DVD Review: Camp

CAMP - Written and directed by Jacob Roebuck

Release Date: August 27, 2013

Studio: Word Films

Format: DVD, 111 minutes

Starring: Michael Mattera, Asante Jones, Grace Johnston, Matthew Jacob Wayne, and Miles Elliot

About the Movie:

CAMP centers around the unlikely pairing of Eli (Miles Elliott), an angry young boy whose life has been dominated by hurt and heartache, and Ken (Michael Mattera), a self-centered investment advisor. When the two spend a week together at camp, they learn a lot about one other and what it means to love and trust.

My Review:

This weekend I had the privilege of viewing a special film entitled CAMP. Written and directed by Jacob Roebuck, the film is inspired by Roebuck’s own experience volunteering at a camp for abused and neglected children.

Each of CAMP’s early scenes introduces us to a different major character. These scenes are well-shot, and effective in providing enough exposition without delaying the action. Additionally, these introductions give us a good sense of who these people are.

First, we meet Eli who is wandering near the train tracks, throwing rocks through glass panels. When he is caught in the act, he runs home, but not before stumbling and cutting himself. When he gets to his house, we find out how rough his family life is. His mother does nothing to help him with his cut, but instead seems to find him an annoyance who gets in her way. After she leaves for the evening, his father (presumably split from or unmarried to his mother) shows up. At first glance, it seems like Dad is a good guy. But we soon find out how quickly he can turn violent. Cue the ambulance that takes Eli to the hospital.

As the ambulance speeds away into the night, the camera switches focus to a Porsche driving in the opposite direction. This turns out to be Ken, a self-centered investment advisor with a single-minded goal – making money. Looking to impress a wealthy prospective client, his assistant comes up with a scheme to win her business: Send Ken to a camp for troubled kids that the wealthy woman sponsors.

Finally, we meet Tammie who runs the camp. She receives a last minute email asking if there is room for one more camper – Eli. Since there isn’t time to get another counselor, she is about to say no when she gets a phone call from Ken’s assistant.

As I’ve said, we’ve already experienced an emotional reaction to Eli, Ken, and Tammie before any of the camp action takes place. So now the stage is set and it’s off to camp we go!

I was unfamiliar with the actors, which I found preferable as the movie’s world more quickly became its own reality. This film quickly stops feeling like a movie and starts feeling like real life. This is due in large part to the fact that these characters and their experiences are inspired by and informed by the life experiences of real campers and counselors. Having a basis in reality makes the scenes ring true. And the solid acting of the whole cast supports both the film’s perceived realism as well as the viewer’s depth of emotional connection and response.

God is lightly touched on in the film. Nothing heavy handed, and nothing in any way preachy. This is significant and purposeful because Royal Family Kids camps do not proselytize. Similar to Salvation Army, the group is Christian-based and the camps are run by Christian staff and volunteers, but campers are not asked to adopt any religion.

CAMP turned out to be enjoyable and touching. Although it covers weighty issues, there is plenty of humor interwoven to keep things from getting too moody. It becomes a real joy watching all the children interact with the loving counselors. You even find yourself rooting for Ken to do right by Eli and break through the protective walls of mistrust that Eli has built around himself. There are a couple of really emotional scenes between him and Eli that will turn on your tears. It breaks your heart that children have to suffer. But this is not a heartbreaking film; rather, it’s a heartwarming story that will inspire you to make a difference in the lives of children.

Verdict: 4 of 5 stars. A joy to watch. Think Disney summer flick with more substance. CAMP does more than just entertain, it inspires. Recommended for ages 12 and up (minor language and violence).

About Royal Family Kids, Inc.:

Royal Family Kids, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is the nation’s leading network of camps for abused, neglected and abandoned children. By mobilizing local churches to sponsor a one-week camp for abused and neglected children ages 7-11 in their local community, RFKC gets caring adults involved in the lives of children who need them most. Each camp has two very simple goals: make positive childhood memories for the kids and let them experience unconditional love from an adult. Many volunteers who go to camp are inspired to become mentors, become foster parents and even adopt children who need a loving, caring family.

For more information about Royal Family KIDS Inc. CLICK HERE. 

CAMP on the Web: 

*Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received the above DVD for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 

DVD Review: Abel's Field

Abel's Field directed by Gordie Haakstad

Release Date: January 22, 2013

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Format: DVD, 104 minutes

Starring: Kevin Sorbo, Samuel Davis, Richard Dillard, Nicole Elliott, Catie Duff, Ellie Duff.

About the Movie: Left motherless by tragedy and abandoned by his father, high school senior Seth McCardle (Samuel Davis) faces enormous pressure as he strives to support his little sisters. At school, he endures the daily bullying of the football team. But fighting back only finds  him singled out for punishment and assigned to an after-school work detail under the supervision of the reserved groundskeeper, Abel (SOUL SURFER'S Kevin Sorbo). Much to his surprise, Seth discovers that Abel may be the only one who truly understands his struggles. As dark times lure Seth toward desperate measures, the reluctant Abel may be the one person who can point him back toward the light.

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Abel's Field starring Kevin Sorbo and Samuel Davis. I've enjoyed Sorbo's work since the TV series Andromeda. As Abel, he is a man of few words. Impressively, though, he makes good use of silence. You get the sense early on that Abel has secrets. And Sorbo's acting compels you to want to find out. As the film progresses, you'll find that when Abel does speak, he has something valuable to impart.

