The Hardest Peace: Expecting Grace in the Midst of Life's Hard by Kara Tippetts ★★★★☆

Weathering the storm with grace

Non Fiction – Memoir – Christian

192 pages

Publication Date:  2014

In The Hardest Peace, Kara Tippetts, mother of four and a pastor’s wife, shows how even amongst the awfulness of stage-four cancer there can be beauty in pain and

how God can give us the peace and grace we need.  He can be our strength.

I admit I have been putting this one off.  Kara is my cousin-in-law and has been on hospice for the last few months.  So I have been unable to separate her book and, at the time, her impending death.  But with her passing this week I have decided it is time to put on my big girl pants and write this review.  Kara’s journey has been life changing for so many that it would be a disservice to memory not to pass it on.

I started getting acquainted with Kara’s journey from her blog, Mundane Faithfulness, ----when I could pluck up the courage- and I have to admit I had some misgivings about reading her book, but Kara ever the graceful lady, quieted my fears with softness of her approach leaving me unburdened by her story.  The superb writing had a very musical quality, and the ideas and impressions were so fluently expressed that I had a difficult time remembering to write comments for my review.  I also loved Kara’s powerful ability to turn a phrase and get an amazing emotional response.  This book is worthy of multiple read and I even was forced to pull out the hi-liter even though I hate to deface books.

I originally had more things about Kara and the specific things she writes on, but honestly this is all I can handle writing  right now without completely falling apart.  Thank you for your patience with me and please don’t let my lack luster performance deter you from looking into this book. 

Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach ★★★★☆

Space travel is way funnier than I thought!

Non Fiction – Adult – Science/History

334 pages

Publication Date:  2010 

Mary Roach applies her own unique brand of scientific curiosity and fun humor to explore the development of space travel.

Okay so I do acknowledge that I love Mary Roach and am prone to like her books.  When I read them I feel like I am having a drink with a very animated friend (I am also convinced we could be good friends in real life, though it would be very one sided with her delighting me and me not adding much to her life other than my adoration), but in all fairness this was a very well done book in its own right.  Well written and researched, Ms. Roach has really looked into the information not commonly discussed.

I also like that Ms. Roach tends to find the same things interesting as I do (there are some pretty great poop jokes in this one for those of us who enjoy that grade school humor and I loved the whole bit alcohol in space), and she does a fantastic job searching out the strange and overlooked.  And while this book proved to me that I was right in never wanting to go to space - it is way more horrible than even I dreamed - the creativity and ingenuity needed to create and develop these projects is so far and beyond anything I ever imagined.  I found the whole subject very thought provoking.  I have really come to admire the people involved in these types of projects.  And while I will always tend toward the practical I started to understand the overall value to humanity to push ourselves beyond the mundane, because of this book. 

The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II by Denise Kiernan ★★★☆☆

A fascinating look into the parts needed to make the Manhattan Project succeed.

Non Fiction – History – World War II

416 pages

Publication Date:  2013  

Women from all over the US were asked to come and work in a town that didn’t officially exist, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  The only information they were given was that it would help the war effort, but other than that they were told to do exactly as they were instructed and follow the number one rule, never ask a question.  Here are the stories of these women’s lives and how they contributed to the Manhattan Project.

I first discover this book on a trip to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque (by the way definitely worth the time if you are in the area, great exhibits and information, with helpful guides).  After spending time learning about the Manhattan Project my eyes were opened and I realized how very little I really understood what it took to make this project work and I was very eager to learn more.

This subject is amazingly interesting and worth learning about for anyone interested in WWII or even atomic energy.  I was very impressed with how well this book was document and researched; kudos to Ms. Kiernan for taking the time and attention to be thorough.  I also really appreciated the cast of characters and map at the beginning for reference.  Ms. Kiernan clearly cares about the subject people and thoughtfully portrays the people she features as accurately as she can. 

Now the downside.  Focus is a major problem.  I think that the book really suffers from trying to tackle too much.  All of the snippets in themselves were incredibly fascinating, but the constant changes of voice and subject focus made it really hard to keep everything straight.  This is not a book to dip in and out of.  Also, I personally struggled to understand the science stuff, which isn’t a natural strength for me.  When I visited the museum they had a great video and visual to explain it all, but using strictly words completely confused me.  But then I again I see this as part of the organization problem.  A tighter focus would have cut down on the breaks between the information and made it a more continuous flow.   And last – and not to be exactly unexpected – there was a bit of a feminism kick.  Not exactly horrible, but in a couple places it was incredibly overt and didn’t really do anything to add to the narrative.

