Book Review: Wild in the Hollows

With the lyrical talent of a trained poet, Amber Haines tells a fantastic (and familiar) story of redemption in each of her lowest moments in life.

I want to believe this book is truth, I really do. I want to believe that there are people out there who live these lives where they see and feel God so intensely and obviously. But this story sounds like the same one I've heard time and again at the tent revivals of my childhood. Each person's story is different but has the same keynote: They were at rock bottom, and God appeared miraculously to them - and hasn't stopped doing so since then - but instead of having the power to overcome (as those from the Bible who witnessed God miraculously), they're stuck in the same old patterns.

This book is worded beautifully, though the flowery language does make it difficult to understand what the author is really trying to say sometimes. It tells a fantastical story that - if true - is wonderful. It also ends abruptly, with no clear point or 'moral of the story' ... it's almost as if a stranger walked into my house, told me their story, and then left.

Despite its flaws and being so fantastical that it hovers on unbelievable, it's a pleasant read and only took me an evening to get through - a nice one to pick up if you're looking for an extraordinary story to boost your faith in God's promises.

Book Review: It's Good to be Queen

Ever wondered what it must have been like for the Queen of Sheba to approach Solomon? What traits did she have to possess to gain the favor of such a wealthy and wise king?

Liz Curtis Higgs has, and she decided to write a book about what might have been.

In It's Good to be Queen, Higgs takes the account of Sheba's visit to Solomon - one of the shortest stories in the whole Bible - and turns it into a book by combining historic account, the different word combinations used in various Bible translations, and a heavy dose of imagination. She then uses this imaginary story filled with imaginary detail to tell women how they should behave.

Her points are good, suggesting that we should pursue generosity, openness, and wisdom (among other things).

If you're looking for a Bible-based lesson on how to be a powerful woman, this is not the place to look. However, if you're looking for an entertaining story and some good tips about being a good person, this is a great book. It's an easy read - easy to get into, and easy to put down when something else comes up - and it has great entertainment value. Higgs possesses a wonderful imagination and has beautifully crafted a detailed picture from the framework of general historic knowledge.

I received my copy of It's Good to be Queen for review from Blogging For Books. For more information, visit the It's Good to Be Queen webpage.