Code 13

Hi again. BookLook Bloggers provided this volume (of "The Navy JAG Series") free in return for a review.  As last time, others might be in better stead to review this if they didn't come into this cold. OTOH, there is something to be said to a reader who is coming at this as a stand alone novel.

This is the second volume in "The Navy JAG Series" of novels by Don Brown, who has more than one series for those who like adventure stories with a Christian flavor.  An early tell here is the copyright page with reference to various biblical quotes.  But, the reader can enjoy this as merely an adventure story bouncing around per whatever location we are at the beginning of the new chapter.  

The narration is a bit clunky for my tastes and go tedious soon enough.  The title drop comes soon: "Administrative Law Division (Code 13). The book is topical -- the drone warfare plot device the subject of one or more recent films.  There is action, romance ("her old flame, P.J. MacDonald" etc.) and some appropriate Bible quotes.  The author's own experience in JAG (Judge Advocacy General's) Corps does give things a sense of real life though I'm not knowledgeable enough to judge really.

Didn't really like it.  Two stars. 

black and white bible, black and blue white

Hi again. BookLook Bloggers provided this volume (subtitle: "My Story of Finding Hope after Domestic Abuse," I'm using the capitalization found on the cover here) free in return for a review.  

They specialized in Christian books, including Zondervan publishing. This book is by an author who has wrote for them before. She will be familiar to many, including going by the acknowledgments three unnamed Supreme Court justices who assisted in some fashion. Some will be more familiar with the question posed earlier: "Should marriage be based on a model of mutual submission and equality [her position] or on a model of male headship? Some might also be upset that she does not go into more detail when discussing biblical citations. I found one review that complained about this. 

I don't come at this from the theological background of some readers or the author herself, who has a Ph.D., many books and a long career teaching. So, though I at times did find the biblical snapshots a bit too general, a lack of detailed biblical exegesis did not really upset me. Early on, the author suggested stories, here a biography of her own experiences (with two decades of hindsight from her divorce for perspective), could be most helpful. And, her own story and others (including various biblical and literary lights, including Charles Dickens) is very helpful in that respect. 

The book uses these stories mixed in with a discussion of various angles involved in dealing with domestic violence, focusing on women being the victims.  She overall comes off as a liberal feminist generally speaking but accepts the Bible as is -- e.g., no reference that Timothy is not really "Paul" but Pauline writing written after his death.  She also at one point respects Tipper Gore's concerns over rock lyrics and without context opposes Fifty Shades of Grey. Nonetheless, a person not really biblical orientated could appreciate the book.  It should have a wide readership there.  It helps that it is down to earth, conversational in tone. Again, not reading her past work, don't know if this is a standard style.  It just worked for me. 

I think this was very good but would have appreciated an index. Maybe, that was a cost-saving device. The quotations, including on the Acknowledgment Page (an amusing quirk), worked as well.

I Said Yes

Hi again.  BookLook Bloggers provided this volume free in return for a review. Here you go.

I'm not a fan of the Bachelor or Bachelorette ... at least did not watch either show ... but admit to finding the concept somewhat intriguing.  The mindset of someone who would go on such a show and the chance to provide a behind the scenes look was basically my thoughts when choosing this book.  Looking at her biography and such, she also seemed to be an attractive woman who I was somewhat interested in hearing more about.  To give you a taste on my expectations here.

Early on, a theme was suggested by the author -- she wrote the book with A.J. Gregory who wrote two books (per her website) "which chronicles finding faith in the middle of unavoidable and sometimes harsh realities." -- when Emily admitted to having second thoughts about "saying yes" to a second engagement.  The book in effect is her life story and how she can say "yes," yes to "hoping, dreaming, wishing" again and be satisfied with her choices.

This book is not just a story of her experiences on reality programming though that is eventually handled.  This should be kept in mind if you choose this book.  Some have noted this -- they were disappointed with the amount of time spent on her early years and family life.  But, the book is about Emily Maynard Johnson, not "Emily, reality t.v. star."  And, this is seen in the book as a whole -- it is a very person book.  It if anything overuses the word "I," actually.  The personal is a plus in the book, since you get a sense of the person and it feels real. 

Let me summarize my feelings on the book as a whole.  Overall, it was a pleasant book, easy to read and regarding a subject with a deep enough biography (including some tragedy) to warrant a biography.  Her struggles, keep the faith (multiple biblical references) and success story in finding the "real deal" to be happy with shows how a Christian reader will appreciate this story. Honestly, some might be turned off by us of a reality show to obtain a mate, which might be deemed wrong. I was somewhat disappointed the chapters on her experience there did not go in more detail, but it is good to get her perspective on that point as well.  Finally, honestly, at thirty years old, her life is obviously only in the first stage.  I prefer biographies that cover more ground there.

