*New feature: BIBLE STUDY

 Every week I post BIBLE TALK, a video discussion vlog. I would like to share it with my readers in BEYNOD THE BOOKSTORE in hopes of generating a discussion.  Today's discussion; UNANSWERED PRAYER

AUDIO BOOK: NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF FREDRICK DOUGLASS by Fredrick Douglass

 

The trick to listening to audio books is to be doing something, I sew. I know many people who listen to audio books while they are driving others listen while they are exercising. The reason you have to be doing something is to stay awake- a good audio book is like a bed time story, it will put you to sleep.

NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF FREDRICK DOUGLASS by Fredrick Douglass in audio book format is available FREE on YouTube the Audio Books channel.  

This audiobook is a 3 part series of a man, a former slave, who lived from about 1818 to 1895. The length of each section is as follows: Part 1- 59:54, Part 2- 52:46, and Part 3- 2:10:44. The division makes sense because part one is primarily introductions and such, part two is the foundation and part three is the meat of the book- the life of a slave. 

As a child I read a biography of Fredrick Douglass, I am sure I had a crush on this very handsome man. Reading back then, as I read now, I understood the sins of slavery. Back then I read as a child now I understand as an adult and I submit to everyone reading this book is something we all should do. 

There is no doubt that Mr. Douglas was treated harshly yet, as he explains, others were treated worst. Mr. Douglas pointed out that not all White people were cruel but that did not make slavery tolerable. 

This narrative succinctly describes, details, the life of a man who should not be owned. He describes the events of his bondage: the lack of food, the harsh work, the penalties- beatings- for disobedience, and even the inability to do anything about a woman being raped by the “Master” or the Master’s friends.  

But, in discussing the cruelties of slavery he injects the mindset of a man determined to be free. He talked about learning to read and write and even teaching others. I was moved as he and other fellow slaves made plans to escape, clearly these were not “ignorant niggers” but intelligent men and women. 

Books like NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF FREDRICK DOUGLASS are not on many reading list in todays schools. I believe it is because Mr. Douglas a Black man succeeded despite the real racism he experienced. This book encourages people to: work hard, study hard, not let people who hate you stop you and  have faith in God not man.   

Every Black male should read or listen to this book. The moral of this story: If God is on your side no man can keep you down.  

   Written by Marsha L Floyd.

HEALING ACROSS the VEIL by Margaret Grace

 I can tell you what I think of HEALING ACROSS THE VEIL by Margaret Grace in less than 5 words but I will add 5 more: I don’t like it and I do not recommend it. 

This is the second book I was asked to review in which the author declares that the dead helped write the book. Both authors claim “spirituality” and Ms. Grace mentions god (note I purposely used a lower case “g”). 

I area of specialty in writing and book reviews is biblically based literature. I usually warn writers that I am very critical when the Bible is invoked. Technically, this author did not cite Scripture or reference Jesus, she confessed to being ‘spiritual’. Note, she did reference Scripture but it was clear she has no clue.

It took me almost a month to read this 59 page book because my faith would not allow me to comprehend the darkness found throughout the pages.  I finally asked my heavenly father why. Why could I not get into this book? His answer: 

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Her words, the sequence of the chapters, the explanations for her experiences fell short of clarity. It may have made sense to her but despite the topic of discussion being important- being molested as a child- the presentation of the information fell short. 

The facilitator of her healing was her ability to speak to the dead not the Holy Spirit. I remember decades ago accompanying my sister to a psychic. My sister was able to speak to a deceased relative but when it became my turn there was nothing. Demonic spirits cannot talk to God’s children, at that time my sister did not have a personal relationship with God through Jesus.  As a member of the Unity Church the author was able to speak to a demonic spirit posing as her father. 

I had to Google ‘Unity Church’ to be sure my understanding of its’ doctrine was accurate.  To say it is a Christ centered church would be a lie, just like the title of this book.

