This was such a delightful book full of so much culture, wisdom, and beautifully woven and imaginative stories. Each chapter felt like a new story witThis was such a delightful book full of so much culture, wisdom, and beautifully woven and imaginative stories. Each chapter felt like a new story within a story and I absolutely adored each insightful peek behind the curtain to each woman's life. Very interesting to see the contrast between immigrant Chinese mothers and their American born daughters.
I started reading this a while ago and never finished...I'm so glad I did! It was just the tip of the iceberg and some of the best information was in I started reading this a while ago and never finished...I'm so glad I did! It was just the tip of the iceberg and some of the best information was in the last few chapters. The practical chapters and how to help introverted children and get along better with a partner who is opposite from you were my favorite.
Highly, highly recommend it for any introvert! It will boost your self-confidence and help you recognize all the value and skills you have to offer to the world--albeit, a very extroverted world....more
What a deeply inspiring read that had me on the edge of my chair! Maryam and Marziyeh are such captivating writers with just the right dash of humor. What a deeply inspiring read that had me on the edge of my chair! Maryam and Marziyeh are such captivating writers with just the right dash of humor. I was encouraged by their unwavering testimony and courage....more
This story. AHHH. I literally could not put it down--Beck's perspective, his anguish, his hidden dreams of composing his own music captivated me from This story. AHHH. I literally could not put it down--Beck's perspective, his anguish, his hidden dreams of composing his own music captivated me from page one and wouldn't let me go. C.G.'s writing styles is so gripping and gritty and imaginative. I loved every minute of this book. My heart broke for Beck, but the ending was perfect--bittersweet, just how I like it.
CW: (view spoiler)[Child abuse is a prevalent theme throughout the book. On several instances, there is slapping, throwing, cutting, and other violent acts against children involved. One character contemplates killing herself by cutting her hands. (hide spoiler)]...more
From Mara's deep trauma-inflicted wounds to the inner battles she faced with herself, this story hit hard. My Ignite captured my heart from page one.
From Mara's deep trauma-inflicted wounds to the inner battles she faced with herself, this story hit hard. My heart ached for her pain, for the trauma she'd endured, and the narrative she'd been forced to listen to and internalize for so many years. In her moments of panic and self-destruction, I felt my chest squeeze in response, as though I were her.
Yet, it was also incredibly beautiful to watch her begin to heal from those wounds through Eli's gentleness and Haven's kindness and acceptance. I cried as she found belonging in a family--and a people--who were not her own, and yet welcomed her in as though she was.
Kara writes with such fiery passion and deep feeling infused into each page that I could hardly put it down. This book got me through several days of being sick, in fact.
This is the kind of story that will move you. You won't be able to forget it easily. It might even heal you a little bit. And it will certainly grip you all the way to its cliffhanging conclusion (THAT ENDING).
Favorite quotes:
"No matter what happens, we're all just ash in the end, Mara....Living is the hard part."
"'This world was made for us,' I say. Haven smiles and nods. 'Yes. For all of us.'"
"It's the kind of sacrifice my father would hate....It's sharing the light that already pours out of your wounds."
"The song of rebirth. It is the only thing louder than his fear."
"But I have one thing they don't. I've felt the sun. Sol beating down on my shoulders. Filling me. I know what it is to only have my own voice in my head. My voice--and the voice of hope. They can't stand right now--but I can stand for them."
"I'm not a weapon. I'm a reflection of the sun. Solnora....This is what we were created for. This is why I was born with wings and flame--To thaw this world when the sun could no longer bring light." ...more
Nadine never disappoints! Each new book wows me with how unique and gripping it is, and this book was no different. I've always admired how bold and uNadine never disappoints! Each new book wows me with how unique and gripping it is, and this book was no different. I've always admired how bold and unashamed Nadine is of her faith and how skillfully she weaves that faith into each story.
Cain's perspective was fresh, intriguing, and very relatable. I held my breath as he raced to find a cure before the virus took him and asked questions alongside him as he uncovered the truth behind the world of Tenebra with Stranna's help.
This book is a truly powerful representation of the darkness we fight against in this world--and the light we have as Christians in overcoming it. Evil does not win--Jesus will ultimately win.
Altogether, this is a creative, thought-provoking new tale from Nadine that presents strong Christian themes through the lens of dystopian fiction. You'll come away encouraged in your faith through this unput-downable story!
Favorite quotes:
"A happy ending doesn't free one from the pain of the process it takes to get there."
"The disease is in our minds...but the cure is there too. God has not left us without a way out."...more
Hands-down one of my top favorite books I've read this year! I read this in a day and a half--literally couldn't put it down. I don't know how I've neHands-down one of my top favorite books I've read this year! I read this in a day and a half--literally couldn't put it down. I don't know how I've never read a Lisa Wingate novel before, but I am completely hooked on her books now.
The pacing of this book was perfect. Truly. There were almost no parts where my interest waned. Even with the dual timeline POVs, which I find annoying in some books, was so well executed. I found myself on the edge of my seat, desperately hoping that Rill and her siblings would be able to be reunited with their family again.
This book was heartbreaking in all the best ways. It's rare that I cry while reading a book, but this one hit me hard. The ending was perfectly bittersweet--a beautiful picture of accepting the past, yet learning to move on and create a new and beautiful life amidst the broken pieces of a life that's now over.
If you want a book that will keep you up late into the night, that will completely wreck you, and will stick with you long after you put it down, then this is the story for you....more
This book brought me to tears...multiple times. Almost from the first page, I was gripped by Frankie's story, pulled along with her on the rollercoastThis book brought me to tears...multiple times. Almost from the first page, I was gripped by Frankie's story, pulled along with her on the rollercoaster ups and downs of her life. I didn't know much about the Vietnam War before reading this, so it was incredibly insightful and sobering. What a sad time in our history.
Kristin Hannah has quickly become one of my new favorite historical fiction authors. Her writing is so immersive and evocative!
Content warning: Some sexually implicit scenes; some mild language...more
This was one of the best autobiographical accounts I've ever read. Malala is a fantastic writer and I found myself unable to pull away from reading, iThis was one of the best autobiographical accounts I've ever read. Malala is a fantastic writer and I found myself unable to pull away from reading, it was so gripping. What an inspiration this young woman is in her fight for women's education. I also really enjoyed experiencing Pakistan through her eyes and learning a different perspective.
Without a doubt, one of the best WWII books I've ever read. It moved me in ways few books can with its heart-wrenching weaving of family and loss and Without a doubt, one of the best WWII books I've ever read. It moved me in ways few books can with its heart-wrenching weaving of family and loss and courage into a beautiful story....more
What a treasure this little book is! Written in a similar allegorical style to Pilgrim's Progress, this story follows Much-Afraid as she learns to truWhat a treasure this little book is! Written in a similar allegorical style to Pilgrim's Progress, this story follows Much-Afraid as she learns to trust the Shepherd as he leads her through valleys and deserts and storms up to the High Places.
There were so many wonderful lessons illustrated through this beautiful story--lessons I needed to hear through my own season of waiting and patience right now.
Definitely one I'll be rereading time and time again!
Favorite quotes:
"When you wear the weed of impatience in your heart instead of the flower Acceptance-with-Joy, you will always find your enemies get an advantage over you."
"Love is beautiful, but it is also terrible--terrible in its determination to allow nothing blemished or unworthy to remain in the beloved."
"'For he loves each one of us,' she said to herself, 'as though there were only one to love.'"...more
Wow, what a testimony this book is to the power of God! Very inspiring to see how God used Christians in Esther's life to bring her to Christ, while aWow, what a testimony this book is to the power of God! Very inspiring to see how God used Christians in Esther's life to bring her to Christ, while also using the inconsistencies in the Quran to show her the truth....more
Katherine Reay has done it again. This book was...so many things. Stunning. Gripping. Emotional. Deeply moving.
I found myself helplessly captivated byKatherine Reay has done it again. This book was...so many things. Stunning. Gripping. Emotional. Deeply moving.
I found myself helplessly captivated by Luisa's story, desperate to uncover along with her the secrets of her past, and rooting for her as she embarked on a daring mission to reunite with her father.
This is one of the most emotionally gripping historical fiction books I've read in a while...All culminating in one of the biggest historical events of the late 20th century--the fall of the Berlin Wall.
As a long-time fan of Katherine's novels, this book made me fall in love even more with her stories. I can't wait to see what she releases next!...more
It's an understatement to say that this book was good--it was absolutely magnificent, even in its fairytale-like quality. In fact, becaOH MY GOODNESS!
It's an understatement to say that this book was good--it was absolutely magnificent, even in its fairytale-like quality. In fact, because of it. There was so much depth in this story that appears simple on the surface.
From the highly compelling character of Tress, to the luscious prose, to the eccentric narrator, to the vibrant Sanderson-esque worldbuilding that never disappoints, this book has it all--fairytales, pirates, talking rats, dangerous seas, and romance. I loved every part of this whimsical story--even more so when I found out it was partially inspired by one of my very favorite films, The Princess Bride.
Definitely a top favorite read of Brandon Sanderson's (one I'll likely be rereading) and high on my list of best reads of the year!...more
Candace doesn't hold back in this electrifying continuation to book 1! Featuring super-sized beasts, illegal underwater experiments, terrifying games,Candace doesn't hold back in this electrifying continuation to book 1! Featuring super-sized beasts, illegal underwater experiments, terrifying games, and a dizzying web of twists and turns, Hybrid takes you on a wild adventure that you aren't soon to forget.
The book starts out with a bang, pulling us into the colorful, exciting cultural world of New Beijing as Urban spends Lunar New Year with her family. The abundance of concrete details is one of my favorite parts of this series--Candace has woven such a colorful, vibrant world into this exhilarating tale, and it really comes to life because of her attention to detail!
I loved how the family dynamics were developed in book two. I adored the protective, older sister vibes from Lillian. And it made my heart happy to see Lucas and Urban finally resolve the tension between them (also, his whole personality cracks me up). As the oldest of five siblings, it always warms me to see healthy family dynamics in fiction.
