Showing posts with label Educational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Educational. Show all posts

11.28.2024

Write Fearless. Edit Smart. Get Published. ~ Review


Write Fearless. 
     Edit Smart. 
         Get Published. 
            A Master Class for Fiction Writers 
By Lisa Mangum

This is the book you'll want on your desk as a go to if you have questions about some of the basics of writing. I enjoyed getting some background on the author's past and qualifications on this topic. 

No one writer has the same weaknesses or strengths and this one addresses so many situations that we face. I loved how there are examples showing not just telling me the rules of puncuation. As everyone knows commas can be especially pesky depending on how they are used. Though this for fiction writers I don't think it needs be limited, but would be a handy guide to anyone who writes in any manner.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Wherever you are in your author’s journey, this book is like teaming up with a personal writing coach who has more than a quarter of a century of editorial and publishing advice.

Thousands of writers—from first-time authors to #1 New York Times best-selling authors—have learned from Lisa Mangum’s masterful literary advice and inspiration. Now she’s collected the best of her writing and editing tips in this helpful book that covers the entire writing and querying process, from nurturing a story idea all the way to submitting a polished manuscript.

In the first half of the book, Lisa guides readers through the various steps of the writing process, including starting the story in the right place, developing characters with high-stake goals, mapping character relationships for increased conflict, and introducing tension and plot twists. She also shares tips and tricks for nailing a satisfying ending as well as helping authors discover their own unique voice that can help them break through writer’s block.

With her decades of experience, Lisa then takes writers on a behind-the-scenes tour of the many levels of editing, including a handy flowchart that unravels the mystery of where the commas go in a sentence.

Finally, she helps writers prepare to “get published” by deconstructing what makes a query letter catch an editor’s eye and how to answer the all-important question: “What’s your book about?”

Packed with Lisa’s own personal stories of encouragement and inspiration, Write Fearless. Edit Smart. Get Published. is a literary adventure that’s as fun as it is informative.

9.16.2024

The Totally Not Boring Book of Feelings ~ Review

The Totally Not Boring Book of Feelings
By Jolie Taylor
Illustrated by Brandon Dorman

Understanding feelings isn't easy at any age, but this book attempts to help young readers do just that. This book is aimed at ages 3 - 8, but it could be bumped up in the age. Some of this might be a little beyond the grasp of 3 to 5-year-olds just because of the words used. 

I like explaining feelings through a story (or poem). It is a well-thought-out concept and an excellent teaching tool. How often do we describe a feeling with a feeling? It's not the best way to explain to a child. I'm angry, which means I'm mad and upset. But what does this mean to someone who learning what feelings are?

The Totally Not Boring Book of Feelings combines words and black-and-white drawings to convey feelings. I recommend this book for families with young children and classroom settings.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:

40 fun poems that explore big feelings and emotions. This whimsical journey through verse and illustrations can help children recognize and understand their big emotions.

From the imaginative minds of Brandon Dorman, renowned illustrator of GoosebumpsLand of Stories, and Fablehaven, and Booktok creator Jolie Taylor comes a whimsical illustrated collection of poems about feelings for newly independent readers.

This beautifully crafted book of forty short stories in rhyme ranges from a dragon’s fiery bursts of boredom to the gentle tones of an older sister’s love for her sibling with Down syndrome. This creative collection of tales is not only a powerful resource for children who are fostering a lifelong love of reading—it’s also a delightful portal for them to understand and celebrate the richness of human emotions.

7.11.2024

The Novel Matrix ~ Review

The Novel Matrix

The Complete Novel Writing Guide
By Brad Pauquette

As anyone who has written a book will tell you it is a big deal. Writing takes work, dedication, and time. But how do you plan and structure the story you want to write so you can go from point A to point B?

In The Novel Matrix author Brad Pauquette calls upon his years of experience helping writers do just that and presents them in this book. I loved how he stated that story in your vehicle to change the world. And this book gives you the tools and knowledge to create your vehicle.

This book provides you with an understanding of the structure and elements you need understand to create a universe in which your story and the characters who live within it will come alive. This is the recipe for creating your story, it is up to you, the writer to follow it. 

