Student Saturday: The Power of Six - Pittacus Lore

Publisher:  Harper Collins
Pages:  406
Reviewer:  Austin

The Power of Six was written by Pittacus Lore.  This book is a sequel to I Am Number Four.  The story starts out in Alabama at the point where the previous book ended.  Only six of the aliens that came to Earth on their mission remain alive.  The surviving aliens are allies that use their powers to each other.  John Smith (Four), Maren Elizabeth (Six), Sam and Bernie Kosar are running from the authorities and the Mogs.  Bernie Kosar is a chimera, a beast that can transform into anything.  The book is partially written from John's point of view as the three of them narrowly escape capture and death.

While on the run throughout the United States, John begins to miss his girlfriend Sarah who he had to leave behind in Paradise, Ohio.  After a while though he starts to develop feelings for for Six, which causes some tension between them.  They are continually in dangerous situations because of the Mogadorians.  Sam and John are on all the news reports on TV and in the papers, which broadcasts a high price for capturing them.  They are considered terrorists and they have to stay on high alert to keep form being killed or captured.

Meanwhile, the second point of view comes from a new character, seventeen year old Marina, also know as Seven.  She and Ella (Ten) are hidden away in Santa Teresa, Spain.  They both have been living in a convent for the past eleven years and their location is unknown to the Mogadorians.  Seven has constantly searched over the Internet for signs of the others during her time on Earth.  She finally managed to find John in America and tries to find out as much as she can about him.  She was receiving training for her mission on EArth but her trainer lost interest and she ends up on her own thinking she is no longer safe and may need ot move on.  Through her research she found out that Number One was killed in Malaysia, Number Two died in England, Number Three was killed in Kenya and Number Four was almost killed in Ohio, but narrowly escaped.  SEven and Ten are determined to help the six aliens still alive.

Six discovers a glowing orb in her treasure chest, which shows a picture of Santa Teresa.  She decides to go there and she finds Seven and Ten.  Seven discovers a glowing red orb in her treasure chest.  When she touches it she activates a tracking beacon which lets the Mogadorians discover her location.  The the Mogadorians blow up sections of the convent.  Seven and Ten treid to fight off the Mogs  and Six arrives just in time to help them.  Meanwhile, in a West Virginia cave, Sam and Four save Number Nine from the Mogadorians; base and take their stolen treasure chests back from the Mogs.

As a reader of science fiction, I found this one to be even more exciting than I Am Number Four.  I would recommend this book to anyone from preteen to adult and science fiction lovers because the story was packed full of action and suspense. I can't wait for The Rise of Nine to come out next!

The Tuskegee Airmen: An Illustrated History: 1939-1949 - Caver, Haulman, Ennels

Authors:  Joseph Caver, Daniel Haulman, Jerome Ennels

Publisher:  New South Books

Pages: 300

Source:  Review Copy from Publicist

Genre:  Illustrated History

From Amazon:

Many documentaries, museum exhibits, books, and movies have not treated what became know as the “Tuskegee Experiment” involving black piots who gained fame during World War II, as the Tuskegee Airmen.  Most of these works have focused on the training of America’s first black fighter pilots and their subsequent accomplishments during combat.  This publication goes further, using captioned photographs to trace the airmen through the stages of training, deployment, and combat actions in North Africa, Italy, and German in an attractive coffee table-book format.  Included for the first time are depictions of the critical support roles of doctors, urses, mechanics, navigators, weathermen, parachute riggers, and other personnel, all of whom contributed to help complete the establishement of the 477^th Composite Group.  The authors have told, in picture and words, the full story of the Tuskegee Airmen and the environments in which they lived, worked, played, fought, and sometimes died.

My Thoughts:

I was thrilled when the publicist asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing this book.  I had recently read and reviewed “A Rare Titanic Family”, published by NewSouth Books.  I knew very little about the Tuskegee Airmen, except that they were black pilots during World War II.  For that reason alone I wanted to read it.  Any time I can read a book and gain more knowledge I am thrilled.