This is the first I've seen from Samuel Davis who plays Seth. But from the opening scene, I wanted Seth to succeed. Davis gives Seth a very balanced telling, with just the right amounts of tenderness and tension. You understand that he's a good kid going through tough times, and you hope he'll make the right choices. But, as you watch the story develop, you're never sure what the outcome will be. 

Abel's Field successfully tells a story with Biblical undercurrents in a manner that never feels forced, stretched, or heavy-handed. The larger story, as well as the characters' personal stories and their relationship with one another, unfolds at a natural pace. The movie takes its time but never drags. The focus is always where it needs to be -- on the main characters. As such, the cast and the scope of the film is limited. However, this does not imply that interest is limited. Rather, it means that there are no wasted scenes or extraneous noise to distract from what matters most. You get to focus solely on Seth and Abel. And they'll keep your attention.

I think you'll enjoy the film. It is safe for family viewing, with no foul language or other explicit yuck. That doesn't mean it's not intense, though. It's fairly heavy. Which is a good thing. It's never too shiny happy or sugar-coated. And that's another of the film's strengths. The realism and finesse with which the story is told help the film's messages land on listening ears and open hearts. You never feel like clichéd platitudes are being shoved down your throat.

Thematically, the film deals with personal choice -- about how, even when life seems to be dictating things for us, when it comes to our actions, we always have a choice. Other prominent themes are friendship, honesty, and faith. As Seth and Abel interact, it's clear that each has his own pain and struggles. A little at a time, each chips away at the other as the two come to trust one another. Each man, young or time-worn, guides and teaches the other as they journey together, and separately, toward peace.

Verdict: 4 stars of 5. Great music adds to the film. Hubby and I give it two thumbs up!

Fore more information see

ABEL'S FIELD on the Web: 

 

*Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received the above DVD for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Read Love Reviews: Delirium

Delirium (Special Edition) by Lauren Oliver

Pub. Date: August 22, 2011
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
Format: ebook, 480pp
Age Range: Young Adult

ISBN-13: 9780062114037
Source: Barnes & Noble

Teaser from BN.com: 

Ninety-five days, and then I'll be safe.

I wonder whether the procedure will hurt.

I want to get it over with.

It's hard to be patient.

It's hard not to be afraid while I'm still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet.

Still, I worry.

They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness.

The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't.

My Review: 

Wow! I bought a digital copy of Delirium when it was offered at the bargain price of $2.99. And I'm glad I did! 

Delerium is YA Dystopian Fiction at its best. Who doesn't love Dystopia? There is nothing more appealing in fiction than an exploration, on some level, of what it means to be human. Dystopia puts our humanity -- our freedom of choice, freedom of thought, and in this case, our freedom to love, on the line. So we cling to our seats and hold tightly to the page as we hope to see the characters beat what feels like insurmountable odds. All in the name of human freedom. What's not to love, right?

As I mentioned, this time it's love that's on the line. In Oliver's world, love is seen as a disease, and once adulthood is reached, each citizen goes through a procedure to be cured. Lives -- schooling, careers, marriages -- are arranged and selected for you through testing and an interview. And finally, the most important part of the process, the cure, takes place. All to ensure individual and collective happiness. Ah, but does it?

Lauren Oliver creates a compelling world. I especially liked her use of epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter to give more detail and context to this world. There is nothing to specifically date the world of Delerium. I think we are to consider this our possible future or even an alternate present. Small details were mentioned that add to the worldbuilding: the internet has become the intranet, the U.S. borders were closed, and cell phone static is the result of government surveillance.

Oliver succeeds in her characters. From the beginning, you care about Lena.  Her relationship with Hana is one of the best portrayals of best friends in my recent memory. Though much of this story, when not plot driven, is internal-dialogue driven, there were little tidbits thrown in to give Lena and Hana a history. Another secondary character that I like is Grace, who, although I can't tell you why, is perhaps the ultimate rebel.

Finally, the romantic element of the book feels natural and right. Oliver captures what it is like to fall in love; how love both disturbs and repairs our personal world. Above all, she illustrates why love is worth the accompanying risks and the potential pain.

Don't let the four-star rating fool you. I absolutely loved this book! But I give only whole star ratings, and it's because the writing and the prose are, as a whole, so strong and emotionally compelling that a couple of editing mistakes, one in continuity, and the other an impactful oversight in word use, keep this book from getting top marks.

Still, after finishing Delirium, I immediately pre-ordered the next installment, Pandemonium (February 28, 2012). I also pre-ordered Hana, a short story that releases the same day. I can't wait to read more about what happens to Lena (and Hana)!

Read Love Reviews: Through My Eyes: A Quarterback's Journey

Through My Eyes: A Quarterback's Journey by Tim Tebow
with Nathan Whitaker

Pub. Date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: Zondervan
Format: PDF, 216pp
Age Range: 9 and up

ISBN-13: 9780310723455 (Hardcover print edition)
Source: NetGalley

Synopsis from BN.com:

Meet Tim Tebow: He grew up playing every sport imaginable, but football was his true passion. Even from an early age, Tim has always had the drive to be the best player and person that he could be. Through his hard work and determination, he established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of college football and as a top prospect in the NFL.

Now, in Through My Eyes: A Quarterback's Journey, he shares the behind-the-scenes details of his life, on and off the football field. Tim writes about his life as he chooses to live it, revealing how his Christian faith, his family values, and his relentless will to succeed have molded him into the person and the athlete he is today.

