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booktalkwithkarla's reviews
1338 reviews
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The Sentence starts with Tookie, newly released from prison and working in an independent bookstore. A difficult customer, Flora, has just died and her ghost is haunting the store and Tookie. The story takes place over one year from All Souls’ Day 2019 to the same day in 2020.
Louise Erdrich knows bookstores, books, and writing. Her expertise in those areas plus her experiences as an Indigenous woman combined to deliver an interesting story and homage to books.
I love that Erdrich included a book list in the back. The begging of this book about Tookie’s experience leading up to prison and in prison was the best part for me. I also loved the book references. The great writing on a page by page level kept me reading. Mostly this is a well written book that just isn’t for me, with its ghost elements and political stances.
James by Percival Everett
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
In James, we get adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. As a grown man with a wife and daughter, James is forced to run away to preserve his life. He travels with (and without) Huck meeting all kinds of characters along the way. Insights into the life of enslaved men and women are woven throughout the plot.
Percival Everett is a fabulous writer. And it’s refreshing and important to hear James’s perspective. At its heart this is an adventure story with lots of dialogue. It’s a smart book and it’s easy to see it’s worth as a modern day classic.
Personally I didn’t enjoy the reading experience. I persevered because of the novel’s quality and importance. And I learned something about myself - I don’t love lots of dialogue or plot. I prefer more reflective internal works and those were my favorite parts of James. I do recommend everyone read this. This book invites more conversation and reconciliation and I fully support both.
Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are by Lysa TerKeurst
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.25
Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others without Losing the Beat of Who You Are was in my radar for a while because who doesn’t need more growth in setting boundaries. Plus I am a big fan of the author.
In her books, Lysa TerKuerst writes about what she learns as she seeks God in life’s ups and downs. In this one she shares personal stories and scriptural support for why we honor God with boundaries and how we can do better at setting them for relational health. Sometimes Christians mess this up, in the name of serving others. TerKuerst debunks lies we believe, replacing them with truth and examples.
What I liked about this book is the compelling truth that it is only when we set healthy boundaries that we can be who God created us to be. Otherwise we can lose ourselves in relationships. I also liked how the content is organized. There are so many wonderful concepts and encouraging words - and at the end of each chapter there is a summary. I also appreciated the notes from Jim. His perspective and sayings are great. This is a book I will revisit often and recommend for anyone wanting to grow in lovingly setting boundaries.
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“She has never stopped talking about you and remembering you.”
The Berry Pickers surprised and delighted me! Based on the marketing copy I honestly thought since we knew what happened it might not be that great. I was wrong. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. A missing girl and her family in one storyline and in another a family with many secrets and aggressive fears. Through Joe and Norma we learn exactly what happened.
Amanda Peters is brilliant. She made me love Joe and Norma and the perspectives they shared. I also loved Aunt June and many of the other characters who were all distinct and added to the story. Peters writing is beautiful. I turned down the corners of so many pages because of the truths shared. I was emotionally invested in every part of this story, weeping and rejoicing along with the characters. Peters showed us how Indigenous people are treated, never telling or hitting the reader over the head. The pacing of the novel is great. And the organization and chapter titles are perfect. Peters’ style works well for me.
This novel addresses grief and loss powerfully. Family ties and nature nurture are key themes. But I thought of. One of that while I read. I only wanted to know what happened to these people I care for. I highly recommend this book for lovers of family stories told beautifully.
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
In the Bodyguard, we first meet Hannah and soon after meet Jack. Then we get to follow them over a short time - getting to know them as they get to know each other and laughing along with them.
Katherine Center set this novel in Texas in places I am familiar with. That plus her rich writing of real people and wonderful humor made this a great book for me. I loved the characters - main and side - all for different reasons. Hard things happen and are dealt with in a serious way. I cried. But mostly I laughed a lot.
This was a un-put-down able book for me. I started it at bedtime. A few hours later I put the book down and tried to go to sleep. But I couldn’t stop thinking about Hannah and Jack. I picked the book up again and read to the end, finishing it in the early morning, with no regrets about getting to sleep at 1am. I rarely read a book in one sitting but really wanted to know the story’s end. This is a fabulous book - romantic and funny and heartwarming - and I loved it.
Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone was fun except when the main character, Ernie, was annoying. I read this for a book club discussion so persevered. And I wanted to know what happened, which made me turn the pages. The story and format are creative and interesting. I like the book fine, but I think I’m just not the right audience.
Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“The relationship now was one of people with a shared common past, nostalgic, and wistful. They asked her how she was, but didn’t really ask; she asked them, and they didn’t really tell. Instead, they all turned to the grandchildren, who were inventing their own common past, their summer rituals.”
Agnes and Polly have been friends since they were infants and they are now in their final years. In the novel Fellowship Point, these two women have choices to make that impact their families and future. These choices highlight their differences as people and their shared values.
Alice Elliot Dark writes a compelling story with many complex characters that wrestle with important issues like class, legacy, history, and preservation.
I read this at the beach and enjoyed spending time on Fellowship Point. My favorite parts of the novel involved friendship, forgiveness, beauty, and the writer’s life.
Agnes and Polly have been friends since they were infants and they are now in their final years. In the novel Fellowship Point, these two women have choices to make that impact their families and future. These choices highlight their differences as people and their shared values.
Alice Elliot Dark writes a compelling story with many complex characters that wrestle with important issues like class, legacy, history, and preservation.
I read this at the beach and enjoyed spending time on Fellowship Point. My favorite parts of the novel involved friendship, forgiveness, beauty, and the writer’s life.
Bonhoeffer Abridged: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Bonhoeffer (Abridged): Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy tells the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer - his faith, courage, and impact. This abridged version was the perfect way for me to gain insight into Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Having read just a bit of Bonhoeffer’s work I was intrigued and this provided a detailed account of his family, early life, vocation, and commitment to the will of God.
Eric Metaxas writes beautifully and includes original sources and letters from, to, and about Bonhoeffer. I learned a lot and enjoyed the process. It was very moving and never dry.
This is an inspiring account of a man loved by so many who courageously and faithfully served people and God. It’s also a historical account of evil and the fight against evil. I highly recommend this book - especially the abridged which was doable for me. I really enjoy people’s stories and this is a great one.
The Other Half of Church: Christian Community, Brain Science, and Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation by Michel Hendricks, Jim Wilder
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
The Other Half of Church: Christian Community, Brain Science, and Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation was recommended by a friend in my confessional community group. Since this is a topic I am very interested in I was excited to read this book.
Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks invite Christians to grow relationally, showing God’s design, scripture, and human creation (now supported brain science) as support for why this matters. It all makes sense philosophically. And the content of this book is affirming of struggles I have AND encouraging for making joy, hesed, group identity, and healthy correction real in my life and church.
Hendricks is being led by Wilder. His humility about where he is in the process is refreshing. Wilder’s expertise and guidance adds credibility. The book tells stories and gives an overview of the process. Then offers abundant resources for application. Reading the book is a next step in my journey of growth. I’ll be using the resources to continue the journey alongside some people in my church. I recommend this book and the accompanying podcast, plus the additional resources for anyone who wants to grow in their connection to God and people.
Why I Believe: A Psychologist's Thoughts on Suffering, Miracles, Science, and Faith by Henry Cloud
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
“Faith in Jesus is not primarily a collection of ‘beliefs’ or a philosophy. It is a relationship.”
Henry Cloud is renowned for his work as a psychologist, leadership consultant, entrepreneur, and author. In Why I Believe he brings his professional expertise and credibility, but mainly his humanity. Cloud wants his friends and readers to know God. This book compiles the experiences and thoughts of the author and his relationship with Jesus, in a sincere way.
Cloud shares anecdotes that capture the essence of his journey to faith, seasons of hardship, witnessing miracles, and seeing God’s clear providence throughout his life. In this collection he includes his story (memoir light) plus questions, doubts, struggles, and discovered answers. Cloud uses appropriate (and adequate, but not excessive) scripture to support his claims and to invite people to know Jesus.
I really appreciated the humility Cloud demonstrated as he laid out his questions and discoveries from the Bible. I agreed with his assessment that relational hurt and misunderstandings of what is in the Bible wrongly lead many to deny God. His invitation to discover Jesus for yourself is one I echo. And his admission that it is hard to communicate the gospel and the impact of faith to friends is relatable.
This is a great book and one I recommend - for people curious about Jesus, for those looking for encouragement to share the gospel with friends, and for fans of Henry Cloud who want to know his compelling story. I was a deeply impacted by Boundaries (co-authored with John Townsend) and reading this made me appreciate Cloud’s work even more.
Some of my favorite parts of Why I Believe were the early childhood stories, the psychology/Bible connections, and the providential moments in Cloud’s life where God so clearly was at work. It’s fascinating to see “new” psychological ideas or processes addressed in the Bible. I guess there is nothing new under the sun. I greatly enjoyed this reading experience and am grateful to Worthy Books for an early digital copy of the book.