From the very beginning of this book I found myself angry.  I was angry at a society that could think that the color of ones skin could affect the size of ones brain and their ability to learn.  Having been raised in a home where I was taught there was no difference between people of different colors I am always amazed at the worlds stupidity and  the resilience of those who don’t fit into those stupid little boxes. 

Joseph Caver and Jerome Ennels – archivists along with Daniel Haulman – a historian with the Air Force Historical Research Agency at Maxwell AFB came together to create and present an account of the Tuskegee Airmen.  Before reading this book I knew they were black and they were considered an elite group of pilots who did not receive recognition for their service until many years later.  I was shocked to learn there were over 14,000 people in the various organizations.  I didn’t even know they had several different organizations.

It amazed me as I read the book to see the accomplishments of these people and how long it took for them to be recognized for their accomplishments.  With ignorance the country tried to hold back these airmen to the point they waited years to be recognized for their role in World War II.  Thank goodness we have men like these authors who are willing to get the information out there for people like me who thirst for knowledge but don’t always know where to find it.  I would like to say that I am keeping this book on my shelves.  However, a math teacher at my school saw I was reading it and wants it for his classroom to share with his students.  I am all for passing on books to other teachers of different subjects if they will promote reading.  Especially when he told me how he can use the book when talking about statistics. 

I whole-heartedly recommend this book to everyone who loves history.  It doesn’t have to be a particular era of history you love to enjoy this book.

Unforeseen Fears - H.W. Gruchow

Publisher:  Xlibris

Pages:  240

Source: Review copy from author

Genre:  Adult, Mystery

My thoughts:

I love mysteries.  It is even better when the mystery has the reader so involved they are walking right alongside the characters.  In this book, Jake and Armis have always competed to figure out murders.  A creepy hobby in my opinion, but to each his own.  Something has changed in their little game.  A murder form the past seems to have some sort of connections to a recent disappearance.  AT first  the book felt a little disjointed.  Some many different characters.  I was not really sure who to trust, who was believable.  Suddenly, everything was brought together in a nice neat packet.  All of the loose ends and characters were brought together and the reader says, “Oh, I didn’t see that coming.”  That in my opinion is the making of a great book!

It is for these reasons that I would recommend this book, especially to those who love mysteries.  This was my first reading of any work by this author.  I will definitely look for more work by him.

About the Author:

H. William Gruchow began writing fiction after an academic career spanning nearly forty years, during which he published numerous scientific papers, articles and books, and enjoyed teaching thousands of students.  “writing good fiction requires the same level of creative energy and attention to detail as good scientific writing and good teaching.  At their best they are valuable learning experiences for the author, as well as being informative and entertaining learning experiences for the audience.”

Summer Shack: A Killer Vacation - Kelli Sue Landon

Publisher:  CreateSpace

Pages:  269

Source: Review copy from author

Genre:  Young Adult, Mystery

From Amazon:

It’s summer vacation and Deborah Walker invites childhood friend Kimberly Foster to stay in her parents’ cottage retreat in Wisconsin.  High School graduation is behind them and now it’s time to let their hair down.  Besides partying and being on their own for a month, Deb’s goal is to film a documentary of the area as a pre college project.  Shortly after arriving, news spreads around town that a serial killer has just been arrested.  Deb’s plans for her film soon change as curiosity takes over.  She wants to be the first person to film inside of the killer’s old beach house, which is where he stashed the bodies.  Deb and Kim are successful in making their way into the shack on the beach, but will they make it out?

My Thoughts:

Kelli Sue Landon has done it once again.  She has created a young adult novel that will hold its readers on the edge of their seat to finish it.  Most teens will be able to identify with these characters.  We’ve all had friends who moved on without us because we no longer fit into their mold.  It may have been due to finances as in this case.  When Deb started hanging out with a richer class of kids, Kim no longer fit in.  She was a good old stand-by when Deb’s wealthy friends were unavailable.  Maybe that is why Kim was invited to spend the summer with Deb at her parents Wisconsin retreat.

