One of the Few - by Jason Ladd: Book Review

Title: One of the Few. A Marine Fighter Pilot's Reconnaissance of the Christian Worldview
Author: Jason B. Ladd
Publisher: Boone Shepherd
Publishing Date: October 27th 2015
Page No.: 318

In the beginning, the author mentioned a remark made by one of his friends: "Your life is not that important to grant writing a book about." I read this book, and I agree with what the author said towards the end- every life is important enough to be worth writing abook about. This is all the more true when during the course of that life, the individual realizes their importance as a human created by God, made in His image, for His glory.

Jason B. Ladd is a Marine fighter pilot, so this book is packed-full with analogies and metaphors about the resemblance between a Christian's life and a Marine's. Prepare yourself for a lot of Marine talk and many capital letters words. I was unfamiliar with all of these, so it was a new thing I learned. However, at times it got overwhelming and I stopped trying to remember what all the words meant. I just accepted that they were relevant to the book. If you are familiar with the US Marine and other military structures in US, you're good. If you are not, don't give up, there are some good stuff in this book.

The book starts from the author's young years as a military kid, back when his family was stationed in Japan. The events of the book (although "events" is a bit much said, because events are not the focus of the book) are not chronological. However, the main idea of the book is Ladd's repentance and acceptance of God and Christianity. It is not (as I was tempted to think) an easy-breezy kind of book, where you learn about a man who decided to just accept God. This is about someone who researched God, who read a lot, inquired a lot, and then accepted that this God of the Christians is the only God. At times the book covers some hard topics, and deep theological issues. Reading this as a Christian should be no problem, but for someone who is not used to such aspects of faith it may be a bit challenging. Worth reading, though. 

One of the Few is divided into three main parts. The second and third part are the most "practical", if you will. They approach various daily life situations. This is great - it's like showing the basics to a new believer, or showing a non-believer what this Christian living is all about. As someone who's lived both lives, so to say, Ladd is not talking gibberish, he knows what being a Christian entails in the everyday life. It is encouraging to read it as a Christian, and thought-provoking as a seeking person who wants to learn more about God.

As I mentioned, this is a well researched book. It is clear he's read and studied a lot, and I liked all the references written down at the end of every chapter, not all added at the end of the book. They are useful for anyone who wants to learn more about a certain topic covered in a chapter. Although at times it may seem difficult to read because of the subject approached, it's something useful. I am glad and grateful I had the chance to read it.

3* - I liked it.

I was contacted by the author and offered a free e-book copy to read and review. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Momo - by Kevin M. Kraft --- book review

I was given this book, Momo, for review by the author, Kevin M. Kraft, through The Book Blogger List. 

The book is a Christian thriller, as some reviews say. 

OK.

I was a bit excited about this. A thriller. And Christian! This should be interesting.

This review contains spoilers.

This book gets your attention, mainly because you want to find out what the deal is with that monster. The reading goes pretty fast, as it's a short novella. This to say, you don't get many details about the monster, why is it there, how did it get there. You just learn the its name, MOMO, is short for Missouri Monster. And also, really! in the end the monsters still live happily ever after because after they tormented Marc and Evan for a whole night, they are free to do the same to the next innocent victims. This made me mad! And of course you only realize there were two of them when father and son look at each other and have this "aha!" moment. Did I mentioned this annoyed me?

Don't get me wrong, I was very much into the book. It says it's thriller, and this should cut a bit from the shock, however you want to read more because you can't get enough of the adrenaline the characters have. This is good!

Some things that I didn't necessarily like: 

The father-son relationship. In the beginning of the book I got the feeling they had a bad relationship, they needed to work on some stuff. But as the book progresses, you find out that actually, they are not that off the track, it's just that Marc (the Dad) thinks Evan (the son) should join the archery team, and Evan wants none of that, but to join the cross team. Of course, Dad pushed Evan and wants him to succeed. He lives through him, basically, and is incapable to express his feelings, just like his dad before him. Well, that could have been dealt with a long time ago. By the end of the book a strong relationship is formed literally overnight. This is good, of course, but a bit too quickened. But maybe this is just me.

