Ana
Not for everyone.
There is explicit sex, though not as much as I expected, there is entertainingly colorful language, but there is also a fascinating premise and intelligent, witty dialogue.
If in doubt, read the content warning at the beginning of the book.
My apologies,” he said quickly. “I only mentioned it because many of the girls I've met during my interviews feel they are estranged from God by the nature of their livelihood, and they needn't be. You could attend a meeting, if you desire an accepting place to worship.”
“Lord Lieutenant, what women like myself are most commonly estranged from is a decent income. Whoredom is not caused by a lack of faith in God. It's caused by the desire to eat. You'd do well to understand this, if you wish to improve our lot with your report.”
Great concept, not so great execution.
I hate giving an own voices book a low rating, especially when the world needs more books featuring disabled or neuro-diverse characters.
Maybe I just don't do romance novels, but ack! One good conversation would have eliminated all the tiresome emotional back and forth. I know insecurities don't fade over night, but if they're that crazy about each other, the least they could do is take each other's words seriously.
Also, “no, leave me alone” actually means, no, leave me alone. I can't stand it when guys push passed women's boundaries because they just know deep down she really means yes.
3.5 stars
Rill's chapters were painfully captivating. I couldn't put the book down during those sections. It was sad, but also ultimately hopeful and informative.
Unfortunately I didn't find Avery's chapters nearly as compelling. The characters seemed too one dimensional.
Still, the historical awareness this book brings makes it a worthwhile read.
I am not a Calvinist, but I am one who has been hurt by those in the reformed camp. I thought this book might help clear away any misconceptions I may have, and help me see the “doctrines of grace” in a new light.
I still have some serious difficulties with this way of thinking, but I am glad to see a brother in christ tackle some of the issues within Calvinism from the inside. A much needed, and well written book.
Amazing and captivating. Inspiring, encouraging, touching. Meet Jesus, in all his glory. I kept nodding to myself throughout so much of this book. This is what I've wanted people to see. Not the religious cloud of confusion. The real Jesus you read about in the gospels. This book doesn't teach anything different, it clarifies. I would recommend this book to anyone new in the faith, or anyone who feels like they've lost touch with God. Even if you're neither, this is still a wonderfully written, beautiful book.
I don't know if I agree with everything in the book, but it's a good story nonetheless. And it does offer some good insights. However, after giving it more thought, consideration and research, I'm editing my rating down to 2 stars. There are just too many false teachings in this book for me to really feel comfortable with it. There's just enough truth here to make it dangerous. Parts of it are good indeed, but a lot is either too vague or contrary to what God himself has said in his word.
Update May 2017
Back up to 3 stars. I'm more open minded now than I was when I first read this book, and as a result I think I'm able to better appreciate the beauty here. Mr. Young does have some good things to say, things that many broken hearts need.
That said, along with the words of truth and beauty are words that directly or indirectly contradict scripture.
I can recommend this if you're curious and want to see what all the fuss is about, provided you, 1. remember this is fiction, not a theology book, and 2. keep your discernment hat on tight.
Definitely not as good as I remember the later books in the series being. I never did like this one quite as much when I was little, and now that I'm theoretically “all grown up” I know why.
Ramona needs a lot more discipline. She's not cute, she's obnoxious. This coming from someone who adores children.
The next book is Ramona the Pest, and it was the first Ramona book I ever read. That was the book that started my obsession with this series. We'll see what I think this time around.
Moving stories, testimonies really, of life, love and miracles. Not every account we read has a happy ending, sometimes we don't even know what comes of the people in these heartbreaking situations. As the author points out, “Sadly, in nursing, and particularly in hospital nursing, you meet people during some of the most profound moments in their lives, and then they are gone from you for ever.”
There is much sadness, but also much beauty and even fun in this book. It's what every book should be. Challenging, informative, and inspiring.
I do recommend it, but readers should be aware that there is a very intense/explicit sex scene in the chapter about Mary, a former prostitute. You can still read Mary's story, just skip the chapter entitled “Cable Street” if you want to bypass the disturbing details.
Over all a really good read. I'd give it 4.5 if I could.
P.S. Who knew nuns could be so unforgettable?
Wow!
An amazing life story told through unflinchingly honest writing. I don't have the same physical limitations Mr. Pistorius does, yet I relate to so much in this book.
Fair warning. There are some chapters that are extremely hard to read. The author recounts the physical and sexual abuse he was subjected to with the same transparent bluntness he uses throughout the book. Some of the descriptions are explicit.
I recommend this to anyone who has a disability of any kind, or knows someone who does.
This is a much needed look at what it's like to live with a disability that too often serves as a wall to keep others out. the book is at times, depressing and frightening. But it also shows how hope can spring up and blossom even in the most hopeless of circumstances.
An easy and engaging read. I particularly like his comments on Brazilian personalities.
My main gripe is that the author/narrator butchers most words in Portuguese. I can't blame him, I know he's British not Brazilian, but still, for someone who speaks Portuguese, this can be distracting.
Over all a very enjoyable book.
Over all a really good book. Some of it made me laugh, much of it made me grin, and sometimes it made me think. This is witty, sarcastic, goofy, and the occasional good-hearted kick in the pants we all need from time to time. Just like any nation has its stereotypes, so does the kingdom of God. Sometimes they're just silly and harmless. Other times it might be good for us to reflect on what needs changing. In any case, this is a great book for accomplishing any or all of the above.
A few really surprising and/or eye-opening chapters, but mostly things any regular Bible reader would know.
Specifically recommended to people who don't tend to get into the word very often for themselves. In that case, this book would be an informative companion to read alongside the Bible, and may even spark a greater curiosity for scripture.
If you're already in the Bible reading habit, you may still get something out of this book. I'd suggest at least flipping through it to the chapters that intrigue you.
Liked some of it, including his life story. Some of it I'm not sure about.
Trying the calm assertive thing with my poodle mix. Sometimes it works, other times he seems to not care and just goes right on laying there contentedly. Maybe I'm doing something wrong.
Either way, if you like dogs and learning about them, I'd recommend giving this a shot. Some of Cesar's methods are controversial though, so I'm probably going to check out some other books for different perspectives.