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Review Date: 2/2/2009
Helpful Score: 3
I ordered this book mainly because of the title - I, too, have a "blood sister" that is as close as, if not more so, a real sister. This book was impossible to put down, to say the least. This is the first book I've read by this author and I truly loved her combination of christian faith and suspense. It kept me guessing to the very end, though I was tempted to read the ending ahead of time. Her choice of plot was very well thought out, I felt. Fortunately I have not had any experience with the hatred and bigotry she portrayed; however, I'm sure it does exist somewhere in parts of the USA. Her characters were extremely well rounded and I really felt as if I "knew" them personally. Anyone who enjoys Christian fiction and suspense will most certainly enjoy this book. I give it 5 stars since that's as high as the ratings go, but I'd give it much more if I was able to.
Review Date: 1/20/2009
Helpful Score: 24
First of all, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy reading this book. But when I saw how many people had it on their wish list, I thought I'd do the right thing and read it before I posted it. Also, it was a Christmas gift from my best friend.
Having said all that, I started reading this before I went to work yesterday (1/19/09). The chapters are fairly short and it's an easy read. I have to say I was pulled right in by the characters and the plot. And since it is autobiographical in nature, I knew that some if not most of the experiences were real. When I got home from work, I continued reading when I went to bed. I finally finished it around 4 a.m. this morning.
While I might agree with some that the writing is not as experienced as other authors (such as Dickens, Shakespeare, Austen, Clancy, Tolstoy or others), it nevertheless did strike a few chords in my own experiences. I seriously doubt that Mr. Beck wrote this book entirely for the profit, therefore I couldn't actually agree with one member stating not to buy this book.
Mr. Beck truly makes a statement in the book that most of us should heed. We should be grateful for what we have and cherish those that we're close to. Too many people are self absorbed, greedy, selfish and discontented. This should be a wake up call for all of us.
I'd planned to post this book when I finished with it. However, this has become one of my most cherished possessions - mainly due to the person who gave it to me (thanks, Marcia!). Yes, I am a conservative. Yes, I am a Christian. But I wouldn't say that Mr. Beck bashes people over the head with his beliefs. This is truly a remarkable book, especially in its simplicity.
I would give this more than 5 stars if I could. And people should be more open minded when reading books. I've read alot of "trash" in my lifetime, but this one is definitely NOT on that list.
Having said all that, I started reading this before I went to work yesterday (1/19/09). The chapters are fairly short and it's an easy read. I have to say I was pulled right in by the characters and the plot. And since it is autobiographical in nature, I knew that some if not most of the experiences were real. When I got home from work, I continued reading when I went to bed. I finally finished it around 4 a.m. this morning.
While I might agree with some that the writing is not as experienced as other authors (such as Dickens, Shakespeare, Austen, Clancy, Tolstoy or others), it nevertheless did strike a few chords in my own experiences. I seriously doubt that Mr. Beck wrote this book entirely for the profit, therefore I couldn't actually agree with one member stating not to buy this book.
Mr. Beck truly makes a statement in the book that most of us should heed. We should be grateful for what we have and cherish those that we're close to. Too many people are self absorbed, greedy, selfish and discontented. This should be a wake up call for all of us.
I'd planned to post this book when I finished with it. However, this has become one of my most cherished possessions - mainly due to the person who gave it to me (thanks, Marcia!). Yes, I am a conservative. Yes, I am a Christian. But I wouldn't say that Mr. Beck bashes people over the head with his beliefs. This is truly a remarkable book, especially in its simplicity.
I would give this more than 5 stars if I could. And people should be more open minded when reading books. I've read alot of "trash" in my lifetime, but this one is definitely NOT on that list.
Review Date: 9/14/2008
A GAME OF CHANCE
He was a renegade, a gun for hire. He'd lived by his own rules, playing a high-risk game of danger and intrigue. For a man like Steven Colter, the future held no promises...
Until he rescued Karen Walsh from the hands of South American militants. He thought she was lovely, yet his instincts told him to run for cover. He had never known a more caring, more captivating woman. And now the lady was reversing the odds--for the first time in his life, he was in love. Though becoming a hostage to his heart was against his nature, he discovered that surrender be oh, so sweet.
