This is definitely a worthwhile read. It’s short, easy to read and at the same time thought-provoking. For a first novel that’s pretty good! “The Jewel” is the story of a teenage pregnancy and its repercussions on both families as well as the teenagers themselves. Adam is only 16 when his girlfriend Lucy discovers she … More “The Jewel” by Penny Ward
I just finished reading Jodi Picoult’s novel “Keeping Faith.” I always enjoy reading her novels, although it’s really her writing I enjoy, because her topics are not a lot of fun and often rather disturbing. She draws me in to her characters’ worlds, and makes me care about what happens to them, even though many … More “Keeping Faith” by Jodi Picoult
An original and beautifully illustrated story, “The Gift of a Traveler” is a fascinating Christmas tale. Written in a way that older children can appreciate, it is the kind of story that can be enjoyed every year by all ages. The wonderful pictures by Robert Van Nutt are enough to capture the attention of any child … More “The Gift of a Traveler” by Wendy Matthews
You’ve probably heard of Mary Kay Cosmetics – you know, the company that sells skincare and make up and gives their top people pink Cadillacs – but do you know anything about Mary Kay herself? Yes, Mary Kay Ash was a real person, a woman who founded her own company in 1963 when society didn’t … More “Miracles Happen” the autobiography of Mary Kay Ash
Redwall is the first book written in a series, which also has the name “Redwall.” The author, Brian Jacques, is from Liverpool, England and the story is set in a rather English type of countryside. There is one important difference, however, the characters are all talking animals! Redwall was written to be suitable for children, … More “Redwall” by Brian Jacques
If you’re a “baby boomer” you probably remember “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” very well! This book appeared in the early 1970s when so many of us were searching for inspiration. Loving the uplifting message but without even understanding the religious undercurrents, we embraced it as one of our classics. It can be read just as a … More “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” by Richard Bach
I picked up this novel by Jodi Picoult at the airport on my way to Scotland a couple of summers ago. My plane was delayed for hours and so I just had to get some new reading material. I chose this one because I’ve read other novels by Jodi Picoult and love her writing style. … More “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult
I just love Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea.” It’s a great introduction to his writing, and not just because it’s a short book! The story is quite simple. For the most part it follows an old Cuban fisherman on one fishing trip, which turns out to be both victorious and tragic. There … More “The Old Man And The Sea” by Ernest Hemingway
Saint Francis of Assisi is a well-known and much loved saint. “Saint Francis” by Marie Dennis with illustrations by John August Swanson, contains amazing art that brings his love of animals and God to life, as well as text that challenges us to consider our own lives in relation to the faith and work of … More “Saint Francis” – Book review
“Reconciled by the Light” is the true story of a father whose teenage son committed suicide. Such an event often tears a family apart. Devastated, but not defeated, the author describes his journey to find a way to forgive his son and himself. This forgiveness comes through love, and leads to a greater peace than … More “Reconciled by the Light” by Ron Pappalardo
Jennifer P. Tanabe 