Emotionally challenging and ultimately uplifting
580248
Miki's is an amazing story and so inspiring!  I could not put the book down.  Miki's life has presented her with one challenge after another, from girlhood to adulthood and beyond.  She has faced them all and taken on life with courage and determination.  She is an example to us all of how to engage in life to the fullest, while maintaining integrity, love, adventure, and a delightful zest for life.  Writing this autobiography in her 8th decade of life is impressive.  I'm sure her story continues to be a great adventure.  A very enjoyable and informative read; I highly recommend it.
2082507
Dream Smashers was a very difficult read for me. Not because I didn't understand or like it but because it deals with some very tough topics in a very bold, real way. At times elegant, at times thoroughly visceral, the story dives right into meth addiction from the point of view of the addict as well as those around them including family.

The narrator is Autumn whose mother is as toxic as they come, addicted to meth and angry about her past choices and mistakes. Autumn's voice is snarky and funny and very intelligent in spite of her sometimes poor grammar and foul language. With a mother who constantly invades her life and turns it upside down, it's no wonder Autumn's viewpoint is so raw with emotion and frustration and hopelessness. Enter Evan, who appears to be the epitome of light and goodness who comes armed with words of truth and hope and with an easy, sometimes cheesy manner. The two are so well written together that everything else in the plot seems to fall away in the moments when they are together. The romance is gentle and sweet and I enjoyed every second of it.

The other characters are equally well-written and layered. Every one seems to go on a transforming journey through the story, from the supposed drug pushing popular girl to the rough, trouble-magnet best friend. I was so impressed with how each character had their own personal story which we were treated to at least partially through the events of the story as well as layers which were peeled back slowly in response to the central metamorphosis of Autumn's life because of her interactions with Evan.

Parts of this book were so uplifting that it was a joy to read. The scenes of hope and love were just as well-crafted as those that were dark and angry with drugs and alcohol and their aftermaths. Ms. Carlie is a wordsmith (she discovered myriad new and fascinating ways for Jacinda to drop the f-bomb) and her writing transported me from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other, sometimes within seconds. I felt what Autumn felt, lived her life for the entire journey of the book. This is truly an amazing coming of age story with an element of faith that I had not expected to find.

I especially appreciated the building up and toppling down of a false beacon of hope for Autumn. Watching her realize that she has a more lasting and real source of hope in Evan and what he brings to her through his faith was one of the best parts of this story.

I could probably extol the merit of this work of art for hours. It reminded me of the brilliant way in which Lauren Myracle wove the story in Shine. Ms. Carlie should be praised for her bravery with the subject matter and for her exquisite writing style. Dream Smashers might be shorter than most YA novels on the market at the moment but there is no fluff; it is completely full of life and action. It is a must read for anyone who enjoys books dealing with heavy social issues and those who are fans of coming of age stories with hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. I encourage everyone to read this book though. Bravo, Ms. Carlie.
3660388
I have just finished a genuinely heart-warming and seriously challenging book. I found the Paraclete Book of Hospitality a remarkable book considering that it was able to achieve both responses from me; that is "warmed" and "challenged." I don't believe those feelings are mutually exclusive, but it is rare that I put down a book feeling as significantly challenged (maybe even spanked a bit) as I did and still have the very real sense that I was loved deeply in the process. I know I sensed a special nearness of the presence of God as I was reading.

This is a small book; at less than 120 pages, it is also short. It is not a difficult read, nor does it take long to read... but I recommend taking time to chew the content slowly. The content is best digested along with thoughtful self-examination or it was for me.

The book is based upon the teachings of hospitality from the Bible; "love your neighbor as yourself." The inspiration for Benedict's Rule and the subsequent teaching that focuses on the subject of hospitality (see The Rule of St. Benedict 53:1).

All who arrive as guests are to be welcomed like Christ, for he is going to say, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me."

