Nonfiction

Book Review: Radical Survivor

Author
Saltzman, Nancy
Rating
4 stars = Really Good
Review

This was an interesting book. I liked that it takes place in Colorado Springs. Nancy Saltzman is a very resilient woman. I'm not sure I would have the kind of strength she had if the unthinkable ever happened to me. I guess I was expecting more of a direct 'how to' on grief and loss, but instead the book was more of a teach by example. That's not a bad thing, just not what I was expecting.

Local Author?
Yes
Reviewer's Name
vfranklyn

Book Review: The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception

Author
MacArthur, John
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception by John MacArthur is a must-read for Christians concerned with truth. In a politically correct world, “truth” tends to be described as relative to each person. Whether a person believes that gravity is “true” or not, the apple WILL fall from the tree. With the same certainty, MacArthur states that the Bible is God’s unambiguous truth - whether one believes that or not.

His introduction is titled “Why the Truth is Worth Fighting For.” The following eight chapters describe aspects of what is happening in our world today, especially with regards to Postmodernism, the Emergent Church Movement, and False Teachers.

I found John MacArthur’s book refreshingly honest, courageous, and like a drink of cool water. The book reminded me that Christianity is all about truth, not personal opinion. After reading this book, I am resolved that truth will always be important, and worthy to defend.

Reviewer's Name
Gwenda

Book Review: Let's Pretend This Never Happened

Author
Lawson, Jenny
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

This book was hilarious. It's the book I wish I was clever enough to write. At one point I was laughing so hard I was crying. It might very well be the funniest book I've ever read. I highly highly highly recommend this book! Oh, and it's sweet and sad, too. But mostly funny. Did I mention it was funny?

Reviewer's Name
vfranklyn

Book Review: Sh*t My Dad Says

Author
Halpern, Justin
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

Not for the easily offended, this book is a real gem of modern comedy. It is episodic, which allows easy reading in the few minutes you have while waiting in line someplace, or any time you need a good chuckle. It is obvious that the author's father cares about him and his happiness, but he definitely shows it through heavy doses of "tough love" that will have you laughing out loud as you read. Seriously, don't read this anywhere you need to stay quiet!

Reviewer's Name
Adam C.
Genres

Book Review: The Lucky Ones: My Passionate Fight for Farm Animals

Author
Brown, Jenny
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

This book is amazing. If you're an animal lover of any sort, you will love this book. The author tells beautiful stories of the animals that have come to her animal sanctuary that were rescued from terrible situations. The stories dive deep in to the emotional world of farm animals that most people are unable to experience or associate with. Animals truly are a gift to this world and they have so many lessons to teach us, if we would all just slow down and listen :)

Reviewer's Name
Laura K.
Genres

Book Review: Hello World!: Computer Programming For Kids and Other Beginners

Author
Sande, Warren
Rating
4 stars = Really Good
Review

This book was great for kids who want to learn the programming basics. I was cool to make something and very rewarding! If you are interested in computer books, this is for you!

Reviewer's Name
K.A.
Genres

Book Review: The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth

Author
Robbins, Alexandra
Rating
3 stars = Pretty Good
Review

This book was interesting but took too long to wade through. I read as much of it as I could but it seemed to be repeating itself. Meh. It did make me afraid for my daughter when she eventually goes to school and has to deal with the politics and drama of girl culture. I also didn't think the portion of the book about teacher cliques was necessary, when the title implies a book about students.

Reviewer's Name
vfranklyn
Genres

Book Review: Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness

Author
Cahalan, Susannah
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

I started out giving this book 4 stars - it is a fascinating inside look at this author's hospitalization for a rare autoimmune disorder which caused her complete memory loss of the time she was ill and could have eventually led to her death had her doctor given up on her.

The more I think about this book, however, the more I liked it - I've found myself talking about it with friends and family over the past few days and marveling at this author's tenacity on recreating her "month of madness" through interviews and tapes. I feel this is a wonderful and well-written book, not only of one woman's experiences with an illness that displayed itself so quickly and violently, but a fascinating look into our brains and how they work (or don't work).

Reviewer's Name
Krista