The Carnivore by Mark Sinnett *****

The Carnivore is a story of love, marriage, and infidelity that begins at the time of the devastating hurricane and subsequent floods that stormed through Toronto in 1954. Ray Townes, a police officer, is in the eyes of the public a hero. Mary Townes, a nurse, takes care of the dying and wounded at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the chaotic aftermath of the storm. The depiction of the storm, and especially the chaos in the Emergency Room was very realistic.

The book is also a profound look back over the marriage of Ray and Mary, a loving couple whose lives are changed by the events surrounding the storm and Ray’s infidelity. Mary knows that something is not right with her husband, and she does not rest until she knows the truth. The story is told from both of their perspectives.

There are so many surprises to the story that just when I thought I knew what was coming next, the story twisted to another direction. The story has an emotional draw as you watch the couple, the mistakes they make, and the secrets that they keep. The Carnivore is an interesting, thoughtful and exciting story written with a historic event angle.

Rick & Bubba’s Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage by Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey *****

Amazon.com Link Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage


Can comedy and sound advice be found in the same book, and can that advice come from two “good-ole-boys?” Yep, Rick and Bubba make it work. If you have never heard of Rick and Bubba, you may want to stop by http://www.rickandbubba.com/ to check out the website for their morning radio show. Rick and Bubba, both of strong Christian faith, believe in the institution of marriage and through humor divulge some marital wisdom.

Some of the topics touched on are money, annoying habits, looks, helpmates, blame, children, illnesses, and respect. While the book is discussed in a light-hearted manner, there is also good insight into relationship problems that can arise. For me, the best subject was “Forsaking All Others” which was both funny and very serious.

Not everything in the book is light hearted. There is a touching chapter on Rick and Sherri’s marriage and recovery following the loss of a child.

The book is easy to read and is filled with special text boxes that will make at least you smile, if not laugh out loud. My top favorites were: The Top Ten Worst Ways to Say I’m Sorry and Rick and Bubba’s Anniversary Gift Chart. This book is funny, fresh, faithful, and full of great marriage tips. There is an audio CD that comes with the book that has excerpts the book from their radio shows.