A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Books for Young Adults

Middletown

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Middletown) through Raincoast Books.  Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so.  🙂

Anna and Eli have a problem… it’s a big problem… and through Middletown we get to take a front-row seat and see how these sisters work through complicated issues and create new possibilities.  Events move along fairly quickly as the girls work hard to be family. Creative solutions, luck, friendship, and family all pull together in the end, and it is good. 

Middletown

Learning about Middletown

Sarah Moon is the author of Middletown, a high school read published by Levine Querido.  25 chapters, with an appendage, round out the 256 page read.  Several themes fill the pages: gender identity, substance abuse and recovery, parental neglect, and sexual harassment.   It’s a lot to pack into a single book isn’t it?  🙂  And overall it’s well-done.  The characters and communication flow naturally.   I love how I was made to care about what happened with Eli and Anna…. would they find a family?  Would they be able to keep ahead of the child care system and find a tenable situation to live in? 

I received an ARC copy from Raincoast books. 

So what do you get?

Though many reviewers are calling this a middle school read, it’s not!  Initially I thought it was as well, but it’s marketed for grade 9 and up.  The topics discussed are more for high school level as well and I can totally see some middle school students enjoying this book. 

This fictional title comes just as text.  No illustrations to grace the pages, and the cover leaves something to be desired.  The cover did not draw me at all. 

Most of the font is easy to read, standard font.  Letters and various forms of communication cause font changes. 

Chapter headings of very simple with numbers spelling out how far you are.  Character development was well done.  Eli was a funny kids and got herself into situations sometimes.  🙂  Anna, an intense, moody teen with a snappy comeback to everything.  The love these girls felt for each other, evident throughout, though at times strained by circumstances sometimes beyond their control. 

Some lines I just enjoyed.  

The smell of chicken in springtime can take your breath away. It falls over you like a blanket, in your ears, your eyes, your mouth until it’s so all around you that you have no choice but to get used to it. You can’t fight chicken poop, it will always win.  Eli was learning this the hard way.

I laughed out loud, my son asked what was funny.  I read that line to him and he laughed too!  The thing is… I grew up on a farm, and it’s true!  Chicken poop is something special.  🙂 

It was fun watching the girls get themselves into a better situation, the bending they had to do, and the choices (sometimes hard) they made.   Much to appreciate in Sarah Moon’s novel.

Should Middletown be on your Bookshelf?

I have to admit, I don’t know.

I overall enjoyed the story of Middletown.  The determination of family to stick it through. Along with the determination of friends to lend an hand where able.  The characters were well-developed. 

The sexual preferences of a rather young girl being such a big part of the story, is something I did not appreciate.  I didn’t. I do not understand the push to have such topics as integral parts of a story for young people.   

The good friendships these girls have, the growth the girls experience, the uniqueness of the aunt, and the lessons they learn is all fantastic.   These lessons weren’t all easy, but they were necessary for the growth seen in each person. 

But you know what?  Families are complicated.  Parents sometimes fail at parenting, extended family sometimes fail to pick up the pieces until they see the desperation, children sometimes struggle with gender identity, older siblings at times have to raise their younger ones, and it’s messy!   Families and friendships are complicated things.   In this middle school read.. complication happens, and growth occurs! 

Reality Bites

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Reality Bites) through Ascot Media.  Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so.  🙂

Ever search for a quote and can’t find one?   OR do you just happen to like aphorisms and philosophical fragments? Well Gordon Hutchison has just the book for you, with Reality (can be OK, but mostly it) Bites, a tongue in cheek look at the world around us.   Most of the work contained therein is his own work, but he includes the work of others if he finds something similar.  Let’s take a look shall we? 

Reality Bites

So, are you like me and wondering exactly what an aphorism is?  Well, Mr. Hutchison goes into detail on just what it is in his book: Reality (can be OK, but mostly it) Bites: original aphorisms and other philosophical fragments with teeth.  An aphorism has five parts.

  1. must be brief
  2. it must be definitive
  3. there needs to be a personal touch
  4. a twist is required!
  5. must be philosophical

The twist grabs our attention, and often makes us laugh, and then later sometimes makes us think.  The laughter makes us feel good and realize, we aren’t alone in our feelings about life circumstances.  

Throughout this small book (will easily fit in a backpack or purse) you’ll find aphorisms that will make you laugh, shake your head, or share with your family (especially your teens!).  🙂  Conversation starters in 164 pages!   A softcover tome that also comes in kindle format, published by White River Press.

I am reviewing on behalf of Ascot Media. 

Set Up and details for Reality Bites

The bulk of Reality Bites are all the aphorisms, but the first few pages are dedicated to an introduction, defining what an anphorism is, and the why and set up of the layout.   An author index is included in the final pages. 

The rest of the book is 400 different expressions, about six per two page-spread.

Some of the aphorisms will have smaller expressions to the right and below.  These are ones that he has found that are fairly similiar to what he has come up with himself. 

Some expressions rang true 

“doing nothing, done right, can take all day.”

“Love that turns to hate is neither.”

“every unreasonable man has his reasons.”

reality bites

I have to admit, that some expressions just made me feel sad.  The… I don’t know… feels like disrespect toward God and people of faith.  But I also don’t know if I read into things too much?  But it is what it is right?  My thoughts, towards/about this read. 

“The best thing about forbidden fruit is that it never goes bad.”

“children are God’s way of letting parents know if they’re having a nice day.”

“to sin is human, to escape undetected divine.”

But for the most part.. thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I like quotes and quips, and apparently aphorisms!  🙂  Like Evan, plumbing the meaning in words… is a good thing!   And I hope you would too!

Should you get Reality Bites?

Yes, I think so.  If you enjoy witticisms… you’ll laugh, you’ll shake your head, and you’ll find yourself using them as conversation starters, essay prompts (for your middle-to-high school students), or as observations about life.  An excellent gift for friends and family alike.  Mostly fun, and often a bit thought-provoking.  🙂 

You may recall I reviewed a book of quotes previously entitled called Civilizations Quotations (my review).   This would be a great companion volume to it.  🙂 

Unknown Threat

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Unknown Threat) through Nuts About Books. 

I have long been a fan of Lynn H. Blackburn’s books.  Even though over time, I have developed a distaste for romance, particularly Christian romance, I like her books as generally they focus less on the romance and more on the events of the story.   I finished this particular story overnight.  YES!  I wanted to know what happened and if they could find the person responsible for killing so many Secret Service agents.   Unknown Threat is a fast-paced read that keeps you interested until the end.

Affiliate links will be used in this review.  Supporting my blog offers me encouragement and costs you nothing.  🙂 

Unknown Threat

The Bare Facts

Author is Lynn H. Blackburn of Unknown Threat, the first in the Defend and Protect series.   The genre is Christian romance and romantic suspense.  The storyline involves Faith Malone, FBI agent, tasked with discovering who is killing Secret Service Agents from the Raleigh office.  Three down and the rest attacked, who could be behind such a devastating attack?  Luke Powell, SSA, helps her with the investigation.  Romantic interests flare as an investigation ensues.   Will either situation be resolved well?   Published by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, an adult fictional read running at 354 pages. 

The Details of Unknown Threat

The very first thing that caught my attention with Unknown Threat is the cover.  That intense gaze by the woman on the cover, caught in the crosshairs?  When you enjoy a good mystery, such a cover will draw you in.   I have to admit that the blue is deeper colour, and feels more intense, in real life but my photo-sharpening skills couldn’t bring that out.  (sorry)

This is an easy-read.  Granted I do tend to read fiction books speedily, but it took me about five hours from start to finish.  The pace moves it along well as the action is fast-moving, with a deep need to resolve the situation before anyone else gets hurt. 

The text is a nice size to read.  Consider this, I need glasses for everything, yet I could lie in bed and enjoy a cozy read without needing to wear my glasses. Don’t of course, ask me how late I stayed up reading!  🙂 

You’ll find the characters decently developed with enough questions left for a follow-up read.  Hints were provided for who might be the next romantic interest in future volumes. 

The action takes place over about a week. Honest dismay felt in that the romantic interest progressed as quickly as it did.  In this regard, unrealistic.  I wasn’t convinced that either party were truly believers, though prayer was occasionally thrown into the mix.  if they are, they do need a better understanding of who God is. 

Should you get Unknown Threat?

Sure!  Honestly, it was a fun quick read.  A bit of romance, a bit of suspense, a good bit of mystery.  Everything came out good in the end, which is exactly what you want in a lightly suspenseful read.   Unknown Threat is a perfect read for a lazy Sunday afternoon, or a take-along for camping.  The characters are mostly likeable, solid people that it would be good to know in real life.  Occasionally they come across as too good… but real-life flaws are apparent which makes for believable characters.    

This Beautiful Book

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This Beautiful Book by Steve Green uses conversational language to help make the Bible more understandable.  You may wonder about the usefulness of such a book.  Why not just read the bible?  Let me tell you more about this review book, but first…..

I want you to take a moment.  Suppose that you know someone who wants to know God more but finds the bible difficult to approach.  Fear stops them from opening up God’s word. You tell them you can help, you know this other book which will help them to understand God’s word better.  Would they be willing to use that book alongside the bible? Or would they be willing to get a good grounding of the bible and then you can talk about it together as you look deeper into the stories?

This Beautiful Book by Steve Green

What I am Reviewing

Steve Green, president of Hobby Lobby, seeks to help us explore the bible’s incredible story line and why it matters to us today.   His book?  This Beautiful Book , a hardcover with fly, running at 223 pages.  12 chapters along with an appendix and notes.   Published by Zondervan.   I am reviewing this book for Ascot Media.  Bill High assisted. 

