Carry On Warrior is more than a book -- it is a friend you won't want to leave.
592802
Every now and then I read a book that makes me feel as though I am sitting on the sofa in my living room having an intimate conversation with the author -- a conversation that I don't want to end. Carry On, Warrior is one of those books.

Glennon Doyle Melton's Thoughts on Life Unarmed have a rawness and authenticity that is rare and refreshing in this fast paced, achievement-oriented, crazy busy world we live in. As a mother myself, it was her essays on her blog Momastery that speak of motherhood which drew me in, particularly when she described motherhood as being "a sacred place, apart from the world, where a seeker can figure out what matters and catch glimpses of God. It's also like being pecked to death by merciless chickens". She pretty much had me sold after that because I realized that she understood me. She understood that while I love being a mother and wouldn't change my role for anything, it is one that I can't exactly embrace 24/7, as she talks about in the essay Don't Carpe Diem.

Aside from motherhood, Glennon reflects on many challenges and issues we face today -- religion, family, homosexuality, bullying, forgiveness, love, and finding peace in our daily lives, even if on some days that peace comes and goes in the same breath. She speaks of life as being part beautiful and part brutal -- or "brutiful". She describes her struggles with bulimia, alcoholism and the emptiness that drove her to numb her life for so many years. What is remarkable about each essay is that they are written not from a place of knowing, but simply from a place of being. Never does Glennon assume she has the answers, and in fact, shies away from giving advice. Instead she reflects on her internal barometer, and how, when guided by love, she -- and we -- can do hard things.

When we picture an old wise man, we see someone sitting peacefully on top of a mountain holding all of life's answers in the palm of his hand -- answers that have come to him through years of contemplation and meditation. But Glennon offers another kind of wisdom, one that comes from living and learning and listening to herself and to others. Sometimes I find it amazing that such wisdom can come from someone so young. But when you realize how she has opened herself up, bringing her insides out for all to see while also looking inside each person she meets with the wide-eyed curiosity and openness of a child, you begin to understand her wisdom.

If you've been a fan of Momastery, you will recognize some of the essays in Carry On Warrior, but re-reading them, folded among pages of new stories and thoughts, you will dog ear pages, highlight phrases, underline words and read again and again the messages that speak to you.
1065479
I did not suspect that this novel would be as absorbing as a novel set in World War II Budapest might be.  But, in fact, it is more interesting because it reminds us that history has a way of repeating itself, that prejudice is always ready to raise its inane evil self, and that there are people in the world who put their lives on the line to protect human dignity every day. Even now.

The main character, Morgan, is one of those characters that stick with you. She does not fit the cliche'd role of a woman spy, or a woman secret agent, or any of those overused character devices.  Instead, she is a woman who makes her own choices, decides what battles are hers to fight, and-the best part of the novel-she knows how to fight them.

At the same time that this is a page-turner that makes it an "action novel," while still being one that develops each character, it is also a story about how a woman acts with bravery and is willing to defend what is best about life.

I do not want to ruin the story, so I will not say more about the plot, I will just say that this book fulfills what we ask of a novel: tell me a story so I can enter a different world from my own, but so I will come back seeing my own world with more insight than I had before.

A winner.
4337488
What a treat! "Changing Shoes" is a big, warm, hug of a book. It really spoke to me on so many levels...to be fearless, to never stop learning, to be genuinely interested in other people, and to be graceful in accepting the gifts of aging even as there are other things we may lose along the way. To be honest, my biggest fear as I've gotten older has always been to be irrelevant...especially when there are so many ways to do something that matters. Tina, whom I had the priviledge of meeting recently, has written a blueprint for how NOT to do go that route. I thank her for introducing me, via the pages of her book, to an array of such interesting, viable, capable women, who still crave experience and growth at an age when others sit around waiting for the phone to ring. I even thank her for sharing that she goes to movies and dinner alone sometimes. It's making me thoughtful about why I don't do it myself.

As Mom to three grown children, I know hard it must have been for Tina to support her only son Renny's decision to join the military. His deployments included Middle East trouble spots, and Tina watched on TV in horror as the American Embassy in Beirut - where Renny was stationed - was bombed. (He was OK, thank God, but Tina's agony over the unknown led to a life-changing decision on her part -worth reading the book for that alone). During a quiet moment with his Mom, challenged to put into words why he chose to go to such dangerous places to lead others, Renny looked into Tina's face and said "Mom, you were always 'out in front' for me." I tried to read it aloud to a friend but choked on the words. I knew how much Tina had invested in this boy becoming such a wonderful man.

