Official Review: Old Churches,Older Churches and the Secr...

[Gabrielle Sigaki]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Old Churches,Older Churches and the Secrets They Kept" by Sandy Black.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Old Churches, Older Churches, and the Secrets They Kept is the second book of the author’s series that aims to tell the history, the secrets, and fascinating facts about a few buildings. However, each story is unique, so you can read it as a standalone. In this volume, the writer shows the mysteries of old churches with the help of lively cats and the buildings’ voices.

Each part of this non-fiction book talks about one specific church that appears in a photograph at the beginning of the chapters with a curious title. My favorite story was “No Matter If You Can’t Read or Write, Just Follow the Drinking Gourd.” It’s the first one, which brings the picture of an old community church made of wood. It starts introducing Kitty Kinder and the religious building that hides the route used by slaves who are trying to escape with the help of Pastor Pat, Sister Mable, and Sister Maude. This chapter shows that some churches assisted those people who were looking for a free life away from slavery.

My favorite aspect of this novel was the author’s style. Sandy Black uses the voices of impersonated buildings and animals to tell stories, which makes the book dynamic and unique. Those personified characters take part in curious and short dialogues about modern issues and significant historical events, such as slavery, religious intolerance, diseases, and war. However, the book is not limited to those themes since the author portrays the importance of faith and kindness.

There’s nothing to dislike in this book. Besides, I didn’t find any grammatical errors in my reading. Therefore, the novel is exceptionally well-written and professionally edited. Even though the principal themes involve churches, this book is equally suited for all religious and non-religious people since it relates historical facts from a different perspective.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The author describes the churches and their mysteries with a compelling storytelling style in short chapters and innovative dialogues. I recommend this novel to those readers who enjoy personified characters, short stories about old places, and to people who are looking for a surprising history record with a few fascinating facts. Nevertheless, I don’t recommend it to those readers who aren’t interested in the history of old churches, and to those who are sensitive to the themes of slavery and violence. Although the author doesn’t describe those aspects with details, they might disturb some readers.

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Old Churches,Older Churches and the Secrets They Kept
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[rahilshajahan]

History of old buildings was always fascinating to me. Maybe I will give this one a read. Thanks for an insightful review!

[Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala]

I am intrigued by your review on the first store, "No Matter If You Can’t Read or Write, Just Follow the Drinking Gourd.” , as a result, I think I'll give this book a read. Thanks for the review.

[Ify_Reviewer]

The tales of old buildings is something I will enjoy reading. I should give this a shot. Thanks for the review.

[EmerwenC]

Very interesting! Although, using impersonated buildings and animals sounds more fitting for a children's book to me. Good review!

[Dayodiola]

The tales of the old enlighten men of the ability of their ancestors, even before innovation.

[Star_and_Buck]

I'd rather skip this one. However, the review was enjoyable to read.

[Saint Bruno]

I would definitely love to read this. Thanks for your insightful review and recommendation.

[eumoire]

This book is quite intriguing. History of places and structures interests me so I might pick this up at some point.

[Ellylion]

Wow, sounds like a very exceptional read! Buildings and animals telling the stories - I would definitely love to check this one out Thank you for your insightful review!

[RachelEmmanuel]

This sounds so interesting! I like this approach to story-telling. Can't wait to read it!