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.

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin - a book review

This was my first time reading a Charles Martin novel. The book was recommended to me by a friend with high accolades. As I began reading it, I was pleasantly surprised to find the story was set in a small Georgia town. Since I'm a Georgia native, I knew immediately I'd find this book interesting. 

The story revolves around a little girl named Annie. Annie has a way of capturing the hearts of those around her and for a good reason. Annie has some major health problems. Her parents are dead. She has no insurance and though her life is full of struggles, she finds a way to keep a positive attitude. Annie has a small lemonade stand in the center of town. Every morning she greets the townspeople and offers them her sweet smile along with a cup of lemony drink. She sells her lemonade for 50 cents a glass but the jar beside her stand holds large bills. She's raising money for her own heart transplant and the people in this small town want to help. 

When a stranger comes into town, he has no idea what he's about to encounter. With a past filled with hurts, this stranger befriends Annie and their lives become instantly intertwined. The mysteries of a stranger named Reese come colliding in with Annie's need for a new heart and the healing of his own. 

I loved the way Mr. Martin wrote this story. He used such beautiful descriptive words and instantly drew the reader into the story. The book was filled with familiar Georgia towns and attractions that helped me visualize my native home and as the story unfolds, I felt like I was in the midst of the struggles the characters faced. 

When the book was recommended to me, I was told I'd cry before I completed the book. I didn't believe I'd shed tears but about midway through the book, as one of the characters prays for Annie, I lost it. The prayer was so heartfelt and genuine I couldn't help but be filled with empathy. 

This book is one I'll keep on my forever shelf. There aren't many books that make it to my permanent library but this one is a definite keeper. I loved the way the author allowed faith to be a central theme in this book, too. As a Christian, I love finding books of this caliber and enjoy looking for spiritual depth amid the story lines. 

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised if you read this book and I really hope you will. 

Love Kindness, a book review

Recently, I was given a complimentary copy of the book, Love Kindness, by Barry H. Corey, to review. My copy from Tyndale House Publishers was in paperback format. 

I was excited to read this book! The book was written by Barry H. Corey, a native of Massachusetts, became the eighth president of Biola University in July 2007. 

First of, the title, Love Kindness, captured my attention. One of my life's goals has always been to exhibit kindness in my life. This book takes a closer look at the true meaning of kindness and how we, as Christians, are expected to exhibit it in our lives so that God is represented well. 

In the introduction to the book, the first Scripture presented, gives us a mandate to clothe ourselves in kindness. Colossians 3:12 says this, "As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with kindness." But what does it really mean to clothe ourselves in kindness? That was the question I asked myself before digging into this book and finding out what Barry Corey had to say. My understanding of this verse was just that I should always be kind to others but there was much more to sharing kindness than I ever imagined.

"Kindness has become a forgotten virtue." Mr. Corey made this profound statement as the book begins. "To be Christian, kindness must shape us and define us," Corey says. "We have lost an understanding of the power of kindness, mistakenly dismissing it as fluff or flat. Kindness needs to be rediscovered." Those comments by Barry Corey ring true. In today's world, we find kindness to be almost irrelevant. As people move throughout their days in self-centered awareness, kindness seems not to matter. 

Barry Corey, author of Love Kindness

The author wants us to understand that kindness is a choice and it takes fierceness to display kindness in today's world. His analogy of Christians exhibiting kindness as having a firm center with soft edges really gave me a clear visual of his concept to love kindness. As Christians, it's important to stand firm in our beliefs but still be able to reach out to others with the gift of kindness. Mr. Corey explains that "Kindness is a biblical way of living." Though it is a fruit of the Spirit, it's also the way we should conduct our lives on a daily basis. 

I enjoyed this book immensely and found it filled with great insights and Biblical truths. This book would be a great one to recommend to students of all ages but especially those in high school and college. 

After reading the book, I feel enlightened. I feel I have seen kindness in a whole new light and I think you will, too! The title of the book, Love Kindness, comes from Micah 6:8 in the Bible which says, "To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." Barry Corey states, as does the Bible, that we are to love kindness. We are not just to do it, but to actually love it!

If you're interested in reading this book, you can purchase it here.