Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm taking the day off from blogging due to the holiday. We've traveled to be with family and I'm planning on stuffing myself silly. Probably not going shopping the day after but we shall see. Anywho I wanted to leave you with one of my favorite Thanksgiving TV episodes. Granted if you're not a fan of this show, it wont' make you laugh like it did to me but since I consider all of you my "friends" here ya go!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Book Review: "Scared" by Tom Davis

Stuart Daniels has hit bottom. Once a celebrated and award-winning photojournalist, he is reeling from debt, a broken marriage, and crippling depression. The source of Stuart's grief is his most famous photo, a snapshot of brutality in the dangerous Congo. A haunting image that indicts him as a passive witness to gross injustice. Stuart is given one last chance to redeem his career: A make-or-break assignment covering the AIDS crisis in a small African country. It is here that Stuart meets Adanna, a young orphan fighting for survival in a community ravaged by tragedy and disease. What seemed like a chance encounter will forever change their lives. This sweeping, dramatic story explores the most vital social issues facing our world and offers a unique perspective on the tragedies taking place in Africa today.

With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, one does a lot of thinking about what they are thankful for in their life. For many, it's family or having a job or the material things they own. But have you ever been thankful for being alive and well? We as Americans take our way of life for granted. We have so many freedoms that we just immediately dismiss yet there are millions of people all over the world who are suffering and would give anything to have just one thing of ours that we so casually discard. This book really makes you think about what you have and what thankfulness really mean.

Stuart is a photographer who is searching for that perfect shot. He's having some marital problems and leaves for Africa with things unresolved between him and his wife. He had previously won a prestigious journalism award for a photo he had taken several years ago that depicted the tragedy of death and it's affected him ever since. Now in Africa he sees how the people are ravaged by AIDS, starvation and the children who have to suffer for it. Mixed in with Stuart's story is the story of a 12 year old Swazi girl named Adanna. Her story is absolutely heartbreaking. I can't describe it, you have to read it to know the full impact.

The contrast between the rich and the poor were incredible. Stuart sees both worlds. He ate the best food at the hotel, better than almost any restaurant in the US with steak and dessert. Then the next day he sees women weeping because their child has died from starvation. When Stuart realizes how much just a little bit of food from the local store helps out, he and his friend buy what they can to help out the village. One scene in the book that really interested me was when a so called charity comes the village and pretty much does a photo shot. They act like they're about to pass out tons of food but in reality they are just getting publicity to send back home to get more funds. The funds are clearly going into the pockets of the charity and NOT to help out the people. This is something one should always look into before donating, make sure you know exactly where the money is going.

This is a book that everyone should read. It's totally eye opening and really makes you think about what you have vs what others don't have. It's an intense book. I felt really guilty for being able to eat a PBJ sandwich while reading and thinking about how there are so many people who would literally die for a piece of that sandwich.

This book is not preachy at all. It's classified as Christian fiction and faith is obvious throughout the book. However the message about Africa, AIDS and the orphans take a much bigger precedence. This book really opened up my eyes to the plight of other countries and does make me want to go do something about it one day. I'm not sure right now exactly what that is, but I do know that I want to make a difference. While reading this book, I was reminded of a video I watched at church that stated that even though we don't realize it, if we live in the US or any western country, we are rich. Rich means being able to have a clean drink of water or have a roof over our heads. This book clearly makes you realize how much we have to be thankful for in our lives. Like one of my friends on Twitter said, I wish this was a book that Oprah would include in her book club as it's a book that everyone should read because of the powerful message it carries. I challenge you to read it and see if you aren't affected. VERY HIGHLY recommended.

Scared by Tom Davis is published by David C Cook (2009)

This review copy was provided by the publicist

500 Books in 2009

Yeah I'm pretty amazed myself. I finished my 500th book of 2009 today. This one was a powerful read and my review of it should be up in the next few days-weeks.