Overall I was glad to have a chance to read this book and it has only added to my desire to learn more, which is always a good occurrence from this type of book.

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp ★★★☆☆

A soul laid bare

Non Fiction – Adult – Christianity/Spirituality

232 pages

Publication Date:  2011

A woman’s transformation from fear to faith through thankfulness to God.

This is not a how to, but more of a blog styled record of the author working through the issues that haunt her.  She completely exposes herself sharing her thoughts and experiences in all of their beauty and ugliness as she hunts for reasons to be grateful.  The writing is very romantic, flowery, and poetical – which could be a turn off for some people, but I thought it was rather beautiful.  Each entry is full of raw emotion and written as a string of consciousness thoughts and not structured essays.  I will have to say this seems to be written for Ann to clarify her own thoughts and so on occasion I found it hard to follow, but the empathic bond created by one struggling human to another made the strength of her emotions and epiphanies hit me almost as hard as if they were my own.  This book is not for everyone, but for those who are attracted to it expect a soul wrenching experiences and a challenge to your own inconsistencies between belief and actions.

The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado ★★★★★

You are a child of a King!

Non Fiction – Adult – Christian/Self Help

224 pages

Publication Date: 1990

 Max Lucado shows that The Beatitudes are more than just a teaching on the mountain, but that Jesus was actually showing us a way to grasp peace and joy to live a fulfilling life.

The inspiring writing – as always with Max Lucado – in this modern Christian classic is compelling and beautifully phrased.  He utilizes amazing examples to highlight his message.  Now, I have always thought of the Beatitudes as a list to check off – you know like, 70% or better is a passing grade, but Mr. Lucado shows that is actually a step-by-step progression to rebuild a believer’s heart.  And honestly his way makes a lot more sense and is way more productive than my checkup list.  He provides ways to overcome the road blocks between you and Jesus.  With the focus on changing your heart and attitude so that you may have a more fulfilling relationship with God, it allows you to defeat the world and those critical voices in your head with the truth.  You are a worthy child of a King and by remembering that and giving yourself over to God you can face anything with the confidence that Jesus is always in your corner. 

When I get bogged down in the ugliness of myself and the world, I reread this book to remind myself what really matters.  I savor it, and let the message soak into my soul like a soothing balm.  It is a reminder that I am precious to God, that he can even use me - flawed, broken and weak - for his purposes.  And in those moments when I truly believe and can see past myself, that is when I am at peace and resting in the arms of Jesus.   

When Mr. Lucado speaks of God and his delight in us it reminds me of my Grandma.  Grandma J is engaging, passionate, and energetic, and when she talks with you, you feel like she genuinely wants to hear about your life and there is nothing more important she would rather do.  She hurrays the good, mourns the sad, calls you on your mistakes, but has the faith that no screw up is too big to overcome.  Everyone leaves her feeling like they are her favorite.  This is the kind of relationship God would like to have with us.

Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil Robertson ★★★☆☆

A fan favorite

Non Fiction - Autobiography

224 pages

Publication Date:  2013

Written by the patriarch of the Robertson Clan and original Duck Commander and bearded star of Duck Dynasty, Phil Robertson, this book shares what went into shaping Phil, his family and their business.

First of all, this book will very obviously appeal mostly to the Duck Dynasty fan.  Clean, quick flowing writing, with a good helping of fun told in Phil’s unique voice marks every chapter and direct storytelling, with straight-forward unabashed values (you don’t have to agree with everything he believes in to appreciate this story).  His story is a true American dream story.  Through gumption, hard work and God, Phil pulled together his life.  He came up from being dirt poor and making horrible life decisions to getting it together and creating a full, purposeful life for him and his family.  These are the kind of stories that fuel the American imagination.

Okay, one blanket statement for the technical duck stuff.  I am not a duck hunter, so I’ll be honest, I found those sections boring.  However, I could see how someone interested in those things would really like them.

