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