“Quiet minds cannot be perplexed or frightened but go on in fortune or misfortune at their own private pace, like a clock during a thunderstorm.”

― Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

One of the most well-known works of English literature, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is regarded as a seminal work of gothic horror.  The novella has also had a significant influence on popular culture, with the term "Jekyll and Hyde" being used colloquially to describe individuals who appear to be benevolent but are occasionally startlingly terrible.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Robert Louis Stevenson's masterpiece of the duality of good and evil in man's nature sprang from the darkest recesses of his own unconscious—during a nightmare from which his wife awakened him, alerted by his screams. More than a hundred years later, this tale of the mild-mannered Dr. Jekyll and the drug that unleashes his evil, inner persona—the loathsome, twisted Mr. Hyde—has lost none of its ability to shock. Its realistic police-style narrative chillingly relates Jekyll's desperation as Hyde gains control of his soul—and gives voice to our own fears of the violence and evil within us. Written before Freud's naming of the ego and the id, Stevenson's enduring classic demonstrates a remarkable understanding of the personality's inner conflicts—and remains the irresistibly terrifying stuff of our worst nightmares.

My reaction to this novel...

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is one of those classic books that almost everyone recognizes by title, yet many readers have never actually experienced for themselves. When I first picked it up, I was surprised by how thin it is, small, quick to finish, and easily readable in just one sitting. Because of that, I expected the story to be fast-paced and intense, and in many ways it is.

The book sets a dark, mysterious atmosphere from the very beginning. It follows a group of characters who slowly uncover a disturbing connection between a respected doctor and a strange, unsettling man who appears in London under troubling circumstances. Even without knowing any details, the story gives a strong feeling that something dangerous and unnatural is happening beneath the surface.

One thing I want to be completely honest about is the writing style. Since this book was written in the late 1800s, the English used is very formal, old-fashioned, and sometimes difficult to follow. For modern readers, this can make certain parts feel slow, or harder to connect with emotionally. The story itself is interesting, but the choice of words may not immediately hook readers the way newer books do. That’s the only issue I felt while reading.

But even with the old style of writing, the book delivers a powerful mood. There is a quiet tension throughout the pages, and it makes you want to understand what is happening and why. The mystery keeps building, and the curiosity grows stronger as you read. Since the book is short, the pacing smooths out quickly, and before you know it, you’re already near the end.

What I also appreciate is how the story deals with deep themes in a very subtle way. It touches on human nature, inner struggles, morality, and the parts of ourselves we prefer to hide. It doesn’t shout its message. It lets you think and interpret on your own. Even without revealing any plot twists, the emotional weight and the moral questions still stay with you after reading.

Because the book feels atmospheric and mysterious, I became curious if there is a movie adaptation. I feel like the story would be interesting to see on screen, especially since the book uses older language that might not be easy for newcomers. A film version could help bring the atmosphere and tension to life visually.

Overall, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a classic that remains relevant because it explores timeless themes. It’s short, intriguing, and thought-provoking. The only challenge is the writing style, which may feel distant for modern readers, but the story remains worth experiencing, especially for anyone who loves mysteries, psychological themes, and classic literature.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)

"You forgive someone who has not requested your forgiveness and may not have even repented of their offense not to set them free but to set yourself free."

--Tony Evans, Stronger Together Weaker Apart

Dr. Evans highlights that everyone who follows Christ is called to unity in Stronger Together, Weaker Apart.   In addition, he thinks that we should live in harmony and love in order to positively influence other people's lives.

Synopsis from Amazon...

Do you struggle to love those whose opinions differ from yours?

Whether it’s the coworker talking politics, the opinionated uncle at the other end of the holiday table, or the fellow believer sitting in your pew, it can be hard to grit your teeth and get along—much less show love! And you’re not the only one struggling.

But here’s the good news: Division is never the last word for those who are in Christ Jesus. In this collection of soul-searching prayers and devotions, you’ll be empowered to take up the armor of God, ground your words in Scripture, and pray for the unity that comes through a shared kingdom vision.

Nothing gets better until we come together. Join bestselling author and teacher Dr.Tony Evans and discover how the Spirit moves when God’s people pray. 

My reaction to this novel...

This book truly spoke to me in a way I didn’t expect. Stronger Together, Weaker Apart by Tony Evans is one of those books that doesn’t just make you think. It makes you reflect on yourself deeply. From the very first few pages, I found myself pausing to absorb every word. There were so many moments where I just had to stop and say, “That’s me.” It’s powerful, honest, and full of truth that really hits home.

What I love most about this book is how Pastor Tony Evans writes with both wisdom and compassion. He doesn’t sugarcoat things, but at the same time, he writes in a way that makes you want to grow instead of feeling condemned. The main message is so clear and relevant, especially today that unity, humility, and understanding are what truly make us strong. When we let pride, division, or selfishness take over, we lose the strength that comes from being united, whether it’s in our relationships, our community, or even our faith.

As I was reading, I found myself reflecting on my own actions and attitudes. I realized how often I contribute to disunity in small ways without even noticing, through my words, my reactions, or even my silence. This book helped me see that real strength comes when we choose to work together, forgive, and build bridges instead of walls. It’s not easy, but Tony Evans explained it so beautifully that it made me want to try harder and do better.

Another thing that stood out to me is how biblical and practical the lessons are. It’s not just full of verses, it’s full of real-life applications. It reminded me that faith is not just about what we believe; it’s also about how we treat others. Every chapter feels like a gentle but firm reminder to check our hearts, fix our relationships, and seek peace whenever possible.

This book also came to me at the right time. I was going through a period where I felt easily frustrated with people around me, but as I read Stronger Together, Weaker Apart, I began to see things differently. It taught me to respond with grace, patience, and understanding instead of anger or pride. I really felt like God was using this book to speak directly to me.

Tony Evans’ writing is simple, but it carries so much wisdom and power. He has this way of turning deep biblical truths into words that hit your heart directly. It’s like he’s talking to you personally, guiding you step by step to become more humble, loving, and united with others.

I can honestly say this book changed the way I look at myself and my relationships. It’s not just a good Christian read but it’s a mirror that reflects who we really are and who we’re called to be. I finished this book feeling convicted, inspired, and more determined to choose unity over division every single day. I learned so much and saw myself in every page. A must-read for anyone who wants to grow in faith, character, and relationship with others.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

 “God told us to go. He didn’t promise that we would come back.” 

― Brother Andrew, Secret Believers: What Happens When Muslims Believe in Christ

In "Secret Believers: What Happens When Muslims Believe in Christ," Brother Andrew tells compelling real-life accounts of Christians residing in Islamic nations.  The book explores the spiritual, cultural, and emotional difficulties these Christians face following their conversion from Islam to Christianity.  The narrative style of the writing weaves together the lives of several persons who, because of their faith, encounter life-threatening circumstances.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Open this book and meet Christians who are courageous in the face of persecution. Butros, a Christian man with a heart for the church. Ahmed, Mustafa and Hassan, devout Muslims until their hearts are changed by the Truth of Scripture. Salima, a rich young woman who loses everything when she falls in love with Jesus. How can Christianity flourish in the face of Sharia law? How can Christ's love win Muslims? What price will these believers pay for their faith?

My reaction to this novel...

From the very first chapter of Secret Believers, I was completely hooked. The way the authors told the story felt so real, emotional, and full of heart that I couldn’t stop reading. It’s not just a book, it’s an eye-opening journey into the lives of people who risk everything for their faith. The storytelling is powerful, and it instantly pulled me into a world that many of us don’t often think about. The world where being a Christian can cost you your life.

The book follows several Muslim-background believers who secretly follow Jesus in a place where their faith is dangerous to confess. What struck me most was the raw honesty of each story. You can feel the fear, the struggle, and at the same time, the strong hope that keeps them going. Brother Andrew and Al Janssen did a beautiful job showing the human side of faith under pressure and how belief can both comfort and challenge you in the hardest moments.

What I love about this book is how it mixes true events with deep spiritual lessons. It made me realize how blessed we are to worship freely, and how easy it is to take that freedom for granted. The stories made me reflect on my own faith and how strong (or weak) it might be if put to the test. Each chapter feels alive, like you’re sitting beside the characters, watching them face danger yet hold on to Jesus with all their hearts.

The writing is simple but powerful. It doesn’t try too hard to impress but it just speaks the truth plainly. The message is clear: faith is not always easy, but it’s worth everything. I also liked how the authors didn’t make it overly dramatic; instead, they let the reality speak for itself. You can tell that this book was written with love and respect for the people whose stories are being told.

Reading Secret Believers gave me a mix of emotions like sadness, admiration, hope, and conviction. It reminded me that Christianity isn’t about comfort; it’s about courage. The book asks the reader to reflect: what would I do if I were in their place? Would I still stand firm in my faith? It’s a humbling question that stays with you even after closing the last page.

This is not a light read, but it’s one that will definitely move you deeply. If you’re looking for a story that strengthens your faith and opens your eyes to the reality of believers in other parts of the world, Secret Believers is worth every minute. It’s the kind of book that makes you thankful, prayerful, and more aware of how powerful faith can be when it’s tested by fire.

For me, this book is a strong reminder that believing in Christ isn’t just a title but it’s a daily act of courage. And through the stories of these secret believers, I saw what true faith looks like in action. 

This book is deeply touching, honest, and full of faith.