Incarceron: a massive prison housing millions. It feeds them, clothes them, and creates them. Outside Incarceron, they believe that the prison is a paradise. Inside the prison, they don't know if Outside exists. There's no way to escape: because Incarceron is alive.
Finn is a prisoner convinced he came from Outside. Claudia is the Warden's daughter, being forced into a marriage of convenience. They both want to escape. The only way is with the help of the other.
I enjoyed this book. A lot, in fact. There really wasn't any romance, which was unexpected and appreciated. It was a little slow at the beginning, but picked up quickly. I especially liked Finn, connecting to him more than Claudia. Claudia was actually a little cold, it seemed, and I didn't connect to her as quickly. Some of the most poignant parts, in my opinion, were the ones involving Jared. He was my favorite character, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Fisher develops him in the sequel, Sapphique.
This book reminded me of the Hunger Games and C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy put through a blender together. It's fantastic.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Paperdoll Blog Party Day SEVEN! (alternately titled, The End.)
Guys, I can't begin to tell you how much fun this week was. I loved hearing what you thought about Paperdoll, and how you can't wait to go read it! I would love it if we could send a copy of Paperdoll out to each and every one of you. Unfortunately, there's only two.
So, without further ado, the winners of the Pink are:
Alex and Sweet Pea!
Congratulations! Girls, email me with your addresses and I'll get those books to you.
Natalie, thank you so much for working with me on this. It's been a lot of fun. Everyone, thanks all who sent me reviews, and thanks for participating.
Love, Katie
So, without further ado, the winners of the Pink are:
Alex and Sweet Pea!
Congratulations! Girls, email me with your addresses and I'll get those books to you.
Natalie, thank you so much for working with me on this. It's been a lot of fun. Everyone, thanks all who sent me reviews, and thanks for participating.
Love, Katie
Friday, January 14, 2011
Paperdoll Blog Party Day SIX!
Hi all! In the way of introductions, I’m Natalie and I am a space efficient (ie: barely 4’11”) (…on a good day) writer, dog-lover, and chronic daydreamer. I am also a lifelong book-nerd and so I was floored when Katie asked me to stop by inafarwayland and talk about Paperdoll. Seeing my little pink book featured on a blog that reviews so many authors I adore (Sarah Dessen! Lemony Snicket!) is far too sweet. My heart always feels at home around other word-lovers. Thanks so much for asking me to drop by!
Katie asked me to write about how Paperdoll came to exist and what my hopes are for the book. I am going to try my very best to do this succinctly (even though brevity seems to be my arch-nemesis) (Well … brevity and gravity. I trip all the time. Gravity is out to get me.) Here goes:
Paperdoll started as a midnight scramble; as a cold cup of coffee and a desperate prayer.
I was living in Dallas, doing time in graduate school. I got back to my apartment late one night and opened my Bible to give it an, admittedly, half-hearted read through before I fell asleep. My bookmark was tucked into John 4 – the story of the Samaritan Woman who meets Jesus by the well. As I read, the Samaritan Woman’s story began twisting into my heart in an entirely new way. I read it a second time. And a third time.
I started freaking out a little bit.
Because I realized all the questions the Samaritan woman was asking Jesus a few thousand years ago were the same questions I was asking now. She was a little bit disillusioned by life and love. And so was I. She was asking questions about faith and “religion” and what those words even mean; and I was doing the same. Especially during that season, I was trying to make my faith mine and not just something my parents believed, or something my culture pressured me to believe (or pressured me to disbelieve).
That night, I realized that I’d been looking for answers in the wrong places. In John 4, Jesus stops to remind one woman that 1.) He is the only source of peace and comfort and love capable of filling up her heart. Nothing else will work. No other love equals the kind of love He gives. The love thing really got to me. I think most of us have experienced the kind of love that has limits: loved if you’re thin, loved if you win, loved if you’re pretty, loved if you’re smart, loved if you get the scholarship. But the love in John 4 has nothing to do with what you attain, or own, or become. It has nothing to do with how many people love you back. Jesus loves you completely and infinitely - forever-ly - exactly as you are. In John 4, He also reminds the Samaritan woman that 2.) She had a big story to live out.
My heart was spinning.
I wrote against the night. I wrote until the sun came up. I prayed and made notes and drank day-old coffee. (Does coffee ever become un-delicious? I think not.) Eventually, that late night – and the lessons I am still processing – became Paperdoll.
Before I tell you what I hope for the book, let me tell you what I desperately hope the book is not: The book is not a checklist for how to be a perfect Christian girl. The book is not a bright pink guilt trip. The book is not a how-to book. The book chronicles what I learned, and am learning. I am still in process. I am still learning how to find my worth in God’s Word and not what other people say I have to be. I’m still learning that I’m nobody’s paperdoll; that I’m not created to conform.
Paperdoll is about how I'm learning to live a full life. The book is about learning that His grace is enough to pull me through anything – and that grace is bigger than all my regrets.
This is what I hope Paperdoll is:
I hope Paperdoll is genuine. I hope the book feels authentic, like you're walking alongside someone and having a conversation.
I hope Paperdoll reminds you that you are loved. Maybe you already know that. I hope you already know that. But in the off chance you need a reminder, I hope The Pink serves that purpose. No matter what you’ve done, or will do, how you fail, or succeed, you are loved by God more than you can ever possibly imagine. There is nothing you can do that will make Him stop loving you.
I hope Paperdoll reminds you that you have a good story to live out. There’s this song I’ve been obsessed with for months now – “Only the Young” by Brandon Flowers. There’s a part in the song where he screams this lyric: “Thunder and lightening/ are crashing down;/ they got me on the run,/ direct me to the sun…”. I love that line so much. I know what that feels like; when the world presses down so hard against me - all at once – so hard that my heart feels like it’s screaming. Don’t let the storm crashing down on you convince you that you don’t have something worth pressing on toward. There are good days coming.
And my ginormously big hope is that you’ll look up John 4 and read it … and then read John 5 and 6 and 7 … and on and on.
Paperdoll is just a book; just dreams and hopes and ink and paper. I won’t be offended if it becomes your favorite pink coaster. Or door prop. Or the lining in the cage of your beloved pet ferret.
But. God’s Word has truly changed my life. I used to think that phrase was just jargon; just somebody’s pious lip service. But this year, I can say with certainty that God’s Word has changed me like nothing else has. It still confuses me. There are parts I’m still trying to understand (or make peace with). But when I read about Jesus, and the message He has, and the way He lived - the way He loves - I know I am loved. And I feel loved and brave. I want to live the full and abundant life he talks about in John 4 and 10. I want to know Him as much as I possibly can (and it still rocks my brain cells that He wants me to know Him). So my big hope is that you pull away from the world for a while and lose yourself in His Word. When you do, you’ll find more than you ever imagined.
If we were all in the same room, I would suggest we eat Oreos and debate the best Sarah Dessen guy (I would vote for Dexter!). Since we can’t, I’ll close by saying two things:
Thing the First: thank you again for asking me to be part of this week’s blog and for taking the time to write about Paperdoll. You guys are wonderful and you deserve mountains of Oreos.
Thing the Second: I hope your new year is sparkly-bright and full of amazing new books. I hope you live out an amazing story this year.
You can find Natalie here. Natalie, thank you so much for writing Paperdoll. We love you so much and you're amazing!
Girls, don't forget to enter in the giveaway. We'll close the entries tomorrow afternoon, so you only have a little time left.
Katie asked me to write about how Paperdoll came to exist and what my hopes are for the book. I am going to try my very best to do this succinctly (even though brevity seems to be my arch-nemesis) (Well … brevity and gravity. I trip all the time. Gravity is out to get me.) Here goes:
Paperdoll started as a midnight scramble; as a cold cup of coffee and a desperate prayer.
I was living in Dallas, doing time in graduate school. I got back to my apartment late one night and opened my Bible to give it an, admittedly, half-hearted read through before I fell asleep. My bookmark was tucked into John 4 – the story of the Samaritan Woman who meets Jesus by the well. As I read, the Samaritan Woman’s story began twisting into my heart in an entirely new way. I read it a second time. And a third time.
I started freaking out a little bit.
Because I realized all the questions the Samaritan woman was asking Jesus a few thousand years ago were the same questions I was asking now. She was a little bit disillusioned by life and love. And so was I. She was asking questions about faith and “religion” and what those words even mean; and I was doing the same. Especially during that season, I was trying to make my faith mine and not just something my parents believed, or something my culture pressured me to believe (or pressured me to disbelieve).
That night, I realized that I’d been looking for answers in the wrong places. In John 4, Jesus stops to remind one woman that 1.) He is the only source of peace and comfort and love capable of filling up her heart. Nothing else will work. No other love equals the kind of love He gives. The love thing really got to me. I think most of us have experienced the kind of love that has limits: loved if you’re thin, loved if you win, loved if you’re pretty, loved if you’re smart, loved if you get the scholarship. But the love in John 4 has nothing to do with what you attain, or own, or become. It has nothing to do with how many people love you back. Jesus loves you completely and infinitely - forever-ly - exactly as you are. In John 4, He also reminds the Samaritan woman that 2.) She had a big story to live out.
My heart was spinning.
I wrote against the night. I wrote until the sun came up. I prayed and made notes and drank day-old coffee. (Does coffee ever become un-delicious? I think not.) Eventually, that late night – and the lessons I am still processing – became Paperdoll.
Before I tell you what I hope for the book, let me tell you what I desperately hope the book is not: The book is not a checklist for how to be a perfect Christian girl. The book is not a bright pink guilt trip. The book is not a how-to book. The book chronicles what I learned, and am learning. I am still in process. I am still learning how to find my worth in God’s Word and not what other people say I have to be. I’m still learning that I’m nobody’s paperdoll; that I’m not created to conform.
Paperdoll is about how I'm learning to live a full life. The book is about learning that His grace is enough to pull me through anything – and that grace is bigger than all my regrets.
This is what I hope Paperdoll is:
I hope Paperdoll is genuine. I hope the book feels authentic, like you're walking alongside someone and having a conversation.
I hope Paperdoll reminds you that you are loved. Maybe you already know that. I hope you already know that. But in the off chance you need a reminder, I hope The Pink serves that purpose. No matter what you’ve done, or will do, how you fail, or succeed, you are loved by God more than you can ever possibly imagine. There is nothing you can do that will make Him stop loving you.
