"All Aboard the Ark" by Zondervan

This children's book is downright adorable.  Told from the point-of-view of animals, readers learn about Noah's ark.  While Noah himself is not really mentioned--or people in general--the animals take center stage.  They playfully board the ark, clean up, exercise, share, and hope in God.  The words in this book are very large font and following a rhyming pattern.  The illustrations are cute and look like watercolor art.  The pages are wooden and have a sturdy feel to them.  At the very end of the book, the animals go to sleep and have sweet dreams.

"I am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai

This girl is downright remarkable.  She stood up for women's education in Pakistan.  Faced with the Taliban--an extremist Muslim group that declared it illegal for girls to go to school--Malala stood her ground.  She never gave up, even after she was shot in the face by a Taliban terrorist.  Malala's dream is for education for girls...and boys.  Wherever schools close their doors, ignorance opens its own.  What was most touching was how Malala stood by her faith.  I am not a Muslim, but I admire how she kept praying to God even as other Muslims were being extremely violent towards her.  Regardless of how others portrayed religion, Malala knew there was a real God who loved her and cared about her.  That is really amazing.  At the end of the book, there is Malala's speech to the UN.

“Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins

 This is the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy.  Like the two that came before it, this book was excellently written and kept me anxiously turning the pages.  Here, Katniss has thwarted the Capitol once again—this time by destroying the Hunger Games arena force field.  Taken up in a rebel hovercraft, however, she is separated from her partner Peeta who was captured by the Capitol.  Working with the rebels to overthrown the Capitol and trying to save Peeta begin to conflict.  Katniss’ personal struggles ensue when she must be the face of the rebellion as the Mockingjay and put on a front for camera that record her propaganda tapes.  The issue of who Katniss will choose—Peeta or Gale—as her boyfriend is not easily predicted, and the personality of all the characters does change a bit due to post traumatic stress syndrome of the Hunger Games and being in a war.  There is some violence and romance in this book, but it is not at all graphic.  I find this book suitable for youth but parents are suggested to use their own discretion.  All in all, this is an excellent read with a good twist at the end.  Well done, Suzanne Collins.  Well done.

"Fill the Void" directed by Rama Burshtein

This film is breathtakingly honest and the viewer will feel like they are in the living room of this Orthodox community.  Esther is Shira's sister.  Esther married Yochay and had a baby named Mordecai.  However, Esther died in childbirth.  Yochay is propositioned to marry a widow in Belguim, but Mordecai's grandmother doesn't want Yochay to move away.  So, an idea forms--for Shira to marry her late sister's widower.  Shira is eighteen but still considerably younger than Yochay.  She is torn between her personal interests and the desire to fulfill her family's wishes.  From the cover of the DVD, viewers already know that Shira married Yochay.  However, what is really worth watching is the emotion.  Viewers will be left with their own questions as they ruminate on this movie.  The film is rated PG and it is in Hebrew with English subtitles.

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

Book 2 in the Hunger Games trilogy is as fast paced and suspenseful as the first.  The story begins right where the previous one left off.  There is no time wasted explaining all of book 1, but the reader is able to catch on fairly quickly.  In this saga, the protagonist Katniss is forced to marry Peeta.  Both have professed love for each other on screen to aid in their survival of their first Hunger Games.  However, Katniss is confused as she weighs the feelings she has for Peeta with those of her male friend Gale at home.  When Katniss and Peeta think that violence is over for them, they are pulled once more into their second Hunger Games together.  Readers will discover how Peeta and Katniss make it out alive and what the Districts are doing or not doing to aid in a rebellion against the cruel Capitol.  Can't wait to read Book 3 next!   

