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Aug. 22, 2009
Book Review: The Knight, by Steven James
   
When I was asked by Revell/Baker Publishing if I wanted to read The Knight, by Steven James (Baker Publishing), in order to do a book review, I said, "Sure!" Unfortunately, I too quickly read the email I received about this book. NEVER DO THAT! If I had slowed down a bit more and read it with more care, which I will definitely do the next time, I wouldn't have been in the predicament I found myself in: having to read a crime investigation book that was well written...but too scary for me.
The Knight is the third book in the "Patrick Bowers Thriller" series by Steven James. Mr. James is an excellent writer, who weaves his story with great skill and craft. One of Mr. James' recent books, The Rook, just received the Christy Award for the Best Suspense Novel of 2008. Obviously, this man is a gifted writer.
Unfortunately, it was too graphic for me, even from the first page.
Here's what I should have read closely in my email, before accepting this book to read:
"A word of caution: this book is considered 'gritty, chilling, and intense'. It contains graphic descriptions of disturbing crime scenes. While not for the faint of heart, the series has been described as 'suspense thriller writing at its highest level' and is likely to keep you up all night."
Well, the Publicity Assistant was exactly correct! This book will keep you up all night, either from fear from what you have just read in the book...and/or that you feel compelled to finish the book immediately because you have just GOT to know what happens at the end of it!
I really enjoyed reading Mr. James' style of writing, but it was also too graphic and scary for me. Okay, I'm a wimp. But I do have to say that Mr. James has definitely done his homework before writing this book. You will believe that you are with the main character, working as an investigative officer, out on numerous crime scenes. His writing is very realistic.
I have enjoyed watching CSI and those kinds of crime scene shows in the past, although I don't anymore. But there is something about reading through these scenes that is far more intense than watching it on television ever was for me.
If I had known how I would react to what I was going to read, I would have skipped on this book.
So, if you really enjoy the crime scene/CSI types of television shows, and you love scary, gruesome, descriptive, gripping mysteries, you will probably really love this book.
For the rest of us, we'll stick with books that are a bit more mild!
Sigh.
© August 2009 by Julieanne Miller |
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May. 16, 2009
Refractions, by Makoto Fujimura
Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art, and Culture by Makoto Fujimura
This contemplative book is written from the introspective viewpoint of an artist, Makoto Fujimura, as a man who survived 911 and lives only a few blocks from Ground Zero in New York City.
His heartfelt desire is to encourage artists to "wrestle with the deep questions of art, faith, and humanity in order to inspire the creative community to engage the culture that is and create the world that ought to be."
Mr. Fujimura shows some of his accomplishments as an artist, using essay to demonstrate his skills and thinking in the creative process of developing artwork.
In Refractions, Mr. Fujimura addresses such topics as:
- 911
- the National Council on the Arts
- teens with regressive behaviors
- tensions between the "old" and the "new" culture in China
- the collision of art and democracy
- sharing the true meaning of Christmas through art
- dance - the gift of physical grace
- the purpose of art
- and more.
While this book was more of an ethereal series of essays, thoughts, and prayers than I am used to reading, it made me think...a lot. I realize that my view of life is far different, maybe not theologically, but in my awareness of all that is around me. This was an interesting book that I prefered to read in bits and pieces, one chapter at a time. Whether you are an artist or not, I think you will enjoy this deeper philosophical book.
Mako Fujimura Introduces Refractions (click on photo above for video)
Copyright © 2009 by Julieanne Miller |
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May. 15, 2009
The Great Eight: How to Be Happy, by Scott Hamilton (short version)
Scott Hamilton's recently published book, The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (even when you have every reason to be miserable), (January 2009), is a light and entertaining read on Scott's own life...from nearly dying from a childhood illness to two bouts with cancer, plus the highs and lows of being a part of the international ice skating community. You’ll read about Scott’s struggles, his triumphs, and his wonderful laughs through different years of his life; you’ll read about the people who have made the most impact on him as a person, a skater, and a Christian.
The Great Eight doesn’t come across as a deeply profound theological work, but the issues that Scott addresses are deep and will touch your life. We all have struggles with who we are, how we fit into our community and society, and whether or not we will honor our Creator. As someone who has followed ice skating for years, since childhood, and has always enjoyed watching Scott Hamilton on the ice, I found this a curious peek into his life and how he has survived physical struggles, misconceptions about who he is as a person, and his more recent walk in faith as a follower of Jesus Christ.