My point in telling this is to convey the depth of chracater and perspective this woman has achieved. She may have been born gorgeous, run a bunch of marathons and climbed Mt. Kilamanjaro (in pink hiking boots, no less), and, some would say, has lived a charmed life. But Tina's True North is in being fearless about conquering new challenges, and in giving to others - her son, her friends, and notably her aging parents, to whom she devoted 5 years of her life during their most needy, challenging times. It almost made her crazy. I couldn't do what she did, and don't know anyone else who could, either. (Read about it and ask yourself if you're an exception).

Tina's indomitable spirit, kindness, humor, humility and wisdom truly make her a "star".  Reading the book will make any woman feel she knows Tina, and many of you will wish you could be more like her...right down to the bright yellow Saucony running shoes.
3255399
Ive had this book on my bookshelf for five years. In that time, Ive moved several times and as I began packing, Id remove it from my book shelf to donate it, I always put it back. Ive finally read it, and am thankful that I didn't give the book away. This is a gem of book - well written with a cast of characters that the reader will love.

The narrator, Juliet Ashton, is a 32-year-old writer, and survivor of WWII London. She is searching for the subject of her next book when she receives a letter from a stranger who lives on Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands occupied by the Germans for three years. He read one of her books and tells her that some of the residents of Guernsey are starved for new reading material and could Juliet help him find a book on Charles Lamb. Thus begins Juliets journey.

The entire book is told through a series of letters to and from Juliet. She corresponds with her publisher, her best friend, and several residents in Guernsey. The letters are witty, poignant, and informative.

This is one of those books that you carry with you so you can read it every chance you get. Youll probably stay up way too late reading about Juliet and the members of the  Guernsey Literary Society.
1850228
Review by Krystal A. Sital

A great book is one that not only stays with you long after you've finished it, but for the rest of your life. As an avid reader, I've found only a handful of these. Amanda Adams's "Heart Warriors" is a new addition. She has re-created her world for readers, followers, family, and friends. Adams has taken us beyond an unforgettable narrative--she has educated.

"Heart Warriors" is nonfiction, one written with heartbreaking honesty and an enormous amount of research. This book is not an easy read, nor should it be. At the beginning, we are immediately flung into the midst of her son's--Liam's--life in the hospital. Here we discover their family--Amanda, her husband Jim, and their children Liam and Moira. Adams draws you deeper than many authors I've read while simultaneously holding you at bay. We can sympathize with her. Families who have a member or who had a member with CHD, can cross barriers others cannot. But every step of the way, with the reminder of Liam's unique heart, their family remains apart, yet accessible, to anyone who chooses to read this book.

How many of us know that CHD stands for "congenital heart disease"? Or that one out of 100 babies are born with it? Or that it is the most lethal disease children face? Can you believe "Over eighty million CHD hearts beat on this planet." These are only a sliver of the things you learn on this journey. I commend Adams on walking the tightrope of heavy research mingled with the art of storytelling and being able to make it to the other side.

Amanda Adams serves as narrator, advocate, mother, wife, daughter, aunt, sister in-law, and so many other roles through the most trying time of her life. I walk away from this book knowing I will never forget Amanda, Liam, Jim, and Moira.

And never would I want to.
1540224
Get ready to be swept up in families from both sides of the Atlantic.  An assignment in school to write a pen pal in another country in 1938, leads to both pen pals learning to see others in humour, tears and open honesty with each other and their families.  The growth of the kids in the family is well done as they must deal with harsh realities and war comes.  For one there is no choice as war is in the Netherlands and the other makes the choice to drop out of school and join the Air Force.  They lose touch as the mail is shutdown in Europe so they have no idea how each are affected by war. I read this straight through the weekend as I became so engrossed the lives of these characters.  So many surprises and twists in here you can't put it down.  The fears of flying in war is well contrasted with being in the resistance on the ground.
2852037
Every now and then I will catch myself intentionally reading slowly in an effort to make a book last longer.  I have found this with authors such at Patti Smith, Neil Gaiman, and now Tyler Dunning.  The right story at the right time is not about entertainment or education, but companionship.  I carry the book with me even when I don't read it.  When a story touches your heart like a friend you never really put it down.  Yes, I'd recommend you read this book.
502688
I would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank you" to Andrea Boeshaar and her publisher for sending me a copy of "An Unwilling Warrior" to review for them. I have always been grateful for this generosity, and I am trying to improve at being consistent in taking the time to thank these wonderfully giving individuals in a public forum. I really appreciate your time, effort and expense in making a reviewer copy available to me.

