I was very interested to receive The Paleo Chef cookbook. Not that I had intentions of switching to a Paleo diet, but I am trying to cook much healthier and am always on the look for recipes that use fresh and nutritious ingredients. Pete Evans, the chef and author of The Paleo Chef appears to be trendy and hip, and from the foreward and introduction to the book, it is obvious that he is extremely passionate about cooking and Paleo. He makes it clear that, to him, Paleo is more than a diet--it's a way of life.
Indeed, you would need to be dedicated to making it a way of life if you were to decide to go Paleo. No convenience foods, or takeout allowed. You would also need to have a huge grocery budget and to live in a large city where such items as duck fat, young green coconuts and fresh purple basil are available. I live in the suburbs of a medium sized city and I can tell you I have never seen any of those items at any grocery store. I'm sure they would all be stocked at a store like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods but I would have to travel three hours to shop there and that won't be happening anytime soon.
If indeed you can afford the exotic, organic foods the recipes call for and if you can find them in a store within driving distance of your home, the cookbook is lovely. There are beautiful color photographs for almost every recipe (which I very much enjoyed looking at). Indeed, the cookbook is a feast for the eyes. Chef Evans also includes a personal introduction to each recipe, telling the cook/reader about the recipe, how he uses it at home, what to serve with the dish, etc. There are over 200 recipes in the book, plus some basic recipes in the back for sauces, condiments, etc., so all in all it is a good buy if you do plan to try Paleo.
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Thursday, January 15, 2015
My Battle Against Hitler: Faith, Truth and Defiance in the Shadow of the Third Reich by Dietrich Von Hildebrand
I was interested in reading My Battle Against Hitler: Faith, Truth and Defiance in the Shadow of the Third Reich because I am interested in history, especially of World War II history. I very much enjoy autobiographies and memoirs and as a Christian, am inspired about stories of faith. It looked to me like this book would really fit the bill. I could not have been more wrong. I seldom find a book that I really DON'T like, but this was one of them. It was one of the most boring books I've ever read. Honestly, if I had not agreed to review it, I wouldn't have read more than the first chapter.
My Battle Against Hitler is the memoir of Dietrich Von Hildebrand, a German philosphy professor in the 1920s and 1930s. He is also an extremely devout Catholic. Unless you are also an extremely devout Catholic, you may not be able to relate to this book. Although deeply opposed to any prejudice against Jews by the Nazis, he himself is prejudiced against any Christian who is not Catholic. I'm sure the word "Catholic" was used hundreds of times in this book, and it is in large part a record of what was happening in the Catholic church during that time period.
Mostly the book records his conversations and journal writings against the Nazi regime. I'm not saying that I don't agree with his anti-Nazi viewpoint, because I certainly do. But unless you are a scholar, I don't think there would be much in this book to hold your interest. The only division in the book are years and each chapter just goes on and on recounting meetings, lectures, symposiums and dinner parties that Von Hildebrand attended.
Thank goodness I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. I would have been beyond upset if I had paid for it.
My Battle Against Hitler is the memoir of Dietrich Von Hildebrand, a German philosphy professor in the 1920s and 1930s. He is also an extremely devout Catholic. Unless you are also an extremely devout Catholic, you may not be able to relate to this book. Although deeply opposed to any prejudice against Jews by the Nazis, he himself is prejudiced against any Christian who is not Catholic. I'm sure the word "Catholic" was used hundreds of times in this book, and it is in large part a record of what was happening in the Catholic church during that time period.
Mostly the book records his conversations and journal writings against the Nazi regime. I'm not saying that I don't agree with his anti-Nazi viewpoint, because I certainly do. But unless you are a scholar, I don't think there would be much in this book to hold your interest. The only division in the book are years and each chapter just goes on and on recounting meetings, lectures, symposiums and dinner parties that Von Hildebrand attended.
Thank goodness I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. I would have been beyond upset if I had paid for it.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Where Treetops Glisten Sweetly by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, and Sarah Sundin
Where Treetops Glisten was such a sweet story, the perfect Christmas read. The tagline on the cover is Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II, and that is a very apt description. This book is actually three novellas by three different authors. Each of the authors, Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, and Sarah Sundin works together to weave their novella with the other two, and does it beautifully.
The book is about a family from Lafayette, Indiana in the 1940's, just after the bombing at Pearl Harbor. There are three siblings in this family, and each is featured in one of the novellas. I am a Midwesterner myself, so I especially enjoyed the setting. It was fun to read of life in a small town during that time period. The authors did a great job of including details about local landmarks, as well as national and international events.
