Ill Wind, Nevada Barr

Third Anna Pigeon, Park Service law enforcement officer currently stationed at the dwellings of an ancient Navaho peoples. Excellent mysteries and educational, too.
http://www.bookmooch.com/m/detail/0380723638

Margot

A Sleeping Life, Ruth Rendell

Inspector Wexford searches for London identity of a woman found in Sussex wood. Not hard to guess, but a cozy read.

Margot

Members of the Tribe: On the Road in Jewish America, Ze'ev Chafets

An Israeli journalist, raised in Detroit, returns to travel the U.S. and learn what American Jewry is really like. Perceptive, instructive and entertaining.

Margot

Blue Blood, Edward Conlon

A third-generation cop's memoir. Conlon writes for The New Yorker and his book reads like a 500-page piece from the magazine; i.e., beautifully.

Margot
Inventory: http://www.bookmooch.com/m/detail/1594480737

Book Review: A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion Series #1) by Francine Rivers

Do not start this series unless you intend to finish it. Do not read this book unless you want to be haunted by the characters for months to come. Francine Rivers’ A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion Series #1) is hauntingly written, with powerful archetypal characters that will linger in your subconscious. Once you come to know them they will surface in your thoughts repeatedly to remind you of important lessons in Christian character.

Powerfully written, this first in a series of three works of historical/biblical fiction transports us to a time shortly after Christ’s death. Hadassah is a young Hebraic Christian girl whose father knew Jesus during His time here on Earth. We first meet her during the fall of Jerusalem to the Roman armies. Losing her entire family during the siege and attack she finds herself taken hostage and eventually sold as a slave.

Throughout A Voice in the Wind we are able to watch Hadassah mature in her faith and come to trust in the Lord completely. The book chronicles the challenges she faces as she strives to love those she serves in a Christ-like way. The Roman family who owns her is immersed in the idolatry and widespread sin common in their society. Despite, and indeed because of this fact, Hadassah is driven to love them and serve them beyond her personal limits as she seeks to show them Christ’s love relationally.

Her mistress Julia embodies the self-centered and morally decaying Roman society. Through her example we come to see that all types of sin have been with us ever since the fall, including modern ‘hot spots’ such as abortion and homosexuality. At times one would think that the book was written in a modern setting due to the relevance of the issues dealt with throughout.

Julia’s older brother Marcus is a Roman playboy, disaffected and empty, seeking fulfillment in all the wrong places. His emptiness draws him to Hadassah when he begins to see Christ’s light shining within her. Rivers was a romance novelist prior to her conversion, and as Marcus is drawn to Hadassah we encounter some highly sensual scenes as he attempts to engage her physically. For those who prefer to avoid sensual, romantic novels, I can assure you that though Marcus is persistent Hadassah holds firm to her Christian values throughout. It is a delight to watch her placing God before anything else in her life, difficult though that may be.

I found myself challenged by Hadassah’s integrity and seemingly never-ending love for those she served. As I watched her place her own needs and desires aside time and time again in order to serve I found myself challenged to examine my own performance in the role of servant-mother. Observing her walk with the Lord inflamed my desire to know Him intimately, and I sought to draw nearer to Him. Would that my light could shine as brightly as hers! Believers will come to love Hadassah as they are encouraged by her Christian example, strengthened in their faith, and challenged to go deeper – to give all.

Francine Rivers has developed a name for herself as a modern master of Christian fiction. I can see that her reputation is well deserved. While the characters can appear too archetypical – black or white, it is their clear struggles, weaknesses and strengths that make this novel a valuable tool for Christian growth. This tenth anniversary edition includes a new foreword, an introduction from the author and a book discussion guide. The discussion guide features probing questions for individual or group study of the characters’ natures. I was, and remain strongly moved by their individual journeys; they continue to live on in my heart.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FIRST CHAPTER AND AUTHOR BIO

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW!

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Jennifer Bogart blogs about christian parenting, family living, homeschooling and more! She loves writing Christian book reviews.

Book Review: The Five Senses of Romantic Love - God’s Plan for Exciting Sexual Intimacy in Marriage by Sam Laing

The Song of Solomon, also referred to as the Song of Songs, has been a mystery to me in my walk with Christ as a new believer. What exactly was this book of the Bible talking about? My gut instinct told me to take it literally, hearing preachers refer to it as descriptive of Christ’s love for believers. Parts of it are certainly suggestive, and indeed, graphic – I have a difficult time thinking of Jesus in those situations and terms. For me it would take some fancy talking around the scriptures for this approach to make sense to me.