This book is a resource you'll want to have readily on hand to refer to as you'll want to refer to it throughout your writing journey. If you are in a writing group this will be a resource you'll want to share with your fellow writers - it provides good information in an easy to follow language that won't scare you away from the written page you are about to create.

I was provided a complimentary ARC of this title with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Available to purchase at https://amzn.to/3zJE3j8 

About the Book:

Spoiler: There’s no secret code for writing a bestselling novel.

But there are fundamental principles of story structure that will make your novel work.

Once you understand these fundamentals, writing a novel transforms from a chaotic, enigmatic roller coaster into a succinct and sensible process.

Whether you’re a new writer or you’ve written several manuscripts, if you’re not yet achieving what you’d like to achieve with your writing—
The Novel Matrix is for you. Hundreds of authors just like you have used this remarkable system to begin and improve their novel writing.

What is a matrix? A matrix is either the natural substance in which something forms, or it can be an interrelated system of information. 
The Novel Matrix is both.

The Novel Matrix explores the natural principles of storytelling that humans instinctively understand and expect in great stories. This is the foundation from which great artwork is born.

The Novel Matrix also relates plot, characters, conflict, and setting together in a way that no other craft book has done. Written in simple, nonacademic language, this is the honest, elegant solution for long-form storytelling you’ve been waiting for.

Armed with this information, you’ll never begin another novel manuscript only to abandon it partway through the writing.

Never again will you completely overhaul a novel manuscript because it just doesn’t 
work, but you have no idea why.
The solution is 
The Novel Matrix.

As one writing student put it, “
The Novel Matrix makes novel-writing scandalously simple.” Don’t start another project without it.

10.10.2022

Art of Writing ~ Blog Blitz

Art of Writing Conference JustRead Takeover Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for the 
Art of Writing Conference organized by ECPA, 

A QUICK NOTE ABOUT THE CHRISTY AWARD FINALISTS

Christian fiction fans are invited to register and watch the free webcast announcement of The Christy Award finalists in each category live on October 11 at 11 am (CDT), featuring award-winning novelist and radio host Chris Fabry and ECPA president Jeff Crosby.

Registration is available at ecpa.org/event/Christy22Finalists


ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The Art of Writing conference will be held from 12:30-5 pm (CDT) on November 17 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, and is designed to bring Christian writers, creatives, storytellers, and publishing curators together for a half-day of intensive seminars that: celebrate the creative life while recognizing the weariness; provide practical tips for engaging in a rapidly-changing industry; introduce challenges to become better writers; and answer the questions authors are asking.

The four-session conference will bring together writers, creatives, and publishing curators for training and connection around these topics presented by industry experts, authors, and publishers:

Carrie Schmidt Kelsey Bowen Cynthia Ruchti Jamie Lapeyrolerie

What Makes a Gush-Worthy Book with book reviewer Carrie Schmidt, Revell senior acquisitions editor Kelsey Bowen, author and agent Cynthia Ruchti, and WaterBrook editor Jamie Lapeyrolerie.

Edwina Perkins Deborah Gonzalez Dorena Williamson

Jeff Crosby Jevon Bolden

How Reading Diverse Books Makes Us Better Authors and Humans with a panel of writers, agents, and publishers including Edwina Perkins, Deborah Gonzalez, Dorena Williamson, Jeff Crosby, and Jevon Bolden who share their own stories and best practices through this approach

Emilie Haney Kristi Ann Hunter

To Tok or Not to Tok with reel pros Emilie Haney (pen name Bell Renshaw) and author/ podcaster Kristi Ann Hunter

Carolyn Weber

When Weary & Discouraged: How We Can Care for Our Writing Souls with author Carolyn Weber, whose debut book Surprised by Oxford, is being made into a feature film

REGISTER: The Art of Writing conference $99 | The Art of Writing conference + The Christy Awards Gala Bundle $139  

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive their choice of one ticket to the Art of Writing conference OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles from one category!

