Books matching: faith and belief
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- #1
Save:Counted With the Stars by Connilyn Cossette is a Christian Biblical novel set during the time of the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt. The story follows Kiya, an Egyptian woman sold into slavery due to her father's bad business dealings. Through her perspective, the reader experiences the plagues brought upon Egypt and the exodus of the Hebrews. The novel beautifully weaves together the lives of fictional characters with the well-known biblical events, providing a fresh and captivating retelling of the Exodus story.
The book is told through a first-person narrative, focusing on Kiya's journey from a life of luxury to slavery and her encounters with a Hebrew slave named Shira. The author's meticulous research is evident in the accurate portrayal of historical events and the detailed descriptions of the plagues, making the biblical story come alive through the eyes of an Egyptian character. The writing style effectively conveys the emotions and struggles of the characters, drawing the reader into the story and offering a unique perspective on familiar biblical events.
The sound of my knock on the wooden chamber door echoed in the pit of my stomach. Shira opened the door, but the Hebrew girl refused to meet my eyes. Two streaks of fur, one black and one gray, fled t... Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear by Jinger Duggar Vuolo is a memoir that delves into the author's journey of questioning and reevaluating her faith, particularly in the context of her upbringing in a strict religious environment. Jinger shares her experiences of growing up in a family that adhered to the teachings of Bill Gothard, and how she has come to reinterpret and challenge those teachings as she seeks a deeper understanding of her own beliefs. The book explores themes of faith, self-discovery, and the complexities of navigating one's spirituality in a world filled with conflicting ideologies.
Jinger's writing style is described as honest, refreshing, and gentle yet upfront. She shares her personal struggles and growth with sincerity, offering insights into her evolving perspective on religion and spirituality. Through her narrative, Jinger encourages readers to reflect on their own beliefs, emphasizing the importance of having a personal relationship with God and understanding the true essence of faith beyond rigid doctrines.
- #3
Save:'All Who Go Do Not Return' by Shulem Deen is a memoir that follows the journey of a Skverer Hasid who grapples with his curiosity about the world, leading to his loss of faith and subsequent expulsion from the community. The book provides a detailed and poignant account of his struggle to reconcile his identity and love for his family with his disbelief in God. Deen's writing style is described as graceful, insightful, and compelling, as he narrates his story with sensitivity and honesty, capturing the pain of leaving an insular community.
The book delves into the author's upbringing in a highly restrictive ultra-religious environment, his gradual loss of faith, and the challenges he faces as he tries to navigate a new life outside the community. Deen's narrative arc is highlighted as believable and engaging, offering a deep exploration of his transformation from observance to atheism. The memoir sheds light on the oppressive nature of the Hasidic community, the struggles of individuals who question their faith, and the emotional turmoil of breaking free from deeply ingrained beliefs.
I wasn’t the first to be expelled from our village, though I’d never known any of the others. I’d only heard talk of them, hushed reminiscences of ancient episodes in the history of our half-century-o... - #4
Save:The Ball and the Cross by G.K. Chesterton follows the engaging and humorous adventures of two passionate individuals, a devout Catholic named Evan MacIan and an ardent atheist named James Turnbull, as they embark on a journey throughout England to settle their ideological differences through a duel. Despite their opposing beliefs, the characters develop a mutual respect for each other, highlighting the importance of sincerity in one's beliefs over correctness. The novel touches upon the themes of religious dialogue, personal experience versus debate, and the significance of the sincerity of one's belief, all while maintaining a satirical and modern feel despite being written a century ago.
As they came over the hill and down on the other side of it, it is not too much to say that the whole universe of God opened over them and under them, like a thing unfolding to five times its size. Al... - #5
Save:'Little Do We Know' by Tamara Ireland Stone revolves around the long-term friendship between Hannah and Emory, who have been neighbors since childhood but are now estranged due to a misunderstanding. The story delves into themes of faith, friendship, betrayal, and family as the two friends navigate their differences and challenges. The plot is narrated through alternating chapters from Hannah and Emory's perspectives, providing insight into their individual paths and struggles. When Emory's boyfriend, Luke, faces a life-threatening accident and Hannah finds him, the trio must confront their beliefs and relationships to move forward.
