Authors: Chris Stewart, Ted Stewart
Published: 2011
Genre: Non-fiction
Rating: 3
Summary
Today, fewer than 12 of the 193 countries in the world have a democratic government that has survived for more than fifty years. So, what extraordinary events in history have made it possible for us to enjoy self-rule and personal liberty? And what role has the hand of God played in securing that freedom?
In this remarkable new book, bestselling authors Chris Stewart and Ted Stewart highlight seven miracles that changed the course of the world. Skillfully weaving story vignettes with historical explanations, they affirm that history would have been dramatically altered if any one of these events had turned out differently.
Review
An interesting but not compelling read. Some of the less-well-known historical events are interesting to ponder. Worth reading for some of the insights and postulates.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Rent Collector
Author: Camron Wright
Published: 2012
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3
Summary
Survival for Ki Lim and Sang Ly is a daily battle at Stung Meanchey, the largest municipal waste dump in all of Cambodia. They make their living scavenging recyclables from the trash. Life would be hard enough without the worry for their chronically ill child, Nisay, and the added expense of medicines that are not working. Just when things seem worst, Sang Ly learns a secret about the bad-tempered rent collector who comes demanding money--a secret that sets in motion a tide that will change the life of everyone it sweeps past. The Rent Collector is a story of hope, of one woman's journey to save her son and another woman's chance at redemption.
Review
While the premise was intriguing, the prose itself seemed to drag. The story--loosely based on real people--was sometimes compelling and at other times fell flat.
Published: 2012
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3
Summary
Survival for Ki Lim and Sang Ly is a daily battle at Stung Meanchey, the largest municipal waste dump in all of Cambodia. They make their living scavenging recyclables from the trash. Life would be hard enough without the worry for their chronically ill child, Nisay, and the added expense of medicines that are not working. Just when things seem worst, Sang Ly learns a secret about the bad-tempered rent collector who comes demanding money--a secret that sets in motion a tide that will change the life of everyone it sweeps past. The Rent Collector is a story of hope, of one woman's journey to save her son and another woman's chance at redemption.
Review
While the premise was intriguing, the prose itself seemed to drag. The story--loosely based on real people--was sometimes compelling and at other times fell flat.
Keeping the Castle
Author: Patrice Kindl
Published: 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
Seventeen-year-old Althea is the sole support of her entire family, and she must marry well. But there are few wealthy suitors--or suitors of any kind--in their small Yorkshire town of Lesser Hoo. Then, the young and attractive (and very rich) Lord Boring arrives, and Althea sets her plans in motion. There's only one problem; his friend and business manager Mr. Fredericks keeps getting in the way. And, as it turns out, Fredericks has his own set of plans.
Review
I really didn't think I could enjoy reading one more "redo" of Pride and Prejudice. But this turned out to be a delightful reworking of the story. I laughed out loud several times!
Published: 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
Seventeen-year-old Althea is the sole support of her entire family, and she must marry well. But there are few wealthy suitors--or suitors of any kind--in their small Yorkshire town of Lesser Hoo. Then, the young and attractive (and very rich) Lord Boring arrives, and Althea sets her plans in motion. There's only one problem; his friend and business manager Mr. Fredericks keeps getting in the way. And, as it turns out, Fredericks has his own set of plans.
Review
I really didn't think I could enjoy reading one more "redo" of Pride and Prejudice. But this turned out to be a delightful reworking of the story. I laughed out loud several times!
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