Monday, January 19, 2009

The Other Side of Heaven by John H. Groberg

The Other Side of Heaven (or In the Eye of the Storm) by John H. Groberg about his mission experiences to the people of Tonga. So far, he has expressed eloquently much of what I wish I could have expressed about serving a mission to Finland. This book is also interesting in that at the time I served a mission to the frozen North, naively, I felt that serving a mission somewhere tropical would be much easier. As we learned doing member missionary work in Hawaii (twice) since my mission, Hawaii had its own unique set of challenges and temptations and hardships. Perhaps it comes down to the fact that hard work, faith, and a degree of total reliance on the Lord is mandatory to grow as a missionary. Need a good book recommendation, consider this one.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Seasons of Her Heart: A Romantic Novelette

Seasons of Her Heart: A Romantic Novelette by Georgos Jensen Blosil
This two part poetic narrative is of a young woman who is new to romance. The book is fun to read. The heroine has a difficult choice to make and people of true integrity she can count as friends.
Paperback
127 pgs.
ISBN:0-9713601-0-3
Published by Poetic Arts

Saturday, January 10, 2009

The Ranger's Apprentice (3) The Icebound Land

Rangers Apprentice 03 Icebound Land (Hardcover)

by John Flanagan (Author)
  • Hardcover: 260 pages
  • Publisher: Philomel Books; 1 edition (Jun 26 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0399244565
  • ISBN-13: 978-0399244568

Product Description

From Booklist
The third book in the Ranger's Apprentice series features a dual story, switching between the ranger's apprentice, Will, accompanied by princess Evanlyn, and the ranger, Halt, accompanied by Will's friend Horace, a young knight-in-training. After an unsuccessful attempt to escape from the ship where they are captives, Will and Evanlyn are taken to Skandia and put to work as slaves. Meanwhile, Halt and Horace ride to the rescue, or at least toward the rescue, only to be detained by a series of petty thieves and a nefarious knight. Although both strands of narrative feature journeys, each provides its own challenges for the characters and pleasures for readers. The Halt/Horace strand combines elements of knightly combat with a certain dry wit, and the Will/Evanlyn strand offers a good adventure story with a surprising twist. Throughout the novel, Flanagan's deft character portrayals and well-paced story will engage readers, and the ending will leave them clamoring for the next volume. Phelan, Carolyn

This particular volume seems to run slow in the middle and lack the adventure and excitement of the other novels. Also, it introduces a drug/drug addiction=warmweed. Plot is lacking...elements of a story fulfilled.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

The Ranger's Apprentice (2) Burning Bridge

  • Rangers Apprentice 02 Burning Bridge (Hardcover)

    by John Flanagan (Author)

  • Hardcover: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Philomel Books (Jun 13 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0399244557
  • ISBN-13: 978-0399244551

Product Description

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9–In the second volume in this series, apprentice Ranger Will becomes involved once again in the war against the evil Morgarath. When he joins what should be a simple envoy mission, he and his companions realize that they are the only ones who know the extent of Morgarath's duplicity, and it's up to them to save the kingdom. Will and his friend Horace, along with noblewoman-in-disguise Evanlyn, make a dangerous journey and discover that Wargals, Morgarath's mindless warriors, are infiltrating their kingdom, and their brave actions at the burning bridge of the title lead to Will's and Evanlyn's capture and much room for sequels. Will's initial doubts and learning process add reality to his character, but his exploits never achieve true immediacy. Background characters are generally flat, though touches of humor add spice to the narrative. Flanagan creates a well-realized picture of life on the trail and its hardships, but his battles and their resolution seem almost too easy. Fans of the first volume will enjoy this adventure, but readers new to the series may not share their excitement.–Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI
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Monday, January 5, 2009

The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Harry Potter)

The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Harry Potter series) by J.K. Rowling
This little novelette accompanies the seventh book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows in which Dumbledore leaves Hermione this book in hopes that her keen mind will put together facts which will help Hermione, Harry, and Ron to defeat Voldemort, the Dark Lord.
An interesting read similar to a blunt Grimm's tale. There is comentary by Dumbledore to each of the stories included. It does not hold the charm and personality of a regular Harry Potter book.
  • Hardcover: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Children's High Level Group (Dec 4 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0747599874
  • ISBN-13: 978-0747599876
  • Product Dimensions: 17.8 x 13 x 1.4 cm