Clicques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks:Confessions of April Grace by K.D. McCrite

Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks: Confessions of April Grace by K.D. McCrite is a masterful following of the stream of consciousness of a young girl in middle school through the unique challenges faced by her family. Living in a primarily Christian town in rural America, the community befriends a couple who recently moved into the area.  This couple is portrayed as decidedly non-Christian. The wife (Isabel), in particular, is portrayed as self absorbed.  Although the family of April Grace allows the couple to move into their home, Isabel has an attitude of wanting to be served.  The lack of gratefulness and the sense of entitlement she exhibits is in sharp contrast to that of the community where she has found herself.  McCrite shares April Grace’s opinions of this woman with such childlike emotion that, if it weren’t for the skill of writing, I would believe a tween girl actually wrote this book. The sharp contrast of the attitudes of the world versus the attitudes that we are supposed to have a Christians is startling raw, but the message is well made.  I found myself examining my own attitudes as I read this book.  In the end of the book, the couple finds themselves becoming a part of the community.  The reader sees Isabel becoming more malleable as she finds that she can play an important part in the community and as she realizes how much the community has done for her.  The reader sees changes take place in Isabel, that although an acceptance of Christ is not indicated, a change of her heart condition has taken place. This book illustrates an excellent example of how Christians should be the “salt” and “light” to those with which we come into contact.  I would recommend this book to tween readers with the caveat that, although not detailed, subjects such as pregnancy and issues surrounding pregnancy are discussed.

As I read this book I kept in mind the audience for which is was written and I wondered why there are so few book of this caliber available for the tween set.  The issues surrounding pregnancy in the book involve a married couple and are very focused on April Grace’s concern for her mother’s health and her fear that her mother could die.  April Grace’s mother experiences fatigue, paleness, and nausea, but because April Grace has not been told of her mother’s condition in the beginning, the writing revolves around her fears that something is very wrong. Sometime after April Grace is told that she is going to be a big sister, her mother is diagnosed with preeclampsia and requires bed rest.  The artful way this is handled should not present a problem for most tween girls.  Girls who have younger siblings can probably relate to April Grace’s fears during her mother’s pregnancy.  The author handles this issue by showing how April Grace’s mother retains the heart of a servant even though she needs to be served.  It is a fine portrayal of humility that is inspired by reality. In every issue that April Grace encounters, the reader sees that emotion is not wrong, but that our responses, our decisions, are crucial.

I am allowing my own 11 year old daughter to read this book.  She read up to chapter 7 in one sitting and was so involved in the book that I had difficulty getting her to put it down. I intend to add this book to her reading library as well.  If you are looking for a fiction for your tween daughter that deals with real life issues such as relationships and attitudes and shows the response that Christians should have, this is the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Book Review: Billy Graham: Nearing Home - Life, Faith and Finishing Well

Billy Graham's new book,  Nearing Home:  Life, Faith, and Finishing Well,  has a central theme that God can use anyone who is willing, regardless of age or ability.  Primarily written to relate to a middle age to senior audience, Rev. Graham uses plentiful Biblical examples of persons who were in their later years who were used by God in amazing ways.  Secondary themes include preparation for old age, the psychological and physical issues that accompany aging, wisdom that comes from experience, and the falsehood spread by society that the contributions of the aged are no longer valued.  Then in true evangelical style, Rev. Graham explains what the Bible teaches about heaven, followed by the gospel message for readers who may not know where they will spend eternity. 

I would recommend this book to anyone of any age, particularly middle age and up.  While the intended audience appears to be this group, younger persons will learn what to expect as they age and will come away with a new respect of seniors and issues that seniors face.  Through reading this book, my learning was not limited to ways that God can use me in later years, but ways to be available to God's calling now.  Also, I have gained a greater understanding of the words of my now deceased grandmother.  Rev. Graham's words will be an asset in understanding and learning from the issues of my parents and mother-in-law as I minister to them.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Welcome to My World

Greetings fellow book worms!

My name is Tara Owens, I work for a non-profit that provides crisis assistance for families in the county where I live. I homeschool my children and believe that families are responsible for making sure  children are brought up with values that will guide them throughout their lives. I can never seem to carve out enough time to read for enjoyment, so for my birthday this year, my hubby presented me with a Kindle e-reader.

I know how important it is to guard your mind when viewing all kinds of media.  Therefore, I will be reviewing books to help you  know the basic content before making a purchase that may be inappropriate for your household.  You can also go to Barnes & Noble and read my reviews there.

Soon to Come!

Please check back soon, this web page will be up and running!!!