Also, what I thought was easily dealt with was the good and evil questions Evan had. Maybe I was looking for some original answers, but I would have enjoyed some more on that. Obviously, there was no time for such things, as Momo(s) lurked around. Why does God allow for bad things to happen and bad creatures to exist is what bothers Evan. In the end he comes to the conclusion that some questions will be left unanswered. I liked the reference to Job and the question God asks him when Job tries to hold God accountable. Where were you? asked God. This leads Evan to think that no one can understand the bigger plan God has. Of course, it's a hard pill to swallow.

Another thing that made the reading a bit difficult was the syntax aspect. At times it was easy to follow the story, to be fully immersed in it because I had to reread certain parts because I didn't understand what they were saying. It seemed a bit intermingled and that made it difficult. Also, regarding the editing part, some more editing should be done, as I found some extra words and such that need to be removed.

It seems that the "bad" parts overshadow the good parts in this book. However, I enjoyed reading it. If a thriller book's aim is to keep you glued to it, than this book did it. Silly as it may sound, I was actually afraid to read it at some point. Thriller well done, I'd say.

Traveling Left of Center by Nancy Christie -- BookReview

When I received this book for review I mostly accepted it because I don’t like to refuse people. I was very skeptical and I was so sure I wasn’t going to like one.bit.! Boy, was I wrong. 

This short-story collection, Traveling Left of Center by NancyChristie releases today. I finished reading it last night and these are my hot off the press thoughts. (This review was actually written last night as well, so hot off the press is actually pretty hot! And subjective.)

Now, let me gather my thoughts and the pieces of paper I scribbled some ideas on so I can say this:

Nancy Christie takes the English language on such an endearing trip! She offers the readers the possibility to look at words and phrases from new angles. Words have new dimensions, really, as pretentious that must sound right now. Toying with words and phrases, the titles of her stories are at time dead-on literal or, on the contrary, unexpected with unsuspecting turn of events. 

What am I saying? Events? There’s no such thing as events in here. At most, the small beginning of something but it soon reaches a some sort of peak and leaves you bewildered and in need for more asking yourself what exactly happened. You find yourself playing the role of the cruel reader. You want to know more of the depth of the human misery – the human existence. You soon learn there is no turn for the best; it’s either downhill from where the story begins or a perpetual state of painful stagnation. She describes in well picked words the wounds of the man, open for all to see, and what is more, to find pieces of themselves in the said wounds, but not necessarily to learn more from them. How could you? What could you learn? The vivid depiction of many a man, but yet alone in their dealing with their reality. Surely many can find themselves in at least one story.

People dependent on other people. People physically sick of other people. The power of stories in creating new identities and new worlds to escape in. The longing for restoration in relationships. The longing for love stories that grow into more than just buds of a story. The power of a random thing that breaks the personal mundane, with unexpected and exaggerated consequences. The power of the inner voices and the mind created friends over-towering the power of reality. Man’s ability to destroy other humans. Man’s ability to withdraw from reality for a moment of respite, fresh like a long day of care-free existence. 

This collection is a wide range of emotions (though I don’t like the word), each story leaving me wanting to learn more of this world where this kind of characters dwell, but in the same time wanting to stop it from spilling over. Somehow you expect the inevitable to happen, but in the same time you hope it won’t. There is no happy ending here. It is a nice break from the overly-praised fairy-tales. 

I am still too immersed in each story’s realm to be fully objective, but I can surely say that so far this is one of the most engaging short story collections I’ve ever read. One needs the time to process them individually and also collectively. As one who thinks all things happen for a reason, I am sure the order of the stories within this collection couldn’t have been better and somehow you go gradually and layer-ly to new stories of life. Right was he who said the fault of this collection was the lack of yet another story, and another. 

**“Who on this earth gets what they ask for every time they ask for it? No one does. Anyone who says they do is a liar and anyone who thinks they will is a fool.”

**Her trips must be all pleasure, all joy, an escape from the life she lived, not a continuation of it.

**Gentleness, even when it is a substitute for love, is not a thing one can refuse—not in this world, where mindless cruelty is so common, where random failures can destroy unsuspecting lives.

