Book Review

Books that we have read and reviewed

May 7, 2011

When Sparrows fall- A Book Review

Dominique Book Review Meg Moseley, When sparrows fall

When Sparrow Falls by Meg Moseley is one novel which I enjoyed reading. It took me awhile to get down to digesting the review copy which I received from the mail as I wondered how long it would take me to get through reading the book from cover to the end.

Surprisingly it was a rather fast read as I managed to complete the book within two nights. The story revolves around the widow Miranda, a home schooling mum and her six kids and how she broke free from her pastor, Mason Chandler.

The thirty -two chapters in the book depicted the women’s internal struggles as she tries to break free from being forced to uproot her family and sell her land to follow Mason who wants to move the entire congregation to another state.

After her husband Carl dies she turns to fasting to hear from GOD his plan on how she could break away from this cult religion. She enlists the help of her husband’s step brother , Jack Hanford by making him the guardian to her kids when she recovers during a serious fall. With him around taking care of the kids, she slowly removes the chains placed upon her by Mason. Miranda started her “rebellion” by shedding off her ancient cloaks which made her and her daughters look like the storybook characters in ” Little House on the Prairie ” She also got herself a haircut and updated her look to one which is more acceptable in the 21st century.

I love reading about the stark contrast between the two lead characters, Miranda and Jack. Miranda was a uptight traditional lady who was frightened about losing her land and children in her struggle to break free. Jack on the other hand, a college professor with a great sense of humor, was a happy-go-lucky guy who is determined to find out the secrets which Miranda is hiding from him.

In the end, with the information from Mason’s wife, Miranda was able to unmask Mason’s secret and real reason of why he wanted to move the church to the rest of the community. She managed to keep her house and children with her and found a new long term companion in Jack.

I personally found the ending rather weak as there was no indication on how the tyrant Mason was undone for his evil deeds. The plot was also a bit too slow at some stages and it killed my sense of anticipation.

Overall I found the book a rather fun read however I do not agree that kids only need to be given a limited scope to learn via homeschooling. I didn’t like the fact that the six kids were made to read up and learn “Dead” subjects and no effort was done to bring the kids up to date with the latest happenings in the outside world. I strongly opposed the fact that the pastor used religion to suppress the thoughts and opinions of women by misquoting verses from the bible. I feel that everyone’s opinion should be respected and religion is not a tool used to oppress others.

It’s a good attempt for a first novel but it’s not a book which I will readily purchase from a bookshop for reading pleasure.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

April 25, 2011

150 Secrets to a Happy Wife- A Book Review

Dominique Book Review Family, Happy wife

I found this book 150 Secrets to a Happy Wife by Joe Gumm extremely entertaining and something which I can truly relate to. This is one guy who really understands how a women’s mind work and knows how to really make them happy.In the thirteen chapters of his book he gives an in depth insight to how women think and relate to the people(males) around them.

Joe calls upon his own personal experiences as examples to “educate” other males on how they can avoid potential nasty situations which he faced due to situations with his own wife which he tackled badly. An example was when he really messed up with his comment to his then six-month pregnant wife that the pregnancy was not just about her and her cravings but the baby too. He was sure that he would have suffered hell if his wife wasn’t benevolent towards him that night.

There are certain parts of the book which I really like.

It’s all about her idea #29: Walk with her, not in front of her

I personally do get very annoyed when R is walking in front of me and expects me to follow behind him carrying the baby or holding on to one or two of the kids. If we are going out with all the kids I understand that it’s difficult to walk five abreast. However if it is just us and the baby it really irks me as he can just walk off without even turning around to see where we are. I’m not your maid and don’t expect me to walk behind you. I may get super annoyed and start storming off in the opposite direction.

It’s all about her idea #45: Quit messing around on the computer/phone

This is really true for me. What I can’t understand if why guys need to be so “connected” all the time. I rather see them spending more quality time bonding with the kids or even me then that electronic object.Sometimes I can get so annoyed that I really feel like trashing the new phone which he bought. Whoever is that ” genius” which invented pushmail as an app on the phone. Is it really so important to stay so “connected” ?? As if I’m really doubt that he is so eager to reply to my e-mails at the first instance.

It’s all about her idea #59: Give her a card and write a poem

Joe writes about that it may be easier to write then to say for certain man. It has been ages since I have received a card or a poem. In fact the only time I remember getting one from R was during our courtship days. It would definitely be a nice gesture to receive one.

It’s all about her idea #90: Buy her that one thing
she’s always wanted

I’m certain that I too will be very happy if I receive the item which I always wanted. I’m sure R knows which item it is.

With 150 tips I am sure there are several which you can relate to and wish your spouse is able to do for you. It would be best if your guy is able to read the book himself. I gave this to R but he hasn’t really read through it as yet so I’m “highlight” all the relevant parts here for him in this post.

A complimentary book was provided for this review, however, all opinions expressed are 100% my own. We were not compensated in any other way. See our disclosure policy for more details.