Destined to Soar - K.P. Yohannan

"Look for Him in your own situations that you are facing right now. Listen to the things He speaks to your heart. Look at his life on Earth and consider what it was like for Him. Look for Him in His word.

-Destined To Soar, K.P. Yohannan

This book was, in a way, a very light read; the chapters were short and easy to finish. The content, however, was something to ponder. It was told from a Christian worldview, therefore it challenged my personal faith. To me it seemed that everything that was talked about were only simple truths that we so often forget in our "really busy" lives. It was honestly a breath of fresh air. It demonstrated an "uncluttered" way of thinking of things. 

Although K.P. Yohannan has accomplished many great things for Christ, he did not promote the gain of wealth or applause from others. I could tell from the words he wrote that he was genuine and a real human being, who faces the same things that 'average' people face. 

This is a great study book, for all ages. I believe that the topics he wrote about can be embraced by children, teens and adults alike. Chapters like Finding God's Heart, The Mark of Humility, and The Power of Oneness are topics that mature Christians need to be embracing and teaching to the younger generation. 

This book also made God appear real. As I already mentioned, I had a faith in God before reading this book. But somehow this book shed light onto His awesomeness, but also His tenderness. 

It is the simple but profound words of K.P. Yohannan that challenge you deeply, and do not seek to the change the world, but seek to challenge you personally. 

To Kill a Mocking Bird - Harper Lee

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it."

-To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee

I think this book is perfect for the winter time. Of course, its perfect all year around... but this book makes a nice cozy by-the-fire read. 

I loved the themes that were talked about in this book. It was completely everything that I wish could be shouted from the top of the highest buildings. Things like racial equality, not judging before you really meet someone, and other topics like such. 

It was also a really cute story. It was told from the perspective of Scout, a little girl who observes the world around her. Scout is quiet, but by the end of the book, she has matured both physically and emotionally. Personally, I can relate with Scout, although I'm a teenager. I'm quiet, however, like Scout, I observe the world around me and question and seek to make changes. 

Although I loved this book, and it's definitely one being added to my extensive "Will Read Again" list, I didn't entirely get the point of the book. Where was the climax? Where was the real problem? I understood the different scenes. And I also see how it kind of ties together into a story of acceptance. However, it took much "after-reading" research to sort of see the plot line within the story. 

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I didn't quite understand the point or why such a big deal is made of this book. Then again, that is coming from the person who is not excited about that new Star Wars movie... Anyway, I will be reading To Kill a Mocking Bird again, but I'll read others first. 

The Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins

So, here’s what you do. You win, you go home. She can’t turn you down then, eh?" says Caesar encouragingly.

I don’t think it’s going to work out. Winning...won’t help in my case," says Peeta.

Why ever not?" says Caesar, mystified.

Peeta blushes beet red and stammers out. "Because...because...she came here with me.” 

-The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins

I admit. I was definitely a little late at reading this series. Finally I got my hands on the first book... And well, these books quite frankly never left my hands.

My favourite book was Catching Fire, but that may be because my friends spoiled The Hunger Games for me. I knew who died. So Catching Fire had a little more suspense for me. I prefered Catching Fire over Mocking Jay, however, because I'm a girl, and therefore I obsessed over Peeta and Katniss's relationship. Mocking Jay was also super jam-packed with excitement... I just wanted to see more of Peeta and Katniss actually loving each other. 

The Hunger Games is beautifully written. It's so unpredictable, and yet, the ending is how you imagined it would be. As I was reading it, I was amazed at the brilliance of Suzanne's writing. How does someone come up with something like that? I could tell that from the first book right to the last... That this book - and entire series - was thoroughly thought out.

Catching Fire, as I said, was my favourite. I loved the new characters and different story line. During the book, I wondered how Suzanne would conclude it, without being repetitive. And she did just that. A total shock ending. And of course, the ending left me wanting more.

