The Little French Bistro by Nina George

Second chances abound in this story featuring Marianne, a German woman caught up in a loveless marriage for forty one years. On a tour in France, she decides to end it all. Her attempt at suicide is thwarted and she escapes to Brittany. There in a picturesque village along the sea she encounters a number of people who are trapped in their past or their fear of taking chances. She begins life anew and discovers freedom and joy. Her influence on those in the village helps them to take risks and to begin life anew as well. There is a lot of mystical features in the novel and some sexual content which may be offensive to some. It is a light summer read.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Jews Don't Need Jesus and Other Misconceptions by Avi Snyder

Jewish believer, Avi Synder, a missionary with Jews for Jesus, explains common misconceptions which Jews and Christians both have about Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. In a easy to read book, the author outlines many misconceptions about this issue. Some of them include:   Jews are already saved because they're natural, elected and chosen; God's covenant with Abraham and Moses is good enough; All Israel will be saved eventually; Jesus is only for the Gentiles; Reconciliation must come first; Jewish evangelism is an attack on Jews and many others. All of the misconceptions are addressed by Scripture and personal examples by the author.

Also addressed is the real reasons some Christian may refuse to share Christ with their Jewish friends including the fear of offending, the fear of rejection, and the fear of man. The author tackles each one of these fears. This is a good book for any Christian who has a Jewish friend or has questions about sharing their faith with them.

I received this book from Moody Publishers for this honest review.

Strange Days by Mark Sayers

Life is chaotic. From the politics of the day and culture wars raging, Mark Sayers attempts to make sense of the days we find ourselves in. The book is divided into three main sections: Biblical Pattern of Chaos; Historical Pattern of Chaos; and Life Re-Patterned in the Spirit. One point the author made stuck with me when he said, "Westerners affirm they value equality, diversity, and freedom, but we don't realize that these things do not necessarily act in concert. Equality of opportunity is different from equality of outcome. Communism drove toward equality or outcome and in the process freedom."

These times challenge Christians to live lives sharing the love of Christ to all we come in contact with and to remember that God is with us in the days ahead. There is peace and hope amid the chaos of our days.

I received this book from Moody Publishers for this review.

New Boy by Tracy Chevalier

The setting is a suburban Washington D.C. neighborhood school in the 1970's. Ossei is the new 6th grade boy who also happens to be the son of a diplomat from Ghana. Being the only black boy in the school is a novelty that attracts the popular girl, Dee. As the new relationship between Ossei and Dee develop it creates a wave of feelings among other students which include jealousy and resentment.

Ian is the instigator behind the tragic events which unfold during this tale which takes place during one school day. It is a little hard to comprehend 11 year olds being capable of such cruelty and bigotry. Although I imagine it would not be impossible given the uncivil nature of social media today. It would seem that the story would have been better in a high school setting.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. 

The Physics of Everyday Things by James Kakalios

This book takes the reader through a person's day and explains the workings of everyday machines and electronics, from a toaster to a OLED flat panel television. The author's goal is to explain the basic physics underlying the technology a person uses on a daily basis.

If you already have a little knowledge of physics and general science or have a great interest in this area this book would be for you. Not having physics in high school or college, I felt I did not really understand a lot of the concepts and the terminology or maybe it was it didn't grab my interest.  For example, the author explains that to understand how a toaster converts electrical energy into heat and light requires an understanding of thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. He does explain those concepts but I had a hard time making sense of it all.  

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood

In this contemporary re-telling of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest", Felix is the artistic director of a Theatre Festival. He finds himself out  of a job when his assistant Tony manages to undermine him and is appointed as director in his place. Unemployed and grieving the loss of his daughter, Felix finds work in teaching a theater course and directing a production of "The Tempest" in the unlikeliest of all places, a prison.

In this tale of loss, revenge and retribution, there are many surprises and beautiful moments along the way. There also is hope and some redemption as well. A host of interesting and outlandish characters makes this an enjoyable read. What is also helpful is a summary of the original "The Tempest" in the back of the book.

I received this book from "Blogging for Books" for this review.

Gone: A Girl, A Violin, A Life Unstrung by Min Kym

This is a moving memoir of a young woman and her love affair with her violin. As a child prodigy, Min Kym becomes a world class violinist as an adult. She purchases a Stradivarius violin which becomes a part of herself. She describes the violin as her existence.

The unthinkable happens when her violin is stolen. Her grief that she experiences is heart wrenching and the effect it has on her art is devastating. This book is a glimpse into what it is like to grow up in a Korean family, the burdens and blessings of being a child prodigy and the devotion to music and her violin. This is a fascinating book and I would recommend it.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.