THE PROMISES SHE KEEPS

I received a copy of THE PROMISES SHE KEEPS by Erin Healy, from Thomas Nelson. In one word, I can describe the novel as “weird.” Nonetheless, I enjoyed it, as I usually enjoy “weird” books. The story involves Promise, a young woman who is dying of cystic fibrosis. She dreams of becoming a singer so that people will remember her long after she is gone. Promise meets Zack at college and he asks her if he can take pictures to draw from. At first Promise is weary, but eventually agrees. Her wrap blows away and when she dives for it, she crashes into a fence and falls down a cliff. Miraculously she is unharmed. Zack shows the picture of her going over to his mother. His mother, Porta, is a sorceress searching for immortality. When she heard about Promise, Porta believes she can use the young woman for her gain. She begins stalking Promise, and wants Zack to try to kill her to prove Porta’s theory. A young man named Chase, who has autism, gets in Porta’s way. He draws pictures of trees that are “meant” for people and can see Porta means Promise harm. The book was very interesting and I could not put it down until I was done, but I did not feel the “love” that the back of novel boasted.

THE QUOTABLE CHESTERTON

I received a copy of THE QUOTABLE CHESTERTON: THE WIT AND WISDOM OF G. K. CHESTERTON by Kevin Belmonte from Thomas Nelson. I was really excited to see this book offered, because before I knew virtually nothing about G. K. Chesterton. On page IX, Kevin Belmonte says he hopes the book works as an introduction and anthology. It certainly does, for both. I now know many facts about G. K. Chesterton, such as when he lived and how he worked. It also works as an amazing anthology, for the book consists of an A-Z layout of his work.

I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about a new historical figure. G. K. Chesterton lived a fascinating, intellectual career. It’s a pity he is not still alive, for I am sure he would have made great conversation in today’s media. I can imagine him as a talk show host.

The anthology itself covered a range of different topics, such as Jane Austen on page 19. Since the variety is so open, it’s easy to become lost in your own thoughts on the topic. Your thoughts flit from idea to idea. There’s never a dull moment in this book. I hope to be able to use his quotes in conversations. After all, the book is the “Quotable Chesterton.”

REDISCOVERING YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER

I received a copy of REDISCOVERING YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER: MOVING FROM HOPELESS TO HOPEFUL AS A NEWLY DIVORCED MOTHER by PeggySue Wells, from Kregel Publications and GoodReads. I love self-help books. Not only am I able to use them to help friends, but much of the information provided can be applied to other issues in life. This book is broken into catchy chapter headings playing off fairy tales, such as “Mirror, Mirror,” and “Yellow Brick Road.” If you want to help a friend, or are experiencing divorce as a mother, this is an excellent book to provide stepping-stones along the rocky path. My favorite part was reading the story about her friend’s son, who was born without legs, but lived a normal life with people who loved him deeply.