It's been busy here at the house with a case of strep...my youngest and I so far are the only ones with it so wish us luck the antibiotics start kicking in soon!
My latest book for review from Booksneeze was Rudy : My Story written by Daniel " Rudy" Ruettiger. An autobiography of his football career and his life. He is now one of the most popular US motivational speakers sharing his story of determination and challenges with everyone.
Rudy had to build up his reputation to get to the university he dreamed of going to . He struggled academically with a learning disorder that was not diagnosed until much later in his life. Football in highschool kept him going. He struggled to keep his grades up so he could stay on his football team and he worked in coal mines and always had the feeling that he was not smart enough to go to the 'Notre Dame' university that he dreamt of attending.
His football career most likely would not get him into the school on a scholarship , but a war broke out (Veitnam War in 1969) occured and Rudy headed to the Navy and enlisted. Finally he felt like he was heading in the right direction with his life. The Navy taught Rudy self discipline and hard work. He began to believe that anything was possible with determination.
Rudy tells of hardships from the war and about his struggles in trying to achieve higher education. He learnt of another school that worked closely with Notre Dame and with pulling some strings he managed to get a janitorial job at the school, slowly building foundation with school officials and students. Always attending the games and working alongside the coach Rudy managed to finally get into Notre Dame and proved to his family that any dream could become a reality as long as you put your entirety into it!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Cruel Harvest: A memoir by Fran Elizabeth Grubb
CRUEL HARVEST: A MEMOIR
written by Fran Elizabeth Grubb with Bryan Reardon
I had a hard time choosing which novel to request from Booksneeze.com this past month .. there were so many i wanted to read! I finally decided on another memoir. This one is of a girl and her family, their alcoholic father and rough times.
I would not recommended this book for those who get upset easily over sensitive issues such as physical and sexual abuse..emotional trauma and much more. It was a hard read due to the content simply because it is to imagine that any human being is capable of treating another (especially his own family) in the way that Fran's daddy treated them.
Through a deep dark road, Fran takes us through her past exploring how her life was at home with her family, how they had to hide from their father many times especially when he was drinking. Almost never could she remember him without a bottle in hand or the smell off his breath when he arrived home. Living in shacks, most of Fran's life was spent pulling cotton in the fields with her family, never allowed to miss a piece of cotton without her father's vengeful force catching her.
A new baby in the family , came and Fran was saddended knowing the life it would have here in their home with her father. Slowly , Fran watched as her family snuck away from her and her father...watching the abuse happen with her daddy and her older sister. When her sister left she was worried he would come after her. Soon with the help of a neighbor, Fran managed to get away FINALLY, for good she thought. Until her father came along and kidnapped her from the safety of the orphans home...he played a good trick she thought. He came with his brother putting on a good show and recieved a 2 week visitation right. The girls thought great, but what will happen? He kept on driving and the abuse started and he never brought her back when the weeks were up.
As Fran struggles in her later life, with the help of her husband slowly she finds almost every single one of her family members. Other than her "step-sister" and her mother. Meeting up with the family she hadn't seen in years was difficult but after their father's passing on Fran needed some closure and to know that everything she went through was real as it seemed so surreal. There is sooo much in this story it's hard to review without giving away too much detail but for me the one phrase I have come to learn in life definatly fits with Fran's life and that is "Thou who walks through the valley of death..." for soo many times Fran was knocking on death's door after a spat with her father or she was watching her sisters or mother be beaten to near death . She stood strong and made it through and got away from his evil grasp.
Fran takes us on the horrific journey of life but shows light on the other side. Happiness and strength is possible if you just keep pushing on and never let anyone regardless of their relation walk over your heart /mind/body!!
written by Fran Elizabeth Grubb with Bryan Reardon
I had a hard time choosing which novel to request from Booksneeze.com this past month .. there were so many i wanted to read! I finally decided on another memoir. This one is of a girl and her family, their alcoholic father and rough times.
