All I Have To Give by Melody Carlson

All I Have to Give: A Christmas Love Story by Melody Carlson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Every so often I enjoy a good sentimental story and while this had that element, and also the sweet "Gift of the Magi" twist to it, I finished it feeling frustrated by the lack of depth and the abrupt ending. Some of the main themes in this story were left hanging with out a conclusion. And while I liked the main character and the general storyline, she and others were allowed to get away with behavior that was un-biblical with out consequences. It is a short book filled with emotional tug and some sweet gestures - a quick reading fix - but with out purpose and encouragement. I was able to put the book down with out having been uplifted or challenged in any way. I enjoy Melody Carlson's writing - what was written was good writing - but the overall story is sadly lacking impact. If you want a book that's strictly "Christmasy" and emotional then you might enjoy it, but if you want a story that is going to uplift your heart, too, this is not for you.

The Power of a Praying Wife Devotional by Stormie Omartian

The Power of a Praying® Wife Devotional by Stormie Omartian
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I truly appreciate the concept of this book - having devotionals and prayers coming from the three perspectives of "I", "He", and "We" and all focused on a godly marriage. However, while there is truth in the pages, it is presented together with a very weak focus on the gospel and way too much focus on the act of prayer being the magic act needed for change. I believe there is power in prayer and I am not here to bash prayer in anyway, but I do not agree with phrases like: "The more you pray for your husband this way, the more his heart will become sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings." [In reference to an unsaved husband.] While I don't disagree with that being possible, I do disagree with the presentation that it will happen if you just pray these prayers. The focus on this book is heavily on our part in prayer rather than praying from a heart overwhelmed with Christ and the gospel.

Again, I appreciate the idea of this book, but I personally think it's lacking in a gospel centered focus and if you choose to read it I highly recommend reading with great discernment.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

New from bestselling author Stormie Omartian is a book close to her own heart—The Power of a Praying® Wife Devotional. Following up on the insights and prayers of The Power of a Praying® Wife (more than 3.5 million books sold) 100 brand-new devotions, prayers, and supporting Scriptures offer a praying wife fresh ways to pray for her husband, herself, and her marriage.

These easy-to-read devotions will increase any wife’s understanding, strength, and peace, as well as provide her with perspective on the situations and challenges she faces. And each prayer will help both husbands and wives be more attuned to the Holy Spirit so they can do what’s right without allowing negative emotions or unclear thinking to get in the way.

A must-have for anyone wanting God’s best for this most important relationship.

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This review copy was provided by NetGalley along with Harvest House Publishers but the opinion expresses is my own.

She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen

She Makes It Look Easy: A Novel by Marybeth Whalen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is a fascinating storyline that gives you one story from multiple angles. It took me a moment to get used to the story going back and forth between the perspectives of the two main characters, but after the first few chapters I really enjoyed it. This back-and-forth format brought to life the depth of each character in a way that was so easy to relate to and I found myself sympathizing with various emotions from each person. She Makes It Look Easy expertly uncovers and opens for all to see that someone's life as we see it may not be at all what it appears to be.

While I really enjoyed the way this book approached an all too common occurrence in our world today, I also walked away feeling quite unsettled. Such a raw and close up look at the slow fade to adultery was border-line scary. I do believe that there can be a healthy fear that leads to better self - and in this case marital - examination, but I am just not sure that this book is the proper tool use. The lack of hope through the daily impact of the gospel made me set the book down feeling like I had been standing just a little too close to a fire and was now left with singed hair. There were multiple lessons to be learned from this book but they were not drawn out to the depth that not only should have been done, but needed to be done, nor were they attached to the hope we have in Christ.

Marybeth is an excellent writer, but I highly recommend discernment in making the choice to read this book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Ariel Baxter has just moved into the neighborhood of her dreams. The chaos of domestic life and the loneliness of motherhood, however, moved with her. Then she meets her neighbor, Justine Miller. Justine ushers Ariel into a world of clutter-free houses, fresh-baked bread, homemade crafts, neighborhood playdates, and organization techniques designed to make marriage better and parenting manageable.

