Smart Book Reviews

"The Jerk Magnet" by Melody Carlson

2012-01-22T00:25:00.000-05:00

This book was a good and fast read, as Carlson's books tend to be. However, while there were some good lessons learned along the way, I have to say I was a bit disappointed. To back it up a bit, the book is about a shy wallflower who gets a makeover. Then, boys start paying attention to her--the wrong type of guys. Hence the title. There are parts in the book where the protagonist wears a bikini / other clothes that "show off her curves." At the end of the book--surprise, surprise--she states that she is happy how God made her. However, what little epiphanies there are are very subtle and short. Coloring and straightening hair, as well as wearing makeup are portrayed as fine things for girls to do. Also, there are scenes with church youth groups. I must say, Carlson did a fine job of showing girls that even "religious" guys can just be jerks, or "wolves in sheep's clothing" as Jesus would put it. Still, the connection to God is so minute and subtle. The protagonist commits her life to God with one of those little "come into my hear" prayers. No Scripture is quoted, and no in-depth spirituality is reached. The book doesn't even imply that the girl got a Bible to start reading. All in all, I'd say this book is a nice read, but I would be hesitant to go so far as calling it "Christian literature." The Christian veneer is there, but this is more of a beach read and not something girls want to read to identify truly with self-esteem issues or spirituality.

Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

"The Canary List" by Sigmund Brouwer

2012-01-17T11:38:00.002-05:00

Wowza. Brouwer has done it again. This guy is such a good author that I've gone out of my way to request his books on my own. I love his style of very short chapters that change perspective. The genre he shines in is called speculative fiction. You never know what is coming next. I'll dive into the gist of what the book is about and conclude with some criticisms.

First of all, I'll try my best to give you an idea of the plot without revealing too much. There are some major plot twists that got even me by surprise. So, there is a troubled girl who is tossed around the foster system. She is plagued by a terribly scary darkness. Thru a truly strange chain of events, her schoolteacher gets involved in a huge conspiracy that involves the Vatican. Older Vatican conspiracies are touched upon, as well as some futuristic yet believable science and hacking. Some parts of the book are slower than others, but, in general, it is a very fast-paced story. The question of the demonic comes up quite a bit. At the end of the book, the reader is left to themself to question whether or not the demonic is real. Is there really evil in the Church, or is the demonic just a cover-up to blame something on a third party and manipulate people thru fear? I personally believe in the Biblical existence of the demonic, but readers can think what they may. What is great is the reading list at the end of the book. It includes memoirs from Vatican exorcists for those that want to dig deeper.

As for criticisms, this is hard. For the spiritual sense, the Vatican and demons were discussed, so the spiritual world was encountered. However, the schoolteacher is not a believer. He says by the end of the book that he believes he may one day see his little daughter in heaven. (By the end, he believes in demons and by some logic, he thinks God must exist, too.) However, there is no notion of him beginning a personal relationship with Yeshua Messiah. Perhaps, this is left up to the reader's imagination. What is good about this book is that it goes to remind people that--regardless of whether or not one believes in the existence of demons--there are very real evil people that infiltrate the Church.

'The Search Committee" by Tim Owens

2012-01-17T11:18:00.002-05:00

When I saw this book was an award winner for the Christian Writers' Guild, I was expecting to be severely impressed. However, I was not. Let me explain why. First of all, there are several character stories occurring simultaneously, and the literary techniques used are great. What was missing for me, though, was that wow factor. At several times in my reading, I was bored. So how did this book win an award? I think it comes down to audience. I am a young adult woman in school. Most of the characters were older (some senior citizens) going thru marriage problems and deaths of spouses/older family members. The closest characters I could relate to were two young men, and that was a stretch. Also, there was a sort of Southern nostalgia seeping thru the pages both thru visualization and colloquialism. I do think that older audiences--maybe men more so than women--will greatly prize this book. It is about a team of parishioners looking for a new pastor for their church. Some of the sermons included were great.

"Small Space Organizing" by Kathryn Bechen

2012-01-15T12:18:00.002-05:00

This is an excellent reference book for anyone who has a small space they need to freshen up. There are several chapters dedicated to very specific rooms, whether they be for entertaining, guests, newborns, working, or more. There are even lists of supplies one may find useful with websites / stores where one can pick up said merchandise. My favorite part is the interview section at the back of the book. Bechen interviews several people that live in small quarters and asks what they did to organize / decorate and how it all turned out. While this book is published by Revell, I saw no predominant Christian themes or references in the book. Anyone can enjoy this book. I would not recommend reading it straight thru since not every situation will apply to every reader. However, for looking up quick fixes for specific scenarios, this book is fantastic.

Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

"Happily Ever After" by Gary Chapman

2011-12-18T17:47:00.002-05:00

Let me start by saying this book is a whopper. There are sooo many parts and chapters. Sure, a studious person can get through the entire thing. However, for couples, I think this book is best used as a reference. That being said, the book covers several topics. It is published from a predominantly Christian publishing house, but, in all honesty, this book is more of a well-written self help book on counseling with some Bible verses and God words thrown in every so often. The conflict resolution and five love language explanation parts are excellent. The in-law advice is also astute. The financial advice is useful but vague. For couples looking for solid financial advice, I suggest they get a book that is more in-depth and focused on just that with more economics words and bank terms. I'm not going to lie. The part of the book that talked about--um, er--intimacies did make me uncomfortable. However, overall, it seems that Chapman wants couples to sincerely love and respect each other.

"Fierce Beauty" by Kim Meder

2011-12-03T20:40:00.003-05:00

You really should not judge a book by its cover, but I immediately thought this cover was beautiful. Reading the book, the message is nice. We need to throw aside our pride and become the fierce yet beautiful warriors that Christ intended us to be as His Bride, the Church. The author incorporates Scripture, personal stories, and even dreams. Now, for me, I found some parts of the book boring. This may just be my personality. Lots of the stories were about outdoorsy stuff like hiking, climbing, and such. Some readers will find this exciting. I did not. Judge for yourself. If all else fails, the cover is pretty.

Names of GOD Bible

2011-11-28T11:31:00.004-05:00

I was so excited when I got this Bible in the mail. Now, I've read NLT's "In His Image" Bible where the names of God are off to the side in fancy font every now and then for readers to learn from and in the back for quick reference. I've even used Young's Literal Translation as a reference where I found the occasional Jehovah and Jah in the Word. However, this is the first Bible I've acquired so far that actually inserts the names of God in the actual text itself. They are in the verses in bold brown font to make them really stick out. Also, to my delight, there are inserts with what the names mean WITH the actual Hebrew or Greek scripts. The names of God are original. What do I mean by this? One example is that the Hebrew name of God is Yahweh. Many English translations made it Jehovah (claiming that is easier for English speakers to pronounce). Now, I know God goes by many names, but to have the original is a bit exciting. GOD's Word translation is very easy to understand. I'm not going to lie and say it's the MOST accurate. Modern translations do lose some stuff (like Zech 2:5 using "it" instead of "she" as to not confuse those who know Zion is portrayed as a female). For the most accuracy on any verse, one ought to look up the Hebrew and Greek. But to learn the names of God with a very easy to understand translation like this is great. Also, this Bible is not as expensive as other Names of God Bibles I've seen so far. Get this and read it!

"Praying for your Future Husband" by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer

2011-11-25T09:27:00.003-05:00

When I first got this book, I sighed, rolled my eyes, and thought, "Oh, no, not another self-help book for how women can find Christian men. I'm sick and tired if these books." However, when I started to get into the book, I was pleasantly surprised. The pages flew by, and I grew in the process. The book focuses on praying for your future husband and yourself. There are many Scriptural verses that fit perfectly in the context of each chapter. The authors even give personal stories from their own lives with what they've learned. There are discussion questions and suggested prayers and other women's perspectives. Women who read this book will pray over their husband and be changed. Even if they never get married, they will grow immensely in this process. To keep yourself pure and pray for others while sprinting after God is a beautiful thing.

"Get Married for Christ's Sake" by Kenny Jackson

2011-11-14T23:23:00.004-05:00

I'm not going to lie. When I was asked to review this book, the title made me chuckle. I found it so amusing that I was unsure whether or not to take the book seriously. However, after received the book in the mail, I was pleasantly surprised. Kenny Jackson is not a literature major or theologian, but he conveys his thoughts very eloquently with current / up-to-date analogies that the average person will relate to. This isn't a handbook for "finding" your potential mate or some self-help type of book. Rather, it is sincere and practical advice for single Christian people. Interesting points that I have not found in other Christian relationship books on marriage are the notions of: making sure you get along with the person's family / culture, being on the same financial page, sharing secrets with accountability partners, and views on child rearing. A unique and helpful part in the back of the book is a survey for people to take to see how they and their potential mate view various aspects of marriage and living together. Also unique is Jackson's perspective of being in a cross-cultural relationship since he is black and his wife is Asian. While this book is a thin one, it'll keep you thinking about the points being brought up.

"A Woman's Guide to Fasting: by Lisa E. Nelson

2011-11-12T21:44:00.002-05:00

When I first got this book, I was suspicious. I was afraid the book would be terribly boring and methodical, or worst--religiously strict. However, just the opposite occurred. The language and style with which Nelson writes flows very well and connects excellently. I do have to say that some of what she writes may resonate better with women, but I do think men will get some great information out of this book. Besides emphasizing that obedience is better than sacrifice and that fasting is not just a way to be "holy," Nelson writes about her own faith experiences. She seems like a real friend that one looks up to. The advice for fasting goes not only into the spiritual but also into the physical for how to prepare and what to eat before starting a fast. This thin book is great for women looking into fasting.

"His Princess" by Sheri Rose Shepherd

2011-11-10T21:05:00.002-05:00

This tiny book can fit into your purse or backpack. It has that hardcover that is soft, if you know what I am talking about. The pages are glossy with nice colors, imagery, and flowers. Some visuals are repeated, though. What is best about this though, is the content. Each page last a paragraph that is supposed to be God's love letter to you and a Scripture verse. The way in which these are written really touches the heart. The Bible verses are written in contemporary translations, so they are very easy to understand. The book is great for those who want quick devotionals, as each left and right page can be for a day. Or, if one prefers, they can read the whole book in one sitting, as I did. A complaint I have, though, is that when Psalm 27:4 was quoted, the part about being in the House of the LORD was there, but the part about staring on the pleasantness of Jehovah was plain left out.

"Deadly Pursuit" by Irene Hannon

2011-11-09T16:06:00.003-05:00

In terms of writing style and suspense, I have to say this book is pretty well-done and constructed. Long story short, the protagonist is a gorgeous female social worker who meets a dashing Navy SEAL. Sparks fly, but tension heats up as the woman is being stalked by a mystery man. Don't worry about spoilers. These facts are learned very early in the book. As common sense dictates in any romance / mystery novel, the woman is kidnapped, and her hero saves the day. This book is affiliated with religious publishing companies. There is some talk of God, but it is slim and inserted here and there. Nothing overwhelming, which may be good or bad, depending on how you feel about so-called "Christian" fiction. What did irk me a bit was how the woman was often portrayed as weak and in need of protection. Sure, her personality was strong, but something about vulnerable women just ticks me off. The women who always need a man to save them. But, hey, to each his own.

"Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

2011-10-22T21:29:00.004-04:00

There are many near-death-experience books out there about people who have gone to heaven. I've read some of them. What I tended to notice was that most wrote a lot of backstory. You know, their life story and what happened prior to their experience, leaving just a few snidbits of detail about heaven. This book also starts out with a lot of detail leading up to the little boy's illness that almost took his life away permanently from Earth. However, there is a lot of detail about heaven here. Written by the boy's father (with help from a literary co-author), this book is great. There is even a color section with photographs in the middle. What was fascinating was that the boy spoke of what stuff looked like in heaven, the throne of God, and the battle of Armageddon. I won't give away all the details, but I will say this is a quick read that will help solidify your faith about whether or not heaven is "for real."

"Why Men Hate Going to Church" by David Murrow

2011-10-17T13:54:00.002-04:00

I am not going to lie. This book is highly academic and best read as a reference book. However, what few key points it makes really stick. This put a new set of ideas into my head. Murrow talks about how churches nowadays are feminine in their demeanor and style. They attract bookish, musical men who do not fit the persona of an overly "manly man." The guys that like sports more than pianos are slightly repulsed by all this "relationship with Jesus" talk and ooey-gooey theology. What really hit me is the comment where Murrow said too many preachers preach the Lamb and not the Lion.

