This is the first Dee Henderson book I've read. I read it for my church book club. The book is very plot-driven, little to no character development. It reminded me of a TV crime/detective show. I enjoy watching those kinds of shows, but not necessarily reading them. I rated it with three stars because it was readable with a good story. It was a bit too simplistic for my taste, however.

This is a very intriguing book. If you like novels about writers/writing, this is a good one.

I read this one for my Literary Book Club. I was surprised by it. Often titles can turn off the reader. I know Laura Ingalls Wilder's "The Long Winter" has been on my to-read shelf for years. I live in the land of long winters! I'm not sure I want to read a novel about one. When I saw the title "Hard Times," I wondered if I would have a hard time reading it or if it would describe too difficult a situation. No doubt the circumstances in the book were not easy for the characters. But, I found this to be a very intriguing book with well-developed characters and a smooth-flowing writing style. There are even a few witty moments. I wouldn't rate this as one of Dickens best, but I certainly think it's worth reading.

I enjoyed this spiritual growth book. Many of the precepts are ones I have already studied, but it was yet another confirmation of how God speaks through His Word and through life experiences. I used it along with my daily scripture reading.

This mystery series featuring Chet Gecko is great for reading out loud. Lots of voice options can be used.

My oldest is reading this for his mystery genre unit, and I read it to keep him accountable. I can't wait to discuss it with him! Raskin does an excellent job of using clever clues, connections, and characterization. I figured out some of the clues quickly, but I still couldn't put it down. I'm guessing he won't be able to either!

I just finished reading this animal fantasy book to my three boys. The characters are engaging with strong, memorable personalities. The story has just enough balance of whimy, mystery, and adventure. I give it five stars for the way it kept all three interested.

If my six-year-old can sit through this story, it has to be a five-star! He was mesmerized! I read it to my almost 10-year-old when he was three; it calmed him for a nap everytime. He still enjoys listening to it now. It was one of my favorites growing up, but even more so now sharing it with my boys. Read it this holiday season with a child you love or just to become a child again!
 

Every once in a while I have a moment of brilliance. Often it comes out of desperation. But, sometimes it comes with a combination of ideas along with that desperation. Here is one such moment.

One Wednesday after a horrible Monday (ever had one of those), I was paging through our homeschool curriculum. We were beginning our Adventure Genre unit, and I noted some activites in our Drawn Into the Heart of Reading manual. Suddenly, I had an idea! I combined the DITHOR activities for a scavenger hunt for travel supplies with our science review and our reading of Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne (inspired BJU Science and KONOS). After the boys had collected their travel supplies, I told them to take a walk "around the world" (around the block). They each picked a character to be. My oldest was Professor Lidenbrock, my middle one Hans, and my youngest Axel. Surprisingly, the characters they chose fit their personalities. When they arrived at their destination (home), they would be at Snaefells. While they were gone, I placed Earth Science review questions with clues in the basement (the center of the Earth). What made this more fun was the last clue placed by the phone, which had been missing for a few days. Once they found it, they traveled around the world again, backtracking. They had a great time! So did I...it was quiet for about 20 minutes, and I had time to fold the socks! We played this the next day without a friend using more questions and different clues. With this activity, we combined literature, science, gym, drama, and housework! It made me realize why I love homeschooling, which is always good after a horrible Monday!

This book is disturbing on so many levels! I find it to be heretical and contradictory. I doubt my opinion will change as I continue reading because it leaves me completely frustrated every time I pick it up. The one redeeming thing is that reading it has forced me to search biblical references to dispute Tolle's claims. But, there are far better books that strengthen faith and provide guidance. If you are looking for life's purpose, please don't look for it in this book.