I’ve got three excellent books to share with you today: a memoir, a devotional, and a children’s chapter book.
This Life I Live by Rory Feek
I love reading memoir, and this is one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read. Only vaguely familiar with Rory and Joey’s music, this book intrigued me because the story of love and loss gripped me. Once I opened the book, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
What hooked me is Rory’s writing voice. His humility is in perfect balance with his gut-level honesty. He doesn’t write to sensationalize or gain attention. He writes to share his struggles and sins so others may be affirmed, blessed, and transformed by the same God who saved him. His descriptions of a hard-scrabble upbringing, poor relational choices, vivid stories of repentance, and his deep love for his wife Joey inspired me. He paints an honest picture of marriage, not denying the disagreements and struggles. Rory writes with sensitivity and keen observation, in a voice that reminds me of the salt-of-the-earth people in my community.
I haven’t gotten to the end yet, and I’m kind of dreading it. I know Joey dies from cancer, and I will cry buckets since I’m already so attached to this book. Yet I look forward to the lessons I’ll learn and the way the end of this book will challenge my faith in new ways, just like the beginning of the book.
I received a free copy of this book from The Press House in exchange for my honest review.
Devotions for Easter by Stacy J. Edwards
The photo doesn’t do justice to this beautiful book–a pretty foil stamp graces the cover. This book has become a part of my afternoon downtime. I open its pages for a brief devotion, written in a warm, friendly voice. Then I take in the lovely photographs and illustrated prayers. Busy moms will love these brief, Easter-themed devotions. This book will be a go-to resource in my Lenten library for years to come.
Light Up New York by Natalie Grant
If you have a tween-aged girl in your home, she will enjoy this chapter book written by Christian music superstar Natalie Grant. Sisters Mia, Maddie, and Lulu travel to New York with their parents and nanny. The girls experience the delights of the city in winter and try to solve the mystery of the Snow Angel.
A lot of positive elements stood out to me in this cute book. The book is written from Mia’s perspective. She struggles to get along with her sisters. Mia gives us a peek into her thoughts, which are so common for children caught up in sibling rivalry. Mia isn’t perfect, so girls will relate to her. Mia’s parents affirm her struggles and encourage her to show forgiveness and grace. Mia prays about her struggles and tries to make better choices.
An Others-Focused Book for Young Girls
The story includes acts of compassion and a heart for ministry. I am happy to share this kind of book with my 8-year-old daughter, because it’s both entertaining and values-driven.
Also, though I have never traveled to New York or had much of a desire to do so, this book makes a trip look fun. It includes vignettes of the exciting sights, sounds, tastes, and activities in this busy city. This story for children actually made me consider adding New York to our vacation bucket list!
I asked my daughter to read this book and review it, because I feel her opinion matters even more than mine. She will be reading the other three books in the series. She’s willing to donate this book to her school so other girls can enjoy the story as well. Does it get any better than that from an 8-year-old girl?
I received a free copy of this book from the BookLook Bloggers Program in exchange for my honest review.
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