An Open Book – October #anopenbook
Today, I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been working on or reading this past month.
My new book, coming November 1!
Synopsis: Have you ever gone to a public bathroom to find the mirrors so high that you can only see your forehead? Do young children stand beside you and exclaim, “I’m as tall as you!” When you drive, do you still have trouble reaching the pedals even when you’ve moved the seat all the way forward? If you’ve never experienced these situations, then it’s quite likely you’re well over five feet tall.
In her new book, Life From the Bottom Shelf, award-winning author Ellen Gable, along with seven other contributors, share the ups and downs of being short-statured in a tall world. Gable, who is four feet eight inches tall (the average height of a nine- to ten-year-old girl), has always tried to keep a sense of humor about her height. This is a book about embracing one’s size and finding the joy and humor in it.
Rachel’s Tears: Ten Years After Columbine by Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott
Amazon Synopsis: “I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus . . . If I have to sacrifice everything . . . I will.” –Rachel Scott
The Columbine tragedy in April 1999 pierced the heart of our country. We later learned that the teenage killers specifically targeted Rachel Scott and mocked her Christian faith on their chilling, homemade videotapes. Rachel Scott died for her faith. Now her parents talk about Rachel’s life and how they have found meaning in their daughter’s martyrdom in the aftermath of the school shooting. Rachel’s Tears comes from a heartfelt need to celebrate this young girl’s life, to work through the grief and the questions of a nation, and to comfort those who have been touched by violence in our schools today. Using excerpts and drawings from Rachel’s own journals, her parents offer a spiritual perspective on the Columbine tragedy and provide a vision of hope for preventing youth violence across the nation.
My review: This was a beautiful book written by the parents of Rachel Scott, one of the students murdered in April of 1999 in Columbine. Heart-wrenching at times, but an inspiring story of faith. 4/5.
Agatha’s Angel by Michael C. Vassallo
Synopsis: John Palmaccio has recently returned from serving with the Peace Corps and now works in the high-stakes world of corporate New York. However, his job and the Long Island bar scene only offer a shallow happiness—contrasting with the solace of his former Peace Corps mentor Doug’s young-adult Bible study. When John meets the sensible, upbeat, devout Amy Santiago, he eventually rediscovers love, despite still mourning his deceased fiancée. John looks into an upcoming breast cancer race to impress Amy, but he must face his bigoted father, who despises Amy’s biracial ethnicity. John also faces ridicule from his friends for remaining chaste with a religious Amy, condescension from his stern boss and jealousy from Doug’s embittered daughter. Most of all, he faces his own weaknesses, which threaten his newfound happiness and grace.
My review: I’ve been working with the author of this book for nearly five years and have enjoyed seeing the development of the characters, story and plotlines. Although it’s a lengthy book, it’s a wonderful Catholic romance that will have you thinking about the characters long after you’ve finished the story. Highly recommend.