My Review: 

Before you judge Tim Tebow, I suggest you read this book. When I saw this was available at NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it. It is a "Young Readers" edition of Tebow's New York Times Bestselling autobiography, Through My Eyes. Not having read the original, I can't tell you how this printing differs. However, I can tell you that the book is very easy to read, and if you are curious about what makes Tim Tebow tick, then you'll probably plow right through it. I certainly did!

I'm very glad to have read the book. All I knew about Tim Tebow prior to reading it is that he isn't afraid to speak about his faith. And when the football world was swept up by "Tebow Time" as he racked up comeback wins for the Denver Broncos this year, I began to take notice. I wanted to know more about this polarizing quarterback. I can honestly say that this book made me a fan.  That's right -- I'm Team Tebow!

I learned a lot about Tim Tebow. For instance, I didn't know that he has dyslexia, that he was primarily homeschooled, or that he grew up on a farm. I enjoyed discovering how his background, his family, and his faith has shaped him. It was interesting to see how his father used life events as teaching points. Tim relates a story about a "controlled burn" on the farm that got out of hand. Daddy Tebow used the occurrence to teach his children a lesson about the damage that words can cause.

I learned that from his birth, Tim Tebow has been a determined survivor and competitor. Reading his related memories and stories -- whether it's about playing t-ball, enduring challenging work outs, or partaking in friendly family competitions -- it's clear that Tim has always had a strong will to be and do the best he can. 

While he is strong-willed and determined, he is also sensitive and emotional. Without apology, he shares that he sometimes cries after a loss. He also relates his emotional phone call to then Alabama coach, Mike Shula, as well as his famous post-game promise after a devastating loss as a Florida Gator. Tim is an admitted people-pleaser. He shares a story about going to a theme park despite his inability to ride on amusement park rides of any kind without getting sick. Not wanting to let people down, he answered their calls to make an appearance and endured a roller coaster ride. Not without consequence, though! Poor Tebow.

Of course, any book by Tim Tebow would be incomplete if he didn't mention his faith. Each chapter of the book begins with a quote from scripture. The Bible verses are well-chosen and integrate with the chapters to illustrate a season in his life and support what he was learning. Tim talks about moments of personal faith decisions, explains why he prays during games (you may be surprised to hear that he does not hesitate to admit that God doesn't necessarily take sides), relates lessons he has learned, shares his passion for missions work and helping children and orphans, and generally gives clear insight into what motivates and inspires him.

Having read Through My Eyes: A Quarterback's Journey,  it's easy to see how Tim Tebow has been able to successfully face the challenges that have come his way. Despite struggling at the conclusion of the 2011 NFL regular season, he surprised his doubters and nearly silenced his critics with a solid performance in a playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was a performance that relied on his ability to throw the ball to move the chains, rather than on his feet and general athleticism. Don't count this guy out. Tebow has a never-say-die attitude, bolstered by his faith and his hard work, that helps him weather adversity and come out stronger.

To conclude, Tim Tebow is a hard-working young man of character, determination, and strength. In addition to these things, he is also compassionate and sensitive. I can't think of a better example for children to follow. Not only will this book be easy for children to read, but it will inspire them to dream and, just as importantly, it will encourage them to do the hard work necessary to make those dreams a reality.

Read Love Reviews: The Christmas Bus

The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson

Pub. Date: October 1, 2006
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Format: Nook book, 134pp
Age Range: Adult

ISBN-13: 9781441200921
Source: Barnes & Noble

Synopsis from BN.com:

Welcome to Christmas Valley - Christmas Capital of the Pacific Northwest!

It's only two weeks before Christmas, and Edith Ryan is disappointed to learn that none of her children are coming home for the holidays. Her large house, which doubles as The Shepherd's Inn the rest of the year, will feel so empty without them. And it's too late to open the inn for Christmas reservations--surely everyone else has their plans made by now. In a town where Christmas is a way of life all year long, going through the holidays alone is just about enough to bring her to tears.

Suddenly, Edith knows what she has to do - she'll invite strangers to book those rooms usually reserved for family during the week of Christmas. When the guest list shapes up to include a cantankerous old woman and a mysterious young couple with a broken-down hippie bus and a baby on the way, Edith wonders if she made the right choice.

My Review: 

Barnes & Noble offered The Christmas Book as a free Nook book for a short time. Having read another of Melody Carlson's Christmas novellas, I decided to hop on the free offer before it was gone! (If you are reading this now, you're too late.)  

The Christmas Bus is a nice little read to help get you in the Christmas spirit. It's not going to win awards for literary value, but it accomplishes what it sets out to do.  

The novella, which reads a little like Jan Karon's Mitford, tells a heartwarming story of a small town called Christmas Valley. The hamlet capitalizes on the commercial side of Christmas to draw tourists. But in Carlson's tale, the characters learn a lot about the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. This story teaches about hospitality and generosity and serves as a gentle reminder to all of us to open our hearts at Christmastime.

While The Christmas Bus is for the most part predictable, Carlson succesfully creates a comforting, heartwarming tale. And she does throw in a surprising little twist at the end that I enjoyed.

If you are looking for a short, peaceful book to read in December, The Christmas Bus is a nice diversion and a relaxing way to sit a spell to escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Recommended for Christmas cheer!

Read Love Reviews: Liesl & Po

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Pub. Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: Harper Collins
Format: Hardcover, 307pp
Age Range: 9 to 12

ISBN-13: 9780062014511
Source: Library

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.

Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.

My Review:

 

Liesl & Po reads like a fairytale. Young Liesl, hidden away in the attic by an evil stepmother, eventually finds her way to freedom and adventure. While there are common tropes here, the story is not derivative. Liesl & Po is a magical tale with a unique premise and original ideas.