I pretty much don't know what else to say. I've far and beyond gone past any goals I had for this year. All that's left to say is that there is still over a month left in the year!

Book Review: "The Restorer's Journey" by Sharon Hinck

When a foreign threat invades their comfortable home, Susan and Jake soon find themselves drawn back through the portal to the world of the People of the Verses. Now Susan will struggle to love a people who have become her captors, while Jake suffers a tragic betrayal and discovers his destiny as the next Restorer.

I'm still not a fantasy fan but this is one series that I have enjoyed thoroughly. This is mainly due to Sharon Hinck's writing and her ability to suck you into the story even if you are totally unfamiliar with the genre, like myself. The story picks up right where The Restorer's Son left off it's a shocker right from the beginning. Two from the other world have now come into our world and the Mitchell family has to figure out a way to get them out. Mishap and mayhem occur as Mark, Susan and Jake do their best to return to Lyric. I would have liked a bit more time seeing how the outsiders fared in our world but it's not really an issue. When returning to Lyric, the family faces obstacles and consequences they didn't expect and find themselves amidst another battle that will threaten the lives of all those they have come to love. Lyric is like another Middle Earth or another Narnia. It's a world that Sharon has completely created. I normally shy away from fantasy because it's hard for me to grasp different worlds in relationship to our own world. I did have problems with this in the beginning of this series but by the time this book came around, I was totally able to accept the idea of Lyric.

There were some parts that I did feel drag on a bit. This was mainly during the scenes where the characters were waiting for action. It wasn't boring, just felt like there was a lull in the scene and in the reading. The ending also left me a bit hanging. I understood why it had to happen, yet at the same time I could foresee problems trying to explain the situation. It didn't seem like an easy way out to end the story yet at the same time I felt like something else could have happened. Either way, I would love to see a return to this series in the future. Sharon has done an excellent job of making non fantasy fans enjoy the fantasy world and stretch both their imagination and reading tastes.

The Restorer's Journey by Sharon Hinck is published by NavPress (2008)

This review copy was provided by the publisher

Book Review: "Dear Pen Pal" by Heather Vogel Frederick

For the mother-daughter book club, everything changes in eighth grade.

Could the book club break up? When Jess is offered an anonymous scholarship to a prestigious boarding school, she's not sure that leaving home -- and her friends -- is what she wants to do. Meanwhile Megan's grandmother comes for a long visit and turns everything in the Wong household upside down; Emma crusades against her middle school's new uniforms; and Cassidy finds out there's a big change ahead for her family.

Inspired by Jess's unexpected opportunity, the book club decides to read Jean Webster's classic Daddy-Long-Legs, and there's an added twist this year when they become pen pals with the girls in a book club in Wyoming. There's plenty to write to their new friends about, from a prank-filled slumber party to a not-so-secret puppy -- and even a surprise first kiss.

In this third book in the beloved Mother-Daughter Book Club series, the girls learn that as long as they have one another -- and a good book -- they're ready for whatever eighth grade has in store!

This is probably my favorite tween series that is out there. I absolutely adore the characters, the storylines, the setup of the entire series. It's one of the few series where I wish I could literally dive in the story and become a character. It combines everything that I love in a great book: a cast of characters that's totally multi-dimensional and loves to read, food, friends and fun. It's a recipe guaranteed for success, at least in my opinion.

There's lots of humor in this book and I laughed out loud quite a few times. Also featured in the book are the awkward feelings that thirteen year old girls face, which I remember sadly all too well. The author does a wonderful job at portraying this without getting too sappy or uncomfortable. At the same time though, the writing is easy to read and just keeps you wanting to turn pages. I really like seeing how both the girls and their moms have changed since the beginning of the series. The mother-daughter relationships are just as important as the girls' friendship and it is interesting to see how different and unique each bond is. I was also pleased to see some Chinese culture come into play with Megan's grandmother.