The book is not biblically based. It is found on ‘spirtuality’ via a generic faith system that has nothing to do with Creator God. If Amazon allows me to post this review it will receive a one star only because I cannot give it a thumbs down. THERE ARE OTHER BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED ABUSE GET THEM.   Written by Marsha L Floyd

 

WATER FOR THE ROSE by Wayne Luthi

 I had to think about this seventy-seven page book of poetry, WATER FOR THE ROSE by Wayne Luthi. I actually read most of it over 2 weeks ago and enjoyed it. My notes were more than words but, I thought it would be unfair to the reader because this book of poems is meant to be savored not devoured. Thus I took a pause and revisited the poems, from the lens of a poetry lover and not a book reviewer.

WATER FOR THE ROSE is a collection of introspective poems that is better appreciated in the calm of the day and not the hustle and bustle of life. Don’t read it on your way to work, read at the end of your day with a nice beverage. 

The poems are emotion driven. A friend and I read one poem together, “walk with me together” - what a unique experience. This one poem lead to a discussion about relationships. 

The poems in the book WATER FOR THE ROSE are thought provoking, eclectic, and sensual. These poems appeal to the essence of the reader thus they are subject to interpretation.  The poems are conversational, perfect for a book club. It is also great book to read out loud if you are lounging on the beach with a friend, listening to jazz and drinking wine. 

My autograph copy of WATER FOR THE ROSE by Wayne Luthi would be sitting on my coffee table if I had one but because I don’t it will be on my book shelf in a place with all of the other books I recommend.

   Written by Marsha L Floyd 

YOU-REVEIW: GROW FAMILY NETWORK- OUR LAND

 I have been watching this channel for about a year now and this is the first time I watched an entire “live” episode, though it was post-live. This is a homesteading channel, it caught my eye because the owner of the channel is a young Black man and his family. I continue watching because: he is full of information about farming; he is a great father, as evidenced by his interactions with his children; and a good husband, of which his wife will testify. 

THE GROW FAMILY NETWORK channel is an excellent channel no matter what your gardening skill level is. BUT, today’s video share has nothing to do with homesteading and everything to do with homesteading: “BILL GATES BUYS MOST OF AMERICA’S RICHEST FARMLAND, but What will He Do With It?”

I have already shared this video on both Facbook and MeWe and I informed the viewer that it is long. We have to get out of the habit of watching sound-bites for our news and information- this is how fake news is developed. King’s video style, like mine, is conversational, as he states he is sharing this information because we need to hear it, we need to know.         Written by Marsha L Floyd  

LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER BY Elinore Pruitt Stewart

 LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER BY Elinore Pruitt Stewart is an autobiographical account of a female in the early 1900s who sets out to homestead. This is the first audio-book of this length that I actually listened to- 5 hours, 19 minutes and 53 seconds.  I enjoyed it. 

Because I am very much interested in lifestyles, particularly those of early Americans this book was perfect for me. LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER BY Elinore Pruitt Stewart  is a series of letters written from 1909- 1914, 5 years of a widowed woman and her child as they venture west. Miss Pruitt Stewart details her impressions of the environment as well as the people she encounters. 

As I listened, and I suspect as one might as he or she read the printed version, I found myself right there in the cold, interacting with the people and satisfying my curiosity of Mormonism; her adventure became my adventure. I am also reminded of the time in which this book was written, I become painfully aware of what various individuals believe about different people groups. I was not offended by her prejudice because I understood that it was truly based on ignorance an not as many of today would call “racism”. 

I listened to a FREE audio version of the book via YouTube’s “Best Audiobooks” channel. The individual reading the book was perfect; I have listened to various audio versions of the Bible and I don’t like some readers. The print version is available via books stores for a fee or FREE on various sights including THE PROJECT GUTENBURG a source of many writings that are no longer copyright protected. 

If you are interested in #AmericanHistory #WomensHistory #History You will want to listen to or read this book. I recommend it.   Written by Marsha L Floyd (Randolph)

LOSING IKE TO GOD and How God Comforted Us by Indira Onwuzurike

 

This is a very easy to read biography/ semi-autobiographical book which celebrates the life of a young man who died at the age of 18. It is 360 pages with mostly words from those who were impacted, positively, by the young man known as Ike, pronounced Ee-kay.   Ikechukwu was the first born child to Nigerian parents who lived in Michigan, he loved the Lord God and lived his life accordingly.