 Mocking Jay was.... Interesting. I can say I didn't finish it as quickly as the previous two books. I still liked it, but this book was focused more on war and revolution. Not exactly my favourite book subjects. I can see how Mocking Jay would appeal to male readers, and to certain female readers but just not to me. But don't get me wrong, this book also has its own surprises and tragedies. I wish I could express my opinions on all the events of this book... But I will not spoil a thing! (If there are any other late readers)

Of course, this series does deal with mature content. Violence. One reason why I started reading this series later than most is because I knew how violent the books were. This theme in the book can have controversial views. Some say it shows the pain in murder and death, and others say that murder shouldn't be publicized. I agree with both views, none particularly stronger than the other.

All in all, this series was superb. I loved seeing how Mocking Jay related to Catching Fire and Catching Fire related to The Hunger Games. It evidently demonstrated the power and quality of a well planned book series. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a new summer read.

Left Neglected - Lisa Genova

“I’ve been so focused on what’s horrible and unfair and terrifying about my condition that I hadn’t acknowledged what is positive about my condition, as if the positive had been sitting quietly by itself on the far edge of the left side of my condition, there but completely ignored. I can’t copy a whole cat. But I can recognize it, name it, know what one sounds and feels like, and I can copy most of it, enough for anyone who looks at it to know what I’ve drawn. I am lucky.”

-  Left Neglected, Lisa Genova

 

 

Another book by Lisa Genova! After reading Still Alice, I couldn't wait to get my hands on another one of Lisa's books.

 

The story centers on Sarah Nickerson, a successful woman who leads a fast-passed and stressful life. Wife and mother of three, working about eighty hours a week. Until that all changes. She gets into a car crash and suffers from a brain damage condition called Left Neglect. It was a very interesting twist to an other-wise average plot. Left Neglect is a disease I had never heard of, but I'm certainly more educated on it now. Basically, the brain ignores all information from the left. She will put makeup on only the right side of her face, but think she put it everywhere.

 

I really enjoyed this book, because her condition wasn't always the focus in the story. There's also a significant "side-plot" as a result of her accident. The book was honestly wonderfully written. It was engaging and we related to Sarah, even if we've never heard of Left Neglect. She is like every other American, but by the end ... well, I won't say!

 

I also like Lisa's book because I learn more about different diseases. I find diseases are so interesting, as weird as  that may seem. So, these books are perfect, however, they are never written in a boring or text-book style. It's written like every other story, but it includes something that we can take out of the story. She makes the disease a painful reality, and I can say that you put the book back on the shelf a different person. They are just wonderful.

 

The characters in the book were all lovable as well. It's fun to see how some characters restore relationships, change their course and start over. I find the book adequately demonstrated true love in a family. Sarah's mother halts her own life to help Sarah with her kids, her husband also makes some sacrifices for Sarah, and unlike many stories, he still loves her with her disease and he doesn't love her less. We see that and we feel that on every page of this book.

 

Truly, this book is one that you'll fall in love with. I can't wait to read more of Lisa's books.

 

 

The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas

“And now gentlemen, all for one, one for all - that is our motto, is it not?”

The Three Musketeers, Alexandre Dumas

 

 

I will do my best to write out my thoughts on this book, but in short it was amazing. We fall in love with the characters, the story and just everything put together. It's honestly an awesome story and I will definitely be reading it again sometime.

 

I LOVE the characters. It's pretty rare that I meet characters in a book that I actually admire, and don't forget about after reading. This book had those characters - particularly d'Artagnan. He was fun, brave and determined character. The readers root for whatever he does, because we love him.

 

The story also had so many interesting things happening. It was like a mysterious romantic tragedy. Seriously, it covered all those topics. There was definitely mysteries to be solved in here, a few romances and unfortunately, tragedies. The book was not, however, an emotional roller coaster where we didn't know what to feel. It was clear, and  thought out. Very superb.

 

The ending was also a mixed ending. A tragedy hits, but it is avenged.. in a few chapters. The last chapters definitely have you on the edge of your seat. The ending was very good, everything just fit and it seemed that all was as it should be

 

The language was also easy to read! Usually it's quite difficult if it's an older book. I was actually surprised to find out that the version I was reading was unabridged. It makes the story flow much more easily when you can understand the language.

 

Notably, the sentence "It was a dark and stormy night." was in here. I wonder if that sentence became so popular because of this book. It would make sense... it is a classic.