Soon Ariel realizes there is hope for peace, friendship, and clean kitchen counters. But when rumors start to circulate about Justine’s real home life, Ariel must choose whether to believe the best about the friend she admires or consider the possibility that "perfection" isn’t always what it seems to be.

A novel for every woman who has looked at another woman’s life and said, "I want what she has," She Makes It Look Easy reminds us of the danger of pedestals and the beauty of authentic friendship.


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This review copy was provided courtesy of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance but the opinion expressed was strictly my own.

Book of Days by James L Rubart

Book of Days: A Novel by James L. Rubart
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MOM'S REVIEW:

Two stars for those who might like reading about the possibility of finding God's book that records our lives according to Psalm 139:16. The characters were genuine and believable, but the plot was not. I was encouraged with the ending to the story, though, and with the focus on God knowing and caring about all the details of our lives.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

"… in Your book all my days were recorded, even those which were purposed before they had come into being." —Psalm 139:16 Young Cameron Vaux’s mind is slipping. Memories of his wife, killed two years earlier in a car accident, are vanishing just as his dad predicted they would. Memories he knows he has to remember. His father tells Cameron that to save his mind he must find "the book with all days in it" —the past and future record of every soul on earth. When an obscure clue leads Cameron to a small central Oregon town, he meets enigmatic Taylor Stone, a possible guide to finding the book who seems to carry secrets far deeper than anyone imagines. Local hotshot TV personality Ann Bannister thinks the legend of the book is a farce, but she has her reasons to join Cameron’s search anyway. Finally, there is fanatical New Age guru Jason Judah, who will stop at nothing to find the book of days before Cameron does.

BOOK DETAILS:

Published by: B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 9781433671517
Price: $14.99

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This review copy was provided courtesy of B&H Publishing Group but the opinion expressed is my own.

O Me of Little Faith by Jason Boyett

O Me of Little Faith: True Confessions of a Spiritual Weakling by Jason Boyett
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:
I really like the concept of this book...the idea of probing into our doubt...our "little faith".

However, this book was one of the hardest books to read. In fact, in honesty, I did not finish it. I skimmed through the remainder but I just could not follow the book. I have always thought of myself as someone weak in the area of faith - and still do - so I was looking forward to reading this book. I think my main lack of enjoyment in this book is because it is more a detailed spiritual biography than a help for those who struggle. Let's face it, we all need to be stronger in our faith so why do I want to read the confession of someone else?

My biggest concern for someone reading this is that if you have time to read this, you have time to read other books that will help you grow in your faith.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

O Me of Little Faith is a brutally honest, frequently hilarious look at the struggles of a self-confessed spiritual weakling. Jason Boyett invites you to ask the hard questions and remain hopeful as he examines how you doubt, why you doubt, and what (if anything) should be done about it.

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This review book was provided courtesy of Zondervan but the opinion expressed are my own.

Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck

Perfectly Dateless: A Universally Misunderstood Novel by Kristin Billerbeck

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

If you liked the movie Napoleon Dynamite then you will like this novel aimed at teen girls. However, I thought that Napoleon Dynamite was rather pointless and that's how I feel about this book as well. There was a lot of drama, and some humor, too, but not a lot of clear purpose.

I liked the theme - conservative parents at odds with their generally well-behaved teen daughter. But there was so many other issues and characters packed into this book that it was hard to follow along at points.

The book begins with an excerpt from Daisy's prom journal with more excerpts throughout the story. I liked the general flair that they added, but there was too many entries and they were too long in my opinion.

