April 2012: Chocolat by Joanne Harris
My Rating 3/5
April 2012: One Day by David Nicholls
My Rating 4/5
April 2012: Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding
My Rating 3/5
March 2012: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
My Rating 4/5
February 2012: Marley and Me by John Grogan
My Rating 4/5
Dec 2011: The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun
I've been told by a number of people over the past few years that this is a 'must read' book, and also that it's hard to believe some of the stuff that happens in it, and also that it will be a challenging read but also so inspiring and incredible! All of those things were true of Brother Yun's account of the mission of sharing the Gospel with China, of how God moved in miraculous ways, of how life following Christ is not easy or comfortable or safe even... but instead is radical, dangerous, exciting and adventurous. Admittedly, it was a hard read because there was just so much of it, and at times I got a little angry at myself for my doubt and unbelief as I read of the amazing things that God was doing in Brother Yun's life as well as with others across the world at that time. If you're feeling comfortable or apathetic in your faith right now, or even if you're not and you're raring to go and get out there for Christ, then read this! My Rating 4/5
2011: The Help by Kathryn Stockett.
After seeing the movie, I absolutely couldn't wait to read the book and I certainly wasn't disappointed. It's captivating and heart-wrenching at the same time. Tears, laughter, anger, joy... a number of emotions were stirred in my by this great read! As well as an inspiring challenge to be the difference I want to see. Highly recommended! My Rating 5/5
I have evidently not kept up with my Reading List, but I assure you I have been reading!! Let's see if I can remember what..
June 2011: The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis.
It makes me a little sad to have finally reached the end of the Narnia series. A great end to a fantastic story. Seriously. Ties up all loose ends, and brings back old characters we know and love from past books! The only downside is that it ends really quickly. But it is a kids story so I suppose it needs to be that way to keep their attention, but other than that it's inspiring and is challenging spiritually! Reflects current society, hints at the coming of the anti-Christ and false prophets and acknowledges Christ's ultimate sovereignty... but still light-hearted in it's own way and a really good read! Very appreciative of C.S.Lewis and his gift of writing :):)
May 2011: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.
Oh my goodness. I started this four days ago and finished this morning. But I don't want to be finished! I don't know how she does it, but of the five books I have read by Francine Rivers, all five have left me sad to finish (not because of the storyline but because of the desire that is left to just keep reading and stay a part of the characters' lives forever...!) Weird, I know, and perhaps I'm getting to in to them but I don't mind really. Redeeming Love is a story set in the 1800's, about a young girl (Angel) who is neglected from birth and after the death of her mother, ends up making her way in the world through prostitution. Years later, after praying for a wife, Michael meets Angel and feels led by God to marry her, and love her and God has loved him. Based on the story of Hosea in the Bible, this book reflects God's unfailing love for his people, even when we turn our backs on him and run away, even when we despise or betray him. Gripping, heart-wrenching, but inspirational and a must-read (probably more so for the ladies than the blokes out there..!) My Rating: 5/5
May 2011: The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis.
I'm sure that after finishing almost every book in the Narnia series (aside from Voyage of the Dawn Treader) I have come away thinking, "this is my favourite one!" I'd like to say the same about this one too, but I actually think I just like them all the same amount but in different ways. The Silver Chair contained some really strong metaphors representing the Christian walk, and Aslan's role (although always symbolic of God) portrayed so many characteristics of God that really connected with me as I read this particular book. I just really enjoyed this one! My Rating: 4/5
April 2011: As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers
I was so sad when I finished this book, the third in the trilogy. I literally couldn't put it down. It follows on from the story of Hadassah and the Valerian family (that is told in the first two books) and draws closely on the story of Atretes, the german warrior who was taken captive by Roman soldiers and forced to fight his way to freedom in the Arena, his son Caleb and their connection to a Christian widow called Rizpah. Rivers weaves in scriptural references sometimes subtly, sometimes glaringly obvious but always beautifully. This books inspires and challenges and left me hungry for the change that only Father God can bring. If I have not already persuaded you to do so then I will try again: PLEASE go out and buy these books (the first and second, and probably the third) and read them. If you don't want to buy them then borrow them from the library or from a friend but please make sure you do. I am telling you that you will not regret it! My Rating: 5/5
April 2011: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
I didn't feel I enjoyed this book as much as I have the others. Perhaps because I watched the movie last Christmas and it wasn't good at all. But I know it's an important one to read, to understand the importance of sailing to Aslan's land, and also to introduce Eustace who is one of the main characters in the next book. My Rating: 3/5
March - April 2011: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
I found this book really interesting. I was recommended it by a friend, and already had my eye on the movie so thought I'd give it a go! (I still haven't watched the movie.. but wouldn't mind seeing what sort of perspective they took and how they portrayed the Spiritual aspects of it all..) Anyway, good read! Gilbert is definitely a very captivating writer, true to life, very witty and intelligent and made this both an entertaining and thought-provoking (challenging!) read. I'm not even sure whether it's a true story? I'm guessing it is, as Gilbert is writing about herself but whether she created a persona or is actually writing about her past experiences, I'm not sure. Either way, it was still good. I was intrigued particularly by her exploration of religion, and God, and her journey to seek peace and balance and 'oneness' etc.. Some of her experiences and views are very in line with the Bible, whilst others were questionable and still others that I undoubtedly disagreed with. But that's besides the point really, it got me thinking and asking questions and overall I really enjoyed the read.