Unlike most biographies or autobiographies this book reads more like a testimonial than a from life to death story. It begins shortly before his mother learned of her son's death which leads to her responses, which included prayer, and emotions. I would say about 70%, more or less, of the book is testimonials of others and there are quite a few pictures. 

It is important to note that the family has created a foundation on behalf of their son WWID Foundation, The monies earned from the sell of this book go directly to the non-profit charitable organization. 

I admit to skipping over much of the testimonials, which is how I read the book in a day and absorbing the biographical part. I was very much interested in how this mother endured the sudden loss of her first born child.  Her emotions were pure and detailed, as a mother who lost a child from a terminal illness I cannot imagine losing such a gift at such a blessed time- high school graduation. Yes, I cried.

THIS IS NOT A BOOK TO PURCHASE FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS LOST A CHILD RECENTLY. I feel this warning is important. As I stated above, my son died at the age of 28 but, he had a terminal illness and I was able to prepare for his death. I cannot imagine someone just loosing a child and someone handing this book to them- it will not help. BUY THE BOOK TO SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION and if a grieving parent wants to read it after seeing your copy by one at that time.

I would suggest that this is a good book to read as a church leader, grief counselor or support person for someone who has lost a loved one. 

The one thing, as a Christian, I did not like is the title: We do not lose our children to God. My son graduated from earth to eternity and will always be a part of my life; he is not lost, I will join him again someday.

written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. 

JACKSONVILLE JUDAS by Sue Andrews

 I will start by saying: It wasn’t who I thought it was! JACKSONVILLE JUDAS  a novel by Sue Andrews is a great murder mystery. That is really all you need to know. But because Amazon likes reviews to be more than 50 words and most reviewers like at least 200 words. Let me elaborate...

In order for a murder mystery to capture the attention of the reader the first few pages absolutely must capture your attention- JACKSONVILLE JUDAS does. Next the reader must develop an emotional attachment to one of the characters and a disdain for another- it does and I did. 

A good murder mystery must appeal to a persons curiosity. The reader has to start telling the characters where to go and where not to go. The reader has to become suspicious of everybody- trust no one! And finally, the reader must know “who done it” anxiously reading to confirm his or her suspicions. As I said: I was wrong! 

I need to brush up on my murder mysteries. This book is an easy read, my complimentary print copy was 270 pages- just enough for a weekend novel. I know you will enjoy this book, I am letting my daughter read my “signed” copy but I am getting it back!  Happy reading!

                                     Written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have done so. #OutskirtsPress 

JOURNEY INTO WHOLENESS by Bob Searle

 My first impression of JOURNEY INTO WHOLENESS by Bob Searle: This is a compilation of ideas from other individuals to validate a personal opinion. My conclusion after reading this: Let me tell you about the book first.

 In his introduction the first sentence reads as follows: “Recognizing, understanding, and responding to spiritual movements within one’s life can cause disappointment, discouragement and despair.” I ‘think’ would he means is: Life sucks sometimes and the sooner we realize that the better we will be able to cope. That first sentence accurately, in my opinion, reveals the tone of this entire 34 page booklet (I received a PDF copy). 

If that sentence does not motivate you to want to read this book then try the chapter titles: “The Classical Way of Faith”, “Desolation and Consolation”, “Dark Night of Sense and Spirit”, “Depression”, “Spiritual Direction” and “Conclusion.”  The booklet, which actually ends on page 27,  also contains 2 appendixes and a bibliography. 

I am sure the author shared the purpose of his writings but it got lost in my mind somewhere between Chapter 4 where he sited the ideology of Stanley W Jackson and Chapter 5. On page 21 of chapter 5 he advises pastors/ chaplains the following: “While a working knowledge of depression can help the pastor/ chaplain, he/she needs to reclaim his/her “art of arts” of spiritual direction practiced throughout the centuries.” 

