A Girl of the Limberlost

A Girl of the Limberlost

by: Gene Stratton-Porter

Genre: Historical Fiction/Inspirational/Romance/Young Adult

Rating: Y

Content: Clean

Summary:  (from goodreads)

Set amid Indiana's vast Limberlost Swamp, this treasured children's classic mixes astute observations on nature with the struggles of growing up in the early 20th century. Harassed by her mother and scorned by her peers, Elnora Comstock finds solace in natural beauty — along with friendship, independence, and romance.

Personal Review:

Someone gave this book to my sister while I was in high school, that was the first time I read it. It became one of my favorites and has remained so ever since. I would borrow it from my sister for years at a time until recently when I discovered that the ebook was free on the Kindle. Cool Fact: this book was published in 1909, something I didn't realize till recently. I always thought it was just a historical fiction but turns out it was contemporary during its time. Why do I love this book so much? Let’s see, it is well written, the characters are well developed, the setting really comes to life, you get to watch a girl turn into a remarkable young women, and spoiler alert she end ups with an amazing man.

-Felicity

If you like this you may also like:

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter

Sum It Up

Review by Felicity

Sum It Up: 1,098 Victories, a Couple of Irrelevant Losses, and a Life in Perspective

by: Pat Summitt, Sally Jenkins

Genre: Sports/Non Fiction/Autobiography/Inspirational

Rating: Y 12

Content:  I do not remember specifics but overall yes I believe this book is clean

Summary:  (from goodreads)

Pat Summitt, the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history and bestselling author of Reach for the Summitt and Raise The Roof, tells for the first time her remarkable story of victory and resilience as well as facing down her greatest challenge: early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Personal Review:

As soon as I was introduced to the world of basketball in 7th grade I became a big fan of the Lady Vols and their head coach Pat Summitt. I recently found this book in the library. I was not disappointed, Pat Summitt is an amazing women and I have only come to respect and idolize her more, the more I learn about her. This book shows Pat Summitt’s struggles and successes not only on the basketball court but with Alzheimer’s as well. When I grow up I want to be like her.

- Felicity

If you like this you may also like:

Reach for the Summit by Pat Summitt, Sally Jenkins

Coach: Lessons on the Game of Life by Michael Lewis

The Bronze Bow

Review by Curry

The Bronze Bow

by: Elizabeth George Speare

Rating: Y

Genre: Historical Fiction, Inspirational, Young Readers, Young Adult

Content: Mild Violence

Summary: (from goodreads)

This gripping, action-packed novel tells the story of eighteen-year-old Daniel bar Jamin—a fierce, hotheaded young man bent on revenging his father’s death by forcing the Romans from his land of Israel. Daniel’s palpable hatred for Romans wanes only when he starts to hear the gentle lessons of the traveling carpenter, Jesus of Nazareth. A fast-paced, suspenseful, vividly wrought tale of friendship, loyalty, the idea of home, community . . . and ultimately, as Jesus says to Daniel on page 224: “Can’t you see, Daniel, it is hate that is the enemy? Not men. Hate does not die with killing. It only springs up a hundredfold. The only thing stronger than hate is love.” A powerful, relevant read in turbulent times.

Personal Review:

This book won the Newbery award in 1962 and rightfully so. This is a great book for all ages. Elizabeth George Speare is great at writing realistic historical fiction books. I loved this book because it is both exciting and touching. This is also a great book for boys (cause we all know that it can difficult to find books for boys.)  Read it!

-Curry

If you liked this you might also like:

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Secret Journal of Brett Colton

Review by heyes

The Secret Journal of Brett Colton 
by Kay Lynn Mangum



Genre: Romance, Drama, LDS Fiction, 


Personal Rating: Y.

Content Review: Religion: Some Latter-Day Saint/Christian Themes

Short Summary: This is the story of sixteen year old Kathy Colton, who resents her deceased brother that succumbed to cancer when she was a toddler. Her family seems to think that he was perfect and doesn't have time for her. She happens upon his journal that he left specifically for her. Through reading his experiences and through her own in tutoring popular football player, Jason, who happens to be a Mormon, she learns the importance of family, friends and nurturing faith. 

Personal Review: Don't worry no spoliers. I really loved this book. You can see Kathy's life change from being cynical and unhappy at home with her family to seeing her really see things in a different light and being grateful for what and who she has. You don't have to be Mormon or LDS to like this book. But have a box of kleenex nearby.

-heyes

If you like this book you might also like:
A Love Like Lily by Kay Lynn Mangum
Just One Wish by Janette Rallison
Charly by Jack Weyland