I hope Paperdoll reminds you that you have a good story to live out. There’s this song I’ve been obsessed with for months now – “Only the Young” by Brandon Flowers. There’s a part in the song where he screams this lyric: “Thunder and lightening/ are crashing down;/ they got me on the run,/ direct me to the sun…”. I love that line so much. I know what that feels like; when the world presses down so hard against me - all at once – so hard that my heart feels like it’s screaming. Don’t let the storm crashing down on you convince you that you don’t have something worth pressing on toward. There are good days coming.
And my ginormously big hope is that you’ll look up John 4 and read it … and then read John 5 and 6 and 7 … and on and on.
Paperdoll is just a book; just dreams and hopes and ink and paper. I won’t be offended if it becomes your favorite pink coaster. Or door prop. Or the lining in the cage of your beloved pet ferret.
But. God’s Word has truly changed my life. I used to think that phrase was just jargon; just somebody’s pious lip service. But this year, I can say with certainty that God’s Word has changed me like nothing else has. It still confuses me. There are parts I’m still trying to understand (or make peace with). But when I read about Jesus, and the message He has, and the way He lived - the way He loves - I know I am loved. And I feel loved and brave. I want to live the full and abundant life he talks about in John 4 and 10. I want to know Him as much as I possibly can (and it still rocks my brain cells that He wants me to know Him). So my big hope is that you pull away from the world for a while and lose yourself in His Word. When you do, you’ll find more than you ever imagined.
If we were all in the same room, I would suggest we eat Oreos and debate the best Sarah Dessen guy (I would vote for Dexter!). Since we can’t, I’ll close by saying two things:
Thing the First: thank you again for asking me to be part of this week’s blog and for taking the time to write about Paperdoll. You guys are wonderful and you deserve mountains of Oreos.
Thing the Second: I hope your new year is sparkly-bright and full of amazing new books. I hope you live out an amazing story this year.
You can find Natalie here. Natalie, thank you so much for writing Paperdoll. We love you so much and you're amazing!
Girls, don't forget to enter in the giveaway. We'll close the entries tomorrow afternoon, so you only have a little time left.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Save the Date by Jenny B Jones.
Lucy Wiltshire is the founder of Saving Grace, a shelter for girls who have graduated from the foster care system. When the funding for the shelter is pulled, she’ll do anything to get it back.
Alex Sinclair is a former football star fighting a losing battle for a seat in Congress. He is running from ghosts of his recent past, while his opponent does everything to ruin Alex’s reputation.
They both have something the other needs: Alex, a relationship with a woman the public can adore; Lucy, funding for Saving Grace. Will Lucy agree to pose as Alex’s fiance to secure the funding, even if it means confronting her past? Can Alex face his family and the reality of his situation?
This book- oh my goodness. Jenny B Jones is such a great writer! This book is witty and oh so very funny. I loved the way she developed Lucy and Alex’s relationship...it was very believable. I found myself laughing out loud, then trying to explain it to my sister next to me. There were a few twists thrown in that were totally unexpected. And Julian? Not to give you any spoilers, but he was my favorite character: “Girl, a little extra moisturizer ain’t ever hurt nobody!”
Great job, Jenny!
Note: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers, through BookSneeze. I was not required to write a favorable review, only an honest one.
Alex Sinclair is a former football star fighting a losing battle for a seat in Congress. He is running from ghosts of his recent past, while his opponent does everything to ruin Alex’s reputation.
They both have something the other needs: Alex, a relationship with a woman the public can adore; Lucy, funding for Saving Grace. Will Lucy agree to pose as Alex’s fiance to secure the funding, even if it means confronting her past? Can Alex face his family and the reality of his situation?
This book- oh my goodness. Jenny B Jones is such a great writer! This book is witty and oh so very funny. I loved the way she developed Lucy and Alex’s relationship...it was very believable. I found myself laughing out loud, then trying to explain it to my sister next to me. There were a few twists thrown in that were totally unexpected. And Julian? Not to give you any spoilers, but he was my favorite character: “Girl, a little extra moisturizer ain’t ever hurt nobody!”
Great job, Jenny!
Note: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers, through BookSneeze. I was not required to write a favorable review, only an honest one.
Paperdoll Blog Party Day FIVE!
Natalie Lloyd's book begins in the window of a little shop, in the faces of generic paperdolls with the same flat smile. The story of redemption and hope straight from a well in Samaria begins with an empty, lonely woman confronted by a love she'd never known.
Natalie tells the story of Sam, the Samaritan woman who had a life changing encounter with Jesus. At this time in her life, Sam was a paperdoll. She was searching for meaning and love in all the wrong places. When she met Jesus, all of that changed.
Natalie writes about Sam's story and how it's so very relevant in our lives. We go searching for fulfillment in wells all around us, in things that the world tells us will make us happy, and just like Sam, we come up empty.
It's really hard for me to write this, to put into words exactly how much this book has changed the way I look at things. Natalie is so honest and real, and this book reads like a conversation with an older sister. It's genuine, it comes straight from her heart.
For me, this book comes down to love. It comes down to how big God's crazy, mind boggling love is. It comes down to how God wants us to know that love, and wants us to live like we are loved.
You can find me here. Don't forget to enter in the giveaway! Just a few more days!