Enter Sam Laing and his book, The Five Senses of Romantic Love - God’s Plan for Exciting Sexual Intimacy in Marriage. Laing takes a literal approach to the Song of Solomon, examining it as an encouraging text written from God to married couples as a model for the joys of marital intimacy. Laing has authored his book for married couples only, so if you are single you should wait to read it, and this review as well unless you have an impending marriage in your future. Indeed, Laing opens his book with this caveat, which I greatly appreciated. He appears to be a Christian man of integrity and would not see single believers stumble or be led into temptation by contemplating the marital act of intimacy that they cannot rightfully enjoy.

The topic of sex within the confines of marriage (where it rightfully belongs) is often neglected in conversations and preaching concerning the Christian life. Thankfully, there have been several books authored in recent years that seek to equip Christian couples with a view of sexual relations from a biblical perspective. For a new believer such as myself, I have wondered what God finds pleasing in this area, what His take on marital intimacy is. The Five Senses of Romantic Love is a highly practical guide for those seeking an answer to similar questions.

Laing writes enthusiastically on the subject, expounding upon God’s design for love within marriage; the joy and pleasure He intends for our spouses and us. Using the Song of Solomon he provides practical ways to enhance our love life through engaging each of our five senses. The book is divided into 8 chapters. The first addresses God’s general intent for delight in the sexual union of man and wife. The following five each address one of the five senses: sound, sight, fragrance, taste and touch. The last two offer advice specifically to women and men based upon the two main characters of the Song, a wife and her husband.

While he uses the Song as his basic text for his work (NIV scripture mainly), this title does not provide a comprehensive overview or analysis of the Song (though he does include further resources for an in-depth study). His concern is rather to aid married couples through practical, openhearted suggestions to add to, and increase the delights of marriage. His words are friendly and kind, never pushy or insistent, and he is fairly discreet in his use of language throughout the book – nothing explicitly graphic or crude here.

His advice is very personal, and at times he shares general principles that have been enjoyed within the context of his own successful marriage. Along with this personal perspective, we at times find Laing using very short, or somewhat vague passages in the Song to launch into a discussion of his own personal feelings on a topic. Often there is not much information given in the scripture, nor is it as detailed as the author’s recommendations – some examples of this include his conclusions on cosmetics, jewelry, and clothing. Many of these recommendations seem to be based largely on his own preferences, as not much is said on these topics within the scripture itself. I didn’t find this objectionable however, as this book seeks to provide practical advice and insight from the author rather than serve as an authoritative commentary. Laing also makes disclaimers throughout the work that couples should use what works for them, and not feel bound to any suggestions that are made.

As a woman, I enjoyed reading his frank and open perspective as a man, both on the Song, and on what men appreciate and long for within a marriage. His insights based upon the characters revealed to us in the Song, their actions and attributes form the basis of the last two chapters; the first specifically addressed to women, the second to men. These chapters summarize personal characteristics and traits based on the word of God that we should seek to cultivate within ourselves in order to enhance our marriages.

The Five Senses of Romantic Love fills an important niche in Christian literature – equipping married believers for love. I particularly recommend this work for Christians who may mistakenly believe that sex within marriage is an unpleasant duty that is even somehow displeasing to God. Readers interested in a literal, joyous, and practical approach to applying God’s wisdom from the Song of Solomon to their marriage will find this offering a unique treasure. Excellent devotional reading for bedtime, couples will benefit from reading this book together.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FIRST CHAPTER AND AUTHOR BIO

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW!

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Jennifer Bogart blogs about christian parenting, family living, homeschooling and more! She loves writing Christian book reviews.

Book Review: Beyond the Reflection’s Edge, Echoes from the Edge #1 by Bryan Davis

Can Christianity and science fiction be successfully blended in one work? That is the question I found myself asking as I read through Beyond the Reflection’s Edge. Before my conversion I was an avid fantasy and science fiction reader; after my conversion I set the genre aside due to the extreme un-godliness of many of the themes. It was with interest that I read this entry into the Christian, young-adult, adventure-fantasy field (I think it would be better classed as science fiction however).

