booksncrannies_official's reviews
88 reviews

An enjoyable book about the five Dudes and the cool stuff they do that continue to bring me (and over 60 million other YouTube subscribers) laughs, fun, or just pure amazement everytime I watch one of their videos. Some parts are written for a younger reading demographic, but nonetheless provides for a fun read. Signing off for this review. Pound it! Noggin! See ya!*



*Watch the end of a Dude Perfect video to understand this seemingly random word choice.

War is a terrible thing. And War Horse effectively depicts the suffering, brutality, and hostility that accompany any conflict such as war. The portrayal of the book's events is told through the eyes of an unlikely character — a horse. I found this approach quite interesting and enjoyed the different narration by a silent (well, except for a few neighs and nickers

"[F]reedom is not free. And for this reason, many brave men and women have sacrificed their lives for this great nation." Out of the Depths is a remarkable first hand account of the worst naval disaster in U.S. history — the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. This moment-by-moment look at this tragic event highlights the valor, strength, and courage the crew of this ship displayed; God's hand of protection, guidance, and goodness is clearly shown to be at work in this event. Through reading Out of the Depths, I have certainly developed a deeper sense of appreciation and gratitude for the many sacrifices the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces make every day so that we can enjoy the many freedoms we so often take for granted. I highly recommend this book! It will definitely be an experience that not only will give you a better appreciation of the service of our many veterans and active military members, but will also show you that God is never absent from directing the affairs of this world.

How Do We Know the Bible Is True? Volume 1 is a relevant and excellent resource on the topic of biblical authority. Offering solid concise answers to many skeptical questions, this volume will be very helpful to anyone seeking to learn more about this topic. I love the simple explanations that are in this book; these answers are based on the authority of the Word of God, not on man-centered explanations. I don't think I have to say it but I will: I absolutely recommend this book!

Compelling... Transcendent... Devastating

Told by a compelling combination of voices, Salt to the Sea brings a terrible maritime disaster to life in a vivid and terrifying way. Sepetys's writing creates a chillingly realistic portrayal of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff. The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of four characters, each with their own unique perspective on the unfolding events. While I found this to be a bit confusing near the beginning of the book (any confusion cleared up rather quickly), this multivoice approach allows the reader to develop a deeper understanding of the characters and the desperation they face. Of course, Alfred didn't get any sympathy from me; he got just what he deserved, right? This novel explores the devastating impact of war on people's lives, both physically and emotionally; and while the details can be a bit depressing or graphic at times, they are tempered with themes of hope and resilience. Transcending national identity, the story focuses on the characters' shared struggle for survival, which adds a layer of emotional depth to the story. Through its many characters, Salt to the Sea explores war's toll on humanity, but despite the bleak circumstances, the characters display moments of hope and compassion. The ending of the book was kind of abrupt (and a tad confusing) but still wraps things up in a decent manner. A compelling novel on the largest maritime disaster in history — "yet the world still knows nothing of it. I often wonder, will that ever change or will it remain just another secret swallowed by war?"

And Then There Were None is a great mystery book.
Please start to read it and then you'll be hooked.

And Then There Were None provides a solidly constructed and excellently paced mystery. I was hooked from the very beginning by the heavily layered suspense and intrigue; it's like the story just reached out and grabbed me! The closed island setting and the constant threat of murder work perfectly to create a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere. Giving them distinct personalities and motivations, Christie masterfully crafts the ten characters in this novel. All ten characters have secrets from their past (what connection do these secrets hold?), making then suspicious yet sympathetic figures. (That sinister nursery rhyme.... *cringe*

'Knight’s Fee' packages a historically accurate plot with deep, realistic, and well defined characters. While I found this novel to be a bit hard to follow at first, the details clear up and an exciting, absorbing story emerges. The main characters, Randal and Bevis, are so clearly developed and defined in their emotions, dialogue, and actions that the reader will feel a personal and loveable connection to them as they grow up in the ten years the novel covers. This connection makes the ending of this novel even more emotional and heartfelt. Seamlessly weaved together with the years surrounding the Marbray revolt in 1095, 'Knight’s Fee' includes epic moments from this chapter in history. This exciting novel written by a master storyteller is a great piece of literature that I thoroughly enjoyed.

An enduring classic about America's favorite collie, 'Lassie Come-Home' takes readers on captivating journey of danger, hurt, persistence, and hope. This tale is told by many characters whom Lassie comes across on her journey, giving the reader a broad and dynamic narrative. Eric Knight writes the dialogue of this story in the native dialect of the different regions of Britain; this technique adds a solid base of realism to the story. Although a relatively serious story, a few characters add a humorous tone to the story when they make their appearance. The denouement is touching and satisfying. This excellent tale is realistically written in its portrayal of Lassie on her journey home. To her boy.

'Kensuke’s Kingdom' is a magnificent contemporary odyssey full of discovery, and adventure. The story's realistic situation and powerful plot drew me right into the book. As the plot thickens, the story becomes very thought-provoking both to main character and reader. A dazzling adventure of a boy's voyage of discovery, 'Kensuke’s Kingdom' makes for a very enjoyable read.

A testament to the human capacity to endure, 'Buddy' was a touching tale about the friendship between a boy and his dog. Hurricane Katrina provided the backdrop for the story. This catastrophe forces the characters to make many decisions that will be a life-changing. The theme of the story was clearly illustrated: even though we don't realize it, God has a plan that He is working out for our lives. 'Buddy' is a well structured story. The storm of the century... the friendship of a lifetime.