I will admit, I had never heard of Daddy Long Legs before reading this book but now I totally want to read it! It's always great to hear about new books and from the talk in this book, this sounds like a great children's classic that I missed out on. The FAQ sheets that are handed out at the book club meetings serve as a plus for the readers who want to learn more about the author and how they wrote the book.

I'm wondering if we'll be getting a first person section from Becca in the following books. I am really impressed at how she's matured since the first book and has now become part of the gang. I'm also glad to see that the other girls do not hold grudges against her. These girls are very mature for their age and it's nice to see them act responsible. At the same time though, they still act like kids which is perfectly fine. It's such a refreshing change from books like The Clique series, where the characters there are acting like miniature wannabe adults.

I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out. Honestly this is one of those books that I cannot find a single fault in. Everything in this book is truly wonderful and readers of all ages will enjoy it and be inspired to read the books mentioned in it as well. VERY HIGHLY recommended.

Dear Pen Pal by Heather Vogel Frederick is published by Simon and Schuster Children (2009)

This review copy was provided by the author

The Nancy Drew Challenge

This is a very personal reading challenge for myself. I have tried EVERY year for the past 15 years (I honestly kid you not) to try to read every one of the original 56 Yellow Spine Nancy Drew books. But every year other obligations or loss of interest cause me to stop after a few books. However I have determined that 2010 is the year I will finally accomplish a goal that has plagued me over half my life.

While there are other types of Nancy Drew books out there (Files, Notebooks, Clue Crew, On Campus, River Heights, Girl Detective, Supermysteries with Hardy Boys), I am going to focus on the original Nancy Drew Mystery stories. I have tried reading the original versions from the 1930s, but I just could not get into the language. Therefore this challenge will be spotlighting the revised Yellow Spined hardback books that were reprinted and are universally recognized when you think Nancy Drew. The books for this challenge will be 1-56 (The Secret of the Old Clock to The Thirteenth Pearl).

Example of Yellow Hardback:

Goal: To read Books 1-56 in the Nancy Drew series that have the yellow spines in 2010. A list of the books can be found here http://www.nancydrewsleuth.com/mysterystories.html

I realize that 56 books sound like a lot, but Nancy Drew books are really quick reads...and there are pictures!

FAQ (thanks to S.Krishna's Books for this tip)

What are the dates for the challenge?
The dates for the challenge are January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

Are audiobooks and ebooks allowed?
Yes! Any format will be allowed for this challenge.

Can I read any version of Nancy Drew books?
For this challenge, only the yellow hardback versions will be counted.

What if I've already read some of the books? Do I have to reread? Can I skip those? Re-reads can count. If you've already read some and want to skip to those you haven't read, that is allowed as well. The goal is to be able to say you've read ALL the books.

Do I have to write any reviews?
Reviews are not required.

Is there an age restriction for this challenge?
Nope! Anyone any age can join! Whether you've been reading Nancy Drew for years or are just starting to discover the books.

Can these books be used for other challenges?
These books can be used as crossovers in other challenges.

What if I don't have a blog? Can I still participate?
Yes! leave a comment on this post with the information for the challenge, along with an e-mail address. Use the link to the comment (hover over the date/time of the comment and copy that link) as your URL for Mr. Linky. (Borrowed with permission from S.Krishna's Books)

Please sign up in the Mr. Linky below with your post for the challenge. Please link directly to your post page and NOT your main blog page.

Shelf Discover Challenge Report: Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

For all of her nine years, fragile Elizabeth Ann has heard her Aunt Frances refer in whispers to her "horrid Putney cousins." But when her aunt can no longer care for her, Elizabeth Ann must leave her sheltered life to live in the wilds of Vermont with those distant relatives.

In the beginning, Elizabeth Ann is shocked by country living--pets are allowed to sleep in the house and children are expected to do chores! But with country living comes independence and responsibility, and in time, Elizabeth Ann finds herself making friends and enjoying her new family. When the year is up and Aunt Frances comes to get her niece, she finds a healthier, prouder girl with a new name--Betsy--and a new outlook on life.