"All these ads, images and paper pages rush together like a whisper in my soul. They tell me something is missing. That if I have this, I’ll feel complete. That if only I were that girl, then my life would be full. Suddenly, all these things meant to enhance my life become my life. If you were sitting across from me drinking coffee, I would tell you what I keep telling myself: I’m so tired of all this noise telling the kind of woman I should become. I’m tired of a standard that always changes. I believe beauty is so much more attainable and real than what we wear, or what we weigh, or how we look. I would tell you that I believe there is a legitimate passion I’m meant to fight for in my lifetime-a reason for my being here at this moment in history. All this fake is driving me crazy. I want real love. I want real beauty. I’m thinking you probably do, too."
Natalie tells the story of Sam, the Samaritan woman who had a life changing encounter with Jesus. At this time in her life, Sam was a paperdoll. She was searching for meaning and love in all the wrong places. When she met Jesus, all of that changed.
Natalie writes about Sam's story and how it's so very relevant in our lives. We go searching for fulfillment in wells all around us, in things that the world tells us will make us happy, and just like Sam, we come up empty.
It's really hard for me to write this, to put into words exactly how much this book has changed the way I look at things. Natalie is so honest and real, and this book reads like a conversation with an older sister. It's genuine, it comes straight from her heart.
For me, this book comes down to love. It comes down to how big God's crazy, mind boggling love is. It comes down to how God wants us to know that love, and wants us to live like we are loved.
You can find me here. Don't forget to enter in the giveaway! Just a few more days!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Paperdoll Blog Party Day FOUR!
I don’t want to live a life fill of clanging cymbals and gongs and broken glass. Instead, I want to live a life that sings. True love frees up. Love lets us worship the way we want. Love gives us permission to dance to our own music and sing songs we make up out of thin air. Love doesn't care if our jeans are from Target or Saks. Love isn't into labels. Love looks past a fake smile and into an aching heart. Love forgives. Paperdoll pg 188
At first glance, I wasn't so sure about this book. It's pink. Ew. I'm not a pink-lover girl. Then there were the paper dolls. I have bad memories of being a little girl and no matter how many times I tried I could never get the paper dolls to all be attached and look like a girl. I always go really frustrated after trying and quit attempting to make them.
I decided to pick up this book after I started following Natalie's blog and my friend Katie (who is the person who put this all together) told me that I should read it. When I got it, I read to chapter three then put it in my bookshelf. It was changing my perspective, and I didn't like it.
I had heard the story of the women at the well more than a dozen times. With going to a Christian school, you get tired of the same old stories. You forget the power that they have when told well. Natalie did this. The story captivated me. I walked past the book everyday until eventually I picked it back up and finished it. It revolutionized the way I thought about the story of the women at the well. I loved it. She put it into a modern perspective for girls that made the story come alive.
I wish I could copy the whole book down, or at least all of my favorite quotes from it on here. But it would be too long. I think you should read this book, then read it again. It will change you, your perspective, and the way you look at love.
So be that girl. Be that girl who can love outrageously, because she is loved unconditionally. Paperdoll pg188
You can find Ali here. Thank you so much for doing this with me!
At first glance, I wasn't so sure about this book. It's pink. Ew. I'm not a pink-lover girl. Then there were the paper dolls. I have bad memories of being a little girl and no matter how many times I tried I could never get the paper dolls to all be attached and look like a girl. I always go really frustrated after trying and quit attempting to make them.
I decided to pick up this book after I started following Natalie's blog and my friend Katie (who is the person who put this all together) told me that I should read it. When I got it, I read to chapter three then put it in my bookshelf. It was changing my perspective, and I didn't like it.
I had heard the story of the women at the well more than a dozen times. With going to a Christian school, you get tired of the same old stories. You forget the power that they have when told well. Natalie did this. The story captivated me. I walked past the book everyday until eventually I picked it back up and finished it. It revolutionized the way I thought about the story of the women at the well. I loved it. She put it into a modern perspective for girls that made the story come alive.
I wish I could copy the whole book down, or at least all of my favorite quotes from it on here. But it would be too long. I think you should read this book, then read it again. It will change you, your perspective, and the way you look at love.
So be that girl. Be that girl who can love outrageously, because she is loved unconditionally. Paperdoll pg188
You can find Ali here. Thank you so much for doing this with me!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Paperdoll Blog Party Day THREE!
“Our worth isn’t wrapped in what other people say about us, either. Our worth is woven into the fabric of God’s Word, into the ultimate truth that sets us free to be the unique, beautiful, godly women we were created to be. Pageant queens, trombone players, theater girls, bookworms, geeks, and glamour girls can all take heart. It doesn’t matter where we rank in life’s silly social hierarchy. We’ve never been unnoticed by God, and He has a message for us to carry as well.” –Natalie Lloyd, “Paperdoll”
I’ve been trying to put into words all of the things that one little book taught me and made me feel and inspired in me. That book is “Paperdoll,” by Natalie Lloyd. It’s about a phenomenon that happens to all of us girls. We know the truth and most days we can live by it. But other days it’s not as simple. We become obsessed with what the world thinks of us and expects of us. We put on our fake face and pretend to be something we’re not. Natalie compares this to paperdolls, those fragile toys that can become anything we want them to, look like anything we want them to (as long as it’s completely flawless).
