💖A Year of Book Reviews (2023)

A Year of Book Reviews (2023)

January 2023 Edition

Makeda: The Queen of Sheba

The African fantasy tale: Makeda: The Queen of Sheba (50 pages, 2021, kindle edition) by Marlon McKenney is about the rise of Princess Makeda of Sheba to the throne as queen. Set in 1500 B.C.E., with beautiful CGI-style illustrations that create a unique vibrant flair. The storyline is engaging and refreshing with an adventurous young heroine.

The legendary Queen of Sheba (also known as Queen of the South) renowned as a skilled diplomat, wise, and a powerful queen in a time of kings. The Bible speaks of her: “And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions” (KJV Holy Bible 1 Kings 10:1).

Many Ethiopians claim this queen as their own. There is some geo-historical rivalry with Yemen who also claim this queen. However, it is quite possible her ancient kingdom included both present day Ethiopia and Yemen. An enjoyable read!

Book Quotes:

“Traders from Egypt, Greece, Persia, and India would come from hundreds of miles by land and sea to visit the beautiful city.”

“Fact, fiction, or religious icon, The Queen of Sheba will always be a symbol of royalty, beauty, and a powerful woman in control of her own destiny.”

February 2023 Edition

Christian Marriage

The book: Christian Marriage 101 Tips for a Healthy Marriage by Pastor Joey Bauer (123 pages, 2014, kindle edition) is a short and insightful look at the institution of marriage . The author provides biblical scriptures and personal examples to highlight topics such as, dating and forgiveness in marriage. This is a good book for married couples or those who are considering marriage.

On the topic of marriage please let me add my two cents. For believers, we must remember to not derive our self-worth from our martial status. Be it married, single, widow, or divorced. There are some people who will not marry due to the specific call on their lives and that’s okay (see Jeremiah 16:1-2 King James Version (KJV) Holy Bible). Or, the time-table you set for marriage may not be time-table the Lord has in mind (Consider Sarah in Genesis 18:12-15 King James Version (KJV) Holy Bible). The desire for marriage should not become an idol in your life. Instead, seek the Lord in prayer about your potential for marriage and ask for guidance. And educate yourself on marriage by reading this book!

Book Quotes:

“We cannot keep blaming each other in our marriages, we must take responsibility of our own actions and go from there.”

“Don’t stop dating each other in your marriage.”

“A listening ear is better than a mouth that flatters.”

March 2023 Edition

Little Imperfections

Peet shares about his life growing up average height in a family of little people in the book: Little Imperfections: A Tall Tale of Growing Up Different by Peet Montzingo & Rockwell Sands (2022, kindle edition). He talks of his love of music, health issues related to dwarfism, ADHD, and his parents divorce. The book has a nice storyline and cute illustrations. The author is also a YouTuber who often includes his mother in his humorous videos. They have such a loving and fun bond that is beautifully captured in the videos!

Book Quotes:

“I didn’t realize I was different growing up I thought every house was full of tiny things.”

“We are all different, and in this together.”

April 2023 Edition

Brown Girl Rising: A Poetry Memoir

Michele LaMar-Thomas has birthed an engaging book: Brown Girl Rising: A Poetry Memoir (2022, 59 pages, kindle edition). This short but powerful read covers several topics such as family, love, faith, politics, and grief. Some favorite poems from the book include: Sisters, Texas, we have a problem, Epic, The Blessings of a Grandfather, and Sassy Lady. A very enjoyable read!

Some favorite lines of poetry:

“Who else can tell my truth?”

“Reminiscing of countless sunrises”

“The people discern your hypocrisy”

“Poetry is silent like stars in night’s sky”

May 2023 Edition

Haiti: The First Black Republic

The mountainous island of Ayiti in the West Indies was the home of the Taino people. During its early years it had an abundance of gold that would later be coveted by invaders. The island would go through many changes including slavery, revolt, and independence of the African population. Learn more in the book: Haiti: The First Black Republic by Frantz Derenoncount, Jr. (33 pages, 2016, kindle edition). The book is well written and highlights important facts in Haitian history. It has good illustrations and a fun facts section at the end. This inspirational read can be enjoyed by both children and adults. A valuable addition for your home library!

Book Quotes:

“The slaves that escaped to the mountains were called Maroons.”

“Toussaint led the revolutionary army, along with his top officers, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and Henri Christophe.”

“My mission for this book is to establish a sense of pride in black youth all over the world.”

June 2023 Edition

The Female Prophets of the Bible

The Female Prophets of the Bible: Who Were They, and What Did They Have to Say? (76 pages, 2018, kindle edition) by Rev. Debra Moody Bass is a short but powerful book. It gives a general overview of eight biblical prophetess: Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Anna, and the four daughters of Philip the evangelist. Their callings are found in both the Old and New Testament.

The writing is approachable and concise with scripture references and bible scholars’ commentary within the text. The author includes a bibliography and endnotes which is beneficial for deeper study. A great read!

Book Quotes:

“She is one of three female characters in God’s plan to deliver the Hebrews from Egyptian oppression…”

“However, after 13 references to Israel’s apostasy, God had no choice but to allow Israel’s enemies to defeat her.”

“Scholars disagree on why Huldah was chosen.”

“Anna was a part of a believing remnant from the northern kingdom…”

“Examples of heroines and anointed women called by God to do God’s bidding continue to reinforce the fact that God is no respector of persons (Ruth, Esther).”