Green takes readers on a journey through the many stories of the Bible, some familiar and others less so, highlighting themes woven throughout the ancient writings. Drawing upon insights gained through developing the first world-class Bible museum, Green reveals the completeness and transformative power of Scripture. Green helps readers see the story within the story and makes the careful connections that help us appreciate the richness of the Bible as a single story. Each page will spark faith in a God who speaks to us across the centuries.

The Details on This Beautiful Book

Steve Green is the president of Hobby Lobby and the founder of the Museum of the Bible.  A man of God he wants others to know the Lord that he serves.  One way of doing that is by teaching people about the Bible.  Over the course of 12 chapters Mr. Green walks us through some of the great stories and themes of the bible. 

This Beautiful Book

I admittedly have not read through everything in This Beautiful Book.  I’ve skipped around abit, read through at least the first 1/3.  He writes in a very conversational tone. 

This Beautiful Book by Steve Green

As you can see, each chapter is lightly illustrated.  I found the graphics suited’ the style of Steve Green’s treatise nicely.  

He draws in examples and ideas from a variety of sources, such as the Narnia series, theatre, life events and more.   Mr. Green not only talks about the various themes throughout the bible (as found in stories, poetry and more) but also connects these to real life experience.  You’ll find printed off scripture passages and connected passages from old to new testament. 

This Beautiful Book by Steve Green

Should you buy it?

That’s a hard one to answer.  Do I think it’s worth reading?  For sure.  It’s great to get a fresh perspective. You can see the big picture of God at work throughout the whole bible.

I see the value you know?  For giving to a reluctant bible reader, for outreach, to new believers, to visitors to a church, and for high school students to give them a “friendly voice overview”.   

It’s just so friendly to read, it’s like sitting down with a mentor and just talking over the stories of the bible and how they connect to the big picture.  Of how we can better know God in the things he has done and the experiences he places in our lives.  It’s good. 

It’s SO not a replacement for good bible study though.  This book is not meant as such either.  But it is a thought provoking and interesting read, so yes, I do urge you to check out This Beautiful Book .  

My Son, If you Accept My Words

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Today I am reviewing a book for you from a mom who wanted to help her boy.  She so badly wanted him to know what God wants for him in his life.  Her original intent was not to share it.  You know though that word gets around, and so we are now able to share her words with you.  The book?  My Son, If You Accept My Words. 

My Son If you Accept my words

What I am Reviewing

My Son, If you Accept my Words is written by Sondra Lee.  Published by Westbow Press, and running at 182 pages.  Black and white photos dot the pages.  The sole purpose is to encourage young men to become the men that God calls them to be.  Learning how to live as a Christian man in a secular society is a challenge.  Helping our young men see scripture clearly and take God’s word to heart is an important step in that process.

The Details

My Son, if you accept my words cover 15 chapters.  The first nine chapters broaching on the lives of key biblical figures.  We’ll discuss Ruth, Isaac and Rebekah, Joseph, Samson, Joseph- Jesus’s Earthly Father, Mary, Hosea, Hannah and Peter.  

The last six chapters are

  • Identity Theft
  • No One Escapes
  • Guard Your Heart
  • Finish Well
  • Weathering the Storms
  • Sometimes the Journey is too Much
My Son, If you accept my words sample page

You will find KJV scripture printed out for ease of reading.  If you prefer to read in the translation of your choice it is easy to do. 

My Son, If you accept my words sample page

You’ll find that each scripture passage is followed up with an explanation.  These readings are directly based on the passage.   Occasionally the explanations were too personal, directed at her son and not a more general audience. 

My Son, If you accept my words sample page

Prayers were often included.  Prayers for God to prepare a young man’s heart, to guide his choices, and lead him throughout his life. 

My Son, If you accept my words sample page

Some of her advice is very practical. Like be discerning in what you believe, protect your reputation, give people no reason to gossip, and so forth.  Good advice for everyone, regardless of gender or age. 

I’m not going to say that I agree with everything she had to say, but there is much wisdom to be found within the pages of My Son, If You Accept My Words.  

My Son, If you accept my words sample page

Should You Get It?

I think so.  There is much that I would find useful as I guide my son toward maturity.  My prayer is that he be a solid man of God. The help that Sondra Lee provides will aid in that journey.   I haven’t read the entire book, I’m about 1/2 way through. 

The included prayers, the qualities to look for in a wife, and the abilities to develop in yourself as a young man make this a good book for a growing young man. 

I think one of the things I most appreciated was how focused Ms. Lee is to her purpose.  She pulled items out of the scripture text that I wouldn’t have previously considered as a point of manhood.  Ms. Lee worked hard to show scriptural reasoning for character traits young men need to develop.  She does the same for the traits to look for in a wife. 

