BOOK: Tending Roses

Tending Roses
by Lisa Wingate

My book club selected this novel for November.  I bought my own copy because it wasn't available from the library, and I'm glad I did because I know I will end up sharing this book with many people.  Our book club had a great discussion; there are lots of lessons to be learned not only from the story taking place, but the stories told by one of the main characters, Grandma Rose.  It's a novel in the true sense of the word; it's not reality.  Events in the story don't happen exactly the way things happen in real life; they happen the way things SHOULD happen in real life.  The story is set up to teach the reader, and it does.  It's clean, well-written, and contains nothing offensive.  Anyone who has aging parents or grandparents will enjoy this book, along with anyone who has ever been a parent, child, sibling, or family member of any kind.  I guess that's just about everyone. 

Recommended for Adults (and older teens who are emotionally mature)

BOOK: What Came from the Stars

What Came From the Stars
by Gary D. Schmidt

I couldn't resist checking out Schmidt's latest book since I have thoroughly enjoyed all the others I have read by him.  Once again I was not disappointed.  This capitivating Tolkein/C.S. Lewis-esque story is part family drama, part coming-of-age tale, and part adventure, with a sci-fi twist.  It is also well-written and compelling.

There is no offensive language.  There is some violence in the form of battle scenes, and yet the author somehow manages to leave out all descriptions of violence without taking away from the intensity of the scene.  Authors who feel the need to include gratuitous violence should take a page out of Schmidt's book. 

Recommended for:  Ages 12 to adult

BOOK: Heart of a Samurai

Heart of a Samurai
by Margi Preus

This true story (in novel form) is a fascinating read both for children and adults.  It's a story of courage, adventure, family, determination, and friendship.  The book if full of action, and the story moves along quickly, but there are also plenty of tender scenes, and even a few that produce tears.  It would be a great read-aloud for families to enjoy together.  I really enjoyed it.  In fact, I was surprised to find I had a hard time putting it down!

There are a couple of scenes of mild violence involving 19th century whaling practices, and a couple of scenes of bullying/fighting, but nothing graphic or intense.  There is no offensive language. 

Recommended for:  Ages 10 to adult

BOOK: Out of My Mind (Sharon M. Draper)

Out of My Mind
by Sharon M. Draper

I was surprised and delighted by this excellent book; it's well-written and compelling and teaches valuable lessons about judging those with disabilities and dealing with hardships, as well coping with the normal struggles of growing up and wanting to fit in.

The book contains no inappropriate language, violence, etc., but it deals with some serious issues, making this is a great book for parents to discuss with their children. 

Recommended for ages 10 to adult

BOOK: Heaven is Here (Stephanie Nielson)

Heaven is Here
by Stephanie Nielson

I wasn't sure I would be able to write an objective review of this book because Stephanie is my sister-in-law (married to my brother).  But after finishing the book I believe I can give an honest assessment; it's good.  It's really good.  You already know it's inspiring and uplifting; motivating for anyone going through something difficult in life.... which pretty much means everyone.

But it's also very intimate and honest.  I think anyone who has experienced a serious tragedy in life, whether or not it even comes close to what Stephanie and her family have been through, will relate to the feelings she expresses in her memoir, especially those of feeling that life will never be good again.

Stephanie is a "mommy blogger" (for lack of a better term) and not an "author/writer" per se, but she had excellent help from Amy Hackworth, who was careful to keep it "pure Nie Nie" and not insert any of her own style in to the book.  They both did a great job.

Recommended for:  anyone

FILM: The Lamp

The Lamp
based on the novel by Jim Stovell

This sweet film about loss, hope, faith, and finding happiness in life is not blatantly "Christian" but is inspirational and very uplifting. We found it on Netflix and it was perfect for "Family Movie Night."  We were entertained and it made for good discussion afterward.  It contains nothing offensive, though there are some mildly intense scenes that might be frightening for very small children.

Recommended for:  Everyone

BOOK: Stand for the Family (Sharon Slater)

STAND FOR THE FAMILY
by Sharon Slater, President/Founder, Family Watch International

The author happens to be my neighbor and fellow church member, so I know her pretty well.  I knew that she was heavily involved with family issues around the world, and lobbies constantly at the UN, but until I read this book I really had no idea of the extent to which she is involved, the incredible influence for good she has been, and the terrible plague that is sweeping the world in opposition to the family.

The book is very eye-opening... shocking is a better word.  It's sobering, frightening, and horrifying.  If you care about families, this book will make you angry at the evil out there, but very grateful that there are people like Sharon Slater who "stand for the family."  Hopefully, it will also inspire you to do something.... to find out more, to get involved in your community.

So, get the book.  Read it.  Buy it.  Read it again.  Inform yourself.  And do whatever it takes to protect your family..... and "stand for the family."

