So NOT Okay

“Yeah, you’re a gang. Mitch the Witch, Winnie the Ninny, Gingerbread, and Victoria my pet.”

“You’re breaking everybody’s heart by even showing up at school. You reek like moldy gingerbread.”

“Anybody who likes Gingerbread has to be blind. Or stupid.”

“I think there’s something wrong with you.”

 “I told you – you’re dead.”

“Scientists and psychologists don’t know anything about what goes in a middle school. If they did, they wouldn’t call what we do bullying.”

Book: So Not Okay: An Honest Look at Bullying from the Bystander (Mean Girl Makeover) by Nancy Rue, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2014

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 11-15

Subjects: Bullying, Friendship

Summary: The Wolf Pack rules the school. Everyone knows it and just accepts it. As long as you lay low and blend in to the surroundings they won’t bother you too much. Sure they’re make fun of you sometimes, but nothing too severe, nothing overly prolonged. No one told Ginger that secret to survival though. So she makes an effort to befriend the girls when she starts school at Gold Country Middle School. Of course that only makes it worse and soon there’s an actual hate club with lists about why everyone should hate Ginger. Smashed together for a research project in Science, Tori, Ophelia, Mitch, Winnie and Ginger are faced with a question: Why does bullying occur and what (if anything) can be done to stop it? The question goes far beyond a homework assignment. They need to find answers – for the sake of their very survival!

Notes: So NOT Okay, the first in the Mean Girls Makeover trilogy, Nancy Rue addresses the issue of bullying from the perspective of the bystander. The next two books address it from the issue of the bullied and the bully. In this first book, the bullying situation is set up and the bystanders become the bullied as they support the one who was the primary target for the bullies. A sort of mentor tells the girls that “You can’t stay neutral and expect this to just go away. If you do nothing you’re partly responsible for the consequences.”

The spiritual elements are surprisingly less in this story than in others from this author. The mentor is portrayed as a Christian and makes a comment about prayer a couple of times and at the end of the story tells Tori that all the methods they developed for dealing with the bullies came straight from the Bible. The author has said that the story is building up towards a stronger spiritual emphasis.

This book is part of an entire anti-bullying movement that the author is leading. Please visit the websites below for more information and to join the movement.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Esther 4:14 – For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.

http://www.nancyrue.com/sonotokay  - the author's main website with links to a number of resources

http://jointhetribelet.com/welcome/ - the page for girls 3rd-8th grade who have been bullied or want to join the anti-bullying movement
 
www.sonotokay.com - the parent/adult page for those wanting to join the anti-bullying movement
Review of # 2 and 3:
http://ctfdevourer.blogspot.com/2014/12/you-cant-sit-with-us.html
http://ctfdevourer.blogspot.com/2015/04/sorry-im-not-sorry.html

Merlin's Nightmare

Arthur took a deep breath. The time had come, and he would not shrink back.
”I am the High King, for my name is not Artorius, but rather Arthur, son of Uther. I am the one whom Vortigern longed to kill, yet I live. I am the one taken as a slave amongst the Picti, yet I survive. Behold! I am the one who was sacrificed, yet has been resurrected to lead all of the Britons against you…and I am the one who slew your brother. Leave here, now, or I will be your death.”

Book:Merlin's Nightmare by Robert Treskillard, Blink Publishers, 2014

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys 14+

Subjects: Truth, Trust in God, Power

Summary: Merlin has kept his identity and that of Arthur’s a secret for over a decade. He’s kept the secret, not only from the outside world, but from Arthur as well. Soon the secret is forced out of him though. Their world is no longer a secure hiding place. Enemies on three sides are in pursuit of them and Arthur is right in the thick of it. Britian needs a strong king to lead them and Arthur is that king – or at least he will be if the Picti or Saxons blades don’t kill him and Morgana’s werewolves don’t destroy him.

Notes: A story based on the legends of King Arthur, Merlin’s Blade is the third book in The Merlin Spiral series. This story contains many of the traditional elements of the legend – the names, the fantasy elements, the objects. It is a well written adventure story, packing in so many events that a few days in the story seem like a few weeks. The spiritual elements are there but not as strong as in the first book.