Both girls have great plans for their futures.  Kim wants to be a famous chef.  She has known this ever since her mother ran out on them when they were younger and she had to take over the household duties.  Deb has always wanted to be a journalist.  In years past Kim was the one behind the camera filming Deb doing the “reporting”. 

Upon arriving in Wisconsin the girls go to eat at a local diner and learn of the arrest of a local serial killer.  This is when  Deb’s plans to make a documentary about the area changes.  She wants to film inside the killers beach cottage and maybe get inside his head.  Her decisions put not only herself and Kim’s lives in danger but also the lives of two of her local friends.

Like all of her books, you think you have it all figured out and then the twists and turns take you some place else.  I can’t wait to put this on my shelves at school.  This is another great book that many of my students will be able to relate to.

I will recommend this book and will look forward to reading whatever she comes out with next.

Highland Crossings – Pamela Griffin, Laurie Alice Eakes, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Gina Welborn

Publisher:  Barbour Publishing

Pages:  352

Source:  Won a copy

Genre:  Adult Romance

From Goodreads:

Head to historic North Carolina where a brooch unites the lives and loves of four women.  Dangerous accusations force Seona to leave Scotland with the brooch in tow, but will she find peace before her past is revealed?  Years later, Fiona hopes to recover the brooch only to wind up on the whipping block.  Can she trust the man who comes to her rescue?  Seren sells the brooch to open a confectionery, but will the precious heirloom be lost to a hopeless dream?  When the brooch is stolen, can Brynna reclaim it before she lose something even more valuable?

My Thoughts:

I love historical fiction. If you can wrap romance up in it, all the better.  Highland Crossings is actually 4 stories that follows a brooch through four different generations from Scotland to America.  The brooch ties all three stories together nicely.  In “Healer of My Heart” Serena is accused of being a thief.  She sneaks aboard the Thistle, a ship headed for America.  She is caught by Colin Campbell who recognizes her healing abilities.  He saves her because she uses her skills to help a family member.  When they reach North Carolina his cousin Isabel welcomes her.  Although she and Colin are attracted to each other, can she trust him with not only her life but her heart?

In “Printed on My Heart” we meet Seona’s cousin Fiona.  She finds herself being punished for being unemployed.  In my opinion, whipping someone for not having a job was absolutely sadistic.  She was rescued by Owain.  She becomes their indentured servant.  She begins to find love with Owain and with God. 

In “Sugarplum Hearts” Seren Cardew has come to possess the brooch. She sells it to open a candy shop.  Finley Sinclair thinks he is God’s gift to women.  He wants a simple life and he wants it with Seren.  He proposes a deal with her to promote her confectioneries and benefit himself.  First he has to win over Seren who doesn’t see him as God’s gift to women.

The last story “Hearts Inheritance” we find Brynna Sinclair, lover of all things historical.  She wants to open a museum.  Her sister is currently in possession of the brooch.  It doesn’t seem fair since she is the one who loves history.   Enter Niall Cameron who has received an inheritance from his uncle.  When his plans clash with Brynna’s, a woman he is falling for he decides he must find a way to get on her good side.  When the brooch is stolen, he decides this might be the opportunity he was looking for.

All four of these stories were wonderfully told.  They carry with them lessons of healing, trust, love, relationships with people and God.  I had not read anything by any of these authors before this book.  It was a wonderful way to be introduced to four wonderful authors.  This book along with others they have written are a must read.

Sleepwalkers - Paul Grossman

Publisher:  St. Martin’s Griffin

Pages:  336

Source:  Won a copy from Author Buzz

Genre:  Adult, Historical Fiction, Mystery

From the Author’s Website:

During the final weeks of the Weimar Republic, a young woman washes up in the Havel River in picture-perfect Old Spandau. Bodies in rivers are hardly news in the chaos of 1932 Berlin, maddened by years of war, defeat, revolution, inflation, depravity, and now the Great Depression. But this one is different. Her dark hair is too short. Her wisdom teeth have been removed, something few German girls could afford. And her legs, dotted with suture marks, are bizarrely deformed, as if someone had taken giant pliers and turned them around inside her skin.

