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Book
Review 020410
WALKING
ON BROKEN GLASS
By Christa Allan
Abington, 978-1-426-70227-3, PB, 340 pages, $13.99
Leah
Thorton's makes a journey from alcoholism to sobriety. Set in Texas,
this story deals with themes of loneliness, loss, abuse, and addiction.
Written in a conversational style that makes Leah's narrative seem
like the confession of a friend, it is slow at times, but the plot's
honest examination of life and pain make it unique and intimate.
Though she's pampered, Leah's life is less than idyllic. Burdened
by her husband Carl's sexual demands and critical spirit, Leah numbs
her emotions with alcohol. A slightly heavier woman, Leah escapes
the archetype of the beautiful and feisty fictional female and,
instead, seems truly human. Initially, Leah's spiritual standing
is a bit uncertain, but her movement toward God eventually grows
clearer.
Alongside Leah, the author sets a host of quirky
co-characters, each of whom is vividly depicted. The inclusion of
such creative and diverse characters adds vitality to the novel.
Allan also specializes in clever word pictures and witty turns-of-phrase,
making this book convey its message while staying readable.
Book
Review 020210
A
BETTER FREEDOM: Finding Life as Slaves of Christ
by Michael Card
IVP Books, 978-0-8308-3714-4, PB, 166 pages, $15.00
Freedom
can only be found in slavery, Christian singer-songwriter Michael
Card says in this book. He explains that everyone is a slave to
something, but Christ's chains are the only ones that liberate.
Card explores the hopelessness and humiliation of being a slave,
as well as the purpose and identity found in having a master. He
then explains that Christianity has always been a slave's religion,
and Christ frequently talked about and acted as both slave and master.
What would our lives look like, Card asks, if we lived as slaves
of Christ?
Personal illustrations make this book understandable,
and thorough research gives it a solid foundation. Card brings to
life slavery in Rome and America, and from that he draws theologically
sound conclusions.
This book challenges mature Christians in their
walk with God, while teaching truths young Christians can understand.
It will be an asset to any church library.
Book
Review 012810
NEVER
BLAME THE UMPIRE
By Gene Fehler
Zondervan, 978-0-310-71941-0, PB, 192 pages, $12.99
Eleven-year-old
Kate loves three things: sports, poetry, and her family. But what
do the first two matter when tragedy strikes? The novel reveals
how God loves and protects us even during our darkest hours. Being
written by an experienced storyteller and poet, this book is appropriate
for its juvenile readers, in spite of the heavy themes. Illness
and death are explored through the eyes of Kate, as she gives a
first-person account of her feelings regarding her mother's cancer.
The lesson she learns, though somewhat rushed and convoluted, shines
through strong by the end.
This simple, quick story gets at the heart of
the never-ending dilemma, how a good God can allow bad things to
happen. The result is a book that young readers, especially baseball
players or writers, are sure to enjoy.
Book
Review 012610
THIRSTY
by Tracey Bateman
WaterBrook Press, 978-0-307-45715-8, PB, 376 Pages, $17.99
Thirsty,
by Tracey Bateman, is a refreshing twist on the recently popular
vampire craze. Rather than focus on dramatic teenage romance or
violent warfare, as seems to be the trend within the genre, Thirsty
is centered on a story of redemption.
The protagonist, Nina, is a recovering alcoholic whose family has
all but disowned her. She's been in and out of rehab, and she moves
to her hometown to live with her sister (the local sheriff) and
start a new life. She also aims to spend time with her teenage daughter,
who despises her. As Nina struggles to confront aspects of her own
past, an evil force settles over the town, manifested by a series
of grotesque murders. In order for her and her loved ones to survive,
Nina must finally come to terms with her addiction, reconcile with
the ones she has hurt, and uncover an age old mystery that could
threaten the town itself.
Thirsty is definitely an young adult/adult novel. It deals with
some pretty heavy subject matter, including nightmarish addiction,
grisly violence, and rape. None of these things are glorified in
the least, however; and good and evil are clearly defined. The story
is fast-paced, the characters well rounded, and the finale unpredictable.
An entertaining story with strong Christian themes, it will leave
both new Bateman readers and existing thirsty for more.
Book
Review 012110
EMBRACING
YOUR FREEDOM: A Personal Experience of God's Heart for Justice
by Susie Larson
Moody, 978-0-8024-5280-1, PB, 288 pages, $13.99
Larson
demonstrates the necessity of freedom in the life of a Christian.
She uses personal illustrations to emphasize awareness of our own
spiritual freedom and a yearning for the freedom of those still
bound by physical and spiritual slavery today.
Larson offers insightful biblical references to
freedom in combination with daily prayers and study questions that
guide the female reader through an intense personal examination
and urge her to seize freedom for her soul. Susie Larson has authored
several books and many articles and consistently supports the International
Justice Mission (IJM), an organization she champions throughout
the book. This powerful and practical guide would be an excellent
study book for a church women's group intending to reach out to
communities or countries in need, and also to women who have been
victims of spiritual or physical slavery.
