– – –
Normally, I review books written for adults, or at least young adults. Recently, however, I read The Heavens Declare written by my friend Perry Kirkpatrick, and while it is technically written with children in mind, I enjoyed it so much, I had to review it!

The Author:
Perry Kirkpatrick (formerly Willis, as seen on the book cover) is a young woman, recently married and living in Oregon. Coming from a large family of homeschooled children, she is currently the self-published author of two books: The Heavens Declare and The Light of the World. To follow her blog and learn more about Perry’s writing, visit her website: Perry Elisabeth

Technical Details:
The Heavens Declare was published in 2010. The book contains 116 pages divided into 7 chapters. As a side note: Perry is offering this book in e-book format for free, until March 31st. Go here to learn more!

The Story:
The Edwards family beginning their summer vacation, traveling up to a cabin in Northern Arizona. Despite experiencing unexpected setbacks, the family is excited to be on their trip. As they leave behind the heat of Arizona’s Valley of the Sun, Mr. Edwards, an “amateur astronomer”, loves to take any opportunity to teach his children about the Lord’s amazing outer space, and most specifically, our solar system. Beginning with Mercury, the planet closest to the sun, and ending with Pluto “The Planet that Wasn’t”, Mr. Edwards describes each planet, telling about the things we’ve been able to discover about them. Using every creative means they can come up with, from a pinecone war to a Mars simulator, the Edwards family has fun discovering the many amazing facts about outer space, all the while learning to trust in the Lord when their trip, doesn’t always go exactly as they planned.

The Writing Style:
The writing style was simple and easy to understand. The technical facts were explained and the dialog was, for the most part, very realistic. Even though I’m an adult, the book was a fun refresher on several things I had already learned about astronomy and I even learned a few new facts. Some adults might find the writing a little too slow or a bit too simple, but it’s perfect for a child to read and understand, and since I know that was the point, it was very well done.

The Characters:
The characters were well written and very realistic. The children were very well behaved, albeit not perfect, they got along well together and were respectful to their parents and elders. The two eldest children were perhaps the best-written characters in the book, but all the characters were well done.

As for my favorite character… I didn’t actually have one, I don’t think. I liked most of the characters equally.

Conclusion:
I would highly recommend this book, for children to learn more about our solar system. My little sister is currently reading it and quite enjoying it.
 
To the KING be all the glory!

– – –
I did mean to post this on Wednesday, since that is the day for book reviews around here, but I had a splitting headache that wouldn’t let me think, so here we are two days late. I really just wanted to go re-read the book, rather than write about it at the time… After reading Ready or Not by Chautona Havig, I believe it took me about five minutes, at the most, to begin the second book in the Aggie series, For Keeps.

The Author:
Chautona Havig is a contemporary author, living in California. She is happily married, the mother of nine children and grandmother of two. For Keeps is one of nine of Mrs. Havig’s published books. Others include Noble Pursuits and Ready or Not. To learn more about Mrs. Havig and her books, visit her website: Just the Write Escape

Technical Details:
Published in 2010, For Keeps is the second book in the Aggie Series. The book’s 382 pages are divided into 25 chapters and you even get a recipe in the back of the book.

The Story:
Picking up right after the last book left off, we find Aggie still in the middle of a house renovation, and her hands more than full with her eight inherited children. With school only weeks away, Aggie is looking forward to having more time and less noise, though she knows that she’ll miss the children. Then, disaster strikes. At least, that’s what Aggie thinks. The twin little girls, Cari and Lorna, get chicken pox and all the other children are exposed. To make matters worse, Geraldine Stuart, the bitter, controlling grandmother, makes an appearance and has to be escorted away by the police on the same day. As the children and Aggie begin to catch the sickness one by one, the young aunt, encouraged by most of her friends, begins to consider her options. Instead of sending the children off to school, why not homeschool them? They would be home more, they would be together and she would be able to oversee exactly what the children were learning. Besides all of that, they were already missing weeks of school and it would be easier to catch up on what they had missed at home. Always exaggerating her own lack of ability, Aggie isn’t entirely confident that she can succeed, but her friends, especially Luke Sullivan, his mother Libby and Aggie’s best friend Tina, are convinced that she can and spare no pains in telling her. With much prayer, Aggie pushes forward, but when she gets the chance to change everything, what will she do?

