In So Many Words

What Happened to Hannah by Mary Kay McComas is one of those truly satisfying novels that engages both your heart and your imagination from beginning to end.

Hannah Benson fled her abusive home as a teenager and has worked hard to move past the pain and dysfunction that defined her early life. Now the owner of a small insurance company, she is surprised one day by a phone call informing her that her mother and sister are both dead, leaving a niece, Anna, to her care.

Read the rest of my review at 5 Minutes for Books.

Asperger Awareness: A Key To Success For IT And Technical Managers is a great introduction to the benefits and challenges that can arise when managing employees with Asperger’s or Asperger’s traits.

Although directed at those in the IT and technical areas, the information can certainly be applied to varying degrees in other settings (in fact, I think I may pass it on to my boss the next time she is in town!). As one of the reviewers put it, “Diversity once understood and valued can only enhance productivity and knowledge.”

Plowright opens the book with a description of what Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is and also references the informal Autism Quotient (AQ) test developed by Simon Baron-Cohen to look for AS tendencies. As he points out, many individuals who gravitate to technical areas of work may have high AQ scores, or AS tendencies, even if not diagnosed with Asperger’s.

The labels aren’t as important as recognizing that people who have these tendencies often bring similar strengths and challenges to the working environment and will perform best when those are taken into account. Some of the strengths may be:

• Problem-solving ability
• Perfectionism (yes, this can be a good thing, especially in a technical environment!)
• Persistence
• Intelligence
• Independent thinking and interdisciplinary insights
• Honesty
• Loyalty
• Focus and Attention to Detail

Of course, any of these could also be perceived as a weakness, such as when direct honesty comes across as arrogance. The author provides a number of examples of how AS traits could be aggravated by conditions within an office environment, such as extreme focus making it difficult to deal with too many demands or the sudden addition of new tasks, or with perfectionism causing deadlines to be missed.

He continues with a discussion on how to optimize an employee’s ability to work by reducing the stress caused by his or her innate tendencies. “The keys to reducing work related stress,” he says, “are order, clarity, interest, and autonomy.” I couldn’t agree more!

Many individuals who do quite well as part of a technical team face much greater challenges when given a management role. While acknowledging that this may not be a good move for everyone, Plowright offers some suggestions for how to handle a new supervisory role, including using a mentor to give some guidance during the transition period (and beyond, if needed).

I would highly recommend Asperger Awareness to anyone who is in management, especially those in areas that attract a higher number of individual with Asperger’s or AS traits. It could also be helpful to the individuals with AS themselves to assist in identifying their own strengths and challenges and give them some direction on what types of accommodations could improve their working experience and output.

Thank you to the author for providing a review copy of this book at no charge and with no expectations regarding the content of the review.

In this introduction to apologetics for today’s Christian teen or young adult, Bill Giovannetti posits that the “core beliefs of the Christian faith have become today’s four letter words.”

We live in a culture where confidently stating what you believe is often labeled as narrow-minded intolerance rather than as an expression of personal faith. Giovannetti maintains that “we must respect and tolerate those with whom we disagree. But we still get to disagree and say so.”

Read the rest of my review, and enter to win a free copy of the book, at 5 Minutes for Books.

Gun Games is the twentieth title in the Decker/Lazarus series by best-selling author Faye Kellerman. Peter Decker is an LAPD detective whose wife, Rina Lazarus, often ends up solving cases with him. They are also Orthodox Jews, with Peter having returned to his Jewish roots after meeting Rina.

Although I have read a few of the books in this series, it has been a while and I am a bit fuzzy on the details of their lives. That didn’t stop me from being pulled into this story, however.

Read the rest of my review at 5 Minutes for Books.

Mornings with Jesus is the perfect devotional for a busy woman. The entries are short, just one page each, but they offer a chance to start the day by focusing on the Word and how it applies in our lives.

The book was compiled by Guideposts and features writings from seven Christian women and authors. Each entry includes a thought for the day based on a Bible verse, along with a short prayer related to the topic. The devotional for January 28th, based on Revelation 12:10, touched on something that I’m sure many of us have dealt with – guilt. Here’s an excerpt:

I know we’re all human, we’re all imperfect. And yet I find myself striving to do absolutely everything right. When I fail, or when I fail someone I care about, it eats away at me. I don’t think about how I can learn from my mistakes; instead, I revisit what I did wrong, over and over again….But if I remember Jesus’ victory and love, the guilt and accusations melt away.

So true, at least for me. How easy it is to get trapped in a loop of shame or regret over something we’ve done, and what a great reminder to accept the forgiveness that we are offered so freely from the Lord.

Mornings with Jesus is available at Amazon.com (the cover is a bit different but the book is the same). I also have one extra copy to give away to a lucky (or should I say, blessed) reader! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on Friday, February 3rd. The winner will be drawn randomly and contacted by email for a mailing address. Giveaway is closed – the winner is Janet Jackson.

Thank you to Litfuse and Guideposts for the review copy of this book plus another to give away! Visit the blog tour page to read what others are saying.

It’s been a good month for reading. I am starting to get into ebooks a bit more, although it’s still disconcerting at times not to have the feel a real book gives you.

I have posted a few more reviews at 5 Minutes for Books since last month’s post. My favorite was a short novel by teaching pastor Stephen Arterburn called The Encounter – very powerful story. I also really enjoyed Susan May Warren’s new novel The Shadow of Your Smile and got in some useful nonfiction reading with 7 Money Rules for Life by Mary Hunt.

