Title: The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances
Author: Andy Andrews
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publisher Address: Nashville, Tennessee
ISBN: 978-0-7852-3103-5
List Price: 18.99
Be careful when you cut down trees in your yard! You may discover hidden artifacts from WWII. In this historical fiction novel titled, The Heart Mender, Andy Andrews, as the author, does just that – he discovers a large, rusty old can with personal items belonging to a German submarine soldier from WWII.
Mr. Andrews shares his incredible journey with us during his research. He discovers the items belonged to a German U-boat soldier that attacked U.S. vessels off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The story enlightens the reader with WWII hidden historical facts that come to life while we enjoy the character’s lives during this time. Once we are introduced to these complicated, yet simple, loving, small town people, we are entwined in their lives.
The events of the story resemble a love story and a murder mystery. It is a treat to read a book that not only entertains with unforgettable, strong characters, but also informs the reader with hidden WWII facts. It is a thought provoking story which has the reader question his/her own tolerance and level of forgiveness. Mr. Andrews conveys how we are not expected to forget our personal grievances, but we can be better people if we can forgive what we cannot forget.
I recommend this book to readers of all ages as a true historical fiction with personal growth inspiration.
I am a member of BookSneeze.com
www.bookSneeze.com
Book review by Mary Crocco
m.crocco@yahoo.com
Monday, June 21, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
A Century Turns: New Hopes, New Fears
A Century Turns: New Hopes, New Fears, by William J. Bennett
A Century Turns: New Hopes, New Fears, by William J. Bennett, is a textbook version of a political magazine. It is a commentary which takes the reader from 1998 – 2008. William J. Bennett writes a balanced account of history which has the reader scratching his/her head thinking about the events he/she may have lived through. The key word here is ‘thinking’. This is why I think the book is extraordinary.
Bennett describes ten years of political events that jog the reader’s memory. He writes with his well established conservative view. He wants his readers to be informed about facts leading up to an historical event, and he gives us the background information and tells us why things occurred the way they did. He gives his opinions and reasons for his own actions at the time. The reader is left with knowledge to ponder and food for thought to keep or form new opinions.
Living in the moment of history is one thing, however, going back in time and reading facts about how and why an event happened is another. Bennett brings awareness to his readers and we may experience a new enlightenment that brings closure to our personal political confusion.
As a former American History teacher, I highly recommend this book to middle and high school students, as well as readers of all ages. It is an informative yet thought provoking book.
I am a member of BookSneeze.com
www.bookSneeze.com
Book review by Mary Crocco
m.crocco@yahoo.com
A Century Turns: New Hopes, New Fears, by William J. Bennett, is a textbook version of a political magazine. It is a commentary which takes the reader from 1998 – 2008. William J. Bennett writes a balanced account of history which has the reader scratching his/her head thinking about the events he/she may have lived through. The key word here is ‘thinking’. This is why I think the book is extraordinary.
Bennett describes ten years of political events that jog the reader’s memory. He writes with his well established conservative view. He wants his readers to be informed about facts leading up to an historical event, and he gives us the background information and tells us why things occurred the way they did. He gives his opinions and reasons for his own actions at the time. The reader is left with knowledge to ponder and food for thought to keep or form new opinions.
Living in the moment of history is one thing, however, going back in time and reading facts about how and why an event happened is another. Bennett brings awareness to his readers and we may experience a new enlightenment that brings closure to our personal political confusion.
As a former American History teacher, I highly recommend this book to middle and high school students, as well as readers of all ages. It is an informative yet thought provoking book.
I am a member of BookSneeze.com
www.bookSneeze.com
Book review by Mary Crocco
m.crocco@yahoo.com
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Mountain of Crumbs, A Memoir
A Mountain of Crumbs is an extraordinary memoir of Elena Gorokhova. Elena was born in former Leningrad, Russia, and grew up in St. Petersburg, Russia. The story of Elena’s life is written as an honest, fascinating, historical, Russian novel. As readers enjoy sharing the day to day struggles and real life discoveries of Elena, along with her family and friends, we also learn historical facts and knowledge of Russia.
The title originates from Elena’s childhood of poverty; Elena’s grandmother invented the crumb game. With stomachs growling and making do with a piece of black bread and a cube of sugar, she broke the bread and sugar with her fingers saying, “Look at how much you’ve got, a whole mountain of crumbs.”
This began Elena’s disillusion regarding her country’s deprivation and oppression. She felt in her heart there must be a better life beyond Russia. This is the journey Elena takes her readers on with every chapter being a new age which brings enlightenment to Elena.
There is a passion for the English language that allows Elena to reach her goal of leaving Russia. She educates herself regarding the collective vs. capitalism. It is a wonderful read to see Elena succeed and immigrate to the U.S.
I recommend this book, A Mountain of Crumbs, by Elena Gorokhova to all readers. However; I would have liked a glossary of the Russian vocabulary Elena included in her memoir. Also, the Epilogue is a mere three pages and does not do justice to my curiosity about Elena’s new life in the U.S. I am thinking and hoping a sequel may be the reason for this. This book possesses all the elements of an informative text and a great story.
