by Suzanne Collins

(note: if you are simply interested in my reflections about these books, skip to the 2nd to last section of this review, “My Review and Reflections)

About:  The country of Panem (a post-North American society) is controlled by iron-fisted President Snow in his gleaming Capitol.  Little do the Capitol and President Snow know that one young girl, Katniss Everdeen, may hold the key to toppling their seemingly omnipotent dictatorship.

Story Outline in Brief:

Book 1 – The Hunger Games ~ The Hunger Games opens in District 12 of Panem, a poor mining town where most of the population is struggling to get by.  The book is told through the voice of Katniss Everdeen.  She is the leader of our adventure through Panem.  We meet her family, her best friend Gale (the boy she goes hunting with “outside the fence” in order to keep their families afloat), and various colorful characters around town.  We begin to understand the control of the Capitol over the everyday lives of the people in the Districts through the mandatory TV broadcasts, the Capitol trained security forces (the Peacekeepers) and especially…the Reaping.  As the story unfolds we find out that the Reaping is a “holiday” that occurs every year wherein the entire population of each district must meet in the city center as two names, one male and one female – both between the ages of 12 and 18, are drawn and declared Tributes in the annual Hunger Games.  These 24 Tributes (2 from each district, 1 through 12) are then taken to the Capitol where they are trained, beautified, and then thrown into a massive, high tech “Arena” where they must fight to the death.  The last Tribute standing is declared the Victor of the Games, given a mansion in his/her district, and promised money and comfort for the rest of his/her days.  On the day of the Reaping in District 12, Katniss Everdeen’s worst nightmare becomes reality…her fragile little sister, Prim, has her name called as the female Tribute for District 12.  Katniss cannot allow her sister to go to the Games and sacrifice her life – so she bursts through the crowd and volunteers herself as Tribute in her sister’s place.  Thus begins her journey as the female Tribute from District 12…and so much more.  Her male counterpart, Peeta, joins her on this journey to the Capitol and, ultimately, to the Arena.

The second half of the book focuses solely on the Games.  Alliances are formed and broken, weapons are found and used brutally to kill, and we begin to understand the power of the Capitol’s “Gamemakers” as they control everything in the arena; from the weather to the safety and availability of food and water; from invisible traps to high-tech “Muttations” – animals that have been specially bred for certain things such as tracking, poisoning, and yes – killing.  Throughout the horrific Games runs a deeper, more complex theme: the friendship that grows between Katniss and Peeta.  We learn about their lives in District 12.  We come to understand why Katniss is so brash and angry, and why Peeta will do anything to save her life.  Beneath the canopy of the ugly Games unfolds the beauty of the human spirit and the strength and perseverance that comes from caring for another person.

The ending of this book will take your breath away.  It is an ending with a twofold purpose: one, to leave you hanging just enough that you MUST read the next book and two, to unveil the beginning of how Katniss single-handedly and unwittingly defies the Capitol.  And WINS.

Book Two – Catching Fire ~ (Book 1 spoiler alert!!!)  Once again we open to Katniss telling us her story.  This time the story opens to as she and Peeta’s Victory Tour as the Victors (yes, Victors!) of that year’s Hunger Games.  They travel to each District in Panem where they are congratulated and paraded around town like celebrities.  There is an underlying fakeness to it all and Katniss is very uncomfortable and saddened when she is forced to stand up in front of and be applauded by the parents of the other Tributes – the 22 children who died in the Arena, some at her own hand.  When they reach District 11, however, something unique happens.

We must rewind a little bit: in the Arena, Katniss befriended a tiny 12-year old Tribute from District 11 named Rue.  She and Rue joined forces and Katniss did whatever she could to protect Rue because she reminded her so much of her little sister, Prim.  When Katniss’s back is turned, however, Rue is speared.  Instead of running away, Katniss kneels by little Rue’s side, holds her hand, and sings to her until she dies.  This death puts Katniss over the edge with anger toward the Capitol.  She is fed up with being a pawn in their ugly Games, so she quickly gathers flowers and places them all over Rue’s body, then looks up to where she knows the cameras are watching, and defiantly holds up 3 fingers to show her anger.

So let’s head back to the Victory Tour stop in District 11.  As if rehearsed, the entire crowd suddenly grows silent and holds up three fingers toward Katniss.  Not only is this an act of honor for the care she had shown to one of their own, but it is also an act of defiance as they silently agree with Katniss (and Peeta) that what the Capitol is doing to their children is flat out wrong.  Things unravel quickly as Peeta offers half of his yearly Tribute winnings to Rue’s family – only to be quickly rushed away with Katniss.  Shortly thereafter they hear a gunshot and they can only assume that someone in District 11, and possibly someone from Rue’s family, has been killed.

