Christ the Lord Out of Egypt by Anne Rice

I have just finished up reading Christ the Lord Out of Egypt by Anne Rice. You may have noticed that this book was on my sidebar for quite some time as I worked to finish all of its 322 pages and wrap up the Book Club for September. Here is what the book cover and flap tells you about the book:



"Having completed the two cycles of legend to which she has devoted her career so far, Anne Rice gives us now her most ambitious, and courageous book, a novel about the early years of Christ the Lord, based on the gospels and on the most respected New Testament scholarship. The book's power derives from the passion its author brings to the writing and the way in which she summons up the voice, the presence, the words of Jesus who tells the story." (book flap)


"A riveting, reverent imagining of the hidden years of the child Jesus...A triumph of tone-her prose lean, vivid-and character... Christ the Lord is a cross between a historical novel and an update of Tolstoy's The Gospels in Brief; it presents Jesus as nature mystic, healer, prophet and very much a real young boy...Essentially it's a mystery story, of the child grappling to understand his miraculous gifts and numinous birth... As he ponders his staggering responsibility, the boy is fully believable-and yet there's something in his supernatural empathy and blazing intelligence that conveys the wondrousness of a boy like no other... With this novel, Anne Rice has indeed found a convincing version of him; that is fiction that transcends story and instead qualifies as an act of faith." (Kirkus Reviews - book cover)


This is a christian fiction book based on historical fact about the life of Jesus as a child. It did take me a while to get through this book because I had some difficulty getting into it. I am not very educated on the family of Jesus outside of Mary and Joseph so it was a bit confusing to me and I was questioning often if this or that is true or not. I know that we don't know what the days of Jesus boyhood were like but I think Anne, being the talented writer she is, does paint a good picture of what could have been. It wasn't until near the end of the book that I became more engaged in the book and able to get through it faster. I really enjoyed reading the Author's note at the end. Anne Rice provides a bit of her testimony of what brought her to writing about Jesus and I have to say this made me like the book more. I do not believe this book will be a selection for our book club but just because I don't think it's right for the club doesn't mean you shouldn't try it out for your own. I have a few friends that love this book so it's all different strokes for different folks. I am now into the second book, Christ the Lord, The Road to Cana and have to say it is going better so far. :)

As always if you have any thoughts, please share them with us! Happy Reading!

Review of 2009

We have finished up our book club meetings for 2009. I am looking forward to this well deserved break of October - December. I can promise you I have a few stacks of books sitting around staring me down waiting to be read. Several of you are owners of these books and I promise I have not forgotten. I will keep up the blog with what I am reading during the break and welcome anyone who would like to participate with a review of a book they read. All you have to do is e-mail me. If you come across a good book that you think the club will enjoy please let me know, I love recommendations! You never know, what you suggest may end up as the next month’s book. We will resume meetings in January 2010. Stay tuned in December as details for January are announced. I hope you have enjoyed our year and look forward to the next. I thank each one of you for your participation, recommendations, conversation and company. A Special Thank you to those who selected me to lead our Book Club and Thank you to Beacon of Life for allowing us to use their space for meetings.

Here’s a list of all the wonderful books we read this year in case you want a reminder:

January – Traveling Light by Max Lucado
February – Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
March – Same kind of different as me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
April – The Shack by William P. Young
May – Having a Mary heart in a Martha world by Joanna Weaver
June – The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
July – The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
August – The Five people you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
September – One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

If you have any questions or need anything please feel free to contact me at abookjunkie(at)gmail(dot)com.

P.S. Don't forget to take advantage of the Public and Church library! They are Free!

Last Meeting of 2009

This past weekend we had our last meeting of 2009. We met and discussed our last book, One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury. The overall feel is that everyone enjoyed the book and plans to read the two that come along after it in the 9/11 series. (Keep reading for more info.) They said they will definitely recommend it to others! That's always a good sign!