Willi Kraus is a decorated soldier and Germany’s most celebrated Jewish detective, thanks to his recent success at nabbing a monstrous child killer. Sent to investigate the floater, his search leads him into a German underworld he hardly recognizes. A princess goes missing, a hypnotist has dark secrets to hide, and a new power is ushering in the tides of change: the Third Reich.

My Thoughts:

Detective Willi Kraus is the type of man anyone would want on his or her team.  He is notorious for bringing to justice a serial killer.  However, at the rise of the Third Reich he has two things against him.  First is the fact he is a Jew.  The second problem for him is his connection to those currently in power as Hitler is beginning to gain his.  Both of these make him the enemy of the Nazis.

When he is called to investigate the floating body of a once beautiful woman he realizes he has a monster to find.  This killer has obviously done some experimenting on this young girls lower legs, and she is just the first.  His hunt takes him into some scary places.  Scary because he is dealing with the rise of the Nazis and he is a Jew.

This is an on the edge of your seat read.  I knew nothing about the Weimer era until a couple of months back. That was when I read my first book set in that time period.  Grossman has opened our eyes as to how Hitler slowly began his slide into power.  It was not a situation where he showed up with guns one day and blew away the Jews to get his point across.  He was sneaky.  The title of this book tells it all.  Sleepwalkers, is a metaphor for the people of that time.  They walked right into the Nazi trap as if they were sleepwalking.  Of course, we know it was too late when they realized it.  That was the other thing that made the books so wonderful.  Since I entered this book with prior knowledge of that time, I was constantly holding my breath for the main character. Unfortunately, I could see parallels between what went down during the rise of the Nazis and the turn our government is taking.  I am not saying we are headed the way of Hitler.  What I am saying is I see Americans turning a blind eye to everything that happens in our country saying it is not their fight, let someone else handle it.  That is exactly how Hitler came into power.

Even though I know the outcome of that Hitler’s rise to power and the effect it had on Jews and others, I kept hoping that things would be different for Willi Kraus.  It is inherent that we want the good guys to win and the bad guys to fail.  History doesn’t follow those wants.

This book is necessary read for the historical accuracy, and the edge of your seat mystery.  I will definitely find myself reading more of this author’s work.

About the Author:
Paul Grossman is the critically acclaimed author of two novels, with a third on the way.  The Sleepwalkers, was published in 2010.  His second, Children of Wrath released in February, 2012.  He is also a long-time teacher of writing and literature at the City University of New York.

Chomp - Carl Hiaasen

Pubisher:  Knopf Books for Young Readers (releases March 27, 2012)

Pages:  304

Source:  Received a review copy from publisher

Genre:  Middle Grade, Humorous Adventure

From Amazon:

Wahoo Cray lives in a zoo.  His father is an animal wrangler, so he’s grown up with all manner of gators, snakes, parrots, rats, monkeys, snappers, and more in his backyard.  The critters he can handle.  His father is the unpredictable one.

When his dad takes a job with a reality TV show called “Expedition Survival!”, Wahoo figures he’ll have to do a bit of wrangling himself—to keep his dad from killing Derek Badger, the show’s boneheaded star, before the shoot is over.

But the job keeps getting more complicated.  Derek badger seems to actually believe his PR and insists on using wild animals for his stunts.  And Wahoo’s acquired a shadow named Tuna—a girl who’s sporting a shiner courtesy of her old man and needs a place to hide out.

They’ve only been on location in the Everglades for a day before Derek gets bitten by a bat and goes missing in a storm.  Search parties head out and promptly get lost themselves.  And then Tuna’s dad shows up with a gun. . .

It’s anyone’s guess who will actually survive “Expedition Survival”. . . .

