Showing posts with label Hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hope. Show all posts

Thursday, 1 April 2021

Count Our Blessings Book Review




Good morning Bookaholics. This may be April Fools' Day but I can assure you this book review is one hundred percent genuine. I bring you this book because I loved it on so many levels. 

I've been trying to step out of my comfort zone in terms of reading and as it is also Easter, I took the opportunity to read the latest book by Fiona Linday. The subtitle of the book is, Short stories of identity and hope and, given the current pandemic, I feel that we can all do with a healthy dollop of hope. I wasn't sure what I was expecting from the book to be honest but what I found was a book which intrigued and enticed, which made me think and ponder, which made me reach down inside myself and find a strength I didn't know I had. 


As is indicated from the subtitle, the book is a mixture of short stories and poems around different themes. Each is written from the heart and touches your mind, your heart and your soul. They are both simple and profound, both accessible and complex and each reading brings something new to the literary table. Linday, a gifted writer uses every word to good effect weaving a tapestry of hope for these troubled times. It is a Christian book which has God at the very heart of it. It draws you closer to him and allows the reader to see the hope which can only come from God. 

It reaches through the generations and I feel readers of all ages would be attracted to its message. Linday uses tales from her own life and I particularly liked the poem which she wrote as I child at school and which was subsequently published. It's simplicity drew me in and allowed me to see things with fresh eyes - something repeated throughout the book.

This is not a book to rush through but a book to read, ingest and think about. It is a book which can be read again and again, allowing the reader to relax in its words and to feel the warmth of its literary embrace and as the title says Count Our Blessings. It is perfect, not only for Easter but, for any time of the year and would make a thoughtful present. 

      


You can buy the book from your local Christian bookshop when open, or via the links above. 

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes. At no point was I asked to provide a positive review, it is based on my reading and enjoyment of the book. The links above are affiliate links and I will receive a few pence if you buy the book. 


Saturday, 15 February 2014

Slimy by Karen Arnpriester - An Honest Look at Bullying




I bring you a completely different book today on Bookaholic. Bullying is becoming a increasingly large problem in Western Society. Many children have to live with this day after day. Today's book takes an honest look at how this had an effect on one young girl.

Karen Arnpriester is a talented author of several books and loved by many people. What many people may not know about her is that she was severely and repeatedly bullied as a child. This book, the story of her schooldays and her bullying, is for children. It is written for those whoa re being bullied but also for the bullies to help them recognise the effect that this has on a child.

This is an emotional tale but at the same time is very powerful. It is definitely one worth reading. Karen has opened up her heart and her past to us as readers and this must have been extremely difficult for her to do. The impact that the bullying has had on her self esteem is evident. However, this is also a tale of overcoming and testimony to the person she is now.

Although this is a book for children, I as an adult found it compelling. There will be a an adult version coming out in the future. This sia book which all parents should buy for their children. There are discussion questions at the back of the book aimed at both the bullied and the bullies.

I was given this book in return for a fair and honest review. At no time was I pressured into writing a positive review and the rating I have given is based on my reading of and response to the book.

I will leave you there for today. This book is well worth buying and reading for everyone. If you have been affected by bullying then this book may help. 

I post this blog today with prayer for anyone who is affected by this post.