Perhaps if you are a free spirited, ideological intellectual you might love this book. If you love Bible based teachings on life, you will definitely hate it. 

Many words of this 21 page booklet are dedicated to the thoughts of other individuals. Which lead me to conclude: If you suffer from depression, do not read this book. 

Note: According to Amazon this book is 46 pages, it is not. Unless you count the cover pages, the blank pages, the table of contents and such. 

                                                               Written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have done so. #OutskirtsPress 

OH TO BE 108 AGAIN by James K Wagner

 

It has been a while since I agreed to read a book from a independent / self published author and “OH, TO BE 108 AGAIN” by James K Wagner was worth the wait and the risk. 

Years ago my nephew asked my grandmother, his great grandmother, on her 100th birthday: “Grandma, what did you do to live so long?” Her response was simple: “I loved the Lord and I minded my business.” This was true. 

So what does this story have to do with the book OH, TO BE 108 AGAIN? It’s just my way of introducing the wisdom found in this book which is a compilation of wisdom one finds among the elderly. In particular, it is the wisdom accumulated by James K Wagner, Minister and author who lives in a retirement community and interacts with men and women of various ages.

I recommend this book to everyone, I wish young people would read it. I would suggest anyone who has a book club read this and take your time discussing each chapter and contemplating the questions at the end.

The 175 page book, (my complimentary copy is a paperback) contains 15 chapters, 4 appendixes, notes, and recommended reading. Each chapter is introduced with an introductory quote, a question, followed by words of reflection and concludes with questions to consider. For the serious student of thought there are bullet points within the chapter.

For those weary of expert theological opinions, presented by best selling Bible teachers, this is not like that. I stopped reviewing “Christian” books because they were more opinion than theology, my opinion. The Christian aspects, which I believe are the foundation of the authors writings, are present but not in your face, thus a non-Believer could read and appreciate this book.

I am going to read OH, TO BE 108 AGAIN, this time for my own personal enrichment. As a rule I read a book quickly in order to get the book up in a timely fashion. I can see me reading one chapter at a time, one week at a time so that I can ponder the wisdom found. 

                    Written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have done so. #OutskirtsPress 

SEWING TO SELL by Virginia Lindsay

How do I sell locally and on line is the question, SEWING TO SELL by Virginia Lindsay has some of the answers. It is “The beginners guide to starting a craft business”, a book I purchased in 2019, glanced at in 2020 and am now taking seriously.

To date, I have given away more crafts than I have sold mainly because I make money in other ways. But making stuff cost and I do not have a credit card or an unlimited supply of money. I have been asked on more than one occasion by people willing to pay: Do you have a website? My answer has always been no.  So what does this book have to offer?

SEWING TO SELL talks mostly about what to make and how to make it. In the appendix is the administrative stuff like taxes and setting up a business but it is just an overview. 

This book simply gives the reader the encouragement to know that she can make money making things like grocery totes. The “but” is: you have to have an inventory. 

This book was exactly what I needed, an overview of selling what I make. I did not want a big 300+ page manual of setting up a business from beginning to the first customer- that would be overwhelming. Somethings you can just google. 

                                                                                                  Written by Marsh L F Randolph

This book is part of my personal reading library. The review is my honest unsolicited opinion.

GOD IS MY CEO by Larry Julian

 

If you are looking for Bible study material for business men and women then look no further than GOD IS MY CEO by Larry Julian. 

Originally published in 2001 I discovered this book when listening to a YouTuber who happened to mention it as a book he read for personal growth and development. 

GOD IS MY CEO- Following God’s Principles in a Bottom-Line World is a collection of anecdotal stories from successful business people on how their faith guided them. 

The chapters are entitled: Purpose, Success, courage, Patience, Leadership by Example, Yielding Control, Servant Leadership, Love, Priorities, and Redemption. The last chapter is: Timeless Wisdom from Twenty Leaders.

What makes this book suitable for Bible study is not just the chapter titles but what is within each chapter. The reader will be presented with: an issue, a solution, a conversation/ a few testimonies, and a conclusion. In addition there is a Discussion Guide. 