My Thoughts:

One of my favorite places to visit is the Florida Everglades. It is only a few hours south of where I live, and a place I consider to be extremely beautiful and dangerous.  There is a particular tourist attraction that takes customers on an  airboat ride.  My first trip with them was thrilling because we had someone with a Steve Irwin personality.  He loved describing everything; birds, plants, gators, the whole eco-system of the Everglades.  The highlight was getting to hold a live alligator.  When I was given the opportunity to read and review Chomp by Carl Hiaasen I was so excited.  It had gators, reality TV, and the Florida Everglades. In my mind it was everything you could ask for in a book.

The story starts off  funny, with a serious undertone that runs through it.  Wahoo’s father has been unable to work since a frozen iguana fell from a tree and hit him in the head causing a concussion.  His mother has picked up the slack.  Now she has been called out of the country to teach her clients for a few months.  With their finances in a mess she takes the job, leaving her husband and the zoo in Wahoo’s hands.  Shortly after she leaves, Wahoo’s dad  receives a call from “Expedition Survival” wanting to use some of their animals in their reality TV show.  Wahoo’s father Mickey accepts and tries his hardest to work through his pain.  Then he meets Derek, the biggest jerk. 

Derek was one of those characters that you will love to hate.  He is so full of himself as a star that he thinks when he snaps his fingers people should jump.  He makes decisions that could get him killed just because he believes what everyone on the show tells him.  This puts not only himself in danger, but also those around him.

I loved Wahoo’s character.  He not only truly cares about the animals but about people.  The story is full of bullies.  Derek bullies everyone on his show into doing what he wants.  Tuna’s father is the biggest bully of all.  Tuna is the young girl who shows up to hide from her abusive father.  We get a good look at reality TV and it makes you wonder how real it is.  Like Hiaasen’s previous books, “Hoot”, “Flush”, and “Scat”, we find environmental themes running throughout this book.  It is another great book to add to the shelf, to your collection of books by this great author.  I can’t wait to put this on my shelf at school.  The timing could not be better.  We are currently reading “Flush” as a class.  I know I will have students “chomping at the bit”. 

On The Bright Side - S.R. Johannes

Publisher:  Coleman & Scott

Pages:  293

Source:  Purchased

Genre:  Middle Grade/Young Adult Paranormal

From Goodreads:

As if the devil’s food cake at her wake and the white fat pants she’s stuck wearing for eternity weren’t bad enough, fourteen year-old Gabby is quick to discover that Cirrus, the main rung of Heaven, is a far cry from the Pearly Gates. Here, SkyFones and InnerNets are all the rage. At her first Bright ceremony, G.O.D., the automated assignment system, spits out Angela Black, Gabby’s arch nemesis and longtime fencing rival. As a Bright, Gabby has to protect Angela, her assigned mortal, in order to move up through the training levels of heaven.

Back on earth, Angela starts hitting on Michael, Gabby’s crush and should-have-been boyfriend. Gabby’s pranks to quell the love are harmless at first until the school dance sabotage gets completely out of control. Then, Celestial Sky Agent, Lawrence, who happens to have anger management issues of his own, steps into reveal that Angela has big problems, and what she really needs is Gabby’s help.

Determined to right her wrong and ease her mother’s grief, Gabby steals an ancient artifact that allows her to return to earth for just one day. But if Gabby’s not careful, her well-meaning mission just might shift the very foundation of Heaven, Earth, and every place in between, causing the danger of the dark side to roam free.

My Thoughts:

This was a wonderfully, funny book.  I could picture Gabby and Angela.  I see teens like this every day spatting from a distance over a boy.  Gabby and Michael have been best friends for a long time.  Gabby has a major crush on him and has not told him.  Then one night she is walking and reading a text from her enemy Angela.  The last thing she reads is that Angela has invited Michael to a dance at her school.  Then it is all over.  She is hit by a car and killed.  She is taken to heaven, called “Cirrus”.  She is called a BIT,  or Bright in Training.  To make matters worse she is assigned a human to protect and of all people she is given Angela.  Gabby sees this as a way to get back at her.  It starts out as little pranks and grows.  When Sky Agent Lawrence is sent to straighten her out she makes some decisions that may have even worse consequences.  Gabby has help from Jessica.  She is a new friend and someone Gabby can talk to.  To find out if Gabby causes more havoc or will be able to move up the celestial ladder, read this book.  I loved the puns in this book but after a while they seemed to overwhelm the book a little.  That was really my only complaint.  I look forward to reading more by this author.