He was a renegade, a gun for hire. He'd lived by his own rules, playing a high-risk game of danger and intrigue. For a man like Steven Colter, the future held no promises...
Until he rescued Karen Walsh from the hands of South American militants. He thought she was lovely, yet his instincts told him to run for cover. He had never known a more caring, more captivating woman. And now the lady was reversing the odds--for the first time in his life, he was in love. Though becoming a hostage to his heart was against his nature, he discovered that surrender be oh, so sweet.
Hands to Work: Three Women Navigate the New World of Welfare Deadlines and Work Rules
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
2
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
2
Review Date: 11/8/2013
This book give much needed insight into how welfare reform affects individuals in real, down-to-earth ways. A must-read for anyone interested in learning about the consequences of welfare reform.
Review Date: 3/21/2009
Being interested in the Israeli/Palestinian situation, I found this book to be very well thought out. I admire Mr. Lerner for his stance on non-violence. If more people in the world held this view, it would indeed be a better place. Mr. Lerner is not anti-Israeli or anti-Palestinian - he sees the best from both sides and opts for a resolution through understanding and non-violence. I really enjoyed this book.
Review Date: 12/27/2008
Helpful Score: 4
Like all books by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker, this one was a page turner. The chapters were fairly short, which I liked. I finished the book in under 2 days. However, it was not as good as "Prophet" or some of the others. The plot was really good, but I thought they could've done alot better with some aspects of it, and perhaps not made it so disjointed. Still, I can't say that my time was wasted. I'm looking forward to reading more by these authors.
Review Date: 1/18/2009
Due to the recent turmoil in Israel and Gaza, I decided I wanted to read some books in relation to the area. This was the first book I've read that deals with the lack of peace in the area.
Basically autobiographical and mainly about her grandfather, the late prime minister of Israel, this was a truly stirring book. She related parts of her life and alot of that had to do with her relationship with her grandfather. I was deeply moved, often to tears, by her recollections.
This is an excellent book, and one that should be read by anyone who is interested in Israel, in peace in the Middle East, and for those who are interested in the private side of any of the world's leaders.
I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could.
Basically autobiographical and mainly about her grandfather, the late prime minister of Israel, this was a truly stirring book. She related parts of her life and alot of that had to do with her relationship with her grandfather. I was deeply moved, often to tears, by her recollections.
This is an excellent book, and one that should be read by anyone who is interested in Israel, in peace in the Middle East, and for those who are interested in the private side of any of the world's leaders.
I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could.
Review Date: 10/30/2008
Helpful Score: 4
I read this many years ago in Australia while doing a creative writing course.
The classic Australian story of a red heifer who fought for freedom. This was the author's second book awarded the Australian Literature Society's gold medal for best Australian novel published in 1931. Listed by Dutton as being one of Australia's Greatest Books. He also wrote "Dusty" about an Australian sheep dog. "Man Shy" was told from the heifer's point of view and I found it an extremely good book. Not very long but well worth the read!!
The classic Australian story of a red heifer who fought for freedom. This was the author's second book awarded the Australian Literature Society's gold medal for best Australian novel published in 1931. Listed by Dutton as being one of Australia's Greatest Books. He also wrote "Dusty" about an Australian sheep dog. "Man Shy" was told from the heifer's point of view and I found it an extremely good book. Not very long but well worth the read!!
Review Date: 2/5/2009
Helpful Score: 1
This was the first book I've read by this author, and I have to admit that I can't wait to read more by her. I enjoyed the mixture of searching for faith and suspense and the past/present theme. I could really identify with some aspects of the main character as far as wondering why God allows tragedies and struggling to find personal faith. I would have hoped for a different outcome for Phoebe's great aunt; having said that, however, the ending fit perfectly with the plot.
Review Date: 2/24/2009
Helpful Score: 1
This is the second novel by Penelope Stokes that I've read, and all I can say is that it definitely surpasses "The Memory Book". Her characters are still extremely well rounded and are definitely people you can relate to and empathize with...people you care about. As for the plot, it's somewhat more intricate than The Memory Book, but Stokes still blends past and present, drama and romance, and suspense, with the underlying question of faith and belief in God.