In her book, Natalie focuses on the story of the woman by the well that Jesus stopped by to talk to. To be honest, this Bible story was never really my favorite. I never really gathered anything from reading it. Natalie, however, brings this familiar story into a whole new light by digging deeper into it and including a lot of interesting historical information about it. She breaks it down so that it becomes clearly relevant to us as young women. You’ll find that you have a lot more in common with the woman by the well than you thought! “Paperdoll” is the perfect balance of Biblical information and personal experiences from Natalie’s life. Her style of writing is so unique. It is obvious that she puts her heart into each word, painting pictures and reaching out to her readers in every beautiful sentence. She reminds us that we no longer have to live our lives in fear and insecurity and pain: “We can walk in the confidence, grace, and beauty of a woman who is infinitely loved by the God of the universe.”
“Paperdoll” covers such a variety of topics that touch our lives- love, beauty, dark and difficult times, worship, romance, materialism, and more. God has spoken to me so much through this book, but there are a few parts in particular.
I love the chapter called “Waiting for Gilbert.” It seems that one of the major places that the woman by the well had gone searching for love and acceptance was in relationships, particularly with men. You probably remember that she had had five husbands, and she wasn’t even married to the man that she was living with at the time. This chapter (titled after the handsome, clever, and kind Gilbert Blythe) talks about how we girls often look to guys for the kind of love and fulfillment that only God can give. This issue is such a huge part of my life right now. No, I don’t go chasing after guys. But probably the deepest desire in my heart is to fall in love with Mr. Right, get married, and have a family. I am guilty of spending way too much of my time dwelling on this, daydreaming and getting emotionally attached when I come across a guy who has the potential to be Mr. Right, and mistakenly believing that the right guy will complete me. I feel convicted when I see other girls who are wonderfully in love with God and seem to feel no pain at still being single. Natalie writes: “The first myth is that we should never, ever long for true love if we’re living in the fullness of Christ.” What a relief to know that I can be in love with Christ but still long for marriage and my future husband’s love! And then there’s the part that Natalie calls “Monkey’s Paw Theology.” I was shocked when I read her words about that, because they were identical to what I had thought so many times: “I try to hide my loneliness from Him, thinking that if He sees my real desire, He will dangle love in front of me and then take it away…They believe if they tell Him their deepest dreams and desires, He’ll make them wait even longer to find someone.” I know that God is love. I know that He is not cruel and teasing. But sometimes I’ve sat, unable to find the words to pray, because I’ve been afraid that if I completely turn over my love life to him, it’s like admitting that I don’t really want to fall in love. The realization that someone else has been through this, too, is such a comfort to me.
There is a section about being a chronic church girl, which I have definitely been during my life. Even though it is a huge blessing to be raised in a Christian home and involved in church from our earliest days, we have to be extra careful not to become complacent and take our relationship with God for granted. Natalie also writes about how most of us girls are constantly waiting for a certain point in our lives. I was waiting to get my driver’s license. I was waiting to graduate high school and to start college. Now I’m waiting to finish college, for my sewing business to pick up, to meet my future husband. Natalie says, ““Most of us are like that, don’t you think? We’re waiting to fall in love. We’re waiting for the moment we set foot on foreign soil for the first time, or the day we see our book on a shelf, or the day we hold a baby in our arms. It’s easy to wrap up life flat on a page like that-a long list of Cinderella moments somewhere out in the future, but never close enough to touch.” I don’t want to keep living in the future, do you? I’m ready to realize that my life is happening now, and if I’m always waiting for someday, I will miss everything.
So, if I haven’t made it obvious, Natalie Lloyd’s book has really had an impact on my life and on my relationship with my Savior. There is even a great resources section at the back, with questions, Scriptures, song suggestions, websites, and more. It’s a book that I highly recommend for any women, but especially teen girls and young women. You’ll find yourself reading it over and over.
“Paperdoll” makes me want to be the best I can be. It makes me want to pick up my Bible again and get lost in a good worship song. It makes me want to walk with my head up and start living my life the way God intended for me to instead of standing on the sidelines, bogged down with insecurity, waiting for “someday.” Finally, here is a last bit of encouragement from Natalie’s book:
“Look people in the eye when you talk to them. Move into your life with courage, not fear. Start living like a girl who is loved. Don’t waste any more time.”
I’ve been trying to put into words all of the things that one little book taught me and made me feel and inspired in me. That book is “Paperdoll,” by Natalie Lloyd. It’s about a phenomenon that happens to all of us girls. We know the truth and most days we can live by it. But other days it’s not as simple. We become obsessed with what the world thinks of us and expects of us. We put on our fake face and pretend to be something we’re not. Natalie compares this to paperdolls, those fragile toys that can become anything we want them to, look like anything we want them to (as long as it’s completely flawless).
In her book, Natalie focuses on the story of the woman by the well that Jesus stopped by to talk to. To be honest, this Bible story was never really my favorite. I never really gathered anything from reading it. Natalie, however, brings this familiar story into a whole new light by digging deeper into it and including a lot of interesting historical information about it. She breaks it down so that it becomes clearly relevant to us as young women. You’ll find that you have a lot more in common with the woman by the well than you thought! “Paperdoll” is the perfect balance of Biblical information and personal experiences from Natalie’s life. Her style of writing is so unique. It is obvious that she puts her heart into each word, painting pictures and reaching out to her readers in every beautiful sentence. She reminds us that we no longer have to live our lives in fear and insecurity and pain: “We can walk in the confidence, grace, and beauty of a woman who is infinitely loved by the God of the universe.”