I will admit, even though this book is touted as being really famous and a landmark in children's literature, I had never heard of it before I picked up Shelf Discover. The reason how I picked up this book was that I randomly opened the book and chose the book the pages landed on. This happened to be the lucky one. This book is an oldie (orginally pubilshed in 1912) but it's a goodie.

This story takes place in the early 20th century. Betsy has been raised by two aunts who treat her well but raised her to quite prim and proper. She has never really done anything for herself and has grown up being treated more like an old lady than a little girl. Betsy however is not spoiled. She just hasn't had a chance to really enjoy her life. One of her aunts becomes ill so she's moved to another house with distant relatives. While there she discovers there's more to life and learns to do chores, take care of herself, and run around and be a kid. One of my favorite scenes was Betsy learning that she could eat as much as she wanted. Previously in her old home she had only been allotted one small share of the quart of cream, but here she could have all she wanted. She was shocked and amazed that this was possible. The entire book is filled with stories like that, Betsy discovering how much more to life it was with her new family.

Even though this isn't a prairie story a la Little House, it still reminded me very much of that lifestyle. It's a simpler time that doesn't depend on gadgets or fancy do dads to get the story across. I was also reminded very much of Caddie Woodlawn with how the story was told with each chapter being a potential separate story. The only thing I thought a bit weird was that Betsy is never referred to as Betsy in the book, she's always called and mentioned as Elizabeth Ann.

I would recommend this book for middle grade girls who like stories about girls their age and the time period. It's a really good comfort read as well for adults.

Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana by Tricia Goyer and Ocienna Fleiss

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

Tricia Goyer
and
Ocieanna Fleiss

and the book:

Love Finds You In Lonesome Prairie, Montana

Summerside Press (December 1, 2009)

***Special thanks to Amy Lathrop of LitFUSE Publicity Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tricia Goyer was named Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference "Writer of the Year" in 2003. Her book Night Song won Book of the Year from ACFW in the Long Historical Fiction category. Her book Life Interrupted: The Scoop On Being a Young Mom was a Gold Medallion Finalist. Tricia has written hundreds of articles, Bible Study notes, and both fiction and non-fiction books.

Visit the author's website.



Ocieanna Fleissis a published writer and has edited six of Tricia Goyer's historical novels. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area. Connect with Ocieanna on Facebook!









AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

The sound of little girls’ voices and the sight of the sun streaming through the tall, second-story window of the Open Door Home for Destitute Girls, a privately owned orphanage on upper Manhattan, told nineteen-year-old Julia Cavanaugh that the day had started without her. Julia, an orphan herself, now running the place for the owner, brushed a strand of dark hair from her eyes. She submitted to a second yawn as a twelve-year-old girl hopped onto her bed.

“He’s gonna ask her to marry him, don’t you think, Miss Cavanaugh?”

“Oh, Shelby.” Julia wiped the sleep from her eyes and smiled into the freckled face staring eagerly at her. “Give me a moment to wake before you go asking such things.” Julia stroked the girl’s cheek, her heart seeming to double within her chest with love for the youngster.

The embroidery sampler she’d fallen asleep working on still lay at the end of her bed. She picked it up and eyed the image of a small house she’d copied from Godey’s Lady’s Book. Above the house, she’d stitched the words Home Sweet Home in fancy script. Gazing around the broad room lined with small metal cots and bustling with little-girl chatter, Julia noted the embroidered pillowslips, carefully pressed—albeit dingy—curtains, and dandelions smiling from scavenged jam-jar vases. She’d done her best to make the room pleasant for the girls—and herself. She glanced at their faces and smiled, gladly embracing her role as caretaker.

A less-than-subtle “ahem” from Shelby reminded Julia she’d been asked a question. She glanced at her young charge, still perched on the end of her bed. “What did you ask?”