The Writing Style:
This book is just as well written as the last. I have a tendency to be afraid of sequels and series, but this book doesn’t live up to that fear. The story remains believable, the content just as good as before and the narration flows very well. The hymns continue and Aggie’s relationship with the Lord continues to mature.

The Characters:
The characters, begun in book one, continue to grow and expand in For Keeps. They change, though not unbelievably, and the reader begins to see the many different sides to each character.

Aggie is still my favorite, along with Tavish. Luke and Tina are certainly next in line, as well as Libby Sullivan, so I suppose this book only reinforced my opinions of who I liked best.

Conclusion:
As I said before, this series is my favorite of Mrs. Havig’s books, and I’m eagerly awaiting the final installment. (It’s been very recently published, it just hasn’t made its way to our house just yet!) My review of Ready or Not can be found here. I would highly recommend this book!

 

To the KING be all the glory!

This week has been rather busy for me, so I don’t have much time for posting. At least I had the time to get this one up! For Christmas, my family blessed me with a few new books. I had been wanting to try reading some of Agatha Christie’s works, but since they aren’t in the public domain and I don’t have access to a library right now, I had been unable to do so. For Christmas, I received three of Mrs. Christie’s books and the first one I read was 4:50 from Paddington.

The Author:
Agatha Christie was born in September of 1890 in Devon England. Her first book The Mysterious Affair at Styles was published in 1920. Interestingly, it was published first in the United States, and several months later, made it’s debut in England. Mrs. Christie was married twice; first to the unfaithful Archibald Christie, then to Max Mallowan. She had one daughter with her first husband. Mrs. Christie wrote 66 detective novels and 14 short stories. The author is best known for those featuring Miss Jane Marple and Private Detective Monsieur Hercule Poirot. Agatha Christie died in January of 1986 at the age of 95.

Technical Details:
4:50 from Paddington was first published in England, in the year of 1957 by Collins Crime Club. In the same month, Dodd, Mead and Company, published the book in the United States under the title What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw!. Harper Collins published the copy I read, in 2011. The book contains 27 chapters and fills out 271 pages. The book is a simple paperback, without even a table of contents.

The Story:
Elspeth McGillicuddy, a respectable Scottish woman, just finished her Christmas shopping. While traveling to her friend’s house on the 4:50 train from Paddington, Mrs. McGillicuddy is terrified to witness the murder of a young woman when another train passes beside her. When she tells the conductor what she saw however, he doesn’t believe her. Mrs. McGillicuddy’s age and the evidence that she had just awakened from a nap, make him believe that she dreamt the entire thing. Still distraught over what she has witnessed, the woman tells her friend, Miss Marple, everything she saw. The two women decide to go to the police, but what is their surprise when the Inspector informs them two days later that there is no trace of a murdered woman anywhere to be found! Not in the train, not on the tracks, nowhere! The police are giving up on the case. Miss Marple decides to investigate. Bringing in the assistance of Miss Lucy Eyelesbarrow, Miss Marple begins an investigation, starting with Rutherford Hall. Lucy is a housekeeper, young, energetic and resourceful. Miss Marple can think the case through, but she’s certain her doctor would never approve of her doing much in the way of investigation. Lucy gets a position at Rutherford Hall and begins to become acquainted with the several interesting occupants, but can she accomplish her mission? Can she find the body of the young murdered woman, without drawing suspicion and possibly endangering herself? Can the woman’s death and identity be proven – before too many people get hurt?

The Writing Style:
The book began quite slowly, in my opinion. The style was difficult to follow for probably the first two chapters. Even after that, the writing was a bit choppy, but it flowed much better than the beginning. The story in itself however, was interesting enough to keep the reader going, regardless of the style. If a sentence ended on a painful note, the desire to know the ending was strong enough to keep me from shutting the book.