"Love, Sex, and Happily Ever After" by Craig Groeschel

2011-10-09T19:13:00.002-04:00

If you've been checking out my book reviewing blog, you'll see I recently reviewed a great memoir about a possessed man who became a Christian ("Ascent from Darkness"). Anyway, as I began to read this book, I thought to myself--man, this guy's name and church sound really familiar. I later remembered that this author was the same pastor that the possessed man was sent to kill. Talk about coincidences. Wowza. Anyway, I was a bit skeptical about this book as many relationship books written by Christians tend to be great or terrible. This one falls in the great category. What I love is that the author emphasizes building your relationship with Jesus (the One) before you can even be ready for a mate (the Two). Bible is quoted from various parts of the Bible. I'm not just talking about some NT stuff that every seasoned Christian can quote. I mean meaningful verses that the average person would not know and even OT verses; I liked this. Also, the writing style is informative and straightforward while still being culturally relevant--which I found very funny at certain parts with quips. There is even a little discussion guide at the end. I did not go through all of it, but I can say that I think it would be great for couples reading this book together or even Christian book clubs, friends, or groups studying this book together. This book made me rethink the male and female roles that society has screwed up so much. I am an athletic "against-the-grain" gal who used to hate the word submission. Now, I don't think it is so bad. You may not know me personally, but let me tell you that--coming from me--that means a lot. Craig...kudos.

"Ascent from Darkness: How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior" by Michael Leehan

2011-10-05T09:29:00.003-04:00

Every Christian needs to read this book. This is the story of a satanic worshipper who became a child of God. Readers realize that no human is too far gone, and that the love of God knows no bounds and turns no one away--regardless of how bad they've been. However, what I daresay is of more importance is understanding real spiritual warfare.

I am glad Leehan is now a slave of Jesus Christ, but some of what he did in his possession is worth noting for us to learn from. He would purposely go to churches to start conflict; he would memorize Bible verses and try to mess people up with them; he would go to singles groups and look for venerable women to satisfy his lust; he would purposely try to break up marriages; he would burn pages of the Bible; he would go after those who seemed young both in age and in the faith; he would see spirits; he would hear demons; he communicated with the spiritual realm; he saw / felt hedges of protection around certain people; he could tell in Bible studies who was really seeking God and who was immature in faith; and the list goes on.

What is most striking is that the forces of darkness can indeed enter "Christian circles" and pretend to be Christian to manipulate others. I'm not saying one has to be calling every single sinful person possessed, but I do think us as Christians need to be more on our toes (Matt 10:16). Things like blood sacrifice, spiritual influence, voices, and so much more are told with horrifying clarity. The book even includes eye-witness accounts from people who back up Leehan's story.

Both before and after his conversion, Leehan comments about how little Christians know about the God they profess. Christians, please read your Bible and get to know your God. Church and devotionals are great, but God is bigger than the beatitudes and self-help lessons. Read a translation you understand and get to know what you are dealing with. Reading this book was hard, and when Leehan wrote of what God told Him, I started to cry. Some words on pg 211 include: "I created you. I chose you first. I will never leave you. You will never leave Me. You are in My hands; you are in My arms."

While I have not been as in deep or intensely lost as Leehan, I can identify with a lot of what he went through in terms of possession, the dark side, spirits, blood rituals, and more. Like Leehan, the love of Christ grabbed me by the collar and did not let go (look at Job 30:18 and verses around it). The forces of darkness are real, and don't you dare think for one moment that you don't have to understand them. I'm not saying to go read every occult book or obsess with all that research; the Bible has enough in it (2 Tim 2:15).

I personally feel a hedge of protection around me as I claim Zech 2:5 for the fire of glory around me. I heard God whisper He loves me (Rom 5:5) as I am flooded with God (Eph 3:19). Every day is a battle (Eph 6:12) but I stare at God (Heb 12:2). God protects His own, yes, but from the Book of Job, we see that God allows even the upright to be tested. It is my sincere hope that you will never have to see, hear, or come into contact with the dark forces of this world. However, I assure you they are real.

"Night of the Living Dead Christian" by Matt Mikalatos

2011-10-02T13:26:00.004-04:00

Now, I know we are not to judge a book by its cover, but, when I saw this, I just knew I had to know more. Upon hearing the premise of the book, I was intrigued--compare monsters to Christians in our various levels of hypocrisy. What I did not expect was such a vivid tale that captured my attention like it did. There is a real story where Christians encounter monsters and real transformation happens. Little problems in marriages and churches and theology pop up, but they are subtle. The real issue in the book is that it will cause readers to really look at themselves and see what monster they have become. I do not want to give away major plot events--if you read my blog, you see I rarely do. All I can say is that I took my sweet time with this book to savor it. As a book reviewer, I often skim books or put them down once there is something boring or wrong with it. That never happened with this book. At the end, I was even wishing for more. Luckily, there was some bonus material for readers. Read this book and realize the truth that being undead is harder than being dead and that only Christ can make you truly alive. Marvelous!

"What is he Thinking?" by Rebecca St. James

2011-10-02T13:19:00.002-04:00

When I heard about this book, I really wanted to review it. After all, with all the plethora of relationship books out there, women still have questions in their minds. They biggest one is stamped on the cover of this one. What I love about this book is that James did not just put in a bunch of her advice or what she thinks guys think. No. She straight up asked guys from different ages and relationships statuses what they really thought. The questions had to do with girls, relationships, turnoffs, reactions, marriage, modesty, and so much more. From time to time, James quoted other relationship experts and some Bible verses. For the most part, a lot of this book makes sense. What girls will get out of this book more than the answer to the question on the cover is that there really are godly men out there looking to respect and honor women as the delicate flowers that they are.

God Girl Bible

2011-10-02T00:18:00.004-04:00

While every possible "type" of Bible is geared towards a different audience, I love how the cover of this Bible is mostly plain yet girly with the only words being "God Girl Bible" on the bottom. There is no other nonsense written on the cover to distract, which is nice. This Bible comes in a nice box when you get it in the mail, and the hardcover binding seems pretty durable thus far. The Bible is not pocket-sized, but it is small enough to be read comfortably in bed. For those familiar with other "God Girl" books, they will know how pretty the pages are. From flowers to designs and prints, these pages are anything but plain white. There are little devotionals, explanations, definitions, and more in this book. GOD's Word Translation, which is implemented here, is pretty accurate while still being understandable. The concordance is wonderful. It lists emotions, topics, and so much more. This is an excellent Bible study tool for women of all ages.

"A Confident Heart" by Renee Swope

2011-08-28T06:34:00.004-04:00

Written by a worker for Proverbs 31 Ministries, you'd be right if you thought this book was geared towards women. However, aside from the fact that most stories are about women, this book could appeal to men, too, and people of all ages--not just middle-aged mothers. Why do I say that? Well, going through the book, Swope tackles tough issues like doubt, insecurities, loneliness, inadequacy, guilt, shame, and more. Now, I'm no therapist, but I am pretty sure that most people of all walks of life experience these once in a while. What Swope does, though, is incorporate Scripture into each page to infuse the book with hope. No matter what you are going through, this book will remind you that you are loved (Isaiah 43:4). The Scripture list at the back is particularly helpful, in addition to the various discussion questions.

Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

"Lion of Babylon" by Davis Bunn

2011-08-24T15:26:00.002-04:00

This is a fast-paced action / adventure novel. It is so speedy, in fact, that sometimes the reader will be confused as to what is going on and who all the characters are. This propels the pages as readers piece together the puzzles of the plot, which I won't entirely ruin. The protagonist is--surprise, surprise--a secret agent of sorts. He is in the Middle East and discovers that many Christian Iraqis have gone missing. With violence, mystery, and everything in between, readers and characters alike have to put solve the puzzle of this religious / cultural / controversial who-done-it. Adding to the anxiety is the fact that the protagonist is a widower with possible women he could start his life over with. There are some mentions of church and prayer, but that is about as far as it goes in some respects. While this was very well written, it wasn't my cup of tea since I usually do not read this genre. However, those into this type of story will probably relish the read.

"Muscular Faith" by Ben Patterson

2011-08-24T11:50:00.004-04:00

There is a plethora of advice for readers in this slim book. From trusting God to praying to reading Scripture to generally drawing close to God, this book has it all. Bible verses are quoted, and the commentary given by the author is indeed insightful. Personal stories are not the highlight of the book, but some ones are included for your leisure. While one could argue the point that faith is a spiritual gift and thus can't be "worked on," I'm sure everyone can agree that we must acknowledge God and that it is our job to love Him, which goes back to Him anyway with 1 john 4:19. Either way, this book is a great resource for those that want "faith" verses and examples from the Bible. It would also make a nice gift. For those that want a more muscular faith, maybe some benchpressing is in order. After all, some hardcover Bibles are quite hefty. God bless!

"A Faith of Leap" by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch

2011-08-24T11:39:00.002-04:00

This book can be summed up in Hebrews 10:35. Essentially, the authors are trying to motivate readers to be more "on fire," so to speak, for the Lord. There is the sophistication and methodology for preachers to follow with big theological words and charts fully equip with arrows...juxtaposed with the clever nomenclature and spitfire of contemporary colloquialism. Did I mention that there are many Bible quotations in addition to those from Bible commentators? Sometimes the book reads very casually, and other times the authors whip out their numbers and bullet points to direct readers in how to act. This piece of literature is very well written and I did not find any parts that were overly blasphemous and I sometimes do with other books. It seems to me like the authors simply want readers to man up like in 1 Cor 2:2 and really live.

"Amish Values for Your Family" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2011-08-21T06:40:00.001-04:00

Let's face it. There's just something about the way of the Amish that captivates us. Maybe it's their radically simple lifestyle, or maybe it's their bonnets. Either way, something draws us in. In Fisher's book, she dives deep into how Amish families operate and how you can emulate them. Fisher has written other books on the Amish, and she knows her stuff. While this book is aimed at family life, the tips given can assist relationships of all kinds. With each chapter being just a few pages, this makes for a quick read or easy reference book. While intriguing, one has to admit that the "lessons" learned are nothing new under the sun (Ecc 1:9). Still, there's just something about how the book is written that makes it a staple to the bookshelf, if you will. What is different is the fact that Fisher doesn't just keep on yakking about what we should be doing to cultivate the ways of the Amish. Instead, she inserts real stories from Amish, real quotes, and real proverbs that make the book come alive.

Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

"Stumbling into Grace" by Lisa Harper

2011-08-12T17:16:00.002-04:00

Truth be told, I wanted to review this book first because I thought the cover was cute. I'm in my early twenties, refuse to let go of my girly tendencies, and occasionally dress like the youngster on the cover...but I digress. You know you see a good movie when--before you know it--it is over. You realize it held your attention to the end. The same is true with this book. As a women's speaker, it is no surprise that Harper's prose comes off comical and gregarious. There are even some facetious anecdotes included in the book. Readers will laugh at them guilt free because they will feel entitled to. Why? Because they'll feel like Harper's friend. What I like about this book is that it isn't a theological treatise on grace. That would most likely intimidate too many people. It's a simple book about Harper's life with grace wound in. Also great is the fact that Harper incorporates relevant (I know the whole Book is relevant, but you know what I mean) Scripture. At the end of each chapter, there is a small section with questions for the reader, prayers / short letters, journal prompts, and Bible verses to look up. Cute book.

"Kissing Fish" by Roger Wolsey

2011-08-10T11:21:00.002-04:00

Advertised as a book on Christianity for those that do not like Christianity, my interest was piqued. The Jesus fish icon kissing the Darwin fish also made my eyebrows shoot up. Diving into the book, I read at the beginning that the book is for everybody but is more geared towards young adults. The way the book is laid out with the text going near to the edges of the pages, this colossal read may intimidate youngsters. Luckily, the beginning of the book tells readers that they may skim the chapters--something that permission need not be given for. Anyway, written by somewhat of a theologian, this book tackles plenty of huge topics from death, heaven, hell, communion, the Gospel, love, the Bible, and more. I'd be tempted to call this book a bit heretical if not for the fact that Wolsey presents different sides of each position. What do I mean by that? For topics, he gives progressive, fundamentalists, and everything in between in terms of standpoints / paradigms. I don't agree with everything in this book, but I think Wolsey's intentions were genuine in wanting people to come to the Faith. However, the way I see it, if people don't want Jesus, no amount of progressive "hip" sugarcoating and complacent denials of essential dogma will make nonbelievers truly love Jesus. Philemon 1:14.