**Tonight there was another dream: the ringing of the phone and when I answered, a single question—“What do you want?” Then nothing more, and I awaken, the question echoing in my mind. What do I want? I look around me—at fifteen years of furniture and wall coverings, at fifteen years of marriage and family life, at fifteen years of connections. “I don’t know,” and I turn, hugging my husband’s body for warmth.

**He used canvas and oils the way God had used clay, creating life from inanimate objects.

I received an ebook version of Traveling Left of Center by NancyChristie through BookBloggersList. All thoughts expressed in this review are mine. However, I recommend reading this in paperback version rather than an ebook version.

Gotta Find a Home by Dennis Cardiff - BookReview

I was very curious about this book, Gotta Find a Home. Conversations with Street People by Dennis Cardiff. The title and the description of the book were the things that caught my attention. However, for some reason, the beginning was pretty rocky. It made me wonder if maybe this is the sort of book that you read in slices, a bit now, a bit later, a bit tomorrow. It depicts, after all, pieces of people's lives; it's not fiction, but real life. But as I read, I was curious how those lives evolved and in the same time I was wondering if their lives could be more static. It felt like a slow read probably because it was written like a journal, with dates and months written before every entry. Through a journal you don't rush, you take in every day.

But first things first: this book is about panhandlers, about homeless people. They live in Toronto. The information about their lives is gathered by Dennis, the author and the narrator of the book. He worked near the meeting place of the panhandlers. There's a group that keeps showing up in the book, the usual suspects as they are referred to. There are also some other names that are brought up. It's a really vast universe. It was a bit tricky to keep up with all those names, but you soon realise that those who are the real "characters" are quickly etched into your mind. 

Every panhandler has a distinct personality. So different. I must admit that I started this book curious, but in the same time with a baggage of judgment towards these people. I started with the ideas that most people have when they have to get in contact, even for the briefest of moments, with panhandlers and homeless: once an addict, always an addict. While this is not whipped away in the book, I like that they are given the chance to show why they are in the situation they are in at the moment. I'm not giving them excuses, but it's nice to see a different perspective on things. I definitely didn't expect such a wide spectrum of backgrounds. Some of the people in the group came from a respectful background, some attended college [It seems funny now, thinking that I would have gone into law, since nearly everything I do is illegal. -- Irene], some had families, kids, jobs and bosses waiting for them when they decided to go back. If you're looking for a reason why they chose the life on the streets to the life "back home", this book isn't giving you one. Probably more than justifying them, it just aims to offer a look into their lives. 

My favourite thing about this book is the narrator's attitude through all this. I love that rather than giving them money, he is quicker to offer breakfast cards, coffee, is willing to buy them breakfast. He helps them in a practical way, serving their needs rather than their wants. This probably sounds harsh, but it's how I see things. I was glad to see that the narrator avoids talking or even writing his thoughts about the panhandlers from a right or bad point of view. Another aspect I loved so much is that he wasn't trying to interfere in their lives; he doesn't adopt a Good Samaritan attitude, or better said the attitude of a social worker. He's there just to chat, ask questions (but not intrusive ones). He accepts them and is not a controlling outsider. This was really refreshing to see, for some reason. I’m not trying to control his life, or give him my opinion of what I think he should do. I’m trying to enable him to have more control of his life, the way he wants it.

Throughout the book I couldn't help but see the panhandlers as the members of a different world within the world of the everyday normality. There are intertwined relationships forming and breaking every day, week, month, year. It's the learning about the fellow panhandler through the grapevine, what other said, but soon is proved to be not that accurate... It's a wonder, really. It's the world of the regulars who've been in the same place for years, but in the same time the world of the passer-by who's just looking for his place in the panhandling world. It's the world in which good does triumph over bad, panhandlers helping one another through bad times. It's a fairy-tale like world, with bad characters and good characters, but unlike the classic fairy tales, you don't know for sure that good will conquer the bad gradually, as you turn the pages. It's the day by day real life. It’s like a daily soap opera, lives and loves exposed for all to see. But few have eyes to see beyond the façade.