I know I haven't written much on this book at all but as I have mentioned before I just don't have alot to talk about on it. I'm glad the faith of the characters (and lack of it) is demonstrated in this tragic time and that she shows that anything is possible with God. I pray that others will read it whom have been struck by a tragedy and the Holy Spirit might use it to help restore their faith. During our meeting we discussed how/why God could let something as terrible as 9/11 or any other terrible event happen. We of course have no answers only what ifs and maybes. I pray that if you struggle with questions such as these that you are comforted and can gain a sense of peace that even if we can't have all the answers now, God has them. I pray that you trust him with these answers. I want to take a minute to bring up a subject from a past book, The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. Something I didn't comment on the blog at the time, but during the reading of the book there is a moment when Corrie's father talks to her about how our parent carries the burden of knowledge for us until we are ready. Casper Ten Boom says that he wouldn't be a very good father if he allowed his child to carry a heavy burden she wasn't yet ready to carry. Corrie is satisfied with him answering her question like this. I challenge you with this thought, When you are questioning God our Father with whys and what ifs, Why not take a moment and think about what Mr. Ten Boom told Corrie. Do you think maybe God doesn't give us all the answers right when we want them because He is carrying the burden for us? Just something to think about.

If you would like to share what you will most take away from this book please do. I know I have a renewed appreciation for the time I have with my family. I am even more sure now to remember to tell others I love them every moment someone leaves the house. It's very important to tell others how much you love them, don't take it for granted!


I hope that you took time during the month to remember all those affected by the attacks on September 11th. I ask that you continue to pray for our Country as just this past month another attack was foiled by the FBI. I hope this book was enjoyable to you and that you continue on to read the next two, I know I will. I will tell you about them on the blog when it comes time. Here is the information in case you need it:


Beyond Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury: This is the sequel to One Tuesday morning. I myself have not read it yet but wanted you to be aware in case you were interested. The book is 303 pages long and here is the description from Karen’s website:

“In this sequel to the bestselling One Tuesday Morning, to Jamie Bryan it is still September 12, 2001. What will move her from living in the past to living the life God has given her today? It's been three years since the terrorist attacks on New York City, but FDNY widow Jamie Bryan keeps waking up to the aching pain of that one Tuesday morning, the morning of September 11, 2001. Determined to find meaning in her grief, Jamie pours her life into volunteer work at St. Paul's, the small memorial chapel across from where the twin towers once stood. In the stream of broken, grieving people who make their way through the church doors, Jamie connects with two men - a firefighter forever changed by the attacks, and a Los Angeles police officer. Unsure and feeling somehow guilty, Jamie opens herself to the possibility of loving again. But what she learns about one man sends her reeling. How can this be God's plan for her life? Now only the persistence of a tenacious man, questions from Jamie's curious young daughter, and words from her dead husband's journal can move Jamie Bryan beyond one Tuesday morning - toward life.”







Every Now and Then by Karen Kingsbury: This is the third book in Karen’s 9/11 series. I myself have not read it yet but wanted you to be aware in case you were interested. The book is 308 pages long and here is the description from Karen’s website:

“A gripping story of danger and heroism by New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury. Sheriff’s deputy Alex Brady and his K-9 partner Bo, are on a mission to protect the people of Los Angeles. Domestic terrorists are trying to make this the worst fire season in California’s history. Can Alex stop this senseless destruction in time, or will he lose himself in the process? A wall went up around Alex Brady’s heart when his father, a New York firefighter, died in the Twin Towers. Turning his back on the only woman he ever loved, Alex shut out all the people who cared about him to concentrate on fighting crime. He and his trusty K9 partner, Bo, are determined to eliminate evil in the world and prevent tragedies like 9-11. Then the worst fire season in California’s history erupts, and Alex faces the ultimate challenge to protect the community he serves. An environmental terrorist group is targeting the plush Oak Canyon Estates. At the risk of losing his job, and his soul, Alex is determined to infiltrate the group and put an end to their corruption. Only the friendship of Clay and Jamie Michaels—and the love of a dedicated young woman—can help Alex drop the walls around his heart and move forward into the future God has for him.”





Happy Reading!

Time is short

I know I haven't been a very good blogger this month. I have found difficulty coming up with what to write about with this book. Not to say it isn't a good book with good themes (I wouldn't have chosen it, if I didn't think so). But I just haven't had much to say.



