Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Not Just for Christmas

When we hear the word "Magi," typically thoughts of Christmas and the three kings come to mind or O.Henry's famous story "The Gift of the Magi." We don't often think about how the individuals who were part of the group of people called "Magi" actually played a significant role and were important to their culture. When Patrick Carr's newest book The End of the Magi popped up on my reading list, I immediately jumped to the connection with Christmas but as I read the book, I discovered it was so much more.
Patrick Carr delves into the story of the Magi, and one apprentice specifically, well before the birth of Christ. This allows Carr to provide a very detailed account of the Magi, their role in society, and how they came to follow the star. Granted, The End of the Magi is fiction, but Carr has invested time in research as well. The story follow apprentice Magi Myrad from his initial dream regarding a star to the time when the star stops and he finds what he has sought. However, The End of the Magi does not end there. Carr picks up the story of the Magi again 30 years later and interjects them into the events of Holy Week as well. This part of the story brings the Magi full circle and provides insight into Carr's choice of title as well.

The End of the Magi is a great book to read around Christmas given who the main characters are and their final destination. However, it is a book that could be enjoyed at any time of the year given Carr's excellent writing and research. I found that Carr's story emphasizes that most people of this time period, including the Magi, expected the Messiah to overthrow Rome. This reminder is important. While not necessarily a book for children, The End of the Magi is appropriate for high school and up and perhaps to be read aloud to junior high. As such, it might fit the age group that has outgrown Arnold Ytriede's excellent Advent books but are still looking for a Christmas read-aloud.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The End of the Magi via NetGalley. 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.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

CIA Operative Turns Minister?

The idea of a CIA operative turned minister seems a wee bit far-fetched, but it is indeed the main emphasis of the brand new book A Cross to Kill by Andrew Huff. This suspense novel filled with terrorists, fight scenes, and high-speed chases is beyond my normal reading diet, but the premise of a highly skilled hitman, becoming a Christian, walking away from his highly lucrative career, and then becoming a minister seemed to good to pass up. Add in the rescue of a high-profile female journalist and I was hooked.

A Cross to Kill by Andrew Huff is not a book I would normally pick up to read, but I really enjoyed it. The book is fast-paced and keeps your attention. I appreciated that although the book includes Middle Eastern terrorists Huff does not engage in ethnic-bashing, and a huge plot twist shows the true enemy to be someone else completely. It is the first in the Shepherd Suspense series, and I look forward to reading more about John Cross and Christine Lewis. The CIA aspect appeals to men and there is enough romance to appeal to women as well. Highly recommended for men and women high school and up!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received A Cross to Kill from Kregel via NetGalley. 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.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Why I Read

Some people have inquired how I manage to read so many books. For the most part, I have always read all the time. I always have one or two books with me and read whenever I have any snatches of time available even if I only manage to fit in a page or two. I rarely watch television partially because I'd rather read and partially because our television is often being used by other people. The few shows I do watch I stream to my laptop but that is rare.

The biggest reason why I read is because it is my main method of staying sane. Finding a few minutes to myself to read whatever I want helps to keep me on an even keel. In fact I strongly recommend that everyone should read a chapter a day of something just for fun. When I find myself becoming emotionally drained or needing to recharge, I know it's time that I need to sequester myself and read. It probably will not be great literature, but losing myself in a fun story is always just the ticket I need to set life back to order again.

World War II in Venice

The Secret Messenger by Mandy Robotham provides a new twist on novels about resistance fighters during World War II. While recently I have read and enjoyed novels about the resistance set in Germany and France, this particular novel is set in Venice. In addition to a new setting and the added twist of Fascists and Nazis, there is also a split time aspect which makes this novel most enjoyable.

Stella has a day job as a typist in the local Nazi office which allows her to collect intelligence information. Outside of work, she is active in the local resistance efforts--particularly in helping to publish an underground newspaper and pass messages. Significant to the story is her typewriter which has a distinctive dropped letter e. As required in any good World War II novel, there are love interests and numerous times when Stella is nearly caught.

In modern day, Luisa find her grandmother Stella's typewriter and a box of papers while cleaning out her deceased mother's attic in England. Knowing that her mother and grandmother did not have a good relationship, Luisa sets out to find the truth of her grandmother's background. She is particularly perplexed by two pictures of her grandmother with gentlemen--one labeled "C" and the other "Geo." Luisa travels to Venice on a off-chance she might find someone who can shed light on the pictures and her family history.

The Secret Messenger has exactly the right mix of intrigue regarding the resistance movement, combined with a background romance regarding the two gentleman in Stella's life that is not resolved until the end of the book. Luisa's desire to learn more about her grandmother provides a nice backdrop to unfold the story and provides some extra twists to the plot. This marvelous and highly recommended story on a little known aspect of World War II is already an international bestseller!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Secret Messenger via NetGalley. 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.

Friday, November 15, 2019

The German House

Many books are written about World War II and I read many of them. Not as much has been written about Germany after the war. Years after, how did individuals react as the truth became known of the horrible atrocities that were committed? How did individuals who participated manage to return to everyday life? The German House by Annette Hess fills this void and answers some of these questions.

Already an international bestseller, The German House is an emotional journey of a young German woman named Eva. Her memories of the war are minimal as she was a small child and it was years ago. Her parents run a fairly successful restaurant in Frankfurt and her knowledge of Polish provides her with a job translating documents for businesses. Soon her translating skills are called upon for the Auschwitz Trials. While she finds this work important and worthwhile, others in her life--especially her parents and her fiance--do not wish for her to continue. Day after day of testimony begin to trigger Eva's memories and soon she is faced with her own family's participation in World War II crimes. Sorting through her memories and the extent to which normal, everyday people took part in these atrocities provides numerous opportunities for the reader to contemplate the choices they might have made in these circumstances.

I found the story sluggish at first but encourage readers to stick with it. After the stage is set and Eva becomes involved with the trial, the story picks up quite a bit and is quite intriguing. While fiction, this truly is the story of so many from this time period. It is also a reminder of how opinions and viewpoints can change within a generation. In addition to the main story line, there are several smaller plots as well that provide narrative interest and help move the story along. I recommend The German House with some reservations. I found it to be a good book with a thought provoking story but not a book that makes a lasting impression.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The German House via NetGalley. 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.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

For Your Christmas Shopping List

I jumped at the opportunity to read Melanie Dickerson's soon to be published book The Piper's Pursuit and I was not disappointed. I enjoy this series as there are strong characters, a clear delineation between good and evil, and they are Christian but not preachy.

Several aspects of The Piper's Pursuit stand out. Often times, this genre tends to have strong female leads which I greatly enjoy, but sometimes the male characters are less than impressive. The Piper's Pursuit has equally strong male and female characters. This is important as it shows the wonderful things that happen when a relationship is seen as a partnership instead of just one person being the leader. The second aspect was that Dickerson did a marvelous job of depicting the hypocrisy of the town mayor who went out of his way to appear "Christian" but was actually anything but. This really helped to emphasize the idea that appearances can be deceiving.

Melanie Dickerson writes for the YA crowd, but her books are enjoyable for all readers who enjoy a good, clean story that includes a lesson. I recommend them for moms and their junior high-early high school age daughters to read together or as read alouds for middle school students.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Piper's Pursuit from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. 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.