I found an especially challenging quote in chapter three from Lonni Collins Pratt and Father Dan Homan who reflect in their book Radical Hospitality the following:

"Benedict finds God in people. You can't ignore people when God is looking out their eyes at you. In the tiresome, the invalid, the rebellious, we are faced with God. It is our own failures to love that we have to deal with when we talk of hospitality." (pg. 41)

Page after page, chapter after chapter, raising-the-bar challenges are seasoned with loving examples and practical suggestions to enter the practice of a life-giving hospitality. There are suggestions for practicing hospitality at home (probably one of the places it might be needed most...), there are creative ways suggested to care for others, and a chapter I especially enjoyed (Chapter Five) teaches ways to celebrate and practice hospitality through the seasons of the year (the Church Calendar).

"Every human encounter is holy." (page 76)

Chapters Seven and Eight are also full of great suggestions for integrating hospitality into the dailyness of our lives. These are also very challenging chapters as the editors include additional teachings from the Bible and other monastic rules of life. A couple of quotes I will continue to ponder...

"Do not be nowhere in your effort to be everywhere, or attentive to no one simply because you are running after everyone." And "Welcome God. Unless you are God-filled there will be no sharing and giving, unless he livs in you, you will be unable to welcome people sincerely." Both quotes from -Jerusalem Community Rule of Life.

This is a delightful little book...and one not to be taken lightly. There is wisdom for the ages found in these pages. We can learn much by putting to practice the words and suggestions from this Paraclete Book of Hospitality.
339785
I wonder if Mr. King found this book cathartic to write?  It has enough political reverie in it to indicate that he needed a vehicle to express something about his feelings at this moment of the world; his world.  And I think he did it well.  I enjoyed this book.  Since I am a member of the LGBTQ community and am also frightened, confused and clinging to privileges, even unconsciously, to shield myself from the sense of danger right now, I found this book resonant and the emotional journey of it intimate and skillfully developed.  I'm a bit farther away from privileges of passing as "straight" in my own world than the protagonist of this novel is, but I still identify with the emotional stations he inhabited.  The sense of awakening in this narrative is precious and personal as well as more broadly socio-political.  "Straightness" is a bit like "whiteness"; they don't really exist in any concrete way.  They're socially constructed myths used to order and control human conduct and resources.  This book elucidated this distinction in an emotionally compelling way.  Thank you!
2793857
Living within and loving Gods church requires an experience with God and his amazing grace, but it also requires an intentional decision to forgive and love people who are less than loveable, according to Rob Bentz in this book. It demands faithfulness and commitment to God, but it also demands faithfulness and commitment to his people.

Some of the wisdom contained in the book:

 The fact that God would call out a special group of people to love, draw to himself, call his own, shower with unspeakable grace, and then entrust with special roles and responsibilities in his kingdom work is quite astonishing.
 Without a clear recognition of Gods payment on behalf of his people, you and I will not see each other accurately. I won't see you as Gods sees youredeemed by the blood of his Son, Jesus.
 The church that Jesus is building is an eclectic, intriguing, quirky, diverse mess of humanity. Thats Gods way.
 Love is the one primary thing that God gave us to represent him. Thats why its nothing short of a tragedy when we do it so poorly.
 Genuine biblical encouragement is among the most frequently undervalued and over-assumed experiences of the Christ followers journey.
 Service is simply not about me, my happiness, my joy, my status, or my ability to cultivate a heartwarming story that I might one day tell others. At its core, service is about whom I am serving.
 Unity is the result of a great deal of heart-wrenching, God-seeking, others-forgiving effort. Jesus calls us to this immense personal and corporate challenge.

The church has become increasingly marginalized and seen as an irrelevant and outdated institution, even by followers of Jesus. The author makes a passionate defence of the church not as an idealized abstract idea but as the imperfect, complicated, difficult collection of people that it currently is. The book is reasonably short and interesting, but I am not sure how many readers will be willing to step up to the challenge of difficult unity when disposable relationships are so much easier.
3537530
Falling Toward Heaven explores questions with which I have wrestled as an LDS woman, but never had the courage to voice.  Each of the characters struggles with their own set of human doubts, difficulties, and imperfections, allowing questions to be raised and discussed that would usually be dismissed or ignored in my own LDS community.  It seems that we have a tendency to expect perfection out of imperfect beings, ourselves included. But John Bennion allows the reader to delve into the very imperfections we tend to ignore, creating a space in which we can evaluate our own progression, expectations, and relationships with God and man.