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

The popular book 1 trilogy that made history in the box office is a phenomenal read.  The book tells the story of Katniss in Panem.  The Hunger Games are a cruel show where the elite are entertianed when poor people literally fight to the death for extra food rations.  Worst of all, the games are for children.  When Katniss' younger sister is picked for the Hunger Games from the lottery, she volunteers in her place.  Katniss is not the only one from her area who goes.  Peeta, a baker's son, also attends from District 12.  Both play off a love story to win pledges.  With pledges, wealthy people send supplies like food and medicine to contestants in the Hunger Games.  Throughout the story, readers see Katniss fall for Peeta.  Katniss thinks it is all a show for the games but the reader is left wondering if Peeta really loves Katniss.  In the end, there is a huge twist that I will not give away.  All in all, this is an action-packed age-turner.  There is no graphic romance, and the violence in the book is kept to a minimum.

"My Name Is Mahtob" by Mahtob Mahmoody

It is in the early years of life that most people are shaped.  For Mahtob Mahmoody, she had the unfortunate experience of being kidnapped.  Her family was all smiles until her father became an extreme Muslim and brought the family to Iran.  Once in that foreign land, women were expected to cover and obey Sharia Law.  Sadly, Mahtob's mother was the victim of domestic abuse.  By the grace of God, Mahtob and her mother manage to escape to America.  But the story doesn't just end there.  Mahtob continues her tale by writing about her adolescence and adulthood.  The fact that this child could grow up to be so successful and optimistic is a miracle in and of itself.  This book shows how anyone can move on from their ugly past and not let the woes of yesterday affect the sunshine of tomorrow.  

"Instant Happy Journal: 365 Days of Inspiration, Gratitude, and Joy" by Karen Salmansohn

When I first got this journal, I was excited because I like writing.  However, I was a bit cautious from the title.  After all, how can a journal make somebody happy--I mean, truly happy?  But once I started to read and write, I realized this book isn't a one-all cure for those feeling down.  Rather, it is a guide to redirect one's thoughts from negativity to positivist.  Inspirational quotes and discussion prompts force the reader to change his or her frame of mind.  Those who journal in this book will learn how to look on the bright side.  There will be laughs, snickers, and some soul-searching journal entries.  Great gift for the new year.  

"5-Minute Bedtime Treasury" by Precious Moments

This full-color hardcover book is the perfect addition for any bedside bureau.  There is a section of stories on the Old Testament, the New Testament (for Christians), and a chunk of wisdom stories mostly from the books of Psalms / Proverbs.  The language is very simple in big font, so it is good for young readers.  The illustrations are simply adorable from well-known precious moments characters.  From little children praying together to adorable animals traipsing along, each image is too cute for words.  My favorite illustrations are those of the guardian angels.  Youngsters will learn about the parting of the sea, Joseph's multicolored coat, Solomon's wisdom, Christian parables from Jesus, and more.  Popular prayers such as the Our Father and The Lord is My Shepherd are adapted for young ones.  Overall, this is a nice book, and I would argue it is for readers of all ages.  

"The Knot: Outdoor Weddings" by Carley Roney

I am not married, engaged, or otherwise "taken."  So, why did I choose to review this book?  Quite honestly, because the cover had a beautiful flower arrangement...and I love flowers.  Reading through the pages of various outdoor wedding descriptions was great.  However, what I really enjoyed was the full-covered beautiful pictures.  From dresses to flowers to outdoor seating arrangements to food and more, everything is breathtakingly beautiful.  Also interesting is the fact that the author did not just design face, less weddings.  Rather, each theme of outdoor wedding has an actual couple attached to it.  Readers will see real-world examples of what other people did.  There are weddings on the waterfront, in tropical destinations, on country club properties, and more.  In terms of diversity, there are various examples of weddings.  There are interracial couples and even gay couples features.  Religion-wise, there are Christian weddings, Jewish weddings, and a mixed Hindi wedding.  This hefty hardcover book will make a great gift for your bride-to-be.  Best of all, in the back of the book, there is a timeline of advice for what to do 12 months before the wedding, 3 months before the wedding, and all the way to the day-of.

