reviewed by Arlene Martin
This book is truly what it claims to be: A Novel of the Heart. Seven-year-old Annie needs a new heart, but the wait for one is painful and financially prohibitive. Reese becomes acquainted with her as she sits by her lemonade stand trying to raise money. The scar on her chest reveals her secret, but Reese's secret ability to help her stays hidden behind scars he carries from his past. Before it's all over, both realize the painful reasons why crickets cry.
I enjoyed reading this book because of the setting and the plethora of information about the human heart. Some might say that it is predictable. Still, the Christian perspective and faith of the characters are spiritually uplifting and gratifying. Hearts are healed in more ways than one.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Whole Prayer by Walter Wangerin, Jr.
reviewed by Arlene Martin
I loved this book! Given the opportunity to read whatever I like, this is not a book that I would have picked up. I like fiction or realistic fiction. But, as I was writing a little "plug" for the church bulletin, I began to page through this book and soon found that I could not put it down. I learned so much about prayer, not stuffy stuff, but exciting and new (to me) ideas for talking to and with God. The many stories told from the author's experiences graphically depict how prayer works and I must admit that it was the stories that hooked me. Moreover, I was reminded that there are really four parts to praying: you talk, God listens, God talks, you listen. Well, duh. I learned a little about myself, too. I learned that, of the four parts, I was in tune with three of them, pretty much. Can you guess what part eludes me? You, too, maybe.
Not a long book, but very good. I have reluctantly returned the book to the library shelf.
I loved this book! Given the opportunity to read whatever I like, this is not a book that I would have picked up. I like fiction or realistic fiction. But, as I was writing a little "plug" for the church bulletin, I began to page through this book and soon found that I could not put it down. I learned so much about prayer, not stuffy stuff, but exciting and new (to me) ideas for talking to and with God. The many stories told from the author's experiences graphically depict how prayer works and I must admit that it was the stories that hooked me. Moreover, I was reminded that there are really four parts to praying: you talk, God listens, God talks, you listen. Well, duh. I learned a little about myself, too. I learned that, of the four parts, I was in tune with three of them, pretty much. Can you guess what part eludes me? You, too, maybe.
Not a long book, but very good. I have reluctantly returned the book to the library shelf.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)