Time Quintet

As I set out to read 100 Science-fiction books, I decided to read the rest of what is dubbed the Time Quintet by Madeleine L’Engle. I enjoyed how L’Engle mixed Science Fiction and Fantasy in A Wrinkly in Time and A Wind in the Door. Unfortunately, I think the author’s style and voice were affected by the order in which she wrote the subsequent books and the order and time at which they were published. A Wrinkle in Time and A Wind in the Door were great, but Many Waters and Swiftly Tilting Planet did not flow.

An Acceptable Time is supposed to round out the series but it is also supposed to round out another set of books about Calvin and Meg’s family. I don’t know if I’ll read that series or not.

At least these books helped me toward my goal. I have read 12 sci-fi books out of 100. Just 88 more to go :)

May 24

A book I recently "escaped" into :)

Attack of the Spider Bots by Robert West

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


As Scilla, Beamer, and Ghoulie explore the caves under Murphy Street, they discover a miniaturized and animated version of their town. When they try to find out how it got there they meet a reclusive old man, large spider robots, and a mean housekeeper—or is it housekeepers? Throw in some more strange adventures in the spaceship-treehouse and this story is full of excitement.

I think this second in the series is even better than the first and look forward to reading the third. Great for 8-12 year olds, but I’m in my 30’s and loved it!




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The Real Ruth

The Gospel of Ruth: Loving God Enough to Break the Rules by Carolyn Custis James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve heard that some approach this book cautiously, unsure of the “startling revelations.” Having grown up in the church, I took the book on more boldly, almost saying, “Startle me, I dare you.”

What I found was relief. The Gospel of Ruth is a refreshing and enlightening view of a small book that has been traditionally preached as a fairytale. I for one am tired of that approach and cannot relate. James shoes us the real Ruth—gutsy, courageous, and even a bit defiant. She has become my hero and my permission to also be a strong woman of God.


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Book about bullying

Why don't you go visit my other blog and check out my review of a book about bullying: http://jennywidner.blogspot.com/2011/08/disappointing.html

A cute story of encouragement for kids

I've talked about great books for parents (and other grownups) to read about encouraging their kids, boosting their confidence and esteem. Recently I read a book, a children's illustrated story, that does this for kids.

I'd Choose You by John T. Trent

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I’d Choose You by John Trent is an illustrated story that can both show parents how to encourage their children as well as remind children that everyone can have their bad days—even when you get to ride a roller coaster to school.



Nothing is going right for Norbert the elephant from sitting by himself on the ride to school to Heidi the hippo falling in his mashed potatoes and being left out of the ball game. After school, his mother informs him that even though he thinks there are lots of kids at his school that are better than he is, she would choose him out of them all.



This is a fun story with lively illustrations that can be a useful tool for parents as well as an entertaining book for kids. We all need reminders from time to time on how to encourage our kids (and each other) in different ways. I wish Trent had come up with a different ending, however. Ending the book with Heidi the hippo waiting outside I think was a little inappropriate for the overall tone of the book. I would still recommend this book.



I received this book free from the publisher in order to read and give an honest review.





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Hide or Seek by Dr. James Dobson

I thought The Five Love Languages for Kids by Gary Chapman was good. I thought How to Really Love Your Child by Dr. Campbell was great. This book is even better.

Dr. Dobson begins by explaining how self-esteem can be eroded. Next he illustrates strategies for parents to help their child overcome low self-esteem. There are also "Question and Answer" sprinkled throughout the book which help emphasize the points he is making. Then there is a section on coping with self-esteem trouble. He also includes a section on preparing for adolescents, but I think I'll come back to that section another time—maybe next year.

My favorite part is where Dobson covers the strategy of compensation. This strategy isn't really addressed in either of the "Love" books I have reviewed because it is not a way to show love, but rather a way to teach a child to rise above. Compensation is … a post for another day!

Even though this book came out in the early 70's, the information is still so relevant today that it is almost frightening. This should be required reading of anyone thinking about having kids AND RE-reading at each stage of a child's development.