 It’s nice waking up in the morning. If I don’t, I know something’s wrong. (Little Jake)

I still have some holding backs, but this book gave me a new pair of lenses to look at both panhandlers and people in general. As for their addictions, I understand that drinking and drugs are a way to deal with all the bad stuff, the shortcomings, a way to get numb. But numbness doesn't always help the pain inside, as one of the regulars said. I consider these people full-rights adults who could take care for themselves legally. With all the help they get, I do believe they could change their lives. In some cases (not in all, I am aware some cases are really serious), it's a matter of choice.

I was given a paperback copy of this book to review through Book Blogger List, by the author Dennis Cardiff. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

I Will Never Forget - Elaine C. Pereira -- Book Review

 

I was curious to start reading I Will Never Forget. It’s a book of so much help to those in charge of someone close to them who is struggling with dementia. What I loved about this book from the very beginning was the shifting back and forth between the past and the present. The author uses this technique to best present her mother. The little stories and moments presented are so vivid and create a clear image of the woman her mother was in her youth, establishing the contrast for the woman her mother became in her last years. Probably these were my favourite parts, seeing glimpses of both the author and her mother’s past. Giving the specific years was also helpful as it helps the reader pin point the exact moments of the stories. 

The author is transparent in her telling of the story. Maybe “story” is not the best word as it makes one think of things not really true, and this writing bubbles with authenticity. The book is written having her mother at the center of the narration. The portrait she created for her mother is gorgeous. I for one could see the gap between the Betty of the past and the Betty of the later days. Clearly the author had a great relationship with her mother (as she has with her daughters), and after the loss of her father and her older brother, she was the only one in her family who could care for her mother.

I can’t speak from experience, but I image how hard it must be to deal with all the administrative aspects of caring for someone, in the same time making sure the person you care for is comfortable, feels loved, and you appear brave and put together. I admire her (and I think this gives authenticity to the book) willingness to accept her faults and I felt for her when she expressed her regret in not paying more attention to the early signs of dementia. That’s just a daughter’s desire to keep her mother’s old self for as long as possible. But once things were set in motion, Elaine (the author), was nothing short of game on! Her dedication, her juggling of all things that needed to be taken care of, adding to her mother’s illness the responsibilities of everyday life, her relationship with her husband (who was supportive at all times. I love their relationship!), her desire to be there for and involved in her daughters and grandchildren’s lives, all these are a lot! I, as a detached reader in the beginning, was nothing short of impressed and respectful of her ability to carry all things to completion. 

This is such a helpful read for those who are caring for someone affected by dementia. While it’s not a practical “how to” book, it gives insight into someone else’s history and dealing with the disease. It sure makes one feel less alone. At one point I got the feeling that the whole book is just a writing therapy, writing to get things in order, to see them written down and possibly to make sense of them all. The writing is lovely and I also enjoyed the chapter titles, every time I started a new one I couldn’t help but smile. I recommend this book.

“Isn’t that a lot of work, taking the dress apart only to resew it?” I asked. “Oh, yes, definitely. But in order to be a good seamstress, you have to be willing to rip the mistakes apart.”

I envisioned the early stages of Mom’s dementia as a cunning, smoldering fire, its smoke whirling up and down, in and out, around and through her brain. Occasionally it would choke her orientation to time, sometimes cloud her vision or pretzel-twist her gray matter. It always lay in wait, concealed in the crevices of her short-term memory centers, fogging judgment, reasoning, and logic. For a while, it would remain dormant, having already ravaged parts of her mind permanently until, like wildfires, something sparked it to flare up, engulfing and consuming its insatiable appetite for brain cells. Mom would never get better. All I could do was be there for every step of her journey through hell and pray that was enough. She deserved better; everyone did. She deserved to go out with her boots on, not have her mind chipped and chiseled away piece by piece.

It takes a village to raise a child or guide an elderly one.

***This book is also special because the author herself contacted me via email via Book Blogger List and offered this book (ePub format) for review. I am so glad she did. All thoughts expressed in this post, however, are my own.