Groundbreaking Reads Book Reviews, Week 1

Starting Now by Debbie Macomber;  5 STARS
This book is a part of the Blossom Street series, but you really wouldn't need to read the books before this to read this book.  This book helps you remember what's important in life (family, friends) and shows us how we can bury ourselves in work, etc. so we don't have to deal with the emotions of life.  Once you start this book, you won't be able to put it down.  -- Reviewed by LJ


Just Ask by Melody Carlson; 4 STARS (Diary of a Teenage Girl, #10)
The book is about a teenage girl trying to find her identity who writes a journal. The girl's name is Kim, and she is an adopted teenage girl who not only writes a journal but writes a newspaper advice column for her dad called Just Ask Jamie.  The main things that happen are a shooting at Kim's school, a dating relationship with Kim and Matthew, a school dance, and Kim's mom becoming diagnosed with cancer.  I like it because it is a very interesting book.  I like journals because I get to see someone's whole perspective and thoughts instead of a normal book where most of what is described is just what's happening. But I didn't give it a 5 rating because parts of it are sad. -- Reviewed by RG

The Hit by David Baldacci; 5 STARS (Will Robie, #2)
I found myself cheering for professional killers. Baldacci created a likeable hero and heroine who are proficient with weapons, but committed possible treason against their country. The book references or continues the story line in The Innocent book, bringing back Julie, the sulky teenager, and agent Vance from the FBI.  I highly recommend this book. Be prepared to be cheering for a couple of killers. -- Reviewed by MF

Nine Fruits of the Spirit - Gentleness by Robert Strand;  4 STARS
I liked it because of gave examples of gentleness: Moses (Numbers 12:1-16), page 23 of the book, actually "Moses was very humble -- more humble than any other person on earth."  A second example is "a gentle answer" (Proverbs 15:1).  A third example is Jesus when "He did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." (Isaiah 53:7). -- Reviewed by JG


Grace, Gold, and Glory by Gabrielle Douglas with Michelle Burford; 3 STARS
Gabby Douglas described her journey to becoming an Olympic champion for the 2012 USA ladies gymnastics team.  She told of the sacrifices her family made (especially her mom) and how she went through her periods of success and almost quitting gymnastics months before the Olympics.  I enjoyed reading this book mostly because she gave so much credit to God and because of the clear descriptions of her routines. The book, though, was all over the place -- not enough connecting points of events. -- Reviewed by JS


The Book of the Maidservant by Rebecca Barnhouse; 4 STARS
The Book of the Maidservant is about a maidservant who traveled with a woman to the Holy Land.  The book describes the physical trials of the trip. Being a servant, she was responsible for the food and comfort activities of the trip. I enjoyed the book for many reasons.  It is historical fiction.  It deals with daily activities during the 1400's.  I feel thankful for the creature comforts we enjoy each day.  It is also from a woman's point of view. During that time period, women did not have any status. It is also the world which I came from; it is my heritage, my past. -- Reviewed by SV


NOTE:  Book reviews are provided by readers participating in the 2013 Adult Summer Reading Program.  If you would like to participate, it's not too late to sign up!

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