What the eye does not see doesn't mean or prove that the unseen doesn't exist. I choose to stand on faith in the hopes of a better tomorrow.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Irene_Yoon
"Born to Return the Gift" is the debut novel of Catherine E. Johnson, which deals with many harsh and difficult times in life, and how the protagonist, Nyima, deals with them. The book overall is a stunning achievement, and perfect for any fans of young adult literature. However, it comes recommended to only those over 18 because of a sexually explicit scene and some foul language, although many words are censored with hypens.
From the beginning, I felt bad for Nyima, a strong character who became a real person in my mind. I cringed at times, like when she was being insulted, along with her because I felt so sympathetic. I was impressed by how she made the best out of everything, and the tough struggles that she had to live through.
Although the book is centered on a foundation of faith, I found myself forgetting that, and just felt like I was reading an ordinary book, albeit one with an excellent storyline and plot. For me, this is a good thing because I am not an overly religious person, so it was helpful - I don't need a book that reminds me that God is great every few minutes. I can do my own worshiping during my own time, not when I'm trying to read a good book.
Reading it, I thought that it was rather addictive and hard to put down. But I also spotted some errors, which are something that bothers me a lot. A simple run through spell check would have helped, and there were simple things like missing a comma that I felt took away from the reading and presentation of the book. At some points, I also thought that italics were overused. However, none of these have anything to do with the actual story, and the content is worth reading if one can look past the grammatical and conventional errors.
My interpretation of this book is that it is one that is based on a match with fate and destiny. "Born to Return the Gift" is well written and very well thought out as well. I recommend it, with a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.
From the beginning, I felt bad for Nyima, a strong character who became a real person in my mind. I cringed at times, like when she was being insulted, along with her because I felt so sympathetic. I was impressed by how she made the best out of everything, and the tough struggles that she had to live through.
Although the book is centered on a foundation of faith, I found myself forgetting that, and just felt like I was reading an ordinary book, albeit one with an excellent storyline and plot. For me, this is a good thing because I am not an overly religious person, so it was helpful - I don't need a book that reminds me that God is great every few minutes. I can do my own worshiping during my own time, not when I'm trying to read a good book.
Reading it, I thought that it was rather addictive and hard to put down. But I also spotted some errors, which are something that bothers me a lot. A simple run through spell check would have helped, and there were simple things like missing a comma that I felt took away from the reading and presentation of the book. At some points, I also thought that italics were overused. However, none of these have anything to do with the actual story, and the content is worth reading if one can look past the grammatical and conventional errors.
My interpretation of this book is that it is one that is based on a match with fate and destiny. "Born to Return the Gift" is well written and very well thought out as well. I recommend it, with a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Happy Holidays Everyone!
May your days be filled with the sharing of extraordinary peace & love.
Stay blessed and be safe in whatever way you chose to enjoy the season.
Stay blessed and be safe in whatever way you chose to enjoy the season.
Friday, December 17, 2010
5.0 out of 5 stars are latest reviews posted to Amazon November 28, 2010
By cinnor67 - : Born To Return The Gift (Paperback)
Catherine E. Johnson has written a poignant story about overcoming life's speedbumps and persevering over all. I couldn't put the book down! You feel as if you are living the heroines life with her. Ms. Johnson manages to put you right in the middle of the story. I'm sure many people can relate to her struggles with depression and low self-esteem. Can't wait for her next book!! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
By Cindy U. - : Born To Return The Gift (Paperback)
Born to Return the Gift by Catherine E. Johnson is a well written story about one womans struggle with depression, addiction and abuse. While the story deals with some difficult issues, it is truly a faith based story that has you routing for Nyima throughout. It renews your faith and gives you faith that good things can come to all, despite your circumstances.