“Paperdoll” covers such a variety of topics that touch our lives- love, beauty, dark and difficult times, worship, romance, materialism, and more. God has spoken to me so much through this book, but there are a few parts in particular.
I love the chapter called “Waiting for Gilbert.” It seems that one of the major places that the woman by the well had gone searching for love and acceptance was in relationships, particularly with men. You probably remember that she had had five husbands, and she wasn’t even married to the man that she was living with at the time. This chapter (titled after the handsome, clever, and kind Gilbert Blythe) talks about how we girls often look to guys for the kind of love and fulfillment that only God can give. This issue is such a huge part of my life right now. No, I don’t go chasing after guys. But probably the deepest desire in my heart is to fall in love with Mr. Right, get married, and have a family. I am guilty of spending way too much of my time dwelling on this, daydreaming and getting emotionally attached when I come across a guy who has the potential to be Mr. Right, and mistakenly believing that the right guy will complete me. I feel convicted when I see other girls who are wonderfully in love with God and seem to feel no pain at still being single. Natalie writes: “The first myth is that we should never, ever long for true love if we’re living in the fullness of Christ.” What a relief to know that I can be in love with Christ but still long for marriage and my future husband’s love! And then there’s the part that Natalie calls “Monkey’s Paw Theology.” I was shocked when I read her words about that, because they were identical to what I had thought so many times: “I try to hide my loneliness from Him, thinking that if He sees my real desire, He will dangle love in front of me and then take it away…They believe if they tell Him their deepest dreams and desires, He’ll make them wait even longer to find someone.” I know that God is love. I know that He is not cruel and teasing. But sometimes I’ve sat, unable to find the words to pray, because I’ve been afraid that if I completely turn over my love life to him, it’s like admitting that I don’t really want to fall in love. The realization that someone else has been through this, too, is such a comfort to me.
There is a section about being a chronic church girl, which I have definitely been during my life. Even though it is a huge blessing to be raised in a Christian home and involved in church from our earliest days, we have to be extra careful not to become complacent and take our relationship with God for granted. Natalie also writes about how most of us girls are constantly waiting for a certain point in our lives. I was waiting to get my driver’s license. I was waiting to graduate high school and to start college. Now I’m waiting to finish college, for my sewing business to pick up, to meet my future husband. Natalie says, ““Most of us are like that, don’t you think? We’re waiting to fall in love. We’re waiting for the moment we set foot on foreign soil for the first time, or the day we see our book on a shelf, or the day we hold a baby in our arms. It’s easy to wrap up life flat on a page like that-a long list of Cinderella moments somewhere out in the future, but never close enough to touch.” I don’t want to keep living in the future, do you? I’m ready to realize that my life is happening now, and if I’m always waiting for someday, I will miss everything.
So, if I haven’t made it obvious, Natalie Lloyd’s book has really had an impact on my life and on my relationship with my Savior. There is even a great resources section at the back, with questions, Scriptures, song suggestions, websites, and more. It’s a book that I highly recommend for any women, but especially teen girls and young women. You’ll find yourself reading it over and over.
“Paperdoll” makes me want to be the best I can be. It makes me want to pick up my Bible again and get lost in a good worship song. It makes me want to walk with my head up and start living my life the way God intended for me to instead of standing on the sidelines, bogged down with insecurity, waiting for “someday.” Finally, here is a last bit of encouragement from Natalie’s book:
“Look people in the eye when you talk to them. Move into your life with courage, not fear. Start living like a girl who is loved. Don’t waste any more time.”
You can find Kristin here. Thanks so much!
Across the Universe.
So there's this book that I just read yesterday. I originally saw it on Natalie Lloyd's blog, and I thought, hmm, that looks good. So I bought it. It's a love story on a spaceship. How amazing is that? It happens to come out today, which is awesome because 1) I bought this book, like, two weeks ago, and that's a long time to wait; 2) It looks so fantastic; and 3) There's tons of fun stuff about the book that you should check out (and then maybe go get your own copy!)
Fun thing 1) Penguin Books published it. And I love Penguin Books. (unrelated information: "I have just met you, and I love you." name that movie.) Here's all the different places you can find them: Twitter, Facebook (linked above), and the Penguin Teen website.
Fun thing 2) The author, Beth Revis, is super cool and fun. You can find her here: Twitter, blog, and website.
Fun thing 3) The book! You can find the book on Facebook, the website, and Amazon, where I bought my copy.
Fun thing 4) The ship. On the website, you can explore the ship Godspeed. Most of the story actually takes place on this ship. It is so incredible. I loved looking at the hatch, where they can see the stars. (keep your eyes open for that in the book!)
Fun thing 5) At this website there's a 111 page excerpt from the book...it will be up for twelve hours, so make sure to check it out before it's taken down!
Fun thing 6) The videos.
How cool is the book trailer? And the ship? And the author? One of my absolute favorite things is hearing authors talk about their books and what the books mean to them.
Fun thing 1) Penguin Books published it. And I love Penguin Books. (unrelated information: "I have just met you, and I love you." name that movie.) Here's all the different places you can find them: Twitter, Facebook (linked above), and the Penguin Teen website.
Fun thing 2) The author, Beth Revis, is super cool and fun. You can find her here: Twitter, blog, and website.
Fun thing 3) The book! You can find the book on Facebook, the website, and Amazon, where I bought my copy.