Art of Writing Conference JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 10, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 17, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


REGISTER FOR THE CHRISTY AWARD 2022 EVENTS

The Christy Award Finalist Reveal Webinar on October 11 at 11 am CT FREE 
Christian fiction fans are encouraged to watch the announcement live!
SIGN UP

Art of Writing on November 17, 12:30-5 pm at Lipscomb University in Nashville $99
A conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators.

The Christy Award Gala on November 17, 7-9 pm at Lipscomb University in Nashville $89
Celebrate this year's finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

Bundle the Art of Writing Conference & The Christy Award Gala $139

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

9.03.2022

An Advent Carols Countdown ~ Review

An Advent Carols Countdown
Stories Behind the Most Beloved Music of Christmas
By Michael D. Young

An Advent Carols Countdown is a new way to enjoy Christmas carols, some that are familiar and others not much. Each day from December 1-24 explores a different carol. The first page is the lyrics of the carol, while the following page or pages explain the history of the carol. Each day is a chance to discover something new.

I love how this "advent" book is just for the days of December leading up to Christmas Day. Often advent books are for the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, which can vary in entries and not work from year to year. While this book uses a date - December 1 as its start date - a date, that will allow this book to become a part of your family traditions to celebrate the Christmas season.

There is an included QR code with each and every song so that you can experience each song yourself. I love this as there were a couple songs I was unfamiliar with. At approximately 120 pages, one is able to get a good understanding of each carol and its song without getting bogged down with too much info. So this would make a great family time activity for those eight years and up, in my opinion. Those younger might get bored or distracted but should, at least, enjoy the chance to, at least, watch and/or listen to the songs.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. 


About the Book:
Get in the Christmas spirit with this unique collection of the most beloved Christmas carols, from the warmly nostalgic to the majestically solemn and uplifting. The book features one carol for each day from December first to Christmas Eve, and presents both the lyrics and the fascinating stories and interesting facts behind the creation of the songs. Each entry deepens our understanding of the music and enhances our appreciation of why these songs are culturally important and dearly treasured.

From popular, familiar carols to lesser-known but cherished hymns, author Michael D. Young combines his musical expertise with information specific to each song.

An Advent Carols Countdown is a beautiful gift book for the whole family to enjoy along with the music of the holidays. Each entry also features a QR code that will link to an audio or video performance of the carol performed by the choir most associated with Christmas, the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir.


11.12.2021

A Saint A Day ~ Review

A Saint A Day:
365 True Stories of Faith and Heroism
By Meredith Hinds
Illustrated by Isabel Munoz

A Saint A Day is a year-long devotional that each day presents a different recognized Saint. From the introduction, we learn that the Saints have been vetted by the Catholic Church and have either achieved sainthood or are on their way to becoming a named Saint. Now I will admit, not having been raised within the Catholic Church to having only a passing familiarity with a few of these individuals. 

January 1st opens the book with Mary, the mother of Jesus and references Luke 1:38 where Mary declares her willingness to be used by God. The devotional text puts the Scripture reference in the context of just what God was asking of her - to carry His Son as her own. May 30th references Joan of Arc and the courage it took for her to listen and follow God's calling. June 4th shares Julia Greeley's serving heart and care of the poor. There is a wide range of people throughout history from the early days of the church through the 20th century who are presented.

This book though geared for children 8-12 could be used by older readers easily. Would be a good gift for special occasions.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Teach your child to walk in faith, act justly, and lead with kindness and humility with this 365-day devotional for kidsA Saint a Day includes fascinating historical stories as it introduces young readers to over 300 saints who did extraordinary things for God.
Mother Teresa left her family at age 18 to become a missionary. St. Patrick helped spread Christianity to Ireland. St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin--and also had a pet lion!
Written for ages 8 to 12, A Saint a Day inspires young readers with remarkable stories of people who made extraordinary choices to love and serve God. Featuring popular saints such as Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi, Juan Diego, and Thomas Aquinas, each of the 365 devotions includes:
  • A Scripture verse and prayer
  • A short summary or an inspiring story of a saint
  • A notable fact
  • Artwork with a fresh, kid-friendly design
 
This daily devotional for kids is:
  • An ideal gift for First Communion, Confirmation, or Advent
  • A unique book for strengthening a child's faith
  • A great way to share Catholic Church history with kids
 