“Finally.” Shelby eyed her with mock frustration. “I said, do you think they will get married—Mrs. Hamlin and Mr. Gaffin? Haven’t you noticed the way they look at each other?” Shelby’s cheeks hinted of red. Her golden hair was already fixed in a proper bun, her hands and face washed, and her simple dress clean and pressed despite its patches and stray threads.

“Shelby Bruce.” Julia shook her head, as Shelby’s two-year-old sister Beatrice wiggled onto Julia’s lap with a squeal. Julia planted a firm kiss on the top of Bea’s head.

“Married? I don’t think so,” Julia continued. “Mrs. Hamlin would’ve told us—told me—if she was being courted. Mr. Gaffin’s just an old family friend.” Julia wondered where on earth the girl got the notion that their headmistress wished to marry.

Although they have been spending a lot of time together. Julia pushed the thought out of her mind as little Bea shuffled to a stand, planting her pint-sized feet on Julia’s thighs. “Fammy fend!” She pointed a chubby finger at her older sister, Shelby.

“All right, Bea.” Julia plopped the toddler on the floor and swiveled her toward the small bed she shared with Shelby. “Time to straighten your bed.” Then Julia eyed the twins. “Charity, Grace, would you two virtuous girls fetch fresh water for the basin?”

Shelby pushed away from the bed, wrinkled her brow, and thrust her hand behind her as if to support her back—a perfect imitation of their middle-aged headmistress. “Now where did I put my spectacles?” Shelby clucked her tongue as she waddled forward.

Laughter spilled from the lips of the girls around the room. Encouraged, Shelby scratched her head. She plopped down on her bed then hopped up again as if surprised, pulling imaginary spectacles from under her rump. “Oh!” she squealed. “There they are.”

The laughter grew louder, and Julia pursed her lips together to smother the impulse to laugh along with them. She planted her fists on her hips. “That’s enough. All of you know what must be done before breakfast.” The girls’ laughter quieted to soft giggles hidden behind cupped palms as they scattered to do their chores.

Shelby lingered behind, her form now straight and her eyes pensive. “Maybe she forgot to tell you, Miss Cavanaugh.” The young girl gazed up at her. “The way they look at each other—it’s like my ma and pa used to, that’s all.”

Julia folded a stray sandy blond curl behind the girl’s ear. “Don’t worry, my sweet. If Mrs. Hamlin was getting married, we’d be the first to know.”

Julia hoped her own gaze didn’t reflect the sinking disquiet that draped her. Mr. Gaffin was a rich world traveler. If there was any truth to Shelby’s suspicion, Julia couldn’t imagine he’d let Mrs. Hamlin continue to work with orphans. Perhaps they’d get a new headmistress.

Or maybe the girls would be separated, moved to new homes…

If Mrs. Hamlin got married, all their lives would be radically changed. And if Julia had to leave the orphanage, she had no idea what she would do. Julia swept that painful thought away and steadied her gaze at Shelby. She couldn’t hide her true feelings from this girl. Julia took Shelby’s hand and answered as honestly as she could.

“I don’t think she’ll get married, but if she does, God will take care of us, like He always has.” Julia lifted her chin in a smile. “And really, Mrs. Hamlin may be forgetful, but no one could forget that. I sure wouldn’t.”

Ardy, a shy Swedish girl, removed her dirty sheets from a small bed and then approached, taking Julia’s hand. “Don’t ya think you’ll ever be gettin’ married?”

“Actually, there is something I’ve been wanting to tell you all….” Julia leaned forward, resting her hands on her knees.

The two girls eyed each other in surprise, and Shelby’s brow furrowed.

“Come closer.” Julia curled a finger, bidding them.

“What is it?” Shelby asked, her eyes glued to Julia.

The girls leaned in. “I’d like to tell you…that there’s a wonderful man who’s asked me to marry him!”

The squeals of two girls erupted, followed by the cheers of nearly three dozen others who’d been quietly listening from the stairwell.

“There is?” Shelby reached forward and squeezed Julia’s hand.

