Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins - Some Thoughts

  

While Sunrise on the Reaping may be Haymitch Abernathy's story, I was more enthralled with his girlfriend Lenore Dove's story. Much like her ancestor Lucy Gray, Lenore Dove is an independent thinker who loves nature, music, and literature. Both young ladies have a tendency to speak, or sing, their opinion of those in charge of the government and society. Haymitch is Lenore's true love. He is smarter and braver than he knows. He also becomes more abused and tormented that he could ever have imagined. 

Sunrise on the Reaping is an intense story. In my opinion, the violence in this book seems a tad more excessive that in the previous Hunger Games books. Emotions run high before, during, and after the games for both characters and readers. I look forward to seeing the soon-to-be released movie version, and to discovering which I prefer most, the book or the movie. 

Hemlock and Homicide by Bruce Hammack - A Brief Comment

 

I got an e-copy of Hemlock and Homicide when it was offered for free on Amazon. It is a cozy mystery that my husband and I enjoyed listening to for several days over breakfast. We were unaware that it was the thirteenth book in a series until after we had finished listening to it, but we had no difficulty following the story. The author provided enough background information to fill in the gaps for us. Hammack is adept at writing dialogue, and the humor found in the interaction between his characters in enjoyable. We will likely listen to other books in this series. 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins - A Brief Comment

  

I preferred books 1-3 of this series over this fourth installment, although it was interesting to see what made Coriolanus Snow into the man he became. I did enjoy the characters Lucy Gray and her young cousin Maude Ivory. While Lucy Gray did have a strong will to survive, it appeared she also had a sweet nature, as did Maude Ivory. Lucy Gray's characters is what caused me to prefer the movie over the book. Hearing her haunting voice singing her ballads was far superior to just reading the lyrics. 

I am grateful to our oldest granddaughter for recommending this series. 

The Lie You Don't Know You Believe by Jennie Allen - A Book Review

  

Author Jennie Allen pours herself out onto the pages of The Lie You Don't Know You Believe, being open and vulnerable in order to help others who struggle with believing Satan's lie about themselves as she once did. To some degree, that is probably the majority of us at one time or another in our lives. Allen points out that the subtleness of the lie does nothing to lesson its impact on us or the ripples sent out to others. Through the use of lots of Scripture, sage advice from counselors, and personal experience, she gives hope for breaking that impact as well as the ripple effect.

The Lie You Don't Know You Believe is a book everyone should have the opportunity to read. As the title implies, you may not be aware of the lie you are believing. Even if you are, you might be accepting it as truth, or feeling there is no way out from under its influence. Allen offers hope in this well-written, thoughtful book.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this eye-opening book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Frankenstein Or the Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - A Few Comments

  

I read Frankenstein at the urging of our grandson. It was more engrossing that I had anticipated, and was was worth the hours dedicated to reading it. The themes of the book are easily translated in the light of modern concerns. The theme that highlights the dangers of scientific and technical advancement without ethical constraints is as important today as it was in 1818 when Mary Shelley wrote the book. The significant impact of isolation and loneliness, whether by choice or circumstance, most definitely speaks to today's society that has been isolated by an epidemic and through some forms of modern technology. Prejudice and the withholding of empathy and compassion based on physical appearance or any external attributes has weighed mightily on our society, and societies at large, for centuries. Classics, like Frankenstein, may open up a platform for discussing these themes without enticing the type of banter characterizing interactions on social media.

I am grateful to have been encouraged to read this book by our grandson and will look forward to future recommendations. 

When Justice Comes by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker - A Book Review

   

This last novel in Coble and Acker's Tupelo Grove series is a satisfying wrap up to the many mysteries and secrets that were revealed along the way. A cameo appearance from the protagonist from Coble's Sanctuary series was a nice addition to the story. When Justice Comes reveals generational curses based on the values and morals, or lack thereof, passed down from one generation to the next. It also demonstrates how those curses can be broken through the choice to become a believer in Christ, to abide in Him, and to allow the Holy Spirit to lead one in living in a way that seeks justice and righteousness. The story also demonstrates the power of forgiveness and making amends. While bringing forth such important themes, Coble and Acker also provide an intense suspense tale that is filled with a series of crimes and betrayals, risks and rescues, love and hope.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of When Justice Comes from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

  

Not reviewing this book, just posting it in order for it to be included in my yearly book total. Very grateful for the book  recommendation from our oldest granddaughter.