The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper

The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper is not my typical read. I usually shy away from evangelical, overly religious seeming books. But, I chose this book because she is a writer for Sojourners magazine. I was not disappointed. 

I enjoyed her fresh take on faith, church, and redemption.  It was refreshing to hear from an evangelical beliefs that I hold as a  mainline Protestant. it was quite evident throughout this book that her beliefs on structural and political (in)justice, peacemaking , and living faithfully aren't just beliefs, but the way she chooses to live her life. Her long history of being an active part of change, including a 21 day fast, increase her credibility on this topic.

Overall, I would say I very much enjoyed this book and will definitely be picking this book up on occasion when I feel called to do so. I would give this book 4/5 stars.

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

The Vegetarian by Han Kang is unlike any book I have ever read before. The story starts out when the main character, Yeong-hye, decides that she no longer wishes to consume meat, and, eventually, any animal products. This decision is not welcomed by her husband, sister, father, mother, or other extended family members. They constantly tease her, try to force her to consume that which she does not want, and commit her to an asylum for the mentally ill.

The story itself is broken into three segments, representing a different perspective. The first (and my favorite) is from Yeong-hye's perspective and  you have a firsthand account of the abuse she endures from her family and strangers. You are also given a small glimpse into her mental state. The second part is told from the perspective of her sister's husband, who is attracted to her.  In this section, you8 see some sympathy, but Yeong-hye is abused and used in a different fashion. In the final segment, her sister grapples with the family's decision to place Yeong-hye in an asylum and the results.

Usually, I am not a fan of translations, but the title, cover, and description caught my eye. While not the best book I have ever read, it was a really, really good book. I do disagree, however, with the books portrayal of vegetarianism/veganism as a mental illness. But, I would still recommend this book to the right person. 

**I received a free copy of this book for review from Blogging for Books.**

Review of "Whatever is Lovely" Adult Coloring Book

This is an absolutely beautiful coloring book for adults. Both covers are well-done and are reflective of the images that colorists can choose from.  It really drives home coloring, creativity, and art as a spiritual practice. I would color in this book while listening to hymns or contemplating God, life, and all creation. It can easily become part of a meditative practice, spiritual discipline, such as daily devotion, or as a simple treat that serves as a reminder of the beauty of all creation.

 The book is also very practical. The creators were cognizant of the pages are easy to tear out,  a picture to color on one side and the full verse or quote on the other. The designs are large, easy to color, and beautiful, with the quote as the centerpiece to each picture, yet wonderfully woven into the overall image.

Overall, I would give this coloring book a 5 out of 5.

**I received this copy for free from Blogging for Books for an unbiased review.***

Every Little Thing Coloring Book by Payton Cosell Turner

This is a beautiful  coloring book. It is full of whimsy and fun. I do wish that the pictures where a little larger and not nearly as much white space. I also had hoped that the pages would be perforated for me to easily tear out and only one-sided, so has to not have to sacrifice any other picture. The paper is a nice weight though, and the cover is quite sturdy.  I really look forward to spending hours coloring and relaxing.

**I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.**

"The Grown Up" by Gillian Flynn

I have never read Flynn's Gone Girl,  but I have read Sharp Objects. I was well-prepared for this wonderful and terrifying little book. It was just creepy enough to make me have to keep the light on. It tells the story of a  scam artist who is currently a fake fortune teller. She is visited by the wives of one of her clients. She is told that the house the woman lives in is haunted. 

The story is short enough at 62 pages to be read in an hour, the cover is beautiful. I really only picked up this book because the cover was so incredibly eye catching.  And, the ending, while not neat, is satisfying and leaves you wondering what really happens and who you can trust. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick read, who loves stories that get under their skin, or anyone who just ants a good book. 

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.*

Aside from the review, I was disappointed with Penguin's packaging of this book. I received it in a large box with plastic bubble wrap, when the book itself is only 5x7 or so. I would love to see them move to more environmentally friendly packaging. 

UnFair: The New Science of Criminal Injustice by Ben Forado

This book was a tough read. I had never really considered the intricacies of the criminal justice system before and was astonished has to how it has gotten so corrupt. I feel like I can never trust the criminal justice system again. The stories were shocking, especially the anecdote on still being condemned after DNA evidence exonerates a person. And, all because they were coerced into admission of guilt when first interrogated. 

That being said, the book was an easy read, in the sense that it was set out in a logical manner. The topic was interesting and engaging. This is a must read for anyone and everyone. I can see myself rereading this book in the future, and I have definitely recommended it to friends. For this reason, I give it 4 out of 5 stars. 
**I received a free copy through Blogging for Books for an unbiased review.***

Armada by Ernest Cline

Eighteen year old Zack Lightman has never known his father who was killed when he was just an infant. He spends his days playing a video game with his two best friends and millions of people around the world. He is one of the top ranked players of all time. He wonders how this skill really help him when he gets older. Little does he know, his skills will determine that fate of all humanity. 

I really enjoyed Ernest Cline’s most recent book, Armada. I have not yet read Ready Player One, so this was my first introduction to his work. This book had me reading whenever I possibly could. I am not a gamer, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story line, most of the characters were well drawn out. The underlying message of humanity was brilliant.

The whole book really read like a young adult novel, which I think will appeal to both younger and older fans. The main character is 18 years old, so it really is a coming of age story.  Zack has to come with terms in regards to his relationship with his mother, his future, and a surprise that will rock his world. Zack goes from an unsure adolescent to a well-rounded, mature adult in this novel. Even if circumstances are farfetched (or not?) readers will see resemblances of themselves in Zack.

I am not a huge sci-fi fan, though I am slowly being converted, so I was not getting all the references, but so much of it is popular culture, that I at least recognize it. It makes me never want to watch another alien move in my entire life.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun and entertaining summer read. I really look forward to reading Ready Player One. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

**I was given a free copy by Blogging for Books in exchange for an unbiased review.**

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