Because of some of the shocking content (carefully edited to avoid the most offensive material, but necessary to help people understand the truth), this book is not appropriate for children, but should be shared and discussed with teens.

BOOK: Number the Stars

Number the Stars
by Lois Lowry

This amazing book about how the Danish people bravely smuggled thousands of their Jewish friends and neighbors into Swedish, right under the noses of the Nazis who occupied their country, is all the more thrilling because it's true!  Though the main characters are fictional (a composite of real people) the events actually took place.  

I love that the author doesn't talk down to her reader in this children's book.  She is straight forward and honest about the events that took place, but not graphic in recounting the horrors.  The book is only 137 pages, including an afterword specifying which parts are fictionalized, but that's as long as it takes for the reader to see the whole picture.  Though the story ends satisfactorily (we all know the Nazis are eventually defeated) we are left longing and hoping for that future happy ending.

Recommended for ages 10 and up

BOOK: Heaven is For Real

Heaven is For Real
by Todd Grupo

In case you don't know me personally, I will tell you this about myself;  I am a person of faith.  I am religious.  I believe that God is our Heavenly Father, and that Jesus Christ is His Son.  I believe that this life is not the end.  I believe that HEAVEN IS REAL.  (If you want to know more about what I believe, go here.) 

So, with that in mind, I had already accepted the premise of the book and didn't need any "convincing" (not that this book tries to convince anyone).  Most of the time I found myself thinking "yes, that's what I believe about heaven" and "yes, that's consistent with what we know from the Bible."  So, for me there wasn't anything shocking or revelatory.  It was merely interesting but not necessarily faith-promoting, and I doubt it would be so for anyone reading it who doesn't already "believe."

Actually, I found the story of this family's journey and their son's ordeal with illness more interesting than the story of the boy's visit to heaven.  Their personal growth from the experience seems real and touching.

FILM (TV): Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin (2010)
rated PG, starring Claire Danes, Julia Ormond, Catherine O'Hara

Wow.  This fantastic HBO film about the life of Temple Grandin made me think, and made me cry, and I loved it.  There isn't much else I need to say except, "Go watch it!"  But if you still need convincing, I will continue....

Temple Grandin is autistic.... AND a doctor of animal science, livestock handling genius, university professor, author, and autism advocate.  Truly an amazing person.  Her story touched me, as it has done millions of people.  Her influence is wide-spread among many fields of study.  I would be impressed by her work even if she were not autistic... the fact that she is makes it all the more amazing (sorry, I can't help using that word repeatedly). 

Claire Danes does an excellent job portraying Grandin, and together with a fabulous cast of supporting actors, makes this award-winning film what it is.  The film-makers used Grandin's books as the basis for the script and brilliant techniques to show us how this highly intelligent woman "thinks in pictures."  This powerful, inspiring and emotional film is worth watching with your whole family (the only thing that might be offensive is some mild gore from the slaughter of cattle, but it's pretty minor).

[As a side note, Temple Grandin's 2010 TED speech is fascinating and informative, and should be required viewing for teachers!  I think I'm becoming slightly obsessed, wanting to watch every YouTube video I can find of her.]

BOOK: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
by William Kamkwamba (and Bryan Mealer)

This amazing memoir from a poor farm boy in Malawi is truly inspiring.  A self-taught scientist, electrician and inventor, he designed and built a windmill to bring electricity to his home and village... and brought hope with it.  It changed his life in dramatic ways.

The story is at times heartbreaking, and the living conditions and descriptions of life in a third world country during drought, disease and death are a bit difficult to bear.  My 12 year old read the book and really enjoyed it as well.  I think he learned some great lessons too.... be grateful for the wonderful circumstances you live in, work hard and you can accomplish anything.  An excellent read.

FILM: Sixty Six (PG-13)

Sixty Six (2006)
Starring Helena Bonham Carter, Eddie Marsan

Jay and I stumbled upon this interesting indie flick and quite enjoyed it.  It's a quirky and heart-warming story.... the director's real-life experiences.... about an English boy (a younger son) struggling to be noticed by his working-class family and have the best bar mitzvah ever. 

The PG-13 rating:  Though I imagine there is a bit of "language" in the film, I never heard any because of the actors' accents.... in fact, I missed a bit of dialogue because of it, but it didn't seem to matter; I still got the gist of it.  (There may have been some language I didn't catch because the Brits use some words that don't have the same meaning to Americans.)  There is a brief reference to male genitals and a glimpse of a nude backside, which were very both very mild.  There is also one uncomfortable (but brief) scene where the boy accidentally glimpses a passionate scene between a man and woman, but the audience doesn't see anything.  I wouldn't want my 13 year old to see it, unless it was edited.

