Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Non-fiction - 3 stars

This is a cute little book written by a pastor from Nebraska whose four-year-old son, after a hospital ordeal with a burst appendix, tells his dad that he met Jesus and other family members in Heaven. Definitely not for the cynic, or those who do not believe in God, this book's message is about the power of prayer and God's love for us. I enjoyed reading it (only took me about 3 hours), and its message definitely left me thinking about my life as a Christian parent. Nothing earth-shattering or mind-blowing, just a sweet story.   

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Fiction - 4.5 stars

I loved reading this book. The series is one of George's favorites, and I thought I'd at least read the first one before the show starts on HBO in April. I am so glad I did. It is a fantasy book told from the point of view of several characters spread out among "the Seven Kingdoms." They are all very complex characters, and the events in the story are often unexpected because of the sheer ambition and self-serving agendas of the players of the "game of thrones." Martin's character development is top notch, and you quickly get to know the characters, whether you like them or not. I am so excited to see how HBO adapts this - plus Sean Bean plays a critical character in this first book. How can you go wrong when Sean Bean is present?

School of Fear by Gitty Daneshvari

Youth Fiction - 3 stars

Cute is the best word I can think of to describe this book. Full of pop language, and definitely geared toward the middle school/late elementary school crowd, School of Fear is an easy read for the adults, but still interesting. It includes factual tidbits about different phobias, a plot that keeps the reader interested, and some really awesome character development. It also gives some good life advice, albeit in a funny and unconventional storyline.  Makes me want to be a children's book editor when I grow up!

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Non-fiction, 4.5 stars

Can you say "I-Am-A-Nerd?" And yes, I am that big of a nerd that I read Thomas Paine in my spare time. As part of my classics/new novel switch-off, I picked up Paine for relatively little on my nook, and I am glad I did. Anyone who wants to read the sentiment that was in the minds of American colonists prior to the Revolution needs to read this. It not only tells why, in particular, colonists wanted independence, but it also gives sound arguments against monarchy - even extending back to biblical times. This particular version has an introduction by, none other than, Diana Gabaldon. Short, compelling, and a slice of American History, this book has it all!