October Book Review: The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller-Book review written by Candace Duiker

 The fast moving dance of the yellow, gold, scarlet leaves and Autumn is one foot out this season's door.  I couldn't think of a better novel to curl up with then my October 2011 book review:  The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller.

The civil war has always been a favorite thing to read about and this book delivers.  It's 1867 and it's where the red-headed main character Katie Calloway is first introduced to the reader.  She is living in the deep Southern State of Georgia on a burned out plantation with her younger brother and her brooding husband Harlan who has just returned from the civil war.  Katie's existence is a lonely one and she walks on egg shells never knowing when or what will set off her half-crazed husband.  One day, when her husband is away, she takes her brother Ned and runs for their lives as it would seem.

She lands in one of the most unexpected places a Southern girl could end up, a logging camp in the north in Michigan where she finds a job as a camp cook.  Everything about the place makes Katie doubt her decision to work from the hardened loggers she first meets, to the owner of the camp Robert Foster who harbors his own deep hurt and secrets he'd just as soon keep close to self.

Katie Calloway early in the book doesn't recognize that she has a voice and that she has power and choices.  True to the times, most women would have been subservient it's the way things were.  As the story moves forward she learns to know the loggers as men and they in turn learn the soul of a woman isn't just made of cleaning and cooking it's a reflection of the lives around her.  The fights, the struggles that go on in her and around her make the soul of a woman or man stronger.  Katie Calloway is feisty and finds a way through the strife.  She cries sometimes, and that's good it frees up space in us for the good feelings that anchor us to come rolling on back.  I know exactly how it feels when I made the decision to return to school this past Fall for Business Management I didn't know if was the right decision. When I have to struggle with the occasional math question or have a lot of homework to do I wonder about my choice.

Katie also learns about matters of the heart.  The camp owner Robert Foster teaches her through his actions that there are kind men that can be trusted.  It's a wonderful gift they give each other.  In the giving they both open up in such pleasing ways, the reader can become part of.  And isn't it like that in life too when someone is good for you, I do believe you become more of who you are meant to be.  You're deeper, funnier, certainly wiser, the smile on their face tells you that the same thing is happening to them.  This book is funny, it's smart you will learn technical things about log-rolling should you ever decide to do it!  One can't ask for better then this for a cold weather read, and you're going to want to snuggle with someone after you put this book down.  It makes you thankful for all the blessings in your life and yes even for the struggles that bring you unseeing into better places.  It's the trust factor here at work on a practical level, another word if you like is 'faith'.  Life really is a wilderness, but finding your way isn't just putting one foot in front of the other it's also letting the wind blow the voices of loved ones into your hurt places and knowing you'll pull through.  It's letting the happy times take hold and knowing that another sunny day is just around the corner. I recommend this book to anyone who loves believable characters and empowerment with some history thrown in.  Oh and for the record, for every other wrong answer I may get sometimes in my homework, I find the answers to a whole bunch more! Which means my spirit is being stretched a whole lot right now mathematically speaking!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
http://grafmartin.com/
http://amazon.ca/

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August Book Review--A Confident Heart by Renee Swope-Review By Candace Duiker

The book I reviewed for August was A Confident Heart by Renee Swope.  It's a breath taking book where Renee in the beginning of the book is searching for meaning in her life as she struggles with depression, she turns to alcohol as a way to numb herself from all her nagging self doubts.  Like many of us she has always 'believed' in God, but didn't necessarily let God actively live in her actions all of the time.  There's a section in the book where on her road of 'spiritual discovery', she describes how we all have spiritual gifts that can guide us into the kind of service God would loves us to be part of as a life choice, not just a career goal.

One of my favorite things in the book is how the author makes us part of her awakening.  She makes God more real with the way she says things.  One of her messages that really struck me is that God doesn't expect us to be perfect.  He wants to be needed.  If we were all perfect how could he come to work within us?  God knows we are all works in progress, and in that we can turn to him all of the time, he's never going to turn you away or say he's on a lunch break.  He knows what we need even before we do.  It's a powerful thought.  

