Larger-Than-Life Lara

Lara Phelps is the victim of bullying. The story is told by Lara’s classmate, Laney Grafton. She breaks the story down by the components of storytelling beginning with character and ending with the resolution.

Lara handled the situation with kindness. It would have been interesting to hear it from Lara’s perspective too. Her outward response most likely did not reflect her inward thoughts.  Lara was bullied but it wasn’t overwhelming. I found myself focusing on what would happen next based on story elements.

Bullying is a tough topic and the author handled it appropriately for the elementary reading level. She ended it with a satisfying resolution and the conflict continued to increase as the story unfolded.

I would recommend this book to the elementary reading level. And I hope that it will encourage the readers to consider and apply it to their own classmates.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review through Tyndale Blog Network.

All But Normal by Shawn Thornton

Beverly Thornton was in a tragic car accident that left her in a coma. After waking up, her life was forever changed. She had horrible mood swings. She would lash out at her family and put herself or them in danger. Growing up in that atmosphere is unimaginable. The other side of the coin is that Beverly was kind, thoughtful, and was even a Sunday school teacher.

This book is a memoir and at times was difficult to read. It was difficult in the respect that you’d never know how Beverly might respond in a given situation. She could be kind or cruel. And dodging from her throwing things seemed to be a common occurrence. She continually lashed out her husband with curse words. What amazed me the most is that her husband continued to stay with her, care for her, and loved her.

Although it was sad for her husband and kids to deal with, I can’t help but think how frustrating it was for Beverly. She was forever changed. She had to rely on other people to go places or fix things around the house. She wasn’t really able to fully care for herself. I believe she understood what was happening and was frustrated that she couldn’t do better. She loved her family dearly but at times, the situation became so overwhelming for her.

I would recommend this book to Pastors and Counselors. It’s a great book on showing how to love someone through the trials.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review through Tyndale Blog Network.

Casting Crowns - The Very Next Thing (Official Lyric Video)

Our family is excited to get this new album being released September 16, 2016!

Guys Slimline Holy Bible

This bible is attractive with its chevron design. The imitation leather has a great feel to it. As stated in the description of the retail sites, it has a dictionary that the youth can use as an easy reference point to find the pertinent verses. For example, let’s say he/she wanted to look up the word lie. In other words, not telling the truth. It references Proverbs 30:8 – “First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.” This may lead to another discussion about poverty and riches. What does that mean? It can spark a discussion with their parents. The attractive ribbon bookmark makes it easy to save your place. It includes a 365 daily reading plan as well as colorful maps.

It appears to be a standard bible and I’m not sure that I would classify it as a youth bible. There’s no lesson plans for the youth to refer to. I do like the bold statement at the beginning of the bible that gives a great reminder of God’s love which states, “My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.” Psalm 62:7. I would recommend this bible for teens or an adult. 

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this bible from Tyndale and was not required to write a positive review.

Driftwood Tides by Gina Holmes

I hope you enjoyed the interview with Gina Holmes in my previous blog post. Here’s my review!

After Holton’s wife, Adele, dies in a freak car accident, he is unable to cope with the pain and guilt. He is a talented driftwood sculpture artist but loves his gin. Drowns in it. One day, Libby, shows up at his door claiming to be Adele’s friend but later admits that she’s her daughter. Libby is expectant of meeting her birth mom only to find out that she’s passed away. All that’s left is her father who is an alcoholic and claims to be responsible for her mother’s death. Libby was given a good life except her adoption mother wasn’t exactly the nurturing type. With mixed emotions, Libby convinces Holton to give her a summer job. Will the truth bring them together or push them apart? And how does his driftwood art come into play?

I enjoyed this book. I was able to feel the color of emotions throughout the book. The feeling of anger portrayed through Holton and his answer of turning to alcohol. The feeling of an expectant high of meeting a birthparent and then seeing that dream shattered in a million shards. I could see, smell, and almost touch the alcohol and how it affects another human being. But the author was able to balance both sides and portray the angst of not only being the alcoholic but being on the other side of the fence trying to help him.

When an author can make you feel those deep-seated emotions, she’s hit the mark. It’s easy to put an unknown person (i.e. birthparents) on a pedestal. But then to actually meet them and find out that they are human with flaws just like you can shake you to your core. And finding out that someone has betrayed you and how to reconcile those feelings. And how does God come into play?

This is a heart-warming story that you don’t want to miss. I was given a free eBook through NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers.