Words Are a Blessing

     I love words, no matter if I write them or read them. They are a blessing and make a difference in my life as well as help me to make a difference in other's lives, too. Words motivate us, entertain us, and make us think.
     As an author, I'm given many opportunities to read and review the written works of fellow authors. Lately, it has been my pleasure to read some very wonderful books, and of myriad genre. The reviews I have recently posted on Amazon.com are all five stars. If the book doesn't deserve that rating, I will not post one. Books should enrich your life and those are the ones worth knowing about.
     Tracy Million Simmons is a fellow board member of the Kansas Authors Club. She has written an excellent little book called Tiger Hunting. It's entertaining and very imaginative since it takes place in the western part of Kansas.
     Dr. Ed Mrkvicka's book, The Sin of Forgiveness, is highly provocative. He makes a compelling argument that forgiving someone who is not repentant is contrary to what the Bibles tells us. Whether you agree or not, it causes us to examine hardcore beliefs and faith which can only help us to grow and become more resolute in what we understand as truth.
       Scalpel in the Sun is Dr. Rene Chang's account of his days as a surgeon in Saudi Arabia in the 70s and early 80s. Not only does he treat the reader to a different culture, but throws in some easy to understand medical knowledge as well.
     J.J. Hibbert has written Unconventional, a novel that resonates with his fellow authors, but is worth reading by others as well. It's about a struggling young author who overcomes odds to write and make his first novel a success. It's a good read for the triumph of the spirit.
     Mary Queen of France: The Story of the Youngest Sister of King Henry VIII by Jean Plaidy (alias Victoria Holt) is an excellent historical novel. There is something to be learned about one of England's most famous kings as well as the unfortunate obligations to which even the elite must succumb.
     Frank McCourt's, Angela's Ashes, is a memoir that will touch the hearts of those who have compassion for their fellowman. He deftly illustrates the poverty in both Ireland and the U.S. before WWII with his heart-wrenching depiction of life as a child growing up in those circumstances
        Song of Achilles (P.S.) by Madeline Miller uses information from The Odyssey and The Iliad as well as other books of that time to offer another interesting account of the Trojan War. As with most books, there are some surprises that conflict with Hollywood's version.
     These are just a few of my favorite recent books, but I hope they will give you some options that you might not have previously considered. Reading something out of the norm enriches us and exposes us to the uncommon. If you like one or more of these books, I encourage you to contact any of the present-day authors if a way of doing so is given. Nothing is as gratifying to an author than to know they have made a difference through words, whether that is to make you think or simply give you pleasure. Now is your turn to reciprocate.