My most recent read was Gun Games by Faye Kellerman. Loved it, although I know it won’t be to everyone’s taste! While I’m still writing up that review, here are my thoughts of some of the other books I’ve read over the last month:

The Litigators by John Grisham – Not as gripping or fast-paced as some other Grisham books, but had some enjoyable moments. I’m not sure what it was specifically, but I just didn’t find that the characters or their problems pulled me in as much as I usually find with his stories. Still highly recommended compared to much of what is out there, just not my favorite of his. 3 out of 5 stars.

Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata (2005 Newbery Medal Winner) – The writing seemed flat to me, and the outcome of the book seemed a foregone conclusion. Perhaps it might have been a better short story – the only part I really liked what the description of the word “kira-kira” in the beginning of the book. 1 out of 5 stars.

The Baker’s Wife by Erin Healy – Tough book to review, as my opinion on it kept changing. There’s something about Healy’s writing that kept me coming back even when I wasn’t sure I would pick the book up again. I found the characters of Audrey and Diane to be mesmerizing, while the rest seemed woefully underdeveloped by comparison. I thought there would be much more of a sense of urgency throughout the book as well, but I only really sensed it toward the end. 3 out of 5 stars.

Beauty and the Werewolf (Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Book 6) by Mercedes Lackey – I think this was my favorite of this whole series so far. I read it in less than a day and enjoyed it thoroughly! Although it is essentially the tale of Beauty and the Beast, it opens with hints of Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood and alludes to a number of other traditional tales as well. Isabella was the most intelligent and likable heroine in the 500 Kingdoms. I would definitely recommend this book. Reading the first book in the series might be a good idea, although not mandatory, as it would give you some background on how things work with Godmothers, the Tradition and such. 5 out of 5 stars.

Long Drive Home by Will Allison – This short but powerful novel is gripping in its intensity. The main character is a work-at-home dad who learns firsthand how seemingly insignificant choices can change your life, and that of your family, forever. 4 out of 5 stars.

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey – Personally, I started reading the book without realizing that it was part of a series, and I don’t feel like I missed a thing. I was instantly drawn into the action and found the characters to be well-drawn and intriguing. I always enjoy reading Tricia’s books (and not just because we share a first name!), but I think the co-writing effort with Mike Yorkey added another dimension to the story, and it was great. I am definitely planning to go back and read the first book now. 4 out of 5 stars.

To read more posts or join in yourself, visit What’s On Your Nightstand? at 5 Minutes for Books.

How about you – what was your favorite read this month?

Chasing Mona Lisa is the continuing tale of Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler (first introduced in book one in this stand alone series, The Swiss Courier). This time they are on a relentless quest to save the most famous painting in the world – the Mona Lisa. You can help Gabi and Eric with your very own spy pack when you enter The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway (details at the bottom of this post)!

About the Book
It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci’s masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

With nonstop action, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get readers’ adrenaline pumping as they join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh country chateau, the race is on–and the runners are playing for keeps.

Read an excerpt, watch a video and find out more here.

My Review
Personally, I started reading the book without realizing that it was part of a series, and I don’t feel like I missed a thing. I was instantly drawn into the action and found the characters to be well-drawn and intriguing.

I always enjoy reading Tricia’s books (and not just because we share a first name!), but I think the co-writing effort with Mike Yorkey added another dimension to the story, and it was great. I am definitely planning to go back and read the first book now.

For some other reviews, check out the rest of the blog tour. Also check out Lauren’s review at 5 Minutes for Books, as she has two copies of the book to give away as well!

About the Authors
Tricia Goyer is the coauthor of The Swiss Courier as well as the author of many other books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW’s Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Arkansas. For more about Tricia and her other books visit www.triciagoyer.com.

Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of dozens of books, including The Swiss Courier and the bestselling Every Man’s Battle series. Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family currently reside in California. For more about Mike and his other books visit www.mikeyorkey.com.

About the Giveaway and Party

One passionate protector will receive:

• iTouch (The must-have device for any spy. Camera, Maps & Music.)
• Starbucks Gift Card (For all those late nights.)
• Moleskin Notebook (For those important notes.)
• Invisible Ink Pen (Don’t want anyone reading those important notes.)
• Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Great handbook and intriguing tale for any spy-in-training!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on January 31st. Winner will be announced at Chasing Mona Lisa Facebook Party on 1/31. Tricia and Mike will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from Tricia’s website) and giving away copies of their books and a book club prize pack (10 copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Tricia and Mike).

So grab your copy of Chasing Mona Lisa and join Tricia and Mike on the evening of the 31st for an author chat, spy training (How much do you know about WWII?) and lots of giveaways.

Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!

Thank you to Litfuse and Revell for a review copy of this book.

The Shadow of Your Smile is the newest offering in the Deep Haven series by Susan May Warren. Although I have read several of the other books in the series, it has been a while and I don’t recall many of the details, so I was glad that this story stood on its own.

Read the rest of my review, and enter to win one of two copies we are giving away, at 5 Minutes for Books.

Also, Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28. Be sure to click on the image below for more details.

Acceptance. Forgiveness. Grace. Profound topics that are deftly woven into this powerful short novel about a man searching for the truth.

In The Encounter, teaching pastor Stephen Arterburn introduces us to the character of Jonathan Rush. Jonathan is a successful entrepreneur with a much less successful personal life, and he has come to Fairbanks, Alaska on the advice of his counselor. His task–to find out as much as he can about the mother who gave him up as a young boy.

Read the rest of my review at 5 Minutes for Books.

The Litigators by John Grisham

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not as gripping or fast-paced as some other Grisham books, but had some enjoyable moments. I’m not sure what it was specifically, but I just didn’t find that the characters or their problems pulled me in as much as I usually find with his stories.

Still highly recommended compared to much of what is out there, just not my favorite of his.

This is #120 of my 2011 Reads (master list here).