The focus in this one is the fear that Merlin faces as he tries to shield Arthur from his destiny. He doesn’t want to leave his family but he is called to war. Then Arthur goes another direction and Merlin doesn’t want to let him go. No matter where he turns, there is danger for his loved ones and Merlin’s fear is ruling his decision making.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Job 28:23-28 – God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.' "

Psalm 46:1-3 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging

Thank you to BookLook for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Catnapping Caper

Book: The Catnapping Caper (Elizabeth Bryan Mysteries) by Vicki Berger Erwin, Concordia Publishing House, 1996

Genre: Mystery

Target Audience: Girls 10-13

Subjects: Friendship, Forgiveness, Step parents

Summary: ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE DOLLAR? There’s no way Elizabeth can afford to pay that much for the book – even if it is a birthday present for her mom! But thankfully, the bookstore owner makes a deal with her: Elizabeth can be her delivery girl and earn the money for the book. The trouble starts when Elizabeth does more than deliver books. Soon she is putting up lost cat flyers all over for the owner as her prize-winning cat has been stolen. And whoever the thief is, he doesn’t like Elizabeth interfering!

Notes: The main issue in this book is friendship. Another girl, Amy, begins to show friendship to Elizabeth and because Elizabeth is not rude to Amy, Meghan, Elizabeth’s best friend is mad and hurt. Elizabeth chooses to not like someone else though simply because they like someone she loves: the man who is dating her mom. Elizabeth learns a lesson about accepting others when she sees his kindness to her just as Meghan learns a lesson about accepting others.  There is also one short paragraph that takes a really good look at forgiveness, pointing out that Jesus even forgave those who nailed him to the cross.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

A Better Tomorrow

Janet went out to check the snake, and suddenly she knew how she would take her revenge. And soon.

Book: A Better Tomorrow (Chronicles of Courage) by Dorothy Lilja Harrison, Chariot Victor Publishing, 1997

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 10-14

Subjects: Showing love to enemies, Friendship, Trust in God, Relationship with parents

Summary: The Great Depression has brought hard times to everyone but right now Janet is feeling downright tormented! The home they are renting belongs to an elderly lady who believes children are to be seen and not heard. She won’t even let their cousins come visit on Sundays! And she’s mean to Janet’s friends, allowing prejudice to influence her attitude. Finally Janet has had enough. She’s determined to get revenge on this mean lady, but if anything goes wrong, their family will be evicted!

Notes: This is a look at some of the issues children might have faced during the Great Depression including parents working away from home for long periods of time, racism against various people groups and waiting in lines to get basic necessities at relief headquarters. The spiritual lesson in the book is loving your enemies and respecting your parents. Janet has been told multiple times to follow all of the landlord’s rules, but chooses to not only disobey, but actually play a mean trick on her. A friend challenges her, asking if her minister has ever talked about loving your enemies and encourages her to find out why the landlord is mean and show love to her.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 5:44 – But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Samantha Sanderson On The Scene

Tears burned Sam’s eyes. Both Mom and Dad had valid points, but what was worse was they were arguing. Over her. Sam couldn’t take it anymore. “I’m sorry. Please stop fighting.”

Mom and Dad went silent, turning to stare at her.

“I’m sorry I got suspended. I’m sorry I can’t tell you who she is, but I’ll try to get her to let me tell you at least, Dad. Her parents know and think the bully will move on to someone else soon. I’m sorry I can’t tell who traced the IP address.” Sam’s voice cracked. “Just please, please quit arguing.”

Book:Samantha on the Scene by Robin Caroll, Zonderkidz, 2014

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Mystery

Target Audience: Girls 11-15

Subjects: Family Relationships, Bullying, Truth, Evangelism, Friendship

Summary: This time Sam has a chance to make a difference in someone else’s life with her stories for the school newspaper. A fellow student is being bullied by someone unknown and the only one who knows all of it is Sam. The student’s parents believe in the “ignore it and it will go away” principle. Some agree with the bully. Some just want to know how Sam is getting her information. Her principal is a part of the latter group. He’s determined to get Sam to reveal her information, threatening her with suspension if she doesn’t. Things aren’t so great on the home front either. There’s something weird going on with her Mom and when Sam finally learns what it is she realizes there’s a good reason she felt like something was wrong. Exposing a bully and fighting for her mom takes a lot out of a middle school investigator!

Notes: This is the second in a series about a middle-school girl with a passion for cheerleading and investigative writing. She is a strong Christian who takes her faith seriously. She turns to God with all of her problems, truly looking for His guidance and direction. This book is a part of the faithgirlz imprint – books for girls 5^th-8^th grade that specifically focus on helping their grow in their faith.

