The Giant of the North

by R.M. Ballantyne

Available from Vision Forum and Amazon

***

Although the adventure, wit and Christian emphasis in this book are just as satisfactory as many of Ballantyne's other books, this has been my least favorite so far. For one thing it's not quite factual, exploring the discovery of the North Pole before it actually happened. It's very interesting, but that's interesting conjecture. Also there is plenty of the kindly condescension toward Eskimos and the black "wooly" cook. The Eskimo hero is considered, however, to be unusually noble and intelligent. He warmly embraces the Gospel, which is clearly expounded to him. I realize, also, that this condescension is a Christian attitude of Ballantyne's time. Other than these objections I enjoyed this Arctic adventure.

The Captives

by Emma Leslie

available from Amazon

*****

The ancient Britons considered themselves free and noble, scorning the idea of being Roman subjects. But the cruel bondage of the Druid elders was far worse than any the Romans could inflict. While Guntra struggles with a tragic choice, her defiant son meets a Roman soldier in the woods. The Roman, curiously, claimed not to worship the gods of his countrymen, but "the Lord who dwells in heaven, and not in temples of hands." Jugurtha, the Briton lad, was amused to learn that the Roman worshipped the God of the whole earth who "is not cruel like your forest spirits; He is the God of love and kindness." What power could shuch an effeminate god wield? Love was of all things an emotion to be despised and smothered. But the Roman was to show that love and kindness had far more power than the dread of the Druids. It did not take long for such sunshine to melt reserves of hatred and anger. Will Guntra be able to save both her children's lives? Can Jugurtha reconcile his fierce patriotism with his new faith? What would God have him to do, and can he get that past the Roman conquerors?

This story brings Christ and His work to one of my favorite settings. Emma Leslie gives us a touching, fast-paced adventure where the love of Christ is made preeminent.

Helen's Temper and It's Consequences

by Mrs. George Gladstone
Available from Lamplighter Publishing
*****
Helen did have a temper, and she also despised those who were not blessed with beautiful bodies or worldly goods, this latter having much to do with the fact that she craved her peers' approval. Her younger sister Betty was not so smart as Helen, but she had a warm and compassionate heart and manner. When the girls encounter another young girl, who appears to be poor and crippled, Helen is rude, and Betty kindly helps her to find her way home. Betty's tender spirit becomes the means of helping improve the state of poor Louisa's family. She gives what she can to the struggling family, teaches the girls helpful skills, and shares the gospel, resulting in the salvation of more than one. Helen believes that Louisa is a bad reflection on her, and her anger leads her to a tragic behavior. There is one person, however, who sees a way to help Helen.

This is an excellent story for family read-alouds or independent readers. The sweet character of Betty is an inspiration for others, and Helen's is a warning, although the author never explicitly preaches at the reader. I heartily recommend it!

The Twelve Teas of Friendship

by Emilie Barnes
Available from Amazon
*****
What a beautiful book! The pictures are so beautiful and dreamy; the book is great, but the pictures really make it special. Quotes on friendship and facts about tea are also scattered over the pretty pages.

For each month a different "friendship" tea is outlined. They are all about celebrating a different theme with friends. Ideas include "Nature" in July, "Laughter" in September, "Togetherness" in June, "Family" in December, and more. In case you're not sure how to get started on the planning for each tea, there are suggestions for how to decorate, what to serve (including tasty recipes!), and ideas for activities. After the blurb about the tea, there "Something Delicious" (recipes!), "Something to Make" (from napkin holders to a tea cozy), and "Something to Think About". Each has a section about the setting with all kinds of ideas and also a column with "Fun Friendship Facts" pertinent to that month's tea.

This is a great book to use again and again. It's all about enjoying people, because really, that's what a tea party is about. Slowing down, paying attention to little things, and taking the time to care. Have a cup of tea with someone!

How Sleep the Brave

by J. H. Hunter
Available from Inheritance Publications
*****
This is a great story set during the persecutions of the Scottish Covenanters. Daily life and survival is depicted and sermons are related. As people are tortured and killed, the Black Avenger arises, and comes to the rescue of some of them. A master of disguises, nobody knows who he is, even his sweetheart... for a while. He never engages in acts of cruelty or revenge, but makes his appearances only to rescue and protect, although that necessarily involves hurt to the wicked at times. This book of church history is full of danger, adventure, and at all times, no matter the cost, a beautiful trust in God.

I highly recommend this one for children, adults, and families.

End of the Spear

by Steve Saint
Available from Amazon
*****
I've often read that a good author should be able to bring his readers to both laughter and tears, and this book did that for me several times. Not necessarily because Steve Saint is a great writer; with his heritage and experiences anyone should be able to write a great book.

"End of the Spear" is a book of many genres. It is the continued story of "Through Gates of Splendor", a missionary autobiography, a Waodoni history, and a commentary on so many aspects of life. There are several pictures, although it is too bad the ones on the cover are actors from the movie.

Speaking of the movie, if you have seen it, don't expect the book to parallel it. The book begins with Aunt Rachel's funeral, and jumps around a little. After Steve decides to bring his family to live with the Waodani, he learns more and more of the stories and accounts, so many of which are heartrending, that appear throughout the movie.

But then he continues with how he tried to them, and how he learned from them. What he did teach, and why he had to leave. How his children lived in the jungle, and the mutual love between them and the Waodani.

When he returned to the states, Mincaye made several visits, and they spoke at conferences together. Mincaye continued to be a part of his life, supporting him during a crisis he least expected.

If you have read about Nate Saint, Jim Elliot or the others of the 5 who were martyred, the Waodani or "Aucas", if you have seen the "End of the Spear" movie, if you enjoy missionary stories, if you are interested in the unreached peoples of our time, then this is a book you must read.

If you saw the movie and didn't like it, read the book anyway. It's much better, and I promise you'll be blessed by it. The power of God is illustrated so beautifully.

In the Heart of the Rockies

by G. A. Henty
Available from Amazon
***
This was an interesting and educational read, but not my favorite Henty. I did like the setting in Colorado a couple hundred years ago; Tom joins an uncle and together they strike a rich mine, survive a bitter winter in the Rockies, outwit and escape hostile indians, navigate the Colorado river, make it back alive, and eventually live happily ever after on the proceeds of their mine. Not too much nobility of purpose although the characters were morally upright, as always in Henty's books.

For learning about the discovery and exploration of Colorado, the book is great. But don't expect the drama of "The Lion of St. Mark" or "In Freedom's Cause".