Bryan Davis is certainly an accomplished author, who draws his readers into the world that he has created and keeps them reading through a series of high-paced scene (and dimension changes). His main character, Nathan, is an honorable Christian young man. I appreciate the model that he provides for young readers when dealing with standards of modesty, respect for women and sexual purity. Nathan also has a heart for those who are lost, and do not know the love of Christ in their own lives. Examples such as this are difficult to find, and often lacking in contemporary fiction written for young adults. It is obvious that the absent father figure has trained his son well, as his influence continues to be felt on a daily basis in practical, real-life decisions. This is a father who has trained his son well. Nathan’s deep love, obedience and respect for his parents are also refreshing in the sea of youth fiction, where parents are either emotionally absent or disregarded by their children.

Some of the characters could have benefited from a deeper level of development so that readers could empathize with them more fully. At times when they found themselves in desperate situations I found myself feeling emotionally neutral in regards to their predicaments. Solutions to various conflicts involve physical force and violence, which is not discouraged, but rather lauded as skillful by other characters. I doubt that I would encourage young teenage children of my own to read it due to some of the darker events that occur.

After reading this novel I’m still not certain if Christianity and science fiction can be successfully blended. I am certainly thankful for the Christian character examples provided, as well as the acknowledgement of God as creator throughout. God is certainly never absent, and is often referenced by several of the characters. While I doubt this title will draw you nearer to Christ in your walk with Him; if you are interested in some light summer reading, that is quick paced and entertaining without compromising your Christian values, then this would be an excellent choice for you. I did find the reading enjoyable, and quick paced, I had a difficult time setting the book aside.

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW!

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Jennifer Bogart blogs about christian parenting, family living, homeschooling and more! She loves writing Christian book reviews.

Book Review: She Always Wore Red, Fairlawn Series #2 by Angela Hunt

I’ll be the first to admit that the wide and wonderful world of Christian fiction is still so new to me. Since the time of conversion most of my reading has been dedicated to parenting, homeschooling, children’s and various non-fiction and reference works in the very large Christian books category. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this title – after all, how could this sort of women’s fiction draw me closer to Christ? I thought I’d give it a try – and let me tell you, this book blessed me!

Jennifer Graham is the owner of a funeral home, though she is still very new to the business. We have the delight of following her as she learns the ropes of dealing with the dead and their families; fascinating details are provided for those of us who are interested in human anatomy. We are able to meet the members of her family and see them move through challenging situations where faith in God carries them through.

This title is the second in the Fairlawn Series (I’m now eager to read the first installment as well as future titles), and reads very well on it’s own if you aren’t familiar with the rest of the series. Angela Hunt quickly brings us up to speed with the circumstances of the main characters without the need for lengthy expository passages. She quickly endears these quirky individuals to us by including the miniscule details of their lives that make the book all the more realistic.

It seems as though there is a rash of books in Christian women’s fiction where the leading ladies are divorced, and then become entangled in romantic involvements, and even remarriage with other men. My mind was set at ease to learn that Jennifer, though she had been divorced, was now a widow. Now I could relax - even if romantic situations developed without worrying about sin on the main characters part, whew! Thankfully any potential romantic interest was also very subtle and free of sensual overtones.

Hunt confronts controversial, contemporary social issues from a Christian viewpoint where the rubber hits the road - within the family. While dealing with the issues of peer pressure, abortion and racial prejudice the themes of God’s love, grace and sovereignty shine through. Hunt was extraordinarily successful at engaging my emotions - I gasped in joy as I rejoiced with them, and I wept with them in their times of sorrow and doubt.

I have now been opened up to the possibility that well written Christian fiction can indeed, draw a believer’s heart closer to Christ, can lead them to examine themselves in the light of His love, can teach us how to relate to, and love each other. How could I ask for anything more? I look forward to reading more of Angela Hunt’s work now that I have discovered her.

Watch for the upcoming blog tour post this week, including more about this title, the author, and the first chapter!

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW!

Originally reviewed by Jennifer Bogart at http://www.quiverfullfamily.com/blog

A Place to Stand by Jimmy Santiago Baca

I'm so glad I got this, as I'd never heard of Jimmy Santiago Baca. This is the first book I've ever read where someone has the introspection, the vocabulary and the memory to remember how he really felt as a kid and what turned him to crime.

What is equally interesting is that he is completely unable to see himself as a criminal. And he still sees his alcoholic and drug-addicted family, his parents who abandonned him, and his criminal friends as "good" people.

Highly recommended.

Book Review: Bringing Home the Prodigals by Rob Parsons

I am also giving away a copy of this title on my blog. Come and enter before June 02nd if you enjoy this review!