 

I honestly don't know what else to say. I loved this book and I'm positive that anyone who loves a good storiy will also love this book. It's a classic for a reason, you know.

 

 



The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt By Day - Scott O'dell

"His name is William Tyndale."

The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt By Day , Scott O'Dell

 

 

I have no idea why this book was called "The Hawk That Dare Not Fly By Day." Not a clue. The word Hawk wasn't even mentioned. I figure it has an indirect meaning.

 

Originally I though I wasn't really going to like this book. I read The King's Fifth by Scott O'Dell  some time earlier this year (read my review on it here !) and it was okay, not superb. But this book was different - I really enjoyed it.

 

It was good from the start. Martin Luther was mentioned a few times... so it was even better. However, as you may have guessed from the quote above, the book wasn't about Martin Luther. Slowly we meet William Tyndale, the man who translated the Bible into English. The story is told from an interesting perspective. It is told looking through the eyes of a sailor. A sailor whose uncle is particularly greedy for some cash, which means he'll smuggle the Bibles into England. Although this is the main plot, the whole story doesn't revolve around it. There's another issue going on. An issue about wills and property. It's really interesting to see how things pan out.

 

The book was a historical fiction, my favorite. I love to see how actual historic people weave into a fictional story. We see references to Henry VIII (and his wives), and other people who played a sneaky role in William Tyndale's life, like Henry Phillips. I actually forgot that Henry Phillips was a real person, but the story had much more impact once I realized he was real.

 

It also opened my eyes to the life during that time. The rules were strict and anything opposed to the Catholic church was heresy. Now, evidently Bibles are allowed in England, and other modern countries. It was a time of chaos! Everyone was being watched - literally! In the book, there were spies for other spies!

 

We also get a glimpse of William Tyndale's character. Despite this time of chaos, he always appeared to be at peace. He did not show panic, but instead was always peaceful, calm, collected  no matter what kind of trials he faced. He was never rushed. It would've taken amazing faith to live like that now, let alone during a time where everything was heresy.

 

In all, this book was a surprise. It surpassed the expectations I had for it and gets a well-done from me. Read it, you won't be disappointed.



 

 



 

 

Live Original - Sadie Robertson

“there's nothing wrong with starting small if you just keep going. You just take what you have, whether it's a little idea or a little bit of extra time or a little bit of money, and you make the most of it. You do the best you can with that little bit, and you keep working at it, and pretty soon it will grow. It might even get so big that the whole world knows about it someday.” 

 Live Original, Sadie Robertson

Before we get started, this was a great nonfiction book, I liked to read it, and I mean no hate by this post. I saw  Sadie Robertson's different opinions, but I did disagree with some things in the book.

I felt that the book wasn't real. It seemed like her world was just roses and rainbows, no hardships.She gave examples of hardships, but I don't know, it just didn't seem genuine. I've read most of the other Duck Dynasty books, and they were more real. I felt I found out a little more about the person writing it, and that I saw how they think, without them trying to push their ways on me, There were some personal stories in here, but it seems to me that she was trying to tell people how to be happy. In my opinion, maybe, there are a few general rules on "how to be happy",but not one direct path.

I realize that this book may help quite a few people. It was a cheerful book, easy to read, and it offered a very positive views into things. I think it would help someone who's shy,  to just "go for it" more. And It might also help people who struggle with depression and other related issues, Sadie displays an optimistic attitude and a positive outlook on life.

But the book just wasn't for me. I did read it all, and the last chapter was my favorite. Then, I feel like it finally got to talking about how to actually live original. 

I feel like the book should've offered more insight on how she lives original. For all I know, she could just be dishing out this advice and not really follow them herself. I think more everyday examples on how she does it herself would have been great and made the book a whole lot better. 

 I am still a fan of Duck Dynasty, 

 but just not of this book.

The Giver - Lois Lowry

“They were satisfied with their lives which had none of the vibrance his own was taking on. And he was angry at himself, that he could not change that for them.”

The Giver, Lois Lowry

 

 

Oh, oh, oh, this book is good! It's the kind of book that you read when cuddled up with a cup of coffee, that is, if you drink coffee. Regardless, this book is superb. It's going to stand the test of time.