There was no one specific thing that I would caution readers concerning this book, but an overall advisement that it addresses drugs, drinking, easy girls, and what unfortunately is typical teen drama and topics. And the book overall is for entertainment with no real moral to the story. I personally would not have my daughters read it and if anyone else was to let their girls read it I would highly recommend it for only older teens girls; probably 16 and up.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

The countdown to prom has begun. Daisy Crispin has 196 days to find the right date for the prom. There's only one problem--her parents won't let her date or even talk to a guy on the phone. Oh, and she's totally invisible at school, wears lame homemade clothes, and possesses no social skills. Okay, so maybe there's more than one problem.

From bestselling author Kristin Billerbeck comes Perfectly Dateless, a hilariously endearing story about a regular high school girl, trying to fit in. Readers will fall in love with Daisy's sharp wit and resourcefulness as she navigates the world of boys, fashion, family, and friendship.

Can Daisy talk her parents into letting her go to the prom? Or will they succeed at their obvious attempts to completely ruin her life?

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, who offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet. For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

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Pearl Buck In China: Journey To The Good Earth by Hilary Spurling

Pearl Buck in China: Journey to The Good Earth by Hilary Spurling

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is a unique story of a brave woman who endured a hard life. While it's a fascinating story, the book tends to be a hard read. I listened to the audio version and had a hard enough time just getting through that, let alone physically sitting to read it. It's not so much Pearl's story that is so hard to read, but rather they way it is presented through it's original print version. Although, I must admit that this audio version is not the most easy to listen to either. The narration is in an English accent and somewhat dry. It's not so much the story content but rather the presentation of this book - both audio and print formats - that make me give it a 2 star rating.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

One of the twentieth century’s most extraordinary Americans, Pearl Buck was the first person to make China accessible to the West. She recreated the lives of ordinary Chinese people in The Good Earth, an overnight worldwide bestseller in 1932, later a blockbuster movie. Buck went on to become the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Long before anyone else, she foresaw China’s future as a superpower, and she recognized the crucial importance for both countries of China’s building a relationship with the United States. As a teenager she had witnessed the first stirrings of Chinese revolution, and as a young woman she narrowly escaped being killed in the deadly struggle between Chinese Nationalists and the newly formed Communist Party. Pearl wrote about the realities of the only world she knew in The Good Earth. It was one of the last things she did before being finally forced out of China to settle for the first time in the United States. She was unknown and penniless with a failed marriage behind her, a disabled child to support, no prospects, and no way of telling that The Good Earth would sell tens of millions of copies. It transfixed a whole generation of readers just as Jung Chang’s Wild Swans would do more than half a century later. No Westerner had ever written anything like this before, and no Chinese had either. Buck was the forerunner of a wave of Chinese Americans from Maxine Hong Kingston to Amy Tan. Until their books began coming out in the last few decades, her novels were unique in that they spoke for ordinary Asian people— “translating my parents to me,” said Hong Kingston, “and giving me our ancestry and our habitation.” As a phenomenally successful writer and civil-rights campaigner, Buck did more than anyone else in her lifetime to change Western perceptions of China. In a world with its eyes trained on China today, she has much to tell us about what lies behind its astonishing reawakening.

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This digital review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio Reviewers Program and in now way affected my thoughts or opinions on this book.

Bringing Up Girls by James C. Dobson

Bringing Up Girls: Practical Advice and Encouragement for Those Shaping the Next Generation of Women by James C. Dobson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

The title of this book pretty much sums up the overall point of this book - bringing up Girls. I, along with many other parents of girls, desire to know how best to raise our daughters, especially during those moments of drama, emotions, and crying that even us grown-up girls just don't "get".

Dr. Dobson presents the basic make-up of a girl both emotionally and physically which aids you in better understanding what girls are experiencing at the various stages they go through. Through out this book he has great insight as well as some practical direction that will help parents of girls. However, for as good as the advice may be, there is one component that really bothers me. Dr. Dobson uses self-esteem as the primary area to focus on in order to "cure" the problems our girls - young and old - face on a routine basis. In my personal opinion based on the lens of Scripture, our girls don't need more self-esteem, they need the love and esteem of Jesus Christ. While Dobson talks about the importance of faith, I feel that he misses the extent and power of the Word of God and the love of God to overcome the challenges our daughters face.

