I'm a big fan of James Scott Bell, legal thrillers, and suspense. Zombie novels? Not so much. But I had to see how Mr. Bell handled the mashup. Who woI'm a big fan of James Scott Bell, legal thrillers, and suspense. Zombie novels? Not so much. But I had to see how Mr. Bell handled the mashup. Who would've thought, but I actually enjoyed reading it. A few parts were definitely not for the squeamish, and I kind of cringed while reading them, but hey, I should've expected it for a zombie novel. Definitely gritty. Definitely raw. But there were also some interesting spiritual undertones that made me think too....more
A good, solid read about a religion news reporter who stumbles onto a story that could make her career. It was interesting reading about how reportersA good, solid read about a religion news reporter who stumbles onto a story that could make her career. It was interesting reading about how reporters had to work before the craziness of social media. ...more
3.5 stars. This book isn't my usual fare, but Meade's compelling writing drew me in. I came into the tale unfamiliar with the history behind the Roman3.5 stars. This book isn't my usual fare, but Meade's compelling writing drew me in. I came into the tale unfamiliar with the history behind the Romanovs, so I was in the dark in some ways, expecting the story to unfold differently than it did. The beginning was slow-paced, but I attribute that to genre. This isn't a thriller per se, though there are suspenseful elements of good storytelling. Things definitely picked up two thirds in, and I kept turning the pages. I was thankful Meade kept things relatively clean, though there was definitely violence. I'm up for reading more of his books! ...more
I keep surprising myself with what I'm getting out of these nonfiction books I'm reading. I used to be a die-hard, fiction-only reader. But life has aI keep surprising myself with what I'm getting out of these nonfiction books I'm reading. I used to be a die-hard, fiction-only reader. But life has a way of changing your perspectives (i.e. getting older!) and I'm enjoying mixing in these great inspirational titles. Present Over Perfect kinda hit me between the eyes in many of its chapters. Niequist isn't exactly "me" in that our lives are far from similar, but I related to her ponderings on many levels. We're both writers, and we both are a similar age questioning everything we thought we knew. It encouraged me to realize I'm not alone, that everyone, if they're honest, faces seasons of confusion and wondering if God's got a plan. Ultimately, this book reminded me of the essential: coming to a revelation of God's unconditional love. If we don't have that, then we don't have the grounding we need to face life's difficulties. Is it easy to understand? Far from it. But Niequist encourages her readers to back down from all the busyness, all the striving to be perfect, and rest in the knowledge that you are loved. I will need to re-read this one. ...more
I watched the movie based on this book many years ago and finally picked up the novel! It held my interest. The author's descriptions are exact and inI watched the movie based on this book many years ago and finally picked up the novel! It held my interest. The author's descriptions are exact and interesting. If I hadn't known the "twist" at the end from the movie I would've probably been more amazed. The City of Ember kind of reminds me of a children's version of WOOL by Hugh Howey, though much less dark. A good read....more
3.5 stars. This book has a great concept--reminding today's busy people to take a break and create more margin or space in their lives for the importa3.5 stars. This book has a great concept--reminding today's busy people to take a break and create more margin or space in their lives for the important things. It's a good reminder for all. But that's the majority of the book. There's not a lot of how to do that, and sometimes the author's praise of the simple life bordered on judgment toward anyone who actually has money or buys something nice. As if having holes in our clothes somehow makes us more worthy than the guy/gal with the designer jeans. The comparisons to days gone by are all well and good, but it's important to note that we do not live in days gone by. No matter how much we might want to, that's not going to happen. That said, I came away with insights. The focus on zeroing in on our relationships, especially with God but definitely with others too, was valuable and needed. Overall this book would be good for someone to read who's feeling completely overloaded in life. Just don't expect a lot of nitty gritty advice. Perhaps it's a good jumping off point to get our mindsets refocused. There are other books that handle the details....more
What a beautiful book. I loved it. Not only does it celebrate friendship, something that I think can be neglected in life, but it correlates the love What a beautiful book. I loved it. Not only does it celebrate friendship, something that I think can be neglected in life, but it correlates the love of God and his desire for friendship with us to our earthly friendships. I came away with a new celebration of friendship and awe that God would actually want to be my friend. Through Scripture and the writings of many respected Christian authors (ancient and modern) Hunter shows us how we truly were made for friendship. ...more
“The fact that you love your dad so much is a sure sign of how much he loved you. He’s not here now, but acceptI bought this book based on this quote:
“The fact that you love your dad so much is a sure sign of how much he loved you. He’s not here now, but accept the love that comes from the people around you. Let them be his sky lantern back to you. Let them share their love, and let that be a reminder of his. No one will ever love you quite the way your father did, but many people will see in you some of the same qualities and beautiful bits that he did. Love is as strong as death. As inevitable, as powerful, as eternal. It can’t be escaped. It can’t be avoided. It won’t be forgotten. And when death is gone, love will remain.”
It hits so close to home for me, and it was such a comforting thought. I hoped the rest of the book would be too. It was. I read Sky Lantern in one day. That is an unusual feat for me. Matt's writing style is so easy-to-read and flows like all good stories.
This is a book for every daughter who's missing a father (whether her father is alive or not), and every father OF a daughter. But it's also for those who need a reminder that small acts of kindness can touch people's lives in ways we might not even realize. It makes me want to take more moments to just be kind to fellow human beings who might be going through a tough time.
Matt's love for his kids comes through in such a loving way that makes me smile. He doesn't sugarcoat his life. It's clear he struggles like everyone else, but through this touching story I think everyone will come away with a better understanding of just how much their Heavenly father loves them. Because after all, HE is the father to the fatherless. And He used this book to touch my heart in a way I really needed. Thanks, Matt. ...more
Good, solid, page-turner. Some language, and some sexual references (mostly by an unsavory character) but cleaner than some. Box knows his Wyoming andGood, solid, page-turner. Some language, and some sexual references (mostly by an unsavory character) but cleaner than some. Box knows his Wyoming and interspersed enough details to let us know without overwhelming. I guessed the bad guys, but I think you were supposed to....more
I'm not a huge football fan (sorry, Tim!) In fact, I have only watched one game in my whole life that I can remember, and even that I didn't watch in I'm not a huge football fan (sorry, Tim!) In fact, I have only watched one game in my whole life that I can remember, and even that I didn't watch in its entirety. But I've heard of Tim Tebow, and a friend lent me this book knowing I needed it in that moment. She was right. This isn't a memoir, though Tim does share stories from his own life. It's a book that really focuses on God's love and purpose for all of our lives. With humility and grace, Tim encourages us all to find our purpose in WHOSE we are, not in anything else. Not our vocations, plans, or dreams. I'm going to remember this book for some time. ...more
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