As you read through the book you find out the stories of the Bryan and Michael families. A part of me questions how believable this story is but at the same time I have never been in that extreme situation so who knows what I would have done. I love the way Jake had made notes for Jamie in his Bible and how he would write letters to her in his journal. Something I think many probably don't do or think about doing for their spouse whether they are a believer or not. Or even for your children. I think keeping a journal (Even if not updated everyday) or making notes like that is a treasure that those left on earth when we go home will appreciate forever. No doubt the Holy Spirit used this to reach Jamie and Eric's hearts in our story. I know many people who do keep a faith or prayer journal. I wonder if it will be an inspiration to others after they are gone, but I think I have my answer after reading this book. I keep a journal for my children. I started it when my son was about 3 years old and one for my daughter when she was about that same age. I don't write in it everyday but it is better than nothing. I had read the book The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. At the time I thought about how neat it would be for my husband to write me letters every week as was done in the book. So much is forgotten as years go by and what a good way to remember. In this book Jake is again the husband writing to the spouse but there is no reason why a wife couldn't do the same for her husband. Grant it when I read this I dream of my husband writing for me but rather than waiting for that to happen, why shouldn't I start writing for him?



I think the biggest thing that I took away from this book is the reminder of how short our time here is on earth. We never know when it could be the last time we lay eyes on a family member. It's a scary and sad thought but a realistic one as well. So often I hear the words about not taking for granted the time we are given but so often it goes in one ear and out the other. This book has helped me to remember that everyday. Not that I didn't before but even more so now am I more aware of being sure of telling people what I think and that I love them. Not that I have any plans to but it makes the thought cross my mind more often, If I were to die tomorrow, Would my family know how much I loved them? Or if one of my family members died tomorrow, Would they know how much I loved them? I think that Jake Bryan was a good example of someone who was sure when he died that those he was leaving knew where he stood with them. Thankfully even though Eric didn't have that peace he got a second chance to make it happen.

I'm sure the people who have endured hardships due to 9/11 and countless other tragedies can give the advice of not taking time for granted. We should all be so smart to wise up to what it means now rather than when it is to late. If you want to, share what you will take away from this book. Will it help you to appreciate how short our time really is here on earth? Will you make more of an effort with those around you? Will you stop letting loose ends hang and tie them up already? Will you break through those emotional barriers and start living your life? Will you stop putting it off and give yourself to Christ?

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck

This week I finished up another book, The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck. If you are wondering why I am reading a Christmas Book in September it is because I am trying to find some books to recommend for the book club while we are on holiday break. So, It is a fictional novel with some truth of Beck's life woven through it. The book is 273 pages long and an easy read. Here is what the book flap tells us:

When Eddie was twelve years old, all he wanted for Christmas was a bike. Although his life had gotten harder-and money tighter-since his father died and the family bakery closed...Eddie dreamed that somehow his mother would find a way to have his dream bike gleaming beside their modest Christmas tree that magical morning.What he got from her instead was a sweater. "A stupid, handmade, ugly sweater" that young Eddie left in a crumpled ball in the corner of his room.Scarred deeply by the realization that kids don't always get what they want, and too young to understand that he already owned life's most valuable treasures, that Christmas morning was the beginning of Eddie's dark and painful journey on the road to manhood. It will take wrestling with himself, his faith, and his family-and the guidance of a mysterious neighbor names Russell-to help Eddie find his path through the storm clouds of life and finally see the real significance of that simple gift his mother had crafted by hand with love in her heart. (end quote)

I did enjoy the book for the most part even though it was quite sad in some areas. The message about the sweater and how we treat the ones we loves rings true for all ages. Beck did a nice job I thought of making the emotions of the characters easy to relate to. It is a nice reminder of what we should be doing and how we should be treating others. I did not care for the way it ends. (Not saying it ends bad) And I may just be being picky. If some of the story was true of the authors I felt like it would have been better for him to just tell his story rather than change it around the way he did to make this one. Anyways this will not be a book club selection and I don't know that it will be one of my recommended reads for over the holidays. I felt like in many parts the author was glossing over his faith and the subject of Jesus. In the end you do have a note from the author that clarifies some things which made it better. But of course read it for yourself to make your own opinion. If you have read it and want to share your thoughts, please do so! Happy Reading!

9/11/01

(Source)

I decided since it is 9/11 today that it's about time I start writing about this month's book. One Tuesday Morning opens with the author telling us how she researched for the book and prepares us for the story. She starts out giving us some background information about our characters so we have an idea of what their lives were like before that terrible day. Kingsbury tells us how this story is her way of grieving through the events. I think she is right, it's a nice way to remember and not lose hope.