Catherine E. Johnson has written a poignant story about overcoming life's speedbumps and persevering over all. I couldn't put the book down! You feel as if you are living the heroines life with her. Ms. Johnson manages to put you right in the middle of the story. I'm sure many people can relate to her struggles with depression and low self-esteem. Can't wait for her next book!! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
By Cindy U. - : Born To Return The Gift (Paperback)
Born to Return the Gift by Catherine E. Johnson is a well written story about one womans struggle with depression, addiction and abuse. While the story deals with some difficult issues, it is truly a faith based story that has you routing for Nyima throughout. It renews your faith and gives you faith that good things can come to all, despite your circumstances.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
This book would make a great Christmas Gift
5.0 out of 5 stars a powerful book to empower women, October 11, 2010 (Amazon)
By bookworm (Durham, NC)
"Born To Return The Gift" is a book by first time author Catherine E. Johnson. She has written a gritty, at times outright harsh and brutal, story about a theme common to many social workers dealing with helping women getting out of abusive relationships. The story of Nyima shows many of the themes commonly seen in such situations. After a bad childhood, early addiction and getting into wrong relationships, these women commonly find themselves helpless on their own. Realizing that the relationships are bad, these women also often suffer from depression, but seem to be unable to catch a break and find a decent relationship that is build on respect and mutual understanding.
But unlike many of the women caught in this spiral of depression and bad relationships, Nyima finds a way out of the situation through her belief in God.
The message of the book is one of a strong belief in God and that every life has a meaning and a value. Nyima realizes these things and is able to overcome her problems.
I truly was amazed by the level of maturity seen in a book by a first time author. The language is accurately reflecting the mood of the main character and the reader can not help but feel for Nyima in her struggles and sense the relief when Nyima's fate turns to the better.
A wonderful book that I highly recommend for people working in jobs such as social workers because just as it is life-affirming for Nyima, this book will also show social workers that one life helped can make up for a lot of disappointments.
By bookworm (Durham, NC)
"Born To Return The Gift" is a book by first time author Catherine E. Johnson. She has written a gritty, at times outright harsh and brutal, story about a theme common to many social workers dealing with helping women getting out of abusive relationships. The story of Nyima shows many of the themes commonly seen in such situations. After a bad childhood, early addiction and getting into wrong relationships, these women commonly find themselves helpless on their own. Realizing that the relationships are bad, these women also often suffer from depression, but seem to be unable to catch a break and find a decent relationship that is build on respect and mutual understanding.
But unlike many of the women caught in this spiral of depression and bad relationships, Nyima finds a way out of the situation through her belief in God.
The message of the book is one of a strong belief in God and that every life has a meaning and a value. Nyima realizes these things and is able to overcome her problems.
I truly was amazed by the level of maturity seen in a book by a first time author. The language is accurately reflecting the mood of the main character and the reader can not help but feel for Nyima in her struggles and sense the relief when Nyima's fate turns to the better.
A wonderful book that I highly recommend for people working in jobs such as social workers because just as it is life-affirming for Nyima, this book will also show social workers that one life helped can make up for a lot of disappointments.
An extraordinary debut novel - review by Kratzy (Amazon)
"Born to Return the Gift" by Catherine E. Johnson is a story about a young woman finding her place on earth and a meaning on her life. Growing up in circumstances that leave little room for hope, the protagonist incurs early issues in life, including addiction and bad relationships. Trying for a clean break, Nyima moves across the country to California. Rather than turn for the better, her life is more of the same. Again there are bad relationships and little hope for a better life. Depression follows and one is reminded of the fate of many women that never seem to catch a break.
But a break does happen and it occurs through the realization of our heroine that God is present and that there is a purpose to EVERY life on earth. Empowered through that realization and her belief in God, Nyima does turn things around.
A debut novel this is an outstanding first attempt at a realistic drama that takes the reader through the personal growth of a young woman finding her place in life and on earth. Some readers may believe that this book due to its Christian message may be sugarcoated, but this is certainly not the case. The sad beginnings of our heroine are told in an extremely realistic way, with the language certainly meeting R-rated levels. While some authors use such language for added drama and to pretend to be realistic, the author in this book succeeds in using at no point language as a mere add-on for dramatic effects. The whole book is extremely realistic and authentic, the author has a clear no-nonsense style that vividly describes the fight of our heroine to better herself and her situation. Definitely not your standard Christian novel, but because of this so much more convincing and interesting to read.
But a break does happen and it occurs through the realization of our heroine that God is present and that there is a purpose to EVERY life on earth. Empowered through that realization and her belief in God, Nyima does turn things around.
A debut novel this is an outstanding first attempt at a realistic drama that takes the reader through the personal growth of a young woman finding her place in life and on earth. Some readers may believe that this book due to its Christian message may be sugarcoated, but this is certainly not the case. The sad beginnings of our heroine are told in an extremely realistic way, with the language certainly meeting R-rated levels. While some authors use such language for added drama and to pretend to be realistic, the author in this book succeeds in using at no point language as a mere add-on for dramatic effects. The whole book is extremely realistic and authentic, the author has a clear no-nonsense style that vividly describes the fight of our heroine to better herself and her situation. Definitely not your standard Christian novel, but because of this so much more convincing and interesting to read.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Fighting Cancer and Winning!
I just underwent a lobectomy and proportionate removal of two ribs. During the recovery process I will not be adding promotional posts for 'Born To Return The Gift' but be aware that articles relating to depression, domestic violence, alcohol/drug recovery, and spiritual awakening will still be automatically updated as they appear in different news mediums around the world.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
"I'm worth your time", 5 Star Amazon Review by Mary Stan of VA.
This review is from: Born To Return The Gift (Volume 1) (Paperback)
Nyima is a woman in her fifty's who has been there, done that and had the shirt taken off her. She has seen it all and been through it all. If it had to do with physical, sexual, drug or alcohol abuse she was there. Yet, she survived to tell it all. This is a story that is not only thought provoking but it makes you stand up and take a look around yourself to ask what is holding you back if you think things are not going well.
Nyima saw a light and walked toward it. It was the best thing she did since it was God, in the end. She found her purpose in life and now holds her head high and walks straight. She will be the first to tell you that no one will do it for you and the first to show you how it is done. This story builds power, trust, and strength when you think you've lost it all. It also shows you that you do have a choice and when you make it you can follow through and not to doubt yourself. The author Catherine Johnson does a great job portraying this character and telling this story and there is something for everyone to learn and to read.
Nyima is a woman in her fifty's who has been there, done that and had the shirt taken off her. She has seen it all and been through it all. If it had to do with physical, sexual, drug or alcohol abuse she was there. Yet, she survived to tell it all. This is a story that is not only thought provoking but it makes you stand up and take a look around yourself to ask what is holding you back if you think things are not going well.
Nyima saw a light and walked toward it. It was the best thing she did since it was God, in the end. She found her purpose in life and now holds her head high and walks straight. She will be the first to tell you that no one will do it for you and the first to show you how it is done. This story builds power, trust, and strength when you think you've lost it all. It also shows you that you do have a choice and when you make it you can follow through and not to doubt yourself. The author Catherine Johnson does a great job portraying this character and telling this story and there is something for everyone to learn and to read.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Struggling to see the reality beyond the illusion
The main premise of Plato's 'Cave Allegory' is that the highest and most fundamental reality is beyond the senses as we struggle for knowledge beyond the illusion of a material world.
It is possible that through our dreams we have an opportunity to understand the illusion of our own reality, a reality which we consciously control during our waking hours in order to function as expected.
In 'Born To Return The Gift' Nyima Robbins is confronted by her own reality to see how her experiences can be a stepping stone out of mediocrity and into excellence.
It is possible that through our dreams we have an opportunity to understand the illusion of our own reality, a reality which we consciously control during our waking hours in order to function as expected.
In 'Born To Return The Gift' Nyima Robbins is confronted by her own reality to see how her experiences can be a stepping stone out of mediocrity and into excellence.
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