Fireflies in December

Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent

Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel Winner 2007

Publisher: Tyndale Fiction

http://www.tyndale.com/products/fiction/details.asp?isbn=978-1-4143-2432-6&subpage=

I orginally read this book out of duty, as it was the monthly selection in the book club I attend. I was immediately hooked! I could not and did not want to stop reading this book until I saw the story through to its end.

Jessalyn Lassiter is a thirteen year old girl whose life is turned upside down in the summer of 1932. Her best friend, Gemma, loses her parents in a house fire. Jessalyn's parents take her in, vowing to raise her as their own after a promise Jessalyn's father made to Gemma's father. This stirs up the small community of Calloway, as Gemma is black. The Lassiters endure the disapproval of the townspeople. The family comes under the scrutiny of the local Klu Klux Klan, who terrorizes the family with bullying and threats of violence that seem to escalate over time.

There is a wonderful contrast in this novel of darkness and light, having nothing to do with skin color, rather the darkness or light in the hearts of the characters. Amongst the hatred and ignorance, there are characters that exude love, acceptance, and compassion. This book reminded me that love is and always will be more powerful than hate, and will always ultimately prevail.

This is also a coming-of-age novel for the main character, as she faces for the very first time the sweet pain of unrequited love, her first crush. She also comes to realize that the truth is not all that it seems, and sometimes good people make bad choices.

It is my understanding that the sequel to this novel will be out in September of 2009, titled Cottonwood Whispers. I cannot wait to read Cottonwood Whispers. To all my loved ones: my birthday just happens to be in that very same month....hint, hint.

Book Review: The Noticer by Andy Andrews

The Noticer
Sometimes, All A Person Needs Is A Little Perspective
by Andy Andrews
Thomas Nelson, Publisher


This book is the story involving a character, named Jones, not Mr. Jones, just Jones, who manages to appear in the lives of those who seem to need him the most.

Beginning with the story of Andy, the narrator of this story, who, as a young man was adrift in life with no direction. Jones appears and waves his magic wand of perspective, and sets Andy on the proper course. Jones seems to disappear after Andy begins to take hold of the advice given him.

More than twenty years later, Jones mysteriously reappears, this time to come to the aid of a married couple at a crossroads in their marriage. Joan feels unloved, and Barry feels unappreciated. Jones once again waves his magic wand of perspective, aka the five love languages (caught ya!) and the marriage is saved.

Jones then appears to a self-professed worrier named Walker Miles (cute), who has lost much because he has spent most of his life worrying about what could happen rather than actually living out his purpose. Jones' answer for this fellow is to daily jot down things he is grateful for, a grateful journal, so that he will dwell on the definite positives rather than the negatives.

He then speaks with a group of young people about using wisdom when making the lifetime choice of choosing your mate, all good advice. Next, he appears to an older woman who feels she is no longer useful to society. Jones wisely advises her that it is never too late, nor are you ever too old to make a difference.

One of the last people Jones appears to is a man named Henry Warren, a workaholic with a reputation for cutting corners and not keeping his word. Jones imparts the wisdom of being a man of integrity, compassion, and the importance of the people around you.

The story comes full circle with Jones meeting a young man living under the pier, just as Andy was over twenty years ago. Andy is with Jones on this venture, and watches as Jones once again works his magic.

Jones then disappears from Orange Beach, Alabama, leaving the residents forever changed with the gift of a new perspective.

I enjoyed reading this book. I was reminded of Mitch Albom's writing style. However, I cannot give this book a five-star rating. Why? I was left a bit dry, felt the book was missing something. God, maybe? I am pretty open-minded, but I felt that, since Thomas Nelson was the publisher, that there would be a little more meat. Great advice, the story flowed well, but I just felt incomplete after reading. Was Jones an angel? I pictured Michael Landon smirking behind an old man's facade. The story reminded me of one of his productions.

http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=0785229213

http://www.thenoticerproject.com/

Introduction

Happy Mother's Day! I will make this short, since I am just starting out. My name is Denise, and I am an avid bookreader. I work part-time at a Christian book store, but my main "job" is my family. My reason for creating this blog is partly to express myself before, during, or after my favorite passion, READING! I try to read at least one book a day. I am ridiculous. I read while cooking, eating, waiting at stop lights....you name it.

My memory has never really been that great, so.....last year I decided to start a list of all books I have read so that I will not choose the same one twice. Over the past year, I began to put a little note beside the books I had strong feelings for, both positive and negative. This is my attempt to take that one step further. I would love to share the books that have impacted me, even if I am the only one who is reading this. I do also recommend books that have impacted me to customers at my job, but I am limited to what I can say. So here I have free reign!!!!!

Today I am reading "Every Now and Then" by Karen Kingsbury. I will review when I am done. Yesterday I read the most refreshing book called " Tender Grace" by Jackina Clark. I loved it! The book flowed so well. I felt privileged to experience Audrey's healing journey, and thought it was pretty cool that I had visited some of the same places she described. Would definitely recommend this book!