I highly recommend this book.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 94:16 – Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

Samantha Sanderson At The Movies

Sam stared at her article, then stood and paced again. She needed to make it good… strong. Something Mom would be proud of her for writing.

Book: Samantha Sanderson At the Movies - eBook by Robin Caroll, Zonderkidz, 2014

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Mystery

Target Audience: Girls 11-15

Subjects: Family Relationships, Rumors, Truth, Evangelism, Friendship

Summary: Her mom is a reporter, her dad is a police officer. Her desire to be an investigative reporter was simply inevitable. Since God had them conveniently located at the scene of the crime right when it was discovered Sam gets first chance at writing the article for the school newspaper. When it’s a success she gets the role of writing the rest of the series. She couldn’t be more thrilled! Her dad on the other hand is not so happy. Sam is taking this way too seriously and writing things she’s not supposed to know. He’s not the only one not happy about it though. Her suspects aren’t very pleased either! Soon Sam has received warnings to avoid these suspects at all costs because of the possible danger she could be in! She just wants to know how she can come up with good material for her articles if she can’t do the investigating she wants!

Notes: This is the first in a series about a middle-school girl with a passion for cheerleading and investigative writing. She is a strong Christian who takes her faith seriously. She encounters friends who are not Christians and makes a strong effort to not look down on them, but rather show them love and hope that they come to know the Savior she has found. When she messed up, a talk with a neighbor helps her understand the importance of confessing and admitting to having broken trust with someone. She also faces the challenge of knowing loved ones could be hurting or in danger and in a conversation with her mom, learns the importance of praying for them and trusting in God to take care of them. This book is a part of the faithgirlz imprint – books for girls 5^th-8^th grade that specifically focus on helping their grow in their faith.

I highly recommend this book.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Proverbs 12:18 – Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Below The Surface

If Hiro’s theory was right and Kryptsoki was a murderer, then they knew too much already. Enough to get them hurt.

He sat up shaking. This was insane. His imagination was taking him for a ride. But what if it wasn’t his imagination? What if it was some kind of internal warning system that he didn’t fully understand? He wanted to talk to Hiro. Needed to see if she felt it too. But it was way too late for that. He stretched out on his berth again and tried to calm down. Tried to think about totally unrelated things. But like a storm on shifting winds, his mind kept circling back. “You are not alone.” That was truth. And deep down, he knew that hanging onto that truth was critical. Maybe it was the only thing that would get him through whatever was to come tomorrow.

Book: Below the Surface by Tim Shoemaker, Zonderkidz, 2014

Genre: Mystery

Target Audience: Boys 13+

Subjects: Fear, Crime, Friendship, Trust in God

Summary: A vacation is exactly what they all need. Cooper and Gordy want to forget what happened to them, bury the fear. Lunk desperately wants to solidify these precious, but seemingly fragile, friendships. Hiro is the only one not interested. Now that she has seen what she thought was a crime, it’s all she can think about. It’s not long at all before the boys are fed up with her “womanly intuition”. They get that she wants to be a cop someday, but spending the whole vacation trying to solve a murder that didn’t happen is taking it a bit far. To their dismay though, things keep happening and the fear is spreading. If they don’t start taking her seriously, they might just be the murder’s next victims – whether they believe there is a murderer or not.

Notes: Sequel to Code of Silence and Back Before Dark, Below The Surface continues the story of Cooper and his friends. In this story Cooper in particular is fighting a fear that seems to attack him at times. He nearly drowned in a basement in the last story and whenever he gets in dark water he starts to freak out. Lunk has a general overall fear of the water. The whole mystery plays out on the water and so both characters have to

wrestle with that fear throughout the story. Cooper in particular has to learn that burying it won’t make it go away, only turning to Jesus for strength and recognizing that Jesus will never leave him gives him the strength to do what he needs to do. After the story, the author has a page discussing the various responses to fear and how they hurt or help. Overall, there’s a lot of hinting of spiritual matters, praying to God, recognizing we’re “never alone”, but there’s not a source for this. It’s almost as if the author doesn’t want to get too “preachy” and so skims lightly over the truth without digging in too deep. There’s a lot more focus on the fear than on what Scripture says about how to deal with it.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 56:3 – When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Thank you to BookLook for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Avra's God

She didn’t know this Cisco. Where would this stranger go? What would he do? She sank onto the floor, her body curling around the shell fragments of fear churning in her belly.