I greatly appreciate some of the concepts and thoughts Dr. Dobson shares, especially his concern for preparing your child for adolescents. But due to the amount of stuff I don't agree with, I can not recommend this book for reading. If you have all the time in the world to read then I might say "read it with great discernment", but if you do not have much time I think there are better parenting books to read that will give sound Biblical advice.

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This review copy was provided Tyndale House Publishers, but the opinions expressed are purely my own.

Moses & Noah I Can Read Books by Zonderkids

Moses, God's Brave Servant: Biblical Values by Dennis Jones

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

An I Can Read! book with a spiritual emphasis and biblical lesson is a great idea. However, while this book is age appropriate on an academic level, the biblical content is leaves much to be desired. There are facts left out and facts that are altered - such as Moses being taken to the palace as a baby. While it's a good idea for a book, I can't recommend a book in which my 5-year-old picks-up on incorrect facts.

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Noah and God's Great Promise: Biblical Values by Dennis Jones

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I appreciate Zonderkids imitative to publish I Can Read! books that not only aid a child in reading skills but also in their Bible knowledge. However, this book about Noah, while relatively sound in the fact department, is just too childish. I truly respect and like the concept, but my 6-year-old daughter laughed at all the pictures as she read and kept mentioning how they weren't true pictures..."the boat didn't look like that!", etc. This book also doesn't change facts as much as in Moses but still is not as concrete as it could and should be.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Zonderkids.

Friendship for Grown-Ups by Lisa Whelchel

Friendship for Grown-Ups: What I Missed and Learned Along the Way by Lisa Whelchel

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I have mixed emotions about this book.

The book is about friendships, but the first half is more an auto-biography of Lisa's friendships. The last half of the book gives some meat to chew on as she writes about the difference between God's law and grace along with how to deal with conflict and and how to be real.

I appreciate Lisa's honest and open sharing through out the book. It took courage on her behalf and for that I admire her. However, I felt overwhelmed by everything that she shared. While I agree with the overall principles that are spoken of, I don't agree with some of the psychology expressed within this book.

Lisa does write an excellent explanation of God's grace and how it can change your life. And what she shares about dealing with conflict in chapter 11 is very helpful. There are some great resources in the multiple appendixes as well.  But overall this book seems a bit disjointed.  Lisa’s intent wasn’t to write a “how-to” book, but with all the stories and experiences she shares, it could really use the balance of application.

There are some very encouraging parts in this book and some very heavy parts, too. Friendships for Grown-Ups is written for adult women and I would highly suggest that only adult women read it because of the emotionally deep content.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of BookSneeze.com.

Cecil & Friends by Andrew McDonough

Cecil & Friends is a series of book for children ages 4 to 7 that share and teach Biblical truth in a lighthearted way.  To read one these books online, join Cecil over at his website – just click here – after reading the reviews!

Dave the Donkey, An Easter Story by Andrew McDonough

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Normally I don't like Bible accounts that are told in a cartoon style. However, Dave the Donkey is different. While it has a silliness about it with some of the lighthearted pictures, it also packs the simple truth of the Easter story from the perspective of a young donkey and his grandfather donkey. My children quickly picked up on the real life Bible account that this book was retelling and enjoyed both the somber and joyful moments this book dealt with. As long as this is not the only book you read to your kids about the Easter account - which should be a no-brainer! - this is a great resource to read/own for a unique look at God's gift to us.

 

The Gardener and the Vine by Andrew McDonough

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW: This cute and cartoon style book takes John 15:15 and turns it into a unique story for children. While I am not so sure my children fully understood the meaning and application of this story, it is a great to introduce this biblical concept to young minds. It's simple, straightforward, and lighthearted all the while being deep with truth. My children enjoyed this book and I enjoyed reading it to them!

