Heart of Ice

Heart of Ice
Bk 3 in Triple Threat series
by Lis Wiehl with April Henry
Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2011


From the first in the series, Face of betrayal (2009), through the second, Hand of fate (2010), and now to this 2011 sequel, the writing and the cohesion of the novels have grown more sophisticated and seamless.

I enjoyed the story; I was caught up in it, in fact. But the number of people who end up dead in this book is unsettling: I know the story deals with a sociopath, but sometimes the killing seemed less strategic and more an author's means to control the plot.

What's different about this book:

• There is a skillful presentation of the worldview of each of the women: thoughts about why something happens, who's to blame when things go wrong, how we should respond to adversity and painful life situations. No didactic preaching - just a fair and balanced view of what motivates the characters. Some novels today carry such a nihilistic tone that Wiehl's approach is refreshing and enjoyable.
• The first two novels in the series really allow the reader to enjoy the fuller context of the characterizations and the background of the story.

Evaluation: what I'll do now that I have read this
This series will be shared with peers and book clubs through our libraries. The strength seems to stand in the complete series rather than a single title.

I'm frustrated that the plot lines in the lives of these women aren't being resolved but are rather pushing along the profitability factor of a series. I want some resolution to help me continue to be engaged with these characters.

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Bloodlines: Race, Cross, and the Christian

Bloodlines: Race, Cross, and the Christian
by John Piper
Crossway Books, September 2011

Racism, ethnic prejudice and other-ness are givens in our culture: like the poor, they will be with us always. And because of that ubiquity, I tend to relegate the evil of racism to my periphery: yes, it is evil and degrading and I should "work on it."

Piper's words grab my complacent acceptance of this evil and shake it.

Bloodlines makes me aware that the nature of racism is in fact a clear statement of my understanding of spiritual reality. To the extent that I am racist or harbor racist views, to that same extent I diminish the sovereign God and His purpose in creation.

What's different about this book:

• It posits the concept of racism in a full context: social, moral, religious, political and historical. Excellent research, cogent connecting of all the perspectives.
• It clearly and compelling explains the solution to racism -- the only solution that will work. The book thoroughly and convincingly makes the case the authentic Christianity is the only possible solution to a destructive mindset and behavior that can only worsen.
  

Evaluation: what will I do now that I have read this book?
I had this title on our vendor's Purchase list before I finishing reading it.

Racism is universal. Read this book if you are racist or concerned that you might be.

But ESPECIALLY read this book if you don't care.

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Putting Makeup on Dead People

Putting Makeup on Dead People
by Jen Violi
Disney-Hyperion Book CH

This novel is well written realistic fiction -- there's good characterization and very engaging figures. I appreciated the value given to, and the fresh perspective on, an unusual career and study choice. An encouraging young adult perspective on the feelings behind knowing --or not knowing-- what career path to follow.

That said, I didn't care for the package of story and plotting. The author posits deep questions about life and the value of individuals -- for which the protagonist must work out her own indeterminate and ambiguous "feel-good" solution.

I want my young people to know that there are moral absolutes and a truth that can be depended on when making those life decisions. None of that is shown here.

What's different about this book?
I really enjoyed the thread of Donna picking an unusual career path (not the typical YA college path) and finding her passion and competence in that field. Yay for Donna.

Evaluation: what will I do now that I have read this book?
We will pass on this title.

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