Most of us know a family that is struggling with a prodigal child – seeking to draw their hearts back to Jesus. Watching these families and their grief over the children they love - the children they raised to seek Jesus – awoke a concern for my own wee ones in my heart. Though our children are still small: 5, 2, and one on the way – it is my heart’s desire for them all to come to know and love the Lord. As Christian parents this is the deepest desire of all of our hearts for our children. But what happens when they turn their back on Him and His ways despite our best efforts? What do we do when they become prodigals?

In Bringing Home the Prodigals author Rob Parsons addresses the heart of the issue of prodigal children. It may not be what you think the heart of this issue is either. Instead of focusing on the “why’s”, Parsons goes past the wondering “What did I do wrong? What could I have done differently?”, there are other titles available that focus on keeping our children’s hearts - Parsons is here to encourage. He focuses on what we can now do - as parents of these prodigals - to gently guide them home to us, and more importantly, to God.

Engagingly written, this short book of 119 pages can be read in a day, but it will bear re-reading at a slower, more devotional pace to reap the riches to be found here. Though I am not the parent of a prodigal, Parsons ponderings on how we deal with prodigals as individuals, and as a church led me to examine my own spiritual life and dealings with others. I thank Parsons for drawing us back to the heart of God for the lost as demonstrated in the parable of the prodigal son.

As much as I enjoyed reading this title, I would have enjoyed seeing some more scripture directly in the text – for a non-fiction Christian title there seemed to be relatively little scripture presented. The main scripture that the book is based on, the parable of the prodigal son is not once included in the text of the book, which did seem a bit odd. Most of the scripture presented is from the NIV, though some is also taken from The Message (which is not properly scripture, but rather – a paraphrase), and The Amplified Bible. Our family prefers the text of the KJV for accuracy and completeness, however it is becoming more and more difficult to find books that include KJV bible references. Due to the difficulty of finding authors who still work with the KJV I don’t choose my reading materials by this criteria, but I do read with my bible beside me.

Parsons writing voice is warm and encouraging; his years of walking with and teaching the relations of prodigals shine through in this book through the prayers, reflections and testimonies presented. I am thankful to have this book available to lend to the families I know who are dealing with this issue, to let them know that there is hope if we lay our prodigals at the feet of Jesus. Bringing Home the Prodigals encourages us to love, to pray, to stay open, to always be watching and to always keep a light on.

CLICK HERE to BUY NOW!

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Jennifer Bogart blogs about christian parenting, family living, homeschooling and more! She loves writing Christian book reviews.

When I Am An Old Woman, I Shall Wear Purple

I was so looking forward to being uplifted by this book -- or even resigned to aging. Instead, except for the title poem, I found it depressing.

Some good writing, though.

Where I'm Calling From by Raymond Carver

Have you ever had one of those Blair moments when after weeks of being nice to everyone you have to finally make a decision which means that enemies are made as they see a must have dismissed? Well this is one of those moments. I have been struggling with Raymond Carver’s “Where I'm Calling From” a collection of thirty-seven stories chosen from several previous collections published over 20 odd years which should therefore be an ideal introduction to his work. And… wait for it… I am going to abandon it unfinished half way despite him being seen As "the American Chekhov or the laureate of the dispossessed”

Let me say up front, that his prose, ear for dialogue and depiction of the ordinariness of every day life masking unexpressed pain and joy is the best. His stories are like photos that capture the moment frozen with no past or future with all the ambiguity that the unknown allows the reader/observer. The opposite of Norman Rockwell homeliness, more akin to the photos of Walker Evans of Let Us Now Praise Famous Men. But they have no plot, twists, surprises, or surface complexity of character. These are often blue collar workers in small-town or rural settings struggling with jobs, partners, children and booze and it’s the unsaid that reveals more then the fractured words.

The stories reflect his own drink problems and failed jobs and marriage in his 20s so he turned to writing to escape and short stories could get something in quickly to pay the rent and get food on the table. His life did begin to turn around and his work started to get critical alarm in his 40’s before he died of lung cancer. His accessible prose, realistic situations and comprehensible characters are seen as a counter to egghead experimentalism

But for me, I was left all too often thinking yes and what happens next even while the image created hung in my head. I also think that stories ripped from their original magazine context make the stories work harder then they needed to. I would have welcomed an edition that merged the stories with a set of photographs worthy of the writing. However, if you want to dip in and perhaps read a couple a stories a week or if you enjoy short stories then this is a book for you. As you say at the end of a failed relationship its not you it’s me, and lets remain friends. Knowing it’s really about the lack of passion. Yet the spurned has the chance of real love else where…will that be you?