About the Author:

Shelli Johannes-Wells started out writing for her local school paper, winning a state Nutrition essay contest for "Be a Smart Cookie", and singing in a local Jazz band. Somewhere along the way, she earned an MBA in Marketing and embarked on an 18-year marketing career in Corporate America working as a marketing and communications consultant. 

In 2000, Shelli traded in her high heels and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and a love of writing. She started her own marketing & communications business, www.bilaninc.com, and has worked with clients like Spanx, Goody Hair Products, and Chick Filet.

In addition to juggling nap schedules while attending client meetings, Shelli focuses on her writing. In her spare time (yeah right!) and if the kids allow (yeah right!), Shelli obsesses over movies, reads children's books (over and over), wishes she could squeeze in Bikram Yoga sessions, and dreams of sleeping in on the weekends.
She currently lives in Atlanta with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess that someday will change the world. 

Blah blah blah - BORING!

In a nutshell - I love sunsets, rainbows, butterflies, and puppies. Oh yeah and zombies.

"Know Thine Enemy" and "What is Time"

Although I read four books today, I was only able to get two reviews written.  I'm not upset about it.  Today was very productive.  I started out my day doing Spring cleaning.  I accomplished all but three tasks.  I then finished four books and wrote the review for two of them.  I didn't get the other two completed because  I received four books today and of course had to preview them.  I will start tomorrow morning off with two reviews.  My plans are then to complete two of the three tasks left and then read.  We've had beautiful weather and my yard swing and the books are calling my name.  Until tomorrow.

Know Thine Enemy – Dr. David Ukiwe

Publisher:  XulonPress

Pages:  224

Source:  Review copy from publisher

Genre:  Bible study on spiritual warfare

Book description from Amazon:

The Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul tells us not to be ignorant of the devices of satan. The word "Ignore" is the root word from which we get the word "Ignorant". However, people have been taught incorrectly or misapplied the teachings they heard about dealing with the kingdom of darkness. Some people think they have to ignore satan and go on with their lives because he has been defeated and wouldn't bother them. The other extreme is those who are kind of paranoid, are too conscious of satanic activity and focus excessively on fighting him as if they were trying to win the war. But the victory has already been won by Jesus, all we are doing is enforcing the victory and maintaining law and order. In this book, Dr David Ukiwe takes you on a journey in scriptures to unravel and expose the tricks of the enemy. He uses bible stories and contemporary illustrations to explain how the kingdom of darkness operates and how to successfully wage spiritual warfare. He shares step by step how The System works, and encourages you to believe that you can overcome the challenges of life. You will learn about: • The mission of the kingdom of darkness. • The enemy's weapons of warfare. • How the enemy influences your choices and decisions. • The benefits of controlling your thoughts and emotions. • How to use "spiritual Intelligence". • How to overcome discouragement. • Satan's inferiority complex. • And much more. This handbook which includes a bible study guide for personal and group study is guaranteed to help you live an overcoming and victorious Christian life if you apply the principles therein.

There are many books out in the world on Spiritual Warfare.  Dr. Ukiwe has set out to show us how Satan tries to get at us.  He is a very tricky being.  He uses our weaknesses, and our flaws against us. He clinches on to our human nature and twists it for his benefit.

