Surprised By Oxford

“Surprised By Oxford” is a memoir by Carolyn Weber telling us her own journey of graduate studies at Oxford University. The narration is broken down into the three terms established by the liturgical calendar.

Carolyn Weber received a scholarship to study at Oxford for graduate school. She arrived there in the mid-90's as a fairly typical agnostic student somewhat allergic to the world "Christian" (since as we all know, Christians are rigidly judgmental and irrational). But Weber also feels a great lack in her life, and as she gets to know some truly wonderful Christians are and reads the Bible, she unwillingly feels the hounds of heaven stalking her. This is the best that I can sum up the narrative.

I feel that it is a tad too long. Actually at the end I really got bored and somehow trudged my way along. Apart from this it is a good book especially for those who have been to Oxford or feel a special connection with it.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

The Final Hour

I have just finished reading ‘The Final Hour’ by Andrew Klavan. ‘The Final Hour’ is the 4th and last book in The Homelanders series. Teenager Charlie West is in prison and has no memory of what happened in the past year but then he starts remembering. He knows that the terrorist cell (the Homelanders) is planning to do something on New Year's Eve and starts plotting to get out of prison and goes through a lot to try to stop them.

I am amazed at how Klavan wove this complicated plot throughout his series. I appreciated how the story evolved and all of the loose ends were tied. Charlie is a hero, truly, and his decision making process would be a great example for young adults.

I really enjoyed this book, and I’m glad I was able to read all of the books in this series. I found myself unable to put the book down. Although I’m disappointed this series is over, I look forward to reading future books by Andrew Klavan.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

WASHINGTON: A Legacy of Leadership

I must confess that I am not an avid biography reader. I chose Washington: A Legacy of Leadership by Paul Vickery and Stephen Mansfield mostly because I felt that although I know quite a bit about Washington - the statesman, I know very little about the Washington – the man.

Throughout the book, Vickery has provided many lesser-known facts about Washington’s life and has based much of the book on original sources such as Washington’s own letters. The author views Washington mostly in a positive light but does not shy away from pointing out the various mistakes Washington made throughout his career.

Another aspect that makes this book very interesting is the presence of a large number of pictures and illustrations depicting various events from Washington’s life and America’s history.

If you are a history buff or a biography lover, you will no doubt love this book, but if not, be prepared for a long and, at times, laborious, read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

WHO IS MY SHELTER?

I just finished reading ‘Who Is My Shelter?’ by Neta Jackson. It is the story of Gabby Fairbanks. A middle-aged woman going through a difficult separation from her husband Phillip, after being thrown out of her own home. Gabby is making a new life for herself, raising her two teenage boys, and working at a job that gives her life meaning... running the House of Hope for homeless single moms and their kids. Gabby is a Christian who let the promise of romance and a better future distract her from God. But the trials in her life prove to be the very thing that leads her back to Him. And He shows her that He is the only Rock she can lean on.

I enjoyed meeting the various characters in this, the forth book in a series of House of Hope novels. Because I hadn't read the first three, I was worried I would feel left behind, unable to connect the dots, but I found myself able to jump right into the story with enough background information scattered throughout. The author moves easily from one character's situation to another, weaving pieces together in ways only God could arrange. I look forward to reading the next book, anxious to learn what happens next in the lives of these people I have come to know.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half

Steve and Annette Economides are known as America’s Cheapest Family and are recognized nationally and internationally as family finance experts. This particular book, Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half is just one perspective of how to live within and below your current income level. For more information and tips, you can check out their website, AmericasCheapestFamily.com

This book is more than just how to save money at the grocery store. Divided into twelve chapters, the Economides show quickly how to save a ton of money at the grocery store and then explain the power behind the working their plan. Along the way, they debunk the myth that the only way to save money at the store is to spend all day Sunday looking through mountains of newspapers and clipping coupons and finding store rebates and the like so that when you check out at the grocer, you have a War and Peace book of coupons (I first heard that phrase from a comedian) and the person behind you groans audibly.

They offer tips on how to cook that not only save time and money, but also frees up more time than you could have ever imagined. They even look at how to redeem dinner time so that it is not mass chaos.

A few other chapters proved to be very beneficial. Their tips on how to eat out for less and growing your own foods (can it be that easy?) saves money, time and even helps you to live a healthier lifestyle. They even offer a chapter with select recipes that their family enjoys and will help to get the ball rolling on your new lifestyle.

That's all it took... I have someone here who is giving out all kinds of information about saving money on groceries, but they are not assuming that what works for them is the only way. They don't take some patronizing attitude about how you have to wash out your ziploc baggies, or that you must switch to bulk cooking. I love that there isn't a one size fits all approach, and it made me far more interested in reading.

The book addresses way more than just couponing, planning ahead, and shopping sales. It includes bulk cooking, gardening, cooking in general, owning appropriate equipment, feeding infants, feeding teens, eating at restaurants... and more.

One really great aspect of the book is that each chapter ends with suggestions for what you can do now. And those suggestions are broken down by whether you are a beginner, whether you are wanting to jump in full-throttle, or something in between. So I can read a chapter on couponing and follow the advanced suggestions, but I can read the gardening chapter and follow the beginner options.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”