I would not recommended this book for those who get upset easily over sensitive issues such as physical and sexual abuse..emotional trauma and much more. It was a hard read due to the content simply because it is to imagine that any human being is capable of treating another (especially his own family) in the way that Fran's daddy treated them.
Through a deep dark road, Fran takes us through her past exploring how her life was at home with her family, how they had to hide from their father many times especially when he was drinking. Almost never could she remember him without a bottle in hand or the smell off his breath when he arrived home. Living in shacks, most of Fran's life was spent pulling cotton in the fields with her family, never allowed to miss a piece of cotton without her father's vengeful force catching her.
A new baby in the family , came and Fran was saddended knowing the life it would have here in their home with her father. Slowly , Fran watched as her family snuck away from her and her father...watching the abuse happen with her daddy and her older sister. When her sister left she was worried he would come after her. Soon with the help of a neighbor, Fran managed to get away FINALLY, for good she thought. Until her father came along and kidnapped her from the safety of the orphans home...he played a good trick she thought. He came with his brother putting on a good show and recieved a 2 week visitation right. The girls thought great, but what will happen? He kept on driving and the abuse started and he never brought her back when the weeks were up.
As Fran struggles in her later life, with the help of her husband slowly she finds almost every single one of her family members. Other than her "step-sister" and her mother. Meeting up with the family she hadn't seen in years was difficult but after their father's passing on Fran needed some closure and to know that everything she went through was real as it seemed so surreal. There is sooo much in this story it's hard to review without giving away too much detail but for me the one phrase I have come to learn in life definatly fits with Fran's life and that is "Thou who walks through the valley of death..." for soo many times Fran was knocking on death's door after a spat with her father or she was watching her sisters or mother be beaten to near death . She stood strong and made it through and got away from his evil grasp.
Fran takes us on the horrific journey of life but shows light on the other side. Happiness and strength is possible if you just keep pushing on and never let anyone regardless of their relation walk over your heart /mind/body!!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Book Review: Mondays with my old Pastor
Mondays With My Old Pastor : sometimes all we need is a reminder from someone who has walked before us written by Jose Luis Navajo
While reading this novel, it took me back to a time when my grandmother was still alive when we would sit in the evenings and listen to her tell stories of when she worked in the nursing homes and the tuberculosis treatment center. Just the way Navajo, sits with his old pastor listening to his words of wisdom from the past helping him through one day at a time during a rough depression.
Mondays with my old pastor, takes us through a struggle of a young man Jose Navajo , (who is also the author of this particular novel), and his struggle. Falling into a depression of sorts and debating leaving the ministry he works so closely with, Navajo doesn't know where to turn until his wife suggests he pay his old pastor a visit. The pastor had helped Navajo follow his dreams into the ministry at a young age, of course he would love a visit from his past student.
Navajo's wife had not been sleeping in fear of where his depression was coming from and upon agreeing to meet with him on Monday, the two slept much more at peace than they had been. So, the following Monday Navajo got dressed and went to the Pastor's home. The two men spent the afternoon chatting and talking about lost times and then Navajo opened up to the pastor about how he was thinking about quitting the ministry that he worked so hard to get into. To his disbelief, the pastor told Navajo that it was perfectly normal to feel this way. Unchallenged, at a standstill and unsure what to do next. Once arriving at home, Navajo felt much more at peace but still had so many questions left unanswered, it only seemed normal that the following Monday, Navajo made a trip to the pastor again.
The Monday visits between Navajo and the pastor became regular meetings. Each meeting the pastors wife would make the men a treat of cookies, or spiced bread and tea or coffee. On the third Monday, Navajo was greeted at the door by the pastor's wife instead of the pastor himself. The pastor had fallen ill but still wished to see Navajo. He awaited his visits like nothing else. As the weeks continue, Navajo notices that the pastor is getting weaker, more tired and not quite himself and one day the pastor's wife called Navajo, to cancel their meeting for that week. Another phone call a few days later, was the pastor's wife requesting Navajo to stop in the next Monday, that the pastors illness was actually cancer.