Another wonderful aspect of this book is that through Renee's sharing we come to see that God does not want us to fear him, he wants us to know and live in him.  Certainly, she gave me lots to think about when she says in the book that we can back over our old hurts in the past and process the pain with Jesus.  I love this in that, we don't have to continually keep hurting ourselves and keep ourselves stuck in the past.  We can't change what was, but we can 'own' in the here and now the understanding God and Jesus give us by asking questions and reading the bible in a practical manner, the answers will come and in ways you'll never expect.  I used to struggle with understanding why my own Dad didn't have it in him to show me affection or to have the Father/Daughter relationship I saw all around me.  It took me years to understand it and not to punish myself and to grow with God in it.  Here's what I found out: that I have to give my Dad love in the way he would understand it the most.  And I have ever since, not in the biggest of ways, but I will sometimes get him a doughnut, or a coffee or something small I know he will like. He knows I love him and I can't ask for more than that.  When the answer does finally come it's in a whisper and something really big opens up in your soul.  It's like your heart gets just a little bit bigger, so I have my Dad in my heart now in exactly the way that God longed to have him there.

This book is a real road map to knowing God, Renee offers up another great idea is that she has a 'Jesus' chair that she sets up when she wants to have a conversation with him.  It's an excellent idea if you have trouble visualizing you can certainly use a real chair.  I've done that, as well as I've had a round table discussion sometimes where God and Jesus and me will sit and discuss some of my challenges.  A kind of brain-storming session, and it really helps not only to have God hear you need to set your spirit up to listen. 

Each chapter has discussion questions you can ask yourself or share with others.  I whole-heartedly recommend this book to everyone.  It's more like a road map that Renee Swope has set up for a life long walk with God and Jesus.  And the beauty of it is we can stop as many times as we need to along the way and talk to God.  He wants to know us and us to know him.  Once you read this book, you're certain to be changed, there will be a deepening in your understanding of God, he's waiting there with his big hand wanting for you to hold his too.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

By Candace Duiker,

September 5, 2011

http://www.grafmartin.com/

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

Father's Day Review: Project Dad by Todd Cartmell-Review by Candace Duiker

I'm doing a special book review for Father's Day.  The book I reviewed was Project Dad by Todd Cartmell. 

Reading this book was so much fun.  The author takes a charming nuts and bolts approach to the idea of parenting.  Though, Todd Cartmell is a Clinical Psychologist by trade you wouldn't know it from the way he writes. 

One of my favorite chapters, is when he talks about being your child's coach.  Cartmell basically says to notice what is bothering your child, sit down with them.  And then to brainstorm some 'flexible thoughts' that your child can use to self-talk during rough times.

Todd Cartmell makes it easy for Dads to follow his suggestions, he gives many practical exercises in each chapter where you can practice the skills he's described.  

Many of his ideas remind me of a close friend I had who was also a Dad.  Like the author, my friend Vince taught by example.  He never expected his employees or his children to do a job that he wouldn't do himself.  When sharing a thought or idea, you could see the light of listening in his eyes.  First, he would pause, as he was thinking and then he would share his insight/s.  Embracing the crazy every day things that would occur and make a positive spin on the situation. He put breath into life and those whose lives he flowed through.  Vince's children have turned out to be strong, amazing people.   

I have a Father, who I love a whole lot who has taught me strength, unexpectedly.  At the same time, it's good to know that there are men like Vince who with listening and humor share another side of what it means to be a Dad.  Recently, I found out my dear friend Vince passed away, and that for the rest of my life, I'll take the self belief he instilled in me and flow it on.  I whole- heartedly recommend this book to all Dads and Dads to be.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

By Candace Duiker

June 7, 2011    

http://www.grafmartin.com/

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

 

May 16, 2011 Book Review of 'Unsinkable' by Abby Sunderland Review by Candace Duiker

The book I reviewed for May is Unsinkable by Abby Sunderland.  There can be no doubt that Abby Sunderland who comes from a family of nine children all home-schooled, has always listened to her 'inner' voice.  Following her inner voice led Abby to the pivotal date of January 23, 2010, where at sixteen years old Abby set forth to become the youngest person to sail around the world.  She set sail from Marina Del Rey on this very day. 

It was hard to put this book down, the rolling seas and Abby's wise words on handling her different challenges kept me glued to this adventure narrative.  One of the things, I love the most about this book is how Abby built up her confidence and character and offers sage advice that we can all relate to such as: "It seems like people my age are over-protected today.  Even to the point where a lot of parents refuse to put their kids in the position to make important decisions, to aspire to great things, because they don't want to put them in a position to fail."  Listening to your child's voice is important to instilling confidence in their decision making skills even from a very young age.  On a practical level to most of us, that means giving your child the power to choose what they may want to wear in the morning. 