After the Victory Tour is over, Katniss and Peeta return home to their new mansions in District 12.  In a few short days’ time, Katniss finds herself face to face with President Snow in her living room.  In a roundabout way he threatens her life and tells her to be careful what she does and says…or else.  Without giving too much away I will tell you that at the end of the year, through the scheming and evil control of the President, Katniss and Peeta once again find themselves in the arena for the Hunger Games of the Quarter Quell – a special Hunger Games that takes place once every 25 years to celebrate the annihilation of District 13, the District that had caused an uprising that threatened the Capitol many years previously.

And so, once again, we go through training and beautification with Katniss.  Only this time she is given a hint from Plutarch, the Head Gamemaker, about what she will find in the Arena.  Peeta and Katniss’s mentor, Haymitch (the only other Tribute from District 12 that has ever won a Games) gives them explicit instructions on who to ally themselves with.  Katniss hates becoming Haymitch’s pawn as well as the Capitol’s, but she has no choice but to do what he says.  Little does she know that all these allies are in on a secret: they are going to do whatever it takes to protect her life until a hijacked hovercraft can break into the arena and snatch her to take her to…District 13.

Book 3 – Mockingjay ~ When we open up the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy, we are stunned along with Katniss that District 13, the district that the Capitol supposedly annihilated long ago, is not only still in existence, but has a sizeable population, holds an arsenal of nuclear weapons, and has a plan to overthrow the Capitol and take back Panem.  Unbeknownst to her, Katniss sparked a rebellion in the Districts that is being fuelled, manned, and supported by the up and running District 13.  However, we also find out that Katniss’s former home, District 12, has been completely destroyed by the Capitol.  Only a small group of survivors was able to escape due to the quick-thinking Gale, Katniss’s old hunting partner and best friend.  On top of all of the deaths in 12, hundreds of rebels around the country of Panem have been tortured and killed for trying to defy the Capitol.  This is the hardest thing about this book because Katniss blames herself for all of these deaths.  She keeps asking herself, is this rebellion worth it?  She cannot shake the guilt that she feels for being responsible for the deaths of so many.

In District 13 everyone has a specific schedule they are to keep every day.  The control and order in this hidden district is eerily similar to the control the Capitol had over the districts, and Katniss doesn’t like it.  She is suspicious of Coin, the leader of District 13 and the mastermind behind the rebellion, and she is hesitant to join her team of Rebel leaders.  With so much whirling through her mind, Katniss refuses to follow the schedule given to her and spends much of her time wandering around aimlessly and finding places to hide.  But after some time passes, she is called into a council meeting and declared to be The Mockingjay, the face and hero of the rebellion.  (The Mockingjay refers to a pin that Katniss wore into the Games which had become the symbol of freedom from the Capitol).  Once again she is subjected to beautification and put on display.  But she refuses to just play beauty queen…and so on a trip to a video shoot covering a skirmish in District 8…she disobeys orders and heads into the thick of the battle once again.  And once more, many people die and she feels responsible for their deaths.

In the meantime we catch up with Peeta, who was captured from the Arena by the Capitol.  As a condition for becoming the Mockingjay, Katniss insists that he be rescued.  Once he arrives in District 13 we find out that Peeta has not only been tortured…but has also been brainwashed by the Capitol and has had his memories remolded to make him believe that Katniss is his enemy.  Throughout the book this underlying drama plays out as Peeta struggles back to reality and Katniss despairs over this new Peeta, one of the only people whom she truly has ever truly loved.

In the 2^nd half of the book so many things come to a head: Coin threatens Katniss’s life once she thinks she is replaceable; the Rebels begin to win the fight in the districts and finally reach the front line – the Capitol; and Katniss finds herself in charge of a small band of expert warriors to journey through the Pod-laden Capitol streets (Pods are hidden devices filled with weapons and Muttations) toward the President’s mansion.  Mission: Kill President Snow.

This is the saddest book of them all.  Tragedy after tragedy strikes and many of the characters we have grown to love are killed.  The final tragedy succeeds in breaking Katniss.  The Capitol has fallen, the President has been captured, the Rebels are victorious…but Katniss had nothing left to live (or die) for.  Her heart is so broken she cannot speak.  She cannot eat.  Her life becomes meaningless except for one last desire: to kill President Snow, the evil dictator of Panem who is the reason for all of this misery and for the deaths of so many people that Katniss knew and loved.  At the end of the book she has her chance to kill Snow…but wait, there’s one more shocking twist.  What does she do???  You’ll have to find out for yourself.  I literally screamed when I found out what she did.  Yup…that shocking.

And thus ends the legacy of Katniss Everdeen and the reign of terror; thus ends the yearly Reaping and the Hunger Games.

Or does it?

Random note: I loved the epilogue of this book.  It was hauntingly sad and breathtakingly beautiful.  Don’t miss it.

My Review and Reflections on The Hunger Games Trilogy:  Firstly, I have to say that these books are amazing.  There is so much depth and complexity in each book, so many amazing supporting characters and narratives that I couldn’t even touch on in this review.  I was literally fascinated by these books and I couldn’t put them down.  When I finished the final book I cried for two reasons: 1.) these books are SAD and 2.) there aren’t any more Hunger Games books to read.  Suzanne Collins is a brilliant writer and you can tell that she put her heart and soul into the effort of writing these books.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend these books to everyone.  They are tragic, disturbing, and at times, very violent and even gory.  I know what you’re thinking.  “Gabi, this isn’t like you.  Why on earth did you read these books?”  To tell you the truth, I started reading them because of allof the buzz going around about them.  I finished reading them because they spoke to several areas in my mind and heart that I couldn’t ignore:

One – The Reluctant Heroine.  I am a sucker for most books or movies that have a young female heroine.  I related to Katniss in multiple ways.  She would sacrifice her life for the people she loved, especially her family.  As soon as she volunteered herself to become Tribute in place of her little sister, Prim, I was hooked.  That is the kind of brave heart I want to have.  There’s a hope deep within me that I will “stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves,” that if I have the opportunity take the place of someone weaker than me in a difficult battle that I will have the strength and courage to do so.  Courage is something I value highly, and when I read stuff like this, I know that I want to be a fearless Warrior, one who fights, even to the death, for the glory of God and for the greater good of those in need.  However, I also appreciated that Katniss largely remained clueless to the fact that she was inspiring an entire country to stand up for what was right and to fight for freedom.  She simply lived and acted in the most honorable way she knew how.   A true hero doesn’t think of herself as a hero.  She simply does what she knows she needs to do without questioning why.  Through that integrity and tenacity, she becomes a hero.  That’s the kind of life I want to lead…a life in which I will do what is right and just and fair even in the face of hardship and even terror…because that is what I am supposed to do, for God and for the struggling members of humanity.

Two – The Social Commentary.  I can’t say that I know exactly what Suzanne Collins’s intent was through these books, but it’s hard to ignore the social narrative that undergirds them.  While much of the story is just plain old, let’s-have-fun-inventing-fantastical-ideas science fiction, there is also an undercurrent of social commentary that permeates the story.  What happens when one person has complete power over society?  What happens when Capitalism is not only discouraged, but actually ceases to exist?  What happens when our government decides for us what we can or cannot do?  What happens when power is used in such a way that it targets the most vulnerable in our societies, that is, our children? (I was going to name specific countries/societies, but decided not to because they’re all places I would like to visit someday and I’d rather not be arrested at their airports, thank you very much.)

Three – The Injustice of Children Forced to Fight.  This is the aspect of these books that hit me the hardest.  Yes, the premise of the books is a Game in which children, real live children, are forced to kill one another in a battle concocted by adults – powerful adults.  They created this Game to prove their power and have even twisted it into a sick form of entertainment.  At this very moment, right now, this second, in THIS WORLD, there are hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions, of child soldiers who have been conscripted into battle by demented leaders to fight for selfish, power-hungry, evil causes.  These children are taught to hate and to kill other children (as well as adults).  Let me rephrase that:  There are dozens of Hunger Games going on right under our noses.  Congo.  Somalia.  Burma.  Sudan…these are just some of the places where children are kidnapped from their homes, strapped to a gun, forced to become drug addicts, and told to kill.  Sometimes these children are forced to murder their own parents as a sort of initiation.  Sometimes they are raped or tortured to force them into submission.  You think it’s hard to read a fictional account of children who are forced to kill other children?  Does reading about that make you angry?  Try reading the nonfiction versions of this story that are being written every day.  If you knew that there was a country called Panem wherein children were terrorized and forced into a battle to the death, what would you do?  Would you get up in arms and call your congressman?  Would you fly to Panem and try to take matters into your own hands?  Would you set up a special task force to infiltrate the Capitol and rescue these children?  Would you give away all of your money to organizations that are trying to do something about this tragedy?  Well, would you?  Reading these books has opened my eyes to the indescribable pain and emotional scarring that child soldiers endure on a daily basis.  As I said earlier, the epilogue to Mockingjay hit me hard.  We are fast forwarded a dozen years or so in Katniss’s life.  She and Peeta have 3 children who run and play in a meadow that, unbeknownst to the children, covers a mass grave where the charred remains of 12’s obliteration were lain.  Katniss has spent many years trying to understand that she no longer has to be afraid.  The only way she can feel even a shadow of happiness is when she opens a scrapbook she has made full of stories of good things people have done for each other.  That is her only hope, that people can still be capable of goodness.  But never again will she be able to be truly happy or carefree.  The emotional and physical scars that she bears from experiencing such intense and repeated trauma cannot be evaded and will be carried to her grave.