The story feels at once period and timeless. While it seems at times like the novel could be Victorian, there is nothing that pins it down to any one time or place.  You'll instantly fall in love with the characters. Liesl is brave, artistic, and smart. She is befriended by Po, an unusual character whom I could never adequately describe. The reader is drawn to it with both curiosity and compassion. You really should find out for yourself what makes Po so loveably unique! Along the way, we also meet Will, who is taken with Liesl from the start. Each of her friends is drawn to Liesl for different reasons, but as the story progresses, the three are united in both mission and friendship.

The whole cast of characters, be they villainous or sympathetic, comes vibrantly off the page and into your imaginative space. You'll be transported into another world as you journey along with Liesl and friends. You'll laugh, sneer, cheer, and maybe even cry. For while this tale has sprinkles of magic, humor, and adventure, it is most importantly about love and relationships. At book's end when you discover the real-life inspiration behind the novel, you'll understand why Lauren Oliver put so much genuine heart its telling.

Lauren Oliver's Liesl & Po, with its spirited heroine, its fresh take on ghosts and "the Other Side," and its tender portrayal of love and loss is nothing short of a joy to read. 

Highly recommended!

Read Love Reviews: The Wishing Pearl

The Wishing Pearl by Nicole O'Dell

Pub. Date: October 1, 2011
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc. 
Format: Paperback, 367pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Series: Diamond Estates #1

ISBN-13: 9781616264543

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

Sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield can’t wait to escape the confines of her home, which promises nothing but perpetual torment and abuse from her stepfather. When poor choices lead her to the brink of a complete breakdown, Olivia comes to a crossroads. Will she find the path to ultimate hope and healing that her heart longs for?

From the Author:

This is the book of my heart. All of my books mean something special to me and are borne out of many of my own choices or experiences. But this one, in many ways (not all) is the story of finding my own faith and hope at a residential Teen Challenge center when I was a young teen. The reasons Olivia landed at Diamond Estates and the path she walked to get there are very different than my own, but Olivia and I shared the same need: Jesus.

My Review:

I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.  And one day, not long after receiving the email notification from Goodreads, I received a package from Amazon.  The author, Nicole O'Dell, had bought me a copy of her book! How cool is that? I've never received a giveaway book so quickly before! I was really impressed and grateful.

The Wishing Pearl is the first in a planned series of Diamond Estates novels.  Diamond Estates is a Christian outreach center, a residential treatment facility for troubled teens.  In book one, we meet Olivia Mansfield, whom O'Dell manages to introduce to us in a way in which we can immediately sympathize with her.  The opening scene has her playing her oboe:  "The oboe understood her.  It sang her somber song.  Melancholy and forlorn...Perfect words to describe its cry and Olivia."  Right away, you want to learn about Olivia and her sadness.  And you find she is a nice girl.  She's not a bad girl, but she is losing her way -- she starts to make poor choices.  As Olivia navigates these choices, the author expertly shows her thought process, which is legitimately and believably one of a sixteen-year-old girl.  Eventually, Olivia's life becomes unmanageable, and she reaches a breaking point which ultimately takes her to Diamond Estates.  Her flight begins more as running away from danger in fear than running toward God or rescue, but Olivia is able to learn to trust in God and regain the faith that she had lost as a child.  This book chronicles her journey.

 

Rather than go into the plot in-depth, I'm going to touch on some aspects I particularly enjoyed.  First, Olivia's relationship with her brother Jake who is deaf. He and Olivia have a very special relationship.  The novel uses their relationship, as well as another deaf character, to show compassion and empathy toward people who are different.  Second, there are humorous moments that help keep the book and its serious topics from feeling too heavy.  Third, I enjoyed getting to know Olivia's three roommates.  The girls' group dynamic is very well done.  And although there is an occasional weighty one-on-one discussion, the lighthearted moments show the girls as friends and family.  This character-centered aspect helps keep the novel from feeling like an Afterschool Special.  Finally, I liked that the mean girl -- yes, every book has one -- is served a portion of grace rather than revenge.  This is definitely an idea worth exploring in teen literature!

Where the novel shines is in its portrayal of thoughts and feelings that seem like they are coming from a real teen.  Nicole O'Dell does an exceptional job giving voice to all the feelings of doubt, shame, inadequacy, fear, etc., that a teen -- especially a girl -- can feel.  For teens who are faced with tough situations that give rise to hard questions, fear, and discouragement, the novel provides guidance and hope.  At one point, Olivia is encouraged to "fight the lies".  The explanation that follows this advice, touching on what those lies are, is a terrific lesson that people of all ages can benefit from.  Curious? Read the book!

I really enjoyed The Wishing Pearl and would highly recommend it! I look forward to reading the next installment, The Embittered Ruby, when it comes out next April. 

Read Love Reviews: There You'll Find Me

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Pub. Date: Oct 4, 2011
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
Format: eBook, 303pp
Age Range: Young Adult

ISBN-13: 9781595545404
Source: NetGalley, Thomas Nelson

Synopsis from BN.com:

In a small cottage house in rural Ireland, Finley is forced to face a past she can't outrun. When she books her trip to the “Emerald Isle” as a foreign exchange student, she hopes to create a new identity and get some answers from God. After all, since her brother’s recent death, God seems to have forgotten she even exists. Now all she wants to do is let her heart heal, see the sights in her brother’s favorite country, and work on her college audition piece for a prestigious music conservatory. She plans to use her brother’s journal from his time as Ireland as her guide, yet from the moment she boards the plane and sits next to Beckett Rush, teen star of the hottest vampire flicks, nothing goes according to her well-ordered plan.