Bennion allows the reader to explore the nature of God, the validity and frustrations of a perfect church full of imperfect people, and the process of repentance, through the experiences of Howard Rockwood--a recent RM who has lost his faith, but cannot live without it. While the gospel is centered on Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we often forget what this means: we are imperfect people who need help in their journey toward perfection. We are stuck in a state of constant difficulty, attempting to do good, and always failing in some degree. But the comforting message we find in Howard's journey is that this is NORMAL and expected of mortal beings. Howard moves through sin and doubt toward a more complete understanding, a stronger testimony, and a deeper faith in God. We discover that it is not necessarily where we are, but where we are headed that counts. As long as we are moving forward, getting closer to the perfection that we seek, we are doing well.

In addition to this self- journey, we see how important human relationships are, and how important it is to be constantly working at them. Howard discovers that the simple act of discussing his thoughts, feelings, and difficulties with his wife and mother allow him to "work things through". He discovers that honest communication is the most basic and one of the most important foundations for any relationship, whether it is with a friend, a spouse, or God. Problems almost surely arise when this communication is interrupted by distance, whether physical or emotional. And Howard finds this to be true again and again. It is only when he refuses to connect, shutting himself from those that he loves, that his problems become unbearable.

Falling Toward Heaven is both interesting and enlarging. It allows for a discussion of the difficulty of being imperfect in a community that often demands perfection. It is honest in its questioning and characterization. It brings up issues that are often ignored or brushed aside by many LDS members. And Howard's journey of failure, doubt, and isolation from all that he knows and understands, allows the LDS reader to experience a similar exploration of self and examination of relationships to both God and man.
1391192
Bestselling author Randy Alcorn offers his faithful fan base a powerful alternative to the doom and gloom messages that individuals across the world are inundated with on a seemingly moment-by-moment basis. He writes about suffering in a hard world not from man's perspective, which is limited and frequently shortsighted, but from God's eternal perspective. Keenly aware of the worldwide suffering thanks to immediate electronic access, he shares how easy it is to grow overwhelmed and disheartened by the mere scope of pain that we hear about.

Alcorn is always a sensitive writer who offers hope, encouragement and a can-do (with God's help) attitude. He gives this same type of uplifting and often heavenly perspective on humanly woes, which is essential for traversing this life as God intends. One of the most valuable aspects of this devotional is that in each of the 90 chapters, he reveals something distinct about God's character as shown throughout Scripture. He gently reminds and urges Christ followers to spend time daily searching out the Bible before tragedy hits, before they're forced to their knees by life's hardships, before they feel they have nowhere else to turn. Alcorn explains that knowing who God is and what He has promised is necessary for enduring and then overcoming the challenges that have the potential to undo individuals.

Throughout this hefty little book, readers will not only discover fresh ways to view suffering, they will realize how valuable suffering is to the development of their character and how it aptly equips them to be agents of change and of comfort to others at a later time. Taken from the principle that God never wastes anything, Alcorn beautifully unveils how God uses the past personal pain and tragedies that befall men and women to bring hope to those in the undercurrent of suffering today. Each of the 90 devotionals opens with a section of Scripture that touches on a specific theme followed by a real-life scenario that illustrates the biblical principle. Alcorn then closes the chapter with a heartfelt prayer that neatly brings together the Bible verses, the story, and its spiritual takeaway in a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.

A few of the topics Alcorn writes about include the oft-overlooked relationship between man's suffering and Christ's own, and how this unites them in a mysterious yet powerful way. He spends a good deal of space reminding Christians that this earth is not their real home and what they're enduring today (or for their time on earth) is but a wink in the space of all eternity. He also helps readers understand what the Bible says about heaven, giving Christ followers an ever-growing desire to be there with Christ and all their loved ones who have passed on. Given how tumultuous the days are at present, Alcorn's primer in "studying" God's goodness in the midst of pain will be greatly appreciated and effectively put to good use.

  --- Reviewed by Michele Howe
1636950
Only the mother of two sons with special needs could write a book with so much candor and insight into the ripple effect such a situation can produce in family relationships.

