The Ordinary Hero by Tim Chester

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It is with enormous excitement that I recommend this excellent book. I have been reading it this holiday and have been challenged, reminded, rebuked, encouraged and have fallen in love with Jesus again. I think it is safe to say that this book will singlehandedly bring about great fruit in any and every Christan's life who reads it.

The theme is about living with the Cross= Jesus at the very heart of who we are. It is clear, easy to read and practical. It is sure to remind you if not challenge you and many fronts.

The first chapter is entitled: How do you know God loves you?

This is a great way to start and it is a good question to ask. I asked my kids after reading it and was surprised and interested at their answers. 

The amazing thing Chester does is to draw us from the cross to our present lives in Christ. If God loves us this much well then what does that mean for....

* how and when I love others

*accepting others

* laying down my life

*complaining when I am let down by others

*being gracious to others

These are just a small taste of some of the great gems in this great book.

The chapter entitled: The way of the Cross just blew my mind. This is the challenge to make sure we are really selfless ; self-denying- self-surrender and not merely as the world calls us to self-expression; self-confident;  self-fulfilled and self love. This chapter is a reminder that we are made for something much bigger than the small kingdom of our self made world.

There are 5 parts to the book which are the key areas relating to the cross and each has several sub headings. If you are wanting to come to the cross for the first time or if you just need to be reminded about who jesus is and what his dying means for your life, then this is a book you will thoroughly enjoy.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to explore the Christan Cross shaped life more clearly and with real desire to have a changed life.

Hungry for more..... The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzzanne Collins.

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzzane Collins .

I am not one to do what everyone is doing, just because it is in. The same goes for reading the latest crazy. BUT, having said this, I have to admit that THIS particular latest book trilogy is excellent.

check out the offical web page.

http://www.thehungergames.co.uk/

It has become the favourite read for our family. It is a book for teens and a good adult read. In fact, I have not been able to put it down. It is well written and the thrilling plot keeps you clued to the pages. The chapters are long and full. They always end with a gripping piece that keeps you turning the page to the next chapter.

I am not going to give a hint at all of the story. 

Just to say it is fairly violent but not in any gory detail. 

It is more a discription of an action and the result and she does not go into unneccessary detail. 

A good read!!

The Roman Mystery Series

I spent this holiday reading through the series written by Caroline Lawrence. The Roman Mystery Series.  These books were introduced to our family about 8 years ago by a friend who brought them from the UK. 

Check out the web site.  http://www.romanmysteries.com/

These books are set in Ostia when Rome was at its hight of rule. The stories revolve around a group of teenagers who set about solving a mystery in each book. There is a thread that runs from book to book although each stands alone. 

They are well written and extremely exciting. Full of intrigue and "who done it" stuff.

I would recommend them for children who are good readers and who love a mystery. 

The books also include a great deal of good history around the time it is set. This is really excellent!!

The first book in the series is called "The Thieves of Ostia".

These are well worth a read.