The Shack by William P. Young

A controversial book, I initially didn't want to read this because Christians told me it was bad theology.  But, I feel secure enough in my beliefs that I decided to take the risk.  What it boiled down to, for me, is yes ... there are incorrect theological ideas and yes, there are some great ideas that we should be following.

I didn't think it was particularly the best writing I've ever read.  Needed a better editing job.  However, it kept my interest although the middlish parts got a little long.

I thought it spoke very well in talking about reconciliation with God after a horrible tragedy in your human life.  It also dealt very well with the fact that God wants a relationship with us.  He demonstrates that interestingly through the relationship between Jesus, Sarayu, and Papa.  I actually liked the human qualities the writer associates with the 3.  Many fictional accounts of biblical characters do the same.

I did not like that the writer seems to make God's word (the Bible) to be just another way He speaks, along with nature, animals, etc.  He mentions that God doesn't punish sin; that sin is its own punishment, eating us from the outside in.  But God DOES hate sin.

Read this book if you think it's a fictionalized version of encountering God; don't read it if you want accurate doctrine.

A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck

I read this book because it is on the list of most frequently banned books. I can see how some parts of this book could be disturbing to some readers. However, it is depicting farm life and that's how it is on a farm. The first chapter starts off with the details of a cow giving birth and how the boy saves the cow. It really does give details. Parts of the book remind me of Old Yeller but all in all I thought it was a really sweet story about a boy and coming of age. I would not recommend this book to young readers.

Winter Haven by Athol Dickson

I read this book because I loved River Rising and wanted to read another novel by Athol Dickson. I was not disappointed. This is definitely a suspense novel with many strange happenings on that island of Winter Haven. I was glad that most of the questions were answered in the end and they certainly are not what I would have expected. Good read!

All She Ever Wanted by Lynn Austin

I thought this was a great book and very well written. It takes you on a journey through 3 generations of women and the tragedies of their lives and how it affects the next generation. Kathleen left home when she was 18 and never looked back but when she starts to have problems with her own teenage daughter she begins to look at her own childhood and how that has framed who she is. She realizes that you have to deal with your past not just ignore it. There is healing in it and her daughter could finally understand who she is and why. I definitely would recommend this book.

Until Tomorrow Comes by Robin Jones Gunn

Student review by:  Michael Shelton

Pros or Cons:   Pros: This book takes a while to read.  It is very realistic and interesting.

Summary of Plot:   This book is the fist in the Todd and Christy college years.  Christy is touring Europe with her boyfriend, Todd and best friend Katie.  The three of them have many adventures and become stronger Christians together

Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer

Student review by:  Lauren Hawthorne

Pros or Cons:   Pros: Really interesting at points
                              Cons: Can be boring at other points

Summary of Plot:  

The book is about a man named Chris McCandles who ventures out into the wilderness to start a new life for himself.  However, he finds himself ill-prepared and in desperate conditions and eventually dies of starvation in the mountains of Alaska.

The Time Travelers by Linda Buckley-Archer

Student review by:  Hannah Sensing
Pros or Cons:   Pros: very detailed, very in depth

                          Cons: Graphic, language    

Summary of Plot:  

This book is about two children who go back to the eightenth century with Kates father's antigravity machine, not on purpose of course. They are now stranded and are trying to get the antigravity machine back which the Tar Man has stolen.  They meet a man named Gideon who Petler (who is Kate's friend) really learns to love and care for.  Are they ever going to make it back to their families?