For more of my thoughts on this, go to http://jemmalauren.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-break-day-one.html and scroll until you see the book cover! My Rating: 3.5/5
February 2011: Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
My Rating: 3/5
January 2011: The Horse and his boy by C.S.Lewis
Just as good as the other two, perhaps even a little better because I didn't know the story before reading it - just wish they'd have made this in to a film as well! Why didn't they make all seven books in to movies? There can be no reasonable explanation for this... My rating: 4/5
December 2010: An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers.
This story is the most inspiring story I've read in a L O N G time (well since the first in the series!). It's over five-hundred pages and I read it in just under a week and that is crazy fast for me! This is the second in Rivers' Mark of the Lion trilogy. It continues the story of Hadassah (and many other characters!!) living in first century Rome / Ephesus / etc.. The passionate, gripping storyline is so (so, so, so) good and makes the book literally impossible to put down. The way Rivers' weaves scripture into the text is subtle yet effective. My only criticism would be that in some parts, the story seems drawn out to longer than feels necessary - but admittedly this serves to create a deeper sense of empathy with the characters because it feels like you live every moment with them! If you're reading this review, it is my challenge to you to find these books and READ THEM. Buy them, borrow them, whatever you can do to get them (within reason and within the law), you most certainly won't regret it. My Rating: 5/5
December 2010: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S.Lewis.
December 2010: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S.Lewis.
Never imagined I'd say this about a book, especially this one, but I have to admit that I preferred the movie. However, that isn't to say I didn't enjoy reading the story! I really love how gripping it was, and as I said about the Magician's Nephew, this was just as simple yet captivating a storyline. My favourite of the series is the first though, and hoping the rest of the collection are as impressive! My Rating: 3/5
December 2010: The Magician's Nephew by C.S.Lewis.
As a kid, I never read the Narnia series and I always thought the books were really long (and probably boring). Anyway, I've decided to make an effort to start reading through the set and have been completely pleasantly surprised!! Obviously written as a child's story, so simple and captivating and I even cried at the point where the children first meet Aslan. Love the Christian connotations throughout the story. So well written. My Rating: 4/5
October 2010: A Voice in the Wind. First in Francine Rivers' 'Mark of the Lion' Trilogy.
Slow to start, but entirely gripping from about chapter three onwards. Detailed, rather complex story line about numerous different characters, and set in 1st Century Rome. Love, betrayal, servant-hood, passion, faith, this novel not only touches on every topic essential to a great read, it revolves around the most engaging and loveable characters.
Rivers' is a Christian author, and the book certainly shines with her faith, without even a hint of cliché or stereotypical 'religious' jargon. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a proper chunky read, Christian or non-Christian, probably female since I did cry in the last chapter. My Rating: 5/5.
September 2010: Rip Van Winkle. By Washington Irving.
A short story, set during the time of the War of Independence between Britain and America. I suppose as literature it's valid, but not greatly entertaining. My Rating 2/5.
August 2010: Change We Can Believe In. Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise.
Informative, but rather repetitive. I'm not gonna lie, I didn't manage to get through the whole thing but definitely feel enlightened on hot topics in American Politics.
July 2010: Eclipse. 3rd book in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga.