July 2023 Edition

Homeopathic Medicine

Homeopathic Medicine: The Complete Guide to Homeopathic Medicine and Treatment of Common Disorders by Christine Adams M.D.-Ph.D. (2014, 181 pages, kindle edition) is a good introduction to homeopathic medicine. The book covers its early history, modern methods, and natural remedies for common ailments. The author is a MD/PhD who gives informative and clear explanations. A very good read!

Book Quote:

“The jury is still out regarding the relative effectiveness of homeopathy and some kinds of conventional medical treatment, but it is not the “open and shut” case that the critics of homeopathic medicine suggest.”

August 2023 Edition

World War III: The United States Of America Vs China And Russia

Do you need a good book to read with all that’s happening on the world stage? The book: World War III: The United States Of America Vs China And Russia (2022, 78 pages, kindle edition) is a brief overview of the historical context and geopolitics of a potential World War III. It begins with factors that contributed to the first two world wars, that were primarily European-on-European nation-state violence, with global consequences. Other topics include: the natural resources of China and Russia, anti-German sentiments in America, leadership, money safe havens, and the economy.

The author provides an interesting political opinion on three possible outcomes for how WW III would play out. There is also a fun fact about former President Trump’s paternal history. A good read!

Book Quotes:

“This book was designed to help others comprehend what it means to be at war.”

“China and Russia are viewed as major long-term competitors of the United States.”

“The United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany. At this point, the Second World War officially begun.”

September 2023 Edition

My Little Golden Book About Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) was an amazingly talented artist. Her work is known for its use of bold colors and pays homage to her Mexican heritage. Read more about her in the book: My Little Golden Book About Frida Kahlo by Silvia Lopez & Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri (2021, 24 pages, kindle edition). This mini biography explores her childhood, life as an artist, marriage, and health issues that would challenge her until death. It has a great storyline and beautiful illustrations. A wonderful book! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th – October 15th)!

Book Quotes:

“She wanted to be a doctor, although at the time, girls were not always encouraged to study.”

“He knew his daughter was smart.”

“And she threw a party on every Mexican holiday!”

October 2023 Edition

Not On My Watch

I had not heard of “The Activist Mommy” prior to coming across her book: Not On My Watch: How to Win the Fight for Family, Faith, and Freedom by Elizabeth Johnston (2019, 224 pages). I am glad to have read this one. The author provides a conservative Christian perspective on issues that include: social Marxism, transgender bathroom directives, and abortion. Her activism has taken the form of sit-ins, protest events, counseling, and burning a Teen Vogue magazine in an effigy video that went viral.

The author describes experiences with social media bullying, censorship, and how she landed in Facebook jail. She remembers how a troll sent “a rejection letter from Jesus” for her views. She makes good points about social media censorship of opposing viewpoints. Interestingly enough, recent U.S. congressional hearings allege collusion between Big Tech social media companies and federal law enforcement agencies to censor the online voices of some Americans to create a political driven echo chamber.

The book’s style of language is not mean or hateful, it’s just firm in her religious beliefs. Although, she does take a couple of digs here and there. It has good writing, humor, and references to biblical scripture. I will point out one critique in that the author does a bit of romanticism of early American History and the founding fathers. We must remember sin and hypocrisy existed then as well in the full context of the time period.

I appreciate reading political works be it left, right, or center of the aisle. This book proved to be a good addition to that diverse political perspective. A very good read!

Book Quotes:

“Some men are too prideful or intimidated to recognize a call on a woman’s life, but not you.”

“The edict implicitly threatened that schools that didn’t obey King Obama’s radical social agenda would then lose federal funding and risk becoming the subjects of lawsuits.”

‘I made fun of their objectifying vagina costumes and their double standard of intolerance for diverse views.”

“One of the most powerful things we did was threaten to sue the schools for pandering obscenity to minors.”

November 2023 Edition

French Cooking

French Cooking For Beginners: 75+ Classic Recipes to Cook Like a Parisian by François de Mélogue (2020, 225 pages, kindle edition) is a lovely cookbook that has easy to follow instructions and displays the author’s down to earth writing. There are some photos, but not for each recipe. Easily forgiven, because the author gives so many useful cooking tips and historical tidbits. This book is sure to inspire your own inner French home chef!

Book Quotes:

“Quiche originated in the Lorraine region of northeast France on the border of Germany and Belgium.”

“I grew up in Chicago, living life on the fence between two cultures: French and American.”

“Soups and stews are perfect marriages; they are the union of many different flavors that need time to develop and grow together as one.”

December 2023 Edition

House Calls for the Holidays

Charity and Sawyer are both on healing journeys from broken hearts. They have a chance encounter in which a “je ne sais quoi” feeling lingers for both of them. Could the spirit of Christmas be telling them something? And will they listen? To learn more about their story read: House Calls for the Holidays: Puppies for Christmas by Christian romance author Pat Simmons (2022, 82 pages, kindle edition).

This is a cute short story with a clean faith based romance, good writing, and a sweet storyline. It has all the vibes of a Hallmark holiday movie! 💕❄️⛄

🎄Book Quotes:

“She didn’t think she would still be single at thirty-five years old.”

“He’s my grand dog.”

“God’s timing isn’t always ours. Sometimes we have to wait.”