Friday, June 26, 2009

Free Book to School Library

NEW PROGRAM:

Karen Kingsbury wants to Give Your School Library a Free Book! Karen's grandmother was a librarian, but she died of cancer before Karen was born. In addition, Karen's brother, Dave, loved to frequent libraries. It was his belief that all people should have access to books -whether they could afford them or not. After Dave died in 2005, Karen made a promise to donate as many books as possible to libraries.

As of February 1, 2009, Karen is grateful to announce that she will now donate books to any school library who wants them! The donation can be for a public or Christian school - at any grade level. Simply ask your school librarian to send Karen a written request on school letterhead paper.

Karen is currently donating her title: Between Sundays in hardback form. Karen will cover the cost of the book and the postage for any librarian who sends in a written request to:

Karen Kingsbury
800 NE Tenney Road, Suite 110
PMB 506
Vancouver, WA., 98685

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Boyhood and Beyond by Bob Schultz

I bought this book for my husband and son because it discusses some characteristics I'd hope to see in my son as he becomes a man.
Back of Books Says:

Boys who are on the road to becoming men of honor, courage, and faith will greatly benefit from the heartfelt encouragement and sound advice from the heartfelt encouragement and sound advice offered in Boyhood and Beyond.


Bob Schultz, a carpenter by trade, has written a timeless book for boys. Wisdom and common sense are gleaned from short chapters covering topics such as authority, inventiveness, and honesty as well as learning to overcome things like fear, laziness, and temptation. Boyhood and Beyond motivates boys to build their lives on a foundation of strong moral principles. Most importantly, these chapters will encourage boys to become the men God wants them to be as they develop a relationship with Him. This is a "life" books designed to be read and lived out in a boy's life, thus becoming one of his building blocks to godly character and, ultimately, manhood.

Boyhood and Beyond can be read alone, used with a journal, or read aloud in a group. There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

ISBN: 1-883934-09-5

Friday, June 12, 2009

Shadows of Lancaster County by Mindy Starns Clark

I enjoyed this book because it had a little of everything. Amish novels are a pleasant reminder of my childhood home since many Amish live nearby. This book mixes modern day complexities with a peaceful Amish community.

The Walmart near my dad is just a bit different than the Walmart near my home. Our Walmart has a big parking lot with lots of parking spaces and the one near my dad has that in addition to a large section with hitching posts so the Amish can park their buggies. They even have special lanes for the Amish to drive sometimes, but often they share the road with the Englishers which can be quite dangerous for all involved.

Back of Book Says:

What Shadows Darken the Quiet Valleys of Amish County?

Anna Bailey thought she left the tragedies of the past behind when she took on a new identity and moved from Pennsylvania to California. But now that her brother has vanished and his wife is crying out for help, Anna knows she has no choice but to come out of hiding, go home, and find him. Back in Lancaster County, Anna follows the high-tech trail her brother left behind, a trail that leads from the simple world of Amish farming to the cutting edge of DNA research and gene therapy.

During the course of her pursuit, Anna soon realizes that she has something others want, something worth killing for. In a world where nothing is as it seems, Anna seeks to protect herself, find her brother, and keep a rein on her heart despite the sudden reappearance of Reed Thornton, the only man she has ever loved.

For Discussion Questions, to read the first chapter and more, check out the author's website.

ISBN: 978-0-7369-2447-4

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Raising a Modern-Day Knight by Robert Lewis

I read about this book in a catalogue and then found it at my local library. I checked the book out and have been perusing it. Raising a Modern-Day Knight is full of ideas that can help fathers as they guide their sons into manhood.

Back of Book Says:

What Does It Mean To Be A Man?

Moreover, how do you as a father instill that notion in your son? By Raising a Modern-Day Knight.

The medieval custom of knighthood offers a unique approach to shaping a boy into a man. In those days, lads were trained from an early age, being equipped with a masculine vision, a code of conduct, and a cause in which to invest their lives. Ceremonies were held in their honor, celebrating the boys' progress. Objectives were set, goals achieved, and along the way, these boys became men.

In much the same way, Raising a Modern-Day Knight will show how you, too, can confidently guide your son to authentic, biblical manhood.

Complete with illuminating Scriptures, eye-opening illustrations, and the personal experiences of others, Raising a Modern-Day Knight provides a clear understanding of mature masculinity - a vision you can pursue together with your son! You'll be armed with tools, methods, and ideas to help you raise him into a chivalrous, godly man. Plus, you'll have all the necessary know-how to proactively guide and commemorate his growth.

A Focus on the Family Book Published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
http://www.family.org/

ISBN 1 56179 716-2

How to Hug a Porcupine Edited by June Eding

I love the title and subtitle - How to Hug a Porcupine: Easy Ways to Love the Difficult People in Your Life. I came across this book in the new release section of my library and thought it would be beneficial for me. The books is full of suggestions on how to deal with the people in our lives that often rub us the wrong way. Find a copy of this quick read and discover some tips to make the relationships in your life that may be challenging just a bit better...

Back of book says: "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." ~ Leo Buscaglia

Andrew Flach, the book's publisher wrote, "Other people challenge us. Other people improve us. Other people make us better human beings."

