"The Way Back To Mayberry—Lessons From A Simpler Time" by Joey Fann

The Way Back To Mayberry—Lessons From A Simpler Time by Joey Fann is a nostalgic trip back to the “Andy Griffith Show” from the 60s, but with lessons we can learn from 30 different episodes to apply to our life today.  The author, Joey Fann, uses specific episodes to illustrate a point and take it further to reflect on how God can be at work in similar situations in our lives today by sharing from his own experiences.  Each episode is connected to some scripture which the author has included to give each lesson a spiritual application.  Some churches throughout the country have used Finding The Way Back To Mayberry as material for informal Bible classes. 

For those unfamiliar with the show, Mayberry is a small, quiet town and Andy is the Sheriff.  The show was just about everyday life and experiences that happened in the small town and in the lives of the different characters.  Andy’s son, Opie, is often the one to learn the lessons, but also is the one who is first to “get” it. 

Here is a quote from one of my favorite episodes, “What’s Your Hurry?”:

Consider .. . consider how we live our lives today.  Everything is run, run, run.  We bolt our breakfast, we scan the headlines, we race to the office.  The full schedule and the split second:  these are our gauges of success.  We drive ourselves from morn to night.  We have forgotten the meaning of the word relaxation.  What has become of the old-fashioned ways, the simple pleasures of the past?

I don’t know about you, but this sure sounds a lot like our life.  The chapters are short so this could easily be used as a family devotional book.  This was a fun read for me because I used to watch the show.  Goober, the auto mechanic in the show, wrote the foreword.  I think anyone who enjoyed the "Andy Griffith Show" would like The Way Back To Mayberry—Lessons From A Simpler Time and those who haven’t seen the show would find this book wholesome and inspirational. 

(Karen's review)

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"Insane Train" by Sheldon Russell -- A Wild Read

I enjoyed the ride!  Insane Train by Sheldon Russell tells the story of a detective named Hook, whose job it is to safe guard a train of patients from an insane asylum to Oklahoma.  As you can imagine, not everything goes as planned.  This is a fun mystery that will keep you guessing who the killer is.  I enjoyed it.  I give it 7 stars.  Did you see my teaser for this one?

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"A Very Simple Crime" by Grant Jenkins

Wow!  What a twist at the end in A Very Simple Crime by Grant Jenkins.  This is about two brothers, Adam and Monty.  One day Adam comes home after a weekend escape with someone not his wife to find his wife dead.  The only other person home was their mentally impaired son who is known for violent outbursts.  When Adam is charged with murder, Monty becomes his lawyer. 

A Very Simple Crime goes very fast.  I got into it quickly and found it hard to put down.  I was only going to give it a 7 plus rating, but the twist at the end boosted it up to a 10!  Yes, it’s that good!  I enjoyed it a lot!
(Gerard's review)

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"Rules" by Cynthia Lord: A Good First Read Of 2011

I finished this on New Year's Eve and really enjoyed Rules by Cynthia Lord a lot.  This book is about a 12-yr.-old girl named Catherine who has a brother with Autism.  He lives by a set of rules.  Catherine also has a relationship with a wheelchair-bound boy named Jason.  This is a fast read and very believable for a fiction book.  Well done, Ms. Lord, your first book is okay by me.
(Gerard's Review)

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"What A Difference A Dog Makes" by Dana Jennings

Dog lovers like me will love this one!  What A Difference A Dog Makes by Dana Jannings tells the true story of Bijou, a poodle who helps his master through a bout with cancer.  If you own a dog you will relate very well to this book.  Cute stories and Bijou is still alive!  Always a good thing!  Quick read, only 187 pages.  I give it 5+ stars.
(Gerard's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?