May Reading List

I'm reading 24 books this year.  Want to join me?  See the whole list here.

I actually finished my May books early, but I just didn't get around to writing up the reviews until now.  Oh, well, I haven't changed my opinion of the books, so I guess it doesn't matter when I write them up.

Thought I'd shake it up a little this month and tell you about my non-fiction book first.  Oooooo, I'm such a rebel!

Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie OMartian

Stormie OMartian has written numerous books on praying specifically for areas of your life.  This book, obviously, focuses on praying for your children.  This is an easy book to read.  Each chapter is about a different topic that you can pray for your children - their salvation, their friendships, their future spouse, etc.  Each chapter also includes a sample prayer as well as Bible verses that apply to the subject.  I think this is a great resource for every parent.  We all know the biggies that we need to pray for but sometimes we need a boost to help remind us of everything else.  Bottom line - this is a great book to keep around.

On Every Side by Karen Kingsbury

Bethany, Pennsylvania has found itself in the middle of a national debate over the Jesus statue in its public park.  On one side of the fight is lawyer Joshua Nunn, newscaster Faith Evans and the whole town of Bethany who want the Jesus statue to stay where it is in the park.  Opposing them is Jordan Riley, a big-city lawyer out to make the city of Bethany pay for every wrong that was imposed on him as a child.

The book centers on a political debate over whether a statue in a public area violates the separation of church and state.  The relationship between Jordan and Faith also takes center stage.  I thought the premise of the book was interesting.  It is based on a real-life town and their real-life legal battles.  (The article is included in the back of the book.)  However, Jordan and Faith's relationship including their past together was a little far-fetched for me.  It seemed too coincidental and sappy.  But, then again, I'm not a sappy person.

My biggest issue with the book was the names Kingsbury used.  The lawyer was Joshua Nunn, as in Joshua, son of Nun, from the Bible.  The park was Jericho park, as in "Joshua fought the battle of Jericho."  Then there is the Christian woman named Faith and the "bad guy" named Jordan that they had to "cross" to "win the battle for Jericho" Park.  It was just a little cheesy for me.

Bottom line - this book was OK, but very cheesy and sappy.  I've read a lot of Karen Kingsbury books and this was not one of my favorites.

Next up - June books - Bringing up Boys by James Dobson and Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier