Book Review ~ The Help

I just finished reading The Help. I thought it was a wonderful book with a compelling story.

Things I liked:
*The plot.
*The historical significance of the subject matter.
*The way real-life happenings of the time were woven into the fiction.
*The principle characters were full and interesting.
*There was not a "perfect" wrap up (just like life). I want to know if Minny had twins!
*The book-within-the-book style of writing. I loved that.

Things I didn't care for so much:
*Most of the secondary characters were a bit wooden and flat. There was no reason to even include Stuart except to bring a tie in with a powerful political figure. I felt it was clumsily done.
*This book needed about 300 more pages to really make the characters shine.
*While overall the author showed skill in believably diving the plot, there were still some places I had trouble making the leap in plot development. I am still not 100% sure that these domestics would open up to a young, aristocratic, white girl.
*A lot of it was predictable.
*I felt that it was written more in a manor to make it a sell-able movie as opposed to "literature".

None of my "dislikes" were enough to ruin my enjoyment of the book. And several of my "likes" made it amazing. An excellent book of significant value to understanding others.

Northwest Passage by Kenneth Roberts

I tend to read an eclectic assortment of books and this is an odd one for this day and age. First printed on June 25, 1937, I have a 2nd edition printed July 1, 1937 by Doubleday, Doran & Company, Inc. Garden City, NY. If you click the link above it seems that Buddy Ebsen had a movie or serial based on the book as well. I have never seen that so can't tell you if it was any good.
~ however~
I loved the book! I do have a thing for books written in the first half of the 1900s and this one did not disappoint me. My husband preferred the portion about Rogers in North America, originally released pre-1937 as a serial under the title of Roger's Rangers. Yes, I can see that he liked the battle action best - but I had no trouble enjoying the later section from London just as much. I think I might even make this one of the few books I will read a second time.
As with books written during this era, don't expect them to be politically correct or careful in dealing with sensitive issues.

Unbroken

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
by Laura Hillenbrand.

This book was suggested to me by a friend - I had not heard about it - though my history teacher Dh had it on his "To Read" list. Since both of us wanted to read it, we went ahead and bought it.

I was amazed by the depth of research in this book as well as the author's ability to make put it all into a great narrative. I am not especially grounded in the details of history - but this all made sense to me as I read it. I was sad by the depth of depravity to which some men sunk, but encouraged by the bravery and determination of many others. I think this is a "must read" biography that will inspire thankfulness for the sacrifice of all our men in uniform.

God's Promises for Girls

This is a devotional book for girl's (and young ladies.) My daughter (18) and I read this book, and I will be giving it to my granddaughter for a gift. It is excellent. The drawings are adorable (though it could have been even more multi-cultural than it is) and printed on nice quality, glossy paper. Each topic is a 2 page spread. The first 4 lines give a summary of the topic - then applicable Bible verses are quoted. Younger girls will need to be instructed on how to use the book - or even better - read it together with a significant adult. As the years go by, the child will then be able to use it as a comforting devotional guide on their own. 

A devotional book is a great way to find help in time of need and learn to turn one's heart to God first in life's trials and complexities. This is a superb first devotional for girl's that can become a comfort to them well into adulthood. I highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Book Sneeze as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Embracing Your Second Calling by Dale Hanson Bourke

The subtitle for this book is, "Find Passion and Purpose for the Rest of Your Life." Dale Bourke writes in a homey and conversational tone making the reader feel right at home - and you need to feel comfortable as some of the topics can be tough to hear. I was in tears by the second page.  Dale Bourke takes the reader through a series of challenges and relates her personal experiences through the biblical filter of Naomi in the book of Ruth. 

The timing of this book is amazingly significant for me as my youngest child is about to graduate high school and I will soon be free from my homeschooling duties for the first time in over 18 years. I was very encouraged by Dale Bourke that God has definite, purposeful  plans for me for this next chapter in my life. She made me smile (after having made me cry) and gave me hope that God has much more planned for these upcoming years than I could ever imagine. 

My relationship with this book was a bit of a love-hate nature. I felt that there were just too many additional sources cited and too much emphasis placed on angst over being unattractive to men. There is also a definite slant to the professional woman and career. But at the same time I loved subject matter, the sidebars and calls to action, the inclusion of the book of Ruth, and the great bibliography. The personal stories also made the lessons much more real and captivating. 

Anyone facing this huge middle age change in life will find solace and inspiration in facing the next half of one's life in service for God. Don't be distracted by the parts you cannot relate to, rather embrace the heart of this book and the author's message of finding purpose in your "Second Calling".

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Three Cups of Tea

Another book I recently read; Three Cups of Tea. This is the youth version, actually. I often read the youth books, just to keep up with what they have available. This is the autobiographical account of a man who was challenged to begin schools in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. I enjoyed the book, but do be aware it has a bit of a slant towards political correctness. That doesn't dampen the story, but since it is youth oriented they can be more susceptible to those overtones. 

It would be great to have all students read this. The emphasis on education for those that must struggle to get it puts our ingratitude to shame. Afghan girls would do their lessons in the open air and write times tables with sticks in the dirt - but yet they faithfully did those lessons in order to learn, even when a teacher could not be there. Our students can't seem to function without calculators and laptops. 

A good read, and can lead to many interesting discussions with your children.