Miss Austen

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I expected when I saw the title of my current review book, Miss Austen, to be learning about Jane Austen as she’s the one I’m most familiar with. Interestingly enough though, it’s about her older sister Cassandra Austen. It’s a tender book filled with memories, mostly good, some sad.  Let’s walk through it shall we? 

Miss Austen: the novel

What I am Reviewing

Miss Austen: A Novel is a tender look into the life of the Austen family.  Cassandra, an elderly lady now, seeking to restore and to relive her memories of her dear sister Jane. Visiting the family of her long-dead fiance she discovers letters that reveal much about herself, her sister and her family.  The question remains… what will be left when she is done?  Will the letters remain, or just the memories?

288 pages, 28 chapters, years covered.  I received at ARC copy, it sells as a hardcover. Written by Gill Hornby and published by Flatiron Books. A biography that covers the lives of Cassandra Austen and her family.  There is a ton of historical data that brings the early 1800’s into vibrant detail.   I am reviewing this book on behalf of Raincoast Books. 

The Details for Miss Austen

The past, as depicted in vignettes based on letters, and the present reality intermingled.  A sweet, but sometimes hard looking back into her history.  It wasn’t all roses and sweetness, but difficulties arose like in all families. 

Miss Austen: The novel

I loved the realness of it all.  An old lady, going to visit extended family, doesn’t let them know until it’s just a bit late for it, spends her time with them while on a secret quest.  She knows what she is up to, the question is, how long will she remain undiscovered?

The villalge of Kintbury, Miss Austin

Miss Austen opens with a map of the Village of Kintbury as well as a family lineup for the Austen, Fowles and Lloyds.  We are privileged to see how these families were connected. 

My Thoughts

I haven’t quite finished though I’ve skipped ahead a bit just to see if my suspicions were correct.  (They were but I’m not telling you since this is a review, not a book report).  This is a lovely story.  I loved seeing Cassandra as she is now, trying to be kind despite some of the hostility she faces.  The walks into her history as she read letters… I love this.  I really do.  It was so fascinating watching her relationship with her sister.  That love they shared clearly shown.  Get to know the Austens.  Get to know Cassandra Austen in particular.  You won’t regret it. 

This Light Between Us

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WOW… this book opened my eyes. I knew the horrors that the Germans visited on the Jewish people. As I read about the American treatment of the Japanese post-Pearl Harbour filled me with such sadness.   This Light Between Us also tells, through letters, of a friendship that crossed oceans. 

This Light Between us

What I am Reviewing

This Light Between Us is written by Andrew Fukuda.  An unlikely friendship spills out of 384 pages in this hardcover tome.   I received a ARC copy and am reviewing on behalf of Raincoast books.  A young adult novel it is both emotionally compelling as well as steeped in history. Countries at odds with each other, fighting a brutal enemy and yet…Deeper thoughts.   Line drawings occasionally pop up, but mostly it is story with letters interspersed.   Published by Torteen Books

In 1935, ten-year-old Alex Maki from Bainbridge Island, Washington is disgusted when he’s forced to become pen pals with Charlie Levy of Paris, France – a girl . ….From the desolation of an internment camp on the plains of Manzanar to the horrors of Auschwitz and the devastation of European battlefields, the only thing they can hold onto are the memories of their letters. But nothing can dispel the light between them.

The Details for This Light Between Us

sample letter from This light between us

This is an excellent piece of historical fiction, a great look both sides of a World War 2.  I wrote on my instagram page that I had never really thought before of what the Japanese internment would have meant to the children.  These AMERICAN born Japanese children and teenagers to be taken away to those internment camps as if they had done something wrong.   Can you imagine the anger and hurt that would have created?

illustration from This Light Between us

Since I received an ARC copy of this book a lot of the graphics that will be included I couldn’t see. Overall I’d say there was one sketch per every six to eight chapters.  They are all simple line drawings, much like you’d see from a beginning cartoonist which is what Alex is.  You can well imagine him drawing them to amuse Charlie. 

This light between us sample page

Recommendations

I deliberately didn’t read all the way to the end, that way I wouldn’t be tempted to give the ending away.  But I’m captivated, it’s a really good read showing both sides so well.   

I was planning on finishing it and handing it over to my lad. My plans changed when I was telling him what I was reading and he was curious ergo we’re now reading it together.  WW2 is what he’s studying for history this year. This will give him another perspective on the war I don’t see talked about much.

I fell in love with the characters and found myself rooting for them against the odds they were facing.  I hope my lad will see the fear and prejudice, understand the different ways of reacting against it, see the understanding of why people didn’t fight back, and the parallels in this war.  It’s not always an easy read, but it is an enlightening one.  I only hope This Light Between Us is not heart-breaking at the end.