The weeks continue to go by, with the pastor noticeably getting weaker and weaker as time passed, but never giving up an opportunity to speak of the bible or to share his stories with Navajo. Some afternoons their visits were cut short and sometimes they spent time just lounging, enjoying each others company. Until that day, in which the pastors wife made the call that the pastor had unfortunately passed on. Before his death, the pastor had left a chest filled with pages of words to be given to Navajo. It was a keepsake of sorts, a memoriam of their Monday visits, each week, 15 in total left a lesson to be learnt. The pastor had took note of each visit and each topic they covered creating 15 principles to live by. 15 principles to memorize and live by , 15 principles to pass on as knowledge to those younger, an end of a chapter with Navajo's pastor and a beginning of a journey with Navajo's young disciples for futures to come.
While reading this novel, it took me back to a time when my grandmother was still alive when we would sit in the evenings and listen to her tell stories of when she worked in the nursing homes and the tuberculosis treatment center. Just the way Navajo, sits with his old pastor listening to his words of wisdom from the past helping him through one day at a time during a rough depression.
Mondays with my old pastor, takes us through a struggle of a young man Jose Navajo , (who is also the author of this particular novel), and his struggle. Falling into a depression of sorts and debating leaving the ministry he works so closely with, Navajo doesn't know where to turn until his wife suggests he pay his old pastor a visit. The pastor had helped Navajo follow his dreams into the ministry at a young age, of course he would love a visit from his past student.
Navajo's wife had not been sleeping in fear of where his depression was coming from and upon agreeing to meet with him on Monday, the two slept much more at peace than they had been. So, the following Monday Navajo got dressed and went to the Pastor's home. The two men spent the afternoon chatting and talking about lost times and then Navajo opened up to the pastor about how he was thinking about quitting the ministry that he worked so hard to get into. To his disbelief, the pastor told Navajo that it was perfectly normal to feel this way. Unchallenged, at a standstill and unsure what to do next. Once arriving at home, Navajo felt much more at peace but still had so many questions left unanswered, it only seemed normal that the following Monday, Navajo made a trip to the pastor again.
The Monday visits between Navajo and the pastor became regular meetings. Each meeting the pastors wife would make the men a treat of cookies, or spiced bread and tea or coffee. On the third Monday, Navajo was greeted at the door by the pastor's wife instead of the pastor himself. The pastor had fallen ill but still wished to see Navajo. He awaited his visits like nothing else. As the weeks continue, Navajo notices that the pastor is getting weaker, more tired and not quite himself and one day the pastor's wife called Navajo, to cancel their meeting for that week. Another phone call a few days later, was the pastor's wife requesting Navajo to stop in the next Monday, that the pastors illness was actually cancer.
The weeks continue to go by, with the pastor noticeably getting weaker and weaker as time passed, but never giving up an opportunity to speak of the bible or to share his stories with Navajo. Some afternoons their visits were cut short and sometimes they spent time just lounging, enjoying each others company. Until that day, in which the pastors wife made the call that the pastor had unfortunately passed on. Before his death, the pastor had left a chest filled with pages of words to be given to Navajo. It was a keepsake of sorts, a memoriam of their Monday visits, each week, 15 in total left a lesson to be learnt. The pastor had took note of each visit and each topic they covered creating 15 principles to live by. 15 principles to memorize and live by , 15 principles to pass on as knowledge to those younger, an end of a chapter with Navajo's pastor and a beginning of a journey with Navajo's young disciples for futures to come.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Book Review: By Faith, Not by sight
Written by Scott MacIntyre this biography was a sensational read! From birth to the end Scott tells of his life, his disease and his struggles and passions. He really brings you, the reader into his life.
