The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje, Book review

• Series: Vintage International
• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Vintage; Reprint edition (June 12, 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-0307744418

SYNOPSIS:


In the early 1950s, an eleven-year-old boy in Colombo boards a ship bound for England. At mealtimes he is seated at the “cat’s table”—as far from the Captain’s Table as can be—with a ragtag group of “insignificant” adults and two other boys, Cassius and Ramadhin. 

As the ship crosses the Indian Ocean, the boys tumble from one adventure to another, bursting all over the place like freed mercury. But there are other diversions as well: they are first exposed to the magical worlds of jazz, women, and literature by their eccentric fellow travelers, and together they spy on a shackled prisoner, his crime and fate a galvanizing mystery that will haunt them forever. 

By turns poignant and electrifying, The Cat’s Table is a spellbinding story about the magical, often forbidden, discoveries of childhood, and a lifelong journey that begins unexpectedly with a spectacular sea voyage.


My thoughts:



I was enticed by the title, The Cat's Table denoting the least advantageous of all tables in a ship's dining area I am told, unlike the prestigious Captain's table. The story is multi-faceted as we discover a thorough congenial cast in Ondaatje's tale of a young boy sailing from Ceylon to England aboard the steamer S.S. Oronsay. 

Table # 76 seats nine people including two boys near Michael or Mynah's age our main protagonist, named Ramadhin and Cassius. Together the boys roam unchaperoned the decks at length, slip in the first class swimming pool in the early morning hours for a cool dip or hide into the raised lifeboats, where the friends learn to smoke and share vittles looted from buffet style food displays.
Those weeks on board exploring their surroundings will remain with the three boys although each will remembered it later in a different perspective.

Cruising across the Indian ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Red sea, through the Suez canal and the  Mediterranean to reach England and his mother, Mynah meets other fellow travelers, exotic colourful personages, some nondescript, each with their own story, who would sometime get off when reaching a port and just disappear. 
One passenger aboard the vessel is known to him, a distant older cousin. Her name is Emily...

A narrative of what developed all those years ago as remembered by an older Mynah, The Cat's Table conveys a child's innocent view of a very different world, now understood in a completely different light, that of adulthood.

Whilst I enjoyed the rendering of The English Patient for its complex but fallible plot line, this novel did not light any spark. 
Never a stale author, Michael Ondaatje's considerable literary skills are certainly not at fault, the topic however left me disappointed. I expected something on the line of Rudyard Kipling's "Kim"...
On a final note despite the memoirs like details this is pure coincidence and not Ondaatje's own story.

3 Stars!

Note: For mature readers due to adult thematic contents and strong language.



Meet the Author:

Michael Ondaatje was born in Sri Lanka on 12 September 1943. He moved to England in 1954, and in 1962 moved to Canada where he has lived ever since. 

He was educated at the University of Toronto and Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and began teaching at York University in Toronto in 1971. He published a volume of memoir, entitled Running in the Family, in 1983. His collections of poetry include The Collected Works of Billy the Kid: Left Handed Poems (1981), which won the Canadian Governor General's Award in 1971; The Cinnamon Peeler: Selected Poems (1989); and Handwriting: Poems (1998).

His first novel, Coming Through Slaughter (1976), is a fictional portrait of jazz musician Buddy Bolden. 
The English Patient (1992), set in Italy at the end of the Second World War, was joint winner of the Booker Prize for Fiction and was made into an Academy Award-winning film in 1996. 
Anil's Ghost (2000), set in Sri Lanka, tells the story of a young female anthropologist investigating war crimes for an international human rights group .

Additional information (HERE) and (HERE)

Note to Readers: This was a library loan and opinions are mine only!

Ice Dogs by Terry Lynn Johnson, Suggestion reading

• Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (February 4, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-0547899268
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Age Range: 10 and up 

OVERVIEW:

Victoria Secord, a 14-year-old dog musher, has been struggling in the year since her father died. Her relationship with her mother is falling apart and her best source of comfort is the dog team that once belonged to her father. While out on a run with the animals, she finds and rescues an injured city boy, but after getting lost in a blizzard they both need rescuing. 

