Stand by Me By Neta Jackson

Book Description by Booksneeze.com

Sometimes the person you most need is the one least like you.

Kathryn Davies is a bright young woman from a prominent Phoenix family. But after making a leap of faith at a Christian music fest, dropping out of med school, and moving to inner city Chicago, her family has all but disowned her. Kat’s enthusiasm for her newfound faith tempers the sting of their rejection.

When Kat discovers SouledOut Community Church, she longs to become a part of the multi-cultural church family. But her tendency to say whatever she’s thinking and her eccentric ways step on the toes of nearly everyone she meets—especially Avis Douglass, a woman she admires but who seems distant.

Avis is known for her mature faith and her reliance on listening to God more than people. Married to a kind and successful businessman, she is the principal of one of Chicago’s highest performing elementary schools, and a founding and active member of SouledOut. But the country’s economic downturn has thrown both her and her husband’s jobs in question. And Avis hasn’t heard from her youngest daughter in months—an estrangement that gnaws at her every day. Where is God in all this?

Kat’s flamboyant zeal for living a “radical” Christian life is a stark contrast to Avis’s quiet crisis of faith. But in God’s own mysterious ways, the two women discover they need each other in ways neither of them expected.

My Comments :

I was attracted to the cover of 'Stand by Me' by Neta Jackson. I thought the story might be unique and one of a kind. I was sorely disappointed though as it was not really what I thought it would be.

Initially, I thought that the book would be lighthearted and funny with bits of drama here and there, considering how bright and upbeat the cover is, but it was the other way around. The book brought up a lot of depressing issues and while the author brought up great points to ponder upon, I find the book rather preachy
.
Don't get me wrong. This book is quite inspiring in a way. It teaches us the real meaning of being a Christian, submitting to God's plan and wills and whatnot, but I don't suppose that this book is for me.

You might want to give this book a try if you like self-help fiction with a leisurely pace. I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher via Booksneeze.com and I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Myths and legends of Singapore by Pugalenthi Sr.

Synopsis

The legacy of myths and legends of this island-city is brilliantly recorded by imaginative story-telling. Stories that have been kept alive only by word of mouth are now collated for the first time for your reading pleasure, Each story reveals another enthralling landmark in the history of Singapore. This anthology is an attempt to give this generation and the coming generations of SIngaporeans an almost complete reference point ti nurture their roots and arouse their imagination of ancient Singapore. This book will be a thrilling eye-opener for Singaporeans of all ages. Adventure into the rich heritage of SIngapore

(Source : back flap of the book)

My Comments :

It's certainly wonderful to have this collection of myths and legends in print for future generation. I foound many stories that I read when I was young in this book. When I read it was in Bahasa Malaysia. This English verson certainly did not dimished the quality of the stories told.

This book is a keep sake.

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

Please forgive me for I have not updated this blog for over a month. A lot happened during this time. I have read many books during this period and some I find that it's a waste of my time and space to blog about it here.

Anyway, I "encountered" this book titled "Shantaram" which I feel that I must note it down in this humble blog of mine.

I bought it from The Big Bad Wolf Sale 2011. In the beginning I was reluctant to buy this book as it has 936 pages. I was doubtful whether I have the patience to read it till this end. However, I bought it due to recommendation of a friend whose taste in books I trusted.

The story is about an escape convict, Lin, who managed escape from a maximum security prison in Australia and made his way to Bombay. Being a foreigner there, he was game to immerse himself to their culture. Hence begins his venture to the Bombay under world

In the beginning he was accompanied by his faithful friend Prabaker whom he just met. With Prabaker as his guide, they venture into the world of beggars, slums, prostitute and eventually Lin got involved with wars.

In Bombay, Lin also met the woman that stolen his heart.

I find that this story is very captivating with exception on the war part.

what kept me hooked to this book is the story of the author himself. He was actually imprisoned in Australia and he escaped. He spent 10 of his fugitive years in Bombay. The story of Lin is sounded very similar to the life story of the author.  I can't help thinking that maybe some of the events in the book are based on true story instead of fictional.

 I would recommend you to grab a copy for yourself if you can. It's that good!