The Dark Night of the Shed by Nick Page

Bookaholics, I bring you a different, but well worth reading, Christian book today.

This is essentially a book for men, but as a woman I enjoyed it immensely. It is an engrossing book which, surprisingly for non-fiction, had me wanting to read just one more chapter. I read the book quickly through once, but I intend to return to it and savor it more deeply. The book uses a shed as a metaphor for our life. This is not something which would immediately spring to mind as a perfect pairing. Yet Page makes it work. The book starts by outlining a myriad of fascinating facts about sheds. And I do mean fascinating. It also talks about famous writers, or artists, who used sheds. In many of the cases I had no idea.

Once the scene is set, Nick moves onto the more serious purpose of the book. He talks about depression and the many reasons why men may have a mid life crisis. This is linked to low self esteem and the ways in which men try to overcome this. However, none of these bring true happiness or deal with the root cause of why they feel this way. He talks about the old Gods and what their modern equivalent would be. Men use these to prop up flagging self esteem, rather than turning to the one true God.

The book is packed full of wisdom and biblical insight. This could have been a dry treatise but Page has avoided this. The book is not only helpful and biblically sound, but also funny and interesting. The author has a quick wit and this has been used to good effect. There are laugh out loud moments and yet the book is sound, both in a psychological and a spiritual sense.

Each chapter of the book is based around the rebuilding of the shed in Page's garden. This may seem a strange way to structure a book, but it is beautifully executed and it works. At the conclusion of the book there are seven exercises. These are designed to move you forward spiritually and psychologically. This is not a psychology book but is written to help men once more find purpose in their life. As such I would say it works.

Overall this is an excellent book. As I say it is primarily aimed at men, but there is much in its pages which is useful for women. I would not hesitate to highly recommend this.

I was given an advanced review copy of this book, by the publisher, for review purposes. At no point was I asked to provide a favorable review. My rating and review are based on my reading, and enjoyment, of the book.





See you all back here soon my bookaholic friends. Until then, keep reading.

Interview with Phillip S. Davies - Children's Writer

Today we welcome Philip S. Davies to bookaholics. Welcome Phillip, thank you for joining us. It is a real pleasure to have you here with us today.

I am sure the readers would love to hear a bit about you. Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a Brummie lad, and still support Birmingham City Football Club, but have lived in far too many places around the UK since then. I’m the youngest of five siblings, but only twenty minutes younger than my identical twin brother. And yes, we’ve played twin tricks on our family and friends. I’ve been happily married to Ann for twenty years, and we have two children, Mark (12) and Rachel (9).

You came to writing via a bit of a different route. What gave you the impetus to change careers to become a writer?

Between 1997 and 2012 I was a Vicar in the Church of England, and noticed the absence of young people from most churches. So what were they doing, these older children, teenagers and young adults? They were at school, on social media, watching films and television, and (some of them) reading books. I began to read some of the grim, dark and tragic stories being published in teenage fiction today, and saw the dividing lines from adult fiction being blurred in terms of violence, sex and bad language. I could sit and complain about this, or I could do something about it, by writing more wholesome, uplifting stories of my own. So I began to write.

Is there a particular place, which is important in your book? If so can you tell us something about it?

One key scene takes place in a desert canyon. I wrote it with a particular place in mind: Sabino Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, Arizona. Since my first visit there in 1985, I’ve been back several times, so it’s a clear and vivid location for me.

Are you able to tell us a bit about your first book without giving too much away?

Destiny’s Rebel is a teenage fantasy adventure set in an imaginary medieval world, with castles and kingdoms, swords and sailing ships.

Kat is ten days away from turning eighteen and becoming Queen. And she’s dreading it. She runs away from her responsibilities, only to get captured. When she discovers a threat to her Kingdom, can she return home in time to save her people? And does she even want to, if it means accepting her destiny?

Where did you get the inspiration for the book?

The first idea came in January 2006, when I woke up one morning having had a vivid dream. I could remember it: the main characters, the situation and the world. I made a few notes, and I’m very glad I did, because it was three years later that I started to write it. The main story has remained the same ever since.

When you are not writing what types of books do you read? What would you say was the best book you have ever read?

The advice to novice writers is to start with what you know and love, so it’s no surprise that I love teenage and young adult fantasy. I grew up on Tolkien, so my best ever book would have to be The Lord of the Rings, but I enjoyed also the science fiction of Isaac Asimov and Arthur C Clarke. I try to read across the wide spectrum of current teen fiction, and I’d say the best of these are Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games and John Green’s The Fault in our Stars – both deserved bestsellers.