Fun thing 4) The ship. On the website, you can explore the ship Godspeed. Most of the story actually takes place on this ship. It is so incredible. I loved looking at the hatch, where they can see the stars. (keep your eyes open for that in the book!)
Fun thing 5) At this website there's a 111 page excerpt from the book...it will be up for twelve hours, so make sure to check it out before it's taken down!
Fun thing 6) The videos.
How cool is the book trailer? And the ship? And the author? One of my absolute favorite things is hearing authors talk about their books and what the books mean to them.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Paperdoll Blog Party Day TWO!
Most of you have probably read "In Step" in an article of Brio, or Natalie Lloyd's blog. Therefore you know about her extreme talent of being able to write about faith, beauty, imagination, and dorky ways all at once. She tells stories with nonfiction in a way that no one can.
In her book Paperdoll, she helps unravel a story that's familiar, yet viewed as plain. The story of the woman at the well. We tend to just view this Bible story as one of Jesus' many accomplishments. And nothing more. It gets put on the back burner when it comes to other miracles performed by God's son while on this earth. The Samaritan women was just that, a woman. We don't even know her name. She doesn't seem as special as Mary, Ruth, or Esther. But that's the irony of it all.
We, as a world, see them more important because of what???...their fame, their faith...the fact they seemed to have everything together...the fact that even in their darkest hour, they were stronger, more faithful, more powerful than we think we could be? Those are the women that tend to be remembered from the Bible because those are the women we want to be. We don't what to be the woman at the well that's lost everything, destroyed her own life, and has become an outcast to her people. We want to be like the girls that got it all, we want to be paperdolls.
The pretty one, the lucky one, the rich one, the smart one, the really brave one, the one with the cute boyfriend. We all know people that fit into those categories, their names are probably already swimming in your head. Your enemies, your friends. They seem different and suddenly you want to be them. So you trade in that one of kind hand painted china doll for one more easy to change, easy to blend in doll.
One made of paper.
God doesn't want His daughters to be paper. He wants us to have a heart, a soul, a mind, a spirit, He wants us to be ourselves. Even if that means pimples, baby-sized hands, bad eyesight, braces, ugly feet. Even if that means a C in science, a tutor in math, a fear of tests. Even if that means the inability to draw anything with detail, being a dancer whose never done a triple pirouette, the girl that can't sing, not always being nice and sometimes regretting what you say, wanting something more than anything but constantly wondering if you're talented enough to get. Those of you that don't know me should know that I just described myself. But I'm okay with that, because I'm okay with who I am. I know that even though I'm ALL those things and a million more, I'm witty, and funny, and a good friend, I'm honest, and brave, and beautiful and I have the biggest imagination.
But most important I'm a child of God. I'm worth something, He loves me. He loves Mary, Ruth, Esther, and the Samaritan woman and you all the same way. He loves look-a-like, act-a-like paper dolls. But he made hand-painted, unique, china dolls, which one do you what to be???
You can find Little Fairy here. Go give her some love, mkay?
In her book Paperdoll, she helps unravel a story that's familiar, yet viewed as plain. The story of the woman at the well. We tend to just view this Bible story as one of Jesus' many accomplishments. And nothing more. It gets put on the back burner when it comes to other miracles performed by God's son while on this earth. The Samaritan women was just that, a woman. We don't even know her name. She doesn't seem as special as Mary, Ruth, or Esther. But that's the irony of it all.
We, as a world, see them more important because of what???...their fame, their faith...the fact they seemed to have everything together...the fact that even in their darkest hour, they were stronger, more faithful, more powerful than we think we could be? Those are the women that tend to be remembered from the Bible because those are the women we want to be. We don't what to be the woman at the well that's lost everything, destroyed her own life, and has become an outcast to her people. We want to be like the girls that got it all, we want to be paperdolls.
The pretty one, the lucky one, the rich one, the smart one, the really brave one, the one with the cute boyfriend. We all know people that fit into those categories, their names are probably already swimming in your head. Your enemies, your friends. They seem different and suddenly you want to be them. So you trade in that one of kind hand painted china doll for one more easy to change, easy to blend in doll.
One made of paper.
God doesn't want His daughters to be paper. He wants us to have a heart, a soul, a mind, a spirit, He wants us to be ourselves. Even if that means pimples, baby-sized hands, bad eyesight, braces, ugly feet. Even if that means a C in science, a tutor in math, a fear of tests. Even if that means the inability to draw anything with detail, being a dancer whose never done a triple pirouette, the girl that can't sing, not always being nice and sometimes regretting what you say, wanting something more than anything but constantly wondering if you're talented enough to get. Those of you that don't know me should know that I just described myself. But I'm okay with that, because I'm okay with who I am. I know that even though I'm ALL those things and a million more, I'm witty, and funny, and a good friend, I'm honest, and brave, and beautiful and I have the biggest imagination.
But most important I'm a child of God. I'm worth something, He loves me. He loves Mary, Ruth, Esther, and the Samaritan woman and you all the same way. He loves look-a-like, act-a-like paper dolls. But he made hand-painted, unique, china dolls, which one do you what to be???
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Paperdoll Blog Party Day ONE!
This is the first day of the week-long Paperdoll Blog Party. I'm super excited about this. I can't wait for you to read the great reviews that I have lined up.
For day one, we have something special planned. Today, we're giving away two copies of Paperdoll.