This broke my heart.  So many children in this world live in a world of constant terror.  Not a single day goes by when they don’t see tragedy and are forced into brutal situations.  Not only child soldiers, but child sex slaves, child laborers, etc., are forced live lives comprised of a constant, unending string of nightmares.  Even if and when it ends, the scars are so bad that they cannot heal.  I hate that these things are happening in my world and I want to dedicate my life to doing whatever I can to stop these gross, appalling, horrific injustices.  I can’t help but think that this is why I’m alive…to do whatever I can to rescue these little ones who have lost all hope.

All that said, the one thing that totally did not make sense to me about these books was the lack of any mention or thought about a higher power.  I find it extremely unlikely that people who are faced with such insurmountable obstacles and with so much tragedy don’t think at all about whether or not there is Someone Bigger out there who can help them.  I just don’t think it’s possible.  And therein lies the glimmer of hope that we have in our world…there IS a Savior who can rescue AND heal. There is a Love that can bring comfort and restoration to even those who have faced the worst of tragedies.  Oh I am so grateful that we have a Savior available to us!!  Let’s take Him to the broken, the terrorized, and the forgotten, and let Him do His amazing redemptive work.  Amen!!

Gabi Rating:  For ages 18 and up.  Let there be no misunderstanding, this book is written to a teenage target audience, but, in my opinion, should NOT be read by children or young teenagers.  There are graphic descriptions of violence and death.  The books are terrifying at times and it concerns me that there are so many kids reading them.  The last thing we need for our kids is a book that desensitizes them even more to violence and death.  Even adults need to enter into the experience with their eyes wide open. If you have kids reading the books, read with them and discuss as you go along.  The disturbing elements of these books should not be left to children to hash through by themselves.

Summarizing Thoughts:  Incredible books.  Flawless, genius authorship.  Not recommended for the faint of heart.  Be wise and process as you go.  They are entertaining books so it’s easy to get caught up in the entertainment aspect without reflecting on the seriousness of what is happening within the stories.

I give this book 4 out of 5 hearts! ♥♥♥♥×

I’m grateful for my job at FirstBank. I’m thankful for all I learned there and for the friends I made in the process. And I’m grateful for its completion and for the opportunity to move forward to the next steps in life.

I’m grateful for my church, Denver United Church. It has been such a huge blessing in my life on so many levels: friendship, spiritual growth, ministry opportunities, etc.

I’m grateful for my friend, Tanya Low, and for the time that we got to spend together at the beginning of the year. It’s a rarity to have her around like that, so I treasure each moment. She is such a precious and beautiful friend who has blessed me in more ways than she knows. (she also has an INCREDIBLE new CD out, find out more HERE)

I’m grateful for the Word of God and its transforming power. I’ve read it through more than a dozen times and it still feeds my soul every day with fresh revelation and power.

I’m grateful for my pastors. Pastor Rob encourages me to live my dreams and believes in me even when I don’t believe in myself. Pastor Justin is a faithful friend who has dedicated so much time and prayer to Benj and myself as we journey toward full-time missions. And all of the other pastors have blessed me in so many ways and have taught me so much about humble service for the Kingdom of God.

I’m grateful that God has continued to break my heart open for the “least of these,” particularly orphans and those who have been cruelly forced into slavery. These “treasures of darkness” are my heartbeat, my calling, and I know God will use me to bring hope and freedom in the coming years.

I’m grateful for the opportunity Benj and I have been given to be Denver United Church’s Global Missions Coordinators. It’s definitely a growing process and looks different than we might have thought, but God’s timing is perfect and we are so thankful and excited.

I’m grateful that I was able to dance in The Thorn. I gotta say, it was tons of fun dancing in that huge arena in pretty costumes and crazy hair and make-up! Haha!

I’m grateful for Derek and Firdaus Jones. Even though we haven’t seen each other in a while, I am so deeply thankful that God brought them into Benj’s and my life. It has been a huge blessing to have neighbor friends who share our passion for Christ!

I’m grateful for opportunities to write. I have so enjoyed being able to update my blog with thoughts, poems, and book and movie reviews! I’ve read so many incredible books this year (I’m grateful for that, too) about people who have overcome incredible odds. I’ve also seen some very moving foreign films that make my heart burn for the nations. And time to write poetry and such…well, for that I am truly thankful!

I’m grateful for my family. My great parents who have been so generous to us and so hospitable; my brother, Nathan, and sister-in-law, Katie – and the little baby growing in her belly – it has been so fun being newlyweds together:); my precious and wonderful and beautiful twinnie, Kira, who I love with all my heart. My mommy-in-law, Shannon, who never ceases to amaze me with her kindness, hospitality, and heart for God; my little sisters-in-law, Emily and Caroline, who have grown up so much and are both so fun and talented; my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chris and Stacy, who always keep me laughing and looking at the bright side of life; my step-sisters-in-law (heehee) Courtney and Ashley, both beautiful and full of life and talent; my Dad-in-law, Ken, and his wife, Sue, who always make me feel relaxed and happy (and have great taste in wine!;); and my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Willy and Gracie, who have always been so loving and fun and wonderful! And of course, all of my amazing grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We may not see each other often, but I love you all!!

I’m grateful for the worship team at Denver United. It’s been a huge privilege and blessing to be a part of this team. It truly makes my heart come alive to sing with these amazing people. I’m grateful for Austin and Blanca who have so graciously welcomed me and encouraged me to pursue the gifts God has given me.

I’m grateful for Carolyn Hoyt. She has become one of my dearest friends and I can’t thank God enough for bringing her into my life when He did. I felt so lonely in the season when she walked into my life. He always knows what we need and her friendship has blessed me deeply.

I’m grateful for our trip to India. Oh, India. There were so many lessons to be learned and treasures to be gleaned from that trip. It was difficult in such a way that I was forced to grow…and how can I not be grateful for that? I’m especially grateful for Pastor Yesupaddam and his wonderful wife, for the beautiful children at Kathleen home (particularly Jothi Kumari and Amaloo who have touched my heart forever), and for the Alexanders and the beautiful children at Comforter (particularly Tamari, Simmi, and my little deaf boy – such treasures of love).

I’m grateful for Mauri Brendle and Gaby Spicer – beautiful, amazing women of God who have both encouraged me more than they know.

I’m grateful for the miracle God gave us to pay off ALL of our debt! Hallelujah!

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of A*Dore Dance Company!! I cannot even begin to express all of the ways this has blessed my life. It’s amazing to be a part of a group of women who not only love to dance, but who also Love Jesus!! This is a miracle in my life and I can’t thank God enough for bringing me to this company. I love each and every one of you girls!!

I’m grateful that I had the chance to go visit Kira in NYC! Um, what’s better than hanging out in New York City? Hanging out in New York City with your TWIN of course!! Ahhhhh!!!! Inexplicably wonderful twin bonding time!!!(Seeing Faith, Anne-Allegra, Jalin, and Lynn was an extra bonus!)

I’m grateful for Demi Lovato’s new CD, Unbroken!  Haha, it’s TRUE!  Especially “Skyscraper!”  I’ve never loved a song so much in my life.

I’m grateful for my dearest Emily Rogers. I’m so glad that she moved to Denver when she did. I’m so glad we had a fun Monte Carlo/soup/chocolate lava cake snow day together. I’m so glad that I have been able to be with her as she walks through the hardest time of her life. I’m just so grateful for this long and wonderful friendship. Emily is a treasure I will never let go of!

I’m grateful that Benj and I were able to take a trip to NH and MA to see my amazing grandparents, Aunt Marina, Uncle Helgard, and Uncle Ingo.  I’m so glad Benj finally got to meet Omi and Opi – and it was so fun just listening to all of their incredible stories (wanna know more? There’s a book out about them now! – Click here ).  And of course it was a blast venturing around Boston.  Such a cool city!

I’m grateful for my Christmas dancers! Stephanie, Laura, Ashley, Martha, and April were so supportive, committed, and amazing! Having great dancers to work with is a plus – having great dancers who are also your friends is a double plus! I love you girls! (Watch video here!)

I’m grateful for God’s incredible provision through Benj’s job, the church, and faithful supporters of our ministry. He never leaves us in a bind…it’s truly incredible.

I’m grateful for my awesome new job as Assistant Varsity Poms Coach at Mullen High School. It has been so much fun, a job that I truly love! Kelsey has helped me to learn so much about the sport and I think it could be something I do for a long time. Plus, the girls on the team are the nicest, spunkiest, toughest, most fun girls ever.

I’m grateful for countless friends, both old and new, who have blessed my life in infinite ways. I wish I could name them all. A*Dore friends, church friends, friends from the past and friends that have walked into my life recently. So many beautiful hearts in my world…I am truly amazed. At this time last year I was feeling very very lonely – and now I know that if I am feeling lonely, going through a hard time, or just need to have fun, that there are people who will be by my side. Thank You, Jesus!

I’m grateful for my mom’s successful surgery and that she’s beautifully on her way to a full recovery and a better life!:)

I’m grateful for our multiple small groups. Each one has been wonderful and I have learned so much about myself and about God.

Lastly, I am grateful for my precious, wonderful, heroic husband, Benj. He truly never ceases to amaze me. I feel so deeply humbled and blessed to be Benj’s wife. Marriage has been absolutely incredible so far and I am convinced it is because he is so wonderful. Benj, I have learned so much from you this year about perseverance, humility, joy, peace, patience, and Love. You are the hero of my heart. Thank you for all that you have sacrificed for me. Thank you for continuing to go to work, even when it’s hard, so that we will be provided for. Thank you for always holding me when I’m sad. Thank you for being patient with me as I struggle through situations and as I grow. Thank you for never raising your voice at me and for always treating me with kindness and gentleness. Thank you for all of the fun dates you’ve taken me on this year! Thank you for letting me take care of you when you’re sick or tired. Thank you for encouraging me to be ME and for walking with me on this journey towards complete freedom in Christ. I Love you with all my heart – you are truly an amazing Warrior Poet.

I feel like this list doesn’t even scratch the surface of all that I have to be grateful for this year. Even though there have been some really hard times, I see God’s hand in the midst of it all and I am truly, deeply, humbly thankful.

Much joy,

Gabi

into a million little pieces?

Do you feel that you will simply cease to exist

if someone doesn’t come and rescue you immediately?

Do you ever feel like your sinking so fast and so deep

that you’re sure you’ll never find your way to light again?

Breathing comes with difficulty.

Freedom eludes you.

You have to work simply to keep your heart beating.

Sometimes this is how I feel.

Why am I so lonely?

Why is everything a battle, a struggle, a challenge?

What happened to the easiness with which blessings used to come?

When did things stop working out and when did I become so weak?

When did the Narrow Road become so steep and rocky?

I’m fighting for breath.

I’m screaming for rescue.

I’m aching for freedom.

My King.

My God.

YOU are my breath.

YOU are my rescue.

YOU are my freedom.

To Your Truth I cling as if my life depends on it.

Maybe because it does.

Without Your Truth, I would fall to my death.

Without Your Love, I would succumb to the darkness.

Without Your Promises, I would lose all hope.

But You ARE here for me.

Do you here that, Satan?

My Jesus is HERE with me, He is here FOR me.

He fights for me.

And I rest and I heal.

Because He is in the boat with me, I need not fear.

It doesn’t depend on my actions.

It’s all because of His Grace.

It’s all because of His extravagant, magnificent Love.

I declare even now that even though I feel lost and alone and confused,

that I am FOUND and ADORED and heading for heaven.

“Fear not the enemy of your soul.

He is powerless against the blood and oil that covers you.

I have redeemed you.

I have called you by name.

I surround you in all trials and storms and deserts.

Don’t give up.

Don’t give in.

Put your arms around My waist and we will ride together.

Together we will battle this darkness that surrounds you.

Together we will defeat the depression.

Together we will break through gates of bronze and walls of iron.

For I am your King.

I am your God.

I am you Rescuer.

I am your Deliverer.

I am your Father.

I am your Lover.

I am your Friend.

I am your Champion.

I am your Defender.

And I am in Love with you.

Don’t forget.

Please, Love, don’t forget.

I am in Love with you and I will not let you fall.

Don’t give up.

Don’t give in.

We’re going to win this battle.

And you will come out even lovelier and freer on the other side.”

I Love my King.

I remember Him in the midst of the darkness and realize,

Even the night is as day to Him.

I need not fear, for He is with me.

Hallelujah and Amen.

By Rob Gifford

About: NPR journalist, Rob Gifford, shares his adventure of traveling all the way across China on Highway 312.

Story Outline in Brief: China is complex, confusing, wonderful, awful, ugly and beautiful. Rob Gifford explores all of these varying facets of China as he literally pounds the pavement from East to West.

My Review: I loved this book. Gifford has that charming British wit in his writing that is both warm and comical. China Road didn’t just follow Gifford’s adventure, but also included Chinese history, sociology, economy, and geography. The way in which he wove these educational lessons throughout his story showed the mark of a true journalist…someone who can not only relay information, but who also has the ability to keep his readers interested and intrigued in the process. There were many little stories throughout the book that I thoroughly enjoyed, particularly the story of a tiny Chinese church in the countryside where he was coaxed into being preacher for a day. I could almost see the toothless smiles and feel the gentle handshakes of the elderly parishioners and they welcomed him and begged him to preach. There are also stories of heartbreak, government corruption, the scourge of prostitution, and the pillaging of many of China’s most historic sites by greedy explorers and businessmen. Lastly, I loved all of the attention that was paid to the final stop on Gifford’s adventure…my beloved Xinjiang with its beautiful Uighur people. The book began and ended in this part of the country and my heart was full to the brim to encounter stories about the people and places that I love. China is my heart of hearts, and this book did amazing justice to all of its complexities in under 300 pages.

Gabi Rating: For ages 12 and up. Complex history and a mention of prostitution.

Summarizing Thoughts: All China lovers should read this book. This may be one I need to add to my growing China library. I appreciated Gifford’s respect for and even involvement in the Christian history in China, woven beautifully alongside the histories of Buddhism and Taoism. I also appreciated that he addressed the moral vacuum that has been created alongside Communism and atheism…a very interesting study of a people losing their history and their moral rudder. Oh, and the funny nicknames he gives to his various Chinese compatriots are not to be missed:)

I give this book 4 out of 5 hearts!  ♥♥♥♥×

I believe that God is for me.

I believe that He Loves me with an everlasting and unconditional Love.

I believe that through Christ all things are possible.

I believe that God will fulfill His calling on my life.

I believe that He can heal all of my wounds and use them for good.

I believe that He sees every tear that I cry and that He will comfort me.

I believe that He speaks truth when He says I am His beautiful creation, a treasure beyond worth.

I believe that this, too, shall pass.

I believe that God has a purpose for every season, even if I can’t see what that purpose is.

I believe that when I am weak, He is strong.

I believe that by seeking out the truths of Christ I can fight back the lies of Satan.

I believe that I have purpose and power through Christ who strengthens me.

I believe that with Christ nothing is impossible.

I believe that He holds my yesterday, my today, and my tomorrow.

I believe that He will fulfill the desires of my heart.

I believe that in all things and at all times, God is good.

I’m discouraged and confused, but I rest my burden in the hands of Christ. All of the things that I am longing for are safe with Him. I know that one day soon I will arise as a woman of God who has fully discovered who she has been created to be. I will be fearlessly tackling the dragon of injustice, battling for the hearts of the innocent, and rescuing captives from bondage and oppression. This is who I am. I am God’s princess and His warrior and I refuse to let times of discouragement stop me. I may be pushed to the ground and have the wind knocked out of me. But I have a choice: to get back up or to stay down, defeated. I choose to shake off the dust, to take a deep breath, to unsheathe my sword, to stand up, and to continue to walk on into battle. For His Kingdom and for His glory!!!!!!! Arise, church! Arise and take your place among the ranks of the King of Kings! Hallelujah.

Country: Iran

Story Outline in Brief: After a father loses his job at an ostrich farm near his home in the countryside, he must venture into Tehran to search for work.

My Review: A decent movie about fatherhood. I think most fathers worldwide would be able to relate to this Iranian father’s desire to provide and care for his family as well as with his frustration when he is unable to do so. There are serious and comical aspects to the film. We are saddened along with the father as he is unable to replace his deaf daughter’s broken hearing aid. We laugh as he is becomes irritated with his young son’s antics. We become angry when he is falsely accused of stealing. And we applaud him as he takes advantage of the need for motorcycle taxis in Tehran by quickly and suddenly becoming a motorcycle taxi driver himself. My favorite scene in the film was one in which the father sings a silly song to his young son and his son’s friends in an attempt to cheer them up after they have lost a bucket full of goldfish they had worked very hard to buy. Unfortunately, the movie largely lacked plot and had a very sudden and disappointing ending. If it wasn’t for the ending I would have given this film 3 stars instead of 2. I did, however, enjoy getting a glimpse into Iranian society…it is very fascinating. Within it exists a backward sense of propriety starkly contrasted by the bustling modernity of the capital city…skyscrapers, cell phones, tvs…and women required to wear the chador. (I only say “backward” because of where Iran stood 25 years ago on women’s rights compared to where it stands now…it has literally gone backward in time.)

Gabi Rating: PG – Cultural complexities

Summarizing Thoughts: An interesting film for anyone interested in Iran and a heartwarming (and occasionally heartbreaking) story about fatherhood.

I give this film 2 out of 5 hearts!  ♥♥×××

Country: Japan

Story Outline in Brief: After his orchestra dissolves, Daigo, a cellist, moves back to his hometown with his wife to search for a job. He ends up working at a funeral home which offers ceremonial preparation of bodies before they are casketed.

My Review: I was definitely taken by surprise by this movie. I expected it to be very dramatic, but it was actually filled with lighthearted and even comical moments. Daigo thinks he is interviewing at a travel agency and is hired before finding out what the position actually is. He is consequently subjected to a lot of interesting and comical experiences as he gets accustomed to his job. I love finding little gems like this film. It was very good; probably one of the best Asian films I’ve seen. It explored the bonds of family in creative and even conflicting ways…Daigo’s wife Mika leaves him because she thinks he is unclean and disgusting for tending to the dead. Meanwhile, as he delicately and beautifully prepares bodies to be casketed, the families of the deceased show extreme respect and gratitude for what he has done for them. One of the most touching moments in the film is when an older man whose wife has died bows his head to Daigo after the casketing ceremony and, with tears in his eyes, says, “She has never looked more beautiful. Thank you for what you have done.” One of my favorite things about the film was the Japanese flavor in the midst of a lot of Western clothing, music, and décor. This was most evident in the casketing ceremony scenes. The preparation of the body is so delicate, intricate, reverent, and beautiful. These are the kinds of things the Japanese are especially good at. It was so fascinating to watch these cultural traditions on screen.

Gabi Rating: PG – Mild language and some thematic elements.

Summarizing Thoughts: Fantastic Japanese film colored with lots of relational and cultural nuances. Very emotionally satisfying and a delight for foreign film lovers.

I give this film 3 out of 5 hearts! ♥♥♥××

Country: Belgium

Story Outline in Brief: A Russian mother illegally immigrates to Belgium with her young son. Several years later she is arrested, detained, and threatened with deportation as an illegal immigrant.

My Review: This film is a fascinating portrait of the complexities of immigration. I was challenged and gripped by the film as I thought of how privileged I am to have been born and raised in America. Most people around the world struggle to survive and those who try to escape to a better place are often sent back to their countries of origin despite the hardship and dangers they will face there. Belgium considers Russia to be an ally and does not view it as a dangerous country for nationals (such as they would view Belarus, North Korea, Iran, etc.). This puts this woman in a precarious situation as she’s threatened with deportation. I’m interested to know the accuracies of this story as far as Belgian law is concerned. The police stop the woman on the street and ask to see her identity papers for no particular reason and that is when she is arrested. I’m curious if that is actually legal in Belgium. There is also a scene of extreme abuse at the hands of the deportation agents and I’m not sure if this is something that actually occurs in Europe or not. It was a riveting story, however, and as I said above, it challenged me to think about immigration, nationality, and the life of freedom we often take for granted in the United States.

Gabi Rating: PG-13 – A scene of violence.

Summarizing Thoughts: A very interesting study of immigration, nationality, belonging, and hope. The ending was a bit abrupt, but overall a well-made film.

I give this film 3 out of 5 hearts! ♥♥♥××

Country: Colombia

Story Outline in Brief: A little boy who lives in the volatile countryside of Colombia is determined to play football (soccer) no matter what challenges may come to stop him.

My Review: This film was a little bit slow, but definitely interesting. We’re never told who the “bad guys” are in the story as it’s presented from the children’s perspective. We’re left as confused as they about where the tension is coming from and why it exists. This is really just a story about a little boy who has a passion for football and who will brave his parent’s anger, danger from rebels, and a field full of land mines to pursue the thing he loves. This narrative is set on the violent backdrop of rural Colombia and is definitely a tragedy. The difficult things that the people in this movie face actually seem even scarier because we are seeing it through the confused eyes of a child. There are bright and funny moments, but don’t go into watching this movie for an enjoyable experience. It is definitely hard to watch and ends tragically.

Gabi Rating: PG-13 – Violence

Summarizing Thoughts: If you’re a Colombian history buff this movie will probably make more sense to you than to the rest of us. Not the best foreign film I’ve seen, but not the worst either. It’s worth a viewing.

I give this film 2 out of 5 hearts! ♥♥×××