Who would you say was your favourite character in any book you have read?

If I’m allowed to choose two, Gandalf and Frodo! Gandalf is a wizard of immense wisdom and power, but hides it under a shabby and sometimes playful exterior. Frodo is an ordinary hobbit, thrust into the most extraordinary circumstances and responsibility, and finds within himself the courage and resilience to see his task through. Mind you, I also love those characters with uncertain loyalty, such as Smeagol/Gollum and Severus Snape...

Now we are getting personal. What is your favourite food?

Lemon cheesecake flavoured ice cream.

If you could travel to any three countries in the world where would you go?

America, Australia and Canada.

Why these countries?

They’re all English-speaking! Although I speak French, I’m not confident at it. I also love the wide open spaces. Instead of crowds and cities, I prefer the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, beaches, rainforests, deserts, mountain ranges, lakes, and so on. I love the cultivated greenery of the English countryside, but when I go on holiday I want something different.

If you ever have a day off from writing exciting books what do you like to do in your spare time?

Spare time means family. We go to coffee shops for morning coffee and afternoon tea, and mooch around the second-hand bookshops.

I know you are a Christian. What role does faith play in your book?

My novels are not explicitly Christian, but they do have a spiritual worldview. I enjoy placing moral dilemmas before my characters: what to do with our lives, our priorities, the place of duty, loyalty, friendship, selflessness, ambition, service and so on.

My fantasy world doesn’t have dragons, elves or goblins, so it’s a human story, but there are gods. My characters wrestle with issues of faith, guidance, healing, prayer, power, purpose, and so on. I’m intrigued by destiny, fate or the divine will in my stories, and how much we can choose for ourselves about our lives.

Now that we are all excited about your debut novel, when will it be available to buy?

I’ve finished the final revisions for my publisher, Books to Treasure, and the manuscript is now with the proof-reader and the cover design artist. The book is due to go to the printers in June, for Advance Review Copies to go out in July, and for the release and launch in September 2015.

Thank you Philip. I, and everyone at Bookaholics wish you all the very best with your book. Perhaps you would join us again when your book is published.

See you all back here soon my Bookaholic friends. Until then keep reading. 

Interview with YA Author Annie Try

Today on Bookaholic I am delighted to welcome YA writer Annie Try. Thank you for joining us Annie. I know you have a hectic schedule so I am delighted that you have taken time out to spend some time with us today. Now that you are in the hot seat I have some questions to ask.

I am sure the readers would love to hear about you. Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

Where do I start? I am married to Ken, have five children and many wonderful grandchildren. I live in a large old house in rural Norfolk, which is rather shabbier than shabby chic. I have a rich spiritual life, being on the leadership team for a community church. I work from home, not only writing but also as a clinical psychologist, my main clients being children and young people. Once we had a wonderful peacock called Tarquin strolling around our untidy garden, but alas he left one spring to find love and did not return. We still have my parents’ geriatric bossy cat and our Old English Sheepdog, Maisie, who thinks she’s still a puppy.

I have been writing psychological articles and books (as Angela Hobday) for many years, but only recently turned to fiction.

Your book is about two young adults and how they cope with tragedy. Is the book simply aimed at the YA market or could it be enjoyed by other age groups?

I was inspired to write Losing Face, after attending a seminar on working with children and young adults of unusual appearance. There was very little YA fiction on display – only Benjamin Zephaniah’s book which is about a boy who is hurt in a fire. By the time I arrived home I had the plot all worked out for a girl who has to cope with life after an accident that changes her appearance. When it came to being published, the novel was accepted as general fiction. I’m delighted that adults seem to enjoy it enough to buy it for teens they know.

Characterisation is a strong part of your novel. How do you go about developing the novels?

With Losing Face, I started with the characters and an outline story. I drew huge mind maps working out each main characters likes, dislikes, attitudes, etc. Much of this I didn’t use, but it built the foundation for creating realistic people who almost took the story along on their own. They became so alive for me, that I would say “I must go to see to my girls,” when writing or editing.

As well as characters, many books also give a sense of place. Is place an important part of your book? If so, could you give us a taste of the place in which you are writing. If not what led you to omit this aspect of the story?

Losing Face is set in Ely, but I have been careful to not to highlight the place and only focus on the parts of the City which are important to the story. This keeps the emphasis on the central issues in the book. I worked out a fictional street plan for the girls to reach each other’s houses and the centre of Ely. When the action moves to Cambridge, real shop names are used along with an imagined dress shop similar to one I once visited.