Mandatory entry: comment on this post. Tell me why you want to read the book. Or tell me about your week. Or tell me what your favorite dessert is. I don't really care, I just wanna see your comments. (USA only.)
That being said, I would love it if you could spread the word about our Seven Days of Paperdoll Wonderfulness. Let your readers know about the giveaway. The more the better! I'm sorry to tell you, it won't get you any more entries. Only one per person.
It would be totally awesome if you could stop by and give Natalie some love. Come back tomorrow for Day Two of the Paperdoll Blog Party. We'll have reviews all throughout the week, and on the seventh day, two someones will go home with a copy of Paperdoll!
For day one, we have something special planned. Today, we're giving away two copies of Paperdoll.
Mandatory entry: comment on this post. Tell me why you want to read the book. Or tell me about your week. Or tell me what your favorite dessert is. I don't really care, I just wanna see your comments. (USA only.)
That being said, I would love it if you could spread the word about our Seven Days of Paperdoll Wonderfulness. Let your readers know about the giveaway. The more the better! I'm sorry to tell you, it won't get you any more entries. Only one per person.
It would be totally awesome if you could stop by and give Natalie some love. Come back tomorrow for Day Two of the Paperdoll Blog Party. We'll have reviews all throughout the week, and on the seventh day, two someones will go home with a copy of Paperdoll!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Blue Enchantress by M.L. Tyndall.
The Blue Enchantress is a story of a young woman finding redemption when she never thought it possible. Hope is destitute. She is captured with no way out when a saviour comes from an unlikely place. This is a love story about a girl trying to forget her past, trying to make things right, and always failing. Captain Nathaniel Mason is trying to build his business and make a name for himself. He needs nothing less than a spoiled girl to look after. When he has to give up his prize ship to save Hope, he didn’t realize how much it would take.
This book is a yes. It was fun to read, light, and fast paced. Nathaniel and Hope’s relationship grew slowly, and it had enough setbacks to be believable. I don’t know how historically accurate it was, but it fit well with the story. I think you would enjoy it if you’re a fan of historical fiction, or if you’re just looking for a light read.
Note: I received this book free of charge from NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review, only an honest one.
This book is a yes. It was fun to read, light, and fast paced. Nathaniel and Hope’s relationship grew slowly, and it had enough setbacks to be believable. I don’t know how historically accurate it was, but it fit well with the story. I think you would enjoy it if you’re a fan of historical fiction, or if you’re just looking for a light read.
Note: I received this book free of charge from NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review, only an honest one.
Seeds of Turmoil by Bryant Wright
Author Bryant Wright describes the roots of the conflict in the Middle East. He goes back to the Old Testament. Visiting Abraham’s decisions with his offspring, he describes the Biblical roots of the conflict.
This book was interesting. It was well researched and well thought out. Wright is insightful as to what the root of the conflict is and why there is such an issue over land. It was interesting to see how the term Arab developed, and the Biblical geography. The history in it was interesting as well, and especially to see how he tied it into what is happening there today.
Personally, this isn’t my kind of book. I’d usually read anything like this, and I picked it up because it was about the Middle East, and I kinda like that place. :) Usually I read fiction, so it was a bit slow to be reading this type of book. It was good for what it is, just not something I’d pick up again. But again, just my personal reading tastes. If you’re interested in history, Biblical or not, or the issues in the Middle East, you may enjoy this.
Note: I received this book free of charge from BookSneeze. I was not required to write a favorable review, only an honest one.
This book was interesting. It was well researched and well thought out. Wright is insightful as to what the root of the conflict is and why there is such an issue over land. It was interesting to see how the term Arab developed, and the Biblical geography. The history in it was interesting as well, and especially to see how he tied it into what is happening there today.
Personally, this isn’t my kind of book. I’d usually read anything like this, and I picked it up because it was about the Middle East, and I kinda like that place. :) Usually I read fiction, so it was a bit slow to be reading this type of book. It was good for what it is, just not something I’d pick up again. But again, just my personal reading tastes. If you’re interested in history, Biblical or not, or the issues in the Middle East, you may enjoy this.
Note: I received this book free of charge from BookSneeze. I was not required to write a favorable review, only an honest one.
Monday, January 3, 2011
the Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Macy watched her father die the day after Christmas, and there was nothing she could do. Since then, her life has been put back together: she has a perfect boyfriend, Jason, a new job working the research desk at the library, her older sister Caroline married a wealthy man, and her parents' business, now run by her mother, has begun to expand. On the inside, though, nothing is right. She feels stifled by Jason's perfection, her stagnant life, and her busy mother.
Then she meets Wish Catering. They cater a party of her mother's and she finds herself with a job and friends like she's never known. Slowly, she begins to step out.
Out of the four or five Dessen books I've read, this is my favorite. It doesn't move too fast, and Macy, the main character, really grows on you. The artwork...my favorite part of the story. The game of Truth...my other favorite. If you've read any Dessen, or just want a sweet love story, you should try this one out.
Then she meets Wish Catering. They cater a party of her mother's and she finds herself with a job and friends like she's never known. Slowly, she begins to step out.
Out of the four or five Dessen books I've read, this is my favorite. It doesn't move too fast, and Macy, the main character, really grows on you. The artwork...my favorite part of the story. The game of Truth...my other favorite. If you've read any Dessen, or just want a sweet love story, you should try this one out.
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