With the survival skills she learned from her father, Victoria must lead them all to safety. Written by a musher, this book is full of detailed descriptions of dog sledding and far northern survival. At times the technical details are more fully fleshed out than the character development, but they are never so complex as to break the flow of the story. 

Fast-paced plotting and suspense-filled writing will push readers along as the characters journey from dangerous disasters to lucky breaks. The high-stakes adventure and episodic nature of the chapters will make this book an easy sell for reluctant readers. Even in an arctic setting that can feel as foreign as a distant planet, Johnson keeps a sense of realism in this enjoyable adventure tale.

(Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AK)

As to my thoughts:

I don't recall ever posting about a book I have yet to review but Terry Lynn Johnson's ICE DOGS was just too good to postpone! 
For someone who is so looking to Spring, this story was just what I needed to get my heart race (no pun intended).

Yes, you should never judge a book by its cover but this one cannot fail to have you grab a copy! 
One look at those eyes will be enough!
(Note to myself: must order asap!)

A quick overlook at the plot line tells me this is just the sort of books any youngster will enjoy (forget the electronics Guys for a moment!) but also for those of us who want to dream a little (that would be me of course!). 

A visit to Terry Lynn Johnson's website will not only introduce readers to a more in depth look at the behind the scenes but also show you a wonderful photo gallery of sled dogs, information about sled dogs and some cool race links.

Be sure to check out the Fun Facts!

Adventure, friendship and an unforgettable sled dog team!

Note: I was not asked to do this review and was not remunerated for mentioning this book!

Eat Like Jesus by Andrew L. Hoy, Book review and GIVEAWAY

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• Publisher: WestBowPress (September 27, 2013)

• ISBN-13: 978-1449791292
• Paperback: 192 pages

SYNOPSIS:

What does the Bible really teach about food? Were Adam, Eve, and the animals originally created as vegetarians? Why did Noah take extra pairs of certain animal species into the Ark? Which animals did God permit Moses to eat? Did Jesus actually declare all meats fit to eat? What kind of animals did Peter see in his vision? Would Paul really encourage us to eat anything ? 

For generations, religious institutions have served people a steady diet of dispensational theology, in which new covenants and teachings are portrayed as healthy substitutes for Moses' eating instructions. Commandments of Moses are usually dismissed as outdated, irrelevant, and oppressive. But are these views valid, just because they are popular or traditional? How did first century Christians eat? What did Jesus, Paul, and the apostles teach about food and about Moses' law? How do biblical diets help people live longer? 

EAT LIKE JESUS answers all of these questions and more by comparing infallible Bible texts to mistranslations and status-quo religious dogma. Offering a simple, scientific, and comprehensive Bible-based dining theology, EAT LIKE JESUS probes into - and beyond - New Testament accounts, explaining how and why God has been qualifying food for all humanity since the Garden of Eden.

Here are my thoughts:


Before anything else Folks I would like to invite you to visit Andrew L. HOY's website 'THE CLEAN EAT GREEN'  as first suggested by the author. It makes absolutely good sense to check out what this book is offering before reading further!

Beginning with questions such as 'How do biblical diets help people live longer?', 'Were Adam and Eve created as Vegans?' or 'Why did Noah take extra animals on his Ark?' you will get an idea of the author's fresh approach at all essential bibles verses regarding Christians eating habits.

In 5 well documented chapters, the author addresses such subjects as Traditions, Gentile Dining Acts, the Genesis of Food and so on.

Eat Like Jesus is like no book I have read before in that regard and anyone from seasoned scholar to new believer will take something away from it!
The author offers readers much 'food for thought' bringing a whole new dimension to our feeding habits as he introduces readers to his interpretation of where and why Christians have strayed from the original teachings of Christ, starting with inadequate translations of related biblical texts.

Discerningly using the teachings of disciples Peter, Paul, Mark and others Andrew L. Hoy explains his understanding of returning to Kosher Christianity, from changing where and how we consume food to with whom.