Dear God, it feels like Jesse and I are grafted together. How did that happen? Did You do it? Do I have a choice? I can’t love Jesse. I’ve never felt warm and bubbly about him. Why are things so complicated? What now? I could use a playbook about now. God?

Book: Avra's God by Ann Lee Miller, Flawed People Press, 2012

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 18-30

Subjects: Dating Relationships, Family Relationships, Neglect, Salvation

Summary: Four young college students, two girls, two boys. Four hurting souls, three torn apart by the role their fathers did or did not play in their lives. One young girl unsure why she’s clinging to her faith and values. A wanta-be rock star, a singer with vocal coach training, a casual musician and a sound board controller. Their lives intersect and in their pain they deeply hurt one another. Only the saving grace of the God Avra clings to can restore the brokenness and bring forgiveness, healing and love.

Notes: Written for the purpose of imitating the style of Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants, Avra’s God focuses on the character development of four college students. Each character is struggling in some way. But when they start dating, each of the boys breaks the girl’s heart, dumping her and leaving her feeling unloved and rejected again. One boy is the son of a priest, but has been rejecting the faith – if his Heavenly Father is anything like his earthly father, he knows he can’t measure up. A girl knows nothing of faith but gets just small crumbs from Avra, just enough to seek the truth for herself. The second boy is trying to find fulfillment in sex and wild living but God catches up to him and draws him to Himself. Avra is a Christian and holds to high morals, still protected by a loving family, including a dad that demands Cisco not have sex with Avra. When temptations come, she isn’t sure why she resists and when she loses Cisco, she falls apart, but it’s in her brokenness that her own faith is strengthened. Nothing is overly graphic in this book, but you know the characters are sleeping around and such. I highly recommend this book to all young people dealing with dating relationships of their own.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 10:14 – But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

Amish Vampires In Space

My point is this: Though I have always lived by these regulations, I would be willing to throw it all away to save the people on this ship.”

“Very admirable,” Samuel said. “You would doubtless find that much of what you do is a chasing after the wind. Meaningless to what is truly important.”

Seal would give him that one, “Undoubtedly, that’s true. However, I ask asking a similar sacrifice of you. That for this present crisis, you would close your rulebook, as well.:

Mark leaned forward, placing both elbows on his knees. “You are asking us to forsake our Ordnung, correct? To commit violence. Even against our own.”

“They’re not your own anymore, I don’t think.”

Book: Amish Vampires in Space by Kerry Neitz, Marcher Lord Press, 2013

Genre: Sci-Fi, Amish, Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 16+

Subjects: Vampires, Amish lifestyle, Salvation, Sacrifice

Summary: He’s been entrusted with a terrible secret. For generations this knowledge has been passed down with instructions of how to use this knowledge if it ever became necessary. As much as he would wish otherwise, the necessary time has come during the lifetime of Jebediah Miller. What was not entrusted to him though, was what would happen if he did use this knowledge. No one said anything about Englishers coming down from the sky and hauling the Amish to a new planet because their sun was changing and was about to destroy their current planet. No one said that to be a hero and save his people he would need to violate the Ordnung and be placed under the ban. And no one could have known that the ship sent to rescue them had something profoundly evil on it, something powerful enough to destroy every living thing on the ship.

Notes: The back story is that this book started as a joke. Author friends observing that vampire books and Amish books were selling like crazy said they, as science fiction authors, should write a book about both subjects and set it in space. However, one author actually took it as a serious challenge and wrote a book dealing with some very weighty subject matters. The book definitely does not read like a joke. It takes all the aspects of it very seriously.

The vampire part comes from scientific genetic research, trying to give humans some of the characteristics of vampire bats in order to more quickly colonize new worlds. The research goes wrong and the humans become more bat than human and after an explosion, one intern scientist is put into cryomatrix and is being sent to another planet for medical care and briefing to find out what happened with the explosion. The scientist manages to awake and infect another who infects another and on it goes until most of the ship has turned into vampire bat type creatures. This aspect of the book is not pretty. There are very vivid descriptions of the vampires’ actions.

The Amish part comes as Jebediah and the bishop both wrestle with their faith, trying to figure out what is/should be forbidden and how to make the best decisions with the knowledge they have.

The sci-fi part comes as they travel through space and use futuristic technology.

This book is also supposed to be Christian fiction though. That comes in one single character who is a Christian in the book. We find that out about halfway through the book when she’s invited to start co-habitating with a man and expresses her views a little bit. She also has a conversation with one of the Amish about works based salvation.

