bookshelves: fiction
Heart of a Lion is book one in Gilbert Morris' Lion Of Judah series.
Young Noah has found life good and wholesome... until he steps outside his village and discovers a world of temptation. Drawn by a beautiful woman yet repulsed by the pagan practices of her tribe's dark worship, his inner struggle keeps him in torment.
Noah strains to hear the voice of God - through the warnings of a prophet, through the kind teachings of his grandfather Methuselah, through the loving concern of his family, and ultimately through personal confrontation. The message he receives is terrifying. Will he find the courage to obey?
Opposition intensifies to the call he has received, and a precious medallion handed down from ancient times reminds him of who he is... a man with a HEART OF A LION.
I have always enjoyed Gilbert Morris' work, and Heart of a Lion is no exception. I approached this book with the typical biblical knowledge of Noah's story, and was pleasantly surprised at the depth and added thoughts that Gil (as he is known by his friends ;-) brought out in the book. Some of them I had imagined differently, yet it was refreshing to dwell on his portrayal of the well known biblical account... especially the inclusion of giant sea beasts and battles against Nephilim!
I admire the way Gilbert Morris helps the reader get to know the characters in each story he writes, which then adds to the depth of the journey each one takes, with a bit of action and romance added too. He also has a gift at portraying the journey of the soul from hopelessness to hope and peace. As in other books of his I have read, these same principles applied with this story also.
I loved the way Noah was portrayed... as a man who has a heart towards God, yet who openly struggles with temptation and doubts. Despite these, he struggles towards choosing to do what is right on his journey through life.
Just imagine what it would have been like living in Noah's time, the state of the people, the general day to day living, the enormous task of building the ark... As I read this book my mind wandered and wondered, my faith was strengthened, the Biblical story came alive once again and I was inspired... for who knows what great plans God has ahead for us just like he did for Noah!
A great book, well worth the read. I am already getting ready to read book two in the series, No Woman so Fair. ]]>
bookshelves: fiction
"Now in his thirtieth year, Jesus and his tight-knit family endure a long, dusty winter of disruption and chaos. Whispers of his virgin birth still persist, and while he struggles with the demands of his family and the weight of his great destiny, those around him wait for some sign of the path he will take... but this quiet man of Nazareth is instead called upon to found a ministry which will utterly transform an unsuspecting world..."
From the moment I picked this book up I was hooked (even more than I was with the first book in this trilogy - if that is possible). Anne Rice has an incredible gift as an author... the gift to transport you away to the place she is writing about, to feel the emotions, picture the scenes and to be totally immersed in the culture of the day. Mix this incredible gift with a passionate faith in Christ and you have pure literary awesomeness!
Once again, it took a moment or two to get used to reading a book about Christ written in the first person. It wasn't long though, and then it felt like I was back with old friends as I read about Jesus, his close-knit family and humble everyday life.
My emotions took a few twists and turns in this book, especially as Anne Rice puts Jesus in an interesting scenario... one that is not mentioned in Scripture, but I must say could very well have been possible when we read in the Bible that He was tempted in every way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). This situation (among others) provoked me to think about how much He truely does understand our struggles, thoughts and frailities. It made me draw closer to my Lord.
I love the way Anne Rice weaved unknown characters and situations together with the familiar Biblical ones. She is gifted (I just had to say that again ;-).
If I was to say anything negative about this book, I felt there were a couple of conversations Jesus had (one of them with Satan) that were just a bit too long, and my focus started to waiver, but only for a second (other reviewers have raved about these conversations though).
I just had to give this book a 10 out of 10! This book (and Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt) are MUST READS for all people... Christian's or not, I would highly recommend them. They are factual and historical (although some theologians may debate on a couple of points, there is nothing that I found majorly offensive) yet filled with action and emotion. I am sure these will be classified as materpieces in the years to come.
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bookshelves: fiction
When I first heard of this book, and it's author, I was thoroughly intrigued. I have read a few books based on Biblical characters, but I have never read a book about Jesus Christ, written by a lady famous for writing horror fiction!
Anne Rice is famous for her best selling Gothic books, namely the Vampire Chronicles Series, of which one (Interview with the Vampire) was adapted from a screenplay into a movie (staring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Kirsten Dunst). Her books have sold nearly 100 million copies, making her one of the most widely read authors in modern history.
