Forged Through Fire: A Reconstructive Surgeon’s Story of Survival, Faith, and Healing by Mark D. McDonough

Forged Through Fire: A Reconstructive Surgeon’s Story of Survival, Faith, and Healing by Mark D. McDonough

Published September 3rd 2019 by Fleming H. Revell Company

4 Stars:

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Audiobook Review: Beneath the Tamarind Tree: A Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost Schoolgirls of Boko Haram by Isha Sesay

I recently read a review on a book called Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani on A Haven For Book Lovers. This book was about the kidnapping of the Nigerian girls from the Government School in Chibok, Nigeria. After reading the review, I wanted to read it as well. Well, I went looking for this book and somehow switched the title around in my mind. I found another book about the same event, and that is the one I will be reviewing. I apologize in advance for my long review, but this book really spoke to me.

Beneath the Tamarind Tree: A Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost Schoolgirls of Boko Haram by Isha Sesay

Published July 9th 2019 by HarperAudio

In Pieces by Sally Field

4.5 Stars: 

Published September 18th 2018 by Hachette Audio

Becoming by Michelle Obama

5 Stars –  

Audible Audio, Unabridged, 1143 pages

Published November 13th 2018 by Random House Audio

The Great Halifax Explosion: A World War I Story of Treachery, Tragedy, and Extraordinary Heroism by John U. Bacon, Johnny Heller (Narrator

5 Stars

Published November 7th 2017 by HarperAudio

Night (The Night Trilogy #1) by Elie Wiesel, Marion Wiesel (Translator), François Mauriac (Foreword)

5 Stars

Published January 16th 2006 by Hill & Wang (first published 1958)

Nature Crafts by Fiona Hayes and Creative Adventures in Cursive by Rachelle Doorley

These two books are both wonderful additions to a family, school or classroom library. They are all about creativity, crafting and homemade gifts. I thought they were both especially timely with Christmas coming. I love homemade gifts from my family and these books have several suggestions.

5 Stars

Published August 14th 2018 by QEB Publishing

The Illustrated History of the Snowman by Bob Eckstein

4.5 Stars

Published September 1st 2018 by Globe Pequot Press

The Doggie in the Window: How One Beloved Dog Opened My Eyes to the Complicated Story Behind Man’s Best Friend by Rory Kress

5 Stars

Published April 3rd 2018 by Sourcebooks

This is not a book that you can read in one sitting. It is a tough book to read, especially for dog lovers, of which I am one.

For anyone who plans on purchasing a puppy or adopting a dog, this is a must read. I’ve heard about puppy mills but the descriptions that the author shares really brings it home. I’ve always been an advocate of adopting from shelters, but know that is not always what someone is looking for, especially if they want or need a specific breed. However, as stated in this book, before adopting a dog, one has to see the environment that it’s currently living in as well as seeing the dog itself. I can’t believe people purchase dogs sight unseen, and just believe whatever information they are told. This book had a good balance of research, first-hand experience, and personal anecdotes. The insight into puppy mills was very in-depth. I was surprised to hear about the inspection process and how it does not really enforce the laws in place. It was very interesting to read information about her dog’s behavior and how being born in a puppy mill can impact the dog’s personality for its entire life.

Check out this issue of the online magazine Shelf Awareness to read a great interview with Rory Kress from the article, The Writer’s Life.

I hope this is read widely and is a force for needed change. I definitely recommend this book to dog lovers or those involved in advocating for dogs and healthy, regulated breeding. I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher, Sourcebooks, to read. The rating, ideas and opinions stated are my own.