The writing style of 'Little Do We Know' is praised for its authenticity in portraying teenage characters and their actions. The story is described as engaging, with relatable characters facing challenging circumstances that test their relationships. addresses issues such as faith, friendship, and the complexities of teenage life with depth and sensitivity, making it a compelling read that explores the themes of self-discovery and personal beliefs.
Mom was alone. I could tell by her shoulder. When David stayed over, it was bare, with a thin strip of pink or black silk peeking out from between the covers. When he wasn’t there, she slept in one of... - #6
Save:In Our Lady of the Forest by David Guterson, the story revolves around Ann Holmes, a homeless young girl who has a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Oregon forest. The novel explores Ann's encounters with various characters, including a fellow mushroom picker, a local priest questioning his faith, and an out-of-work logger struggling with his destiny. The narrative unfolds in a matter-of-fact tone, delving into the characters' perspectives while not being overly religious or sentimental. The book tackles themes of faith, skepticism, gullibility, and the manipulation of belief, painting a vivid picture of a small town in the Pacific Northwest grappling with the repercussions of Ann's supposed visions.
The girl’s errand in the forest that day was to gather chanterelle mushrooms in a bucket to sell in town at dusk. According to her own account and the accounts of others in the North Fork Campground w... - #7
Save:"Transcendent Kingdom" by Yaa Gyasi is a novel that delves into the complex life of Gifty, a Ghanaian immigrant and neuroscience Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University. The story follows Gifty as she navigates the challenges of family dynamics, addiction, mental health, religion, and the pursuit of scientific knowledge. Through non-linear storytelling, Gyasi weaves a narrative that explores Gifty's internal struggles, her relationships with her family members, and her quest to reconcile her scientific beliefs with her religious upbringing.
Whenever I think of my mother, I picture a queen-sized bed with her lying in it, a practiced stillness filling the room. For months on end, she colonized that bed like a virus, the first time when I w... - #8
Save:More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell is a book that delves into the historical and logical reasoning behind the existence and reality of Jesus Christ. The author presents various arguments for Christianity, Jesus, and the resurrection in a clear and accessible manner. McDowell shares his personal journey and experiences, touching on topics like the attributes of God, the beliefs of the apostles, and the evidence for Jesus being the Son of God. The book discusses prophecies from the Old Testament, the apostles' convictions, and the impact of Jesus on individuals' lives.
Thirteenth-century philosopher Thomas Aquinas writes: “There is within every soul a thirst for happiness and meaning.” I first began to feel this thirst when I was a teenager. I wanted to be happy. I ... - #9
Save:'Dragonfly' by Julia Golding is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Princess Taoshira and Prince Ramil, who are forced into an arranged marriage to unite their countries against a common enemy. Despite their initial dislike for each other, they must work together to survive after being kidnapped by a warlord. The book explores themes of faith, growth, and overcoming differences while navigating a world filled with adventure, action, and romance.
The writing style of 'Dragonfly' is described as vivid and detailed, with skillful word choices that bring out the tone, character, and imagery effectively. The story rotates among different characters, allowing readers to see individual stories unfold within the main plot. The character development of Tashi and Ramil, as well as the exploration of cultural themes, make this book a meaningful and intriguing read for teens and young adults.
The Fens in winter were a strange place, home to wild birds with eerie calls that sliced through the thick freezing mists curling off the water. The reeds were frosted white, pale ghosts of their gree... - #10
Save:'Quarantine' by Jim Crace is an imaginative retelling of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness, focusing not only on Jesus but also on other characters who are undergoing their own struggles and transformations during this time. The narrative delves into themes of compassion, suffering, and the vulnerabilities of humankind while vividly describing the harsh desert landscape and the interactions between the characters. The writing style is described as beautifully constructed, poetic, and hypnotic, drawing readers into the story and the world of ancient Judea.
Miri’s husband was shouting in his sleep, not words that she could recognize but simple, blurting fanfares of distress. When, at last, she lit a lamp to discover what was tormenting him, she saw his t...
