The Shack by William P Young

 

The Shack was an emotional and spiritual exercise for me. It didn't start that way but eventually morphed into one. I've had trouble walking the path of God because of anger at him for losing my son to SIDS the main character in this book has the same problem but in a different way. The book itself is expertly written and VERY beautiful. The story is a journey back to faith from a man who has lost his faith. I took the same journey many years ago and I take it over and over again. My favorite character was Sarayu she was just written so beautifully. But all the characters were loved in their own way. The judgement scene truly moved me and I don't want to spoil it for you. All in all this is a beautiful book just so wonderful.

Gemini Rising by Jessica O'Gorek

To say that I enjoyed Gemini Rising would be an understatement. I found myself drawn into the tangled web of the story and held tight on the edge of my seat! I fell in love with Onyx who is this brutishly beautiful character who does have a heart but it takes a lot to get into his hard shell. I found myself spinning between loving the Gemini or loving the humans each had their own failings that were beautifully brought out as the story went on. I also have a huge respect for the earth, who I believe the mother character was and I loved her she was like an unforgiving god in a way. This story has serious undertones that make you think and touched my heart in ways I didn't think a book could. This is a 10 star book on my list and I know I will be assigning it to my daughter and sons to read, Jessica is such a talented wordstress and she knows how to tell a story for sure!

James Saves the Moon by Wendy Nystrom

I just read James Saves the Moon by the incredible Wendy Nystrom. It's such a sweet tale of a little boy who learns the value of listening and working together. I loved the illustrations in the story that really bring the characters to life. James is such a precocious and innocent character who learns that all things are not superstitions and that superstitions are meant to be believed. My favorite character was Syvock the member of the Icelandic little people who lives in a pile of rocks near James' house. He is kind of the Jiminy Cricket to James' Peter pan. A conscience who explains that magic is not to be taken lightly because it uses the power of nature and could hurt nature if too much is used. The illustrations of Matthias the dragon are so beautiful, the blue tones in the pictures add to the mental picture I had when reading the story. When the characters worked together to release the moon from where it was stuck on the mountain I was cheering for them, I know that my daughter will love this story and read it again and again. I know I truly enjoyed it. Wendy is a word weaving wonder woman who writes such wonderful, beautiful, fanciful tales that teach great morals, like listening to your friends and cooperation. I would recommend this book to anyone who is young or young at heart. I would happily give this book even more than 5 stars because it's just a wonderful story!

http://www.amazon.com/James-Saves-the-Moon-ebook/dp/B00A3W9MKY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381378596&sr=8-1&keywords=james+saves+the+moon

Thimble Kisses By Crystal Bozeman Clifton

This is the most sweet little tale of the unconditional love of a child I have ever read. My little 11 year old daughter cried when we read it. The pictures are so accessible to both adults and children, and the story is so precious. I cried too <3 I know some people that are going to get thimble kisses for christmas this year! I hope to read more of Crystals stories and that she keeps them coming.

The Sounds of War Thomas Ferreolus

I'd never used audible before so when I was given the opportunity to listen to the Sounds Of War by Thomas Ferreolus I was hoping for the best. But this is not about my audible experience this is about the best audio book I've ever listened to. The reader himself helped to make the characters "come alive" in my head. The sounds in the story were so true to life, and the situation that the soldiers lived in and experienced were so true. I have family in the military who went to Iraq. Now I know what it must have been like for them, hot, miserable, and possibly frightening. Thomas was such a likeable character, he would be someone that I would hang around with or go out to coffee with if he was a real person. I loved all the characters Thomas Ferreolus created. This book is brilliant, I especially enjoyed the sounds between chapters. Just an excellent excellent book!