Run with Me: The Story of a U.S. Olympic Champion by Sanya Richards-Ross

 

Run with Me: The Story of a U.S. Olympic Champion

by Sanya Richards-Ross

For as long as four-time Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross can remember, life has been measured in seconds—the fewer, the better.


The Jamaican-American sprinter has been a star track and field athlete since she first began racing, ranking No. 1 in the world and bringing home Olympic and World Championship accolades. A role model for runners around the world, Sanya’s For as long as four-time Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross can remember, life has been measured in seconds—the fewer, the better.

Another autobiography about famous athletes from this publisher, Run With Me is as excellent as the others. This one is about Sanya Richards-Ross and is incredibly inspiring. I absolutely loved reading about this talented runner's life. I appreciated how the book included much about her faith. in fact, the whole book is written around key points of living a life of faith. Readers of all ages will greatly enjoy this book. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.


The Jamaican-American sprinter has been a star track and field athlete since she first began racing, ranking No. 1 in the world and bringing home Olympic and World Championship accolades. A role model for runners around the world, Sanya’s incredible success is matched only by her spirit both on and off the track.


From her early days running in Jamaica to her final race, Sanya shares the importance of determination, courage and faith. She uses the 4 Ps—push, pace, position and poise—a model created by her coach, Clyde Hart, to approach and tackle every obstacle. In her book, Sanya reveals how these strategies have helped her and will help kids learn how to run their best race in life

Grounded Hearts book review

Grounded Hearts

by Jeanne M. Dickson 

I was excited to get this book to read and review because I absolutely love books set in World War 2. I am not a big fan of romance novels (partially because I don't believe them helpful or edifying for the reader's life) but in the past I have discovered a few romances set in World War 2 which I have enjoyed. Grounded Hearts is set in Ireland and the story revolves around an Irish midwife, Nan and a wounded RAF pilot whom she gives shelter to. However, the romance was badly done. A good romance novel weaves romance with purpose, making the romance the result of many interesting events. However, this book focuses on the romance, with the excitement and adventure taking a secondary position.             Besides, the romance is pretty intense and cheap. From the second chapter, the woman is attracted to this wounded pilot and is tempted in various ways by his presence in her home. The author's motives in including every thought and temptation experienced by Nan is questionable. 

Although this is not a terribly sinful romance, it still is cheap. When one reads a book, one doesn't want to know that the heroine had every possible thought and temptation about the wounded soldier in her home. We want to admire the woman in the story. We want powerful characters who overcome sin and temptation and eventually discover they love each other. Not two humans attracted to each other simply....because. This is probably a confusing review. On a spiritual aspect, Nan is Catholic and there is a strong emphasis on how her sins (even of thoughts) have to be confessed to the Priest (who is not the best character, by the way). There is a good picture of how Catholicism is not true redemption and salvation from sin. Note how I am not expecting the main characters to be perfect, Catholic or Christian. I want to emphasize this. But either way, I would expect stronger characters in a book of this sort. For instance, this story would make a terrible movie. Every scene would be either of sexual temptation (thoughts or actions) or kissing scenes. Thankfully nothing worse, but still. Seriously. Who wants to watch such a story? There is some action, but it is useless when paired with such romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

Hiding From The Kids in My Prayer Closet by Jessica Kastner

Hiding From The Kids in My Prayer Closet by Jessica Kastner

 This is one of the most humorous and real books on motherhood I have ever read! Throughout the whole book, I laughed aloud. Yet I also was impressed that each chapter finishes with deeper thoughts and applications. The author seems to have a balanced perspective on life and motherhood! She knows (for the most part- none of us are perfect!) when to laugh and when to ponder what God is teaching her.

Personally, I could never relate to Jessica's personality motherhood-wise. Sound confusing? Simply: Jessica never dreamed of getting married and having babies and wasn't really attracted by infants or children. I am quite the opposite. My 7th birthday party was a cute ''baby shower'' theme, with things for my baby doll. Somehow, I've always felt the need to marry and have children. Nevertheless, I was able to chuckle over Jessica's unusual character. I loved how she allowed God to change her and make her a fun and loving mom. In this book, she is honest and humble and gives mothers a new perspective on what parenting is all about.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Finding grace and laughter when motherhood gets real

Soon after Jessica Kastner became a mother, she wondered if she was the only mom who found pretend play more boring than watching playdough harden and who dreaded yet another friend's Instagram post of homemade deliciousness.

In Hiding from My Kids in the Prayer Closet, Kastner shares her experience as an "unmom"-a mom who loves her kids more than she loves the daily experience of mothering. She helps readers laugh at the ridiculous, delight in the unpredictable, and enjoy being the mothers God made them to be.

Jessica Kastner is an award-winning journalist and a contributor for the Christian Broadcasting Network's CBN.com, Beliefnet.com, and the Huffington Post's Christianity blog. As Connecticut's coordinator for Straight Ahead Ministries, she shares God's message of hope by leading Bible studies in juvenile detention centers. When she's not on the trampoline with her three boys in Connecticut, Jessica shares her unapologetically "real" commentary on the Christian life at www.JessicaKastner.com.