Book Review by Mary Crocco
m.crocco@yahoo.com
The title originates from Elena’s childhood of poverty; Elena’s grandmother invented the crumb game. With stomachs growling and making do with a piece of black bread and a cube of sugar, she broke the bread and sugar with her fingers saying, “Look at how much you’ve got, a whole mountain of crumbs.”
This began Elena’s disillusion regarding her country’s deprivation and oppression. She felt in her heart there must be a better life beyond Russia. This is the journey Elena takes her readers on with every chapter being a new age which brings enlightenment to Elena.
There is a passion for the English language that allows Elena to reach her goal of leaving Russia. She educates herself regarding the collective vs. capitalism. It is a wonderful read to see Elena succeed and immigrate to the U.S.
I recommend this book, A Mountain of Crumbs, by Elena Gorokhova to all readers. However; I would have liked a glossary of the Russian vocabulary Elena included in her memoir. Also, the Epilogue is a mere three pages and does not do justice to my curiosity about Elena’s new life in the U.S. I am thinking and hoping a sequel may be the reason for this. This book possesses all the elements of an informative text and a great story.
Book Review by Mary Crocco
m.crocco@yahoo.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The King and Dr. Nick
Is this the way it was?
In today’s media frenzy about celebrities, we all know there is more than one story uncovered in every celebrity death. The question the public is still obsessed over is; did Elvis Presley die of a drug overdose?
Dr. Nick, George Nichopoulos, describes to his readers the intimate role he played as Elvis’s personal physician. He takes his readers to Elvis’s home and on tour to explain the reasons he prescribed the variety of drugs he gave to the King, from 1967 – 1977. Dr. Nick feels compassion for the King, as he suffered from ailments such as: insomnia, gastroenteritis, anxiety, panic disorders; the list is endless. He takes us through his numerous court cases to validate the drugs he prescribed as necessary vs. desired. Discrepancies regarding the two autopsies are brought to light for his readers.
I think the book itself contains an abundant amount of information about Elvis and Dr. Nick. It may fill the void for some Elvis fans; however, I feel it was more of a catharsis for Dr. Nick. George Nichopoulos writes his well – intentioned book to set the record straight, but I think it is just one more book about Elvis where readers should ask themselves, is this the way it was?
I am a member of BookSneeze.com
www.BookSneeze.com
Book review by Mary Crocco
In today’s media frenzy about celebrities, we all know there is more than one story uncovered in every celebrity death. The question the public is still obsessed over is; did Elvis Presley die of a drug overdose?
Dr. Nick, George Nichopoulos, describes to his readers the intimate role he played as Elvis’s personal physician. He takes his readers to Elvis’s home and on tour to explain the reasons he prescribed the variety of drugs he gave to the King, from 1967 – 1977. Dr. Nick feels compassion for the King, as he suffered from ailments such as: insomnia, gastroenteritis, anxiety, panic disorders; the list is endless. He takes us through his numerous court cases to validate the drugs he prescribed as necessary vs. desired. Discrepancies regarding the two autopsies are brought to light for his readers.
I think the book itself contains an abundant amount of information about Elvis and Dr. Nick. It may fill the void for some Elvis fans; however, I feel it was more of a catharsis for Dr. Nick. George Nichopoulos writes his well – intentioned book to set the record straight, but I think it is just one more book about Elvis where readers should ask themselves, is this the way it was?
I am a member of BookSneeze.com
www.BookSneeze.com
Book review by Mary Crocco
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saving Cicadas by Nicole Seitz
Saving Cicadas is an extraordinary story about powerful family memories we all carry with us. But, are these really memories or former past selves that we have to deal with and learn from? If we do not acknowledge these pasts, do we remain stuck living past lives? In this story, God uses a child to speak to us. It is a mystery of God that reminds us that life is truly a miracle.
This is a difficult review to write without giving away the story. It is suspenseful and thought provoking. It has conflicting story elements which played havoc with my emotions. I cried with feelings of happiness and sadness at the same time. I can tell you the characters were developed in such detail you will feel their emotions as strongly as they do. The dialogue is so powerful at times I had to put the book down to digest. The overall message in this story was more than inspiring.
I absolutely recommend this wonderful novel, Saving Cicadas, to readers of every age. It is a quick read and you will not want to put it down until the end.
I am a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review blogger program.
http://brb.thomasnelson.com/
Book Review by Mary Crocco
This is a difficult review to write without giving away the story. It is suspenseful and thought provoking. It has conflicting story elements which played havoc with my emotions. I cried with feelings of happiness and sadness at the same time. I can tell you the characters were developed in such detail you will feel their emotions as strongly as they do. The dialogue is so powerful at times I had to put the book down to digest. The overall message in this story was more than inspiring.
I absolutely recommend this wonderful novel, Saving Cicadas, to readers of every age. It is a quick read and you will not want to put it down until the end.
