Monthly Archives: June 2009

Christless Christianity by Michael Horton

American Literature 5 Comments

Synopsis: An examination and critique of the current state of Christianity in America, which shows the pervasive influences of Pelagianism and Gnosticism–these heresies are closer than you think. Review: Michael Horton had me at “Joel Osteen.” I was blown away by the incisiveness of Christless Christianity, a stunning work that made me so, so thankful to be attending a church deeply rooted in Reformation orthopraxis. The first section of the book deals with the prosperity gospel, looking at Osteen and others of his ilk who…

Read More »

Sister and Husbands by Connie Briscoe

American Literature 1 Comment

Synopsis: On the eve of her wedding, Beverly calls things off, in turmoil over the marriage troubles her sisters have been going through. Review: Sisters and Husbands is a good soapy read, with lots of drama and romance, though not so much that it goes over the top. Connie Briscoe’s characters are dealing with very real issues, and she doesn’t shy away from painting them in an unflattering light. I tend to like my chick lit either more satirical or way further out there (a…

Read More »

How to Raise a Modern-Day Joseph by Linda Massey Weddle

American Literature 4 Comments

Synopsis: A guide for parents for Bible study activities from age 2 through the teenage years, centered around Biblical knowledge and moral character. Review: I thought that How to Raise a Modern-Day Joseph had some good ideas for educational activities for parents, but after reading Christless Christianity I read it with a much more critical eye. Modern-Day Joseph does contain the semi-Pelagian notions that we “make a decision for Christ” and that just doesn’t fly with Reformed (read Calvinist) me anymore. What I thought was…

Read More »

The Accidental Bestseller by Wendy Wax

American Literature

Synopsis: When novelist Kendall Ames is dropped by her publisher and her husband, she faces a case of writer’s block so severe that her best friends–also novelists–decide to help her writer her next novel and let her take all the credit. Review: I’m a sucker for novels about writers, because they always get me off my butt and working on my own stuff. And of course I like good chick lit, so I was primed to enjoy The Accidental Bestseller. The plot was a strange…

Read More »

The Dragon of Trelian–A Wing of Dragons

American Literature 6 Comments

Today is Day 3 of the blog tour for The Dragon of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen, a book I thoroughly enjoyed. My husband is not an aficionado of fantasy literature. He’s fond of saying, “How do you write a book about a dragon, anyway? Is it like, ‘There was this dragon?’” My poor impoverished dear. Anyway, I love books with dragons. Here are some links to a few other dragon-featuring books I’ve reviewed. For even more, check out the dragons tag. George RR Martin’s Dreamsongs…

Read More »

Interview With Michelle Knudsen (The Dragon of Trelian)

American Literature 2 Comments

This is Day 2 of the blog tour for The Dragon of Trelian, and I’m delighted to offer an interview with author Michelle Knudsen! Her blog can be found here, and here’s her bio: Michelle Knudsen is the author of 40 books for children. Her best-known title is Library Lion (Candlewick Press), which was a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into several languages. Her latest book is a middle-grade fantasy novel called The Dragon of Trelian. Formerly a full-time children’s book editor,…

Read More »

The Dragon of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen

American Literature 3 Comments

Synopsis: A mage-in-training and a princess psychically linked to a dragon must work together to save the royal family from an evil sorceress. Review: The Dragon of Trelian has a lot of familiar elements, but fortunately it manages to feel fresh. Princess Meglynne is feisty and hot-tempered and imperial, but she’s not just tempestuous. She’s got a core of true courage that’s really appealing. Apprentice mage Calen struggles with feelings of inadequacy, but he’s also prone to an arrogance that tempers his naivete. The dragon…

Read More »