In chapter 1 we are introduced to Jamie and Jake Bryan. They are a happy married couple with one child, Sierra. We get to know this family, Jake is a Christian together with his daughter Sierra. Jamie on the other hand is not and doesn't believe or attend church with Jake. The Bryan family lives in New York and Jake is a firefighter in New York City. In chapter 2 we meet Laura and Eric Michaels whom are not so happily married anymore and have 1 son, Josh. The Michaels family is in California. Eric also has a brother who is a main player in our story, Clay Michaels. In the Michaels family, Laura, Josh and Clay are the active Christians as Eric has become a workaholic and allowed it to put a strain on everything in his life. As we continue through the book we will flash back and forth between these two separate families on opposite ends of the country and read how their lives end up intersecting. Chapters 3 through 7 give us some insight as to the beliefs of our characters, the relationships between them and where they all stand in life as September 11th comes crashing down on them.





In Chapters 8-15 the author begins to breakdown 9/11 into a timeline throughout the day of what is happening in the lives of our characters. Jake is a firefighter trying to help those in the 2nd tower. Eric is in a meeting on the 64th floor of the 2nd tower. The story unfolds minute by minute and tells us what happens in the lives of all these people as the terrible events of the day unfold. Jake and Eric's lives intertwine for a brief moment on the stairwell. They realize that they look alike but now isn't the time to dwell on it. Eric continues down the stairs and Jake upwards. We find out that Jake Bryan survives or what the people in the story think is Jake Bryan, really though it's Eric Michaels. Eric has amnesia and those around him recognize him as Jake Bryan and since he has no clue who he is, he goes along with it. The author tells us in the beginning of the book that Amnesia was something that did happen to some with head injuries after 9/11. I think it is good to know this as under normal circumstances it might be harder for someone to believe that this mix up of identification could take place.





We will read on how the lives of these families in our book are forever changed. And this is the truth, real lives of thousands of people were changed that day. Take time today and as you read this book to remember and pray for the families who's lives changed forever. Take the time to pray for all of our service men and women. Remember that God is in control. I pray that you have the faith of Jake Bryan and remember where your real home is always. I wrote a little bit more of an extensive remembrance about this day on my personal blog. You can check it out by clicking here. God Bless the U.S.A.

Inside my Heart by Robin McGraw

I just finished up reading, Inside My Heart: Choosing to live with Passion and Purpose by Robin McGraw. My office manager had read it and recommended I read it. She graciously brought me her copy to borrow a few weeks ago. This book is an inspirational non-fiction that tells you stories about the McGraw family, the lessons she has learned and things that you can put into place in your life with confidence. This book is 221 pages and here is what the back cover says:

You've seen her on television with her husband, Dr. Phil. But now it's time for a heart-to-heart conversation with Robin McGraw. In Inside My Heart, Robin speaks woman to woman, inspiring you to embrace and celebrate the many roles you play and encouraging you to make deliberate choices that lead to a richer, happier, and more meaningful life. She shares with you the life-changing moments of her childhood years, dating and marrying Dr. Phil McGraw, raising two sons, and asserting herself as a woman in a man's world to show you that you have the power to make choices in your life. In fact, she's convinced that you must choose to go after the life you want. With a deep and abiding faith in God, Robin McGraw shares her story so you, too, can make choices that reflect your own heart's truest priorities and highest goals. (end quote)

To be perfectly honest, I really was not that interested or ready to read this book. But if someone takes the time to recommend something and bring me the book to borrow I am going to read it. Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised. I have enjoyed the book even if the chapters were a little toooo long. (Editor should have done something about that.) But it was good, real good. She is a good storyteller and paints a great picture of the ups and downs that their marriage has had like everyone else. Even being married to Dr. Phil, their life isn't perfect. I also feel like the stories she tells she brings up great points with lessons to be learned. Robins says in the book flap,

"My Wish is for you to perceive as I do, the presence of God within us and around us and feel the love He feels for us all. I want to get you excited about being a woman in this day and time, excited about being the woman that God created you to be. And it's all there for the choosing, because I believe in the core of my soul that how you live, how I live, how we all live as women is largely a matter of choice."

I really enjoyed the stories she tells us about bringing up her children. She brings alot of good points out about the differences between men and women and what different things children will or need to learn from each. She tells us quite a few little stories of things that have happened between her and Phil and her reactions and good ways to handle situations. I like that she reminds women that we have the choice to be in the situation we are in, we have a choice to get where we want to be or sit by letting things move along for us with no input. I am undecided as to if this will be a book club selection for 2010 but I do recommend it! Let me know if you have read it or any thoughts. As always Happy Reading!