The Contractor by Charles Holdefer

To appreciate this book you have to ignore the misleading hype on the cover that suggests that The Contractor by Charles Holdefer exposes the secret detention and interrogation system expanded and ran by the Bush Administration outside of US and international law. It is political book but not at the level of who is doing what to whom. Instead, it goes to the heart of the western moral and ethical war aims as raised in this passage:

Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?" And he said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"

It is clear that George Young, civilian interrogator contractor and a veteran of the first Gulf war would say no. His reaction when he comes across the burnt out remains of the Revolutionary Guard convoys is to argue:

…Because that day, I learned the price. Sure, I was shaken and sickened, and it is something I’d rather not think about or dwell on, but it also taught me something, steeled me, gave me the resources necessary to understand politics in the grown up world and later to become a contractor. This is what I learned: what we take for granted, hold precious, and celebrate remains viable because of our willingness to do this…To let those men get away would’ve been a serious strategic mistake…Any other description is special pleading or making excuses. Or simply lying to oneself. It gives me no satisfaction to say so, but not only will innocents die-they must die.

The story starts with the consequences of this when in a powerful opening scene we discover what how prisoner #4141 dies. The humanity of the Prisoners are denied, as they are merely oranges being crated when they arrive or faceless numbers.

George Young is not a monster, which would let us off the hook so the story needs to show us why a good man would get to that position. It does in that we discover that economic and family pressures that lead systematically to that meaningless death. We learn about his poor business track record and happy second marriage (which is being slowly killed by his need to keep secrets). The political playing out of the theme is also examined in his personal life as his big brother is his keeper at key points in George's life.

Away from the heat of the desert island and in the cold of a mid west winter on a family Christmas visit we have the amusing and poignant scenes of having to tackle the Father in Law,( think of Spencer Tracy at his most grumpy) a minister of a struggling flock and a die in the wool fundamentalist. The family idea of fun is Bible Baseball ( questions are asked with the harder they are the more runs they are and George and his son are clueless). At one level this as they are trapped by the snow falls this illustrates the horror that the prisoners have to face. Unlike them, he escapes and answers a call by his brother, which sets of a chain of events where he finally does decide that he is his brother’s keeper.

The story moves between George’s professional and family life in the now and with flashbacks so that we understand his actions. The other characters are sketched in nicely that make the horrors of the camp and the choices he has to make even more chilling. The use of language and jargon is also clever and the first person POV gives you the reader chance to understand his world whilst questioning it. If it makes more of us more aware of the travesty of a war on terror for Democracy, and Human Rights based on lies and torturing rather then the politics of being my brother’s keepers then I hope it gets the wider readership it deserves.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay was an instant popular and critical success when it came out in 2000 being nominated for a raft of awards. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2001 and Hollywood has been sniffing around it ever since. Michael Chabon the author wrote the only known screenplay, which struggled to reduce a 635-page book to a 2-hour film. At one point, the cast was Toby Maguire (Peter in Spiderman) to play Sam Clay, Natalie Portman (V for Vendetta) to play Rosa Saks and Jude Law to play Joe Kavalier.

The difficulties for the film is what makes the book a joy as it starts in 1938 as Superman bursts on the scene and ends in 1954 as the Kefauver Senate hearings delivers the death blow to a declining comic book industry. A central theme is the roles of the Jews in the comic book industry: it explored the mythology of comic hero and its impact Joe and Sam own struggles and personal journeys form the stories of the Escapist which in turn shape their lives. Sam struggling to come to terms with being Gay and Joe trying to rescue his family stuck in an increasingly bleak Nazi run Prague. It also explores the historical rip off the artists and writers of the period. Superman’s creators did not come into the real money until the blockbuster Superman movies and a court case prised the money out of Hollywood’s coffers. Historical characters from the period from the comic industry and the movie, art and political world some in and out of the story. The Escapist also draws on Joe Kavalier’s training and experience of magic and Houdini type tricks and the impact this has on his life.

