Book Review - Killing Lincoln

I just got finished reading Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard last night.  It took me about 3 days to finish.  The entire book is broken down chronologically and covers primarily March 4, 1865 - April 26, 1865 in 276 pages.  It is an in depth look into the assassination of President Lincoln.  I have to admit that my knowledge of Lincoln's assassination was very textbook .... He was shot in ford Theater by John Wilkes Booth.  I am ashamed to say that was about the extent of it.  I wouldn't call myself a lover of history; I don't read historical books with fervor.  I wanted to read this book because of a recommendation of a family member and I thought it would be interesting to learn more about this important time in our history.  That being said, I couldn't put the book down.  It really is a thriller.  The battle scenes are so vivid that you find yourself wanting to look away.  Yes I know it is a book.  I kept having to to remind myself that it is a true story.  It is written with details about not only how Booth's plan was hatched but also describes the others that are (or may have been) involved in the plot.  The questions about conspiracy are raised but ultimately not answered.  The truth died with those involved.  Who knew that there was so much to this dramatic, history changing story?  Not me! 

It is very interesting to see the reviews on Amazon.com for this book.  It either gets one star or five.  And it is about 50/50.  If you read the reviews, you quickly realize that people either love or hate Bill O'Reilly and the reviews are more about that, than the book.  That being said, I am sure that there are some inaccuracies in this book.  But, I doubt there are more than any textbook in the public school system.  As with any book, if it being used for school purposes, it is always good to use more than one resource.  Only the Bible is infallible.
Overall:  Great book if you are interested in reading more about this changing time in history.  I'm kinda hoping that he comes out with a kids version because my son would love to read this. 

Book Review - Wait No More: One Family's Amazing Adoption Journey

I am so glad that I saw the request on Focus on the Family's Facebook page for bloggers to review this book.  I signed up and completely forgot about it.  What a great surprise it was to receive the book in the mail two weeks later! 

I started to read the book the next day and couldn't put it down.  It was finished in 3 days.  I probably would have finished in one day but my family would have been completely ignored and neglected.  This is the story of the Rosati family and their adoption journey.  What I love about this book is the honesty.  Kelly Rosati does not sugar coat the adoption process or make it sound easy.  She speaks of their struggles and heart-wrenching disappointments as much, if not more so, than the extraordinary triumphs.  The Rosati's story is an amazing view into the ups and downs of adoption from the foster care system.  The plight of the orphan is real.  God does not hold back on His instructions to care for the orphans of the world.  Adoption may not be for everyone but we should all be open to God's plan and purpose for our lives, whether it is adopting a child that desperately needs a family or helping in some other way.  Is adoption for you?   Have you prayed about it?  Are you open to the idea if God calls you to adopt? These are the questions that we should all be asking (myself included).  If one family from every church in this country chose to adopt a child in need of a home... there would be no orphans in this country.  Wow.

It is wonderful to read how God brought the Rosati family together.  A way that no one could expect.  A difficult road that was wrought with tears and sadness but God had a plan.  His plan is always good. 

My recommendation:  Read this book.  Whether the thought of adoption has crept into your mind, you have already adopted, or have never thought of adopting, it is an important story.  A story of one families struggle to stay focused on God's plan in troublesome times; and the beauty of growing closer to God and each other in the process.

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

James 1:27

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

Isaiah 1:17

http://family.christianbook.com/wait-more-familys-amazing-adoption-journey/john-rosati/9781589976535/pd/976535?p=1143702&event=ORC



** I received a free book for this review.  No other compensation was given and the opinions expressed here are my own.