Nature Poems to See By - a book review

Recently, I was given a complimentary copy of Nature Poems to See By: A Comic Artist Interprets More Great Poetry, illustrated by Julian Peters, and published by Plough Publishing House. As someone who has long loved poetry—and who also happens to be a visual learner—I was immediately intrigued. This book beautifully marries both worlds, pairing beloved classic poems with expressive comic-style artwork that brings each piece to life.

The collection includes twenty-four classic poems thoughtfully arranged by the seasons of the year. Each selection is accompanied by carefully crafted illustrations that illuminate the heart of the poem without overpowering it. The comic art format offers a fresh and accessible way to experience poetry, allowing readers not only to read the words but to see them unfold.

I believe this book will appeal to a wide range of readers. Adults will appreciate revisiting treasured classics in a new format, while younger readers—especially those who may feel intimidated by traditional literary works—may find the visual storytelling an inviting doorway into poetry. By presenting these works through art, the book gently encourages curiosity and may even spark a lifelong love for verse.

Many of my personal favorites are included—poems I first encountered in high school and others I’ve discovered over the years. Reading Daybreak in Alabama by Langston Hughes (which was new to me and a wonderful surprise), alongside classics like Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, Fog by Carl Sandburg, and Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare, transported me back to my ninth-grade English classroom, where a teacher with a deep love for poetry faithfully introduced us to it each day. Those early encounters shaped my appreciation for the written word, and this book rekindled that same sense of wonder.

I am grateful to Plough for publishing such a thoughtful and creative work. I look forward to sharing this book with my grandchildren—some already in their teen years and others still young enough to sit close and turn the pages slowly. I can already imagine reading the poems aloud, watching their eyes move between the lines and the artwork, and witnessing that spark of discovery as they begin to fall in love with poetry and art in their own way.

A special thank you to Plough Publishing House for providing this complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

Bread and Wine - Readings for Lent and Easter

Bread and wine is a beautiful devotional book filled with poignant readings for Lent and Easter. 

I especially enjoyed the selections written by Oswald Chambers, Watchman Nee, and Madeline L'Engle. 

Readers will enjoy this book because each devotional points to what Jesus did for us on the cross. 

As I read the selections, I felt closer to Christ as my spirit was fed, and  being able to read the thoughts of different authors helped me reflect on various points I had not considered before.

I'm so thankful Plough Publishing offered me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

To Go on Living by Narine Abgaryan

Recently, I was given a complimentary copy of the book, "To Go on Living," by Narine Abgaryan. I had no idea what the book was about until I started reading. 

I was captivated after reading the first chapter. I knew nothing about the country of Armenia or about the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. I've never been much of a history buff, but found these very poignant stories touching my heart. 

The author uses a very descriptive writing style and immediately draws the reader in. Though the  stories were very difficult to read, I was thankful to have the opportunity to read them. They helped me understand the realities of war. 

I was astounded at the ability of the people mentioned to rise above their situations. Their resilience was astounding. I don't think I'd I've been able to respond in the same way if I'd experienced the tragedies they had experienced. I would like to think that I would be able to have a positive outlook on life as they did, but I'm not sure I would have been able to do that.

As I read, it seemed to me that each person in the story had accepted war as an integral part of life and had learned to either accept or reject it. As they learned to accept it, they managed to find a way to keep on living. 

Two quotes in the book really touched my heart: "To write about a war means almost destroying any hope within yourself. Like staring death in the face while trying not to avert your eyes. Because if you do, you will have betrayed your own self." And the other one, "Life is fairer than death, and that's what encapsulates it's unbreakable truth. It is necessary to believe this in order to go on living."

Those powerful words gave me a new perspective. 

I would like to thank Plough publishing for allowing me the honor and privilege of reviewing this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in history but also to those interested in learning how to overcome tragic circumstances.

Easter - The Rest of the Story by Rick Renner

Recently I had the opportunity to read the book easter, the rest of the story by Rick Renner. It's a beautiful book filled with truth and told in a way that's very easy to understand even for non-believers. I enjoyed the beautiful artwork and a constant references to scripture to support the author's points. 

