Book Review: Back Then by Beverly Jean Hardy Allen

This book is a collection of stories, historical tidbits, genealogy, photos, and author notes woven together to tell one family's story from pre-removal to modern times. This isn't simply a book on one family's history with dry facts and records. It's information for anyone interested in Choctaw culture and history to consume in bite size, easy to understand text and photos.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read that not only covered centuries, but tales of the enduring spirit of a family and their faith that stood the test of time. The point of view was delightful, written in an often humorous tone as imagined by the author of one of her ancestors.

Well done account. I hope there will more books like this in the near future to help preserve the history of our people.

Book Review: The Art of Work by Jeff Goins

Make a living or make a life. Get by or find your calling. This book delves into the deeper questions of vocation, and challenges traditional mindsets surrounding work, play, and what makes a life.

I've read all of Jeff's books. I order them before seeing what they are about because I know they will be good. But when I first started reading this one, I had an uncertain feeling. It wasn't what I expected. I found myself not fully on board with some of the stories he chose as he shared his take on what it means to understand a calling, how to discover and pursue it.

About midway through the book was the writing I've come to know and respect from Jeff. It was targeted toward the creative, artistic type person who needs to see work as more than a means to make money, yet find an ultimate balance with your passion and your family.

I single out "artists" with caution, because I believe everyone is called to a higher purpose than earning a paycheck all their life. I say "artist" types because they've already come to that realization, but aren't certain where or how to go with it. This book lays out a set of ideas they can use for a roadmap in pursuing the art of work.

Overall, I'd love every artist I know to read this book. It will challenge long held beliefs about vocation, and address the opportunities and pitfalls we find in the modern world.

For everyone, I highly recommend Jeff's books, "Wrecked," "You are a Writer," and most especially, "The In-Between."

Work truly is an art and I salute Jeff's fine work.

Take a trip to the Chicago World's Fair...in 1893 (Book review)

Against the backdrop of the Chicago World’s Fair, Rosalind’s task of unraveling the mystery of her missing sister is derailed by new enemies and unwanted romances. A young woman coming from the background of a simple farm in Wisconsin, she doesn’t stand much chance in the complexities of high society she is entering as a maid in the plush Sloane house. Disappearing maids and a pushy young Sloane has Rosalind constantly looking over her shoulder for danger. When she gives away her secret to a man she hardly knows, Rosalind wonders if she’s made her worst mistake ever. Or was it the best?

The Chicago World’s Fair history holds intrigue and mystery. I enjoyed traipsing around the fair and through the halls of the dark Sloane house with Rosalind, a young woman very much alone and out of place in the big city. She finds ways to be brave and face her fears despite chilling obstacles. Though the mystery wasn’t quite what I hoped as this book fell more into the romance category, I liked the historical details, and this trip to the World’s Fair.

BookLook Bloggers® provided my review copy of this book.