Thursday, November 19, 2009

White Picket Fences - A Book Review


Oh I have failed. I have failed miserably. I made a promise to Waterbrook Press that I would read and post about the books they are sending me. I have been good on my word - until last week. And then with the trip to California, and seeing my little grandboy, and bringing them all home with me to live for a while - well, I guess life just got in the way.

And that's not an excuse. But it is a reason.

So I am a week late.

And worse, I haven't even finished the book.

Regardless, I am going to share my opinion of this book because it is a good one. Really.

White Picket Fences is a novel written by Susan Meissner. It is a story about a family that seems to have it all together on the outside. But guess what? They are a lot like my family - and maybe even your family. They have issues.

Now, as I have said I have not finished the book - in fact I am still in the first third of the pages. But I am mesmerized by it. Honestly. It is different. It is attention grabbing. It is page-turning. It is edgy. I am captivated by Susan's writing style - it is beautiful.

Sometimes I hear people say they don't like reading Christian literature because the style is all the same. Goody goody. Predictable. Not gripping enough to stay with. If you are one of those - you will be pleased - really, really pleased with this book. I challenge you to read this book. In fact I double dog dare you to check it out!

One of the most interesting things about it is the way the storyline parallels the story of the Holocaust. I won't say anymore because, well, you just need to read it for yourself.

And WaterBrook Press has given me a copy to give away. So today if you will leave me a comment telling me what YOU are busy with in life right now - I will put you in a drawing that will take place on Monday - after Thanksgiving.

And speaking of Thanksgiving, I am working on a post about making Pumpkin Rolls. Hopefully I will have that up soon, assuming of course that life doesn't interfere again!

If you don't want to wait to see if you can win a copy - buy one here, here, or here.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

8 comments:

Donnetta said...

It sounds very interesting.

What am I busy with?

Homeschooling a 6th grader, chasing a 20 month old, working with an 8th grader on Science projects, getting my hubby to and from work while waiting on my car to be back in commission (I'm using his during the day) and trying to keep on top of anything else that might surface. Well, what else is there? LOL

So nice you had time with your family!!

Unknown said...

Sounds like another great recommendation from you, Robin. You should see my book list :)

I am busy with selling the house, making Christmas gifts, packing stuff, and trying to keep up with 2 of my boys finishing their first semester of college and my husband who is currently living 3 states away :( We're also buying a car, selling a car, and still keeping track of my post-op boy. Busy, busy, busy.

But NEVER too busy to read :)

Sherry said...

You caught my attention with the word "Holocaust" and I am intrigued already!

I am busy getting ready for my first grandchild! I know that my daughter is the one really doing all the preparing, but I can't help but feel a part of it and am dying to hold my precious Gwen! Did I say MY precious Gwen?! Somehow she seems to belong to me in ways I can't explain. I am also recovering from recent cancer surgery and that has really put a kink in my holiday and grandbaby preparations!

Stacy Fisher said...

me busy????

let's see, can you say BASKETBALL? :o) Taylor practices tues and thurs in notus at 5:30, games on saturday...EVERY saturday! Dalton practices every night from 6 to 8pm unless they can get the gym early AT 6 AM!!! His games are scattered throughout the week, sometimes tues, sometime weds...sometimes...well you get the picture!

i have been needing a new book to read, this one sounds great!

Anonymous said...

Hmmm.. Sounds like a good Christmas break read. I am busy with 47 5/6 year olds, a one year old baby, a home, and other various projects I have going on. But you already knew all that :). I just want the book! :)

Andrea

Nancy said...

Sounds like a good book!! What am I busy with...teaching school, grading papers, planning and preparing yearbook pages (32 due the end of November, 56 due the end of December), getting ready for Thanksgiving, planning a children's Christmas program for church, playing with grandchildren when I get the chance (which isn't often enough!), making time to read good books, and--most of all--ENJOYING LIFE!!! I love reading your blog, and I'd love the chance to win this book!! :) Thanks for taking the time to share a bit of your life with us!

Dawn said...

Busy with little people hanging on my legs, causing delightful chaos in my house, learning to talk, making life worthwhile! Catching up after being gone the better part of two weeks. Rehearsing for the community chorale Christmas concert, trying to start thinking about Christmas shopping - ugh! Trying to figure out how to decorate for Christmas with 20 little fingers eagerly taking down everything I put up. Fun times ahead!

Janice said...

Busy trying not to lose my mind. Have you seen it lately? If so, can you send back my way? (SERIOUSLY, I am LOSING it) On top of working fulltime, dealing with broken bones, hurt knees, and twisted ankles, HS basketball, HS choir, HS drama, MS basketball, and pre-teen drama from my 10-year old. Please don't even MENTION Christmas yet. I'm starting to get the shakes!

Something is wrong with that picture. Christmas should be fun. :(