 

Jesus and the Children by Andrew McDonough

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is a good example of how just because you have loved other books by an author it does not mean you will like all of his books. While I like the Biblical message of Jesus and the Children I did not like how it was was portrayed with a modern flair. I can handle and even appreciate the cartoon aspect if done with respect, but this just took a twist that made it hard to explain to young children - even ages 4 to 7 - about the real account found in the Bible.

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Thanks go out to Zondervan for all of these review copies.

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Dawdle Duckling by Toni Buzzeo

Dawdle Duckling by Toni Buzzeo

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

While this sports the adorable illustrations of Margaret Spengler, the story line leaves much to be desired. It may be cute, but there is an ugly side to this book when the little Dawdle Duckling tells his Mommy "no" over and over again. I used this book to point out how naughty Dawdle was being, but really, this book could be left unread and you could enjoy other ones instead. I would suggest another book by this author and illustrator titled Little Loon and Papa.

Kitty Princess and the Newspaper Dress by Emma Carlow

Kitty Princess and the Newspaper Dress by Emma Carlow

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

While the main point - using manners is good - is an important concept to teach, I did not like this book and it's approach in doing so. The storyline was rather dull and lacking much. There are better stories to read than this one.

Ramona The Brave by Beverly Cleary

Ramona the Brave by Beverly Cleary

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I remember my mother reading books about Ramona Q to my brothers and I as we grew up, but I do not remember if she read this particular book to us or not. I recently got several of Cleary's book about Ramona to read to my own three children...and quite honestly, I was disappointed.

While Ramona is a lovable character and is easy for young children - especially first graders - to relate to, I was unable to read any of the 9 chapters straight through. There are mentions of ghosts, being scared of things in closets, and the mean name that the boys called Beezus. I had to use great discernment in reading this book with my own kids because I did not want to put fearful ideas in their heads. While I was able to "read through the book" as I left out certain paragraphs and sometimes pages, I would not recommend this one to young children or to any child who is easily scared. It's not that it was overall so scary, but it puts ideas into a child's head that then can become very scary to them. My thoughts are that if I have to skip through so many parts of the book, why should I read it? I do plan to read other Ramona books and see how they turn out, but you can be sure that I will be reading with great discernment.

Ramona is fun and is very "real life" yet may not be the best to be read. I would recommend reading the Cul-De-Sac Kids series by Beverly Lewis instead.

Have A New Kid By Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman

The 7-Day Turnaround: How to Change Your Child??'s Behavior in 10 Days or Less by Kevin Leman

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Have A New Kid By Friday sounds like a wonderful idea to any parent at any stage of the game. After all, what parent has not had a time when they wished they could change their child's behavior? I'll be the first to raise my hand and admit to wishing this on occasion. However, some things are just too good to be true.

I do agree that the ideas and methods presented in this book sound great, most likely work, and will even produce results. In fact, I don't doubt for even a minute that you could have a new child in just a few days. Rather my question is: what kind of new child do you want to have by Friday? If your response is that you want a well behaved child who can act appropriately around people and even show what appears to be respect towards you and other authorities, then I say you will like this book. However, if you instead say that you want a child who can recognize, admit, and correct their sinful behavior along with the attitudes and thoughts behind their outward manifestation, I highly recommend you read a different book.

I agree with Dr. Leman that kids believe that they are entitled to whatever it is that they want and that it's up to us as a parent to show them otherwise. I even agree with some of his methods of dealing with the problem situations we deal with in our children. I agree that yelling is going to get you no where. I agree that ignoring the child is not really going to change anything. But what I do not agree with is using a teachable moment and not incorporating any Biblical basis for what we are trying to teach that child. As example, it's simply not enough to get your child to stop saying things like "I hate you" because it makes you (or whomever it was said to) feel bad. Much more importantly you should desire that they learn to stop saying it because God hates sin and saying "I hate you" to someone is sin not only in word, but also in the attitude and thoughts that brought the child to the point of the verbal declaration.