Abby's most unexpected end to her odyssey, I believe is the beginning to her next adventure.  I recently, happened upon her website where she says she wants to learn to fly.  This world needs more female, adventurous souls who say "Why not world?" and "Here I come!!" 

I think that one of the best statements she makes in this book is:  "When you're in a sailboat, especially on a nonstop attempt, your whole purpose in life is to find wind and make way." So should we all!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

By Candace Duiker--May 16, 2011

http://www.grafmartin.com/
amazon.ca
chapters.ca

Book Review by Candace Duiker: When Life's Not Working by Bob Merritt

For this review I reviewed Bob Merritt's book: When Life's Not Working. 

Bob talks about the value of discipline in having a better life.  His strategies are practical in approach.  For example in this fast-paced society we are pulled in so many directions.  Merritt talks about listening to your spirit to really reacquaint yourself with you values and goals.  Next he suggests prioritizing and using what your spirit tells you to free yourself to what and where you desire to be.  You'll find yourself at ease with the world and using your energy to give in a more intentional, guided manner.  As a result, you'll have more time for yourself and your family.

One of the curious things Merritt brings forth is the idea to stay the course no matter what you're doing such as school, a job etc.  Certainly I agree that what choices you make today can lead you to your desired life.  However, I think that the author is missing some vital information.  Sometimes you need to go off the beaten path for so many reasons.  And that sometimes that's when the deepest spiritual learning and awareness occurs.  Life is not a clear cut yellow brick road all of the time.  When we detour it can build character, broaden faith.  Making your road isn't always a bad thing as long as your listening to your spirit and to God.

All in all, I think this book has many great, practical ideas.  Merritt has a unique way of using nature in his teaching which I like.  I would recommend this book.
By Candace Duiker

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

http://www.grafmartin.com/

My Book Review of Larkspur Cove

From the beginning sentence, I was intrigued by Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate.  It is a story of faith lost, faith gained and healing.  The community of Moses Lake sees the characters of Andrea Henderson a 38 year old divorced Mother and Social Worker and her teen son looking to make a new life.  The other main character is Mart McClendon the town's Wild Life Officer running away from something in his past.  Their paths collide when they must work together to help a mysterious little girl who is seen with the town recluse.

One of the aspects of the book I liked most is how the author uses nature to connect the characters to themselves and each other.  The result brings a deeper understanding for the reader of each character.  Some examples of this are:  Andrea Henderson comes from a background where she always felt sheltered and that she couldn't take risks.  "A visceral shudder ran over my shoulders-pathetic for a girl whose favorite childhood place had been the lake shore, where I could run barefoot all day, dig in the dirt, and let the wind and the water turn my hair into a giant knot, which my mother would spend hours combing out later.  What happened to that girl, anyway."
Later in the story, as Andrea's feelings for Mart McClendon grow: "Freedom, life, exhilaration swirled through me as I dashed down the hill in the moon shadow of pecan trees.  An owl hooted and I stopped short, then laughed silently at myself and continued toward the water, my feet landing in the wet grass, splashes of dew flicking upward, showering my skin with cool pinpoints." 

Comparatively, Mart McClendon is a real man's man and guards his feelings as such.  Partly because of his past.  "I'd been through enough mental warfare in the past three years to last me a lifetime.  Coming to Moses Lake was all about moving on, letting go, leaving it behind."  However, as the story moves along Mart begins to open up, as can be seen from the following dialogue he has with Andrea.  "The river has a sound, and the hills have a sound, and the cliffs have a sound."  So their relationship evolves from there.

Another thing I enjoyed about the book is how the author shows how our words and actions can open roads within someone else's soul and create hope.  As Mart and Andrea begin coming to terms with their own internal struggles they must try and help the orphan like little girl Birdie mentioned early in the story.  One day, as Andrea heads over to the place where the child is staying she observes and then comments in her mind the following:  There was Birdie in what most people would have considered to be bleak circumstances, yet her face was alight with happiness over something as small as a caterpillar..."  From this Andrea is able to see that joy is in the simple moments.

Larkspur Cove is a soulful story of faith rediscovered and of healing.  Much of what is learned by the characters is learned through their experiences with nature.  What I especially loved, is that as a reader I could feel myself growing right along with the characters.  To me that is the mark of a story well told!  I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys having a story wrap itself around you like a hug, classic style really!

By Candace Duiker

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

www.grafmartin.com