A Saint a Day will help your child realize the long history of people of faith. As you journey through this yearlong devotional, your children will grow in their understanding of Church history and better understand how they can love and serve God.
Meredith Hinds is a freelance writer and editor who develops books for all audiences and ages, particularly in the Christian market. She’s worked with bestselling authors Philip Yancey and Mark Batterson, and she’s served as a collaborator, abridger, consultant, and teammate for many others. She’s always up for a good story. She lives in Colorado with her husband and three young children.
Isabel Muñoz studied fine arts at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. To paint for a living was her dream, and now she’s proud to be the illustrator of several children’s books. She works from a tiny and colorful studio in the north of Spain. You can follow her work at isabelmg.com.

Author Bio

Reviews:

Monday, November 1st: @lovemybooks2020

Wednesday, November 3rd: @jenniaahava

Friday, November 5th: The Bookish Dilettante

Monday, November 8th: @irishgirliereads

Wednesday, November 10th: @arrow_reads

Friday, November 12th: Blooming with Books and @bloomingwbooks

Tuesday, November 16th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Thursday, November 18th: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Friday, November 19th: View from the Birdhouse

Wednesday, November 24th: @rozierreadsandwine

Monday, November 29th: @parksidereads

Instagram features:

Wednesday, December 1st: @shobizreads

Thursday, December 2nd: @nerdy_book_lover_1987

Friday, December 3rd: @books_with_bethany

Monday, December 6th: @travelerswife4life

Tuesday, December 7th: @barr_bookworm

Wednesday, December 8th: @kristens.reading.nook

Friday, December 10th: @djreadsbooks

7.28.2020

Say Yes to What's Next ~ Review

Say Yes to What's Next
By Lori Allen

How to Age with Elegance and Class
While Never Losing Your Beauty and Sass

Say Yes to What's Next offers insights to women who are in the 50+ category, women whom society has decided should just step aside and let the rest of the world pass them by. All too often women listen to this and believe that they aren't worth the effort. They sacrifice their appearance in the hustle and bustle that their life has become. They even sacrifice their health because there is too little time to make room for one's self.

Lori disagrees with this and encourages women to take some of the efforts they put into their family towards themselves. Yes, your children doing well and succeeding is important but not at the cost of you. Make an effort to look your best. You are worth more than the bargain-basement table.

Work on your health, all parts of it are important and work together for a better you. Your health has three different parts - physical, mental, and spiritual. As Lori puts it your life is your journey through these three. It is a journey based on the choices you make daily. Don't neglect your physical health, when you make time for it your mental health will benefit. And make time for God daily to strengthen your spiritual health - God's ears are always open to your concerns.

As you have aged so too has your marriage and your husband.  With the passing of years, your situation may be in flux with retirement and/or an empty nest situation. Putting your focus on yourself may seem selfish to your husband. In fact, he may feel threatened by this change in how you are behaving. Talk. And more importantly, take time to listen. This simple activity can open a new level of relationship between you. Something that you lost while raising your children and working (yes, stay-at-home-mom counts as work). This is a chance to reconnect as a couple and rediscover who you both are now.

Your children are now grown and most likely out of the house. It is time to let them make their own decisions and if they are married allow them to make decisions as a couple. Don't offer advice that is not asked for it will be seen as a criticism of them and relegate your adult children as children to their way of thinking. Don't do it or you just may not see too much of your grandchildren - if or when they join the family.

Be a friend. Reach out to your old friends who you may not have had time for over the years. Reconnect and support one another. Friends help you when you need them most and the more friends the better.

Do you understand your financial situation? If not please do so, a change of your martial or working situation can be a rude awakening if you are not at least somewhat familiar with your checking account.

Say Yes to What's Next will help you as you transition from mom back to you. It will offer advice and explain why it is important - Lori uses her own life experiences as a baseline. No two people experience life the same but her tips will at least give one a starting point for getting from here to there. And this would be an excellent book to read and discuss with your friends either in a book club or in an informal setting.

Now I will admit I don't find myself in many of the situations in which Lori presented. But I can apply the information she does present to my own life situation and prepare for my own what's next.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.