Your book deals very heavily with emotions and friendship. How difficult was it to write about this?

Therapy is all about emotions, so I felt I had a wealth of information to use from working with this age group. The trickiest part was to keep the feelings of the main two characters separate, so that each girl experienced and responded to what was happening in a unique way.

When you are not writing what types of books do you read? What would you say was the best book you have ever read?

I read anything in my search for beautifully constructed sentences, exceptional description or an extraordinary tale. I have just started The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide, I learned a huge amount from F.Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and enjoy YA fiction writers such as Mark Haddon, Louis Sachar and Stephen May. The ‘best book’ contest has joint winners; The Time Traveler’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger) and The Book Thief (Markus Zusak).

Have you got any more books planned? If so could you give Bookaholic readers a taste of these?

Yes I have three nearing completion:

Dancing in the Dark is the sequel to Losing Face, covering Em’s search to find out about her father. What she discovers has huge implications for her own life.

Out of Silence follows psychologist Mike as he struggles with his own issues whilst working to help an elective mute disclose his traumatic past.

Trying to Fly contains both a mystery and psychology as a recovering agoraphobic endeavours to find the truth about an incident in her childhood, when she witnessed a man die.

I plan a third Cass and Em novel and probably a series of novels about interesting people with extraordinary stories who just happen to see a psychologist named Mike.

Now we are getting personal. What is your favourite food?

That’s easy. My daughter-in-law’s home-made icecream. Rich, creamy and utterly scrummy.

If you ever have a day off from writing books what do you like to do in your spare time?
Dancing, theraping, praying, keeping in touch with family and friends, church activities, playing the cello, encouraging writing groups, planning a holiday (Italy probably). May I have a few more days off than one, please?

I know you are a Christian. What part does this play in your writing? Is your book specifically Christian or aimed at a crossover market?

I would say there is a light Christian thread that runs through the books just because of my faith. I am incredibly aware of the spiritual dimension in people’s lives. That affects my character portrayals although not in an obvious way. I have had Losing Face positively reviewed by non-Christians, so it appears to have met my aim of being accessible to all my readers.

Wow, you really are a busy lady with all those books planned. My mouth is now drooling at the thought of that Ice Cream. I hope you enjoy that holiday to Italy if you ever manage to get some time off. Thank you once again for joining us today and answering the Bookaholic readers questions.

You can buy the book via the following links. Please note Bookaholic will receive a small affiliate payment if you buy the book through these links

      

You can find out more about Annie and her writing in the following links

Website

Blog

Twitter

That's it for another Bookaholic day. I will see you all back here very soon. Until we meet again, keep reading. 

Guest Post: Review of YA book What If?

Today I welcome very special guest to Bookaholic. 13 Year old Zoe has agreed to review a superb new Young Adult book for us. I am sure all Bookaholics will join me in extending her a very warm welcome.

Hi! I’m Zoe and I’m 13 years old. I am reviewing What If? by Caroline Johnston.

What If? is a really interesting and worthwhile read for any teenager who has been thinking about God. Caroline Johnston presents an interesting view point about what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

The story is about 14 year old Rachel Anderson, a shy girl who has gone to church her whole life. She faces a lot of interesting challenges and opportunities, including auditioning for the school play, and imagining that Jesus is one of her friends at school.

I really like this book as I find a lot of teenage fiction is dark and heavily layered with deep traumatic issues. Although this book has some big questions in it, it is basically positive, and it has a nice storyline.

Rachel is a character who I found easy to relate to and understand. She is not a generic teen fiction heroine either. Unlike most of the main girls in recent YA book, she is not ridiculously brave, nor totally quiet and shy. She is not a two dimensional character, but neither is she impossibly deep as some heroines are. She has some friends, but isn’t the most popular kid in school. I think most girls my age will be able to relate to her, and like her. It is easy to believe that Rachel lives in your town, or goes to your school. The author has really nailed exactly what it means to be a teenage girl.

I would recommend What If? to girls (and boys who don’t mind reading about girls) aged 11 – 15. It is not hard to read, or too long, but it is thought provoking, and stays with you a long time. This book is a very good specimen of Christian YA fiction.

Thank you Zoe for an excellent review. Zoe, as well as being a reviewer, is also a writer in her own right. I am sure we will be sharing a lot of Zoe in the future.

