Tag Archive | book review

Moral Injuries by Christie Watson

Oct16

Life & Death, Truth & Lies

Moral Injuries by Christie Watson is a powerful dual timeline novel that consumed me from the start. It is a medical psychological tale dealing with life and death; truth and lies.

The novel is set in 1999 and present day. It is written through three alternating points of view as well as alternating time periods. It is a read that has you on the edge of your seat as we watch the action unfold.

We witness three friends who are bound by one terrible secret. Lies are maintained until the day when the present threatens to repeat the past. Gradually, lies and lives unravel.

The three lead characters are medical students for a variety of different reasons. One student wants to please her parents, but they love her unconditionally, saying, “Your character is not based on what you do, it is who you are.” This gives her freedom to finally be herself.

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Always Remember by Charlie Mackesy

Oct12

So Very Beautiful

Always Remember by Charlie Mackesy is the most beautiful book. It is the long-awaited sequel to The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse.

Once again, the reader is treated to the most beautiful illustrations and heartfelt words by the author. Every page invites the reader in. It is a book to be savoured and enjoyed again and again, as we long to step inside the pages.

There is the message of being kind to ourselves. “I worry I’m not very good at anything’, said the boy. ‘You are kind,’ said the mole, ‘which is everything,” Kindness is a much under-rated quality. It is powerful and it is attractive. “One of the kindest things you can do is be gentle with yourself.”

When the world around us seems harsh, we need to remember that the storms will pass.

The horse is very wise. “When the storm comes remember who you are,’ said the horse. ‘Who am I?’ ‘You are loved.” To be loved is all that we want.

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The Atlas Of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold

Oct12

Worth Coming Back For

The Atlas Of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold is the most charming contemporary Christian novel that I absolutely adored. It is a book to be savoured from start to finish.

This is a book about relationships between a mother and her two grown daughters. It is also about our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We witness the effects of life’s experiences on our outlook and on how we do life.

The younger daughter, Chloe, is like a breath of fresh air. She has a joy in life that is infectious, and which reaches from the pages to encompass the reader. Her joyful spirit comes from her faith. She knows that she is loved by God and that whatever happens, her life is in His hands.

In contrast, her elder sister and mother do not have a faith, preferring to rely on themselves. Their lives are far more tense. Chloe prays for them to know God. “I pray you hear His voice… Faith often came like a stranger to those who lacked it. But Chloe had plenty to share.” Chloe longs for them to know the joy of living loved.

The three go on a week-long road trip, taking in the literary haunts of authors and their fictional characters. It is a journey of discovery in more ways than one. “Walking in faith was an adventure like no other.” Each new day offers new opportunities.

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The Old Gals’ Bucket List by Karen King

Oct11

Grab Life By The Horns

The Old Gals’ Bucket List by Karen King is a perfectly charming contemporary novel that I read in just one sitting.

This is a light-hearted and fun read about learning to live again. The leading characters are all about seventy and prove that you are never too old to have fun.

The leading lady had been widowed earlier. Life has been on hold until she bumps into an old friend who is a cancer survivor and determined to now make her life count. “I promised myself that if I survived, I’d live life to the full, no fear, no excuses, I want to make every single day count.” This is a turning point as the pair decide to make a bucket list and then work through it.

As the novel progresses, we see that growing older can still be exciting as the pair grab life by the horns.

We see the ladies get their first tattoo, learn to swim and conquer many fears. “Feel the fear but do it anyway.” Life is for living and new experiences can be fun.

A grown-up son tries to limit his mum, believing she is ready for a retirement home! “I’m ready to live again and you need to step back and let me do that.” Her son’s stance comes from the viewpoint of love.

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