Summer House with Swimming Pool

This isn’t an easy book to review. On the one hand, Herman Koch is a brilliant writer. He creates characters bursting with grit and life. He writes vivid, masterful dialogue and gorgeous prose…

But at the end of this book, you might feel like you need a good mind scrubbing. His characters – at least the adults – range from sleazy to morally reprehensible. Yet, each character is so human, and the questions posed are the kind that might bring out the very worst in any of us.

The first question: How far would you go to protect those you love? If your child is hurt or taken advantage of, how far would you go to exact revenge?  Marc Schlosser, obviously, takes things to the limit.

The second question: How far would you go to protect yourself? For all of Schlosser’s indignation and disgust toward those around him, his own behavior is questionable at best. He gives in to petty jealousies over attention (unsolicited and unwanted) paid to his wife; yet when the opportunity presents itself, he throws himself head over heels into an affair of his own. When his own actions risk exposure, he is willing to compromise those he loves in order to protect himself.

I have a feeling that I’m starting a love-hate relationship with Herman Koch. Koch offers up brilliant, gritty writing, but characters so unpalatable that you’ll hardly be able to keep reading. I was torn in my rating of this book – and I don’t think that’ll change.

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

Things Grak Hates

I don't often have the opportunity to review independent authors, so I jumped at the chance to read and review the debut novel of Peter J Story. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I found myself pleasantly surprised at every twist and turn of this clever story.

If you're going to read a book this year, make it Things Grak Hates. Mr. Story has crafted a tale that delves into the human condition and examines the course man takes when left to his own devices. In his uniquely wry, witty style, the author tackles the concepts of power and politics, religion and redemption, and the most unfortunate aspects of human nature.

This is a thoughtful book - a refreshing change from much that I've seen and read lately. It's the kind of book that you'll read two or three times because you'll discover something fresh and thought-provoking at each go-round. It's cynical, yet hopeful. Simple, yet incredibly nuanced. If you're up for a thoroughly enjoyable challenge, put this book on your to-read list today.

Disclaimer: I received an advance reading copy from Mr. Story in exchange for this review. I wasn't expected or required to post a positive review. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages

I've read many marriage books, some better than others. I'd say that this one falls right in the middle. It does offer up some very helpful advice - much of it pretty generic. I suppose though, that a happy, successful marriage is all about the small "generic" things that we do from day to day. Perhaps it can be easy to forget all of those little, practical things as we strive for bigger, showier displays of love and affection.

What I enjoyed: The author cites some very interesting statistics that paint a much more hopeful picture of marriage. We've all been told that over 50% of marriages end in divorce. At those dismal rates, marriage can seem like a game of Russian Roulette. Interestingly enough, the true divorce rate is actually closer to 30% - and nearly 80% of couples are actually happily married.

What you should know: This book is written from a Christian perspective. Thus, the author uses scripture and numerous references to God and the Bible. If you're not looking for a religious perspective on marriage, this book probably isn't for you.

Overall, I did enjoy the book. I gleaned some helpful tidbits, and that's about all one can hope for.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Art for Kids

I came across a great little book for kids on Kindle today. It's one of those book that offer a whole lot for a tiny investment. It's called "Art for Kids", and it basically covers the elements of art in a simple, illustrated format. It's quite appropriate for grade school kids, and while some of these topics might be covered as kids enter 7th and 8th grade, most schools will only touch on each topic briefly. This offers a great review for some, and a decently in-depth lesson plan for others.

Whether your kid is home-schooled and they need a good introduction to the elements of art, or they are an aspiring artist hoping to learn more than they can in school, this is a great option. I'm looking forward to the next books in the series!

You can check it out here:

Art for Kids

When We Were on Fire

I read this book as I was going through very similar feelings. I don't externalize much, so there weren't any real visual signs; however, I spent several years dealing with and getting past all the pressure of my religious upbringing.

Addie's book was wonderful. It helped me see that (1)I wasn't the only one, and (2) it's ok to let some things go. I'm not a missionary in Africa, but I'm doing my part - and that's ok.

If you grew up wearing WWJD bracelets, this book is probably for you.

As a disclaimer, I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review. Regardless, these opinions are mine.

Check Addie's blog here. The book is worth reading, so go see for yourself!

Unstoppable - by Nick Vujicic

I've been inspired by Nick since first seeing snippets of his life story on YouTube. This guy gives the word "courage" a whole new meaning. After watching him in action and reading his books, you'll suddenly find your own excuses looking pretty pitiful.

You might not find much "new" material in here. A lot of the points presented are pretty standard fare in many religious motivational books. I guess the thing that sets this book apart from the rest is that Nick is a living example of what he preaches. The words in his book aren't just words - they're principles, values and convictions that Nick lives out every day of his life.

If you're looking to be inspired, looking to be challenged, looking for a good kick in the pants, this is it. It's guaranteed to make you a little bit uncomfortable with the way you're living - and that's a good thing.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Neighbors and Wisemen

I'm rarely rave about a book - particularly a work of non-fiction. This one, however, really deserved the high ranking. I've been a fan of Donald Miller's work, so when I saw a book by "Tony the Beat Poet", I figured "why not?"

I wasn't sure what to expect. After all, it can be easy for an aspiring author to ride on the coattails of another accomplished writer. I'm wary of success by association, so I cracked this book open tentatively.

I'm pleased to say though, that I truly enjoyed Tony's work. His literary style is witty, gritty, and real. There's nothing pretentious in his words. Perhaps that is why they resonated with me.

Tony tackles a lot of the questions I've had myself. I grew up in similar circumstances - surrounded by Christian terminology and taglines. I grew up with the "us vs. them" mentality. As I matured, I found myself more and more repulsed by organized religion in general - and church culture in particular. It is a comforting thing to find an author who can so aptly describe my own experiences.

Only recently have I begun to see the beauty and wisdom that can be found when one opens up to the unexpected. Most in the religious community turn to pastors or spiritual counselors for guidance and inspiration; however, it's a beautiful thing when we can learn and be blessed by "sacred encounters in unexpected places." I'm firmly of the belief that truth is truth, no matter where we find it. This book has helped to reestablish that belief. I highly recommend it to those who are sick of the standard rhetoric, to those who are feeling a little lost, a little tired of the same old, and who are looking to learn from unlikely sources.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.