theseasoul's reviews
447 reviews

|| 5 ⭐️ ||

Immensely encouraging. Sometimes I just need to be reminded of what I already know: that it’s okay to desire marriage and hope/pray/prepare for it, and at the same time cultivate contentedness and fruitfulness in the circumstances God has ordained for me today. Trusting in God’s sovereignty and plan, and rejoicing in it no matter what He has in store for me.

This book addresses a whole scope of interesting topics related to singleness, some of which clarified a lot for me and others which I hadn’t even considered before. It was very insightful and I’m sure I’ll keep coming back to certain sections when I catch myself feeling discouraged or tempted to take things into my own hands.

|| 4 ⭐️ ||

This was my first graphic novel, and it was great fun to read it in one sitting. I don’t anticipate venturing beyond this particular series in the graphic novel realm, as I know there are a lot of sketchy/inappropriate ones out there, but I’ve heard good things about this one for a long time. I’m glad I finally got to it. There’s not as much room for depth in this format as there is in written novels, but I still was impressed by the illustrations and how much was conveyed through them. It was hilarious and charming and I’m excited to read the next volume. 

|| 4 ⭐️ ||

Such a wholesome book. The author excels at writing characters all across the age range. The characters and their pet sidekicks were all so quirky… I wasn’t expecting the subtle humour that was constantly originating from each of them. Some dark topics are dealt with, such as domestic abuse, drug addiction & abandonment, but it’s not harped on in gory detail which I appreciated. All in all an exceptionally clean book in every possible sense; a breath of fresh air.

|| 4 ⭐️ ||

The perfect cosy book to finish on Christmas morning. What a heartbreaking, beautiful story. With it being magical realism there was an undertone of mystery threaded all the way through that you can never quite grasp, and it contributed so well to the emotional component. All the wintery imagery is just perfect. Loved it.

|| Content warnings ||

God’s name misused a few times throughout. A couple of implied/vague bedroom scenes (they’re married). Two characters sleep together out of wedlock. 

|| 4.5 ⭐️ ||

This is brilliant! I really should read more C.S. Lewis. Writing from a devil’s perspective, as he advises his nephew on how to best ensnare the “patient” assigned to him, is such an interesting angle that I’ve never encountered before. It adds a whole new meaning to satan’s craftiness. The theme I noticed most is just how subtle his deceiving can be, small festering lies mixed with truth, and that’s what makes it so effective. I also find it interesting that despite this book being written in a very different era many decades ago, the devil’s strategies are timeless and don’t really have to change that much to be effective in each new age. The exact circumstances of the au might vary, but the human heart is deceived in pretty all much the same ways as it always has been. Although a few chapters didn’t seem too relevant to me specifically, most chapters were a great reminder to check my heart for satan’s lies and a call to rightly order my affections where they have been skewed. 

I read this in preparation for Sheologians’ next book club read, My Dear Hemlock by Tilly Dillehay, which has been described as The Screwtape Letters but with a focus on how the devil tempts and deceives women specifically. I’m really looking forward to it.

|| 4 ⭐️ ||

Beautiful story of wandering, messing up, and reconciliation; a reflection of the prodigal son parable and yet taking several unexpected turns. Charles Martin is the best at weaving an emotional story with great depth to each character. I have to say the dad’s career as a travelling “revival” preacher was a little sketchy. Aside from that small detail this novel was thoroughly enjoyed. 

|| 4.5 ⭐️ ||

My mind is blown (pun intended). I thought I knew all about the health effects of EMFs already, but learning all the ins and outs of electricity’s history led me to see it in a whole new light. It was fascinating and troubling to read about. Even keeping in mind that correlation does not always equal causation, there are just too many diverse examples given that are so obviously directly linked; it’s hard to argue against. 

The book ended on a rather hopeless note. I would’ve appreciated an extra chapter on what the average person can do to protect their bodies somewhat from EMF exposure or build resilience against it. There are a lot of options out there that I’ve learned from other sources and implemented in the last couple years, and while the situation on an external, global scale isn’t great, we’re definitely not doomed. While this book might inspire some level of fear, I’m still a firm believer that chronic disease is caused by the combination of a wide variety of factors, and one can still get a lot of bang for their buck by building resilience in ways completely unrelated to avoiding EMFs (such as diet, movement, light hygiene, etc.) 

|| 5 ⭐️ ||

A remarkable overview of some of the biggest misleading doctrines that plague Christian and “Christian” spheres today. The author does an excellent job of sifting and discerning false and flawed teachings  such as the prosperity gospel, word of faith/positive confession, progressive Christianity, continuationism, and the idea that one can lose their salvation. Very theologically sound and well-rooted in a proper interpretation of Scripture. It provided a lot more clarity for me on these issues—while I know that these misleading beliefs aren’t scriptural, it’s easy to forget exactly why and good to be reminded. In addition to being encouraging for brushing up on discernment for my own personal walk, it’s also helpful in providing some talking points for when I find myself discussing these things with people who have gravitated toward false teaching in the church. One of those books that any believer could benefit from, newer and mature Christians alike.

|| 3 ⭐️ ||

Somewhat interesting compilation of microhistory food essays. Some of the chapters were more interesting than others. Unfortunately this book had its vulgar moments (I’ve heard the history of Kellogg’s origins a million times by now and don’t need to hear it again, thank you very much) and there were a couple times when sexual references were made that weren’t even relevant to the history.

|| 3.5 ⭐️ ||

Really hard to decide how I felt about this. There’s a natural pull for me when it comes to thrillers that involve the diving and whales, so I was very engaged by the plot… the author accomplished the suspense piece well. I wasn’t a fan of the swearing, or some of the fairly graphic injuries that were happening. The evolution of the MC’s relationship with his father evoked mixed feelings, but I think that’s how it’s supposed to be. They both had major character flaws and things they needed to work out in their relationship, and how they did that was very unexpected. Ultimately, weirdly interesting read. Very much a page-turner. Could be better on some fronts.