's experience of the book. Highly recommended.
Thomas Nelson, 2009
LPGA Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez says, "This is the best book I have ever read in my life." While I can't agree with that, I do affirm that the book is well worth reading.
Confused initially as to whether it was fact or fiction - it seemed too fantastic to be true - I consulted the CIP (cataloguing-in-publication) information at the front and ascertained that it's shelved in the library's "philosophy" section. Upon discovery that one of the author's other books is considered allegorical, I determined that this title also falls into that category.
Readers who enjoyed the Touched by an Angel television series will very much enjoy The Noticer, the story of a man named Jones, who shows up at critical moments in people's lives and helps them get the perspective and wisdom they need in order to make informed decisions and choices. He stops short of saying, "God loves you," but you sense that he means that just the same.
Very much in the allegorical style of Spencer Johnson's One-Minute and Who Moved My Cheese? books, and with the emotional feel of a Richard Paul Evans novel, Andrews combines a captivating story with important ideas about living effectively. Can be read quickly for plot, then read again slowly for life application. Comes with a Reader's Guide to enhance one's experience of the book. Highly recommended.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The Hole in Our Gospel
by Richard Stearns
Thomas Nelson, 2009
(includes a study guide)
Richard Stearns is the current president of World Vision U.S, a Christian non-profit organization. He did not seek this position, but accepted it reluctantly as God's will for his life, after much objection and delay. Since joining the charity in 1999, he has seen and experienced much, and was encouraged to write this book to people of faith in order to communicate a message of vital importance.
So, what does he want to say to us? What 'hole' does he refer to? The cover of the book gives us some idea by posing the question, "What does God expect of us?" The answer he found "changed [his] life and might just change the world". His basic assertion is that Christians, -particularly those of us living in the west - have accepted a partial gospel, and that we need to instead embrace the "whole" gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel remembers Jesus' concern and compassion for the poor, the sick and infirm, the widowed and orphaned, the disenfranchised and distressed. It is not insular and tight-fisted, but reaches out beyond four walls, with the time, talent, and treasure that God has entrusted us with. God does not bless us so that we might enjoy, but so that we might in turn bless others and, in so doing, glorify Him.
The Hole in Our Gospel challenges the reader with the realities that exist in our world today. In many parts, AIDS is taking a huge toll, clean water is lacking, people are suffering and dying needlessly. Stearns provides information, statistics, and compelling stories to open our eyes, and uses Scripture effectively to remind us of what Jesus had to say about our responsibility to serve and help others. He argues that the western Church has become too comfortable, apathetic, and self-serving, and rebukes us individually and collectively for neglecting a significant part of the gospel of Christ. Ultimately, he challenges the reader to ask, "What am I going to do now?" We cannot claim a lack of awareness, access, or ability as generations before us may have been able to do. Therefore, we must do what we can do. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
It is a disturbing fact that Christians are no longer viewed favourably in North America. Nonbelievers look at us and see a disconnect between how Jesus lived and what motivated Him and how we are living and what compels us. "God's name is defiled when His people willingly and apathetically accept the status quo, lacking the vision to lift up God's holiness, goodness and justice in a crumbling world," says Stearns. He encourages us to capture the vision of rebuilding what is broken and lifting up God's righteousness. "If each child of God does his or her doable part, then collectively we can set aright a topsy-turvy world."
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" Jesus asked. God doesn't expect you to act alone in your own strength, but provides what you need in order to get the job done - all He needs is your willing heart.
Stearns' book met me at the right time in my life. My heart is willing to follow up with action, so that with Mother Theresa I might say, "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." If you need a push to be able to say the same thing, read this book, think deeply about what it says, then do.
Note: at the author's request, all royalties due the author will go to benefit World Vision's work with children in need.
Thomas Nelson, 2009
(includes a study guide)
Richard Stearns is the current president of World Vision U.S, a Christian non-profit organization. He did not seek this position, but accepted it reluctantly as God's will for his life, after much objection and delay. Since joining the charity in 1999, he has seen and experienced much, and was encouraged to write this book to people of faith in order to communicate a message of vital importance.
So, what does he want to say to us? What 'hole' does he refer to? The cover of the book gives us some idea by posing the question, "What does God expect of us?" The answer he found "changed [his] life and might just change the world". His basic assertion is that Christians, -particularly those of us living in the west - have accepted a partial gospel, and that we need to instead embrace the "whole" gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel remembers Jesus' concern and compassion for the poor, the sick and infirm, the widowed and orphaned, the disenfranchised and distressed. It is not insular and tight-fisted, but reaches out beyond four walls, with the time, talent, and treasure that God has entrusted us with. God does not bless us so that we might enjoy, but so that we might in turn bless others and, in so doing, glorify Him.