I appreciated this book and gave one to a business associated. I really believe that this book has a lot to teach even if you are not a Christian but especially if you are. In a time in which integrity seems to be optional it is good to know that integrity works. 

                                                            Written by Marsh L F Randolph

This book is part of my personal reading library. The review is my honest unsolicited opinion.

TRADITIONAL BAKING (THE FOSFIRE AMERICANA LIBRARY)

You only have to read one American  FOXFIRE series to become addicted, if you love the history of everyday Americans. I read TRADITIONAL BAKING (eBook) and I am looking for more. Apparently, there are all kinds of ways to obtain the knowledge in the series TRADITIONAL BAKING is part of a topical breakdown of these works.

Foxfire was/ is a high school program in Georgia dedicated to collecting the wisdom and knowledge of the elder members of the Appalachian culture. First published in 1970, the original series of books included 15 volumes. The topics include everything from cooking, natural health remedies, hunting, crafting, and other everyday activities.

I purchased this book because I have always been curious about the American culture as it pertains to everyday living. In addition, I want to learn how they cooked. 

The recipes are as detailed as you can get them if you were asking your grandmother or great grandmother: How do you make that? You get the ingredients but not oven temperatures or length of time to cook. 

This book dedicates a lot of space to the art of churning butter. Anyone who knows me knows that I see this as a challenge. I now want an old fashioned churner. 

FOXFIRE- TRADITIONAL BAKING barely took an hour for me to read. I spent a lot of time appreciating the pictures and imagining myself churning butter. 

                                      Written by Marsh L F Randolph

This book is part of my personal reading library. The review is my honest unsolicited opinion.

THE BOOK OF HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT by Mrs Isabella Mary Beeton

 If there was ever a book that needed to be on the best seller list but will not ever be it is THE BOOK OF HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT by Mrs Isabella Mary Beeton. It was first published in 1861, the fact that her marital status is acknowledge date the book.

Here is what the book promises to deliver: “Comprising information for the MISTRESS, HOUSEKEEPER, COOK, KITCHEN MAID, BUTLER, FOOTMAN, COACHMAN, VALET, UPPER AND UNDER HOUSE MAIDS, LADY’S MAID, MAID-OF-ALL WORK, LAUNDRY-MAID, NURSE AND NURSE MAID, MONTHLY, WET, AND SICK NURSES, ETC. ETC.

ALSO, SANITARY, MEDICAL, & LEGAL, MEMORANDA; WITH A HISTORY OF THE ORGIN, PROPERTIES, AND USES OF ALL THINGS CONNECTED WITH HOME LIFE AND COMFORT. BY MRS. ISABELLA BEETON” 

This book is no longer copyright protected, and I doubt if any woman or man would want to use it in their modern lifestyle motivation writings, was published by S. O. Beeton in 24 monthly parts between 1859-1861. Samuel Orchart Beeton was a publisher and husband to Mrs. Isabella. The British author reflects the priorities and protocols of a woman in that time.

As modern mankind moves further away from social etiquette I find myself seeking more of it. I appreciate old books that discuss household management, personal appearance and relationships. 

The wisdom shared back then would benefit many today. In terms of women getting together amongst themselves Mrs. Beeton writes: 

“IN CONVERSATION, TRIFLING OCCURRENCES, such as disappointments, petty annoyances, and other ever-day incidents, should never be mentioned to your friends.” 

In other words: don’t tell your friends your business!

As it relates to the household management, I don’t know anyone who has a “Footman” or a “Monthly Nurse” but we all have people who serve us. Bus drivers, urgent care nurses, fast food restaurant cashiers and so forth, we have expectations of these people and we should treat them with respect. Common courtesy is an ongoing theme for most of the books I read from this period, 1800’s. 

I know not everyone will read this book because they just don’t care but for the few that do there is plenty to learn from it. I have the FREE ebook version of THE BOOK OF HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT but you can purchase a print copy.

                                                                                        Written by Marsh L F Randolph

*This book is part of my personal reading library. The review is my honest unsolicited opinion.

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