Basically, it was a middle of the road read, good for what it was.  I would give it three stars out of five.  Till next time!

The Garden Gate

I have not reviewed something for a while but by chance saw a reference to Book Look and decided to return to the fold.  To move to a new book, I first have to handle this one.  The book was provided to me free and in return am obligated merely to provide my opinion.  It is my own alone.

Okay.  This book is apparently part of a series, one I'm not familiar with, so perhaps reading it cold is not ideal. But, it also provides a different perspective as well.  Overall, the book is written in the point of view of a young woman and her experience with the spirit world, particularly angels. This book specifcally focuses on Prissie's saying good bye to her angel friend Koji, as well as the further development of her friendship with the young man Ransom. The most interesting story line with in the book is the interactions with Adin, a fallen angel that has been tormenting Prissie for some time.

I think that I would have liked it better if I read it from the beginning of the series.  Nonetheless, overall, it was a decent read.  Average basically thus the three stars.

Heaven and Hell: Are They Real?

Other than a word somewhat more distaste, "hell" is a ready-made curse word with a variety of uses. As noted by this book, perhaps overused. Its use as a generic curse word leads us to lose a full understanding and respect of what we mean by this term. And, it's opposite number -- heaven.

The book is a series of short chapters posing and answering various questions regarding heaven and hell (what are they like? do animals go to heaven? will we meet family members there? what does the Bible say about them? etc.). It also has a few pictures, mostly of a medieval art flavor and some pages that provide summaries (e.g., various quotations in the Bible). There is also a "further thought" for each section.

The book overall is down to earth/colloquial in tone, hopeful but not overly Pollyanna in nature. That is, the book argues that there is a heaven and a hell, so things won't all be charming for everyone. But, for those who follow the right path, particularly have faith and belief in Jesus, a great happiness will occur for them. The sections are short enough for easy reading for single prayer sessions or for individual study. The paperback further makes it a convenient book to have and use, slip in your bag to read on the bus or train. The sections favor excerpts from other works along with a few thoughts from the author, not always totally sure of what is what -- a good sensible approach. Nothing too deep, but pretty good of its kind. I would recommend it to those who like this sort of thing.

BookLook Bloggers provided this volume free in return for a review.

First Born

This is an intriguing fantasy that has something to say about gender dynamics.

Tiadone, the narrator (in first person present tense -- we are told things as they are happening), is a girl raised as a boy. Why? Well, a first born (thus the title)  girl would have been killed.  This is unfortunately not just a matter of fiction in the world, more so in the not too far past.  The result, and this too suggests the parable qualities of the novel (many could relate about trying to live the life of someone they are not), in problems as she has to struggle against her true nature.  Particularly as she comes of age, including as feminine traits/strengthens come out.

The book takes place in a dystopian age in tribal conditions and a whole different world is colorfully drawn for the reader. I would recommend it for readers who like fantasy and science fiction, especially strong female characters.  The ending suggests a sequel or series is in the works. 

BookLook Bloggers provided this book in return for a review.  The opinions are my own.

No Cape Required - A Devotional : 52 Ways to Unleash Your Inner Hero

The Bible is filled with stories that provide lessons for our daily lives. Jesus particularly saw the value of using stories, parables, to promote a lesson.  It is helpful and often fun way to educate. A primary way this is done are sagas of various "heroes" from Abraham to David and beyond.  At the same time, other cultures also had their own heroes -- like found in the Iliad or Romulus and Remus.  And, trend continued over the centuries, to modern times, now often in television and movies.

And, this is the subject of this book. It uses heroes in works like Star Trek or The Hunger Games to provide short lessons on subjects like charity, justice, hope in others, mentoring, wisdom, bravery and so on.  Let's take an example. Robin Hood is used to discuss charity.  We start with a biblical quote and then the hero's place in literature and cultural history is discussed. Then, we return to a biblical connection, given a prayer to use and examples of how to be charitable in your everyday life. Nothing profound, but especially for those who like movies and the like, it is a good way to use popular culture to teach lessons.  And, there are a lot of examples provided, at least some of which will appeal to many of the readers.

It is a creative idea done fairly well. The video is not quite connected to the book but seemed catchy.

Note: This book was given to me free by Book Sneeze [now BookLook]  in return for this review.