A Long Way Gone

I recently read this book. It was suggested to me by a friend since I had an interest in Sierra Leone. (see the T-shirt project by clicking  here.) This story, in first person, documents the journey of one young boy through the war and finally to his new home in the USA. While the events are horrific, it is told well and the gruesome details are only as much as is needed to tell the story. 

Reclaiming Christianity by AW Tozer

Another Christmas Gift. Two of the subheadings on the cover say "Never Before Published" and "A Call to Authentic Faith".  Tozer never disappoints me. He is to the point and blunt - qualities to which I react favorably. Subtle always goes right over my head. To date I have avoided marking in my Tozer books - why? They seemed so neat and pristine - but then I can't easily find my favorite parts again. So I am going to begin marking this one and then do re-reads of the other titles I own from him and just mark away. 

My favorite quote from this volume so far is right in the introduction on page 10: "Until we have a Reformation, all of our books and our schools and our magazines are only the working of bacteria in the decaying Church."

Book: How To Resolve 7 Deadly Stresses

Is. 58:8 ...thine health shall spring forth speedily...

I am currently reading a book on 7 deadly stresses and the root issues of health care. 

Anger - Cardiovascular System
Guilt - Nervous System
Lust - Endocrine System
Bitterness - Digestive System
Greed - Immune System
Fear - Respiratory System
Envy - Musculoskeletal System

And the 5 Causes of all diseases.

What we think.

What we say .

What we do .

What we eat.

What we inherit.

"Simply taking a drug to treat a symptom is saying, 'It does not matter what you think, say, do, eat, or inherit;  just take this pill, and you will feel better.' The result is often a side effect that requires another drug." (p. 14)

Also see this website for additional information.

Children of Character

This is a great book. I have known Mardy and her family for many years. She has helped me sort through some tough issues. For more about Mardy and the ministry the Lord has given her you can visit her website here.  You might want to sign up to receive her Mary Heart Newsletters (and read the back issues at the blog here!) 

The Power For True Success

I use this book in conjunction with Achieving True Success. The same 49 character traits are listed, but this book is all from a biblical perspective. You can click on this top image in order to read some of what is written concerning the character trait of hospitality. The cover of the book is below. Around our house it is actually known only as "The Blue book". It is available at the IBLP website, here. 

Achieving True Success

This is one of the main books I use for practical, daily character training. There are 49 character traits listed. Each is defined - and it's opposite trait noted. When there is a negative trait I am seeing in a child (or myself!), I look for that negative trait listed in the book in order to train, pray for,  and notice the opposite positive trait that needs to be developed and instilled in the individual. The book also notes practical ways to show this trait in the home. And my favorite part of the book - the 5 "I Wills" that are always included with each trait. I write the "I Wills" on posters to hang on the wall, we say them out loud to memorize them, we try to spot them as we go about our day, and we rejoice to see one of those "I Wills" in use. The "I Wills" give us a handle on what to aim for and spot in others. Praising a child for a character trait is affirming and character building. One place to find it is here.

The Duggar's New Book

Loved it!!!! I got this book for my birthday on December 26. I finished reading it the evening of December 27. I couldn't put it down. Now the Princess is reading it. It doesn't matter if you are not yet a parent (or even not yet a spouse), a parent of few, or a parent of many - there is a lot of great wisdom in here for everyone. I highly recommend reading this book. I am always slow to think outside the box, but the creativity and frugality of the Duggars challenged me to look at all things with a new "eye". You can buy the book and view their website from here. 

(You can also see more about the Duggar family on my blog by using the wedding label below.)

Tozer on Purpose

I really enjoy the writings of Tozer. Pictured is a book I received as a Christmas gift. I read widely and am inspired by many writers, both past and present, but I seem to connect to Tozer in a special way that always brings me to conviction of sin and hope in  doing better. I think it is his directness (the very thing that many detractors abhorred in him!) I love someone that is blunt and to the point. Those that tippy-toe around so as to not offend lose me in all their meanderings.

Below is an excerpt his writings that I received in a daily devotional:

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank.... --Daniel 1:8Though we do not hear much of it in this age of spineless religion, there is nevertheless much in the Bible about the place of moral determination in the service of the Lord. "Jacob vowed a vow," and it was the beginning of a very wonderful life with God....Daniel "purposed in his heart," and God honored his purpose. Jesus set his face like a flint and walked straight toward the cross. Paul "determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified,"...

These are only a few of the many men and women of the Bible who have left us a record of spiritual greatness born out of a will firmly set to do the will of God....Let us, then, set our sails in the will of God. If we do this we will certainly find ourselves moving in the right direction, no matter which way the wind blows. The Set of the Sail, pp. 11-13

Senior High: A Home-Designed Form+U+La

Can you tell I use this book a lot? When #1 son began high school (about 14 years ago?) I was looking for help with how to manage homeschooling a high school aged student. I found this book and have used it ever since for all four of my children. It isn't a "curriculum", but a way to record what you are doing into a format that school officials will understand. And yet it is more.....

For the author, Barb Shelton, this is a ministry given by the Lord to help families chart a path past "school subjects" and into a lifestyle of learning rooted and based in true education directed by the Lord and individualized for each child's unique God-given purpose. If you are burned out, fearful, uncertain of how to move forward, and stuck in the rut of traditional education, then this is the book for you. 

You can find this book by clicking on the title of the blog entry above. It will take you to www.homechooloasis.com