If you enjoy ice skating and have been curious about Scott Hamilton – on and off the ice – this will be a book you’ll enjoy reading.
(If you are interested in reading my more "in depth" review of this book, please click here.)
You can also take a look at Thomas Nelson Publisher's direct link to this book here:
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=0785228942
Under the cover of the book, you may also click "Read the Book", and it will take you to a 30-page preview of The Great Eight.
Copyright © 2009 by Julieanne Miller
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May. 15, 2009
The Great Eight: How to Be Happy, by Scott Hamilton (long version)
I've always loved to watch ice skating, even when we only got one channel as a child and it was quite "snowy"...and not due to the weather!  (My parents have never subscribed to cable television, nor have my husband and I. I suppose we're too frugal to pay for television when we can get 8-9 channels at our house for free!)
My mom and I would sit down on a Saturday afternoon and watch Scott Hamilton ice skate, along with many other famous and talented ice skaters. Oh, the good 'ol carefree days back then in childhood, when I had the time to sit and relax to watch ice skating. 
Back in 1997, when I was pregnant with our first child, my parents and I bought tickets to watch Scott Hamilton perform in the "Stars on Ice" skating tour, about three hours away from where we live. It was a HUGE deal to especially Mom and I...we were enthralled with watching our favorite ice skaters skate, in person! I will never forget that beautiful evening. I still am amazed that we were able to watch this live. Wow! We have always been very frugal about entertainment and spending lots of money on things like this, so this was truly a special treat. I'm thankful to my husband that he encouraged me to buy a ticket for the show. Thank you, Elmer!
I received a copy of Scott Hamilton's latest book, The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (even when you have every reason to be miserable) a few weeks ago.
To be honest, I was surprised that his book was published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, not because I thought Scott Hamilton was a rough, crude person, but mainly because I didn't realize that he had become a Christian.
In The Great Eight, Scott Hamilton outlines eight secrets to his ability to live a happy and joyful life, despite a childhood illness that nearly killed him as well as having cancer twice as an adult. Scott tells us stories from his international career and personal life to describe the eight secrets that have helped him get back on his feet again after tough times.
While Scott does mention his walk with the Lord (he became a follower of Jesus Christ in 2001), this book is not heavily laden with Scriptures and biblical insights, although the credit for Scott's success is ultimately given to God.
It's a fairly quick read as Scott Hamilton explains his struggles, his triumphs, and how the Lord has gently guided him throughout his life.
If you enjoy watching ice skating, and you admire or have respect for Scott Hamilton, then this is a book that you may well enjoy reading for yourself.
Copyright © 2009 by Julieanne Miller
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Mar. 21, 2009
Molly's newest upcoming e-book: $5 Dinners/$3 Desserts!
I don't know if you're familiar with www.econobusters.com, a great, newer money-saving website for those of us who need or want to be more conscious of where our money is spent these days.
Molly, at Molly's Money Saving Digest (found at www.econobusters.com), has all kinds of helpful hints and tips for all of us! Recently, I learned that one of her upcoming e-books will be coming out around the beginning of May 2009, and this one should be a big hit...because it's called, Molly Makes $5 Dinners and $3 Desserts.
I know that most of us are trying to reduce the amount of money we spend on groceries and feeding our families, and I know that even though I love cooking for my family, sometimes I need a boost to try new recipes that we'll enjoy.
When I received a preview copy of Molly Makes $5 Dinners and $3 Desserts, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it contains a wide variety of recipes...over 50 main dish recipes, and over 20 inexpensive desserts, some as little as 68 cents for an entire recipe!
Some of the main dishes are those oh-so-popular ONE DISH meals, where no additional side dishes are needed because the one "dish" contains protein, veggies, and carbs, all in one. Other main dishes include soups and stews, Mexican foods, well, just a pleasant, wide variety for everyone. A few of the main dishes also included side dishes that could easily accompany the main dish.
The $3 dessert recipes looked wonderful, and once again, there is a wide variety to be found here.
I was very surprised to see that a few of my own recipe suggestions were included in this upcoming e-book: Homemade (very easy!) Cooked Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Vanilla puddings, and Cheesy Potato Soup with a side dish of Broiled English Muffins.
I'm really looking forward to seeing the e-book "in print"...it is expected to arrive to www.econobusters.com around the beginning of May 2009.
I'll try to remember to post the info. here and let you all know that it has officially been released!
Ummmm. Can't wait!
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