The trouble is that the book doesn’t conclude much of anything. The vampire part is resolved and the government system in the book is dealing with the group that was doing the genetic research. The Amish part is left very unsettled. Both Jebediah and the bishop fail to come to any positive conclusions. They still feel they destroyed their people and continue to try to measure up to God through good works. The Christian character seems to have accepted a relationship with the guy who pursued her, but there’s no indication that he even understood, let alone embraced Christianity. It’s more just a matter of a number of worldviews being presented. The vampire/scientists worldview is that survival of the fittest is the most important thing in life and any genetic alterations should be accepted if it increases man’s chance to survive physically – even if it means he becomes more animal than human. The Amish worldview is presented as trying to be good enough to please God and being good enough means blind obedience to authority, even if that authority is clearly leading you to your death. It also portrays a hypocrisy. They refuse to do anything to help save themselves or their people because that would require violence, but they have no problem with someone else doing it for them. They don't refuse to have their lives saved. The captain of the ship represents the government system’s worldview which seems to be similar to the Amish – have a huge rulebook and follow it explicitly. The difference is that he is doing it to gain rewards in this life, rather than after death. And the Christian worldview is presented as rare and a bit strange. Their view is that we can’t be good enough for God and that’s why He sent His Son to take our punishment. This of course is the Biblically correct worldview, but it’s not presented as such. It’s just yet another viewpoint that’s tossed out there for consideration. At the end of the book you don’t really know who is right other than Jebediah, the disobedient Amish man who fully believes in the Amish worldview, just sets it aside long enough to save his people.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

James 2:10 – For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

Ephesians 2:8-9 – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast.

Firstborn

Out here, even Ratho might start to feel my attentions. It would definitely end our friendship as well as challenge him to report me in order to protect himself. After my religious outburst, he probably would! Chamber of Verities, what has happened? I vigorously rub my face without regard for the rough sand on my hands. Maybe entertaining attraction dulls my amulet? Maybe giving in and enjoying wrong impulses has impaired it more and more? Or swimming in moonlight. The Madronians insist the moon is female. Oh, what have I done? Have I drained most of its strength?

Book: Firstborn: A Novel by Lorie Ann Grover, Blink (Zondervan Publishers), 2014

Genre: Dystopian

Target Audience: Girls 18+

Subjects: Murder, Sex-Role, Occupation of Enemy, Religion, Friendship, Family Relationships, Survival

Summary: She’s not female! She’s not! The amulet will protect her… won’t it? Born into a country taken over by superstitious enemies, all firstborn females are to be killed. Her father, desperate to save her life declares her a male and the authorities agree. As long as she never shows any sign of femininity they will let her live. So she trains for the same assignments as the males and lives her life squelching any feminine urges or tendencies. Now she is of age. Her rapion has hatched and bonded with her and she is sent out on patrol with the other young men. But the more she grows and develops the more she doubts. She may dress and act like a male, but inside she very much feels like a female… especially when her friend Rathon is around. If the amulet squashing her femininity ever fails her though, it will be instant death.

Notes: Patterned after books such as The Hunger Games, Firstborn puts one female in a position to fight against any extremely corrupt society. She must “play the game” as her father words it, pretending to be in perfect obedience to the authorities. But inwardly she rebels against everything they demand. Her people are portrayed allegorically as the Christians, worshipping the “Creator Spirit” whereas the enemy has a religion believing their god conquered other gods, making him the most superior god and the one to worship. Tiadone’s father illegally hid some of the books teaching of the Creator Spirit and taught her to worship and follow Him. She’s one of the few who do though. The catcheism taught to all young people has taken a strong hold on her people. She has to strengthen her own beliefs, fight against the servants of the false god and their torment of her people and all the while pretend to be totally obedient – and male.

This book did clearly convey some spiritual elements – one scene in particular has Tiadone finding a hidden cave of worship to the Creator Spirit, solidifying her confidence in His existence as the one true god. The front cover almost sums it up the best with a quote that reads “Sometimes fate has a different plan”. There’s not a all-powerful being who is in control of the world. It’s more of a deistic view of God – He created, He exists, but He isn’t really all that involved in day-to-day life.

It’s very clear though that the book is not meant to be beautiful. In some places it is very crass. There are a lot of details given as to how Tiadone is clearly a female despite being declared male. The author doesn’t spare details of things that are dirty or private but just lays it out for the reader.