What if? is a book which is well worth buying for all young women. It will make them think about what they are doing and the way their faith plays out. If you would like to buy the book it is available from Amazon in paperback in UK. This would make a fabulous present for any Christian teenage girl.

Also available as an ebook from EatACD

That brings us to the end of another Bookaholic blog. I look forward to seeing you all back here soon. Until then keep reading.

Scottish Fellowship of Christian Writers Conference

We are off to a conference on Bookaholic today. Or rather I was privileged to be a speaker at The Scottish Fellowship of Christian Writers Conference last Saturday. This took place in the lovely Scottish City of Stirling. It was great to meet up with old friends and make new ones. The fabulous Caroline Johnston, seen below holding a copy of my Book 'Killer's Countdown' gave a really interesting talk on using Facebook. Caroline is a fascinating speaker, knowledgeable about marketing, and herself has published a book, 'What if', a YA book for girls. This is available on Amazon if you want to know more. 

Sandra Bain gave a really interesting talk on research for writers. She took a unique approach as she told us what she did wrong during her research and how she would do things differently now. She had me hooked and I was sorry when her talk came to an end. 

I was asked to speak about blogging and I had so much fun doing this. I am assured that everyone else enjoyed the presentation as well. One of the best parts of the day was chatting to other Christian Writers and getting to know more about them and their books. There are so many excellent writers in Scotland and I feel privileged to be a part of them.

The reason my books are all over the pictures is that this was the first day they were for sale. A little premature as the official launch isn't until next week. The picture at the top of the blog is when I cracked open the first box of books which was a very exciting moment. When I was asked to sign the books it took me by surprise but it was such a good feeling. I love being a writer and an author and I am so looking forward to the launch.

That brings another bookaholic missive to an end. What do I have in store for you next time. Drop by and find out. Until then, keep reading. 

Peace by Jeff Nesbit

 

Good morning to all my Bookaholic friends. It's a dreich day here in Bonny Scotland. For all the non Scots speakers this means it is bucketing with rain. So perfect reading weather. Today I bring you an excellent Technothriller which I am sure you will enjoy.

I picked this book up as the price had been reduced in my local bookshop. If I had known how good it would be I would have picked it up at full price earlier. What a book. It is nail biting, on the edge of your seat stuff. Iran and North Korea have nuclear capabilities and are going to use it to obliterate Israel, and indeed half the world. However, before you think this is a book about war, it is so much more than that. This is a technothriller which demonstrates how technology can be used for both good and evil. It is also a book of characters, all of whom jump from the page. Good, or bad, they are perfectly drawn and are perfectly human.

This novel was written in 2011 but given the situation in the Middle East today, could almost be considered prophetic.

The one thing I will say about the book is that it does tend to jump between characters and situations in each chapter. This gave it a somewhat unsettling feel to start with. However, once you got used to this the storyline zipped along. All the, seemingly disparate, plots tied together beautifully at the end. There were a couple of characters I would have liked to have seen more of and have their story explained more fully. However, this is the first book in a series, so these may be picked up in later books. This is a Christian book but the Christian theme is very low key and does not detract from the main story. This is a book which would be enjoyed by anon regardless of their faith.

Overall an excellent book which I would highly recommend.

             

So there we have it for another day. If it's raining where you are make the most of it and grab a book to read. If the sun is splitting the rocks where you are go find a chair in the sun and grab a book to read. Whatever you are doing enjoy. See you next time.

The Bad Christian's Manifesto by Dave Tomlinson

Today's book is a completely different type of Christian book. 

Dave Tomlinson is a Church of England Vicar who opens the church doors to all those whom society may reject. The tagline says reinventing God and this is what and this is what Dave Tomlinson does, both in the pages of this book and in real life. Not a total reinvention per se, but reinventing the way we look at God.

It is obvious that Dave is a deep thinker and has a love for God's people that shines of the pages of this book. Some of the things he says in the book resonate with me and I am sure will resonate with many other readers. This is not an easy read in that it makes you think about the prejudices that you may hold. Many of these are deep seated and come from the view of the Church in which you grew up. Dave challenges us to let go of these prejudices and to enter into dialogue with the people of God. He asks us to get to know people better and to demonstrate God's love and compassion to them.

Do I believe that this book is necessary for the times in which we live. Yes.

Do I agree with every single word which is written. No. However, this is true of many other books Christian, or non Christian, which I read.

Do I think Christian's should read this book. A categorical Yes, with no qualifications.