The Hole in Our Gospel challenges the reader with the realities that exist in our world today. In many parts, AIDS is taking a huge toll, clean water is lacking, people are suffering and dying needlessly. Stearns provides information, statistics, and compelling stories to open our eyes, and uses Scripture effectively to remind us of what Jesus had to say about our responsibility to serve and help others. He argues that the western Church has become too comfortable, apathetic, and self-serving, and rebukes us individually and collectively for neglecting a significant part of the gospel of Christ. Ultimately, he challenges the reader to ask, "What am I going to do now?" We cannot claim a lack of awareness, access, or ability as generations before us may have been able to do. Therefore, we must do what we can do. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
It is a disturbing fact that Christians are no longer viewed favourably in North America. Nonbelievers look at us and see a disconnect between how Jesus lived and what motivated Him and how we are living and what compels us. "God's name is defiled when His people willingly and apathetically accept the status quo, lacking the vision to lift up God's holiness, goodness and justice in a crumbling world," says Stearns. He encourages us to capture the vision of rebuilding what is broken and lifting up God's righteousness. "If each child of God does his or her doable part, then collectively we can set aright a topsy-turvy world."
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" Jesus asked. God doesn't expect you to act alone in your own strength, but provides what you need in order to get the job done - all He needs is your willing heart.
Stearns' book met me at the right time in my life. My heart is willing to follow up with action, so that with Mother Theresa I might say, "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." If you need a push to be able to say the same thing, read this book, think deeply about what it says, then do.
Note: at the author's request, all royalties due the author will go to benefit World Vision's work with children in need.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Splitting Harriet
by Tamara Leigh
Multnomah, 2007
Former wild child, Harriet Bisset, has spent the last eight years atoning for the errors of her youth. The daughter of a preacher, she feels a duty to honour the church members who offered forgiveness and welcomed her back into the fold. Now working as director of Women's Ministries at the church she grew up in, she dreams of the day she can own Gloria's Morning Cafe, and drowns her personal sorrows in tubs of Jelly Bellies.
Enter Maddox McCray, the consultant hired by the church to help it transition from a traditional to more contemporary style in order to attract younger families and keep the church growing. He drives a motorcycle, has tattoos, and oh, that black curly hair! He spells trouble, and there's no way Harri is getting involved with him.
Well, er... If only he weren't so darned good looking, unpretentious, and persistent. But then there's how his suggestions are upsetting the balance at church, and causing Harri's comfort zone much discomfort...
Very well written, with fully developed characters, this story will tug at your heartstrings and move your spirit.
Multnomah, 2007
Former wild child, Harriet Bisset, has spent the last eight years atoning for the errors of her youth. The daughter of a preacher, she feels a duty to honour the church members who offered forgiveness and welcomed her back into the fold. Now working as director of Women's Ministries at the church she grew up in, she dreams of the day she can own Gloria's Morning Cafe, and drowns her personal sorrows in tubs of Jelly Bellies.
Enter Maddox McCray, the consultant hired by the church to help it transition from a traditional to more contemporary style in order to attract younger families and keep the church growing. He drives a motorcycle, has tattoos, and oh, that black curly hair! He spells trouble, and there's no way Harri is getting involved with him.
Well, er... If only he weren't so darned good looking, unpretentious, and persistent. But then there's how his suggestions are upsetting the balance at church, and causing Harri's comfort zone much discomfort...
Very well written, with fully developed characters, this story will tug at your heartstrings and move your spirit.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Shadows in the Mirror
by Linda Hall,
Steeple Hill, 2007
A friend of mine recommended Linda Hall a long time ago, and now that I've read her, I'm sure to seek out more of her work.
After her parents died, Marylee Simson was raised in Oregon by a maiden aunt. Now her aunt is dead and Marylee has returned to Burlington, Vermont to learn about her heritage, a subject Aunt Ruth would never address. What secrets does the town hold?
Soon after Marylee opens her craft shop and starts teaching classes, strange things begin to happen. The latch on the door to her balcony is mysteriously opened several times, her car alarm goes off in the middle of the night, a stranger seems to be watching her. A man she is attracted to seems both friend and foe - can she trust anyone, and what should she believe?
There are a couple of errors an editor failed to catch, and a few questionable plot points, but on the whole the story is well written and difficult to put down. The author offers questions for discussion at its conclusion, which help make it a suitable choice for a beginner book club.
Steeple Hill, 2007
A friend of mine recommended Linda Hall a long time ago, and now that I've read her, I'm sure to seek out more of her work.
After her parents died, Marylee Simson was raised in Oregon by a maiden aunt. Now her aunt is dead and Marylee has returned to Burlington, Vermont to learn about her heritage, a subject Aunt Ruth would never address. What secrets does the town hold?
Soon after Marylee opens her craft shop and starts teaching classes, strange things begin to happen. The latch on the door to her balcony is mysteriously opened several times, her car alarm goes off in the middle of the night, a stranger seems to be watching her. A man she is attracted to seems both friend and foe - can she trust anyone, and what should she believe?
There are a couple of errors an editor failed to catch, and a few questionable plot points, but on the whole the story is well written and difficult to put down. The author offers questions for discussion at its conclusion, which help make it a suitable choice for a beginner book club.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)