 

I read this book for a book study in school. The book study killed me. I had to read about 3 three chapters, then answer questions, then read more. If it wasn't for the book study it would've been done in maybe two days. It was that good. I always wanted to read it and I stayed over-time in class to read it. I would've missed the bus, but hey, I'm homeschooled.

 

This is one of those books that has a deeper meaning than simply a good story. It has impact, emotion and such interesting thoughts that I still think about the book. It's such a creative book, too. I have no idea how Lois Lowry came up with the ideas in here, but they were so unpredictable, yet followed the story. There was some good planning on her part.

 

Jonas's world is perfect. He feels no pain, no fear or worry. Everything is planned out for him. Everything is decided for him, how he spends the day, his career, and wife. That all changes, however, when Jonas gets his career as Receiver, the next Giver. He is trained by The Giver who transmits memories to him every training session. The memories are pleasant at first, some of sunshine, color and sliding. Then, the memories become painful. There are many memories, all from the past. Some of sunburns, wars, and other things that Jonas has never experienced. The Giver is needed to hold the painful memories, so the other citizens can live in peace.

 

The plot is so good, it shows us not only a wonderful story, but the importance of sharing pain. It was a book with meaning. I don't really know how else to describe it. It was just... memorable. I think that would be the best word. I loved it.

 

The book is dedicated to children "to whom we entrust the future" It's a perfect reminder that we shouldn't try to create the perfect society, and that if we do share painful memories, it will be better for us.

 

 



Still Alice - Lisa Genova

“And I have no control over which yesterdays I keep and which ones get deleted. This disease will not be bargained with. I can't offer it the names of the US presidents in exchange for the names of my children. I can't give it the names of state capitals and keep the memories of my husband.
...My yesterdays are disappearing, and my tomorrows are uncertain, so what do I live for? I live for each day. I live in the moment. Some tomorrow soon, I'll forget that I stood before you and gave this speech. But just because I'll forget it some tomorrow doesn't mean that I didn't live every second of it today. I will forget today, but that doesn't mean that today doesn't matter.”

- Still Alice, Lisa Genova

 

 

 

This book was SOO good. I loved it. Okay, fun fact, I love to learn about diseases of any kind, so this book was perfect. It was a third-person story about a successful woman who has early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

 

This book was educational, in a sense. I never really knew much about Alzheimer's. I knew the obvious, that it was a loss of memory, but this book really opened my eyes. I thought Alzheimer's was an almost immediate thing, like you forgot sentences and then in a week time period, you forget everything. I was wrong. This book shared the horror and reality of Alzheimer's disease. It was chilling, but so good, I hardly left the house without it.

 

Alice is a successful, happy and healthy woman. She teaches at Harvard University, has as good marriage and three grown-up kids. She's about 50 when she's doing a presentation and forgets a word. Slowly, the symptoms persist. She forgets family recipes, introduces herself to people twice, and becomes completely disorientated on her street. Her struggle was so heart-breaking. It seemed like she's real, and right there telling you everything as its happening. The quote above sums the book up perfectly.

 

She knows she'll become an "outcast" in society, and I finally seen the injustice in that. Alzheimer's patients don't control their childish  behaviour, or aggressive demeanor. After reading the book I was seriously so upset that Alzheimer's patients are looked at as outcasts. Why?! It's something that frustrates me. I don't get it!

 

She also has a rare form of Alzheimer's - a genetic kind. So her three kids are in danger. We see her kids anxiety as they go for Alzheimer's tests, and feel the defeat or joy as they are positive or negative. There is not a boring moment.

 

This story was beautiful. It is one that I just feel like telling everyone "Listen. You have got to read this book. Now." It's an eye-opener and indescribable. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a story with an impact. Well done, Lisa Genova.

 

 



Voyage To Freedom - David Gay

"In no time all movement was aboard. The small boat was quickly dragged from the hold. Hasty preparations were made to send ashore a small party to explore the lie of the land... even the thickening snow could not dampen their spirits. They had arrived."
-Voyage To Freedom, David Gay

 

This book was pretty good and quite interesting. It was a nice, easy read, written in modern English. I'm sure it would've  been more interesting if it was something that I already had an interest in. School has dragged out many a story of the Pilgrims and the first settlers of America.