The first novella, White Christmas by Cara Putnam, featured the middle sibling, Abigail. Abigail is a student at Purdue University and works part time at Glatz Candy in downtown Lafayette. Her boyfriend died at Pear Harbor and she has closed her heart to love, not wanting to be hurt again. However, she meets a young man on the bus who needs her assistance and she can't say no. God heals her broken heart and helps her to open up and love again.
The second novella, I'll Be Home for Christmas by Sarah Sundin, is about the oldest brother, Pete. Pete is a fighter pilot home on leave when he meets Grace, the younger sister of one of his boyhood friends. Grace is a war widow with a young daughter, struggling to make ends meet. She wants nothing to do with Pete, who often bullied her as a child. God heals Pete's heart, scarred by the horrors of war, and softens Grace's heart to see that Pete has indeed grown up and changed. They fall in love, giving Grace's daughter the father that she so desperately wants for Christmas.
The third novella, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Tricia Goyer, tells the story of the youngest Turner, Merry. Merry is a combat nurse, serving in an army hospital overseas. Prior to shipping out, she had her heart broken by a young man named David whom she met during her medical training in Florida. Little does she know that the reason David left her is to join the Resistance in the Netherlands. As God's plan would have it, Merry is stationed in the very town where David lives and works. God brings them together and helps Merry forgive David and renews their love.
The common theme of these three novella is healing and grace. Although primarily a Christmas book, it would be an enjoyable read anytime of year.
The book is about a family from Lafayette, Indiana in the 1940's, just after the bombing at Pearl Harbor. There are three siblings in this family, and each is featured in one of the novellas. I am a Midwesterner myself, so I especially enjoyed the setting. It was fun to read of life in a small town during that time period. The authors did a great job of including details about local landmarks, as well as national and international events.
The first novella, White Christmas by Cara Putnam, featured the middle sibling, Abigail. Abigail is a student at Purdue University and works part time at Glatz Candy in downtown Lafayette. Her boyfriend died at Pear Harbor and she has closed her heart to love, not wanting to be hurt again. However, she meets a young man on the bus who needs her assistance and she can't say no. God heals her broken heart and helps her to open up and love again.
The second novella, I'll Be Home for Christmas by Sarah Sundin, is about the oldest brother, Pete. Pete is a fighter pilot home on leave when he meets Grace, the younger sister of one of his boyhood friends. Grace is a war widow with a young daughter, struggling to make ends meet. She wants nothing to do with Pete, who often bullied her as a child. God heals Pete's heart, scarred by the horrors of war, and softens Grace's heart to see that Pete has indeed grown up and changed. They fall in love, giving Grace's daughter the father that she so desperately wants for Christmas.
The third novella, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Tricia Goyer, tells the story of the youngest Turner, Merry. Merry is a combat nurse, serving in an army hospital overseas. Prior to shipping out, she had her heart broken by a young man named David whom she met during her medical training in Florida. Little does she know that the reason David left her is to join the Resistance in the Netherlands. As God's plan would have it, Merry is stationed in the very town where David lives and works. God brings them together and helps Merry forgive David and renews their love.
The common theme of these three novella is healing and grace. Although primarily a Christmas book, it would be an enjoyable read anytime of year.
Friday, November 14, 2014
The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle by Joanne Huist Smith
The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle by Joanne Huist Smith is the personal memoir of the author. She tells the story of her and her three children and the Christmas they experienced after their husband and father passed away unexpectedly. The were barely plodding along, surviving only when one evening they received an anonymous gift on their front porch. That gift led to 12 days of gifts, to go along with the famous song, The Twelve Days of Christmas.
At first irritated, offended, and even angry by the gifts, they soon begin to change the family. They begin to be open to the idea of celebrating Christmas. They realize that they can indeed be happy again, and that they are grateful to be alive, to have each other. The gifts are very simple, yet deeply profound in their intention. The author shares, "The power of the gifts lies in the understanding that joy and sorrow can coexist comfortably and without guilt."
The 12 gifts are a friend's way of helping them through their pain, of reminding them that there are people in the world who are kind and caring, that others are thinking of them and praying for them. The 13th gift, however, is not tangible. It's not something that could be wrapped and left on the front porch. It is something that is magical and mysterious. It's something that you will need to read the book yourself to understand.
