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Non-Christian Fiction
Letters from Pemberley: The First Year
by Jane Dawkins
I am not usually a fan of most continuations of Pride and Prejudice, and I feel that way just
from reading the book description. This book by Jane Dawkins is one of those exceptions to the rule. I read the summary on
the cover and thought "this sounds like it could be good." Boy, was I right. This book of letters from Elizabeth Darcy to
Jane Bingley was very enjoyable. Dawkins does a good job of capturing the spirit of Mrs. Darcy, and she gives you the story
that you probably thought unfolded after "the end" anyway. Unlike other continuations, Dawkins gives the reader the happy,
pleasant pleasure of reading exactly what should have happened. She shows us that Elizabeth has a few fears even with her
undaunting strength and humor to guide her, but I believe that Jane Austen herself would have enjoyed this treasure of a book.
I, the person who doesn't like things to be messed with, recommend Letters from Pemberley: The First Year to any
Pride and Prejudice fan. I'd also like to say that it is too bad that we don't find ourselves writing letters of this
quality today. If your local library doesn't have this wonderful Chicken Soup Press book in their collection, they should
get it.
-Jo / October 5, 2005 / SS20
Christian Non-Fiction
The Joyful Journey
by Patsy Clairmont, Barbara Johnson, Marilyn Meberg, Luci Swindoll
What an encouraging book! I so enjoyed reading the stories these four women had to share. It
makes me want to go to a Women of Faith conference. I liked how each chapter related to a different road sign. The connections
between all the signs and our journey was really well done. I felt encouragement, but I also felt some poking and prodding.
I saw areas that I really needed to work on, and I saw that the only way to do that work is with God's help. The Joyful Journey
would be a wonderful book to use for a womens' discussion group. It is fun, inspirational, helpful, and encouraging. I found
it easy to read, and I thought that what was said in the book was timely for me even though the authors are about four to
five decades older than me. That also tells me that these ladies know their stuff - age being no barrier. So, if you need
a little boost, pick up The Joyful Journey and enjoy the ride and adventure!
-Jo / October 25, 2005 / SS23
Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires/The Respect He Desperately Needs
by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
This a wonderful book! A book every couple should take time to read and study. What an eye-opener!!
Have you found yourself stuck on "The Crazy Cycle" again with your and wondered just how you got there? Have you found yourself
wishing God would just "make it so?" If you find yourself hurt more often than happy in your marriage, then I highly recommend
investing your time in reading this fine book. First, though, open up your Bible to Ephesians 5:33 and read that verse. Then
if you are curious about just what God was saying, pick up Love & Respect and see what you think. Dr. Eggerichs
presents married couples with tools to use to help end the seemingly neverending craziness they find themselves in when it
comes to feeling unloved and feeling disrespected. As a wife, do you feel unloved by your husband? Maybe you need to find
your way to obeying God in his commandment that you respect your husband. It's an overwhelming task at times, but one God
wants us (as wives) to do. I just found so many insights and info in this book that really struck a chord with me. It so speaks
to the current circumstances in my own marriage. If you're looking for a "marriage book" that really has some answers, then
I would recommend finding your way off the merry-go-round of "The Crazy Cycle" by reading Love & Respect. I think
that you'll be glad you did!
-Jo / April 8, 2006 / SS26
Non-Christian Non-Fiction
Christian Children's Fiction
Non-Christian Children's Fiction
Mr. Chickee's Funny Money
by Christopher Paul Curtis
Join Steven, Russell, and Zoopy, the members of Flint's Future Detectives, as they attempt to solve the mystery
and origin of Mr. Chickee's Funny Money. Steven has invented many gizmos and gadgets just for the purpose of
his detective work. He knows how to use mind tricks too. Steven may only be nine, but he's a top-notch detective.
Find out how he comes to be in possession of one of only a few existing quadrillion-dollar bills that shouldn't even be in
circulation. Steven and his friends have adventures, mishaps, and make mistakes, but along the way, they learn some
important things too. If you're looking for something a little fun, slightly silly, and bit beyond the believable, then
you would certainly enjoy a ride on Zoopy's back and a dictionary with an attitude. Enjoy this fun, entertaining story!
