Targeted Beirut by Jack Carr and James M Scott

 Targeted Beirut isn’t the first book written about Beirut but it is the first one that focues on the boots on the ground and the events leading up to it rather than the political leaders. It gives a voice to the victims and the survivors. As well as sharing possibly some of there last words. 

I know more about Beirut  than a lot of people my age even though I wasn’t alive when the bombing happened simply by being the daughter of Marine who had been in Beirut as part of the peacekeeping force. While he wasn’t there when the bombing happened he’d been there before. And he was part of the unit that was there after. So he saw the aftermath first hand. So in my life October 23 is a day of remembrance every year. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Dorothy and Jack: The Transforming Friendship of Dorothy L. Sayers and C.S. Lewis review

Title: Dorothy and Jack: The Transforming Friendship of Dorothy L. Sayers and C.S. Lewis

Author: Gina Dalfonzo

Ch: 7

Pg: 208

Genre:  Nonfiction, Biography

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Publisher: Baker books

 

I knew that Dorothy L. Sayers was a mystery author who rivaled Christie mostly because her mysteries novel graced my mom's bookshelves. And I knew that C.S. Lewis was an author however I was not introduced to Lewis's writing as a kid with the Narnia books (a book series I still haven't read). I was included to his writing with A Grief Observed which I read as adult after losing my mom.  As well as an introduced in the historical fiction novel Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis by 

Patti Callahan

 

     So I knew nothing of the friendship between Dorothy L. Sayers and C.S. Lewis so I was willing to pick this one up and learn more. I have to say I was not disappointed.  Reading this and learning more about both C.S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers I know want to read her mysteries books and pick up some more Lewis's nonfiction and possibly finally read The Chronicles of Narnia.

 

Cause I mean Lewis was the one who said "Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” and “A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” I take that to mean a well written children's book can be read and enjoyed by anyone. 

. 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

Quotes from C.S. Lewis as found listed on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/1069006.C_S_Lewis

Dream Plan Go: A Travel Guide to Inspire Your Independent review

Title:   Dream Plan Go: A Travel Guide to Inspire Your Independent Adventure

Author:   Rachel McMillan

Chapters: 11

Pages:  224

Genre:  Travel

Rating:  5 Stars

Publisher: Harvest House Publisher

This travel book from Rachel McMillan is awesome. It’s a book that as a single woman in my 30s didn’t know that I needed. Her book is geared towards single female travel and includes even traveling in your own backyard.

But what stood out to me the most was the whole don’t wait for Prince Charming to take that dream trip. If you really want to go it’s alright to go by yourself or with friends.

This book has me wanting to plan my first solo trip as soon as it’s safe to travel again. I mean I’ve taken “road trips” by myself but those were just either driving to pick my sister up from school or driving back home after dropping her off.

I recommend this book to anyone who’s dreamed of traveling solo but didn’t know where to start. All I can say is let Rachel be tour guide.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

Peackeepers at War: Beirut 1983-The Marine Commander Tells His story review

Title:  Peackeepers at War: Beirut 1983-The Marine Commander Tells His story 

Author: Timothy J Geraghty, Alfred M. Gray Jr. (Contributor) 

Pages:272

Genre: Nonfiction/memoir 

Rating: 4 stars 

Publisher:  Potomac Books

Peackeepers at War: Beirut 1983-The Marine Commander Tells His story by Timothy J Geraghty is a first-hand account from the Commander who was on the ground in Beirut leading the Marines when the bombing occurred.  This is an account of what happened before, during and immediately after. As well as months and even years later. 

It was until the 2000s that he was able to tell his story his side of what happened. As he was pretty made to be the scapegoat.  How looking back the Beirut bombing was one of the first terrorist attacks against the US because our Marines won't in Beirut as an act of war they were part of a peacekeeping force sent to help prevent Lebanese citizens from Syria and Iran.  And because there was no retribution for the people behind it, it shaped not just the US but the world and lead to the current war on terrorism because no retribution was given for the bombing. 

This was a hard book for me to read, but to me, it was worth it, because even though it happened before I was born the events in this book shaped my life. The actions of the military commanders and the President at the time or lack of actions. Of the Marines killed five were from my home state, two from my home city, one of whom my dad had gone through basic training with and another that was a distant cousin on my mom's side of the family.  This is one of the first nonfiction books that I've read in a while that's actually caused me to cry. As well as it being a little personal for me. 