I think you'll find this book a pleasurable Christmas read, as I did. It's inspiring and heartwarming, yet it's also honest and genuine. You may even be inspired to pass on the 13th gift yourself. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
At first irritated, offended, and even angry by the gifts, they soon begin to change the family. They begin to be open to the idea of celebrating Christmas. They realize that they can indeed be happy again, and that they are grateful to be alive, to have each other. The gifts are very simple, yet deeply profound in their intention. The author shares, "The power of the gifts lies in the understanding that joy and sorrow can coexist comfortably and without guilt."
The 12 gifts are a friend's way of helping them through their pain, of reminding them that there are people in the world who are kind and caring, that others are thinking of them and praying for them. The 13th gift, however, is not tangible. It's not something that could be wrapped and left on the front porch. It is something that is magical and mysterious. It's something that you will need to read the book yourself to understand.
I think you'll find this book a pleasurable Christmas read, as I did. It's inspiring and heartwarming, yet it's also honest and genuine. You may even be inspired to pass on the 13th gift yourself. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Miss Brenda and the Loveladies: A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God and Gumption by Brenda Spahn and Irene Zutell
I enjoyed this book so much! It was truly inspiring and thought provoking, all while being very entertaining. I laughed and cried, and was moved to examine my own prejudices. Now that, dear reader, is worth the price of admission, as they say! I wholeheartedly recommend that you check out Miss Brenda and the Loveladies: A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God, and Gumption.
Miss Brenda, Brenda Sphan, is a wealthy, driven businesswoman. Her goal in life is to make LOTS of money, to always have the best of everything. She was raised in a trailer, and vowed as a little girl that she would be rich one day. Brenda makes good on that vow, but God has more in mind for her. Using the very character and gifts He has already given her, God taps into her guts and gumption by calling her to prison ministry. Mrs. Sphan literally pushes her way into the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama, where she begins to see how broken the prison system is.
The statistics on the numbers of women who are released from prison and then return are appalling and Brenda decides that her life's calling is to do something about it. She talks her reluctant husband into turning their nearby mansion into a halfway house (she refuses to call it that, preferring the term "wholeway" house) for women. After miles of red tape and obstacles, Brenda is prepared to receive the first group of newly released prisoners. She is in for the shock of her life when they are the toughest, scariest group of women she has never seen before. All of her newly hired staff for the home promptly quits and Brenda and her daughter are forced to take on the roles of cook, cleaner, housemother, and counselor themselves.
You'll love the heartbreaking, yet tender, stories of the women that Brenda comes to love. Each one presents a unique challenge and has different needs and desires, yet Brenda manages, with discernment and wisdom that could only come from God, to minister to each one. She truly becomes the hands and feet of Jesus to each of the women who comes to her home, fearful and doubting, yet somehow hopeful that this times things just might work out for her. You too will be inspired and moved by Miss Brenda and the Loveladies: A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God, and Gumption!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Miss Brenda, Brenda Sphan, is a wealthy, driven businesswoman. Her goal in life is to make LOTS of money, to always have the best of everything. She was raised in a trailer, and vowed as a little girl that she would be rich one day. Brenda makes good on that vow, but God has more in mind for her. Using the very character and gifts He has already given her, God taps into her guts and gumption by calling her to prison ministry. Mrs. Sphan literally pushes her way into the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama, where she begins to see how broken the prison system is.
The statistics on the numbers of women who are released from prison and then return are appalling and Brenda decides that her life's calling is to do something about it. She talks her reluctant husband into turning their nearby mansion into a halfway house (she refuses to call it that, preferring the term "wholeway" house) for women. After miles of red tape and obstacles, Brenda is prepared to receive the first group of newly released prisoners. She is in for the shock of her life when they are the toughest, scariest group of women she has never seen before. All of her newly hired staff for the home promptly quits and Brenda and her daughter are forced to take on the roles of cook, cleaner, housemother, and counselor themselves.