My Review:

This was my first experience with both NetGalley and Jenny B. Jones (thank you, Thomas Nelson!).  I'm happy to report it was a positive one.  I don't have a lot of experience reading Christian fiction, so I was a little surprised that There You'll Find Me felt very contemporary.  In fact, in the early pages, I was looking for differences to set it apart from similar mainstream releases like Anna and the French Kiss.  On the surface, these two titles seemed similar:  an American teenaged-girl goes abroad for school and drama and relationships ensue.  A hotel heiress whose rebellious ways made her a tabloid star meets a Hollywood big ticket vampire boy. A young Paris Hilton and Rob Pattinson in a Christian book? And Finley is a cynic? The differences were not obvious, but who says Christian books can't be hip and funny?

Luckily, I enjoyed There You'll Find Me a lot more than I did Anna and the French Kiss.  This novel succeeds in many areas.  It has humor without ever being rude or vulgar.  You won't find any underage drinking in this book -- Finley's rebellious time immediately following the death of her brother is mentioned, but we are not given details.  Finley's family comes across as loving and supportive.  This is a rare treat to see in a teen book! Emotions feel genuine.  When Finley is upset, she never sounds whiny.  Given that she's still grieving the loss of her brother, her occasionally standoffish attitude makes sense.  Her grief gives a context and a meaning to her actions, and Finley is very self aware.  Her character is one that many girls will be able to relate to.  She's very hard on herself.  In fact, one aspect of Finley's personality quickly became bothersome:  her compulsive counting of calories! This annoyed me for some time, as I felt like the book was looking the other way.  In actuality, though, the novel turns this behavior into a discussion point and successfully deals very plainly and honestly with a difficult subject.

The relationships in the novel were realistic and solid.  Love was real.  Finley and Beckett develop a legitimate friendship and have good conversation.  They forge bonds based on trust and caring.  This is no heated, lusty teen angst style romance.  Finley's friendship with Mrs. Sweeney also develops in a believable manner.  Nothing comes too easily or quickly.  The two learn slowly how to trust each other and communicate in a productive way.  There is a lot of humor and a lot of heart in the dynamic between Finley and Mrs. Sweeney.  I laughed and cried while reading this book, and it's rare for me to find myself laughing out loud or with tears trickling down my face while reading.  Have no fear, this is not melodrama; it's more subtle and measured.  And you'll cry because events unfold in a way that is neither forced nor manipulated.  Additionally, when Finley starts dealing with her emotions, you'll find that Jones does not sugarcoat things or bring resolution too quickly.  Isn't this how life works? We struggle and we fight, and we may or may not succeed.  But we don't learn to fly overnight.  I loved that Jones doesn't oversimplify things.

There You'll Find Me is indeed a Christian book.  I think you'll notice some of the differences I've outlined above.  The novel succeeds in presenting the story of a girl struggling to find God and hear God's voice during a time of personal upheaval in a manner that is current, subtle, and even-handed.  Readers will never feel they are being preached to.  Finley's questioning is shown as healthy and normal.  It's encouraged.  And when Finley prays, it feels like it's coming from her heart and her mouth, not the voice of an authoress on a soapbox.  We see characters care for and love one another.  I believe they all hear God's voice through their heartfelt efforts to help each other and their desire to know one another.  Again, this is life.  And as such, any reader should be able to read this book without feeling discomfort or exclusion. 

The only quibble I have is a minor one:  the author may have taken on too many plot elements.  In doing so, some areas or characters are left unexplored or underrepresented.  For instance, I would have enjoyed seeing more daily life interaction between Finley and her host family.  And though at times, the various narrative pieces felt hard to manage, I feel this was an intentional effort to highlight Finley's struggle:  She is trying to juggle grief, expectations and pressure surrounding her music school audition, issues surrounding life and death in her burgeoning friendship with Mrs. Sweeney, her relationship with Beckett, issues with control and self-image, as well as her quest to find God again.  That's an awful lot to deal with! But this is a reality many are faced with every day. I highly recommend There You'll Find Me.

DVD Review: Beverly Lewis' The Shunning

The Shunning directed by Michael Landon, Jr.
Release Date: September 13, 2001

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Format: DVD, 88 minutes
Based On: The novel by Beverly Lewis
First Seen On:  The Hallmark Channel 

Starring: Danielle Panabaker, Sandra Van Natta,

Bill Oberst, Jr., Sherry Stringfield 

About the Movie:

Katie Lapp (Danielle Panabaker) has always struggled with the rules that define her sheltered Amish community, but when a wealthy outsider (Sherry Stringfield, TV's "ER") begins asking questions about her family, Katie begins to wonder about her origins. What connection does this woman have to her life...and how will the unraveling secrets challenge Katie's faith?

My Review:

The Shunning, presented by the Hallmark Channel and directed by Michael Landon, Jr., tells Beverly Lewis' touching story of Katie Lapp.  If you have read The Shunning, you will notice that Chris Easterly's teleplay makes changes.  Some characters are missing and their roles have been merged into others'.  For example, although Katie has three brothers in the novel -- Elam, Eli, and Benjamin -- the movie gives her only Benjamin, who seems to have taken the place of her married brother Elam.  Additionally, Ella Mae Zook has been given the role of baby catcher, while Aunt Mattie is absent from the film.  I was a little saddened, too, that Katie's best friend Mary doesn't play a more significant role.  I would have loved to see more of their relationship on screen.