Hardcover: 240 Pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 14, 2020)

About the Book:
From the star of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, now filming its eleventh season for TLC, comes a book and a life-makeover movement for women approaching fifty and beyond.
Move over, girlfriend, Lori Allen is here to help you say yes to what’s next! Star of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, Lori Allen uses her confidence, wisdom, and signature humor not only to help young brides on their most important day ever but also to model to them and their mothers how to live out the coming years as the best of their lives.
Lori Allen is owner/operator of one of the biggest and busiest bridal mega-salons in the country, Atlanta’s Bridals by Lori. But she’s also a wife, mother, grandmother, and breast cancer survivor.
Whether you’re feeling invisible, disappearing into the fabric of your couch a little more every year, or simply being indecisive about what’s next, Lori offers herself as the poster child of what to do, not do, and how to see your way through the unexpected.
In Say Yes to What’s Next she addresses essential issues, such as
  • don’t let yourself go,
  • marriage is awesome, but it’s no fairytale,
  • keep your mouth shut and your heart open to your kids (and they’ll bring you grandkids),
  • make time to parent your parents,
  • maintain a close circle of girlfriends,
  • get off the couch and live your passion,
  • take charge of your money, and
  • what to do when life gives you a faceplant.
Say Yes to What’s Next is a life makeover and therapy session from a relatable you-can-and-you-should-do-this straight-shooter as Lori helps women shape their own futures with confidence, style, and sass.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

About Lori Allen

Lori Allen opened Bridals by Lori just two weeks after graduating from the all-female Columbia College in South Carolina. Four decades later, she is one of the world’s foremost experts on bridal couture and the central figure of TLC’s reality show Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, filmed on site at Lori’s bridal salon and shown in more than 120 countries.
Lori’s role as a bridal expert, successful female business entrepreneur, TV personality, and breast cancer survivor has led her to interviews by top-tier media outlets, including CNN, ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s Today, and the Wall Street Journal. She currently resides in Atlanta with her husband, Eddie, and, thankfully, not far from their son and his wife, daughter and her husband, and granddaughters.

Connect with Lori

Facebook | Instagram

Instagram tour:

Monday, July 13th: @lesa_cap
Tuesday, July 14th: @books_with_bethany
Thursday, July 16th: @readtowander
Monday, July 20th: @wellreadtraveler
Tuesday, July 21st: @livingmybestbooklife
Monday, July 27th: @kelly_hunsaker_reads
Thursday, July 30th: @sweethoneyandbrei
Friday, July 17th: @thelit_bitch
 Review tour:
Monday, July 13th: Bibliotica – excerpt
Tuesday, July 14th: Lesa’s Book Critiques – author guest post
Wednesday, July 15th:  @mommaleighellensbooknook
Friday, July 17th: Novel Gossip – author guest post
Saturday, July 18th:  @nurse_bookie
Monday, July 20th: Well Read Traveler
Tuesday, July 21st: Living My Best Book Life
Wednesday, July 22nd: Running Through the Storms
Thursday, July 23rd: @bookscoffeephotography
Thursday, July 23rd: From the TBR Pile – author guest post
Monday, July 27th: Tabi Thoughts
Tuesday, July 28th: Blooming with Books
Wednesday, July 29th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Thursday, July 30th: Seaside Book Nook
Friday, July 31st: Bewitched Bookworms – excerpt
Monday, August 3rd: Book Reviews and More by Kathy – excerpt
Friday, August 7th: Bloggin’ ‘Bout Books
Friday, August 14th: What is That Book About

6.18.2020

The Neglected C.S. Lewis ~ Review


The Neglected C.S. Lewis
By Mark Neal and Jerry Root
Foreword by Dr. David C. Downing

Exploring the Riches of His Most Overlooked Books this statement quite aptly describes this book. People are always dreaming of finding treasure. Well, this book is a treasure that will delight and educate readers who want to truly know the works of C.S. Lewis. 

This work examines eight of his scholarly works. Describing them as scholarly should in no way scare off potential readers. Nothing worth knowing is without effort and once one gets into this book it is no effort at all, rather, it is enjoyable getting to see a side of Lewis that one knows so little about. 