"He's Just Not That Into You" by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

I got this book at a book swap, and it was a fun read.  The chapters are short and rather comical.  But, most of all, the advice it gives is spot on.  Too often, women can stress over whether or not a guy likes them or why a potential mate is acting a certain way.  This book gives the sad reality that most men are simply not interested and are too afraid to say so.  So, if a man does not make a blatant and concentrated effort to contact a woman, odds are he is "just not that into them."  This does not mean the woman is ugly or of poor character.  It just means the guy sees the woman more as a friend than a romantic interest.  I understand this.  I have a close male friend who I hear from once every few months.  This does not upset me in the least because we are just friends.  I am not attracted to him because I am not attracted to Asians; and he is not attracted to me because he likes plump women.  Neither of us are bad-looking or obnoxious--we simply only view the other as friends.  Since we are only friends, the sporadic contact is fine.  If we were romantically involved, it would be unacceptable.  And that's what this book advices.  If a guy is not going out of his way to contact a woman, he only views her as a friend.  However, if a guy has made romantic interests clear but is not going out of his way to contact the woman, the woman ought to dump him.  If I can sum up this book in a phrase, it is, "do not settle."

"You First" by Lea Michele

This is a wonderful journal for all ages.  The book sleeve comes off for those that want a more personalized and less celebrity-driven look.  Inside the pages of the book, readers will first journal about their ancestry and family recipes.  Then they will write about exercise and health / wellness.  There is a section for friendships and relationships.  Then there is goal-setting in general and how to journal about work-related issues.  What I like about this book is that it offers ways to get better.  For instance, instead of just saying "do you think you are healthy?" there are journal entries about "how can you get healthy?  how can you change your diet and exercise habits?".  Afterwards, there are tips from Lea herself.  The writing space is plenty big, and the font is nice in purple cursive.  Overall, this is a very nice journal and would make an excellent gift. 

"Make Every Word Count" by Moshs Doron

This book is all about prayer.  But it's not just about praying repetitious prayer or saying prayers in one's head.  Rather, the book is about praying out loud and from the heart.  After a brief introduction, the book goes into questions and answers.  Some questions are: how does one pray?, what if I don't know what to pray?, why pray if G-d knows our thoughts?, can I pray if I have sinned?, when should I pray?, where should I pray?, and more.  The language is easy to follow and not intimidating.  Furthermore, the book is written for the ordinary person and not some lofty rabbi.  Readers will feel important and valued when they read this book--not judged.  This book is rather small and can be read quickly all at once or just used as a reference guide.  Overall, excellent guide on how to pray from the heart.  To HaShem!  :o)

"On This Foundation" by Lynn Austin

As always, Austin does not disappoint with her historical Biblical fiction.  In this story, readers follow Nehemiah as he leaves his Persian home to rebuild Jerusalem's walls.  He faces both political and spiritual oppression as even those closest to him betray him.  Struggles for power and wealth collide as Nehemiah urges landowners to forgive debts, free bondsmen, and stop charging interest.  Austin doesn't just give Nehemiah's perspective.  She also gives the point-of-view of Nava.   Nava is a bondswoman who must serve six years to help her father pay off debt.  Nava wants to marry Dan but must work as a servant.  Tensions arise when the son of Nava's master sets his sight on Nava and is infatuated with her.  Then there is the perspective of Chana.  Chana is the daughter of a Jerusalem leader.  She is one of the few women working on rebuilding the wall--a man's job.  Furthermore, she is engaged to a wealthy landowner.  The lives of rich and poor are told, and there is the notion of faith woven throughout.  How can one pray when they are sold as a servant?  How can one pray when they are separated from the love of their life?  How can one pray when their sincere attempts to rebuild are thwarted?  Readers will enjoy this lively story that makes the Bible come alive.