Just like in book one, as a TCK, I could deeply relate to Urban's struggles of not belonging in Enhanced society and not knowing what her identity was. Candace has brought a fresh, creative spin on this common longing for belonging and identity, one I know many TCKs will find solace in.
Everest and Urban's relationship really improved in this second book. I enjoyed watching them struggle and learn and grow together through their adventures--all the time becoming closer to each other and realizing what's really important. Everest's protective nature melted my heart.
There were so many mind-boggling twists and turns that I could hardly keep up--or put the book down! You won't be able to resist the pace of this thrilling, adrenaline-filled ride. And I found the political and cultural details sprinkled throughout quite fascinating--especially in the way they reflect modern happenings. Because after all, fiction is never truly fictitious, only a reflection of our own world.
Candace has outdone herself again in this intense sequel to Enhanced--I can't wait to read the next installment of Urban's story!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
I wish I'd had this book last year when I was in the midst of preparing for my transition back to the States. Packed full of wisdom, insight from otheI wish I'd had this book last year when I was in the midst of preparing for my transition back to the States. Packed full of wisdom, insight from other TCK authors and mentors, and based on years of firsthand experience working with MKs, this book seeks to approach the MK experience through a biblical lens that ultimately brings us back to Christ and our identity in Him.
I especially appreciated the fact that this book is geared specifically toward MKs, since very few books out there are. Honestly, I felt validated, seen, and heard after reading this, especially in the sections on transitioning back to one's passport country after high school. The chaos of emotions and plunge into depression days after I arrived back in the States made sense after reading through the phases of transition and the toll it takes on our bodies, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
I am so grateful to people like Mr. Jones who have made these kinds of resources available to us today so that we don't have to struggle alone. While this book is written for MK parents and caregivers, it gives incredibly helpful insight for both MKs (so they can understand why they're feeling what they're feeling) and non-TCKs (so they can understand the perspective and unique struggles of the MKs they know).
I wish everyone in my life could read this book because I think it would totally change their perspective and understanding of this highly unique and often misunderstood MK life.
Also, kudos to Mr. Jones on keeping it light-hearted with some well-placed humor! (I didn't always appreciate all the cat jokes though, lol. XD) I hardly felt like I was reading a non-fiction book and it made me chuckles several times!...more
What an exquisite masterpiece this book was! The depth, the gripping family drama, and the interwoven stories of heartbreaking loss and newfound love What an exquisite masterpiece this book was! The depth, the gripping family drama, and the interwoven stories of heartbreaking loss and newfound love all culminated to make this one of my top favorite reads of the year. I found myself completely captivated by Soline and Rory's stories and unable to put the book down, especially toward the second half. This is definitely one worth reading over and over again!
*Note for content: (view spoiler)[There is mention of a gay man (though not a main character) and brief description of sexual violence. I would rate this for ages 16+. (hide spoiler)]...more
Truly one of the best Christian books on trials I've ever read. With sensitivity, wisdom, and a refreshing touch of humor, Cary invites us into his joTruly one of the best Christian books on trials I've ever read. With sensitivity, wisdom, and a refreshing touch of humor, Cary invites us into his journey of battling cancer and reveals ten important lessons we can learn along the way. It was easy to read and made me smile on multiple occasions with his funny witticisms. I highly recommend it to any Christian who is walking through a valley season in their life....more
Quite honestly, I can hardly put into words my thoughts on this collection of essays. Suffice it to say, this book was exactly what my tired, grievingQuite honestly, I can hardly put into words my thoughts on this collection of essays. Suffice it to say, this book was exactly what my tired, grieving, longing soul needed to hear in the midst of one of the hardest seasons of my life--transitioning back to my passport country.
On nearly every page, my heart leaped as Marilyn put into words the very things I have felt time and time again, and yet could not verbalize. "How can she read my heart so clearly?" I asked myself. There were also tears. Tears of sadness as I related to the ache of leaving behind family and friends and a home you have come to love so dearly, and yet cannot stay in. But there were also cleansing tears as I felt seen and understood in a new way and realized that there are others like me.
"She gets it," I told myself as I closed the book. "She gets it because she too was once a third-culture kid."
If you are a TCK or simply want to understand TCKs better, I would highly, highly recommend this book. It perfectly balances the often difficult reality of being a TCK with the hope and belonging we have in Jesus.
If you are a TCK, you will walk away feeling understood in a way you haven't before. And if you aren't a TCK, you will walk away with a better perspective of what this life between worlds is really like and how to best help your TCK friends navigate their transitions and reentries....more
This was such a sweet read! Joanne has the most beautiful writing style and I found both Ella and Charlie deeply compelling characters. My favorite paThis was such a sweet read! Joanne has the most beautiful writing style and I found both Ella and Charlie deeply compelling characters. My favorite part might be the parallels to the gospel in their beautiful love story.
Looking forward to reading more of Joanne's books!...more
Kristianne
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