I started and finished A Sense of Direction in one evening; I couldn't really stop thinking about it, so I couldn't put it down. I found it...
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Reading The Land of Decoration was a unique experience. It was imaginative and hopeful, philosophical and dark, fascinating and disturbing, and brilliant. It was not an easy read, but it was definitely compelling. Sometimes the experiences were very uncomfortable and upsetting, as when Judith cleans up after the boys deface the sidewalk in front of her house. But, Judith has this inner strength about her that makes you as the reader want to be strong on her behalf, even as you cringe and want to look away. This story gives the reader a great deal to consider about religion, sanity, philosophy, psychology, and humanity. The author offers up few answers, and the book is all the better for it. If you should visit The Land of Decoration with it’s candy-wrapper lakes and pipe-cleaner people, be prepared to be challenged. Like Judith, you will spend much time pondering, even long after you’ve turned the final page.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received a review copy from the publisher.
Simon and the Easter Miracle tells the story of a farmer who is on his way to market when he encounters Jesus being beaten and forced to carry his cross on the way to his crucifixion. Simon is enlisted by the Roman soldiers to help Jesus carry the cross. This encounter changes the way Simon views the world. The author does a good job with the telling of the story. The text is simple and straight forward as well as lyrical and beautiful. I’m not sure that a young child would understand all the imagery (such as the hatched eggs representing the open tomb), but I like the imagery nonetheless because it creates perfect discussion points for parents and children. The illustrations are colorful and inviting, especially at the end of the story where Jesus’ resurrection is depicted in the sudden appearance of spring. This is an ideal story to share with children at Easter as it emphasizes the peace and the promise of Christ as well as the hope and joy of spring.
Please note: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received a free review copy from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.
Halflings took me by surprise by how intensely romantic it was and how hooked I became on the characters. It was that intensity more so than the plot that kept me reading. The halflings (half angel, half human) were never explained to my satisfaction. The attempts at explanation were often awkward, confusing, and unconvincing. For example, when Nikki asked Mace how old he was, he said it was difficult to explain in human terms. Apparently, it was also difficult for the writer to explain because it made no sense. I was willing to overlook it because I was drawn to the plight of the flawed and sympathetic characters, but I hope the next book explains things better. Also, though I liked Nikki (the main character), she was inconsistently drawn. One minute she’s strong enough to defeat a hell-hound (something that apparently no other human had ever done) and the next minute she’s fainting…again. One thing I did appreciate was that although this was definitely Christian fiction, it wasn’t preachy. I would’ve liked for the supernatural elements to have been better developed and explained, but I have hope that the next book will answer some of my questions. Despite the inconsistencies and occasionally unconvincing plot elements, I enjoyed the read. It kept my attention throughout, and I’m intrigued enough to want to read the next in the series.
Please note: In compliance with FTC guidelines, I was provided a review copy by the publisher through NetGalley.
I won a signed copy of Thelonious Mouse in a drawing held by the author. I was drawn to the cover and the title because they implied sass and humor. I was not disappointed. The pictures are lively and the text is jazzy. Thelonious is a little bit too sure of himself and cocky, but he's a precocious character who knows no fear. The story of a musical mouse who just can't help himself winning over the cat through music is a good one. I would have preferred a little less telling and a little more showing, but in the main, I enjoyed it very much. I also believe it will be a hit with children because of its energy. Parents will have to wet their whistles before they read this one aloud. It's a mouthful when Thelonious is at his scatting best.
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The simple text and soft, comforting illustrations make the story of Jonah’s whale very endearing. Told from the point-of-view of the whale, it gives the gentle message of what it means to obey and to wait on the Lord. This book does not explain Jonah’s story, and at first this bothered me. He is thrown overboard because he is at fault for the storm, but that is the only explanation given. Upon a second reading though I began to appreciate this story for what it was. It was never meant to be Jonah’s story, but the whale’s. And the message that it delivers is both biblical and beautiful.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, please note I received a review copy for free through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
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The Loopy Librarian has commented on (31) products.