Julia let out a hefty sigh and giggled. “No, you sillies. Well, at least not yet. Someday. Maybe.”

Shelby pouted “But you said… ”

“I said I’d like to tell you I had a man. I’d sure like to, but of course since I don’t, I’m happy to stay here with all of you.”

The girls moaned.

The squeak of the front door down on the first floor of the Revolutionary War–era home-turned-orphanage drew their attention. They waited as Mrs. Hamlin’s familiar chortle filled the air, along with a bash and clang of items—hopefully food and supplies that she’d picked up.

“Julia!” Mrs. Hamlin yelped. “Julia, dear, where are you?”

“Coming.” Julia hurried down the stairs to help the older woman.

Julia neared the bottom of the steps and paused, trying to stifle a laugh at the sight of the twinkly-eyed woman sprawled flat on her back. Scattered boxes and bags covered the donated rug.

“Mrs. Hamlin! What on earth? Why didn’t you get a steward to help you?”

“Oh, I didn’t want to be a bother.” She cheerfully picked herself up. “I was in such a hurry to show you all what I’d bought. And to tell you my surprise. Such a wonderful surprise.” Julia eyed the boxes and noted they were from R.H. Macy & Co. More than a dozen boxes waited to be opened, and she couldn’t imagine the cost.

“I found just what the girls need, and on sale!” the headmistress exclaimed.

What they need is more food—vitamin drops, too—and maybe a few new schoolbooks. But Julia didn’t dare say it. And somehow God’s hand of providence always provided.

“New clothes, I gather. That is a surprise.”

“But only half of it, dear.” Mrs. Hamlin rubbed her palms expectantly. “I also must tell you my news. The best news an old widow could hope for.”

Julia followed Mrs. Hamlin’s gaze toward the idle youngsters who’d gathered on the staircase to watch. Her eyes locked with Shelby’s, then she quickly looked away. “News?” The muscles in Julia’s stomach tightened.

“Girls,” Julia shooed them away with a wave of her hand, “you know better than to eavesdrop. Off to chores with you. We’ll have breakfast soon.”

The girls started to scurry off, but Mrs. Hamlin halted them with her words.

“No, no,” her high-pitched voice hailed. “Come back. This news is for all of you.” They circled around her, and she tenderly patted their bobbing heads.

“What is it?” Julia wasn’t sure she’d ever seen Mrs. Hamlin’s cheeks so rosy or her eyes so bright.

“I’m getting married!”

Christmas Present Time!

It's about that time! Are you looking around for presents to get for the holiday season? Well make sure you stop by Keepsakes, Etc.'s website. They are an online store retailing in theme throws and wall decor.

Among their products include photo throw Blankets, Custom Designed Throws, Blanket Throws, Mink Faux Fur Blankets, Wall Tapestry, Wall Tapestry Hangings, personalized throw blankets, Fleece Blankets, Furniture Throws, College Stadium Blankets, tapestry throw pillows and College bedding. There are over 2500 gift items available on their website.

I received a Christmas throw blanket for gratis and let me tell you it's really nice. I chose the Thomas Kinkade Christmas throw blanket.

My mother is a HUGE fan of Thomas Kinkade (you should see the house) and I also like his paintings as well. It's really pretty and quite warm and snuggly (and HUGE!) as evidenced by this picture here:

You can get your gift monogrammed as I did which I was really geeked to do as it's our first item that says our married name on it. So we got a little giddy when we opened up the package and saw it. The package shipped really fast and came well packaged.

There are tons of other throw blankets on the site as well as many other gifts. I'm really happy with what I picked and am looking to see if I'll be ordering more for other presents! Be sure to also check out Simply Bags as well!

Thanks to Keepsakes' Etc for providing this product.

2010 100+ Reading Challenge

Ok, this is a total no brainer for me so i HAD to join this one. I've decided to join a few challenges this upcoming year. I figure, I'm going to be reading these books anyways so why not?