When Reagan Sent in the Marines review

Title: When Reagan Sent in the Marines: The Invasion of Lebanon 

Author: Patrick J Sloyan 

Chapters: 14 plus prologue and epilogue 

Pages: 240

Genre: nonfiction 

Rating: 4 stars 

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books 

I'm not going to lie When Reagan Sent in the Marines: The Invasion of Lebanon by Patrick J Sloyan was a hard read at least for me. Not because of the writing level or the amount of information, but because of the subject material.  Unlike most people, my age who weren't alive when the events in this book happened I grew up hearing about the attack and the events leading up to it and the Marines effected have pretty much affected my life and the lives of members of my family.  The Date of October 23, 1983, is forever burned into my memory as the day my dad lost Marine brothers and my home state lost five Marines two from my hometown and one from my mom's hometown and a distant relative. 

Patrick J Sloyan disused both sides as well as gave an overview of what was happening in the Middle East at the time as well as the rest of the world.  As a journalist turned writer it clear that he tried to remain unbiased as much as he could but there were some parts where you could tell it was hard for him to keep it out of the writing.  What sets this book apart from previous books about the topic is that by the time it was published 36 years had passed since the bombing.   As well as getting an overview and history of what was happening at the time. As well as more information on Reagan's role in Lebanon and why he sent the Marines there.  However, there are things we will never know.  

Also reading you learn that the main reason that the Invasion of Grenada happened was Reagan was trying to find a way to save face from the issues in Lebanon and so the Marines headed to Lebanon to back up the drowning Marines in Beirut were rerouted to be part of the Invasion force for Grenada.   What a reader should take away from this book if they take nothing else from it is that the bombing that killed 241 Americans 220 of them Marines was the first and worst terrorist attack our Nation would have until 9/11, and that this attack and the response to it is still felt today and paved the way for other terrorist attacks.  And for me personally after reading this book I better understand my dad and what he went through as a 20-year-old Marine. 

Review of Sacred Duty

Title:  Sacred Duty: A Soldier’s Tour at Arlington National Cemetery

Author: Tom Cotton

Chapters: 6 Plus epilogue

Pages: 301

Genre: non fiction

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher:  William Morrow

     Sacred Duty: A Soldier’s Tour at Arlington National Cemetery by Tom Cotton is an account of not only the authors time at Arlington National cemetery as part of the Old Guard, but it’s also an account of a brief history of both the cemetery and the Old Guard itself. This book is basically a slight behind the scenes account of Arlington.

     It a little slow at first but it is worth the read.

Review of The Little Book of Bob

Title:  The Little Book of Bob: Everyday Wisdom from Street Cat Bob

Author: James Bowen

  

Pages: 176

Genre: Non fiction

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher:  Hodder and Stoughton

Words of Wisdom from what a man learned from his cat. James shares what he learned from living with Bob. And surprisingly cats can give good advice just by watching what they do and how they act around people. It was a quick little read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Words of Comfort for Women review

Title:   Words of Comfort for Women 

Author: Carolyn Larsen

Pages:192

Genre: non-fiction

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

Words of Comfort for Women by Carolyn Larsen is 90 Devotional that gives bite sized comfort.  Each Devotional has a Bible verse that goes with it.  Perfect for someone with a busy day to get scripture reading.  The design of this Devotional makes it easy to read one a day for 90 days. Or When you need words of comfort, because each Devotional has a section heading hinting at which words of comfort can found in the Devotional.

I personally found it much easier to read the different Devotional when I needed those words of Comfort rather than reading one a day.   This allows the Devotional to appeal to more readers.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

Grateful American By Gary Sinise review

Title:  Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service

Author: Gary Sinise, Marcus Brotherton

 

Chapters: 17

Pages: 280

Genre: Memoir

Rating: 5 Stars

If Gary Sinise wasn't one of my favorite actors before reading this book he is now.  Surprisingly however I have only seen one of his movies Forrest Grump and only one of his TV shows.   Reading his memoir is easy to see that he is a one of a kind actor who understands that the reason he can do the job he does is because of our Military men and women as well as our first responders. Who defender and protect us on a daily basis. 

That this man chose to give his character the background of a Marine who had survived Beirut in order to bring attention to a tragedy that affected many Marines, their family and friends. Because it is something that most people don't realize happened.  As the daughter of a Marine who lost brothers in arms there I am grateful that this actor chose to give them a voice. 

Unlike most celebrity memoirs Gary doesn't really boast about what he's done. Instead he shares about what his frame has allowed him to do for others.

This is one celebrity memoir that is worth the read. I do recommend having tissues when your read it.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of When Life Doesn't Match your Dreams

Title:  When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams: Hope for Today from 12 Women of the Bible

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Pages: 224

Genre: Non fiction

Rating: 4 stars

    

When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams is the first non-fiction book by Jill Eileen Smith. In which she looks at 12 women from the Old Testament to give Biblical examples of what happens and what you can do when life doesn’t match your dreams. The Lessons that one can learn from each these twelve women, what to do and what not to do.

