A Pagan's Nightmare by Ray Blackston

ISBN: 0446579599

From Publishers Weekly

After penning several humorous novels about Christian singles (Flabbergasted), Blackston swaps publishers from Revell to Warner Faith and tries his hand at a dual–story line comic allegory with mixed results. Larry Hutch is a novelist who has a fashionable manuscript about an apparent "reverse rapture": the Christians are left behind, along with a few random pagans. Larry's protagonist, pagan Lanny Hooch, spends his allotted pages trying to find out what has happened to his girlfriend, Miranda, who has disappeared. As Lanny teams up with a pagan disc jockey, they attempt to avoid Christian zealots who are hot on their trail to capture and convert them. There are some attempted humorous looks at what the world might be like as an intentionally over-the-top, all-Christian society: Devil's Food Cake becomes David's Food Cake; the Beatles sing "I Wanna Hold Your Tithe"; and McDonald's staff all wear gold crosses on their sleeves instead of golden arches and serve fries called "McScriptures." But the humor falls flat, and the alternating chapters between the novel's plot and Larry's discussions with various people who are all eager to read his work in progress (and can't put it down once they do) feel like an attempt to persuade the reader that this is good stuff. Even Blackston's fans will be hard-pressed to find the humor here.

This book was loaned to me by Hanna, after I had mentioned that I had wanted to read it after reading Val's review. It seemed like an amusing, irreverant look at Christianity, and what people believe about it.

I do have to say that I disagree with the review by Publisher's Weekly - I did find it funny and amusing, and was able to catch the jokes. I didn't feel like everyone wanting to read it was a ploy at making me feel like I wanted to read the book (although it took me a while to realize that I was reading along with the characters, ie. they asked for chapters 16-18, and the next part of the story were those chapters. I guess I'm not as bright as others!).

I found Blackston's insertion of humour to be well placed and timely. My favourite joke was about the softball (I think) teams, the "Dunkers" and "Sprinklers". He's referring to the different baptism styles, and for some reason (probably due to past conversations about the topic) it really struck a funny chord for me. Also, the discussion questions at the back were a riot!

The only part of the book that didn't do anything for me was at the end, where Angie (Ned's wife) felt the need to go through the Salvation Thing. I totally get why it was there, and it was completely within her character... but some days I just feel like I'm getting preached at when I don't need to be. I know that's my hang up, and NOT the author's fault, so I won't hold it against him.

This is a pretty solid book to read and ponder, especially with other Christians, and any non-christians that you can convince to read it. I would be interested in hearing how a person who doesn't believe in God (necessarily) or at least follow Christianity felt about the book. I wonder if it would be as funny to them, or if it would seem kind of flat.

Jennifer Scales and the Ancient Furnace by MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi

ISBN: 0441014747

Book Description:

She knew that growing up would mean changing. But Jennifer wasn't prepared for the blue scales or the claws, since no one had told her that she came from a bloodline of weredragons. Her greatest challenge? Protecting herself from her family's ancient enemies and preparing herself for fierce battles. And that's a lot to expect of a girl just coming into her own.

While seeing MaryJanice Davidson on the billing for this book didn't excite me (I was quite certain that this character would merely be a younger Betsy), I managed to pick it up and read it anyway... especially seeing as how it was pretty short, young adult, and frankly? I had just read at least two birthing books - I needed a change of pace.

I was actually pleasantly surprised. I'm not sure how the co-authoring between this husband-wife team went, as the book doesn't reek of Davidson's other writings (I find that most of her female characters come off the same). So, whether it was mostly written by Alongi, with Davidson merely offer advice in tone and perspective, I don't know. Regardless, this pairing certainly worked, and I definitely hope that it continues for further books.

This is a very light-hearted and surprising look at the teen life of a were-dragon. Yes, were-dragon. No, we don't see many of those in literature, so it's kind of refreshing. There are also were-spiders, which is also kind of cool (and slightly scary). It was a great change of pace from the "typical" fantasy-type young adult books, so I have to say that it's definitely unique.

This book entertained me through the whole thing. There were a few spots that I thought were really different and odd - which was great. I love a good plot twist, and have to say that these two managed a couple of plot twists that I just did not see coming - so excellent job on them!

Jennifer Scales and the Ancient Furnace is a great book for all teens within the 14 + age bracket. There wasn't much for violence or scary scenes, although some parts might frighten younger readers. While the book doesn't really go into puberty or boy-girl relationships, there are some implied instances that may cause more protective parents to pre-read. Just a thought.

Lyon, Erica: The Big Book of Birth

ISBN: 0452287685

From the Publisher:

Consumer text offers objective advice on everything from choosing a doctor or midwife to the realities of assisted and cesarean births, to pain-coping options, and more.

This book was recommended to me by Sam from Sunday School Rebel. I was looking for an objective book full of information on birth, from a pro-birth (and not pro-specific-style-of-birth) person, and this book completely filled that void.