Book
Review 011910
KATY'S
NEW WORLD
The Katy Lambright Series #1
By Kim Vogel Sawyer
Zondervan, 978-0-310-71924-3, PB, 201 pages, $9.99
Torn
between her Mennonite faith and a thirst for knowledge that can
only be satisfied outside of the Old Order, sophomore Katie Lambright
faces rejection when her efforts toward higher education are haunted
by her deceased mother's decision to leave the community. As internal
and external conflicts intensify, Katy finds hope in the example
of Christ as she discovers who she is and what values she must stand
for, even if she must stand alone.
Although Katy's life as a Mennonite may be difficult
for girls of other religious sects to understand, the struggles
she faces are universal. Katy's character is age-appropriate and
three-dimensional. Although the last chapter provides a sense of
closure, unresolved conflicts are sure to keep readers coming back
for more. A great novel for middle and high school girls, Katy's
New World is an inspiring story that addresses the issue of conformity
in teen culture.
011410
Book Review
COWBOY
CHRISTMAS
by Mary Connealy
Barbour, 978-1-60260-145-1, 304 pgs.
Cowboy
Christmas by Mary Connealy asks readers, which is more important:
telling the truth or protecting loved ones? And, can a beautiful
woman really be trusted? These themes of truth and trust dominate
Connealy's story of Elijah Walker and Annette Talbot. Running away
from a couple with evil designs, Annette returns home to her father's
ranch only to find it deserted. She meets Elijah, a man whose past
makes him cynical toward all women, and the result is a chaotic
ride of strong emotions, dastardly plots, and lessons of learning
to trust again.
With prods from his strong-willed mother, Elijah
determines to help Annette survive on the Western frontier. She
is running from more than he knows, however, and the details she
leaves out only heighten his distrust. At the same time, Annette
fears that telling the truth will bring more harm to those she cares
about. Ultimately, they both must choose between trust and distrust,
truth and falsehood.
Through her humorous transitions and gentle pokes
at gender differences, Mary Connealy keeps readers turning pages
in an otherwise predictable plot. Some of the frustrations with
each other that Annette and Elijah face are entertaining, but others
may cause readers to pause and reflect on their own lives. Elijah's
struggle to trust Annette stands out, as does Annette's battle to
understand the Matthew 16:24 concept of bearing crosses for the
Lord.
This is a fairly typical "cowboy romance,"
although a few plot twists will keep readers interested. Connealy's
writing style is amusing, and she offers a satisfying story. Lovers
of historical romances will especially enjoy this book.
011210
Book Review
ALWAYS
WATCHING
Rayne Tour Series #1
by Brandilyn Collins and Amberly Collins
Zondervan, 978-0-310-71539-9, PB, 215 pages, $9.99
Who
killed Tom Hutchens? And why? Shaley, the daughter of a pop star,
goes on a mission to avenge her friend's death and find out if her
unknown father played a part in the murder. Bloodshed, secrecy,
and tension mark the pages of the book. While searching for the
murderer, she also struggles with the idea that there is a God who
comforts in times like these.
The thrilling mystery keeps the reader turning
the pages. Although some of the youthful dialogue seems unnatural
at time, the plot flows quickly and holds the reader's interest.
Development of the characters provides enough description, yet leaves
room for the reader's own assumptions. Since the novel only deals
with a shallow level of faith, I would recommend this to young adults
who are searching or are in the early stages of faith development.
Book
Review 010710
ESCAPING
THE VAMPIRE: Desperate for the Immortal Hero
By Kimberly Powers
Cook, 978-1-4347-0061-2, PB, 192 pages, $12.99
The
Twilight series has become many teen girls' fascination.
Kimberly Powers, a popular teen conference speaker, attempts to
share with girls what it is about this series that they find so
compelling, as well as why and how they can channel those aspects
of every girl's heart to her relationship with Christ. Powers relates
well to teen girls, providing points to think on in her "Just
Breathe" segments. She also hits on some key areas that contribute
to the Twilight fanaticism; however, Twilight and
the associated obsession aren't discussed except basically in the
first chapter. After that the book deals more with common teen girl
issues than anything else (dating, shopping, school, families).
Powers has excellent things to say to teen girls, but the title
focus of her book isn't hit on well. I recommend this book to church
and school libraries whose teen girls are more interested in self-understanding
and improvement than in Twilight.
CD-Music
Review 010510
ALIVE
AGAIN
by Matt Maher
A & R Blaine Barcus, 83061-09062
The title track to Matt Maher's "Alive Again"
album was awarded the "best Christian & Gospel Single of
2009" by Itunes music. And although some of the tracks on the
album become musically repetitive, hardly seeming to separate themselves
from other artists in the genre, there are a number of tracks that
redeem the album as they contain fresh musical harmonies and creative
instrumental ensembles. Maher's voice is soothing and easy to listen
to, and when he teams with a female vocalist on the track "Garden"
the result is heavenly. This album makes a statement beyond the
music and beats; it contains deeper lyrical meanings and is filled
with fresh ideas with theological implications. It speaks of man's
desperation for the Godhead, as well as His desperation for us.
Maher sings of grace, and how unworthy of it we truly are. This
album attempts to put humanity into perspective as we were once
in darkness, but now have the light of a Savior.
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