I am a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review blogger program.
http://brb.thomasnelson.com/
Book Review by Mary Crocco
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The White Horse King
The White Horse King, the Life of Alfred the Great, by Benjamin Merkle
The White Horse King is a biography of King Alfred the Great. The inscription on the statue of King Alfred says it all; Alfred found learning dead and he restored it, education neglected and he revived it, the laws powerless and he gave them force, the church debased and he raised it, the land ravaged by a fearful enemy from which he delivered it.
Being Alfred’s birth order was the 5th son, not much was expected of him. Certainly it was unforeseen he would be king. Merkle describes King Alfred’s victorious combat with the fierce and ruthless Vikings, who plundered and pillaged the English coastlands and countryside throughout the book. There is one chapter called, Alfred the Wise, which gives the reader a wonderful view of Alfred the person. This is where we learn about Alfred’s lifelong love of learning that he incorporates in his religion and the law.
I found the book, The White Horse King, to be a quick, informative read into the history of AD 878 where England was being occupied by the notorious Vikings. I would have liked more information about Alfred the scholar, poet, law-giver, and architect vs. the seasoned warrior. However, this book entices me to read further and I would recommend The White Horse King as an enjoyable biography of a great king.
I am a member of Thomas Nelson’s book reviewer blogger program.
http://brb.thomasnelson.com/
Book Review by Mary Crocco
The White Horse King is a biography of King Alfred the Great. The inscription on the statue of King Alfred says it all; Alfred found learning dead and he restored it, education neglected and he revived it, the laws powerless and he gave them force, the church debased and he raised it, the land ravaged by a fearful enemy from which he delivered it.
Being Alfred’s birth order was the 5th son, not much was expected of him. Certainly it was unforeseen he would be king. Merkle describes King Alfred’s victorious combat with the fierce and ruthless Vikings, who plundered and pillaged the English coastlands and countryside throughout the book. There is one chapter called, Alfred the Wise, which gives the reader a wonderful view of Alfred the person. This is where we learn about Alfred’s lifelong love of learning that he incorporates in his religion and the law.
I found the book, The White Horse King, to be a quick, informative read into the history of AD 878 where England was being occupied by the notorious Vikings. I would have liked more information about Alfred the scholar, poet, law-giver, and architect vs. the seasoned warrior. However, this book entices me to read further and I would recommend The White Horse King as an enjoyable biography of a great king.
I am a member of Thomas Nelson’s book reviewer blogger program.
http://brb.thomasnelson.com/
Book Review by Mary Crocco
Monday, November 16, 2009
5 Cities that Ruled the World
5 Cities that Ruled the World, by Douglas Wilson
5 Cities that Ruled the World is an overview description of how the cities of Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, London, and New York ruled the world. Douglas Wilson is a theologian and teaches college level ethics and logic. He is also editor of a cultural journal best known for its humor and satire, which Wilson fails to successfully interject throughout the book.
Wilson wants his readers to be reminded of liberty and the blessings liberty brings. He does this by devoting a short chapter for each city; Jerusalem represents the soul set free, stating it is a great and standing metaphor for spiritual liberty. Athens established the ideal of free inquiry, where we are grateful not for every idea to come out of Athens, but for the freedom to reject ideas. Rome passed on liberty under law, and gave us understanding of civic liberties and equitable laws. London set free our literary imagination, where extraordinary literature was made available for ordinary people. New York has shown us the freedom to trade, this city being the world’s financial center.
I think Wilson should have justified his choice of the 5 cities. The subtitle reads ‘Global History’; however, there are no eastern hemisphere cities. I see this book as a springboard for more in depth research, not only for cities that ruled the world, but for the biblical references. I would recommend 5 Cities that Ruled the World as a quick read listed as a young adult book.
I am a member of Thomas Nelson’s book reviewer blogger program.
http://brb.thomasnelson.com/
Book Review by Mary Crocco
5 Cities that Ruled the World is an overview description of how the cities of Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, London, and New York ruled the world. Douglas Wilson is a theologian and teaches college level ethics and logic. He is also editor of a cultural journal best known for its humor and satire, which Wilson fails to successfully interject throughout the book.
Wilson wants his readers to be reminded of liberty and the blessings liberty brings. He does this by devoting a short chapter for each city; Jerusalem represents the soul set free, stating it is a great and standing metaphor for spiritual liberty. Athens established the ideal of free inquiry, where we are grateful not for every idea to come out of Athens, but for the freedom to reject ideas. Rome passed on liberty under law, and gave us understanding of civic liberties and equitable laws. London set free our literary imagination, where extraordinary literature was made available for ordinary people. New York has shown us the freedom to trade, this city being the world’s financial center.
I think Wilson should have justified his choice of the 5 cities. The subtitle reads ‘Global History’; however, there are no eastern hemisphere cities. I see this book as a springboard for more in depth research, not only for cities that ruled the world, but for the biblical references. I would recommend 5 Cities that Ruled the World as a quick read listed as a young adult book.
I am a member of Thomas Nelson’s book reviewer blogger program.
http://brb.thomasnelson.com/
Book Review by Mary Crocco
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