All in all, definitely worth reading. A real page turner!! I started it before work one day and ended up finishing it a day and a half later - only stopping to sleep and go to work. Very compelling. And definitely worth much more than the 5 stars I've given it.
Penelope Stokes' novels are so compelling that I'm nearly finished reading "The Wishing Jar" after one day!
All in all, definitely worth reading. A real page turner!! I started it before work one day and ended up finishing it a day and a half later - only stopping to sleep and go to work. Very compelling. And definitely worth much more than the 5 stars I've given it.
Penelope Stokes' novels are so compelling that I'm nearly finished reading "The Wishing Jar" after one day!
We Just Want to Live Here: A Palestinian Teenager, an Israli Teenager -- an Unlikely Friendship
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
7
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
7
Review Date: 2/24/2009
Helpful Score: 1
Having recently become interested in the situation in Palestine/Israel, I wanted to read "personal accounts" by people who are or have been living through it.
This book is basically a collection of letters between a Palestinian Muslim teenage girl and an Israeli Jewish teenage girl. It highlights their thoughts on life, culture, politics and the situation of living in a divided country. Their friendship and understanding grow as they correspond with each other.
This book also gives a glossary of some terms used in the country, as well as a time frame of the relevant events.
Anyone who is interested in understanding more about the Israeli/Palestinian situation would do well to read this book. It's a fairly quick read, not very long and offers insights into what alot of people feel about the current dilemma there.
Worth 5 stars.
This book is basically a collection of letters between a Palestinian Muslim teenage girl and an Israeli Jewish teenage girl. It highlights their thoughts on life, culture, politics and the situation of living in a divided country. Their friendship and understanding grow as they correspond with each other.
This book also gives a glossary of some terms used in the country, as well as a time frame of the relevant events.
Anyone who is interested in understanding more about the Israeli/Palestinian situation would do well to read this book. It's a fairly quick read, not very long and offers insights into what alot of people feel about the current dilemma there.
Worth 5 stars.
Review Date: 2/25/2009
Helpful Score: 2
For the third time in a row, I have to declare this novel by Penelope Stokes a total winner!
As usual, the characters were well rounded and people you sincerely cared about. The main difference from the previous two novels I read were that the main characters each went through situations that were more contemporary and relevant in today's society.
Also, as usual, Stokes used the past and present theme, although not to the extent that she did in the previous books I've read.
This book, too, was a real page turner for me, and I finished it in about one day (only stopping for work and to sleep alittle bit). Stokes' novels tend to keep me awake, for the main reason that I tend to read them before going to bed and end up not sleeping until much later.
There was abit more suspense in this novel, mainly in relation to the grand-daughter Neal. And abit more romance for the main character Abby. The situation in relation to Edith, the grandmother, really tugged at my heart (although I have not experienced anything like she did). And there was abit more emphasis on faith in God, which I thought was extremely well done.
All in all, definitely worth 10 stars...but, O.K., I'll give it 5!
Now I just have to wait for more credits so I can order more of her books!!!!
As usual, the characters were well rounded and people you sincerely cared about. The main difference from the previous two novels I read were that the main characters each went through situations that were more contemporary and relevant in today's society.
Also, as usual, Stokes used the past and present theme, although not to the extent that she did in the previous books I've read.
This book, too, was a real page turner for me, and I finished it in about one day (only stopping for work and to sleep alittle bit). Stokes' novels tend to keep me awake, for the main reason that I tend to read them before going to bed and end up not sleeping until much later.
There was abit more suspense in this novel, mainly in relation to the grand-daughter Neal. And abit more romance for the main character Abby. The situation in relation to Edith, the grandmother, really tugged at my heart (although I have not experienced anything like she did). And there was abit more emphasis on faith in God, which I thought was extremely well done.
All in all, definitely worth 10 stars...but, O.K., I'll give it 5!
Now I just have to wait for more credits so I can order more of her books!!!!
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