Bridge to Haven - book review

Bridge to Haven is my first Rivers' book. I've seen The Last Sin Eater, but hadn't gotten around to reading any of her many novels. I'll let the cat out of the bag: I didn't finish the this one. This almost never happens. I don't feel right about not finishing a book I start, and I really struggled about whether to keep reading this novel. I wanted to know how the story ended the way I know it will. I want to experience that journey. It wasn't that Rivers isn't a good author, I read about a third of the book and had to make myself stop.

Why? I didn't want to keep filling my mind with an abusive relationship, which had been the focus of the story for awhile. Getting raped, being abused, being sent away because of those bruises, verbal abuse, being drugged, manipulation, and more unwanted sex. That is not want I want to fill my mind with. It doesn't fall under whatever is good, noble, pure, excellent, praiseworthy. Hey, I realize that these situations happen in real life, which grieves me, but I empathize strongly when I read a good book. It's almost like a part of me becomes the character for a time. I felt Abra's shame. I still feel it. And it's not just an "oh no" moment, it is deep inside of me and I think it will take a little while to recover.

That's the mark of a good author, but it's not what I want to invest my energies in. I don't know how she ends up back home, but I know she does. And I have a few guesses as to what else happens (that I can't verify because no one's posted a detailed book summary anywhere yet ... the book's still too new). But I couldn't justify finding out if I was right, or how the characters resolved some issues.

I'm not judging people who love the book (and there are many), but the book isn't for me.

I read this book as a part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program (which I explain in detail along with the  TyndaleRewards.com program here, if you are interested in signing up for Tyndale Rewards, you can do so here.) This post may contain affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I may receive compensation for referring business. All opinions are my own. Thank you for your support!

The "Call" of Missions

I'm called to missions.

Maybe you know someone who says that. Maybe you are someone who says that. Over the course of my life I have known quite a number of people that felt this way.

I think that's wonderful.

The great commission says we are to go and make disciples of all nations. If we are called to missions, then we are called to leave our homes and families and travel to reach the unreached.

At least, that seems to be the pervading thought. I don't know Greek, but I know a number of people who do, and what I am told is that the aforementioned Scripture would more accurately be translated, "as you are going, make disciples of all nations."

This doesn't necessarily mean we are called to leave our homes, families, friends to go far off and reach the unreached. As we go about our normal, everyday lives we can make disciples. In fact, in America (particularly the cities) we can easily make disciples of all nations right here in basically our own backyard.

If you can't think of opportunities you have to do this, there are probably easy ways you can: does your church support a local ministry which helps the less fortunate both practically and spiritually? If so, get involved. If not, see if they can recommend one to you.

See, the thing is if you are a Christian you have the call of missions on your life. Its not this mystical, esoteric, super specialized thing. Its a mandate for everyone who believes in Jesus.

Some people are supposed to go across the country or across the world to reach certain people, but most of us aren't. That doesn't mean we can't support their work (which makes us missional). That doesn't mean we can't go on one or many short term missions trip(s) in our lifetime. Raising children (biological, adoptive, or foster) - is a mission field. As is reaching their friends and teachers.

And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem (where you live), in all Judea and Samaria (your state/country), and to the ends of the earth (everywhere else). Being a missionary does not mean neglecting your neighbor.

"'Not but that it's good, of course, to send money to the heathen, and I shouldn't want 'em not to send some there,' sighed Pollyanna to herself as she trudged sorrowfully along. 'But they acted as if little boys here weren't any account - only little boys way off. I should think, though, they'd rather see Jimmy Bean grow - than just a report!'" (Porter, Eleanor H., Pollyanna. Watermill Press: New Jersey, 1989, pg 89)

Serve the Lord at home. Seek Him. Trust Him. He will guide you and help you live a missional life - after all, if we choose to follow Jesus, missions isn't a "call" on our life ... it's something that's caused in our life. "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." If you find that's not the case for you, maybe you should examine your life. Maybe you aren't actually following Jesus - maybe you're trying to fit Jesus into your life, when you should be fitting your life into Jesus.

original image source

TJ and the Time Stumblers (Series Review)

Here is my review for each book in the TJ and the Time Stumblers series by Bill Myers.

New Kid Catastrophes: 3 stars: Sets the tone of the series

Not my favorite book (or series) - I love imagination, but its just a little over-the-top for my taste. I do appreciate the values the book (and series) highlight, but the book(s) (should be) for elementary aged kids - not middle schoolers. If this is what appeals to adolescents then we're worse off than I suspected. The book (and series) aren't bad, but they aren't fantastic either.

AAAARGH!!!: 3 stars: Just alright

The book is crazy-over-the-top. If you like the craziness of Myer's "My Life as ..." Series, you should love this. I never got into that series, and find a similar lack of connection here. No doubt it would appeal to some children (it's intended audience) but probably not if your child is more into the classics (like I was). I did appreciate the lesson the book had about cheating. At least there is a point to the story =)

Oops!: 3 stars: Over the Top

This book is so over the top - beyond what happened previously. Not that the book doesn't make good points about valuable lessons, but maybe it would be good for TJ to have to live with the consequences of her actions instead of getting a do-over thanks to 23rd century technology. Of course, that would make for a really awkward life, in this instance.

Ho-Ho-NOOO!: 4 stars: Best One Yet!

These books are not my favorite, but once you get used to them they aren't too bad. This one is my favorite so far - mainly because instead of time going backwards so everything can be redone, TJ has to learn her lesson and live with the actual results. That seems a much better way to teach a lesson than to have gadgets to get you out of the mess you (and the Time Stumblers) created.

Switched!: 3 stars: Predictable

This book felt like a replay of most of the other Time Stumblers books. They're zany and zonked as usual, but Myers' is running out of ideas for TJ and her friends. The lessons are still good ones, but the writing and scenarios created felt like a rerun instead of a new episode.

Yikes!!!: 2 stars: Strangest book of the series

This is not my favorite series. The book itself follows the series' standard outloopishness but really takes it over the top. It is nice to see TJ start becoming a leader though. I was glad TJ matured where Chad was concerned, but don't like the actual ending to the book. While TJ exhibits servitude in her adventure, it doesn't show the carry-over into her family life, which I found disappointing. I also thought the author broke the 4th wall too often.





I read these books as a part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program (which I explain in detail along with the  TyndaleRewards.com program here, if you are interested in signing up for Tyndale Rewards, you can do so here.) This post may contain affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I may receive compensation for referring business. All opinions are my own. Thank you for your support!