There is much in this book to examine and in my opinion, this is most definitely a book one will want to read more than once and have on hand if one should explore any of the titles mentioned within. 

There is much spiritual food for thought and much that the reader can take away for one's day-to-day life as he examines the literary works of the past through the eye of a reader. The works he examines were of importance to his life both professionally and spiritually - he opens the door for us and invites us to enter. He encourages readers to respect the past while accurately judging through the truth of reality. 

The Neglected C.S. Lewis will open the reader's eyes to the wealth of insight and thought that Lewis put into his books both the more well-known and the lesser-known scholarly works that are presented all too briefly here. Scholarly does not mean boring, dull, or tedious if the author truly fulfills his (or her) role of being the window through which the reader sees. This is not a book to rush through as there is much that one will ponder and contemplate while working through the all too brief look taken at these eight works.

Several of the gems I discovered include: 
  • Truth is not reality; truth is what one thinks about reality when thinking accurately about it.
  • Challenges must be validated objectively
  • Sin is man playing God in his own life. It estranges humankind from God and from one another. It fractures lives, making the community unstable and eventually atrophying one's humanity.
  • We are to serve people - to give of ourselves. This is our God-given purpose.

I have to thank the authors for introducing me to a new C.S. Lewis, though my checking account may be less than thrilled with the results. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.




About the Book:

Most people don't think of C. S. Lewis as a neglected author. 
Who hasn't heard of Narnia, Aslan, the White Witch?

But many of his most important ideas are buried in the pages of his lesser-known literary works—books that were vitally important not only to his profession but to his spiritual growth.

Readers who can quote word for word from C.S. Lewis’s theological classic, Mere Christianity, or his science fiction novel, Perelandra, have often never read his work as a professional literary historian. They may not even recognize some of the neglected works discussed, here. Mark Neal and Jerry Root have done students of Lewis a great service, tracing the signature ideas in Lewis’s works of literary criticism and showing their relevance to Lewis’s more familiar books. Their thorough research and lucid prose will be welcome to all who would like to understand Lewis more fully, but who feel daunted by books of such evident scholarly erudition.

For example, when you read The Discarded Image on the ancients’ view of the heavens, you understand better why Ransom has such unpleasant sensations when first descending toward Malacandra in Out of the Silent Planet. And when you come across Lewis’s discussion in OHEL  of a minor sixteenth-century poet who described the hellish River Styx as a “puddle glum,” you can’t help but chuckle at the name when you meet the famous Marshwiggle in The Silver Chair. These are just two examples of how reading the “Neglected Lewis” can help every reader understand Lewis more fully.


About the Authors:
Jerry Root is a professor at Wheaton College. He has lectured on C.S. Lewis at 77 universities in 17 different countries. He has been teaching college and university courses on Lewis continually for forty years. He has published many books on C.S. Lewis, including C.S. Lewis and a Problem of Evil: An Investigation of a Pervasive Theme

Mark Neal is the co-author of both The Neglected C.S. Lewis and The Surprising Imagination of C.S. Lewis. He has lectured, taught, and published nationally and internationally on Lewis for the last ten years. He works as the VP of a Chicago-area marketing firm and is married with two children.

10.15.2019

Black Women in Science ~ Review

Black Women in Science
By Kimberly Brown Pellum, PhD

Black Women in Science is a quick overview of 15 extraordinary women who made a tremendous impact on the world through their work and discoveries. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African-American woman to work as a professional doctor, but what was most impressive is when she did this - during the 1860s. But Rebecca is just the first whose accomplishments are covered in this book. Annie Turnbo Malone used her business skills and her knowledge as a chemist to create hair and beauty products and she trained others - improving the community in the process. Bessie Coleman trained to become a pilot becoming the first licensed African American pilot.

These are just a few of the remarkable and determined women who weren't content to let the world tell them who the had to be and want they could do. They worked hard and often faced challenges not only because of the color of their skin but also because they were the wrong gender for the tasks they set before themselves. Some of these women are not well-known while others have come to the recent attention of the world (Kathrine Johnson and Hidden Figures).

