Book Review: "Notes from a Spinning Planet - Papua New Guinea" by Melody Carlson

Definitely Not Paradise

Maddie is off again on another global adventure with her Aunt Sid. After hitting the green hills of Ireland, they're traveling to the other side of the world to Papua New Guinea. Sid wants to write an article about how the country is unsafe for Americans and also plans to research the AIDS epidemic that is a major crisis for the country. While there, Maddie meets Lydia, who has been adopted by missionaries. It is through her that Maddie learns really what it is like to live in a country that really needs to hear about God's word.

Ok honest time here again: I didn't know anything about Papau New Guinea other than where it was located. My boyfriend's brother lived there this year for 3 months for his job but other than that I have never paid any attention to this country. However after reading this book I learned so much about the AIDS crisis. I had no idea that this was such a huge problem in Papau New Guinea. My heart goes out to those affected by the disease there especially those that are suffering due to rape. This book has a more serious tone than the first one in the series. This time Maddie and Sid are not here on vacation. They're not relaxing or looking for a good time. I really liked learning about the country and the different culture that is there. Reading about missionaries always inspires me. I greatly admire those who are able to get out of their comfort zones to help others get to know about their faith. It was nice though to read about Lydia's family with their comforts of an American home amid a foreign country. I also enjoyed reading about the layover in Hawaii and I share Maddie's confusion about the International Date Line. This series so makes me want to go traveling across the world. Another excellent work from Melody Carlson.

Notes from a Spinning Planet - Papua New Guinea by Melody Carlson is published by Waterbrook (2007)