I would also agree with Dr. Leman on the fact that some of the behavior displayed is in attempt to gain attention. However, that does not in any way make it right. While some of the methods described by Dr. Leman are beneficial to use, they also need to be reinforced by Biblical principle and scripture.

Before you completely throw out the book I will say that you may be able to pick up a few tricks of the trade in this book. But those methods are only as good in the long run as your Biblical approach to parenting. I would highly recommend - practically demand of you! - that you read Shepherding A Child's Heart and/or Age Of Opportunity along with Dr. Leman's book. Or if you are short on time, just skip this book and read my two suggestions!

To read more about Shepherding A Child’s Heart, I encourage you to visit The Adventure Of Motherhood and read through her chapter by chapter review of this book.

Sons Of Thunder by Susan May Warren

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

BOOK RECAP:

Sophie Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America. One of these sons of thunder offers a future she longs for, the other the past she lost. From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, theyll discover betrayal, sacrifice and finally redemption. Most of all, when Sophie is forced to make her choice, she'll learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder.

Sons of Thunder launches the new Romantic Suspense line for Summerside Press - it will be available to purchase in Wal-mart mid-January. Also - its uniquely written - its an epic suspense story written as three novellas - 3 points of view, 3 settings.

MY THOUGHTS:

I enjoyed the lesser known history that was woven into the plot of this fiction book. It gave a fascinating view of life back then n ways that we normally do not think about. I also enjoyed the take of the book being written like 3 novellas. It added depth to the characters and thickness to the plot which makes the book a longer and more enjoyable read. Especially for those who can breeze through a book in just a few hours - it makes you feel you got your money's worth! However, while it is a lengthy book, the storyline moves so fast that it is still easy to read as you become sucked into the plot.

Susan May Warren is a gifted writer and has taken three settings with little in common (Chicago's clubs, WWII battlefields, and the Island of Greece) and created a romantic story filled with drama and suspense.

However, despite the attention capturing storyline, I recommend discernment in reading this book because of the shallow presentation of the Gospel and due to some of the content and situations addressed in this book, namely the Chicago club scenes. I would not suggest this book for teen girls.

I have enjoyed several other great books by Susan May Warren, and recommend the Team Hope Series if you like suspense.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep's Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader's Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota. Learn more about Susan here: www.susanmaywarren.com

BOOK DETAILS:

ISBN: 978-1-935416-67-8
Softcover / 367 pages / $12.99
Published by Summerside Press

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren' target=_blank>Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren' target=_blank>LitFuse Publicity.

Hero Of The Pacific: The Life Of Marine Legend John Basilone by James Brady

Hero of the Pacific: The Life of Marine Legend John Basilone by James Brady

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Book Overview:
"From the summer of 1943 to early 1945, John Basilone was one of the most famous and admired people in America. As the first enlisted man to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II, for extraordinary bravery under fire at Guadalcanal, he toured the nation with movie stars, shared podiums with mayors and governors, shook the hands of thousands of citizens, and was even rumored to have made a romantic connection with a beautiful young actress.

Why would a man who had proven his courage beyond any doubt, who had gone above and beyond the call of duty, and was reaping the rewards of his sacrifice beg his commanding officer to break with tradition and send a Medal of Honor winner back into combat? Legendary columnist James Brady explores this and many other puzzling questions in this thrilling and surprising biography."

For those who like to know more about war stories and battle history they would enjoy this biography of John Basilone. It is a well read story on the audio book and I enjoyed Gardner's narration. While this book is a fascinating account, I did not like some of the language in it. I have an appreciation for biographies, but this one didn't grab me. However, if you are a history buff and want to more about war heroes, this could be a good book for you.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio.