Thursday, November 15, 2012

"The Christmas Train" - President Thomas S. Monson

 
 
Summary from Beehive Books website:
 
In this children's picture book, President Thomas S. Monson recounts a Christmas memory from his childhood. As a boy, he yearned for an electric train. To his delight, on Christmas morning he got exactly that--a train that operated through the miracle of electricity. Then he noticed a second train that his mother had purchased for the boy down the street whose family was struggling. Although it was only a wind-up train, it had a beautiful oil tanker car, which little Tommy wanted for his own. Soon after, Tommy's mother invited him to accompany her to the neighbor's home to deliver the gift. Young Mark was thrilled with his new train and, of course, didn't notice the missing train car. However, a remorseful Tommy did. What happened next will bring the spirit of Christmas into every heart and home. Illustrated by renowned artist Dan Burr, The Christmas Train is sure to be a classic Christmas story and a beautiful addition to every Christmas library.
 
Our Review:
 
I think every home should have this book!  It is a classic Christmas tale of learning to love giving more than receiving.  These words of our beloved prophet will help you to teach your children the true meaning of Christmas.  Homes without children will also be blessed as we all make an effort to love giving more than receiving.
 
Reviewer: Vickie Ricks, the Queen Bee
 


Saints and Soldiers Airborne Creed DVD


Summary from Beehive Books website:

From the producers of the world-renowned hit film Saints and Soldiers and based on actual events, SAINTS & SOLDIERS: AIRBORNE CREED tells the action-packed story of three World War II U.S. Army paratroopers-Rossi (Corbin Allred), Jones (David Nibley), and Curtis (Jasen Wade)-fighting desperately to fulfill their mission against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Cut off behind enemy lines after parachuting into Southern France during Operation Dragoon, their commitment to the Airborne Creed urges them forward and proves that a few good men can change a war.

My Review:

I really enjoyed this movie.  I have not seen Saints and Soldiers in many years, so I was not bothered by the fact that this is not a real sequel.  It's a new story about saints and soldiers, and I thought it was touching and very well done!

I hope you take the time to watch this movie.  You will not be disappointed.

Reviewer: Celeste Estes

"The Rent Collector" by Camron Wright

  

Goodreads Summary:

Survival for Ki Lim and Sang Ly is a daily battle at Stung Meanchey, the largest municipal waste dump in all of Cambodia. They make their living scavenging recyclables from the trash. Life would be hard enough without the worry for their chronically ill child, Nisay, and the added expense of medicines that are not working. Just when things seem worst, Sang Ly learns a secret about the bad-tempered rent collector who comes demanding money--a secret that sets in motion a tide that will change the life of everyone it sweeps past. The Rent Collector is a story of hope, of one woman's journey to save her son and another woman's chance at redemption.

My Review:

I loved this book!  It has the feel of a long-time classic and is based in another culture, so it might take a little time to settle into the story, but once you are comfortable, you will love it!

I loved seeing the character development of the Rent Collector as her past is revealed and she grows to enjoy the time she spends with Sang Ly.  I felt this is really what makes the story great.

Give this story a try.  You will leave it edified.

Reviewer: Celeste Estes