Unashamed by Francine Rivers

Rating 1.1.1
Recommended audience: Teen to adult
Category: Historical, religious, inspirational
Review:

This is the second in the Lineage of Grace Series by Francine Rivers. The series consists of five novellas that tell the stories of five women in the lineage of Jesus Christ: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Unashamed is Rahab's story. I must confess that I am not much of an Old Testament scholar so although the name Rahab did ring a small bell somewhere in the back of my mind, I did not remember this story. Rahab is a prostitute living in Jericho when the Israelites arrive in the Promised Land. She helps the spies that Joshua sends to Jericho and by so doing is saved from the destruction of Jericho. It is an inspiring story and reminded me again that we can change our lives for the better no matter how far we have fallen.

This is the first book in this series that I have read and there really is no need to go in order. Each story is completely indendent of the others. I listened to this as an audiobook and I thought it was a good recording. I will definitely read or listen to the other four books.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Rating: 3.3.3 - This is a rough estimate on the rating because I haven't read it for a while. It's also probably an overestimate as it may be more like 2.2.2 but I don't want anyone who picks it up to be surprised if I'm not remembering well enough. I think it would be PG-13 if it were a movie.

Recommended audience: Mature teens to adult

Category: Historical with some romance

5 Stars

This story begins in 1959 when a minister takes his wife and four daughters to the Belgian Congo where, in his view, he plans to save the heathens and savages from themselves. The story is told in first person accounts by each of the daughters and their mother. This book is beautifully written. I was so impressed by Barbara Kingsolver's abilities as a writer. I know some people have had a hard time getting into this book but I think it is totally worth the effort. Warning: This is not a cheery book. Read it for the beauty of the writing, the knowledge about African history you will learn, and perhaps a new appreciation of other cultures, customs and traditions that you may not have ever thought about.