Loose End Reviews

Since I do so many book reviews on here, I thought I'd tell you a bit of my criteria for my review process.  First, I read a LOT of books (as if you didn't know).  All of the books that I review on this blog are galleys that I receive, usually before their publication date, through NetGalley.  Many times I receive these book two to three months before their publication date, but most publishers prefer that reviews are published no more that a  month before the release date.  I try to post two to three weeks before the release date.  I request a lot of book through NetGalley from various publishers.  I mostly read and review Christian fiction, but I dabble in other genres as well.  When I receive a galley from a publisher a favorable review is not required.  Actually, publishers don't require me to write a review at all, but they appreciate a notice if I choose not to.  I don't like to post glaringly negative reviews because I know that even if I don't like a particular book, someone put a lot of time and effort into writing it.  Not all books are for all tastes and just because I don't like something doesn't make it a bad book.  I try never to write reviews for books I haven't finished, although one does crop up here an there.  If I really hate a book, I generally write a note to the publisher thanking them for the opportunity, and explaining why it wasn't for me, rather than giving it a bad review.  If I'm reading a book and find that it is totally against my Christian principles I will not review it here.  I've also decided that since I have so many, many books that I want to read, if one comes along that I don't love, I'm not going to force myself to finish it.  Life is too short to read things you don't enjoy. 

Sometimes, though, there are books that I think others will enjoy, that I wasn't able to finish for one reason or anther.  I've chosen to share two of those with you today.  Consider this my way of tying up a few loose ends and clearing my review shelves.

The first is called Seek and Hide by Amanda G. Stevens.  This book is almost scary in it's portrayal of a future where Christianity and reading the Bible are criminal activities that are worthy of jail time.  Although I liked the premise of this story, I just couldn't get into it.  The characters were good, and the plot seemed interesting, although I did feel that the author stretched the introduction out a little too far.  I think this is a great read, and even though it's not set too far in the future, it has an almost futuristic, sci-fi kind of feel.   

The second book is one that I hate not to finish.  It's called The Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta.  This story was great, and I wanted to continue reading it, but I noticed that there seemed to be parts of the story missing.  When I looked it up, I found that this book was the third book of a trilogy.  It seemed well-written and the story was so interesting that I hated to put it down, but I really don't want to finish it without first reading the other books in the series.  With my current reading list, I have no idea when I will find the time to do that.  However, I think if you are able to read Born of Persuasion and Mark of Distinction you will probably enjoy The Price of Privilege.  If you do, I'd love to hear if they are as intriguing as they look.  I hope to find the time to read them all myself someday.

Now that I've gotten this out of the way, I'm ready to get back to reading!  There are some great books by some of my favorite authors coming out this year and I can't wait to read them, and then tell you all about them!

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

Happy New Year!!! (and a review)

Yes, I have been MIA for a few weeks.  Christmas and the New Year have totally thrown off my whole life schedule! But now I'm back.  I've taken down all of my Christmas decorations, put away all of the wrapping paper and boxes, and am no longer listening to Christmas music.  So even though I haven't been posting any reviews, I have been reading...a lot!  I have a few reviews lined up for this month, and one coming in February that I'm very excited about!  Stay tuned for those.
I do have a review today, but it's a little different than what I'm used to.  I was offered the chance to listen to and review a presentation of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables from Focus on the Family Radio Theatre.  I was excited about this opportunity for a few reasons.  First, I am familiar with Focus on the Family's radio dramas, and they never disappoint.  My family has been a fan of their Adventures in Odyssey series for years.  Second, with all the recent buzz about the Les Miserables movie that's just come out, I was anxious find out what it's all about.  Having never read the story myself, I wasn't sure what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.
If you aren't familiar with the story, I'll briefly tell you about it.  It's the story of Jean Valjean, a criminal, who after spending nearly 20 years in prison is released into a world in which he has no opportunities because of his past.  One extraordinary act sets him off a new path.  He totally turns his life around, and becomes a new man.  However, his past haunts him all of his life.  He meets every challenge with honesty and integrity, always helping others, even to his own detriment. 
The story itself was was extremely inspiring and amazing, but, even if it wasn't, I am in no way qualified to critique such a masterpiece.  So, let me say about the dramatic presentation, that it was awesome.  This is in no way like an audio book.  With the amazing cast, cinema sound and original music score, it's like watching a movie that you don't have to see.  I really felt like I was there with Valjean as he was in that courtroom trying to save an innocent man.  I cheered him on as he rescued little Cosette and ran for their lives.  I could feel the chill as he ran through the sewers of France, carrying the injured Marius to safety.  Some of the best scenes in the take place during the fight at the barricades.  The sound effects throughout the whole presentation were great, but they were at their best during these scenes. 
I highly recommend this radio drama.  It's about three hours long, so it might be good to listen to in your car on your way to work over a week or so.  It's good for spending a little downtime in the evenings, or while cleaning up the last of that Christmas chaos!  I listened to it over a few days while I made Christmas candy.  I will warn you though, once you start listening, you won't want to stop.  I give this presentation two thumbs up, and if I could give three, I would!  I was provided a copy of this presentation by the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Happy Reading Listening!
Lyndsie