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lighthousebooks's reviews
556 reviews
The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
“Alas! there are some wounds that cannot be wholly cured,” said Gandalf.
True 💔
Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution by Ji-li Jiang
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.0
I learned so much about China’s cultural revolution from this middle-grade memoir. Mao Ze-dong was eerily worshiped like a god and it caused those who refused to follow him completely to be dehumanized. This book is simply written, but it was still a compelling and educational read. Definitely recommend!
This middle grade book is in our high school curriculum, rather than middle, and I think I understand why: some of the content is disturbing and graphic.
This middle grade book is in our high school curriculum, rather than middle, and I think I understand why: some of the content is disturbing and graphic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Physical abuse, Suicide, Classism
Minor: Cursing, Suicidal thoughts, Torture
A Praying Church: Becoming a People of Hope in a Discouraging World by Paul E. Miller
Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.
Some good, convicting points, but disjointed and hard to follow. Not what I expected.
Tears of Amber by Sofía Segovia
When a story is full of characters who seem so real, so ALIVE, in a time and place in world history of incredible deprivation, it is mesmerizing and difficult to put down, and challenging to your view of your warm, fully equipped home and abundant table. That is how I felt about Tears of Amber. Incredible story-telling. Rich characters. Heartbreaking and at the same time hopeful.
The story follows two families who are uprooted from the state of Prussia, Germany by the events of WWII. It details their courageous choices as they struggle to survive and it vividly portrays the effects of the war on German civilians.
Language: squeaky clean
Graphic imagery: at times disturbing as the families journey through the countryside and see and experience the effects of war; no sexual images
Morality/worldview: the families are Christian; portrays them wrestling with their convictions as they make difficult decisions to survive; communicates that all human life has value
Who should read this? Definitely for adults 18+ given the graphic imagery; would appeal to both men and women IMO
The story follows two families who are uprooted from the state of Prussia, Germany by the events of WWII. It details their courageous choices as they struggle to survive and it vividly portrays the effects of the war on German civilians.
Language: squeaky clean
Graphic imagery: at times disturbing as the families journey through the countryside and see and experience the effects of war; no sexual images
Morality/worldview: the families are Christian; portrays them wrestling with their convictions as they make difficult decisions to survive; communicates that all human life has value
Who should read this? Definitely for adults 18+ given the graphic imagery; would appeal to both men and women IMO
The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King
medium-paced
3.0
I liked it. I read it the first time as a teen and remember liking it then as well. The first few chapters are odd to me, especially knowing that King wrote this for his daughter. It gets better after that, though there were times when I found the sequence of events to be confusing. It has some good takeaways and avoids some of the trappings of a traditional fairy tale. While there is a mention of God and gods and prayer, the story does leave one confused about faith.
“He knew as well as we in our own world do that the road to hell is paved with good intentions—but he also knew that, for human beings, good intentions are sometimes all there are. Angels may be safe from damnation, but human beings are less fortunate things, and for them hell is always close.”
King acknowledges the existence of hell, but he does not communicate the truth of the gospel.
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
4.0
I think the writing is kind of wordy in this second book, too, but very creative and enjoyed the audiobook narration by Andy Serkis. Am struck by how the encroaching darkness reflected the hopelessness that was felt during the Great War. Recognized a few scenes that must have inspired JK Rowling.
Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution by Carl R Trueman
5.0
“…the modern cultural imagination sees the world as raw material to be shaped by the human will.”
Great book that will help you make sense of our culture today. I encourage everyone to read (or listen to) it.
Great book that will help you make sense of our culture today. I encourage everyone to read (or listen to) it.
How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers by Andrew Naselli, Andrew Naselli
4.0
The purpose of this book is to help Christians learn how to read well.
💭 There are many good points. Overall I found Chapters 1-2, why and how you should read, to be the most encouraging and helpful.
Strengths:
- Prioritizes Bible reading,
- discusses the importance of good reading choices,
- helps you consider what may be distracting you from focused reading,
- provides reading strategies and encourages you to discern worldview 🙌.
Weaknesses:
- There are 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 nested lists and I did not care for the format. Yes, I realize this review utilizes lists 😆.
- Arguments are built around and dependent on numerous quotes.
- The suggestions for what to read are too narrow, only reflecting the author’s personal taste.
- Ultimately reads like the primary audience is college students or pastors despite stated intent of reaching a general Christian audience.
💭 There are many good points. Overall I found Chapters 1-2, why and how you should read, to be the most encouraging and helpful.
Strengths:
- Prioritizes Bible reading,
- discusses the importance of good reading choices,
- helps you consider what may be distracting you from focused reading,
- provides reading strategies and encourages you to discern worldview 🙌.
Weaknesses:
- There are 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 nested lists and I did not care for the format. Yes, I realize this review utilizes lists 😆.
- Arguments are built around and dependent on numerous quotes.
- The suggestions for what to read are too narrow, only reflecting the author’s personal taste.
- Ultimately reads like the primary audience is college students or pastors despite stated intent of reaching a general Christian audience.
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“People see what they want to. I’m sick of hoping that they’ll see me.”
That resonates. So thankful for the God who sees.
If you choose to read this be prepared for a beautifully written, achingly sad experience😭😭😭 Enjoyed the LOtR references and the moments where the importance of faith is explored. Provides a window into the world of the Pakistani immigrant in America, though one hopes all experiences are not this traumatic.
Content considerations: Mild foul and sexually suggestive language, some kissing and one make-out session, two lesbian relationships that are not central to the story. The author prefaces the story with content warnings that do not include what I have noted.
That resonates. So thankful for the God who sees.
If you choose to read this be prepared for a beautifully written, achingly sad experience😭😭😭 Enjoyed the LOtR references and the moments where the importance of faith is explored. Provides a window into the world of the Pakistani immigrant in America, though one hopes all experiences are not this traumatic.
Content considerations: Mild foul and sexually suggestive language, some kissing and one make-out session, two lesbian relationships that are not central to the story. The author prefaces the story with content warnings that do not include what I have noted.