I have only just begun to read this novel, and my heart and imagination are already captured by the time and place and characters.  Valerie Fontaine has returned to New Orleans from her studies in Virginia after the death of her mother makes her long for home.  The war between the states is well underway, and it is too dangerous for her to return east, so she remains in Louisiana and in the company of a guest of her father, Benjamin McCabe.  He is a war photographer who has become separated from his brother, a preacher, during the battle of Bull Run.

Benjamin must find his brother and protect Valerie, and their future together, in the face of war in this vividly created world that I constantly have to remind myself is fictional.  Andrea Boeshaar has done a brilliant job of painting this war-torn southern landscape in "An Unwilling Warrior".  I am having a difficult time putting this book down to get some sleep.  I highly recommend that you read this book over a weekend when you might be able to sacrifice some shut-eye.
2553242
Do you ever find that you don't want to finish reading a book? Thats how I was with this one. Not because I didn't want to read it, and not because I didn't want to know how everything was going to play out.. but because I simply didn't want my time with my friend Grace to be over. And thats exactly how I see the heroine of this truly beautiful book.. as my friend.

Not By Sight is the tale of Grace Mabry, a young woman with high ideals and even higher ambitions. She has her sights set on gaining the vote for women, as well as on doing everything she can to aid in World War 1 so that her brother can come home. She is a fiery spirit who goes to great lengths showing her loyalty as a friend.

It is also Jack Benninghams story. Jack, who is quite the dashing, handsome, ladies man with a reputation.. but also Jack, to whom there is so much more than meets the eye.

This historical novel is so very aptly named. Throughout its pages, both Grace and Jack learn, on several different levels, what it really means to live and walk by faith.. and Not By Sight. From chasing potential spies to helping friends make a new start in life, from learning who to trust (and how to trust them) to navigating the complex nature of love, the fact that all is not always as it seems becomes increasingly obvious to them. Even when we think we know the right path, its important to keep at the forefront of our minds that its what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going (2 Corinthians 5:7, The Message).

Trusting God even when we cant see how things could possibly work out.. this is what this book is all about. Whether it is through compensating for physical blindness or more on a spiritual level, the stars of this sweet story are confronted with learning to walk by faith at every turn and pothole in the road.

I highly recommend this Beauty and the Beast tale that Kate has woven. Personally, I think Id classify it as a chicken salad sandwich type book. How did I come to this conclusion, you ask? This is something Ive been considering since early on in my reading, and I decided on a chicken salad sandwich because it has substance.. this book has much meat to it, but also sweetness. I like craisins and apples in my chicken salad, so the combination of substantial meat to fill me up while at the same time getting the sweet flavor and variety of chewy versus crispy with the apples, craisins, and maybe a few nuts.. well, it seemed like the perfect comparison.
4333542
I enjoyed this book thoroughly because it not only allows me to follow the life of a man who carries a burden in his heart, but it also opens my eyes to another culture and another world.

The Kite Runner is about a coming-of-age boy who does not know much yet about the right and wrong, a boy who is not yet courageous enough to defend his best friend, Hassan.  And yet, his best friend, the same age as he is mature and wise beyond his years.  I was moved to tears while reading this book because this story is about an unconditional love that a servant has for his master and his best friend.  Despite his mistakes and flaws, Amir grows up compassionate for others.

I especially enjoyed the relationship that Amir had with his father.  It was moving to see their relationship; Baba's stilted love, and Amir's expressive needs to receive his father's approval.  They depended on one another for survival in which Amir grows to be the man that he becomes.

The Kite Runner carries somewhat of a melancholy tone, which leaves the reader somewhat lonely and sad after completing the book.  But it definitely is a book worth buying.
3303197
I read this book, and liked it so much, I gave it away.  That's what usually happens when I really, really like a book.  I'm stingy with recommendations, but when I like a book, it's gone.  That's why my bookshelf is always filled with mediocre volumes I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

So I have now purchased two copies of this book, finding myself wanting to read it again six months after reading it the first time.

Don Kern is a regular guy pursuing amazing adventures.  He had a "bucket list" before that term was coined (and overused).  He talks about it being a living, breathing thing that grows and pulls you in different directions.

This book is part adventure, part motivational.  The author has an "aw-shucks" way of relating his outlandish experiences that makes you feel like this could happen to anybody - but he reminds the reader that you must put yourself out there in order to have stuff like this happen to you.