Demonstrating a well noted understanding of Hebrew and Greek translations he shares what he believes to be the diet Jesus and His disciples observed whilst pointing out the translations discrepancies of Paul's letters to the Corinthians and Romans, both in the K.J. version and the N.I. version.
I found it interesting that "the K.J. version was written four centuries ago when the English term 'meat' generically referred to 'food' not exclusively to food derived from animal flesh, as it does today.", something I remembered learning years ago and promptly forgot!K.J.

Andrew L. Hoy tells readers: "While I am no Philip Yancey, Rick Warren, or Max Lucado, I can nevertheless assure you that my book has great potential to improve your understanding of the Bible, to challenge your faith, and to strengthen your relationship with God - all while improving your health and the health of those that you love and feed!"

As outlined in his book, Andrew L. Hoy's comments matches remarkably the health experts warnings about our daily food consumption and as such well worth checking out!
After all, WWJD?

5 Stars!!

Note: First Edition - Chapter two has since been revised due to a timeline error.


About the Author:

From Amazon:

Andrew L. Hoy worked as a professional engineer for over 15 years. Searching for greater meaning, he embarked on African missionary work, where he began questioning traditional church doctrines. Only after moving to Israel to study the Scriptures did he find answers, along with a passion for discipleship and an authentic understanding of the Great Commission.

Visit his website for additional information (HERE)

and/or his  Hebrew "word of the day" blog at https://www.facebook.com/DayLeBrew, or his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Andrew.Hoy.Author.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY:

Andrew L. HOY has kindly offered one reader the opportunity to receive the following package:

+

Interested? Just place a comment on this post telling me you would love to learn more about Eat like Jesus and your name will be added in the hat!

You have until Midnight on February 15, 2014. Drawing will be done by an independent hand on the 16th!

Winner's name will be posted on the blog and contacted via email with confirmation (be sure to include an email address in a safe format Folks!)

GIVEAWAY OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!!



I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author as part of his book promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

A Fresh Approach...

Memories takes us back

Dreams takes us forward!

I have lived long enough to know each new year brings an influx of resolutions for many of us. Most of us are realistic enough to aim for only one as we face our limitations. I have been blogging five years and thought a little more about my reasons for writing posts now and then and wondering where it will take me. I have seen many blogs dropped lately for one reason or another.

Being the dreamer I most certainly believe myself to be, I often look at life through rosey coloured lenses. I prefer to write about good things, don't you? I also realize it is not always possible.

When blogging I do not aspire to attract followers or comments (albeit much appreciated! I am human folks!) but to share something with readers.

My love of reading is clearly the best thing I may offer at this time (and if I ever learn to walk on my hands I promise to share it with you!).

I might post a photo or two of the island, share the antics of Mac the Corgi, Maira the Cat or even a special dish (I happen to think I am not a bad cook) but I am pragmatic enough to know my limits. I am not a photographer, crafter, decorator etc... I value my privacy (and those of my family) fiercely and thus you will not find me on Facebook or Twitter. Book reviews are shared on Amazon because of their wider range of distribution. Just my preference of course! (and I love to hear that my review helped someone purchase a title).

In the past I strove to read a broad array of novels which at times felt something of a let down,
Keeping in mind the time and efforts an author takes to write, the many genres available and finally readers' tastes and comments I am looking for a fresh approach.

I love to talk about literary findings and enjoy blogging, a great conduit to pass on the word as a review! For me memories and dreams is what it is all about!
However I noted that some of the titles I chose to review were featured on so many other blogs, it feels same old, same old...

Ah! Here is where I must mention to anyone who has not realized it yet I get bored easily...

So, what happens now?

Well I streamlined my choices to be sure I READ QUALITY MATERIAL versus QUANTITY. I enjoy enormously sharing with readers titles and authors I discover, sometime in unlikely spots, and I will continue posting about my finds and rate each accordingly. 

Rest assured that being an avid reader, there will be no less reviews posted here, in fact perhaps the opposite! 
Kindly keep in mind though I am NOT a professional reviewer and share ONLY my opinions.
When I share my thoughts, a book's rating according to my preferred scale (see right sidebar) and any forewarning of what I encounter in my reading (i.e. thematic contents/offensive language etc...) please remember that's all I hope for.