Along with these notable character changes, there are several differences in the timeline and in the way events unfold.  This makes the movie a different experience from the book.  However, I find that no matter how faithful a movie remains to the novel it is based upon, it always creates a separate product.  This is not a bad thing, but rather a result of  the differences between the two mediums.  Books can spend as much time as they like, but movies, due to time-constraints, need to pick and choose which scenes to include.  Furthermore, films are limited by what they cannot demonstrate.  It is difficult to show what a character is thinking, as internal monologues from the text cannot be illustrated by visuals.  By the same token, it is more difficult for a book to tell you what a place or person looks like.

The Shunning does a beautiful job of bringing the Lancaster County landscape and the people of Hickory Hollow to life  As the film opened, I felt I was intruding on a quiet, tucked away corner of the world, unspoiled by the complexities and corruption of the modern society.  And perhaps that's why the long black limousine appears in the first scene, and why the lady inside, Laura Mayfield-Bennett, seems to occupy more space in the film than in the book.  Her presence sharpens the contrasts between these two juxtaposed worlds.  I think this is why I was a little disoriented each time the film shifted its lens from Katie Lapp and the Plain people living in the pastoral landscape of Hickory Hollow to Mayfield-Bennett in an urban setting.

Danielle Panabaker does a marvelous job of capturing Katie's innocence, independence, imagination, curiosity, and fascination with things that sparkle.  She also is very easy to empathize with. [Warning! Spoilers ahead!]  The Shunning, like the book, succeeds in putting the Amish community's practice of Shunning under the spotlight without being harshly critical.  Both the love and the measured discipline from Katie's family and friends are shown.  We share Katie's frustration and we hurt for her.  And like Katie, we are even a little angered for a time.  However, our emotions settle and soften, and ultimately we ache not just for Katie, but for the family and the extended community.  This is not a simple situation with an easy resolution.  It is bittersweet.  We want the best for Katie: we want her to marry for love, and we want her to feel unashamed about who she is.  We wish she could remain with her family and friends without feeling like she has to lose herself in order to conform to the Old Ways.  We aren't sure how that can happen, though.  I would have liked to see the film take more time to explore questions about the extent to which man-made rules and the customs, rituals, and other trappings of religious practice represent God's will or demonstrate the faith of a believer.  I've heard talk of a sequel, so maybe this will be explored in the second film.

Overall, though the movie tells the story in a different way, it remains true to the character of Katie Lapp and the confusion she must deal with as she struggles to define herself and her faith.  I was moved to tears a couple of different times while watching Katie and her family respond to and adjust to the uncertainty surrounding them as their lives suddenly change course.

One thing is certain:  I really want to find out what Katie's ultimate decision will be! I guess I'll have to read the second book (and probably the third) or wait for the follow-up film to find out!

About Beverly Lewis:

 

Born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Beverly Lewis is the New York Times Best-Selling author of more than eighty books.  A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Lewis to write many Amish-related novels.  The first of these novels, The Shunning, has sold over million copies.  In 2007, Lewis was honored with a Christy Award for her novel The Brethren.

The Shunning movie on the Web: 

*Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received the above DVD for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 

Read Love Reviews: The Shunning

The Shunning by Beverly Lewis

Pub. Date: May 1997
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Format: Paperback, 283pp
Age Range: Adult
Series: Heritage of Lancaster County #1

ISBN-13: 9781556618666

Synopsis from BN.com:

When Katie Lapp finds the satin infant gown in the dusty leather trunk of her parents' attic, she knows it holds a secret she must discover. Why else would her Amish mother, a plain and simple woman who embraces the Old Order laws, hide the beautiful baby dress in the attic? But nothing could have prepared Katie for the startling news that stumbles out of her anguished parents on the eve of her wedding to Bishop John. Will Katie suddenly find herself a stranger in the community she has always called home?

My Review:

For years I have looked at and wondered about the Amish fiction of Beverly Lewis.  Presented with the opportunity to review the DVD for the Hallmark Channel movie version of The Shunning -- coming soon -- I decided that the time had finally come to read the book.  And I'm delighted to find that my reading experience was a pleasure!

Beverly Lewis was born in Pennsylvania Dutch country and dedicates The Shunning to her grandmother who left her Plain community.  Lewis' interest in and respect for her Amish heritage is demonstrated in the novel.  I enjoyed the author's smattering of Amish and German words and phrases throughout the text.  And I also appreciated that the novel explains some Amish rituals and customs but never feels encyclopedic.  Instead one feels transported to the small fictional community of Hickory Hollow in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The novel is told in the third-person, but begins with a prologue written from the first-person perspective of the main character, Katie Lapp.  From the start, I found it easy to care about Katie, whose voice and independent spirit comes through almost immediately.  The community comes to life as we get to know Katie's family, her best-friend Mary, and several other friends, family members, and neighbors.  The relationship between Katie and Mary is sweet, and there are some touching scenes between the two.

Katie has never found it easy being Plain.  She loves Fancy things, color, and especially music, so she's always felt a little out of step with her friends and neighbors.  And though she is kind-hearted and good, following the rules and customs of her community sometimes is a struggle.  The Shunning allows the reader a chance to walk alongside Katie on her journey of self-discovery. We glimpse her wrestling with questions about her faith, her customs, her heart, and her destiny.