Side Note:  I read this book before any the controversy surrounding Phil came up, but I have to say that doesn't change my view of this memoir, though it did give me pause for a moment before posting.  I chose to go ahead with it, because it just illustrates to me another example of our society’s intolerance toward different viewpoints.  Sure as humans we are all naturally judgey, but there is a line.  When does one aspect define a whole person be that Phil or someone who is gay.  I find it sad in our society that we have gotten to a point where instead of having an open dialogue – and yes I’m talking to conservatives and liberals alike – we call each other idiots and refuse to give each other the basic respect each human being deserves.  I don’t agree with many of my friends and family members’ decisions or even a lot of the world’s at large, but I also don’t need to agree with them.  I have enough to deal with just holding my own self and actions accountable (yeah, and my kids too of course - we are raising trying to raise responsible adults, people).  All I need to do is love them; the rest of it is between them and God.  

The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis ★★★★☆

A real life hero’s tale.

Non Fiction –Biography/Sports

352 pages

Publication Date: September 17th 2006

Literary Awards: ALA Alex Award (2007), Iowa High School Book Award Nominee (2011)

This is the story of Michael Oher, a man who went from a homeless teen to a football phenom.  Taken in by a wealthy family while in high school he benefited from their financial resources, but mostly their love.  With their help Michael a new support system and his God given talent Michael was propelled into a beyond everyone’s hopes and expectations for his life.

This well done account, which is mostly told from people’s perspective of Michael, was a story with a lot of heart.  Mr. Lewis is very talented and a wonderful story teller with great material.  His pacing was perfect while the writing was crisp and clear. This fascinating and true story just carries you along without over loading you right from the beginning of the well done intro.  There is of course a lot of football history which I got lost in a bit.  I mean, I did find the football part interesting but Michael was the real draw.  If you are into football however I think that it would definitely add to the enjoyment, but I didn’t find myself at a real disadvantage for not being a fan.  I found the conclusion a little sad, but frankly I don’t truly believe that it is the conclusion of the story.  Life keeps moving and each forward step we take in loving others has ripple effects even if we can’t see them clearly.  A great story about how people can positively affect others when they care.

Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of his Time by Dava Sobel ★★★☆☆

I heart microhistories!

 Non Fiction – Microhistory – Chronometer

Publication Date:  1995

Pages:  192

Literary Awards:  Royal Society Prize Nominee for General Prize (1997)

In a time when the seas represented the chance for growth, but the perils and very real possibility of being lost at a sea hampered efforts, John Harrison created the chronometer.  This clock was his answer to the longitude problem.  While others wanted to depend on the night skies John Harrison chose to depend on technology.  Entering his idea into the English contest with unheard of winnings, Harrison and his son spent decades fighting for what they believed was their due and to prove the worth of their machine.

First, I just want to say, I adore microhistories.  They are delightful little nuggets of stories that usually hold more importance in the grand scheme of things than we could have imagined.  I also appreciate how they usually lead me to other semi related topics.  My gushing over, I can now move onto the actual review

I personally have never really considered before how half hazard ship navigation was.  Most of my history lessons involved how the ships found places, not how they were basically just guesstimating their proximity to the desired destination, with very real and horrible consequences.  Ms. Sobel really laid out the issue in such a way for me, as a modern reader, to understand the dangers each voyage faced.  Once explained it was incredibly easy to appreciate how this clock could change things and why it was so incredibly important.

Ms. Sobel’s popular account of this monumental time in history is more suited to the everyday reader than an academic.  Her writing style leaned toward the elegant and the flow of the interesting and easy to follow narrative was engaging (let’s be honest, even a history lover like myself knows that it takes talent to keep the information from going dry).  Her story telling was well-constructed and had some really great anecdotes woven seamlessly in (the whole bit about how sauerkraut warded off scurvy was really fascinating).  Her assessment of the issues appears to be fair and free of hero worship.   She gives off the impression of some well able apt to understand the subject (okay, so I know that sounds kind like a “well duh” statement, but trust me, not all writer’s ambition is well matched to their ability).  It is short enough to be a one sit read, but in the fight for my attention it did tend to lose out, so it took me a few days.  It would have been nice to have a directory of characters at the back to help keep track of the players.  And I would have really liked to see a schematic and picture with working explanation of the chronometer (though I did find out after I finished writing the review that the 10^th anniversary addition apparently addresses this issue).  Overall I am impressed with Ms. Sobel and in pursuit of her other books.

ISBN  0802714625 (ISBN13: 9780802714626)