Rice shocked the reading world in 2004, when she announced in a Newsweek article that she had returned to her faith in Christ and would from now on "write only for the Lord." And as a result, Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt (the first book in a Trilogy chronicling the life of Jesus) was born.
Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, follows the early years of Jesus from age seven. Beautifully written and wonderfully researched, I was instantly immersed in the culture of Jesus' upbringing and the violence surrounding Jerusalem at the time.
"It is an astonishing child's eye view - part innocent, part knowing - of the Jewish life in these unruly years of occupation; and of the boy's growing awareness, first of his extraordinary powers, and then of the whispered mysteries surrounding his birth... We watch him grow, steeped in the laws, rituals and traditions of his people, beginning to discuss an dispute with the Elders, and to ask questions that cannot be answered. And, at the end, we feel the strength of his resolve as the boy comes face to face with the truth about his past and the challenge of his future."
At first I found it unusual to be reading in 'first person', but I soon became totally involved in the story. Jesus is portrayed as a young and innocent Jewish boy who is totally aware of his humanity, but also aware of the supernatural power within him. He is also trying to understand the mystery surrounding his birth (no one seems to want to talk about it), and the realisation that he isn't quite the same as everyone else.
For some reason I had never fully pondered the journey Jesus would have taken in discovering who he was... did he always know who he was? If not, when did he realise the truth? I found myself eagerly anticipating his discoveries and emotionally caught up in certain situations. There were quite a few late night's reading, as I just could not put the book down!
The story seemed somewhat slow in parts, but some may say this added to the beauty of the journey. The writing was simple, which I actually enjoyed, as too many descriptive words can be off-putting at times.
Now of course, any historical fiction story about Jesus Christ will be controversial, but there wasn't too much in this that I found offensive. No one really knows what Joseph and Mary were really like (or any of the characters portrayed), but it is intriguing to imagine the relationship they shared together and with Jesus himself.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My knowledge of Jewish history was expanded and my faith was deepened. I enjoyed it so much that I went straight out and bought book number two in the trilogy. While not an intense page-turner, it is a deep and thoughtful, well researched book that I am sure everyone would find impacting to some degree.
Anne Rice is still writing supernatural historical fiction - and it is amazing. It has been expertly researched (which give such a wonderful historical aspect), and the character development is mature and well thought out.
I also loved reading the Author's Note at the back of this book - I can't say I have ever said that about any other Authors note in my life! Anne Rice shares openly about her journey of faith and also of the many hours of research that was put into this book.
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bookshelves: fiction
God has a university. It’s a small school. Few enrol; even fewer graduate. Very, very few indeed. God has this school because he does not have broken men and women. Instead, he has several other types of people. He has people who claim to have God’s authority... and don’t – people who claim to be broken... and aren’t. And people who do have God’s authority, but who are (mad and) unbroken. In God’s sacred school of submission and brokenness, why are there so few students? Because all students in this school must suffer much pain. (Excerpt from book)
A Tale Of Three Kings has been around for quite some time, and is very popular... but for some reason I only discovered it recently, and am so glad I did! This book is a difficult book to categorize. It's fiction and non-fiction at the same time. Regardless of the genre, every Christian needs to read it.
A Tale Of Three Kings explores the life of the Bible Kings' Saul, David and Absalom. I found it extremely interesting to read Edward's profound insights into these 'three kings' and it was very impacting on my views and thoughts regarding relationships and what I considered to be right or wrong. You could even say there was a slight twist in the book which gave an impacting blow to my soul... ouch, but very appreciated.
This is one book that every Christian should read, as it will relate to any relationship dynamic. I do wish I had discovered this book earlier. This is the kind of book you want to own a few copies of as you will want it to lend to others! A quick and impacting read I would highly recommend.
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"Awesome!!"
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bookshelves: non-fiction
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bookshelves: non-fiction
This book caught my eye last week... "Sew Subversive... Down and Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista", put out by Stitch Lounge.
All in all it's a great book! Within the pages are heaps of inspiring photos and projects, as well as a run down on the basics of sewing at the beginning of the book.
Who would have thought to make a tote out of your favourite (but too old to wear) labelled t.shirt... or to make legwarmers from the arms of an old jumper!
I really enjoyed the 'down-to-earth' projects in this book - very inspiring!
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bookshelves: non-fiction
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bookshelves: non-fiction
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