 

I did like that the story wasn't information overload. It was a historical fiction. I definitely enjoyed it more because there was some made-up things. Honestly, it seemed more of a fiction than a historical fiction. Not in  a bad way, I mean that some stuff were inserted simply for the reader's entertainment, or for added suspense. Nevertheless, I see how it is historical, and not only because I already knew this happened.

 

Honestly, I think the book could've been a lot more creative and suspenseful. The ending was cheesy and a lot of the things that happened were pretty predictable. It did have good descriptions at times, and very good similes, ( ex. two old sailors with faces like weathered walnuts), but I think there could've been a lot more oomph!, pizzazz and definitely more suspense. I mean, they are crossing the Atlantic in an old 1600's ship! I felt very little suspense when I was reading. There was an incident where there was a storm, which lasted about two or three chapters, but I found there was little creative description for this part. In fact, it was boring! I was wondering how long the storm would last in the book. It briefly touched on topics that I feel could've really made this a great story, such as disease, hunger, and more violent storms.

 

It was a good book, but I'd say it was more for children. It is not a book I'd read again and it's unlikely I'll remember it seven years from now.
 



Duchessina - Carolyn Meyer

"No one, not even the awful Alessandro,  had ever spoken to me so harshly. I flung myself on the narrow bed, weeping. Aunt Clarissa's advice came back to me: "No matter what they say to you, remember who you are - a Medici!" But what good did it do to remember that now, in this place where we were hated?"

Duchessina - Carolyn Meyer

 

 

I was eager to start another book by Carolyn Meyer. I truly enjoyed Doomed Queen Anne and I hoped this book would be as good. And it was!

 

I love the way she writes. It is not written like a history book, as though it is fact after fact and just boring information. It is really interesting and if I hadn't known better I could've said it was a fictional story. The language is easy and present day, and that's half a good book there!

 

The story focuses on Catherine de Medici, a descendant of the great Cosimo de Medici and Lorenzo the Magnificent. Although her ancestor's were great rulers of Italy and highly honoured, the hatred for the Medici is growing. Catherine grows up without her parents, facing many troubles and obstacles. It is very interesting.

 

I briefly touched on Catherine de Medici in school, and I mean briefly, so it was nice to read about the events that were true and learning more about the events of her life.

 

The book is also a little sad. Mostly because it is history, and you can't re-write history. There was a romance that didn't work, and we were all rooting for it to somehow work... but it doesn't. Then she marries someone and that hardly works. The author said it best at the end: "history has never been kind to Catherine de Medici" 

 

The ending was partially satisfying. She begins her life as Queen of France. The book follows the events that led up to her crowning in France... but that's just it. It ends with her beginning her reign. It feels like there should be a Part 2, where we see her life as Queen of France.

 

All in all this book was great, maybe not as great as Carolyn Meyer's other books, but still above average. I enjoyed it. It was funny, sad and demonstrated true friendship. A perfect book for young girls.

 

 

 

 

 

Spy for The Night Riders - Dave & Neta Jackson

Martin Luther turned to the emperor and said, " Your Majesty, unless I am shown from the Scriptures that I have mistakes, I am neither able nor willing to revoke even one word of what I have written. Here I stand; God help me, I cannot do otherwise."

- Spy for The Night Riders, Dave & Neta Jackson

 

 

Finally, a book about Martin Luther! He is, for some reason, a huge role model to me. So really, I'd like any book involving him in any way, but this was actually really good - whether or not you're a Martin Luther fan.

 

It was a historical fiction that was more focused on the made-up parts of it. The main character isn't Martin Luther, either. Instead it's his servant (more like helper), Karl. So Karl kind of has his own story and things that go on, but all things that would affect Luther. All the adult characters were real, all others were taken from the author's imagination. The story begins from the time Luther's name is posted on the Wittenberg church as a heretic, to the his disguise in a castle as Junker George. We see the trial at Worms and other historical as well as fictional events. I do think this book would've been a little better if it begun earlier. Maybe around the time he posted his famous ninety-five theses. (However, that's probably only my opinion because I watched a movie and it made the posting of his theses this incredibly dramatic and intriguing event.)