Caroline is a full-time caregiver for her five year old daughter, Lily.  Not only is she struggling with the guilt, sadness and fatigue associated with her daughters elusive developmental disability, she is dealing with the residue of her own medical crisis  weakness in one arm/hand due to a stroke at the time of Lilys birth.  As the story begins, Caroline is coping with the toll all this has taken on her once perfect life: her husband, Peter, has left and the divorce is pending; a once-satisfying career is now a mere memory; and her dream of normalcy for her beautiful baby girl is now lost.

I confess that I almost put the book away after the first few chapters because it was an uncomfortable experience dealing with all the emotional dross.  However, I am happy that I persevered since the book is ultimately about hope, love and possibilities.
In the midst of her despair, Caroline realizes a strength she never knew she possessed.  She meets a stranger in the hospital cafeteria and over time learns to allow others to support her rather than isolate herself in the belief that she alone must shoulder the responsibility for Lilys care.  As this new relationship with the stranger named Tate develops, Caroline discovers the value of balance  of giving and receiving  and the need for vulnerability and honest communication based on self-awareness.  The interesting cast of characters is rounded out with her supportive older sister, Paige, and a dear friend, Max, who works at the hospital where Lily receives treatments and various therapies.

It was a pleasure to read how mature adults can manage difficult and painful situations and emerge with hope, beauty and joy.  The drama arises primarily from the life circumstances of caring for a developmentally-challenged child and a dying parent  not from the self-centered egotism and immaturity of so many contemporary romance novels.  Even Carolines annoying inner critic who is given voice in the storyline is tolerable.  My one complaint is that once Caroline lets down her guard she seems to be crying at everything; perhaps this is realistic given the years she has kept her emotions in check in order to present a strong front to the world.

While Lily Love is not an easy read, I recommend it highly for its inspirational and thought-provoking qualities.
4419074
A sensitive and inspiring family story of survival and love.  This book details the horrific challenge a young man and his family must face when recovery from brain injury is not certain.  I found myself on the same path as I read the intelligently written descriptions and passages author Elise Rosenhaupt guided me through when writing about her son.  Author Rosenhaupt captures a delicate subject and guides her readers through the emotional swings of serious brain injury without trespassing into the privacy of her son's life.  Yet, she gets the message out there to all of her readers that life is a mountain to be climbed and that even in the depths of severe trauma, humans strive to rise above the most difficult , uphill climbs.
Highly recommended.  A book for all ages.
2432870
Joyce bravely bares her own personal horrors and heartaches, and her struggles to beat her demons.  Its a journey so many other women will identify with in this fast-paced, fix-it-quick society.  The seeds of past mistakes bloom into years of torment..  Then, eventually, by the grace of God, she makes her peace and speaks from firsthand experience that God indeed loves and forgives, brings healing and happiness, peace and contentment. A great read; challenging, inspirational, joyful.
406875
The trials and tribulation that God allows us to traverse says a lot about challenges and change. We are broken on purpose to have the wherewithal and ability to keep our heads to the sky, and know that if there's a will there's a way. TRIUMPH OF MY SOUL by Elissa Gabrielle is the first of several books in a series that will give voice to human conditions that cater to the angst and adversity that color our spiritual Diaspora as people of color. These are inspiring stories of victory over adversity, and the ability to know the difference between living vertically vs. horizontally. The Triumph of My Soul ably delivers poignant testimonies with heartfelt stories of love, hope, faith, redemption and inspiration.

With this firmly in mind, the authors therein presented in this anthology spoke with heart-felt vigor and preservation of mind opening their souls to succeed beyond and despite the `brokenness'. These are their stories, and in the midst of the storms, there's courage, faith, and wisdom to call upon He who strengthens us. You get a chance to read each entity and perhaps rejoice knowing that "this too shall pass". Author Elissa Gabrielle assembled a worthy crew of writers to expound on these ideals of hurt and pain illustrating personal vistas in discovering solutions and applications. Albeit, not all of the stories in this set are created equal. There are a few that weren't as strong as others which are typical of anthologies of this nature where balance may not be in the offering. In this case though, nothing is taken away from the overall tone of success that I render.