BOOK: Okay for Now (Gary D. Schmidt)

Okay For Now
by Gary D. Schmidt

Wow.  Schmidt's books take my breath away.  I first read The Wednesday Wars more than a year ago when someone selected it for our book club.... and I loved it.  I was completely surprised by what was supposed to be "juvenile fiction" (featuring a 7th-grade protagonist) when it turned out to be filled with mature themes (in a good way), a fantastic plot, great characters, and excellent writing. 

Okay For Now picks up where The Wednesday Wars left off.... sort of....with a different protagonist (he was a minor character before)/point of view and setting (I would recommend reading The Wednesday Wars first, though it isn't mandatory).  The story is sometimes heartbreaking (you are bound to find yourself sniffling through much of it, but there is also plenty to grin about), slightly painful and yet tender.  It's a powerful story about love and loss, overcoming and surviving, friendship and family.  It will leave you feeling that most people in this world are actually good people deep down....and you will want to go hug your family. 

As I mentioned, the themes are fairly mature, and the story takes place in 1968-1969, so a younger reader who doesn't understand the context of the Vietnam war might not get as much out of the story.  I'm glad I read this before my 12-year-old (who I know will love it as he did The Wednesday Wars after I recommended it to him) so we can discuss it.  Amazingly, this is still a story that is totally appropriate for the middle-school set..... Schmidt writes for that audience, but doesn't talk down to them.  And yet, it reads like a novel for adults in many ways.  Schmidt does a great job of writing for both audiences, in a very entertaining style.

The only "language" I recall is one or two common exclamations of deity.

Has anyone else read anything by Gary Schmidt?  I can't wait to read more of his books.

Recommended for ages 12 and up.

BOOK: Smiles to Go

Smiles to Go
by Jerry Spinelli

I was having a conversation about books the other day with one of my sisters.  I was telling her how I prefer books (and movies too) with stories that center around people.... well-developed characters whose lives are changed by the events in the stories or their relationships with other people; people who learn about themselves and grow from their experiences... stories that are "human" regardless of whether it's science fiction, fantasy, romance, comedy, drama, etc.  A book that is filled with action and exciting events but lacks character development simply bores me to tears.  The best books have interesting characters and a great plot.  But a good plot doesn't have to complex.

This is one of those books with a simple story line about people and their relationships with other people... teenagers, their friends, and their family members.  As an adult reading a book about teenagers and for teenagers I found myself smiling at the memories of being one myself, but I enjoyed it on another level... human emotion is very powerful, whatever your age or the age of those you read about.

There is nothing offensive, but since the narrator is a teenager who begins to have romantic feelings toward his best friend, a girl he has known since kindergarten, there is some kissing and drama of that type that should probably be avoided by younger children.  Also, there are some pretty intense emotional moments, and a tragic accident that could be frightening.  The subject matter is definitely for older children and teens.  Adults will enjoy it too.


Age recommendation:  12 - 16 years

BOOK: These Is My Words

These is My Words
by Nancy Turner

I'm amazed that this was Nancy Turner's first novel.  It's well-written, exciting and romantic, and clean. It's written in diary form, and the character is uneducated (hence the title) so it took a little getting used to, but once I did I was totally into the story.  I was excited to find out there are two sequels, which are just as good as the first.... perhaps even better.  There is something for everyone in these books... great characters, action and adventure, plenty of romance, and even a bit of comedy.  The book contains a handful of mild swear words and a few frightening scenes but nothing offensive.  I have added this excellent novel to my personal "Top-5 Favorite Books of All Time."

FILM: Departures (2008)

Departures (PG-13)
in Japanese with English Subtitles

I usually enjoy foreign films and I really liked this one, called "Okuribito" ("Departures" in English).  It is rated PG-13, mostly due to thematic material. An unemployed cellist finds himself accidentally accepting a very unusual job, and learns some profound lessons through his journey. It's at times very funny, sometimes awkward, and occasionally sad, but quite good. It's very different from most American films, cinematically (I think that's a word) as well as culturally. Jay and I really enjoyed it.

I am interested to know what other people thought of it. Did you see it?

FILM: Sweet Land (2005)

Sweet Land (PG)

I really enjoyed this sweet film about love, prejudice, friendship, loyalty, family, and faith.  I stumbled upon it by accident on Netflix, and I'm very glad I did.  I highly recommend it.

There is no "language" that I recall, and no sex or violence.  There is a very brief scene of partial nudity, but it is not sexual in any way (bathing). 

BOOK: Left to Tell (by Immaculee Ilibagiza)

Left to Tell:  Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
by Immaculee Ilibagiza

This is not just a beautifully written memoir and a fascinating true story of survival (which it is), but an inspiring account of a life filled with sorrow and hope, despair and faith, hate and forgiveness, love and loss, and redemption.  Well worth reading.

There are some fairly graphics descriptions of the reality of the Rwandan holocaust (though I'm sure they don't even come close to depicting what it was really like), but they are necessary.