 

It was an easy, fun and educational read. I enjoyed seeing the events I knew were true first hand from Karl. It was also interesting to follow the made-up events. Although, I would say that this book wouldn't be best if  you had no clue who Martin Luther was or the events of his life, because it is not written to be a biography. It was, however, a great book after I had learned about Martin Luther. That way, I didn't get fact and fiction mixed up.

 

At the end there was a short biography, which was cool. I just find it cool after reading a historical fiction to read about events that you know are factual, and actually did happen. It feels more honest, I suppose.

 

I really don't know what else to say about this book, other than that it was the perfect book for kids, youth, and adults alike. Very enjoyable.

 

 



In Praise of Folly - Desiderius Erasmus

"And now, let him that will compare the benefits they receive by me.... as if there were any difference between perishing and being another thing! But I restore the same man to the best and happiest part of his life"

-In Praise of Folly, Desiderius Erasmus

 

This book was really awful. I was glad when it was done. Maybe someone else would have a different opinion, but it was poor.

 

The book was written from the perspective of Folly, as though she were a real woman. So, the book is everything that Folly praises. Such as rowdy living, little self-control, living for happiness.. etc.

Because of this, the book had the same flow all throughout the 71 long pages. No part was more exciting than the other. There was no thrill, no excitement, no suspense. Zilch. Nada. Since it was like that from beginning to end, I felt like I was always waiting for the book to get into the good part. But it just didn't.

 

The word choice wasn't so great either. Certain words and phrases were used so often I grew to hate hearing them. 'Add to this', 'subtleties',  and 'on the contrary' are the some I felt were used too often. I really should've counted how many times Erasmus used those phrases... because you wouldn't fully grasp my point without a proper number. It would probably be like me using the word 'actually' for anything and everything in every paragraph. It's not that the phrases or words were used incorrectly, though, they were just used way too often.

 

Another thing that irked me, although this may just be a pet-peeve, was that Folly would say something, then be like "did I say? oh I meant..." For example, "... of men that overcharge the Roman See - I mistook, I meant honour - might beg their bread."  Why couldn't she just say honour in the first place?

 

I found it interesting that Erasmus dedicated the book to Sir Thomas More. They were good friends, and apparently Erasmus was Thomas's favorite author. Although I wonder what he thought of this book. I personally loved Utopia, so I thought maybe Erasmus would have the same style of writing as Sir Thomas More in  In The Praise Of Folly. I was wrong. It was not the same at all. I would say the book itself was foolish.

 

If I had to pick one good thing, it would be that we learned a little about what the times were like then.  Since he is poking fun at man's foolishness we briefly see what the church was teaching, how philosophers acted, and the like. I would have likely enjoyed it more if there were more insights of that time.

 

I think maybe if this was written in modern times it would be funny. Most of the things he talked about that were foolish then, are just not happening today. So we don't really  get the full impact, because people don't act that way anymore.  

 

I'm betting this book was a hit in its time, everything was relevant and happening in present-day. The language would've been easier to understand, and maybe it even had comic book-like humor. I just don't think In Praise of Folly is a book that stands, or will stand, the test of time.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Crazy Jacob - Jim Ware

Jesus. He could not get that name out of his mind. Over and over, it pushed its way to the top of his brain as he prepared to launch his newly finished boat on the waters of Kinneret. Again and again, Stephen's words replayed themselves in his memory: "stories about happenings of that very sort" ... "on the the other side of the lake" ... "cured of a fever" ... "a man named Jesus"....

-Crazy Jacob, Jim Ware

 

 

 

This book was phe-nom-e-nal. Oh, wow I loved it. Seriously, just woah.

 

The book is inspired by a biblical  story of a demon-possessed man. There is no record of the actual mans name, so the author used Jacob as his name. There's actually not much biblical information about the man himself, other than his healing by the grace of Jesus. So, much of the book is made up. Jacob is a Jewish man in the boat business. Although he is Jewish, he freely believes in any god or spirit. Which eventually opened him up to demon-possession. The main character, however, is Jacob's son, Andrew. We see how much Andrew loves his father and tries to find someone who will help him. He had heard about a man named Jesus, but instead he tried seeing a witch. When that didn't work, Jesus was his last hope.