What is Time – Gary W. Driver

Publisher:  Self

Pages:  156

Source:  Review copy from author

From Amazon:

What is time itself? The question of the time of day, week, month, and year is not difficult to ascertain. The great question is not the time of day, but what is time? The answer is within this book! Empirical evidence and time proves God created the universe. Time is the common denominator of the Bible and Science. Time is the key that reveals God in the most modern scientific discoveries in Quantum Mechanics, Physics, Cosmology, and Geology. Driver connects the dots of the bible and science to reveal the picture of time itself and creation. GOD answers such critics as Stephen Hawking and Richard Dawkins, who declared God is a delusion and not needed in creation. Empirical scientific/biblical evidence contained in this book proves them wrong without the need of faith. While the ‘god particle’ cannot be found, the true and living God speaks now concerning Creation. The mountain of scientific and biblical evidence about the universe outlined in this book totally refutes those assertions and proves the bible is of divine origin. Modern science proves the God’s intelligent design of the bible! “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind”-- Albert Einstein “God’s handiwork is everywhere; therefore, saying that God is missing is like traveling around the globe in search of the Earth”. -- What Is Time –Gary Driver. Learn why time is no illusion; we cannot see the present, why we age, what is eternity. Learn where the bible says the universe is finite and earth is at least 230 million years old! Enclosed proof the Big Bang cannot be the start of time and how this affects evolution. Learn how God and Jesus can wholly claim to have created the same universe and much more.

My Thoughts:

I really wanted to like this book based on its subject content.  The problem is, I really could not understand a lot of it.  I don't understand quantum mechanics and the laws of physicsI believe that God and Science go hand in hand.  The scriptures he used throughout only confused what he was trying to say.  I very seldom give low reviews, but this is one I could not recommend unless there was a high degree of science knowledge.

About the author:

Gary Driver is Senior Pastor at C C Driver Revival Center in Cleveland, Texas. He has been a biblical

teacher and Pastor for 23 years. He and his wife Shere have five children and seven grand children. He

served as Senior Project Manager for 15 years in the building automation industry.

One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the end of each chapter.  Dr. Ukiwe has added questions, a memory verse and something to ponder/think about.  It takes the lesson further and makes the reader think about the application to their own life.

This book is great to use alone in your Bible study time or as a group.  It is one I will recommend.

About the Author:

Dr. David Ukiwe has been a born again Christian for 20 years.  He has taught the principles shared in this book for over 10 years with good results.  The applied principles shared in this book heped Dr. David Ukiwe overcome challenges in his life.

Spring Break Read-a-Thon, Day 1

Well Today is the first official weekday of my Spring Break.  I have set a goal of reading and reviewing at least 3-5 books a day.  Why?  I want and need to get my book pile of review books down.  I have cut way back on the number of books I am accepting to review.  I have noticed several things in the past six months that has me a little concerned.

 First and foremost is that I seem to have moved away from my reason for starting my blog.  Originally it was started to help my students find books they might enjoy reading.  They are always saying that they can't find anything to read.  Over the last year I have observed from my statistics that I have been reading and reviewing more adult books.  That is not a bad thing.  I have parents who read my blog and are looking for books to read.  I have lost some of my students because of this. I need to find a balance in what I review.  I also need to read and review the books I've had on my shelves here at home and at school for the last couple of years.   I  often purchase books for my shelves at school.  If it is a young adult book I read it first to make sure it is appropriate for the age group I read.  That doesn't mean it won't go on my shelf.  It means that often I need to send a letter home to make sure the parents are okay with their child reading it.  I've got stacks I'd love to read and place on my school shelves, but I've not had time to read them.

Another problem created by my backlog of books to be reviewed is that my writing has virtually stopped.  Not because I want it to, but because I am playing catch up on my reviews.  There are some days where I may exceed my goal of reading 3 - 5 books.  No, I am not skimming or speed reading, even though I do read very fast.  I have at least 10 - 15 books on my desk I have started and not finished.  When I looked at my bookmarks in them they were anywhere from half to three-quarters finished.  Yes I know, I'm really bad about starting several books and then not finishing them until later, because life happens, and so does school, you know grading papers, etc.

I have not decided if each day I am going to post  reviews as I go, or try to post them all at one time.  So please, check back often this week to see what I have read.  Besides, Katrina at Callapidder Days will soon be hosting her Spring Reading Thing and I want to read from my TBR pile, instead my review pile.

So join me in reading over spring break.