I would recommend this book to all Christians. In today's society we all need to think about how we react to, and treat, people. It ill help you to think about the way you are demonstrating the love of God in the world today. 

Please note that the book is not available for purchase until 11 09 14. Following the link you will be able to preorder the book.

  

To my US readers I apologise there is no link. You can find the book by searching on Amazon US. 

That's it for another day on Bookaholic. See you all again soon with another great review. Until then grab yourself a new book and keep reading.

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review. I was not, at any time, asked to provide a positive review. The review is based on my reading of and enjoyment of the book. 

Book Review: Kidnapped by Dee Henderson

Today on the blog I bring you an excellent Christian Romantic Suspense book by highly talented author Dee Henderson.

I like Dee Henderson and have been meaning to read this one for some time. I eventually pulled it off the bookshelf and I am glad I did. There are many strengths in this book and one of these is the characters. I really liked the characters and they somehow seemed real to me. I cared about what happened to them and this is the sign of a good author. The plot moved along well and there were some excellent twists and turns which I never saw coming. The ending was good and the book built up to a real climax. As I say it is an easy read and one to curl up with and read when you have a day to spare.

One caveat. This book is a reprint of the fourth in the uncommon hero series. It has a new title and this is not made clear on the cover. People could buy this inadvertently and I feel that this is somewhat underhand of the publishers. This is not necessary, as people will buy the book if they have not read it previously. Other than this I would highly recommend.

           

So there we have it for another day on Bookaholic. See you all back here soosn with another review of a great book fro you to read.

Hidden in Christ by James Bryan Smith

Today on Bookaholics I bring you a devotional which is perfect for any time of year, but especially whilst we are still thinking about Easter.

I won a copy of this book in a competition and it is probably one of the best prizes I have ever won. The purpose of the book is to take an in depth look at Colossians 3 and to meditate on, and memorise, the words of this passage. A simple premise you may think, but the passage, and this book, is packed with power.

The book starts by asking you to read Colossians Chapter 3. It then moves on to cover a verse, or part of a verse, each day as a devotional. You are also asked to memorise the words of the passage for that day. This slows the passage down and really makes you think about the words. As you spend the day memorising the passage you will find yourself meditating on, and really absorbing the meaning of the words. Take just the first days devotional

"Since then you have been raised with Christ" Col 3:1

Thinking about the way in which you have been raised with Christ. No matter what happens in your life, Christ is with you. You, and I, have died to your old life and are a new creation in Christ. The old one has gone and a new one has taken it's place. This has particular meaning given that it is Easter. Jesus died and rose again in our place.

This book is both insightful and inspiring. Your bible reading will be changed and become more meaningful.

I could highly recommend this book to all Christians. It will transform the way in which you look at Colossians 3 and perhaps other bible passages. Take the time to slow down and absorb the meaning of God's words to you today.

         

That brings us to the end of another review for bookaholic's everywhere. See you all back here again soon. Until then, keep reading.

The Shepherd's Song by Betsey Duffey and Laurie Myers

Today on bookaholic I bring you a Christian book which is not only about lives being changed but which could change lives.

It is not often that a book comes along which is so thoroughly engrossing that you literally cannot put it down. This is one of those books. The basic story is that a woman writes the 23rd Psalm on a piece of paper and gives it to her son. He is not impressed and shoves it in his pocket. The woman is then in a car crash and whilst she is unconscious the note travels around the world. On it's way it touches, and changes, the lives of 12 different people. Each person and circumstance is linked to a line of the Psalm.

I found this book to be highly emotional. It swept me up and I found my emotions mirroring those of the people in the stories. I cried, I held my breath and found my chest tight and breathing difficult. It moved me in many ways and made me think differently about the 23rd Psalm. I would recommend this book to everyone, Christians and Non Christians alike. It is possibly the best Christian book I have read in a very long time, and I am a prolific reader.


       

Betsie Duffey and Laurie Myers are exceptional writers and this comes across in every word of this book. I will definitely be looking out for more from them.

So there we have it for another day in Bookaholic land. I will be back soon with another excellent mystery to review. Until then keep reading

Kindle Fire Giveaway

Completely different post on Bookaholic today as I bring you  fabulous giveaway. The first prize is a Kindle Fire preloaded with 26 free books. These books are from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolina's so the books are inspirational and a mixture of fact and fiction. This is an international competition so anyone can enter.

To enter click here

Well worth entering and I hope that it is a bookaholic who wins. See you all again soon

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.