The writing is a tour deforce so that you hear, touch and smell the period. Each character has their own voice and even minor characters when they enter the story in a few paragraphs you have their back-story and motives seamlessly woven in so they become real characters. The point of view moves from character to character and no easy option or resolution is allowed as the story builds to the magic trick ending. Scenes are comic one minute and bitterly tragic the next as you join in the roller coaster of their lives. Yes I am going say it…if you only have the chance to read one book this year make it this one, you wont be disappointed.

Night's Landing by Carla Neggers

The novel is typical of this author, romance + suspense combined in an easy writing style. A quick read.

Sarah Dunnemore, an archaeologist by profession, returns home after having finished her latest project, a biography of the president Poe's family, roots and house, and is now wondering what should she do next. The answer comes right away with a phone call that her brother, a deputy marshal has been shot and is in the intensive care in the hospital. She immediately takes off to New York to visit him, and in the process meets her brother's colleague, Nate, who has been also shot, but not as gravely as her brother.
Of course Nate is the typical male so eloquently described in these sorts of romances, all rugged and rough, with that wicked sexy smile and direct look at you which undresses you to the soul.

The action also unfolds from here. Urged by her brother, Sarah goes back home to Night's Landing, where (of course) Nate follows her almost immediately.
The rest is left to your imagination and invites you to read the book :)

Several copies of the book (including mine) can be found here.

Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn

Ella Minnow Pea is a first novel by Mark Dunn who is in fact a successful writer of over 25 plays. The novel structure is epistolary, which means that the story unfolds via letters between the characters. This is supposed to add greater realism to the story and demonstrate differing points of view without recourse to the device of an omniscient narrator. The approach was a popular 18th century device but mostly abandoned for most of the 19th and mid 20th century with the notable exceptions of Dracula by Bram Stoke and the Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis. Recently it has a bit of a popular revivable with works such as The Boy Next Door (2002) by Meg Cabot and We Need to Talk about Kevin (2003) using the format.

Ella Minnow Pea is a slim 200-page book about Nollop, an isle off the coast of South Carolina, and home to Nevin Nollop, the supposed creator of the well-known pangram "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." The island folk are best imagined as a type of Amish or Plain People who are happy to be in a pre industrial idyll. Then one day tiles fall off Nevin Nollop’s statue knocking off a letter. This sets in train events in which that letter is forbidden in speech and writing on pain of punishment and eventual banishment.

The story is more then wordplay although the letters read aloud are a joy to hear. It also explores how an open accepting community gradually falls apart as neighbours turn on neighbour and as willing followers gradually also become victims. This is explored politically as free speech is lost and an increasingly power hungry elite take over and theologically as rival cults emerge and the emptiness of worshiping idols is shown. Alongside these important themes, we also see a love story unfold and a race to find a new pangram before all freedoms are lost that will reveal that Nevin Nollop’s is a fraud.

In the end, you will either like the book because of the fun wordplay and important themes or you dislike the format and the limited characterization. I am of the former camp and so strongly recommend it.

The Wanderers by Richard Price

The Wanderers by Richard Price was a first novel written in 1974 and draws on his teenage years around the Bronx street gangs of the early 60’s. It became a successful movie in 1979, which like the book went on to be a cult classic. Richard Price went on to write many other street crime stories such as Clockers and many successful screenplays as in The Colour of Money..

The story follows the last months of members of a teenage street gang called The Wanderers. These are an all-Italian gang comprising of 27 members. They wear bright yellow/brown jackets and blue jeans. Their leader, Richie, is dating Despie Galasso, the daughter of an infamous mobster, so The Wanderers have connections We also get involved with the fights and alliance of the other local gangs such as

• The Fordham Baldies: As their name suggests, they are all bald, reportedly to prevent their hair from getting in their eyes during a fight.

• The Del Bombers: The toughest all-black gang in the Bronx.

• Ducky Boys: An all-Irish gang , all short- 5'6" and under and the most vicious

• The Wongs: An Chinese gang, all with the last name of "Wong" and highly skilled in Jiu-Jitsu

But it’s more then being in a gang as we explore their relationships, schools, neighbourhoods and often dysfunctional families. Its not a book for the politically correct or maiden aunts, you get unfiltered real street language and behaviour and no moral judgements by the author. The bad aren’t punished and the good rewarded, its left messy as in real life. The story whilst a novel is structured like a series of inter connected short stories so characters pop in and out of the set events as we move through the lives of the gang members. I should add apart from the high energy dialogue many of the scenes are funny,( ask me about the lasso, stone and what was tied to the rope when thrown over a bridge!) sad and even chilling. Well worth reading

The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Giver by Lois Lowry a children’s SF for 8-12 year olds written in 1993 is part of a loose set trilogy set in the same imagined world but not necessarily with the same characters. It deals with a world where your life is one of conformity and happiness. The short novel honestly faces why a society such as this would arise with its benefits and essential failure explored. The core of that failure is that…grief is the price you pay for love. Without sadness, can love and laughter really exist?

