books.

Book Review: Snow White

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Snow White by Matt Phelan
Snow White: A Graphic Novel 
by Matt Phelan
5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


A wonderful retelling of Snow White set in the Jazz Age of America! Snow White is a New York heiress, and she meets seven orphan boys who live on the street. They help Snow White to hide from her stepmother, the “Queen of the Ziegfeld Follies” on Broadway.

I love the 20s costumes, and the contrast between rugged New York streets and the glitz and glam of the Follies. The setting really makes this into a new story, despite the fact that the plot itself follows the original fairy tale pretty closely. There are a few key details that are changed, which kept things interesting. Continue reading →

Book Review: Swallowdale

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Swallowdale by Arthur Ransome
Swallowdale (Swallows and Amazons, #2) 
by Arthur Ransome

5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads


Just as wonderful reading it for the second or third time! In this book, the Swallows are shipwrecked on the far side of the lake and establish their camp at Swallowdale on the moors above the lake. The sailors settle in for some adventures on shore, but the Amazons are being held prisoner by their strict Great-Aunt and have to make many daring escapes in order to join in the fun.

I just love the charming writing style that makes every little scrap of adventure so interesting. The characters are all lovable and with just the right variety of personalities. I adore them every one!

Book Review: Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

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Bonhoeffer Student Edition by Eric Metaxas
Bonhoeffer Student Edition: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy 
by Eric Metaxas


5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
It’s impossible to read anything about the incredible life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and not be inspired by his faith, saddened by his suffering, and full of questions about your own beliefs and faith. Does my life reflect the kind of fearless faith that Bonhoeffer showed? Is my heart filled with joy in the midst of dark circumstances the way Bonhoeffer’s was?
The answer is no. My faith looks rather puny next to his. My life looks pathetic next to his courage and generosity. One will always feel small when compared to giants, but at least we are looking up, striving for greatness, seeking to know God more intimately as they did. Continue reading →

Book Review: The Gold Dust Letters

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The Gold Dust Letters
The Gold Dust Letters by Janet Taylor Lisle

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Angela writes a letter to her fairy godmother, and is surprised when a fairy answers her letters. Angela and her friends become obsessed with reaching out to the fairy, determined to meet her and prove that fairy magic is real.

But this isn’t really a story about three girls discovering a fairy; it’s actually a story about a girl whose parents might get a divorce, and how she feels estranged from her father, and turns to her friends for comfort and advice.

This book was just sort of okay. The writing is nothing special. The characters are one-dimensional. The plot is boring.

The only interesting thing in the entire book is the girl who talks Continue reading →

Book Review: Swallows and Amazons

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Swallows and Amazons
Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I adore this series! They are all so fun and wholesome! Rereading it over and over, this lovely book never loses its charm. From the first page, I’m immediately swept away into the adventures on the lake, following the Swallows as they set up their camp and declare war on the Amazons. I love every delightful character, and I love how with just a few well-chosen words, they each come to life and you feel what they feel as they navigate the wild waters of summer.
Forever a classic!

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Book Review: The List

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The List
The List by Patricia Forde

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this story about a post-apocalyptic society where words are considered dangerous, and people are forced to use only The List, a small selection of words approved by the ruler of their small surviving community. Only the Wordsmith is allowed to know and use words outside of the List.
The main character, Letta, is apprenticed to the Wordsmith, and her love for the beauty of language is a major theme throughout the book. Letta uncovers a plot to rid the entire community of ALL their words, and she is caught in the midst of a desperate rebellion, full of intrigue and adventure. But is Letta willing to risk everything, just to save a few words? Continue reading →

Review: Wool: The Graphic Novel

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Wool: The Graphic Novel
Wool: The Graphic Novel by Hugh Howey

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wow! I was blown away by the original novel, and so intrigued by the world of the Silos; so experiencing it again in graphic novel form was wonderful!

I love the artwork, and the mystery. There’s a lot of good suspense put into place just by how the panels are set up and how the dialogue follows from one page to the next. The colors reflect the mood of each chapter, and I love how darkness and light are used to portray the darkness of their ignorance. Continue reading →

Book Review: Sex and the Single Girl

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Sex and the Single Girl
Sex and the Single Girl by Juli Dr Slattery

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Christian book is designed to be read in daily or weekly increments over 6 weeks, but I read it all in two days! It has reflective questions at the end of each section that can be answered alone or in a group study.
I loved that this book is saturated with Scripture! Almost every other page quotes Scripture or refers to a Bible example. The writing is thoughtful, and exhorts the reader to think carefully about God’s Word, and to examine our hearts circumspectly. It really puts a spotlight on the truth of spiritual warfare, and how our sexual nature plays a large part in that battle. Continue reading →

Book Review: Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx

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Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx
Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx by James Rollins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jake and his sister Kady are thrown into another mythical world of the past, this time with a lost tribe from Egypt. Jake’s old friends are pulled into the desert with him, and they must fight to survive in the strange land. Once the young Princess Nefertiti takes them as captive slaves to the capital city, the dangerous plans of the Skull King become apparent, and even the Princess will turn to Jake for help in fighting against that ancient evil. Surrounded by mystical beasts and magical stones, Jake and his friends are in the thick of another wild adventure!

I LOVE the action in this story! The plot takes a million twists and turns, the puzzles and mysteries keep me guessing, and I can barely stop reading because every scene flows into more action. Continue reading →

Review: Manga Classics: Great Expectations

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Manga Classics: Great Expectations
Manga Classics: Great Expectations by Stacy King

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’ve never really liked this story, but reading it as a manga was definitely better! Seeing Pip as a manga character, and being able to read his expressions, brought the story to life for me. I also appreciated that the story is condensed and clear, making it easy to follow what is going on.

The best part is seeing all the characters, both good guys and villains, strongly reflected in the beautiful artwork. Joe has an angelic face, peaceful and kindly in every circumstance. Miss Havisham is old and gaunt and ghastly. And Pip’s face is innocent and wishful. The brilliant thing about the artwork is that their whole character is written in their faces! Continue reading →