ISBN: 978-1-57826-293-9

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Elyon by Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill

This is the last book in The Lost Books, the young adult/teen series. I'm looking forward to reading Green in the overall series to bring it all full circle. If you haven't read any of the books by Ted Dekker, I recommend you start with Black. He says you can start anywhere in the series. For an entire listing of all the books in the larger series Books of History Chronicles, see the previous post (Lunatic). Elyon does complete this series, but there are questions left unanswered... This book (actually the whole series) is not something I would have read ten years ago, but after reading Black the first book written in the Books of History Chronicles, I wanted to see where the story went - it sure has been a ride.

The Lost Books
Book 1 – Chosen
Book 2 – Infidel
Book 3 – Renegade
Book 4 – Chaos
Book 5 – Lunatic
Book 6 – Elyon

Back of book says:

Elyon’s Lakes have turned blood red. Is it a curse… or the cure?

Shaeda has one blue eye and one purple eye. No one fully knows her story, but her mere gaze eats away at the core of one’s being. In his quest for power, Johnis now finds himself in her intoxicating grip.

Assumed identities, a magic amulet, control of the fearsome Shataiki bats, and a troubling alliance with the Dark Priest all converge against the three remaining chosen.

Only Elyon knows what will happen when the forces of ultimate good and evil clash in their final battle. Dive deep with them in this epic conclusion to the Lost Novels – if you dare!

ISBN: 978-1-59554-374-5

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Lunatic by Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill

This book is one that you may find yourself greatly confused in unless you have read other books in the mega series - Books of History Chronicles (see end of this post for complete listing. The Lost Books are part of the overall series geared toward young adult/teens. I'd recommend starting with Black to gain an understanding of the whole series, but Ted Dekker says you can start anywhere in the series. He has a new book coming in September that he says is both the beginning and the end of the series. I look forward to reading it.

The Lost Books

Book 1 – Chosen
Book 2 – Infidel
Book 3 – Renegade
Book 4 – Chaos
Book 5 – Lunatic
Book 6 – Elyon

Back of Book says:

Fight with the Horde… or die with love.

Separated by time and space, our heroes finally return home. But five years have passed and they find a nightmarishly changed world.

The despised Horde are now in control. The healing lakes of Elyon are now blood red. And mighty Thomas Hunter and his Forest Guard have disappeared.

Dive into a journey among the Horde whose sole mission is the destruction of the Circle. Come face-to-face with an enchantingly beautiful creature with unearthly powers – and questionable motives.

Take a stand with the chose but be wary, for not all is as it seems. How the chose themselves are questioning their very sanity. For the only way to win may be to lose. The only way to live may be to die. And the one to lead may be a lunatic.

ISBN: 978-1-59554-373-8


Books of History Chronicles

The Lost Books
- Chosen
- Infidel
- Renegade
- Chaos
- Lunatic
- Elyon

The Circle Series
- Black
- Red
- White
- Green

The Paradise Books
- Showdown
- Saint
- Sinner

Skin
House (with Frank Peretti)

Monday, June 8, 2009

June Giveaway

This month Randy Alcorn is offering blog readers the chance to win a fiction book of their choice. For a list of the books you can choose from and more info on each, visit his website - Eternal Perspectives Ministries. I've read all of Randy's fiction and enjoyed them all tremendously. To read my thoughts on his books, just type Randy Alcorn into my blog search.

Here’s how to enter: Leave a comment on Randy's post by Sunday, June 28 indicating which book you would like to win. The three randomly drawn winners will be announced in a blog post on Monday, June 29, so be sure to check back and see if you won.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers

This was a great piece of fiction with a powerful message. I'd like to see this book become a movie because it's message could impact many and it seems more people are willing to spend a couple hours watching a movie instead reading.

Back of Book Says:

In one horrific, terrifying moment, Dynah Carey’s perfect life is shattered by rape, her future irrevocably altered by an unwanted pregnancy, her doting family torn apart. Her seemingly rock-solid faith is pushed to the limits as she faces the most momentous choice of her life- to embrace or end the untimely life within her.

Discussion Questions - Spoiler Alert

Pages 375-376 in the book shares the following support groups:

The following national organizations have information and referrals for postabortion counseling and support groups in your area:

American Rights Coalition
P.O. Box 487
Chattanooga, TN 37401
423-698-7960
Please call 1-800-634-2224
for referrals for medical,
legal, and emotional
assistance

Care Net
109 Carpenter Drive
Suite 100
Sterling, VA 20164
703-478-5661
Please call 1-800-395-HELP
for a referral to the closest
Care Net Crisis Pregnancy
Center in your area.

Heartbeat International
7870 Olentangy River Road
Suite 304
Columbus, OH 43235-1319
614-885-7577
www.qn.net/heartbeat/
email: heartbeat@qn.net

National Office of Post-
Abortion Reconciliation
and Healing
P.O. Box 07477
Milwaukee, WI 53207-0477
1-800-5WE-CARE
(Will give referrals to Project
Rachel programs in
Catholic dioceses)

Open Arms
P.O. Box 9292
Colorado Springs, CO 80932
719-573-5790


Victims of Choice, Inc.
P.O. Box 815
Naperville, IL 60566-0815
630-378-1680
(Offers guidebook for
one-on-one abortion-
recovery counseling


Life After Assault League, Inc.
Kay Zibolsky
1336 W. Lindbergh
Appleton, WI 54914
Phone: 920-739-4489
Fax: 920-739-1990


ISBN-10: 0-8423-0052-X
ISBN-13: 978-0-8423-0052-0
Tyndale www.tyndalefiction.com