How far must one travel to know that a new lease on life is eminent, or there's a saving Grace in adhering to that still small voice? I found ardent answers as I read each story and imagined how I could be the recipient of His loving embrace! The authors bearing their souls are some that I'm familiar with, and others that are cutting their literary teeth for the first time. The emotions and struggles seemed up front and personal. I can hark to the stories that touched me most. To wit: Jessica Tilles' `Julian's Grace' showed how one can go beyond living for the moment to enable a deeper value of an innate love beyond the surface. It's a gut-wrenching love story that demands your attention; my favorite by Allison Deese - `Discovering the Joy Within' is the story of how a teen-aged mother rallied against the forces of nature to triumph over an abusive lover, and how examples were shown to give credence for perseverance. Then there are stories depicting adolescence where maturity materializes in the end for new leases on life, and where the downtrodden can realize how victory can be won by exhibiting due diligence.

In times like these we need shining examples of inspired triumph in the face of adversity, and this collection of short stories are yours to revel and rectify ways to ease issues that may be definitive in helping rather than hurting. This is the benefit of the empathy that compelled me to put my feet in the shoes of the authors that bared their souls. If this is the mettle that Ms Gabrielle adheres to, then the subsequent books that will be part of her lore will give notice that she is a force to be reckoned with. Grab this book, read it, and know that there's a silver lining behind every dark cloud! Kudos to you Elissa for bring this coterie of writers together to share what it means to do what it takes to be winners!
3403580
The Emancipation of Thomas J. Everyman, is an emotional story that packs a powerful message that empowers the reader to take control to design the one and only life that they are given. Tony Trupiano takes the reader on a wonderful journey toward realizing that life itself is a wonderful journey filled with all the fulfillment and joy that is possible, if we could only open our eyes and minds to the present, as opposed restricting them to the past and or future.
This story begins by placing Thomas J. Everyman in the all too common circumstance in which many of us find ourselves.  However, when the paradigm that defines the life of Thomas J. Everyman begins to breakdown, he is presented with an opportunity to either drown in his circumstances or leverage them in order to design a more meaningful life.
The formula for designing one's life, as well as one's ability to define the ideal paradigm for participating in this new life is one of the most valuable perspectives toward self-improvement that I have encountered. The Emancipation of Thomas J. Everyman is a well-articulated story containing one man's wisdom, a man who definitely understands life and its importance.
If you're ready to improve the quality of your life, The Emancipation of Thomas J. Everyman, should be moved to the top of your reading list.
3018908
Reading Shellee's biography is to experience more than just another personal journey; it is to see the course of life played out in excruciatingly beautiful condensed format, covering the darkest most injurious, to its eventual reconciliation and return to full peace. It is a display of the terrible agony all humans can relate to in one form or another, and the awaiting joy that many still aspire to embody. Shellee's conversational style adds remarkable ease to passages that would otherwise lend themselves to drama and heaviness. This affords a subtle teaching in itself, as the reader takes in her complete lack of judgment and then gently warms to an even more stunning realization - gratitude for life's every unfolding trick. This is after all the path we all go through - and often mistakenly battle with along the way.

In summary, Shellee's life story is as gripping as it is relevant, whether or not our past is composed of similar circumstances. Reading her tale made me feel deep human kinship and life appreciation despite never having lived any of her actual experiences. I strongly recommend reading the book and seizing the opportunity to consult with Shellee in person.
1212301
I've had a difficult time writing this review; Special Heart touched me so deeply, I wanted my review to match my depth of emotion while reading it. I've decided that I'm simply not equal to that task. Special Heart is a very special book; I can't remember when I was so deeply moved.

This story illustrates how, despite given many advantages in life: success, fame, material wealth, and even love, one can experience true anguish without so much as a warning. The struggles and triumphs that the Baier family experience force them to design coping strategies and to re-examine their faith.

This affecting personal account is scary, spiritual, loving, and at times, surprisingly funny. Go on the Baier family's emotional roller coaster- I dare you to remain aloof!
3411410
Phillip Carey provides a challenge for the reader to support as the protagonist of this novel.  There are times this novel is frustrating, depressing, tiresome, uplifting, exhaulting, and hopeful------much like life.  Maugman's  authoritative command of the English language can be both impressive and exhaustive.  Though the novel takes the reader through many themes of life, the irony lies in the simpliest of foundations: seeking a happy life.
1487154
This story is rich with sorrow survived by uplifting encouragement. It is well worth reading!