The last line of each chapter grabs you and hoists you into the next one.

He describes falling in love with running in a way that runners certainly will identify with.  He's so approachable about it that even if you've never run a 5K you feel like you probably could run a marathon.

There's also some wry one-liners in there that will slide right past you if you're not paying attention.

He has a great attitude about the pitfalls of world travel and things you can't control, in general.  "It's all part of the adventure."

The narrative of pursuing a world record is gripping.  The most important thing you'll get from this book is that "ordinary people can do amazing things."  Whether you're looking to be entertained or searching for the courage to pursue a wild dream, you've found it here.
1096526
I watched John Laurence on television years ago and I was always drawn to his war reporting. It was among the very best of all the media. When I saw his book I wondered if it would be as excclent, because usually TV people can't crossover. Well, it is better than that. It is not just a good memoir, not just a good war book, not just a good media book, not just a good literary book -- it is all those things: it is a GOOD BOOK. Easily one of the best books this year ... if not the best, and I hope it will win a lot of awards. I liked it because it's well written, honest, vibrant, and he includes the reader in everything that happens. The people are memorable. The events are chilling. Someone should make a movie out of his chapters on Frankie's House, and he has a great dream sequence that is touchjigly romantic. So, yes, he hits all the bases: war, sex and a cat.
I hope he's already writing another book, and then another, and then another.
2568923
The title alone should give you a hint that this is no ordinary 'self-help' book. It's filled with humor, compassion, and sincerity, which is fitting from an author like Tony Magee. Reading it is like chatting with an old friend. I laughed out loud at the stories he used to illustrate his points. I can relate to many of his experiences and therefore, I'll remember the lesson I learned from each. This book belongs in the library of anyone who wants to give their life a boost...no matter where you are in the journey to achieving your dream.
706430
If I could have given this 6 stars I would have. I am generally not drawn to historical or war novels, but this one just felt different from the description and the previous reviews. They were right - this book is very moving, taking you both high and low, even more impressive because it is a true story. I don't want too give to much away (I hate to read reviews which do that) so I will just say, whatever your "normal" book type is, read this book. You will be swept away by the story and learn a few things (or perhaps a lot) in the process.
834700
I have come back to this book over and over and have recommended and gifted it to several friends, as well as my Book Club.  I was in my fifties when I first read it.  Carolyn Heilbrun was for me a true "unmet friend" -- someone who gives you courage because she has gone before you.  In this  case, gone before into her sixties, her retirement.  Carolyn Heilbrun gave me several little but meaningful freedoms.  She wrote about her dog Bianca.  So many of her acquaintances urged her not to get a dog as it would be a burden and would prevent her from traveling.  But Heilbrun wrote that she really had no interest in traveling; what she wanted was the companionship of this lovely animal.  I will always be grateful to her for sharing that particular truth about herself because it gave me the courage to acknowledge the same truth about myself, and to be OK with it (while just about every friend I have has gone to Italy at least once in the  past few years).  I was also cheered by reading Heilbrun's account of her wardrobe decisions:  she decided to no longer wear heels or any clothing that wasn't comfortable, and settled mostly into pants and tunics.

I was saddened when I heard of her suicide but not completely surprised.  She was so pragmatic and wedded to the truth of things.  She saw that the years ahead would not be as pleasurable and that she would not produce any more really important work.  I think I remember that she left a note saying "My work is done.  Love to all."

If I had to leave my library behind and take with me only ten books this would absolutely be one of them.
3288129
Rory Fanning didn't set out to be a hero. He became a Ranger because he wanted to help prevent another 9/11. Along the way he realized that his duty to his country and to humanity was more sacred than his duty to the Army. "Worth Fighting For" is the story of several journeys. It's about the journey Rory took by foot across the United States to raise funds for the Pat Tillman foundation. It's about his journey from warrior to conscientious objector and peace activist. It's about a journey we're all still on, toward a more just and peaceful world. This book gives me hope.
3724997
WHO? ME? is a small book with a big heart.  Courage, candidness and good humor make this a comfortable, friendly reading experience.  While many books approach cancer with a stoic and almost detached cheerful optimism, this one dares to cry and is not ashamed about it.  And you are invited to cry along with her.  It's okay, you're a friend here.  You get to smile and laugh a lot, too.  There is a happy ending.

This is not only an important book for women.  Men will benefit immensely; the insight is valuable.  It lets you in, confides in a way your wife or friend would like to, if only she could.  Anyone who knows someone living with cancer will gain wisdom and be a great help and support.