You'll love the heartbreaking, yet tender, stories of the women that Brenda comes to love. Each one presents a unique challenge and has different needs and desires, yet Brenda manages, with discernment and wisdom that could only come from God, to minister to each one. She truly becomes the hands and feet of Jesus to each of the women who comes to her home, fearful and doubting, yet somehow hopeful that this times things just might work out for her. You too will be inspired and moved by Miss Brenda and the Loveladies: A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God, and Gumption!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
When We Were on Fire by Addie Zierman
I am struggling with how to review When We Were on Fire by Addie Zierman. I normally very much enjoy autobiographies or memoirs, but I don't know what to say about this one. Ms. Zierman grew up in a loving Christian home, attended church with her family, had good friends and many opportunities, yet she blames everyone and anyone else for treating her in ways she sees as ungodly. She was never abused or molested, yet she sees herself as a victim, violated and damaged by others in the church. Her growing up years would be considered fairy tale by many, yet she disdains everything that she was taught. She is bitter, critical, and unloving, yet she only sees others as that way, not herself.
Most of what happened that turns Addie from both God himself and the church is at the hands of a teenage boyfriend. He is legalistic and overreaching, yet he loves God and on some level, loves her too. Later in life she needs extensive counseling to get over this relationship. She also feels rejected when the women in her Bible study don't "see" that she is lonely. She never tells them, but leaves the group when they can't read her mind. She calls herself a cynic and a doubter. I call her a whiner and an exaggerator. I'm sorry that she had hard times, yet who among us doesn't? People are flawed, sinful, they can't always be trusted. That's why we call ourselves Christians. We follow Christ, not other human beings.
If you too, struggle with evangelistic Christianity, then you may enjoy and agree with Addie Zierman's point of view. You might be glad to find out you are not alone in your feelings. If Addie's story helps you work through your own difficulties, then I am glad for you, but reading this memoir was no pleasure for me. I would also warn the reader that it contains quite a bit of swearing, including liberal use of the "f" word.
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Most of what happened that turns Addie from both God himself and the church is at the hands of a teenage boyfriend. He is legalistic and overreaching, yet he loves God and on some level, loves her too. Later in life she needs extensive counseling to get over this relationship. She also feels rejected when the women in her Bible study don't "see" that she is lonely. She never tells them, but leaves the group when they can't read her mind. She calls herself a cynic and a doubter. I call her a whiner and an exaggerator. I'm sorry that she had hard times, yet who among us doesn't? People are flawed, sinful, they can't always be trusted. That's why we call ourselves Christians. We follow Christ, not other human beings.
If you too, struggle with evangelistic Christianity, then you may enjoy and agree with Addie Zierman's point of view. You might be glad to find out you are not alone in your feelings. If Addie's story helps you work through your own difficulties, then I am glad for you, but reading this memoir was no pleasure for me. I would also warn the reader that it contains quite a bit of swearing, including liberal use of the "f" word.
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Girl at the End of the World by Elizabeth Esther
Girl at the End of the World is the fascinating, and often horrifying, memoir of Elizabeth Esther's life in a cult called The Assembly. It was very interesting to read of a life so different from my own, but was also very painful to read. Elizabeth endured daily "spankings", that were abusive and way overboard.
The legalism the Assembly enforced was beyond Pharisaical. Like all cults, every action and even thought was controlled by its leaders. Although this memoir was often heartbreaking, the author managed to interject some humor and uplifting moments. Her own parents and grandparents were leaders of the cult, and while misguided would be a vast understatement, I do believe they loved her and did actually want good for her. Elizabeth herself attempts to portray their love, while being truthful about the life she lived.
I'm sure this story would be most insightful and hopeful to others who were raised in a cult or some type of radically legalistic environment. Neither of those conditions apply to my own life, so I am a bit torn about how to review this book. Although interesting, I cannot relate to it much, and therefore struggle somewhat with how to apply it to myself. Certainly it is a good reminder of how much I appreciate my own freedom in Christ and a valuable warning of the dangers of taking Scripture out of context, twisting it for my one's own uses.
I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in return for my honest review.
The legalism the Assembly enforced was beyond Pharisaical. Like all cults, every action and even thought was controlled by its leaders. Although this memoir was often heartbreaking, the author managed to interject some humor and uplifting moments. Her own parents and grandparents were leaders of the cult, and while misguided would be a vast understatement, I do believe they loved her and did actually want good for her. Elizabeth herself attempts to portray their love, while being truthful about the life she lived.
I'm sure this story would be most insightful and hopeful to others who were raised in a cult or some type of radically legalistic environment. Neither of those conditions apply to my own life, so I am a bit torn about how to review this book. Although interesting, I cannot relate to it much, and therefore struggle somewhat with how to apply it to myself. Certainly it is a good reminder of how much I appreciate my own freedom in Christ and a valuable warning of the dangers of taking Scripture out of context, twisting it for my one's own uses.
I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in return for my honest review.
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