 

I heard the story when I was younger and it really scared me, but now that I'm a teenager I figured I could use a book with a chilling theme. It wasn't too scary, most macho people would say it's not. It's probably not scary if you have no imagination. But, I do, so I didn't let my mind vividly picture the scenes.  

 

I loved this book because the way Jesus was portrayed. He was portrayed beautifully, the way I'm sure He is. Jim Ware perfectly captured Him the best he could with human words. I loved it. Only a short part of the book is Jesus actually there, instead of just being talked or thought about, but the few chapters that He was present with Andrew and his family was wonderful. I wasn't scared to let my imagination vividly picture the scenes there.

 

This was written for a younger audience. (8-12), but I think anyone and everyone should read it. It's light, short, and easy to read. But nevertheless, it has a powerful impact.  I really don't know how to explain it in just the right way, because it's wonderful.

 



To The Edge of The World - Michele Torrey

Rodrigo regarded me. "Do you see all these men before you?" I nodded. "If we are lucky, half of us will return. It is the way of the sea. And that, my friend, is what I call adventure."

- To The Edge of The World, Michele Torrey

 

 

This is possibly one of the best books I've read for school this year. It was suspenseful, joyful, sad, action-packed. It had it all. Even romance.

 

So, at first I thought the book was just okay. I didn't read more than the assigned two chapters per day, but I didn't dread reading it. In  fact, I found myself thinking of the story, wondering where it was from, then realizing, oh duh, it was from this book. Okay, yeah, I always wanted to know what was going to happen.

 

Then one day I had no clue what to do. Bored out of my mind. So I read this book. And I read, and read, and read. At first it started with me wanted to read more so I wouldn't have to read it this weekend. Then it came to me not wanting to move. I love it when a book gets progressively better by the end. It's very capturing. I read ten chapters in one day because I was hooked. The chapters were short,  but in school-terms, I was five days ahead of my assigned reading. That doesn't happen often.

 

The beginning was intriguing. The story opens up by the main character, Mateo, burying his parents. Now you're curious. How did they die? Will Mateo survive? Was he left with anything? As the story goes on, Mateo meets Espinosa, a man looking for willing men to set sail under Ferdinand Magellan, the man credited with circumnavigating the world. Mateo has nothing, so he agrees to go. The rest of the story is his journey.

 

I don't think the author missed one detail of the things that actually happened on the sea back then. Major storms, incredible heat, sickness, wars or trade with Natives, starvation, insanity, mutiny were all topics. This is keeps us on edge, all the time. But romance is also entwined in the story for a short period of time. Mateo falls in love with a Native, and for some chapters we are wrapped in their love story. Michele Torrey truly did an amazing job.

 

The book is also sad. Not a tear-jerker - but sad. It's a historical fiction, so the real people she included died how the real person actually died. People who we didn't want to die, die. And other "bad guys" who, to us, it doesn't matter if they die, die. I'm not saying all the characters die, by the way. I'm just saying that there are some people we wish could have  lived.

 

I also enjoyed the way it was written. In other historical fictions that I've read the language was particularly hard to understand and therefore quite boring and monotonous. Not this book. It's written in a modern way, but still gives you he 'feel' of that time period.

 

MAJOR PLOT TWIST NEAR THE END. Totally blown off course. I don't want to spoil anything, but the book takes a sharp left turn, then slowly gets back to the right path. This twist was a nice change, in a way, and it wasn't totally irrelevant, but definitely shocking. It was probably, definitely the most suspenseful moment of the book.

 

The end was very satisfying. I am 100% in love with the ending. The author went back to where the book started, and used almost the exact sentence. Not the parents dying, by the way, but still on the first page of the book. It had an amazing sense of completion. No left-over strings. No what ifs. No confusion. It was perfect!

 

Overall, I am very pleased with this book. If you wanted a comparison, I would say it was as satisfying as cold milk after a yummy cookie. Simply delightful.