I also prefer not to be 'another' review on a long list posted on a specific day and will slowly wean myself away from those. It is most important for authors to have their name put forward but how many of those reviews can anyone read?!

So here we go Folks, the only types of books (occasional DVDs) reviews to be found here will be based on:

- Christian Fiction
- Historical fiction (Biblical, Medieval, Renaissance, Regency, Civil War (US), WW1, WW2 and a few contemporaries)
- Religion and Spirituality

There are many genres in the literary world I prefer not to delve into for personal reason!

Providing it fits in these categories and I believe readers will enjoy those novels as much as I do, I will be happy to post about them. Sources will include Publishers and their representatives, libraries (thank goodness for those!) and my own shelves.

Occasionally I'll be happy to promote giveaways and you will find a few of those in the near future. It is a pleasure to work with authors and PR folks to bring you these opportunities.
If the giveaway is only featuring a link for readers to enter, it is all I will post! (No more graphics and fancy words).
That said if the giveaway is for one of MY readers, I will be more than happy to display it with fanfare and trumpets!

Finally I will not post a list of eventual titles/reviews...I like surprises, don't you?!

Happy 2014!

The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher, Book review and GIVEAWAY

• Publisher: Ideals Children's Books, an imprint of Ideals Publications (October 1, 2013)
• ISBN-13: 978-0824956530
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Synopsis:

About The First Christmas Night 

The First Christmas Night is a beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus on that joyous night in Bethlehem so long ago.

The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem and winds though Christ’s birth, the angels’ appearance to the shepherds, and the visit by the Wise Men. 

The simple, yet elegant, verses will appeal to little ones and are accompanied by the rich acrylic illustrations of Christine Kornacki:

’Twas the very first Christmas when all through the town

not a creature was stirring—there was not a sound.

The moon shining bright in the heavens so high

gave the look of midday to the Bethlehem sky.

The animals were nestled in warm, cozy places

with looks of contentment on each of their faces.

Here are my thoughts:

The outstanding collaboration of author Keith Christopher and illustrator Christine Kornacki has produced one of the best books of the year! 
This one is a keeper Folks, and sure to delight children and parents everywhere!

Not unlike the well known poem 'Twas the Night before Christmas'  written by Clement Clarke Moore, The First Christmas Night brings us all the warmth of the Season by reminding us of that first Christmas long ago. 
What better way to introduce children to the real Christmas than retelling them this 2000 year old story? 

This large 32 page hardback copy is simply stunning with its illustrations and the journey of Mary and Joseph and the birth of our Saviour as told in this version, will remain with little ones as one of the most beautiful story ever told!

Included at the end of the book is the biblical story of the First Christmas as written in Luke's Gospel, 2:1, 4-16, 20 and Matthew 2:1-2, 9B-11 for an excellent reference!

5 Stars!!

Note to Readers: # 3 on my list of Christmas gifts list!

About the Author:

Keith Christopher is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, and educator, and he has served as editor and producer for several major music publishers. 
In addition to writing and studio producing, Keith is on the faculty at the Blair School of Music of Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

About the Illustrator:

At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape, including illustrating the best-selling The Sparkle Box for Ideal's Children's Books. Christine's recent work also includes illustrating the six-book series for the American Girl historical doll characters Marie-Grace and Cecile.  She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut. 

Note to Readers: Christine is also the illustrator for the well known book 'The Sparkle Box' (to be reviewed shortly here as well!)

Who is it for?

Kids ages 4-8 - The rhyming language can help them develop verbal language skills and learn to read

Family story time during the holidays

Children's Ministers and Sunday school teachers
Christmas carolers could set it to a tune!

I always think the best things to come are the last ones! So here it goes:

Thanks to the generosity of the author/illustrator and FLYBY PROMOTIONS I have a wonderful opportunity for one lucky reader to get their own copy!
All you have to do is place a comment on this post and include a contact email (such as for example):

123format[at]yahoo[period]com

Giveaway open to USA and Canada only. 
Dateline to enter: 23 November 2013 at midnight!
Winner chosen by Random.org and Winner's name posted on this blog. 
A confirmation will be send via email. 

This is a wonderful book you will want to share with others so be sure to enter!!