Love the Twilight Saga. This is my 2nd favourite, after Twilight itself. Fairly long, which is good if you don't want it to end! My Rating: 4/5.
July 2010: Wuthering Heights. By Emily Bronte.
The classic. Every girl (and possibly bloke) should read this. Give it a few chapters until you're used to the language then you won't be able to put it down. My Rating: 4/5
June 2010: New Moon. 2nd book in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga.
Not as fast paced as the first book and rather depressing in parts but still so good. I got so swept up in Bella's heart break, I really couldn't put this down for anticipation of whether Bella and Jake got together, and what was going to happen to Edward! My Rating: 4/5.
June 2010: I am not but I know I Am. Louie Giglio.
Loved this scientific but not too in your face text on knowing God, and know our rightful place before Him and in this world. Challenging, encouraging, inspiring. Although I prefer Giglio as a speaker rather than a writer. My Rating: 3/5
June 2010: Thanks for the Memories. Cecilia Ahern.
Beach read. Perfect if you don't really care about having a good storyline, and you just want to switch off and read a book in a few hours. My Rating: 2/5
May 2010: Twilight. 1st book in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga.
Didn't think I'd get hooked but I absolutely did. Awesome read if you want to get lost in a twisting, fantasy storyline about a freshman girl who falls in love with a Vampire... Who on earth wouldn't for at least a moment, love to be Bella Swan? My Rating: 4/5
April 2010: To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Lee.
Thank you Harper Lee. A beautiful, and gentle tale through the eyes of a young girl, Scout, and her brother Jem as they grow up in 1930s America. Set around the character of Atticus Finch (Scout's Father) as he fights to defend a black man (falsely) accused of raping a white man's daughter. My Rating: 3/5.
Mar - Apr 2010: God's Smuggler. Brother Andrew. My Rating: 3/5
March - 2010: The Diary of a Young Girl. Anne Frank.
Felt like this was a must-read for any female and had been meaning to get hold of a copy to read it for a while, so when I found it in the thrift store I couldn't help myself. And I'm so glad I read it. The insight in to the life of a young Jewish girl, in hiding in Amsterdam with her family and a few others, during the Nazi reign in WWII.
My Rating: 3/5.
Felt like this was a must-read for any female and had been meaning to get hold of a copy to read it for a while, so when I found it in the thrift store I couldn't help myself. And I'm so glad I read it. The insight in to the life of a young Jewish girl, in hiding in Amsterdam with her family and a few others, during the Nazi reign in WWII.
My Rating: 3/5.
February 2010: God thinks you're wonderful. Max Lucado. My Rating: 2/5.
January 2010: Dear John. Nicholas Sparks.
As this was near the beginning of the discovery of my love of reading, and as I genuinely loved this book, it is probably up there as one of my favourites.
My Rating: 4/5.
My Rating: 4/5.
December 2009: Here's to Hindsight. Tara-Leigh Cobble.
Auto-biographical, letter to self sort of book. Thought provoking, challenging, slightly random at times. Enjoyed the read though and felt I learnt a lot from her life experience thus far. My Rating: 3/5.
December 2009: Night. Elie Weisler. My Rating: 3/5.
December 2009: The Boy in Striped Pyjamas. John Boyne.
Tragic and heart-wrenching tale highlighting the innocence of childhood. The story is about Nazi boy and a Jewish boy, who meet at a the fence of a concentration camp during the Holocaust of WWII. My Rating: 4/5.
December 2009: The Shoe Box. Francine Rivers.
Loved Rivers' personal anecdotes throughout the story. My Rating: 4/5.
November 2009: The Air I Breathe. Louie Giglio.
A gift given to me by a very special lady, Heather Davis. Glad I finally read this. My Rating: 2/5.
Aug - Sept 2009: The Story.
An abridged version of the entire Bible in story form. Definitely worth a read (and push on through the hard bits) to gain a fuller understanding of the Story of God. My Rating: 4/5
July - Aug 2009: Chasing the Dragon. Jackie Pullinger.
Phenomenal true life story of a young english missionary who set off on an adventure for God and found herself witnessing to drug addicts, gang lords and prostitutes on the streets of the Walled City in Hong Kong. Amazing testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit and of God at work in people's lives, even today. Hallelujah! My Rating: 5/5
July - Aug 2009: Purpose Driven Youth Ministry. Doug Fields. My Rating: 2/5.