The Characters:
Most of the characters were well done. Lucy and Miss Marple were perhaps the best, along with the two boys, the eldest living son of Mr. Crackenthorpe (owner of Rutherford Hall) and Brian Eastley. A few of the male characters in the story were underwritten; Alfred Crackenthorpe and Doctor Quimper for instance. For being such a large part of the book, it seemed you should have come off with a better idea of their personality and character, but I didn’t.

My favorite character. Hmm… I liked the two schoolboys, Alexander and James. Lighthearted and friendly, as well as intelligent and well behaved. Other then those two, I would probably choose Lucy. She was likable and I loved how capable she was at her housework!

Caution: There is some mild language in this book, but if I’m remembering correctly, it was only used in two, maybe three different places. A few of the things discussed, while spoken of discreetly, elicit a warning; I would recommend this book to young adults, but not for children to read on their own.

Conclusion:
Overall, I enjoyed 4:50 to Paddington, and despite it’s flaws, might even read it again sometime. The mystery was engaging and surprising.

 

To the KING be all the glory!

– – –
One evening, probably almost a year ago now, I was tired, not feeling too well and I wanted a book to read that wasn’t my Basics of Music or a nutritional study. I wanted a work of fiction, so Mom suggested I read Ready or Not by Chautona Havig. I read it again in September or October.

The Author:
Chautona Havig is a contemporary author, living in California. She is happily married, the mother of nine children and grandmother of two. Ready or Not is one of eight, soon to be nine, of Mrs. Havig’s published books. Others include Princess Paisley and For Keeps. To learn more about Mrs. Havig and her books, visit her website: Just the Write Escape

Technical Details:
Ready or Not is the first book in the three part Aggie Series, which is also a part of Mrs. Havig’s Rockland Chronicles. Book Two is published, and Book Three is scheduled for release in the near future. This book was published in 2010 and contains 346 pages, split into 24 chapters.

The Story:
Aggie Milliken, at the young age of 22, finds her life changed in one night. When her brother-in-law and sister die, Aggie is shocked to find that she is named the legal guardian of their eight young children. Fond of the children, but possessing no experience in parenting, Aggie begins to tackle the learning process of keeping a clean house, managing meals, getting children to school on time, buying a car, caring for a baby and keeping the laundry clean, all while moving her brood to another city, trying to protect the children from an angry, controlling woman and attempting to renovate their new home. Everything about this life is new to the young woman. From ruined wallpaper, to birthday parties, broken windows to water fights, time spent with new friends and old, the Stuart-Milliken household is filled with experiences of all kinds. There are times when Aggie thinks she can’t take any more, but with much prayer and a voice continually raised in song to the LORD, she can get the strength to keep on…

The Writing Style:
Mrs. Havig’s style is easy to read and light-hearted. She incorporates the many hymns into the story very well, and while she does give the needed descriptions, she doesn’t trouble you with anything long or boring.

The Characters:
The main characters were well written. Aggie is realistic and very believable. Her faith in and relationship with the LORD are encouraging. The children are very well behaved, which isn’t to say that they never do anything wrong. They do. Wrongdoing, however, is not let go and the children suffer appropriate consequences for their misconduct. They also seem to learn their lessons. The side characters are interesting and add life to the story.

My favorite character would probably be Aggie. I really like her and find her an inspiration. Among my other favorites would be Tavish, Luke, Tina and Libby Sullivan. Possibly in that order. I’m not actually sure. Tavish is my favorite out of all the children. I’m not sure why… maybe because his character is very much like mine in several ways, though admittedly, not in all.

Conclusion:
The Aggie Series is, thus far, my favorite of Mrs. Havig’s works. Besides having some of her best characters, I enjoy the storyline and I find reading the book encouraging in everyday life.

 

To the KING be all the glory!

