Wednesday, February 20, 2008

From the Bookshelf: Multiple Reviews......

Apparently, tis the season for me to curl up with books (and do a little escaping.....). Here's a summary of the last three books I've read-

TITLE: What Lies Within
AUTHOR: Karen Ball
GENRE: Christian Fiction-Suspense
HERE'S MY THOUGHTS: This is the third book of the Family Honor Series. I read the 2nd book, but not the first - proving they can be read independently. Personally, this book didn't catch me as much as the second one did (Kaleidoscope Eyes), but it is kind of cool that it is set in Portland. I wasn't blown away by the romantic interactions, but it was satisfying.
INSIGHTS I'VE GAINED: I loved this quote - (each chapter had quotes from the Bible or important people) - "If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?" Stephen Levine

TITLE: Finding Marie
AUTHOR: Susan Page Davis
GENRE: Christian Fiction-Suspense
HERE'S MY THOUGHTS: This is the second book I've read from her - and kind of a sequel to Frasier Island. I really enjoyed both of them. Great character development and although the plotlines are quite far-fetched - I was very absorbed in the "escapism" elements.
INSIGHTS I'VE GAINED: Do not travel alone, do not trust anyone to be near your luggage in an airport, and always have your cell phone on you. On a more spiritual realm, trust God through all circumstances -

TITLE: Logic's End
AUTHOR: Keith A. Robinson
GENRE: Fiction Futuristic-Fantasy
HERE'S MY THOUGHTS: I do not think I would recommend this book to any of my "known blog readers" outside of my dad and Michele because of the very heavy sci-fi element to it. To give a basic plot line, a NASA astronaut woman is captured on what was expected to be an uninhabited planet and finds herself in race for survival among the most bizarre and violent alien creatures (think the bar-scene of the original Star Wars)......
INSIGHTS I'VE GAINED: Oh wow!!! I so did not expect to come away from this book with the insights I now have. I didn't know when I dived into this book that it was essentially written to de-prove (what is the word I'm looking for?) evolution. Through this woman's experiences and observations of these aliens that supposedly "evolved" she comes to some dramatic conclusions about why human beings do not fit any of the arguments that are made for evolution. For instance: why don't we have tails? Why are we not asexual? Why do we have compassion, hope, or any sort of responsibility for future generations? Why do we feel compelled to cover ourselves? Why do we have an appreciation for beauty or artistry? There is a lot more I could discuss, however, you could either read it yourself or find an apologetics book to come to your own conclusions (in fact, the end of the book gives a full afterword addressing his arguments as well as appendix of suggested informational materials). This book proves to me once again how much I love good fiction books with powerful messages - how I can walk away having learned so much - and enjoyed it every step of the way!

7 comments:

HollieHobbie said...

where do you find the time to read? Way cool!

Jodi said...

Is Finding Marie up for borrowing? I'm itching for a good mystery/fun read right now.

Anonymous said...

Hmm...Steph, you just may turn me into a sci-fi reader yet! That last one you reviewed sounds interesting.

StephieAnne said...

You bet Jodi - it's Michele's, but she won't mind - I'll keep it around my house. And, Heather, this is a heckuva sci-fi book to start with, but yes, the insight is very intriguing. And, Hollie - remember, I don't have my computer around most of the time these days.....

Stephietoo said...

All I have to say is, "BLACK IS THE BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!!!" I absolutely love it. I actually took it to the gym with me tonight and used the bike for a half hour so I could read it before I did my 'treadmill time'. I am about 3/4 of the way through it, and am a little sad that it will be over soon. Thanks, steph for letting me read it. Aren't there two other books that go along with BLACK?

StephieAnne said...

Yes, Steph - you'll be very happy to know that I have both RED and WHITE in my possession at my house that you can savor when you are done. I AM SO GLAD YOU LIKE IT!!!! However, Steph, those sequels aren't coming until you trade me the book you owe me...... =o) (and, impressive about all of the work-out time!!!!)

Stephietoo said...

The book I owe you is in my car. I meant to give it to you on Wednesday, but was in such a hurry to get Bogey dropped off and head off to Salem for my conference, that it just stayed in my car. I will get it to you though, especially since now I have incentive....... :o)