New WW2 Novel from Lynn Austin

 

Long Way Home by Lynn Austin

Austin wrote this book to honor the veterans who fought in WW2 and innocent refugees whose lives were disrupted by war. One of the main characters, Jim Barnett, returns from the war unable to resume his life.  He attempts suicide and is placed in a VA hospital by his parents.  His friend, Peggy, seeks to understand how the war has changed Jim and traces his experiences through the recounting of his comrades.  His parents and Peggy are desperate to have Jim return to them, but it is a long journey home.

I am a fan of Austin’s books and enjoy her writing style.  Even though WW2 was catastrophic for the soldiers and civilians, she conveys its horrors without graphic examples.  She also laces hope through the story, which every character needs to survive.

I particularly enjoyed reading about “Peggety” who clings to hope despite her own unpleasant circumstances and shuns the bitterness she could have chosen.  Peggy grows as a character and becomes someone to admire.

The author also deals with questions of faith that her characters wrestle with.  I felt she answered these honestly from both a Jewish and Christian perspective.

Lynn Austin has done much research and gives her readers a better understanding of World War 2.  I highly recommend this book and am grateful to the publisher for a copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion. 

 

 

Inspiring Tale from Sara Brunsvold

 

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

“Clara Kip had prayed repeatedly to die in Sao Paulo.  It truly seemed the smallest of requests.  People died in Brazil every day.  What was one more?  Especially one who had dreamed of the country most of her life.  The Lord, however, gave her Kansas.”

And with these intriguing sentences, we dive into Clara Kip’s extraordinary life.  She has checked in—never to leave—Sacred Promise Senior Care Center.  But despite a fatal diagnosis, God isn’t done with Clara yet.  She has one last assignment with young reporter Aidyn Kelley.  And what unfolds from there is an inspiring tale.

I enjoyed the characters in the book, especially Mrs. Kip and the staff at Sacred Promise.  Sara’s writing made them real, and I could tell that she either had experience with the elderly and death or had done much research.

I also enjoyed the way that the plot unfolded.  I was intrigued and wanted to see Mrs. Kip’s adventurous life revealed.  The plot proceeded at a just right pace to keep my attention.

This story will make readers examine their own life and want to discover for themselves the mark that they leave on those around them.  I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this, my honest review.

 

 

 

Children's book illustrating God's Image

The Stories of God (and Kiki) by Dave Connis, Art by Amy Domingo

God made Kiki to be like Him, just like Kiki made Tybee, Otter Prince of Scallywag to be like her.  And so continue the comparisons between the stories God and Kiki write in this whimsically illustrated book.   

As a teacher, I appreciate the way that the image of God is demonstrated, because it is a basic biblical truth that children need to understand.  I love how the author shows that children share in the image of God.  Whether they draw or write, or sing or act, God can be glorified in what they do as they reflect His image.  The story presents being made in God’s image as very fun and fulfilling.  

Upon reading this to a class or my grandchildren, I think I would point out that although Kiki’s stories are imaginary, God’s are true.  I would also like to see a boy as the main character in one of Dave and Amy’s books.  And a note to adults or parents about the concept of God’s image could make this an even stronger illustration for young readers.  But I think young readers will enjoy it as my grandchildren did, especially the party at the end that all of God’s children anticipate!  I am grateful for the free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.