At just under 130 pages this isn't an in-depth book but there is more information and substance than most school textbooks. The few pages given to each person offers a nice overview of their life and how they made a lasting impact on the world around them.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

9.04.2019

Most Important Stories of the Bible ~ Review

The Most Important Stories of the Bible
Understanding God's Word Through the Stories It Tells
By Christopher D. Hudson
   and Stan Campbell

This book takes the reader from Genesis through Revelation touching on 75 of the most important stories that give an overview of the whole. Forty-three come from the Old Testament and thirty-two from the New Testament.

The book is broken down into six main sections Beginnings, Patriarchs, Israel's Family Becomes a Nation, Kings and Prophets, Stories of  Jesus, and Stories of the Early Church. Beginnings covers what one would expect Creation, the first sin, the flood and the Tower of Babel. The Patriarchs covers the promise God made to Abraham, the fulfillment of that promise through Issac, Esau, and Jacob and Joseph's life in Eygpt. Israel's Family Becomes a Nation begins with God speaking to Moses through the burning bush, the plagues on Eygpt, the people's journey through the desert, the taking of the Promised Land and the lives of Gideon, Samson, and Ruth and Boaz. Kings and Prophets begins with the call of Samuel, King Saul, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Israel's captivity and then their return to Jerusalem. Stories of Jesus shares the birth of John the Baptist, the Birth of Jesus, the baptism and temptation of Jesus, Jesus's ministry and parables, and the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Stories of the Early Church opens with the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost, the work of the disciples, Saul's conversion and ministry as Paul, and concludes with John's vision. Each section opens with a timeline of what is taking place during this Biblical period and major events of the world.

This book can be a daily reading and take approximately two and a half months to go through. Or one could do it as a weekend devotional with a reading on both Saturday and Sunday taking almost 10 months to go through. Or you could do one a week for just under 1-1/2 years. Though I'll be honest I often read more than one selection a day so I went through this book fairly quickly. 

This would make an excellent gift for a new believer who wants to quickly get a better understanding of the Bible. This would also be a good way to introduce young readers to the Bible. The book is just over 180 pages so no reading is too long so lack of time won't be a problem with this book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
All Your Favorite Stories from the Bible
 . . . and Why They Matter to You!

Perhaps you've heard of the exciting adventures of David and Goliath, Noah, or Daniel in the lion's den, but you don't know the details. Or maybe you read Bible stories like these a long time ago, but you can't figure out how they fit together and what you're supposed to get out of them.

The Most Important Stories of the Bible will lay out for you the key stories in Scripture and how they flow into one big story. Each chapter is compact, easy-to-read, and includes a brief introduction to explain the historical context, plus a summary to help you understand its most important lessons for your life and faith.

There's a reason most of the Bible is made up of stories. They speak to us in a deep way, helping us internalize God's message. And in the end, understanding the stories of God's Word will help us connect more closely to Jesus, the greatest storyteller of all. 

About the Authors:

Christopher Hudson
is the author of numerous books, including the Self-Guided Tour of the Bible and Navigating the Bible, and has contributed to over fifty Bible projects. Christopher is a graduate of Wheaton College (IL) and has been an active teacher in his church for over twenty years. He lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.

Stan Campbell holds communication degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and Wheaton College. He has authored dozens of Bible-related books, primarily for youth and seeker markets, including the first three editions of The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Bible. He and his wife, Kathy, live in the Nashville area.

8.06.2019

Coding for Kids: Scratch ~ Review

Coding for Kids: Scratch 
Learn Coding Skills, Create 10 Fun Games, and Master Scratch
By Matthew Highland

Coding for Kids is aimed at kids 6 years and older. The basics of coding and Scratch are laid out in easy to understand language that assumes you are starting this book with no previous knowledge from which to draw upon. Younger kids will need a parent (or another adult) to help them out when they first start using Scratch - but with this book, even the coding novice parent will be able to help their child navigate this new world,

I really think this is easiest to understand book on coding I have ever picked up and examined. If you can only get one book this is the one to go with. The text is straightforward and not confusing and the numerous illustrations allow you to verify that you are indeed on the right track with what you are doing.  I like that there is a glossary of terms in the back of the book - mark it with a tab - trust me you will make frequent trips to this page until the terms become familiar. The knowledge that you gain from this book is well worth the price.