Pastor Renner uses both Hebrew and Greek word studies to help readers understand more in depth the things the Bible teaches about the resurrection of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. 

I've been a Christ follower for 60 years and have read the Bible more times than I can count but this book brought forward some points I had not focused on in the past. 

I think readers will find this book a very worthwhile investment and a very coveted edition to their personal library. 

I would highly recommend this book not only for its faith value but for its historical value as well. 

When readers understand the depth of the sacrifice our lord gave for us on the cross, I'm sure their hearts will be touched deeply and in ways they never expected.

Jesus Changes Everything

This is the first book that I have read about writings by theologian Stanley Hauerwas and I must say, it was pleasantly surprising. Not only did it open my eyes to new viewpoints about living the Christian life, but I found his works to be enlightening. 

I was most struck by the concept presented regarding the difference between being a disciple versus being an admirer of Jesus. As a believer for 50 plus years, I had never even considered this before. I always assumed the two were melded together but Hauerwas gives a different picture. Of course believers admire Jesus and long to be his disciples, but to truly be a disciple of Christ, one must allow every aspect of their being to be permeated by the person of Christ while at the same time loving and supporting his or her community. 

This was a quick read and I would like to thank Plough publishing for providing me with an advanced reader copy. I would recommend this book to anyone desiring to understand how to live more like Christ. 

Come Again, Pelican by Don Freeman

I've always loved Don Freeman's books and have found them particularly enjoyable while sharing them with my children and grandchildren. I was pleasantly surprised to find he'd recently written another one and was privileged to receive a complimentary review copy from Plough Publishing. 

This story is fairly short and sweet. It's a story about a young boy named Ty and his family visit to the beach. 

When Ty arrives at the beach, he's excited to be in a familiar place and immediately goes off to look for his favorite bird, a large pelican. 

As Ty continues his adventure, the story takes an unexpected turn where both Ty and the bird share a special exchange. 

The story focuses on important character values such as kindness, patience, and diligence. 

I think children of all ages will enjoy this book but especially those between the ages of 3 and 10. 

I can't wait to read this book to my granddaughter, Heather, who loves not only the beach but also wildlife. I think she'll relate to the story well and enjoy learning how Ty and the Pelican help each other. 

Thank you, Plough Publishing, for allowing me to review this book in exchange for my honest review. It was my pleasure to read it. 

Bonnie Annis
 

By Water - The Felix Manz Story by Jason Lansel A book review

 

Recently, I was given the opportunity to review the book, By Water, The Felix Manz Story written by Jason Landsel and published by Plough Publishing. It is a true story of persecution and martyrdom.

I must say, I was surprised to find this book was written in a comic book style with many graphic images. 

As I began to read the book, I was taken aback. In the first chapter, entitled "The Dream," I found myself offended by language I was not expecting to find in a Christian book. The first page of the chapter features some very violent comic book style graphics. In one scene, the word, "Bastard," appears in a comic bubble and in another, the phrase, "Son of a whore," appears. I almost stopped reading the book at that point, but I'd promised to give an objective review of the book so I continued on. 

As a former seminary student, with 2 degrees in ministry, I knew a lot of the religious history behind the book, but for some without any knowledge of religious persecution, the comic style of the book would be challenging to understand. 

On a positive note, the author made a point of including historical facts throughout the book and gave a much more detailed explanation at the end of the book. He also included a timeline and details geared more toward the adult reader. 

The intended audience for the book was unclear. Did the author believe it would appeal to teens or young adults or was it written more for the enjoyment and entertainment of grounded believers? 

The story is an important one and one worth telling. Felix Manz was a brave man to stand for his convictions even to the point of death. Without the sacrifices of many Christian martyrs, we wouldn't have the freedoms we enjoy today. 

I would like to thank Plough Publishing for giving me an opportunity to review this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The epilogue contained vital information for the reader and I was thankful it was included. 

The book can be purchased through Plough Publishing by clicking this link:

 https://www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/anabaptists/by-water