This book was inspirational and made me want to reach out and give Scott a hug! Being born blind, his parents didn't allow that to stop him from learning to ride his bike and succeed in everything he tried. Playing piano was one of his loves, and not being able to play during peaks in his illness was trecherous for Scott. He ventured into his dreams and played on American Idol, throughout battles with his illness, Scott pushed on with help from his mother and friends.
During his time at American Idol , his younger sister fell ill with the same kidney failure ailments Scott had encountered. He found himself in a struggle wanting to keep going with his dreams, but wanting to support his sister through times he had already experienced. To offer her a gentle hand and a shoulder to cry upon . Scott made it through, and he married his school friend shortly after being a finalist at American Idol.
I encourage you all to read through what Scott has to share about life and finding your way over obstacles sticking in your path. I know this book was a great inspiraation to myself .
This book was inspirational and made me want to reach out and give Scott a hug! Being born blind, his parents didn't allow that to stop him from learning to ride his bike and succeed in everything he tried. Playing piano was one of his loves, and not being able to play during peaks in his illness was trecherous for Scott. He ventured into his dreams and played on American Idol, throughout battles with his illness, Scott pushed on with help from his mother and friends.
During his time at American Idol , his younger sister fell ill with the same kidney failure ailments Scott had encountered. He found himself in a struggle wanting to keep going with his dreams, but wanting to support his sister through times he had already experienced. To offer her a gentle hand and a shoulder to cry upon . Scott made it through, and he married his school friend shortly after being a finalist at American Idol.
I encourage you all to read through what Scott has to share about life and finding your way over obstacles sticking in your path. I know this book was a great inspiraation to myself .
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Book Review: Beauty for Ashes:A hickory ridge romance
I finally got around to reading another great novel I recieved from www.booksneeze.com to review! This is my honest opinion on the novel and I hope you will take a chance to check it out!
Beauty For Ashes: A hickory Ridge Romance
written by Dorothy Love
**** 4 stars!
The main character in this novel is a young woman who has recently lost her husband in the Civil War. She is scared and moves back to Hickory Ridge with her brother. The two have been inseperable and get along just great since their parents passed early in their lives. They are always looking out for each other and helping out on the great farm they own in Hickory Ridge.
An old beau of Carrie's is after her to say yes she will marry him, but she just doesn't feel ready for that setp into the relationship. Always questioning wether he is the one? or if its too soon after her late husband's death.
And then mystery strikes Hickory Ridge, when a down to earth mysterious man shows up with "business" to attend to. Many of the townspeople despise this man, yet Carrie seems to have a wild attraction to him. Griff is always showing up right when she needs help the most and she is drawn into his charm. Griff has a special touch with horses and since the town is struggling with the war and such, Griff offers to stay and help around with a country carnival for the city to bring in some tourists.
Carrie was doing great helping along her brother with the farmhouse, then he decided he needed to go work elsewhere, only after he married a lady whom was "eccentric" in her ways and she had two young boys. Carrie was an instant Aunt, and before her brother moved his new wife was pregnant . . . and very sickly with her pregnancy. Carrie took on the role of caring for the boys and her brother's wife, Griff started stopping in and helping out around the house more and more...brought Christmas gifts for all of them and news came that Carrie's brother had died in a tragic accident....what would happen of the cozy farmhouse in Hickory Ridge now?
This novel was a keeper! Will the community accept Griff and Carrie's partnership ? will the town fall under due to the debt its facing? I guess you'll have to read the rest of the novel to find out!!
Beauty For Ashes: A hickory Ridge Romance
written by Dorothy Love
**** 4 stars!
The main character in this novel is a young woman who has recently lost her husband in the Civil War. She is scared and moves back to Hickory Ridge with her brother. The two have been inseperable and get along just great since their parents passed early in their lives. They are always looking out for each other and helping out on the great farm they own in Hickory Ridge.
An old beau of Carrie's is after her to say yes she will marry him, but she just doesn't feel ready for that setp into the relationship. Always questioning wether he is the one? or if its too soon after her late husband's death.