While the novel may not have a complex or unpredictable plot, it is an emotional book.  And I found it rewarding to watch how characters responded as circumstances unfolded.  As the title suggests, we learn about the practice of die Meinding or the Shunning.  Lewis handles the difficult subject well, managing to question and spotlight the practice without casting too long or dark a shadow.  This ensures that by the conclusion of the novel, readers are able to sympathize with both the outcast and the community who has averted its collective glance.

Unfortunately, the novel is incomplete in its resolution.  A cliffhanger ending leaves us unsatisfied and wondering what kind of answers Katie will find on her journey.  The ending does, however, motivate you to pick up the next installment in the series and read on! Though I'll have to wait on book two, I do look forward to viewing the film version of The Shunning starring Danielle Panabaker!

Please note:  I read a copy from the library, so the cover posted with my review may not be readily found on bookshelves at your local stores.  Instead, look for the updated cover art or the movie tie-in:

*DVD review of The Shunning* 

*Please note:  Read Love has a copy of the DVD to giveaway! Enter the Giveaway!*

Read Love Reviews: Much Ado About Anne

Much Ado About Anne by Heather Vogel Frederick

Pub. Date: August 2009
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Format: Paperback, 315pp
Age Range: 9 to 12
Series: Mother-Daughter Book Club #2

ISBN-13:  9781416970798

Synopsis from BN.com:

The mother-daughter book club is back!

This year the mothers have a big surprise in store for Emma, Jess, Cassidy, and Megan: They've invited snooty Becca Chadwick and her mother to join the book club!

But there are bigger problems when Jess finds out that her family may have to give up Half Moon Farm. In a year filled with skating parties, a disastrous mother-daughter camping trip, and a high-stakes fashion show, the girls realize that it's only through working together — Becca included — that they can save Half Moon Farm.

Acclaimed author Heather Vogel Frederick captures the magic of friendship and the scrapes along the way in this sequel to The Mother-Daughter Book Club, which will enchant daughters and mothers alike.

My Review:

If you like reading the book club's featured selections, I would recommend doing so before reading a Mother-Daughter Book Club novel.  I was surprised to find out that Much Ado About Nothing has its book clubbers discuss not only Anne of Green Gables, but Anne of Avonlea, too.  There is even a quote pulled from the third Anne book, Anne of the Island.  The connections between the story and the book club selections were perhaps not as frequent or as strong this time around, but the girls' love for Anne Shirley and her world is apparent.

I enjoyed Much Ado About Anne, despite a slow start.  This installment keeps the four-part organizational framework of the original, and my enjoyment of the first section was hampered by three things.  First, I was surprised that the mothers would decide to allow the bossy, know-it-all Calliope Chadwick and her snooty daughter Becca into the club.  I was willing to believe, though, that the mothers' graciousness was meant as an example to their daughters.  Second,  I was a little disappointed that the girls appeared to have taken a step backward in development.  The first book showed the girls growing closer to each other and their parents.  Here, they begin a little more mean-spirited than I remembered from book one.  And why does Cassidy seem more secretive (secrets abound and the plot sometimes hinges on them) and distant from her mother?  It seems the author has the girls regress in order to get them into an Anne Shirley-esque scrape or two before learning more life lessons.  Finally, the early focus on Clementine's TV show delays our opportunity to meaningfully explore the girls' thoughts and feelings.

I still heartily enjoyed my reading of the novel.  In some ways, the storytelling has improved.  While book one tended to tie things up too quickly and neatly, Much Ado About Anne allows events to be messier and more mixed-up.  And in some cases, situations, though improved, are not fully resolved.  This is more true to life.

Once more, the series uses humor nicely to offset the occasional weight of lessons learned and wisdom imparted.  Mrs. Wong is again at her ridiculous best, with her penchant for causes and her over-enthusiasm for all things organic and vegan.  And Mrs. Chadwick needs no help or disparagement from the others (it's nice to see the parents model respect for their kids) -- she makes a perfect fool of herself.

 

As the novel progressed, I found that the strengths of the first book remained.  I'm still fond of the whole Hawthorne clan and the closeness they share.  Emma and Phoebe Hawthorne have a believable bond.  It's heartwarming to see such a healthy mother-daughter dynamic portrayed amid a genre in which parents are often absent.  Emma, Jess, Cassidy, and Megan show themselves to be still, at heart, the same good girls they were in the first book, so I was able to forgive their apparent lapses and backslides.  They are, after all, growing girls, and kids their age sometimes need to learn the same lesson more than once before it sticks.  In the end, the girls learn the the value of trust, teamwork, and loyalty, and families and friendships are both strengthened and broadened.  And though our heroine's future is uncertain, like Anne, Cassidy faithfully steps forward trusting that even if she cannot see what lies around the bend, her future's filled with hope.

 

Want to start at the beginning?

For a review of book one in the series,

click on the cover!

Read Love Reviews: The Meaning of Night: A Confession

The Meaning of Night: A Confession by Michael Cox

Pub. Date: October 2007
Publisher: Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Format: Paperback, 703pp
Age Range: Adult
ISBN-13: 9780393330342

Synopsis from the book jacket:

A chance discovery convinces Edward Glyver that greatness awaits him.  His path to win back what is rightfully his leads him to Evenwood, one of England's most enchanting country houses, and a woman who will become his obsession.

My review:

It was a long time coming, but I finally finished The Meaning of Night.  I should note that when I began the novel, I had a pile of four books going at the same time.  And there were days -- well, maybe weeks -- where I felt unable to concentrate on anything challenging.  I gave my energies to easy reads or books that yielded quick rewards. Still, my bumpy start and slow progress through the novel's first half was not entirely my fault.