The Land of Decoration by Grace Mccleen
The Loopy Librarian, April 13, 2012
Reading The Land of Decoration was a unique experience. It was imaginative and hopeful, philosophical and dark, fascinating and disturbing, and brilliant. It was not an easy read, but it was definitely compelling. Sometimes the experiences were very uncomfortable and upsetting, as when Judith cleans up after the boys deface the sidewalk in front of her house. But, Judith has this inner strength about her that makes you as the reader want to be strong on her behalf, even as you cringe and want to look away. This story gives the reader a great deal to consider about religion, sanity, philosophy, psychology, and humanity. The author offers up few answers, and the book is all the better for it. If you should visit The Land of Decoration with it’s candy-wrapper lakes and pipe-cleaner people, be prepared to be challenged. Like Judith, you will spend much time pondering, even long after you’ve turned the final page.In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received a review copy from the publisher.
Simon and the Easter Miracle: A Traditional Tale for Easter by Mary Joslin
The Loopy Librarian, March 27, 2012
Simon and the Easter Miracle tells the story of a farmer who is on his way to market when he encounters Jesus being beaten and forced to carry his cross on the way to his crucifixion. Simon is enlisted by the Roman soldiers to help Jesus carry the cross. This encounter changes the way Simon views the world. The author does a good job with the telling of the story. The text is simple and straight forward as well as lyrical and beautiful. I’m not sure that a young child would understand all the imagery (such as the hatched eggs representing the open tomb), but I like the imagery nonetheless because it creates perfect discussion points for parents and children. The illustrations are colorful and inviting, especially at the end of the story where Jesus’ resurrection is depicted in the sudden appearance of spring. This is an ideal story to share with children at Easter as it emphasizes the peace and the promise of Christ as well as the hope and joy of spring.Please note: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received a free review copy from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.
Halflings (Halflings Novel) by Heather Burch
The Loopy Librarian, March 22, 2012
Halflings took me by surprise by how intensely romantic it was and how hooked I became on the characters. It was that intensity more so than the plot that kept me reading. The halflings (half angel, half human) were never explained to my satisfaction. The attempts at explanation were often awkward, confusing, and unconvincing. For example, when Nikki asked Mace how old he was, he said it was difficult to explain in human terms. Apparently, it was also difficult for the writer to explain because it made no sense. I was willing to overlook it because I was drawn to the plight of the flawed and sympathetic characters, but I hope the next book explains things better. Also, though I liked Nikki (the main character), she was inconsistently drawn. One minute she’s strong enough to defeat a hell-hound (something that apparently no other human had ever done) and the next minute she’s fainting…again. One thing I did appreciate was that although this was definitely Christian fiction, it wasn’t preachy. I would’ve liked for the supernatural elements to have been better developed and explained, but I have hope that the next book will answer some of my questions. Despite the inconsistencies and occasionally unconvincing plot elements, I enjoyed the read. It kept my attention throughout, and I’m intrigued enough to want to read the next in the series.Please note: In compliance with FTC guidelines, I was provided a review copy by the publisher through NetGalley.
Thelonious Mouse by Orel Odinov Protopopescu
The Loopy Librarian, March 20, 2012
I won a signed copy of Thelonious Mouse in a drawing held by the author. I was drawn to the cover and the title because they implied sass and humor. I was not disappointed. The pictures are lively and the text is jazzy. Thelonious is a little bit too sure of himself and cocky, but he's a precocious character who knows no fear. The story of a musical mouse who just can't help himself winning over the cat through music is a good one. I would have preferred a little less telling and a little more showing, but in the main, I enjoyed it very much. I also believe it will be a hit with children because of its energy. Parents will have to wet their whistles before they read this one aloud. It's a mouthful when Thelonious is at his scatting best.(0 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
Jonah's Whale by Eileen Spinelli
The Loopy Librarian, February 24, 2012
The simple text and soft, comforting illustrations make the story of Jonah’s whale very endearing. Told from the point-of-view of the whale, it gives the gentle message of what it means to obey and to wait on the Lord. This book does not explain Jonah’s story, and at first this bothered me. He is thrown overboard because he is at fault for the storm, but that is the only explanation given. Upon a second reading though I began to appreciate this story for what it was. It was never meant to be Jonah’s story, but the whale’s. And the message that it delivers is both biblical and beautiful.In compliance with FTC guidelines, please note I received a review copy for free through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
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