Reviews

BOOKS

Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive

I had watched the series on Netflix before I read the book and there were some major differences between the two. I found both to be very good, but as in many cases, I liked the book better. 

What About the Boy? A Father's Pledge to His Disabled Son

What About the Boy? is written by Stephen Gallup, the father who made a pledge to his disabled son to help him find wellness no matter what it took. 

Stolen Woman - A Christian Suspense Novel About Human Trafficking

I can't remember how I connected with Kimberly Rae but she sent me her book to review, and I gladly did. The book was very well-written, and I am happy to see she went on to write several more books. 

We're Going on a Bear Hunt Children's Book - A Modern Classic

One of Faith's respite care providers gave Faith this book when she was really little. She still loves this story and likes to watch different kids reenact the story on YouTube. 

In Sickness and In Health: Lessons Learned on the Journey from Cystic Fibrosis to Total Health

Mandy B. Anderson offers insight into her firsthand account of living with chronic illness and how she has been able to conquer fear, keep the faith, and live vibrantly. 

Ten of My Favorite Books

Brief reviews of 10 of my all-time favorite books. 


Faith loves books, and these 5 are some of her all-time favorites! 

MOVIES 

The Road

This good versus evil movie is based on the book, "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy. The film features a father and son trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. 

Dear John 

I used to read a lot of Nicholas Sparks, and this book was one of my all-time favorites. I saw the movie after I read the book, and I was a little disappointed that the ending in the movie wasn't the same as the book. 

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

A heartbreaking movie about the horrors of prejudices, racism, and the disrespect for human life. Such a sad, but necessary movie, especially in today's world of increasing antisemitism and holocaust deniers. 


The Nativity Story

Though not very well-known, this remains one of my favorite Biblical depictions of the Christmas story. 

Beyond Borders

Another heartbreaking movie about the millions of refugees displaced by war, famine, and political corruption.

My Favorite Movies Based on a True Story

My favorite movies are those based on a true story. Since writing this list, I can think of many good ones I've seen throughout the years such as Amazing Grace, Unplanned, Wonder, The Hill, The Zookeeper's Wife, Till, and End of the Rope. 

MUSIC

Bon Jovi 2022 Tour: Concert Review in St. Paul, Minnesota 

Of all the rock bands I used to listen to back in the day, Bon Jovi has remained my favorite of all time. I never got the chance to see them when they were in their prime in the late 80s and early 90s but I finally fulfilled that dream in 2022. 

FOOD

Starbucks vs. McDonald's McCafe: Calories, Caffeine, Cost

In this article I compared popular coffee drinks at Starbucks and McDonald's. This was originally published in 2010, but I recently updated the prices. 

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My Little Vacay to Nebraska

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Guest Post: Who Needs Sympathy?

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Guest Post by Stephen Gallup Last week, a columnist for the local newspaper interviewed me in connection with a memoir I wrote that’s being published this year. It was a comfortable, low-key discussion in which he asked about the basic facts regarding my disabled son Joseph and what I’ve learned that might be of value to other families. It was the sort of dialog that required no special preparation in advance. I just sat down with him and talked about the subject closest to my heart. But looking back on it now, one thing bothers me. In concluding the interview, the reporter expressed heartfelt sympathy for everything I’ve endured. He was being more than polite. I mean, he laid the compassion on with a spatula. Startled, and already thinking ahead to what I had to do next that day, I just thanked him and said goodbye. But now that final note troubles me. I don’t want sympathy! First of all, from the point of view of a new author hoping to promote his book, sympathy...
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