– – –
I did mean to get a new post up sooner… As my fourth book in last Summer’s European Literature reading, I read Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

The Author:

Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth, England on February 7, 1812. He and his wife Catherine, whom he married in 1836, had ten children. His first novel appears to have been “The Pickwick Papers” published in monthly installments in the year 1836. He was a prolific writer and wrote many novels including, “Bleak House”, “A Tale of Two Cities” and “Martin Chuzzlewit”. Besides his novels he also wrote short stories, poetry and plays. He died on June 9, 1870 at the very young age of 58.

Technical Details:
Nicholas Nickleby was originally published in monthly installments between the years of 1838 and 1839. It was his third of many novels. The version I read was published in 2005 by Barnes and Noble Classics, given to me by my little sister. The book was 64 chapters long and had 802 pages, including the short preface and the table of contents, which I confess, I did not read at all. The beginning holds an Introduction written by Jill Muller and a timeline of Mr. Dickens life which I skimmed part of, but really didn’t read either. (It contained many spoilers!) The back of the book has a selection of comments and questions written about the book, by several people. (And, no, if you are wondering – I didn’t read these either!) The alternate title for this book, (and as far as I understand it, the original title) is The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.

The Story:
Nicholas Nickleby, a young man of nineteen, has recently lost his father. He has an education and a much loved mother and sister to support. Nicholas is ready and willing to do whatever work is required to provide for himself and his family, but having never been required to work a day in his life, he has no idea how to do it. This book follows young Nicholas as he with his equally young and easily trusting sister Kate are thrown into the realities of the “real world”. A greedy uncle, filled with contempt for his extended relations, and near hatred for his nephew, separates the young man from his family, sending Nicholas to Yorkshire. Working at a miserable little school for a malicious man, Nicholas despises most of what goes on around him. When he saves another young man from a cruel and unjust beating, Nicholas decides that he must leave, and sets out alone and on foot. Alone, that is, until Smike, the poor boy that he rescued finds him and joins Nicholas in his travels. The reader follows the two travelers as they encounter trials, enemies and new friends. Kate Nickleby, living alone with a silly, easily led, though kind and affectionate mother, is ready prey for her Uncle’s avaricious schemes. Various side plots and minor characters fill out this interesting tale from the kindly Cheeryble Brothers to the iniquitous Arthur Gride to sweet Madeline Bray.

The Writing Style:
I have read several of Mr. Dicken’s works and his style truly does vary, depending on the book. Nicholas Nickleby is written in his “lighter” style. Satire is used prolifically, especially where it describes hypocritical or common, predictable words or behavior. The book is written in third person, like many, though not all of Mr. Dickens books. For the most part, the story flows well, with few descriptive interruptions. He does get a little longwinded at times, but not often in this particular book.

The Characters:
All the main characters were strong and well written. The Cheeryble brothers were as kindly and generous as Ralph Nickleby was self-centered and avaricious. The cast of minor characters ranged with how well you got to know them. In true Dickens style, most of the minor characters had their own side-plots that really had very little to do with the story surrounding Nicholas and his family. Usually the side stories only took up a chapter or two, giving to the reader a deeper knowledge of these minor characters, as well as letting us see the main characters interact with them in insignificant ways. While some people might find the seeming rabbit trails annoying or dull, I found them intriguing and insightful.

As to my favorite character, Nicholas was on the top of my list. Though certainly not perfect, Nicholas was characterized by being fiercely protective of his mother and sister, a hard, diligent worker and a brave man, who was always ready to do the right thing. Though he is my favorite, any one of the three Cheerybles or Kate Nickleby, are very close. I liked Kate’s sweet, longsuffering disposition and the Cheerybles were among the most cheerful, generous characters in the book.

Caution:
There is some mild language to watch for, almost, if not always, coming from the antagonists.

Conclusion:
I really enjoyed Nicholas Nickleby, even more than I thought I would. The only drawback would be that it took me close to a month to read the entire thing. Even with that, I will probably read it again sometime and I would certainly recommend it.

 

To the KING be all the glory!