I’m assuming this to be book one of a series because it ends on a note of minimum survival, not true triumph. It doesn’t leave the reader with a lot of hope or joy, just acceptance that this is the best it gets.

It felt as though there was this big idea dreamed up - a female being declared male - and a story was forced around it, a story that didn't quite work, didn't quite fit together and definitely did not finish strong.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Timothy 4:4 – For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

Psalm 139:13-14 – For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Running Lean

Six months ago he’d felt like part of him had been buried with Michael. Then Stacey stepped up to fill that gaping hole inside him a little Not fully, and not in the same way, but she’d brought him to a place where he could smile again.

And then…and then… the anorexia, like a bony finger clawing, clawing, clawing, scratched Calvin’s scars, reopened the wound until he could feel the pain pouring out again.

I can’t do this. I need her.

 It was his fault. He’d been pushing her, making demands of her, expecting her to change

 – to save her life!

Book: Running Lean by Diana L. Sharples, Blink Publishers (Zondervan), 2013

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls and Boys 14-18

Subjects: Anorexia, Trust in God, Family Relationships, Dating Relationships, Friendship

Summary: He’s all she really has. Supposedly she has a friend and a loving family. But not really. He’s the only one willing to truly see her, see beyond his own selfishness, see the hurt inside of her. She’s not all she has, but she’s the one who brought him out of the pit of sorrow he was drowning in after his brother’s death. Love is a big word, not meant to be used casually. It describes their relationship though. Their relationship is on shaky ground though. Something has come between them. Something so big, so scary, neither one has any clue how to get around it. They’re getting closer and closer to empty, heading straight for destruction. And there doesn’t seem to be anywhere to turn for answers.

Notes: Anorexia is a serious issue that many young girls struggle with to some degree or another. Many feel unsatisfied with their appearance and as a result, unsatisfied with themselves overall. And many seek to control their weight in the hopes of changing who they are. In this story the young girl is desperate to be viewed as beautiful and terrified of going back to the days of her childhood obesity. It shows her struggles with self-image. It also shows her boyfriend’s struggle to figure out how to help her. He has to choose between saving their relationship or saving her very life. It also shows how blind many can be to the real issue. Her dad views it as a simple problem that a bit of discipline will get rid of. Her friend views it as an example of strength and determination to make something of herself. Calvin’s mom just assumes Stacy’s parents will take care of the problem and it’s best to not get involved. Only Calvin recognizes the seriousness of her illness and the power it holds over her. Even he doesn’t know how to help though. This book is designed to lay out a picture of all the different sides of it – bring awareness to the issue.
There are some strong spiritual elements at the end of it. Both Calvin and Stacy learn that only God can give them the strength to get through this. Stacy recognizes that she is truly genuinely loved by God. Stacy has a near-death vision of Christ saying this isn’t what He wants for her, that her life isn’t done yet.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 18:32 – It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. 

The Silence of Murder

I can’t let them take him away. Not to prison. Not to a mental hospital. Home. Jeremy belongs at home, with me. I’m all he has. I have to find out who really killed Coach.

Book: The Silence of Murder by Dandi Daley Mackall, Random House Publishers (Alfred Al. Knopf), 2011

Genre: Mystery

Target Audience: Girls 17+

Subjects: Crime, Family Relationships, Truth, Dating Relationships, Abuse, Mental Disabilities, God’s love

Summary: Jeremy’s always been special. But there was a time when the abuse got to be too much and he just stopped speaking. He didn’t cease communicating by any means, but there was no more vocal speech from him. He was close to God and encouraged Hope to grow close as well. Now the gentle eighteen year old is being charged with murder of someone he truly liked and respected and he doesn’t have the voice to defend himself. So it’s up to Hope to prove that her brother is innocent. Anyone could be a suspect, anyone but her brother that is. If she doesn’t mind out fast though her brother will be declared guilty of murder.

Notes: A mystery novel by the author of all the horse books, The Silence Of Murder is a bit unique to be coming from this author, but very well done. It contains the same strong character development as her other books. The focus of the book is the development of Hope’s character and the mystery, but there are definitely some spiritual elements to it. In this book it is focused on Hope’s relationship with God. She hasn’t tried to stay close the way her brother has. Now she feels all alone and desperate for help as she seeks to save her brother. It takes a message from her brother to help her see how much God truly does love and care for her.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 56:8 – Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll-- are they not in your record?