The story begins in medias res -- although not so much in the middle, as near the end -- so that the author may use this narrative hook as the first sentence:

"After killing the red-haired man, I took myself off to Quinn's for an oyster supper."

Immediately we wonder about our narrator, who is able to kill a man and matter-of-factly tell us how he sat down to dinner afterward.  We learn that he, Edward, brutally stabbed a man at random, for the sole purpose of proving to himself that he could commit murder.  Thus begins our anti-hero's confessional account of his obsessive quest for revenge and our curious desire to learn more.

The novel is divided into five parts. To my chagrin, after briefly describing events following the murder in the first part, Edward rewinds and begins his back story in the second part. This is where things get bogged down.  Rest assured, though, if the reader can persevere through this section and half of the intermezzo that follows (pp 102 - 243), the novel does find its legs.

The Meaning of Night is a potboiler for sure.  The second half moves quickly, and you'll find yourself turning the pages.  Once I devoted my time solely to this book, I plowed through the final 350 pages in two days.  So be patient; the rewards will come.  This is a 700-page novel, after all.  If you cannot give the book your attention for at least an hour at a time, I wouldn't recommend reading it.  And if you are impatient to find out the final result, I'll warn you that it is nearly 600 pages later when the timeline returns to where part one paused.  It's not so much where Edward ends up that is of interest (after all, he tells us that up front), but how and why he gets there.  And it's perversely enjoyable to watch things unfold.

As I mentioned, Edward is not our hero, but our anti-hero.  You begin dubiously and cautiously, a bit unwilling to sympathize with a man whose moral depravities -- before he adds murder to the list -- include recreational use of opium and laudanum, as well as indulgence in erotic literature and prostitutes, one of which is his lover.  He even admits that its incestuous aspect makes the prospect of a romantic relationship with his cousin all the more appealing! However, when viewed against the darker shadow cast by his even more despicable foe, Edward becomes a character you are willing and able to sympathize with.  Eventually, you even applaud some of his triumphs.

In addition to Edward and his rival, Phoebus Daunt, nearly all of the supporting cast is flawed.  Several are selfish, devious, and vengeful.  And many keep secrets out of love and loyalty, though the one might be inappropriate and the other misplaced.  Love is portrayed more often as a blinding and weakening influence than as a force of strength. Healthy relationships of any sort are not prevalent.  In short, most of these folks are neither innocent nor likeable.  But that makes for good drama.

The novel is distinctly and authentically period, though this sometimes comes at a price.  It seems the author, not unlike his protagonist, suffers from a need to display his bibliophilic knowledge and acumen for all things Victoriana through the use of footnotes peppered throughout the novel.  For the average reader, these notes add little to the story, but rather become a distraction and annoyance.  A few times, I mentally griped at the author: Enough already...I know you've done your homework!

Aside from the distracting footnotes and the extensive back story, once the novel gained momentum, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Although most of the plot twists failed to surprise me, my interest was sustained by a desire to see how Edward came upon new discoveries or uncovered betrayals.  While he is never wholly reliable, it is captivating to watch the machinations of Edward's always obsessive, occasionally paranoid, and at times, insane mind.

For the curious, there is a sequel that takes place some 20 years later: The Glass of Time. But as for me, I think I'll find respite for a while in the green pastures of Anne of Green Gables....

Read Love Reviews: These High, Green Hills

These High, Green Hills by Jan Karon

Pub. Date: April 1997
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Paperback, 333pp
Series: The Mitford Years #3
Age Range: Adult
ISBN-13: 9780140257939

Synopsis from the book jacket:

In These High, Green Hills we're once again in Mitford, a southern village of local characters so heartwarming and hilarious you'll wish you lived right next door.

At last, Mitford's rector and lifelong bachelor, Father Tim, has married his talented and vivacious neighbor, Cynthia. Now, of course, they must face love's challenges: new sleeping arrangements for Father Tim's sofa-sized dog, Cynthia's urge to decorate the rectory Italian-villa-style, and the growing pains of the thrown-away boy who's become like a son to the rector.

Add a life-changing camping trip, the arrival of the town's first policewoman, and a new computer that requires the patience of a saint, and you know you're in for another engrossing visit to Mitford -- the little town that readers everywhere love to call home.

 My Review:

 

Ah, Mitford! You are such a breath of small-town fresh air!  

If you are unfamiliar with the Mitford Years series, you need to start at the beginning, At Home in Mitford.  These books, which follow life in a sleepy North Carolina town, are told from the point of view of Father Tim, the rector of Lord's Chapel.  Much like an easy chair or an old sweater, this series is a cozy delight.  You'll not find arresting intrigue, high drama, or pulse-quickening action in the pages of a Mitford Years book.  But that's not to say you won't find something of value.

What you'll find in Mitford is a loveable town with endearing characters.  With each installment, you'll feel like you're catching up with family and friends.  Jan Karon says she writes "to give readers an extended family, and to applaud the extraordinary beauty of ordinary lives."  And she's true to her word.  There may be a bigger dose of minutiae than you'll encounter in a dramatic novel, but therein lies the charm.  These characters feel like ordinary people--people you'd meet in a real-life small town.  And we watch their lives unfold at a steady pace.  We watch them celebrate, grieve, love, laugh, and grow.  And hopefully we grow a little bit with them as they learn lessons from every day life.

So, if you find you need a break from whatever larger-than-life drama you might be reading and want a quiet escape to clear your mind and take a deep breath before plunging back into murder, mystery, or mayhem -- look  no farther than Mitford.