And then mystery strikes Hickory Ridge, when a down to earth mysterious man shows up with "business" to attend to. Many of the townspeople despise this man, yet Carrie seems to have a wild attraction to him. Griff is always showing up right when she needs help the most and she is drawn into his charm. Griff has a special touch with horses and since the town is struggling with the war and such, Griff offers to stay and help around with a country carnival for the city to bring in some tourists.
Carrie was doing great helping along her brother with the farmhouse, then he decided he needed to go work elsewhere, only after he married a lady whom was "eccentric" in her ways and she had two young boys. Carrie was an instant Aunt, and before her brother moved his new wife was pregnant . . . and very sickly with her pregnancy. Carrie took on the role of caring for the boys and her brother's wife, Griff started stopping in and helping out around the house more and more...brought Christmas gifts for all of them and news came that Carrie's brother had died in a tragic accident....what would happen of the cozy farmhouse in Hickory Ridge now?
This novel was a keeper! Will the community accept Griff and Carrie's partnership ? will the town fall under due to the debt its facing? I guess you'll have to read the rest of the novel to find out!!
Friday, January 27, 2012
It sure has been a while since i've dipped my toes eeer fingers in here hasn't it? Well good news!! I have recieved and read another book from Booksneeze.com and I have to say that I'm giving this one 5 stars!!
The Encounter written by Stephen Arterburn
Jonathon Rush, is told by his therapist to take an adventure to Alaska ... not on a vacation from his work but to find out the truth behind his mother placing him in an orphanage at only 4 years of age. Jonathon is a working man, top of his business and he is greatly concerned about the amount of time he will be away but with so many questions and frusterations surrounding his past history and who his mother is this "hunt" is necessary for his personal health.
Once in Alaska, struggling through the weather and trying to make connections to the orphanage , which since he was last in Alaska had been closed down surrounded by security and nothing much left , on a great search for his mother.
After trying to rid a newsreporter from his personal business, she ended up being a huge help...after some research they stumble upon a mysterious woman at the adress that was suppose to be his mothers....Jonathon needs to work his way through his personal attitude around others, and prove to this lady that he can indeed be trustworthy ..in the back workings Jonathon's mother has never stopped watching over her precious son despite placing him for adoption soo many years ago. This led her to jail as well as a mental hospital . . . the ending well I'll leave that for you to read!
I can say this book was an easy read...a quick one for me .. took me an evening and I did not want to put it down! The author did his job at keeping you on the edge of your seat waiting for what was to happen next. and to help follow Jonathon on his trail for his mother.
Happy Readings!!
The Encounter written by Stephen Arterburn
Jonathon Rush, is told by his therapist to take an adventure to Alaska ... not on a vacation from his work but to find out the truth behind his mother placing him in an orphanage at only 4 years of age. Jonathon is a working man, top of his business and he is greatly concerned about the amount of time he will be away but with so many questions and frusterations surrounding his past history and who his mother is this "hunt" is necessary for his personal health.
Once in Alaska, struggling through the weather and trying to make connections to the orphanage , which since he was last in Alaska had been closed down surrounded by security and nothing much left , on a great search for his mother.
After trying to rid a newsreporter from his personal business, she ended up being a huge help...after some research they stumble upon a mysterious woman at the adress that was suppose to be his mothers....Jonathon needs to work his way through his personal attitude around others, and prove to this lady that he can indeed be trustworthy ..in the back workings Jonathon's mother has never stopped watching over her precious son despite placing him for adoption soo many years ago. This led her to jail as well as a mental hospital . . . the ending well I'll leave that for you to read!
I can say this book was an easy read...a quick one for me .. took me an evening and I did not want to put it down! The author did his job at keeping you on the edge of your seat waiting for what was to happen next. and to help follow Jonathon on his trail for his mother.
Happy Readings!!
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