This challenge, hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog, is to read 100+ books during 2009. This is a great challenge for me as I have, as of today, read 491 books for 2009. Yeah, I know. But believe me, I am definately NOT going to be reading that many next year! Even so, I think I can still crank out 200, so 200 is once again going to be my goal for next year. I chose that number because I am shooting for 100 at least for library books alone so I figure the other 100 will either be review books or books I own.

To sign up for the challenge, go here.

To see other challenges I'm participating in, go here

I will be adding to this post as the year goes by with the books I have read.

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

Another challenge, I can't resist! It's that time of year again and I've decided to join a few challenges this upcoming year. I figure, I'm going to be reading these books anyways so why not?

This challenge, hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog, is to read YA books for 2010. I love YA so why wouldn't I do this challenge?

There are four levels:

--The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.

--Just My Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 25 Young Adult novels.

--Stepping It Up YA Reading Challenge – Read 50 Young Adult novels.

--Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels

I'm going to go with the Super Size Me option. Surely I can find 75 YA books! If you want to join in on the fun click here to sign up.

To see other challenges I'm participating in, go here

I will be adding to this post as the year goes by with the books I have read.

Book Review: "Green" by Ted Dekker

At Last . . . The Circle Reborn The story of how Thomas Hunter first entered the Black Forest and forever changed our history began at a time when armies were gathered for a final battle in the valley of Migdon. Green is a story of love, betrayal, and sweeping reversals set within the apocalypse. It is the beginning: the truth behind a saga that has captured the imagination of more than a million readers with the Books of History Chronicles.But even more, Green brings full meaning to the Circle Series as a whole, reading as both prequel to Black and sequel to White, completing a full circle. This is Book Zero, the Circle Reborn, both the beginning and the end. The preferred starting point for new readers . . . and the perfect climax for the countless fans who've experienced Black, Red, and White.

I think Ted Dekker is one of the most brilliant authors out there today, Christian or general fiction. I have enjoyed every single one of his books and have been amazed at how he takes a story and creates a whole new world with words. The stories really take you into the story and are able to make the outside world disappear. The Books of Histories Chronicles has been absolutely amazing. This is due the fact that an entire world has been created through several books even when you think the books have absolutely nothing to do with that world. Also if you think that Christian fiction is boring and only aimed at women, you HAVE to read the Circle trilogy. It will blow your mind away.

Green takes you back into the trilogy, pretty much starting right where White ended. Without spoiling the story, familiar characters are revisited, new characters are introduced, battles take place and evil tries to reign over all. That's pretty much the basic plot of the story. We meet up again with Thomas Hunter in the future and then his sister and their friends in the present time. The story shifts back and forth but it isn't confusing especially if you've read the past books. Even though I'm not a big fantasy fan, I really enjoy this series, mainly due to how in depth the characters are portrayed. The battle scenes are written very well as I could feel myself thrown into the action. The twist at the end was quite interesting though at the same time, I feel it was kind of a cop out. I guess how many times does this happen if it's a circle.

The book keeps saying that you can start with this book, even if you've never read the previous Circle books before. I have to disagree with that. I really feel as if you HAVE to read Black, Red and White BEFORE reading Green to really grasp everything. It just feels like Green plops you in the middle/end of the story and there are people, places and even terminology that are never explained in this book but are in the other books. It's kind of like watching Revenge of the Sith before you watch Empire Strikes Back or even Phantom Menace. You COULD start there but you'd be horribly confused. I think even if you've read the books but it's been awhile you could still get confused. Luckily for me, I had just read the books (for the first time) a few weeks ago, so I was still up to date.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and the entire series for that matter. Unanswered questions were finally answered and it was nice to see everything tied together. Other than the blip I mentioned before, this book was outstanding and would definitely recommend the book to both Dekker fans and newbies to Christian fiction.

Green by Ted Dekker is published by Thomas Nelson (2009)

This review copy was provided by the publisher