The story begins with a prologue set in 2012 and then flashes back in time to tell "how it all happened."  The first Chapter presents a view of a funeral in 1974. Other chapters of vignettes covering funerals are scattered through the story of Derry and his romance.  Each one the funeral services is winding down when an older gentleman stands up and shares some remarkable things that the deceased did that encouraged or helped others. These special deeds were not known by the community, the closest friends or even the family. After several of these testimonies it is clear that each life had a tragic error or wrong in the past but there was a later heroic behavior or good, kind deeds that made a difference and redeemed the past.  Each family was left with a wonderful, warm memory of their loved one.

Between the funeral eulogies we meet Derry, a younger newspaperman surrounded by other eccentric newspeople, consisting of some unique friends and a few curmudgeon and not so nice co-workers.  One day a beautiful young woman walks in as the new copy editor and Derry falls in love. The romance between Derry and Amedee is passionately and wonderfully developed with humor and warmth.  They share the joys of new love, new passion, comfortable companionship, and the excitement and anticipation of a wedding and birth. Then tragedy strikes.

The reader is swept along with Derry's sorrow, grief, dark depression and guilt.  Derry is so devastated by Amedee's death that he is unable to properly plan her funeral which turns out to be a disaster. It takes some time, but finally Derry discovers a way to begin to pull himself from the bleakness of his despair and guilt.  It still takes a confrontation by a stranger and the support of family and friends to push Derry beyond his grief and by then the reader realizes "how it all happened."

This is an emotional love story that experiences great, happy highs and a deep, sad low. But it is also a story that affirms love and life for 'ordinary', every-day people. Although there is tragedy and sadness the author entertains with passion, humor and a very uplifting and positive message. The story is very well written with good characters, strong descriptions and great empathy shared in the funeral testimonies. I especially enjoyed the newsroom input since I have a journalism degree.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes warm emotional stories and especially to anyone who might need encouragement. If you think that your life, or others around you, are not each of great individual worth and importance, please read this book.

I received a gift of this book from the Author for an honest review.
3894339
Im not a writer; Im an engineer. I tend to struggle with book reviews, especially when so many outstanding reviews have already been written (reviews that captured my attention and ultimately put this book in my hands). This book earned every positive review written. Upon completion of this book, I began to re-read the reviews and felt overwhelmingly compelled to write a review for a book that deserves more praise than I can summon. Given the subject matter, my [male] perspective is often jarringly dismissed since I just don't understand what its like and cant personally relate. While this is abundantly true on the surface (which, admittedly, caused plenty of trepidation in writing this review), if theres one thing I understand through experience it is the hypocrisy, bigotry, and hurt one can receive at the hands of those charged with spiritual development and guidance -- and the struggle to reconciliation it can cause. These are the revelations that shake a person to the core. This astonishing book caters to such a wide audience and should not (cannot) be isolated into a single category or genre.

As such, I found the religious dialog particularly poignant. Hannah and Baker grapple with feelings for one another that challenge the moral teachings of their Catholic school. This turmoil eventually causes a major rift between their close knit group of friends and an upheaval of ingrained religious dogma. It was moving to witness the way these characters traverse through self-realization and acceptance through both their faith and friendships. Towards the end, their discussions with a teacher (and Hannahs private pleads with God) emphasize the major tenet of Christianity: [unconditional] love. The storyline goes much deeper than simply stating its okay to feel that way. It directly affirms the contention that this is how were supposed to act. This is what it truly means to love and be loved. The author captures this fundamental truth (which is often over-shadowed by denominational talking-points) in a manner that can arguably be described as Mozart-esque.

The story does not purely focus on Hannah and Bakers relationship. Their small group of friends each have unique and well-developed personalities. Each relationship comes with its own history and idiosyncrasies. It was a pleasure getting to know each character and understand their bonds and how they navigated the close-quarters of high school (with all the timeless social circles present). The greater passage of time is skillfully crafted giving the reader ample awareness of emotion and circumstance without becoming bogged down in nuance.

A true hallmark of any novel is truly immersing the reader into its world giving you a visceral reaction along with the characters struggle. This book truly succeeds and will capture your mind, body, heart, and soul.