Whatever state of life you’re in as a woman, whatever age there is something in this book for you. There is some lesson that is just for you.  Each woman who reads I feel will take away something different from the book. 

I myself is looking at a life that didn’t got the way I dreamed or planned but after reading When Life Doesn’t Match your dreams, I trust even more that it went the way God planned it even there were a few detours and tears along the way. Everything we go through in life good or bad works out for our good.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Joyful Surrender

Title:  Joyful Surrender: 7 Disciplines for the Believers Life

Author: Elisabeth Elliot

 

Pages: 176

Genre: non fiction

Rating: 4 Stars

The Only book I have read of Elisabeth Elliot prior to this on is her biography of Amy Carmichael. Which I enjoyed. I also know that she lost her missionary husband Jim when he was killed by the same tribe he was trying to reach.  So I wanted to give another book of hers a try as I have heard multiple people that her books were worth reading. 

Joyful Surrender: 7 Disciplines for the Believer’s Life focuses on seven disciplines that can be found in scripture to help a believer in life.  As with Bible studies and devotions as long as they are backed up with scripture and God’s word can give each reader something different gleamed from the book. No two people will read this book the same way. 

The part of the book that helped me the most, on overcoming anxiety and trusting God in times of trials and hardship my not be what sticks out to another reader. They may find something else in the book that helps them.

I do know that I want to pick up more of Elisabeth Elliot’s books to read in the future. If you haven’t read this book or other works by Elisabeth Elliot I highly suggest that you do.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of Book Girl

Title:  Book Girl: A Journey through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life 

Author: Sarah Clarkson 

Ch: 10 plus epilogue 

Genre: non-fiction, memoir 

Rating:  3.5 stars 

Part reading list part memoir Sarah Clarkson's Book is about her reading journey from childhood to adulthood and how books shaped her life.  Thanks in part to   a mother that read to her from the beginning even before I was born. (Which is something that I can relate to, as my mother did the same for me. I don't remember a time in my life that I haven't been surrounded by books.)  Sarah talks about how books can help build an imagination create a sense of adventure as well as lead to new friends.   This book can be read straight through even read in one setting. But its chapters were designed to be used when you needed that chapter based on where your reading journey was. To be read out of order and studied.  

I enjoyed reading this book I did indeed learn a lot.   I loved that some of my favorite books as a child and a teen were also Sarah's. It goes back to that C.S. Lewis quote "I thought  I was the only one."    The quote of, "Do you secretly relate to Belle's delight in the library in Beauty and Beast"   on the blurb  had me picking up the book.  Along with the title of Book girl. I've  always considered myself a book girl who like Sarah had a mother who start early reading me books and kept me surrounded by books all through my childhood and teens either though buying the books or visits to the local library. And as an adult I am still surrounded by books.  Books I've bought and keep my house stocked with. As well as the books I'm around at work I currently work as a library assistant   at my local library.  

Book Girl: A Journey through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life by Sarah Clarkson is a book worth reading.  Though any stage of life.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Review of Thrift Shopping

Title: Thrift Shopping

Author: Sandy Donovan

Genre: Nonfiction

Rating: 3 stars

Publisher: Twenty-first century Books

A fairly quick read designed to help teens learn how to thrift shop. It’s only 64 pages but it is full of information on thrift shopping. Though it is geared towards teens anyone who wants to get into thrift shopping will find this book helpful.

I received a e-copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Mini Nonfiction Reviews

Title: Good Call: Reflections on Faith, Family, and Fowl

Author: Jase Robertson

Pages: 256

Genre: non fiction

Rating: 4 stars

Good Call is Jase’s turn to tell his story and life with the Robertson’s. Out of all the brother’s I have to say that Jase is my favorite.  I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about Mia. 

Title:  The Women of Duck Commander

Author: Kay Robertson, Korie Robertson, Missy Robertson, Lisa Robertson, Jessica Robertson

Pages: 288

Genre: Non fiction

Rating: 4 stars

It’s the women’s the turn to talk  about life with the Robertson’s.

Title: UnPhiltered

Author: Phil Robertson

 

Chapters: 15

Pages: 212

Genre: nonfiction memoir

Rating: 4 stars

In this book Phil basically tells it like it is in love.

Review of I work at a public library

Title: I work at a Public library

Author: Gina Sheridan

 

Chapters: 12

Pages: 155

Genre: non fiction

Rating: 4 stars

I didn’t know how I was going to feel about this book. But I enjoyed it, because as an library employee its to know that other libraries out there have the same crazy stories to share. It’s not just one library.  This book had me laughing from the first page to the last page.