True Stories of Persecution

 

The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken

Nik Ripken writes this book to answer questions raised by his term of mission service in Somaliland.  He and his family leave the country broken and discouraged.  He believes that there are answers to the questions that plague him and he goes in search of God’s people who have survived and thrived during persecution.  The stories that he hears and then recounts are nothing short of amazing, sounding like pages lifted from the book of Acts.

Although I had not previously heard of Nik, I intend to read his next book, The Insanity of Obedience.  His words and the experiences of persecuted believers are challenging. The stories and characters Nik introduced will linger in my mind.   I highly recommend this book to those of us who are comfortable in our complacency.  Because of it, I am feeling a little less complacent.

Tenderly Written Adoption Story

 

The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner

Mindy Matthews was a child from Operation Babylift during the Vietnam War.  Her growing up years are chronicled in this story of an American family who decided to adopt her. 

This story was written tenderly and transparently.  As a reader, I got the sense of what she and her family experienced.  The author did a skillful job of conveying the emotions experienced by Mindy’s mother, father, sisters and extended family.  Because Mindy’s uncle had died in Vietnam, there was some understandable tension between her grandmother and the family who adopted Mindy.  Even this tension was lovingly and honestly addressed in the story.

I really enjoyed this book, but found the change in point of view and the vacillating time of each chapter a bit confusing at times.  I was also flabbergasted when the book ended, leaving the story hanging.  I really wanted to know what happened next.  Perhaps another book will complete the story.

Susie FInkbeiner is a gifted author and this book is well worth the read, especially because it highlights an experience that not too many readers may have had.  I am grateful to the publisher for a copy of this book in return for this, my honest review.

Historical fiction based in a southern black community

 

When Stars Rain Down by Angela Jackson-Brown

Opal Pruitt just wants a quiet summer where she can be like the white girls her age—carefree and happy.  But as a “colored” seventeen-year-old girl on the cusp of adulthood, that is not to be her lot.  The summer brings much turmoil between the blacks and the Klu Klux Klan.   Opal ends up playing a significant part in the race war between the two groups, much to her regret.

This book was written from Opal’s point of view and gives the reader an inside look at how black communities functioned in the days before the Civil Rights movement.  She loves her white employers but knows they do not understand her.  She loves her extended family and depends on them heavily but knows that they are unable to truly protect her and that they may die trying.

The author populates the book with many interesting characters, including Opal, Granny, Lucille and Cedric.  My favorite was Miss Lovenia.  She was mysterious and perplexing.  She seemed to understand Opal and wanted to try and help her, but her methods made both Opal and me uncomfortable.  I think I would side with Opal’s Granny and say she practiced “hoodoo” regardless of what Miss Lovenia claimed.  She did add an interesting element to the story though.

I appreciated this book because it gave me a glimpse into the life of a person different than myself.  I admired Opal because despite the hate that existed, she still had hope for a better life.   I am grateful to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for this, my honest review.

 

Military suspense by new to me authors

 

Dark Intercept by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson

Andrews and Wilson were a new to me writing team, who have written about 10 other books.  This book was action-packed and suspenseful and had elements reminding me of Frank Peretti’s works, which I loved.

Jedidiah Johnson, a newly retired SEAL, is plunged into a difficult situation, where his past is messing with his present.  Estranged friends have contacted him to help them find their missing daughter, who has been kidnapped.

The supernatural weaves itself through this story, along with page-turning suspense.  Despite the military terminology which may be unfamiliar to readers, the plot moves quickly.  The authors slowly reveal the secrets of Jed’s past, teasing the reader along. They set up  a new villain at the end of the story, so the saga will continue.

Readers who enjoy military suspense with a supernatural twist will enjoy this. I am grateful to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

Thought-provoking fiction by Bill Myers

 

Rendezvous with God by Bill Myers

I was fascinated by this book and its premise.  Will Thomas, newly divorced English professor, has just discovered his pregnant 14-year-old niece on his doorstep between Christmas and New Year’s.  Not only that, but he has begun experiencing hallucinations, or dreams where he finds himself in Israel with Jesus.  He has no control over these bizarre experiences, but they begin to change him, as does the presence of his niece.

Myers presents a fresh, unjaded view of Jesus in Will’s hallucinations.  At times it almost seemed irreverent but still compelling.  It made me wonder about what people really thought of Jesus and ponder the scriptural stories from a new vantage point.

I loved the fact that the characters developed and changed from the beginning of the story.  The story gives hope that God does continue to change his people as they continue a relationship with him. 

I really enjoyed Myers’ wit and sense of humor that was peppered throughout the book.  Readers who enjoy some humor and being provoked to think will like this book.  I am curious to see how Myers continues the story in the next book, Renovation.  I am grateful to the publisher for a free copy in return for this, my honest review.

 

Thoughts on Having Fun by Annie F. Downs

 

That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs

Annie was a new to me author and speaker, but it sounds like she has developed quite a following with her down-to-earth conversations with readers and podcast listeners.

I had imagined that her book would tell me to get out there and have some fun, and she did.  She also wrote about a lot of the fun that she has experienced in her life, too. 

She impressed me with the thought that our desire for fun is a longing for Eden.  I pondered that thought for a while.  I came to the conclusion that she is right.  When we lost Eden, we lost more than we imagined.  Having fun in itself won’t return us to Eden, but will make our time on earth more enjoyable. 

Annie also covers the joys of being an amateur, the power of falling in love, and why you need a hobby.  Her writing style reminded me a bit of Anne Lamott, another author I enjoy.

If you enjoy a lengthy, meandering but meaningful conversation with a friend, you will enjoy this book.  I am grateful to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for this, my honest review. 

Lynn Austin's Newest Historical Fiction

 

Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin

This novel is the latest by Lynn Austin and takes place in the Netherlands during the time of World War 2.  It centers around a family and their friends, including some Jews.  Ans, the oldest daughter leaves the farm that her parents, Lena and Pieter run in order to find her life in the city.  Suddenly the neutral Netherlands are plunged into the war and everyone’s life is turned upside down.  Both Ans and her parents must decide how to respond to the Nazi occupation.  Their decisions are the ripples in the pond which carry the book’s plot forward.

This book has some dark, despair-filled sections, which must have mirrored the real events on which it is based.  There are, however, also some times where the light breaks through and hope shines brightly.  Sacrificial love, forgiveness, belief in the providence of God and standing up for the right make this a novel to remember.

Reading this book causes the reader to remember that others have suffered and that the suffering is never in vain but produces fruit in the lives of those suffering.  Readers who enjoy historical fiction laced with the reality of darkness and hope will enjoy this book.  I am grateful to the publisher for the copy to read and review for this, my honest opinion.