The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

The Law of Sensitive Dependence Upon Initial Conditions is otherwise known as The Butterfly Effect. The Butterfly Effect is basically the theory that everything that is done affects everything else, no matter how insignificant the first thing to be done is. Could a butterfly really flap its wings and set molecules in motion that would eventually result in a hurricane forming on the other side of the planet? It sounds almost ridiculous, but the theory was highly intriguing and eventually substantiated by scientific research.

In The Butterfly Effect, author Andy Andrews explores the implications of the butterfly effect in the lives of human beings. Andrews narrates the tales of two men whose actions changed the world forever. One is a school teacher from Maine who served in the Union army and refused to do nothing when it seemed failure was eminent. The other is the story of a man who invented a hybridized corn used to save millions of people from famine. But had that man not known the vice president, and had the vice president not known a brilliant science student, and had the science student not been saved from kidnapping, the last man never would have invented the hybridized corn. Such is the butterfly effect lived out in real human beings. The author concludes with the assertion that everything that one does matters, not only to that person, but to the entire world.

This book is in the format of a gift book. It had a lovely cover and beautiful illustrations inside. It would make a nice present for anyone, but especially for students and graduates.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Booksneeze as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Pearl by Lauraine Snelling

The legacy of the Dove House continues in Pearl, the second book in Lauraine Snelling's Dakota Treasures series. Ruby, Opal and the ladies of the Dove House are joined by Pearl, a school teacher who harbors physical and emotional scars as well as a secret that she is running from. The ladies bind together to face more unexpected circumstances – some good, some bad. As romance blossoms, trouble brews. Pearl is running from an arranged marriage, money is still tight for Ruby and Opal has picked up some disturbing habits. In the end, only by trusting in God will each woman come to find rest, joy and love.

I liked this book, although I did not think it was as good as the first book in the series, Ruby. The beginning was a little slow. However, about a fourth of the way through, the book captured my interest and I enjoyed reading the rest of it. The one thing that bothered me about the book was that although we know Pearl's mother died and Pearl has a scar, we never quite find out the complete circumstances about the incident. It is possible that this may be explained in one of the later books in the series. The first book in the series also had a lot of openness to the ending. I definitely would not recommend reading this book without first reading Ruby as it was heavily built upon the first book.

One Hand, Two Hands

One Hand, Two Hands by Max Lucado is the story of a young girl who explores all the different things one can do with hands. The young girl is joined by her animal friends who mimic what she does as well as provide her with ways to use her hands. From writing a letter to grandma to picking up socks to clapping, so many things can be done with these wonderful hands that each person has been equipped with.

One Hand, Two Hands will be enjoyed by any child who loves stories and animals. The illustrations by Gaby Hansen are well done, colorful and fun looking. The story teaches a good moral about using our hands to help others as well as acknowledges just how miraculous hands really are. Towards the end of the book, the narration also points the reader towards God and concludes with a request for God to use these hands again. I would recommend this for ages 8 and under. Even toddlers who cannot read will enjoy the illustrations.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Booksneeze.com as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Ruby by Lauraine Snelling

At the request of her dying father, Ruby Torvald resigns her position of governess and takes her younger sister, Opal, to meet him and to claim their inheritance. What her father fails to mention is that their inheritance is the Dove House – a saloon filled with gambling, liquor and “hospitality services.” When Ruby and Opal arrive, they are understandably shocked. After the death of their father, they face the daunting reality that they must claim their inheritance to keep Ruby's promise to their father. Ruby's determination to restore the Dove House to a respectable family establishment is met with resistance on all sides. Ultimately she finds that her strength alone is not adequate for the task, but there is One whose strength never fails.

Somehow this book was not what I expected, but in a good way. I found myself cheering Ruby on as she struggled against the many challenges. The characters seemed authentic and Opal's character was especially amusing. This is only the first book in the Dakota Treasures series and the ending was somewhat resolved and somewhat open. I am eager to continue reading the rest of the books in this series.

Amazing Adventures, Creative Connections and Daring Deeds: 40 Ideas That Put Feet to Your Family's Faith

Amazing Adventures, Creative Connections, and Daring Deeds by Tim and Alison Simpson is a family devotion book aimed at getting families to reach out with their faith. Rather than simply, reading a devotion and talking about it, by using this book, the family will also have ideas to put each person's faith to work in a very real and meaningful way. Topics include: The Ten Commandments, Giving to the poor, Fear, Forgiveness and many more.

Each devotion is only a few pages long and includes four parts. The first part is a text that the family will read together. This is followed by an activity that is done within the family. The third part includes Scripture reading and discussion questions. There are different questions suggested for different ages. Remember, this part is about discussion, not just answering the questions. The questions are actually designed as icebreakers to get discussion flowing about the topic. The final section is often a challenge of sorts. It gives guidance about how to take this devotion and apply it by reaching out to those outside of the family.

This book is very flexible. It is definitely suited at families that have children. Personally, I don't think a family would do more than two of these devotions a week. The things-to-do in the final part of each devotion are often time consuming or cost money. For example, the very first devotion in the book challenges the family to pack up every bit of non-perishable food and give it away. In my house, that would be very costly. This is not necessarily bad. It just makes for something that is not quite feasible for everyday use.

On a side note, with a little adaptation, many of these devotions could be used as Sunday School or Children's Church lessons.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The Bennet sisters are in danger of being poor and homeless should their father die and at least one of them not be married. When a new neighbor, Mr. Bingley, moves to the neighborhood and appears to be single, Mrs. Bennet is determined that one of her daughters will marry him. What ensues is an interesting courtship between Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet, the oldest of the sisters. During the course of this courtship, Jane's younger sister, the headstrong Elizabeth, encounters the brooding Mr. Darcy, a dear friend of Mr. Bingley. Their first impressions of each other are not amiable and lead to dislike on both sides. The dislike is enforced on Elizabeth's side by her new acquaintance, Mr. Wickham. She openly accepts Mr. Wickham's reports of Mr. Darcy and her prejudice grows. A surprising proposal by Mr. Darcy and its aftermath lead Elizabeth to rethink her prejudices. What she can not know is that Mr. Darcy's pride is also being reanalyzed by himself. Will the two ever be able to overcome their pride and prejudice? And if they can, what will be the result of it?

This was the first time I have read Pride and Prejudice and it has cemented Jane Austen as one of my favorite authors. The story line was intricate, marked by detail, humor and romance. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are an enjoyable match and I sympathized with Elizabeth's irritation. I was especially amused by the character of Mr. Bennet. His wit had me laughing, while at other times, his parenting skills appeared to be sorely lacking.

Austen masterfully crafted this story that was published when she was only 21. I am a little in awe of Jane Austen. The two other books by her that I have read were good, but, in my opinion, this one is the best.

This Barnes & Noble Classic edition included an Introduction and Notes by Carol Howard. The Notes were especially helpful in understanding certain portions and the introduction was good. However, the introduction contained a lot of spoilers and I am thankful I read it after reading the book.