"Proverbs Prayers" by John Mason

This little book is stock-full of wisdom.  It is a great holiday gift for any occasion.  The way the book flows, there is a chapter of Proverbs followed by a chapter of prayer.  While I say "chapter," it is really not more than a page or two.  Beyond that, there is an index of sorts in the back that links specific topics to Bible verses.  These topics cover joy, sadness, motivation, and more.  This book is very easy to read on quick breaks on in-between errands on the run.  This book is pretty gender neutral and can be read by men or women.  When the book gets to Proverbs 31, there are separate prayer chapters for men and women since Proverbs 31 deals with marriage.  However, these prayer chapters are written assuming the reader is married and not single.  All in all, great book.

"Horse of my Heart" Edited by Callie Smith Grant

This book  is a collection of short stories (no more than a few pages each) of how horses have impacted lives.  From the wild horse who is eventually tamed to the abused horse who learns to love and more, these stories will warm your heart.  Besides horses, there are even stories about donkeys and mules.  Additionally, there are quotes and pictures and historical notes sprinkled throughout the book.  Should the reader be curious about the individual authors, there are mini-biographies of each writer at the back of the book.  What I loved about this book was how it conveyed horses.  Having ridden and cared for horses before, I know the freedom horses provide.  I also know the emotion and intelligence in their eyes.  This book is a must read for all.   Whether you are a pony-obsessed girl or a macho cowboy, you will find the horse of your heart here.

"God's Smuggler" by Brother Andrew with John and Elizabeth Sherrill

This book really took me by surprise.  I am neither evangelical nor Christian, but I found myself turning the pages and wondering what would happen next.  The book follows the life of Andrew.  Readers experience his childhood, his military life, his time in Indonesia with locals and monkey, his first love, his marriage to an unlikely beau, his conversion to Christianity, and his call to the missions field.  I should note that the parts of the book that focus on Andrew's beau and wife are written in a classy manner.  There is nothing graphic, and it is appropriate even for young readers.  The innocence of true love is conveyed and nothing more.  As for the missions, readers feel as if they are on a CIA mission as they follow Andrew through several communist countries.  Places where Bibles and preaching are illegal make the book even more suspenseful.  Most intriguing of all are the small coincidences that lined up with Andrew's prayers.  This book is a must-read for people of all faiths.  Also included is an interview with Andrew about more of his travels and even a section of photos.  While there are no graphic details, the book does mention people dying, so sensitive readers should be warned.

"Girl Meets Change" by Kristen Strong

This book is all about women not only facing change in their life but also embracing it.  Several Biblical stories such as the story of Joseph, Ruth, and Esther are given as examples.  There is also heavy emphasis on Jesus and his story, giving this book much of a Christian undertone.  In terms of the real-life examples from modern day, those were spot on...for certain people.  The examples were interesting, but they just didn't hit home for me.  Being a young working professional, I could not relate to the change of marriage, divorce, children leaving the home, and so forth.  Still, that does not mean I did not enjoy the book.  The book did hold my attention was kept me thinking about how others in the world are going through so much (even if it is not the same change I am going through).

"The Sabbath" by Abraham Joshua Heschel

This book is an essential must-have for anyone curious about the Sabbath.  In this short book of quick easy-to-follow chapters, readers begin to understand what the Sabbath is all about.  Through carefully woven language, each page is almost a work of art.  Speaking of art, there are beautiful black-and-white illustrations throughout that are quite thought-provoking.  The biggest concept I got out of this book is that the Sabbath is centered around time instead of space.  Space is ordinary, while time is holy.  During the Sabbath, man is blessed with a taste of eternity.

"The Time Garden" by Daria Song

This is a wonderful coloring book for artists of all ages.  While the story follows a girl in her dream thru time and space, females may find this book more suited for them.  Besides the images themselves, there is some text to walk colorers through the story.  The coloring pages themselves are quite intricate and take a bit of time to color--hence the title of TIME garden.  Still, this book is quite relaxing and enjoyable.  Whether there is a rainy day or just an early morning, this book is great for passing the time.  The patterns are intricate enough to make you think what color patterns to use but not so detailed that you get frustrated trying to color in the lines.  On the left is an example that this book reviewer colored.