We discover a community of unlimited happiness and good manners set in a green and pleasant paradise of high but largely hidden technology. In this world, only 50 children per community are born from genetically approved placements in birth mothers. Regulations define your clothes, toys and your role in society from your first year. From eight you have to volunteer for a range of community duties so that your life long occupation from twelve can start. We join Jonas as the ceremony for 12’s is near for the allotment of his calling. Much to his and the communities shock he is not allotted a job but is selected to be the Receiver. In learning what this is, he discovers the hidden pain and dark side of unlimited happiness. This sets off a chain of events as Jonas discovers what being released really means. He faces what growing up means, and consequences whose meaning you have to decide.

The book has over 3000 ratings on Amazon.com alone so we are talking popular and critical success (it won the Newbury Medal- the USA children’s literature award). Even so, it is banned in several USA State’s School and Library systems because of the dark emotional issues dealt with. Surprisingly doesn’t to have attracted the same attention in the UK. If you or your children have not read it then you have missed a classic. But if you have read it then you know why it’s enjoyable and highly recommended!

Book Review: I Dared to Call Him Father by Bilquis Sheikh

A modern classic in Christian biography, this title was originally published in 1978, and has been continuously reprinted since then. I am reviewing a UK edition from my personal home library (that I mooched from a UK bookmoocher!) dated 2005. The version you will commonly find in bookstores today is the 25th Anniversary Edition. For a book to go through so many re-printings and to be continuously in print for over 25 years you can tell that there is something special about such a book, some stirring within the human spirit that continues to draw us to it.

I Dared to Call Him Father, 25th Anniversary Edition: The Miraculous Story of a Muslim Woman's Encounter with God By Bilquis Lohse / Baker At a time when new questions about Islam arise daily, the miraculous story of Bilquis Sheikh will help you understand and reach out to Muslims---with compassion and the gospel. A wealthy Pakistani woman, the outspoken Sheikh came to know God through a dream, turning her world upside down---and putting her life in danger. 192 pages, softcover from Baker.

*Start of Review*

At first glance I thought that perhaps this book would better enable Christians to understand the mind of a Muslim, their point of view, helping them to better witness to Muslims. I can tell you that this book is definitely not focused upon apologetics, nor is it full of ‘how-to’s’ on reaching out to the Muslim community. Rather it is the intimate story of one woman coming to know Jesus as her Lord and Saviour, and her resulting walk in obedience with Him, and His faithfulness to her. It just happens that she was a wealthy Muslim in Pakistan, but truly, this story could be the testimony of any person that the Lord has drawn to Him, out of any circumstances.

I was so moved to read of how God reached into the life of Bilquis and drew her to him.

John 6:44 - No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

And indeed, my own testimony, and that of others bears witness to the truth of that verse as well. Without any overt evangelism God can still speak to us through the circumstances in our lives and draw us to His son. The author experiences a rather dramatic and prophetic conversion, the story of her coming to the Lord is quite striking, unique and moving. Her resulting early walk in faith with Jesus and of striving to live in the presence and power of the Holy Ghost every waking moment is so inspiring. Would that I, myself, had such a clear witness of the Spirit in my life on such an ongoing basis rather than in glimpses here and there.

For our family we do have one doctrinal disagreement with the book. The matter of her baptism is one that we will have to discuss further in terms of doctrine when we re-read this book together; I'm not about to argue with the validity of her baptism, because she was in trying circumstances, and felt she had a word from the Lord, but our family does hold to believers baptism by immersion performed by a believing man. I obtained this book to add to our growing homeschooling and personal home library, as I intend to acquaint my growing children with notable Christian biographies throughout their years in our home. Since our children are only 5 and 2 it will be a few years before we read this book together (sorry, I won't be re-listing) due to some of the complex social themes presented, those of ostracism namely, though this is definitely a social phenomenon that we as Christians, and our children should be prepared to face as we follow Jesus.