*You will need access to a computer or tablet with an internet connection so if you don't have this at home check with your local library as many offer public access computers that you may be able to use and as your work in Scratch is saved in your account you will be able to use it anywhere.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Learn to code and make awesome games with Scratch!
Learn coding concepts and skills and start creating your own games right away! Coding for Kids: Scratch is a complete guide that makes mastering this programming language fun and easy for children (ages 6+).
From sprites and code blocks to scripts and scorekeeping, Coding for Kids: Scratch helps you discover everything you need to know to create 10 amazing games that you and your friends can play. Watch your confidence grow with step-by-step instructions and clear directions that keep things simple―even as the games you’re making get more challenging. Game on!
Coding for Kids: Scratch includes:
  • Coding for kids―Learn Scratch terms and concepts, then use them to build games you can start playing immediately.
  • Create 10 games―Cake Clicker, Dino Hunt, Crystal Keeper, and more―code, play, and share 10 cool games.
  • Master Scratch―Simple directions, full-color screenshots, and projects that get more difficult make mastering Scratch a breeze.

4.23.2019

Space 2.0 ~ Review

Space 2.0
By Rod Pyle
with Foreword by Buzz Aldrin

How Private Spaceflight,
a Resurgent NASA,
and International Partners Are
Creating a New Space Age

Let me just start off by saying this book is worth it just for the pictures alone which are a mix of actual photos of events that have taken place with concept art of what is in the planning stage. We are given a history of humanity's space achieving efforts as well as a glimpse of where the future is and can lead. 

With more than 300 pages this book doesn't skimp on sharing knowledge about space. If you plan on doing research into the subject of space exploration this is one book that will be on your go-to resource list. Pages 266 -271 offer listings of organizations you as an individual can seek out memberships with. Pages 289 - 293 present a glossary of terms including ISRU, Low Earth Orbit, and Orion. 

I really enjoyed reading the foreword by Buzz Aldrin which offered his view on where we've been and the promise of a new Space Age just on the horizon. I admit it if it anything that has to do with space exploration in the real day-to-day life of people I'm more than willing to dive into it and this is one of the best I've read and it is perfect with the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing coming in just a few short months.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through Amazon's Vine Program with no expectation but that I offer my honest opinions about this book. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
We're on the cusp of new era in the great adventure of space exploration and development. 
More than a half-century ago, humanity first hurled objects into space, and almost 50 years ago, astronauts first walked on the moon. Since then, we have explored Earth's orbit with shuttles, capsules, and space stations; sent robots to Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus; sampled a comet; sent telescopes into orbit; and charted most of our own planet.

In Space 2.0, space historian Rod Pyle, in collaboration with the National Space Society, will give you an inside look at the next few decades of spaceflight and long-term plans for exploration, utilization, and settlement.

No longer the exclusive domain of government entities such as NASA and other national agencies, space exploration is rapidly becoming privatized, with entrepreneurial startups building huge rocket boosters, satellites, rocket engines, asteroid probes, prospecting craft, and even commercial lunar cargo landers to open this new frontier. Research into ever more sophisticated propulsion and life support systems will soon enable the journey to Mars and destinations deeper in our solar system. As these technologies continue to move forward, there are virtually no limits to human spaceflight and robotic exploration.
While the world has waited since the Apollo lunar program for the next "giant leap," these critical innovations, most of which are within our grasp with today's technology, will change the way we live, both in space and on Earth. A new space age--and with it, a new age of peace and prosperity on Earth, and settlement beyond our planet--can be ours.

Speaking with key leaders of the latest space programs and innovations, Pyle shares the excitement and promise of this new era of exploration and economic development. From NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos, to emerging leaders in the private sector such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Moon Express, Virgin Galactic, and many others, Space 2.0 examines the new partnerships that are revolutionizing spaceflight and changing the way we reach for the stars.

Space 2.0 is the definitive handbook for the new space age.