Let’s get this out of the way, first, shall we? Here is where my knowledge of Kung Fu starts and ends:
I may have learned a little more about kung fu by reading Author T.M. Gaouette’s Faith & Kung Fu books. Throughout the three-book series, the reader follows Gabriel Livingstone, a devout, focused, and disciplined teen who excels at kung fu.
The discipline and virtues fostered through Gabriel’s pursuit of excellence in kung fu translate well to the spiritual life. And while many teens (or adults) aren’t experts in the rigors of attaining spiritual perfection, they do know sports. Kung fu gives the reader a solid entry to the series and the realistic depiction of contemporary culture that the author has created.
(Interestingly, Wikipedia says (I know, Wikipedia) this: “In its original meaning, kung fu can refer to any discipline or skill achieved through hard work and practice, not necessarily martial arts.)
One of the Faith & Kung Fu characters says it better. Before a demonstration with his best students, Sifu says, “You can see where you can go with kung fu. With some dedication and hard work, and a lot of practice, of course. Which is really the essence of kung fu itself.”
Just in time for Christmas, the third book in the series, Guarding Aaron, has been released. Here’s a peek at Guarding Aaron:
About the book:
The world continues to press in on Gabriel Livingstone’s quiet life when fifteen-year-old Aaron Buckley enters Yeung’s Martial Arts Studio looking to learn kung-fu. Gabriel knows there’s a desperate secret behind the boy’s bruises, and secretly vows to be his guard, with the help of his friend Christian. But when Tanner Rose pressures him for strength and direction, and Faith’s continued rebellion send him and his friends to the hospital, jeopardizing Tanner’s career, Gabriel is forced to reexamine his decisions. Is he called to the priesthood or is life behind the monastery walls merely an escape?
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11 RSVCE)
My review:
Guarding Aaron continues the saga of Gabriel, Tanner Rose, Faith, and friends as they learn to follow where God leads.
Gabriel is struggling to discern his vocation, always keeping Tanner Rose at a cold distance; Tanner Rose must make her own way in Hollywood and with her new friends following her conversion; and Faith, well, Faith is back to being a mean girl and creating a wide swath of destruction.
Expect the return of characters from previous books, Kung Fu, a visit to a Benedictine monastery, and a bully who needs put in his place.
Great for prompting discussions about how actions affect others, selfishness, discipline, bullying, detachment, and surrendering to God’s will.
Get the latest installment in the Faith & Kung Fu series, Guarding Aaron, by @tmgaouette for Christmas! Share on XTHANKS FOR STOPPING BY! STAY A WHILE AND LOOK AROUND. LEAVE A COMMENT. SHARE WITH A FRIEND. IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR MY AUTHOR NEWSLETTER TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE ON NEW RELEASES, EXTRAS, AND HOT DEALS!
Fun post! I loved Hong Kong Phooey, but I definitely learned more about Kung Fu from TM Gaouette’s newest release! And I love this book trailer!
Here’s to expanding our knowledge beyond cartoons! And, yes, great book trailer!