Jhn 15:18 - If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.
1Jo 3:13 - Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

A moving and true personal testimony of one womans desire to obey the Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in His Spirit, and by His power, every waking hour, to be obedient in even the smallest details of her life, is one that we can use as an example in our own walk in faith with Jesus Christ, our saviour. The book also includes a very touching after-word (which brought me to tears) by a missionary wife who was used of the Lord in Bilquis' quest for the truth, and her later discipleship. The author is now with the Lord, and continues to serve as a shining example of a personal relationship with Jesus for us today.

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Jennifer Bogart blogs about christian parenting, family living, homeschooling and more! She loves writing Christian book reviews. This review may be republished in its entirety.

Jasmine’s Tortoise by Corinne Souza

Jasmine’s Tortoise is the first novel of Corinne who has written non fiction books about her family’s involvement in spying and her experiences as a lobbyist during the Major-Blair years. It is clear that much of Corinne Souza life is woven into the novel’s mix of fictional and historical events that unfolds from1965 to 2002. Souza’s father is clearly used as a source for Jasmine’s father and she like Jasmine owes her British passport to the spy trade.

The book covers 40 turbulent years from the ellipse of the Puppet Hashemite monarchy by secular Arab nationalism to its eventual challenge by Islamic militancy and Kurdish nationalism. These local changes are shaped if not controlled by the ebb and flow of the big three imperial powers: Britain, America, and Russia, who gradually became the big two and then finally in the 90’s just the big one. These complex social and political changes are explored through the fates of three families: the Palameries- Roman Catholic Indian traders, the Solomon’s, the last of Bagdad’s old Jewish families and the El-Tareks- a well heeled Muslim family with a presence in the old and emerging social-political elites.

The story starts in Bagdad when the British niceties of Masonic lodges, Horse Racing, dances and formal parties, are in the final throes of death with a family party. Tragedy is triggered when Jasmine is given by her grandfather. Peter Ligne, the local MI6 bureau spymaster claims it from him. This hurts her grandfather’s feelings so his friend Nico Stollen, the KGB spymaster, is pulled into a rivalry to protect Jasmine. Thus starts a struggle for her “soul” that will see betrayal and death rip the families apart mirroring the wider betrayal of Iraq. Forty years later the younger generation and older family survivors fight for Jasmine’s redemption as Nico Stollen and Peter Ligne pull the strings to the final moments.

The book is structured with a prologue setting out all the main characters and their relationship in 2002 before diving back to Bagdad in 1965. It then jumps in linear stages to 2002 and we follow the twists and turns of the characters as they die, marry, betray and manipulate with bitter and unintended consequences. Expect lots of twists and unexpected turns as the plot sets a good pace as you keep a track on who is who. If in doubt dip back to the prologue as the characters and their relationships are set out as if a route map.

Clearly an ambitious and multi-layer story so does it work? Only partly has to be the honest answer. The flaw is that the writing does not match the ambition of the story. The characters are often two-dimensional, and clichés with barely distinguishable voices but they do serve as effective pegs to move the plot on at a quick pace. And who complains when Fleming and Agatha Christies characters serve the same purpose?

We also have a POV that switches character within the same page as well as an irritating habit of the writer as untended narrator explaining words and actions. This would have been fine in a historical account but not in a novel as it all adds to effect of the reader being distant and observing rather then participating in the story. Again fine as long as the reader is interested in plot rather then character driven stories.

So is the plot credible? The opening prologue is over complex and slows the introduction to the story; this could have perhaps been better handled perhaps as a press interview of Jasmine so become a narrative that intrigues us. Nor do we have the back story of why key central characters are so loyal to each other. The importance given to British Intelligence, Masons and Employer associations stretches credibility. But Lodges were in the British Middle East until closed down in the mid 60’s, and until the 90’s employees with a radical past were black-listed and British intelligence did play dirty tricks with the Labour Party. And as for the corruption of the Government sponsored arms trade just read the latest news headlines! So the story is an exaggeration and simplification of the truth which will irate some readers but not all.

In the end, the potential fatal flaw of the novel is who is the intended readership? In wanting to explore the ambivalent moral and political issues of the modern world, it suffers in comparison with Graham Greene who managed to combine serious literary acclaim with wide popularity. Yet it lacks the technically detailed espionage and military science storylines of say a Tom Clancy or the focus on one heroic man, or a small group of crusading individuals, in a struggle against powerful adversaries of say a Robert Ludlum. Despite these reservations and limitations it is still a good holiday read but given a good cast, and screenplay it would really work as a mini commercial TV series.