What you will get from this book:

• Fantastic illustrations as required. The most poignant one of me? Showing how my insides have changed (squashing my organs around to accomadate the baby) now that there needs to be room for a several pound infant inside my body cavity
• Unbiased information on epidurals, other pain medication, and pain management techniques
• Lots and lots of "real life" stories of women that Ms. Lyon has interviewed about their births and experiences
• Detailed instructions on what to do when (ie. when to go to the hospital, when to call the doctor, when to time contractions, etc.)
• Helpful hints on how to get the closest to the birth you want, as everyone knows that labour isn't something that you can control, and will not go according to plan
• Detailed information on technical procedures, from the epidural, to induction and augmentation (speeding the contractions along), to cesarean section and the use of forceps and vacuum to help extract the baby.
• Lots of points to think about and discuss with your doctor (which I felt helpful, as I didn't know what to ask about my doctor's "birthing style")
• You will also find a very slight contempt for the medical community in the way of births. While I haven't had a chance to experience it at this point, she does seem to talk down about SOME nurses, and SOME doctors, and SOME medical practices. If you are concerned about what she brings up, those would be good points to discuss with your doctor

What you won't get from this book:

• The attitude that you are going to be mad at yourself if you get an epidural or use pain medication
• The attitude that you are less of a woman, or a failure as a mother if you use pain medication
• The attitude that unless you push the baby out of your body yourself, you are not having a "real" birth
• A completely rose-coloured view of birth - she really tells it like it is
• You will get the warm fuzzies from the other mom's stories. You won't get them from her information (which is definitely ok!!!)
• The fear of the hospital put into you. While she does go over some of the medical practices you will want to avoid (when possible), you shouldn't walk away thinking "no one wants me to actually have this baby - they just want to cut me open and get it out", as many of the other "natural birth" books can leave you feeling.

All in all, I would DEFINATELY recommend this book to all expectant women. If you've done the birth thing before, I don't know that you'll find it helpful, but for the first time moms? It's probably the best resource I've found [caveat: There is no Canadian information in here, so it's not helpful knowing exactly what happens in Canada, plus there is no hospital specific information - not all drugs are available or widely used all places, so you'll still have to check with your doctor and your hospital for what is available to you]. It gives you a complete picture of labour, birth and a good section on postpartum, which seems to run the gambit of all the information you need to know to get started.

Rowe, Stephanie: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Hot

ISBN: 0446619019

From the Publisher:

Her heart may be in the right place...but her soul belongs to Satan.Being Satan's most infamous minion is the only life Becca Gibbs has ever known. But now she's restless, sick and tired of stealing souls, and ready to break free on her own. Unfortunately, this gig isn't like any other job. Its first rule: Walk out on the Devil-and kiss your life good-bye. Nick Rawlings is the last of the Markku, a race of fighters that broke from Hell to pull for the good. When his sister goes missing, and her ransom is the death of Satan, Nick's more than willing to take on the fight. The first step? Getting the devil's sexy right-hand helper on his side. The second? Well, if he can take his eyes-and hands-off of her, he's sure he'll think of it...

I seriously love Stephanie Rowe. There is nothing that she touches that isn't golden. This is the third in her Paranormal Romance series, which is really quite good. I really liked this book because there was a good amount of tension built up, rather than just "you're hot, lets have sex", which can be prevelant in these types of books.

The only thing that I didn't like was that Satan went from being a very comical speaker to talking in very broken English, which really irritated me. I don't want to read broken English. He used to just say things over-dramatically and with buttloads of humour... but this time, I found myself filling in the missing words. Luckily, he doesn't talk for the majority of the book, so it's not too bad.

I have to say that it was still really funny, and that anyone who likes funny paranormal romance books will definitely love this book. It's made my "to by" list (along with Date Me Baby, One More Time and Must Love Dragons), and I can't wait for the next one!

PS. Each book changes characters, so it doesn't grow old quite so quickly. I really love what she's doing with the series.

MacAlister, Katie: Light My Fire

ISBN: 0451219821

From the Publisher

Aisling Grey is juggling being a demon lord, a Guardian, and a wyvern's mate, even though she's keeping her distance from said wyvern, Drake, these days. But her presence is still required at a meeting of the green dragons. Since several attempts have been made on her life, Drake is sure to get protective of her. Which might not be a bad thing when war breaks out and all hell breaks loose - literally.

Another Aisling Grey novel from Katie MacAlister. It was good, and I really enjoyed it, and I can't wait for the next one to come out. Overall, we saw some interesting character development, some resolution between Drake and Aisling (finally), and some interesting twists of fate regarding the Otherworld. Oh - and we FINALLY find out lots more about Rene (who annoyingly kept turning up everywhere Aisling went).

I have to say that this is a pretty solid read. I definite beach book/brain candy, but still enjoyable and full of feeling.

Recommended for any woman who likes a little fire in their romance!

Rennison, Louise: Startled By His Furry Shorts

ISBN: 0060853867

From the Publisher

On the rack of romance. And also in the oven of luuurve.
Woe is Georgia: Dave the Laugh has declared his love for her (at least she thinks he was talking about her), and she has finally given Masimo an ultimatum to be her one and only and he has to think about it. And will she ever be able to stop thinking about the Sex God plucking his guitar strings of loveosity?

Bruhahahaha!!!! This book was as awesome as the others in the series. Seriously, if you haven't checked out these more than funny books, I really recommend them. I would say that any girl 15 years and older will really enjoy these books. Actually, younger girls will enjoy them too, but I'm not sure that we need to be giving them any ideas (especially if they are my children!). Anyway, this series is too funny to miss out on. I can't wait for the next book, Love is a Many Trousered Thing.