I received a copy of this title from FLYBY PROMOTIONS as part of their blogger review program.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

A Man Called Blessed by Ted Dekker, Book review

• Publisher: Thomas Nelson edition (April 4, 2006)
• ISBN-13: 978-0849945144

Synopsis:

One man holds the key to finding the ark of the covenant.

In this explosive sequel to Blessed Child, Rebecca Soloman leads a team deep into the Ethiopian desert to hunt the one man who may know the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. But Islamic fundamentalists fear that the Ark's discovery will compel Israel to rebuild Soloman's temple on the very site of their own holy mosque in Jerusalem.

They immediately dispatch Ismael, their most accomplished assassin, to pursue the same man, but the one in their sights is no ordinary man. His name is Caleb, and he is also on a quest--to find again the love he once embraced as a child.

The fate of a million souls rests in the hands of these three.

(Source Google - Ethiopian wilderness)

Here are my thoughts:

'A Man called Blessed' story line will grip you with its intriguing 'what if' Israel would discover the Ark of the Covenant and rebuilt the Temple. 

As it is his norm, Ted Dekker offers his readers a spectrum of ideas and reactions to this possibility, informing rather than preaching. His novels stands out with their unusual aspects, their very subjects offering new dimensions to entertaining, this one, the concept of what might happen 'if', riveting! 
His co-author Bill Bright stated this novel is a message spun from both their hearts, judge for yourself!

A sequel* to 'A Child Blessed', this novel questions many probabilities depending on your beliefs, such as will the Temple be rebuilt? Before the second coming of Christ or after the Rapture of the Church?
In this instance Dekker profiles the Jewish point of view, weaving it intricately into an action packed story.
Through the eyes of Israeli Mossad soldier/archaeologist Rebecca Soloman we follow up on a blind man's wild story about the Ark. This Ethiopian Falasha Jew profess to know its exact resting place.

Traveling into Ethiopia with a highly trained team of experts, including one of Israel's best archaeologists, Rebecca pursues the claim. In doing so her life and beliefs are soon challenged by outside forces bringing her to question her mission and all she thought she knew about God's purpose for His children.

Battling Islamic fundamentalists, trained assassins, hostile elements and a brutal landscape, Rebecca might just find more than she expected in this quest for the ultimate prize. But you will have to read it to find out more, no spoilers Folks!

An amazing journey to witness, you will not want to put this one down!

5 Stars!

* This sequel stands on its own, have no fear but I believe you will enjoy reading the first of the Caleb Books series as well!

About the Author:

Ted Dekker began his career writing fantasy novels that explored spirituality (Black, Red and White) and has since become a major force in the mainstream fiction arena with his recent thrillers, "Adam," "Thr3e," "Skin," "Obsessed," "BoneMan's Daughters," which landed in the #10 on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list in 2009, and "The Bride Collector". 

Dekker has been honored with a Christy Award as well as a Gold Medallion Award for Best Fiction. "Thr3e" and his novel "House" became feature films.

Dekker was born to missionaries and grew up among cannibals of Indonesia, and his peculiar upbringing gives him a unique perspective outside the cultural bubble, allowing him the freedom to share provocative insights in his fiction. After leaving Indonesia, Dekker graduated from a multi-cultural high school and took up permanent residence in the United States, earning his B.A. in philosophy and religion, and then went into business.

In the early nineties, Dekker decided to pursue his desire to write fiction, selling his company, moving his family to the mountains of western Colorado, and writing full-time. Two years and three books later his first novel, a supernatural thriller called Heaven's Wager, was published. Dekker proceeded to write 6 more supernatural thrillers, rising to the top of many bestsellers lists and earning himself critical acclaim and legions of fans. "Thr3e" heralded his launch into mainstream fiction and was followed by "Obsessed," "Skin," "Adam," and "BoneMan's Daughters," all of which hit the New York Times bestseller list.

Ted Dekker's fans are comprised of readers of all ages, backgrounds, and belief systems who love his compulsively readable stories, authentic characters, and universal and relatable themes that he explores from a unique point of view.

Visit his website (HERE)

I received a copy of this title from BOOKSNEEZE to review . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.