There isn’t a whole lot I like doing better than reading. I
was one of those kids with my nose constantly in a book. In fact, my nose would
still be in a book most of the time if these people I lived with didn’t have to
eat. I’ve tried to stay up with juvenile fiction not only for only my son’s
benefit, but for those kiddos I come in contact with as a children’s minister.
Susan K. Marlow has written several books we have enjoyed. A
few weeks ago, I got a chance to review her latest book, Thick as Thieves from
Circle C Milestones. I knew this wouldn’t be one I would just pass along to
Josiah to check out. He is dyslexic and I wasn’t quite sure if he would be
resolved enough to read through a book featuring a 14-year-old girl.
Thick as Thieves is a Christian fiction book set in the 1880’s.
The story centers on Andrea Carter. “Andi” (for short) lives on a cattle ranch in California.
I don’t know what you were like when you were a young girl.
If you were a young girl, that is. I wanted a horse. We lived on a small hobby
farm. Unfortunately, my Dad didn’t see the practicality of a horse. They don’t
provide food nor can they weed a garden. This still didn’t prevent my
imagination from hoping that my horse was, in fact, being kept in trust for me
at my Grandpa’s place in California. Along with my twin sister. I do need to
tell you that I don’t have a twin sister. And that my Grandpa would have been
even less likely to see the need for a horse than my Dad. He sold cars.
Andi lives the life I dreamed about. She spends her days
training her beloved horses and having exciting adventures. More importantly,
Andi learns some important lessons about kindness, friendship and turning the
other cheek.
One part really spoke to me. Someone did something really cruel to Andi. She could have been seriously injured. Andi's first reaction was to respond with wrath and anger. Instead she let the Scripture she had taught remind her of the correct response. She showed great compassion and ultimately made a difference in someone's life.
Thick as Thieves is not just a study of Christian character. This book is action packed! Cattle Rustlers! A School-Yard
Bully! It has everything that any young person will enjoy in a book.
I have plans. After Easter, I am going to introduce this
book to our Reading Club. This will be
one everyone enjoys.
I was also provided access to a free downloadable study guide
with Enrichment activities. It has a variety of activities. I was really
impressed with it. It looks like it will add quite a bit to our Reading Club
adventure.
This little section covers Idioms. I also love that there are topics that are expounded upon. There is even a timeline for training horses!
This suggested activity includes writing a dime novel. Perfect for all the budding authors.
I do believe that this is a book I feel comfortable recommending
to any of my young nieces, nephews and friends.
I didn’t find anything objectionable or disturbing. There are periods of
great suspense. That’s make it even better! There are additional books available about Andi. This particular book is intended for ages 12 and up, but I think young readers (and older!) will enjoy it.
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Thanks, Rebekah, for your lovely review of Thieves. I had the same dreams as you, my dear, and I decided to simply write them down (after watching lots and lots of westerns, of course). I'll tell you what. As the oldest of 4 girls, you can't imagine how many times I daydreamed about having BROTHERS. So . . . that's me in this book, plain and simple (well, what I'd have wanted to be).
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed it! Thanks again!
Susan