-Jo / May 6, 2006 / SS28
Because of Winn-Dixie
by Kate DiCamillo
Opal is a little girl with spunk. She's new in Naomi, Florida, and throughout this book I enjoyed seeing
her make new friends and meet people Because of Winn-Dixie. Opal is a girl who isn't afraid of or bothered by the
same things as other people. On her journey to making friends with Winn-Dixie and others, Opal also finds out more about her
mother (who left) from her preacher father. This is a special summer for Miss India Opal. This is a wonderful book for children
9 and older and for adults as well. There is also a wonderful movie version of the book out now. Before you see the movie
make sure that you take the time to enjoy the pleasure of reading about Opal and her friends: Gloria Dump, Otis, and Sweetie
Pie Thomas. This is a charming and enchanting story of a little girl with a big heart!!
-Jo / October 11, 2005 / SS21
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate DiCamillo
Join in the dramatic life and journey of Edward Tulane, a china rabbit. He is the treasured companion of
a little girl until one fateful day when he ends up in the ocean. What will happen to this sophisticated rabbit?
He will end up with a fisherman and his wife, take a journey to a dump, and be the treasured friend of another little girl.
Those are just a few of the adventures that he goes on. What will Edward learn through all of this? He will
learn the lesson of truly caring for and loving those around him, not just himself. An important lesson to be sure.
As the years pass on Edward's journey, he comes to a new understanding of the world around him and his place in it.
What will happen when he comes to rest in a doll shop in Tennessee? Take a journey with a china rabbit and find out!
June 11, 2007 / SS45
The Tale of Despereaux
by Kate DiCamillo
Who knew that such a little mouse with such big ears could be such a hero? Despereaux is not your typical mouse; he is
more human than mouse. Despereaux does not do what other mice do. He reads books; he doesn't eat them. He listens to music
and talks to humans and hopes and dreams. This is not normal, but for Despereaux it is. He falls in love with a princess and
fights a rat. This book is full of light and dark. It's a great children's book, but I certainly enjoyed reading it myself.
Why not join a mouse and many others on this journey through light and dark? You, my friend, won't regret taking the time.
The chapters are short, which makes for a great read-aloud choice. Enjoy!
-Jo / October 11, 2005 / SS22
The Year of Miss Agnes
by Kirkpatrick Hill
Join Miss Agnes as she shows a group of children in Alaska the joys of learning in a new way. You will understand
why they don't want her to just stay a year after you read how she changes the lives of these children in significant ways.
Miss agnes brings out the new and throws out the old. She is a special lady with a special talent. You won't want
to miss this short, engaging children's book that describes a different time and way of life than most of us have ever known.
Will Miss Agnes only stay a year? Pick up a copy of The Year of Miss Agnes and find out!
-Jo / May 18, 2006 / SS30
Ella Enchanted
by Gail Carson Levine
Ella was given a gift at birth that she never asked and doesn't want. That gift has caused no end of trouble and
heartache in her life. Why had that fairy decided that the gift of obedience was so wonderful? How can Ella live
a life free of this curse? Join Ella as she journeys to find a fairy, falls in love with a prince, and learns some important
life lessons along the way. She is a girl with charm and heart and smarts. If you've seen the movie, you may surprised
at the differences between it and the book. Don't let that stop you from reading this enchanting tale of a girl who
comes to understand so much more about herself and her true nature than she might have without her "gift." Some gifts
are given with the best of intentions but turn out to be the worst thing possible. Read in Ella Enchanted how
one girl comes to a place where her "gift" truly becomes one after all. This is a great book to read with a child of
ten or more. Find a copy today and you'll be enchanted.
-Jo / June 11, 2006 / SS33
Miriam's Well
by Lois Ruby
As a Christian, have you ever wondered about the beliefs of those individuals of different denominations
or other faiths. If you have, then I recommend this book by Lois Ruby about Miriam. Miriam is a seventeen-year-old
girl that belongs to a faith that does not believe in doctors and medical attention, but Miriam has recently been diagnosed
with bone cancer. Follow her journey as she discovers what happens to her faith and her relationships when something
as powerful and painful as cancer enters her life. It's a journey that we most likely won't agree with, but it's a journey
worth reading about and discovering what we truly believe and why. This book contains some language and some "situations,"
so I would recommend it to the over-13 crowd. Parents may want to read this book before allowing their children
to read it, depending on your personal standards. I do believe it would be a great book for some deep discussion.
If you want a "thinker," then pick up a copy of this interesting novel and settle in for some thought-production.
-Jolene / October 18, 2006 / SS40
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