"I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris

2011-08-07T10:43:00.003-04:00

With a title as controversial as this, I knew I was in for a doozy of a read. Jumping into the book, I soon realized that Harris' focus wasn't on never getting into relationships. Rather, he was trying to tell readers not to date for the sake of dating. To him, relationships must be pure and done out of love and service to the other person. To have no interest in marriage or commitment is just wasting the other person's time and emotions. Fascinatingly, at the end of the book, he alluded to his sequel where he accounts for how he met and courted--yes, I just used that word--his wife. Bible is quoted, and the pages fly by in this captivating book. What striked me the most was how Harris said we can grow in God's love in our singleness (something I've even seen in other relationships people have). The point of being selfless and not selfish will really hit home with readers. To truly stare at Christ is not to be worked up over members of the opposite sex, sizing them up and fantasizing about potential mates. No. Harris tells us to love our neighbors, pursue holy righteousness, be selfless, and trust God to work out his plan. Splendid.

"A Sea in Flames" by Carl Safina

2011-08-05T17:14:00.003-04:00

Before I even dived into this book, the words that stood out to me were that Safina was a great conversationalist. Now, as a book reviewer, when I read this, I figured this author is either incredibly talented or just full of himself. On his writing style, I must say he delivered. Sentences flowed quite well, and the book progressed in an orderly fashion. There are a few "bad words" in the book, so I wouldn't recommend this to young readers. For the BP oil spill itself, Safina provides scientific facts in a language that most people can understand. Sure, you may have to look up some words now and then, but, for the most part, this is a book that doesn't just have to be read by academics. What I liked was a part in the book that paralleled similar oil spills in the past. There is even a small section with full color photos in the middle of the book. While most of the books I review tend to be faith-based, this one most certainly is not. God is mentioned a couple of times. However, on these few instances, the attitude towards Him is perplexing. It's part complaining, part anger, part mesmerising. I can't speak for everyone, but I will say this is not a faith-based book as a whole. It is more of a research-based book. Interviews with various experts and eye-witnesses are given, which provide facetiously frank perspectives. The tone jumps around from scholarly to sarcastic to just plain adamant. Many facts are given in this book. It's a thick read but does include an index for those that just want to use this book as a reference tool.

"King's Cross" by Timothy Keller

2011-08-02T16:57:00.007-04:00

This shall be a unique review because this book was not from a publicist or author seeking a review. It was merely a gift from a nice Christian friend who wanted my opinion on a book that he happened to have an extra copy of.

With a cover white enough to blind yet not bright enough to merit Isaiah 62:2, the title's 3D etching leaps off the front and onto one's psyche. The fantastic notion that a king--no, THE King--would take on the humility and pain of a Cross is the fundamental piece of Christianity that tends to drift into believers' subconsciousness. Sure, everyone likes a good Christian self-help book or pretty devotional with room for journaling on delicate pages, but few pick up good theology books that are too intense for meager Bible studies and too humble to be called dogma.

So, what do we have? We have a look at what grace really is without saying it out loud. Almost like supernovae that announce light without ever uttering a word. The book of Mark is gone through in this book. The entire Gospel is not quoted, and other parts of Scripture wade in. However, the focus is on Peter's documenter who wrote the "concise" history of Jesus. The book is divided into two sections. The first details Jesus' Kingship, and the second highlights Calvalry. Some chapters read like sermons and are not exactly page-turners, but the insights that Keller throws in are marvelous.

I can not do the lessons in this book justice. Sure, I could go on about how Keller emphasizes dependence on Christ, death to a works mentality, embracing weaknesses, awaiting the New Creation, delighting in Christ's glory, and so much more. However, those seem like staples to regular Christian diets that believers ought to already know. The way they are presented is beautiful, though. Imagine a hamburger. That is ordinary in America; but picture it presented on polished China and expensive cutlery. The burger is still a burger, but something catches our attention and makes us appreciate our meal again.

All I can hope is that readers of "King's Cross" smile every time Jesus' name appears with pride similar to a parent at a ballgame who points to the field and says, "That One's mine."

"Money Secrets of the Amish" by Lorilee Craker

2011-08-01T16:11:00.003-04:00

While the stories and characters mentioned in this book are unique, the tips most certainly are not. Frugal advice such as recycling, saving, avoiding debt, and thrifting are not new concepts. Still, Craker writes with a unmistakable voice. Her work as an editor makes the words flow across the pages; and her work as a journalist makes you feel as if you are getting some sort of inside scoop. All that being said, this book is best as a reference book but reads lightning fast as if it were a letter from a parsimonious friend. The Amish values are told with much respect, and readers get a taste of the culture.

"Set Free to Live Free" by Saundra Dalton-Smith MD

2011-08-01T11:21:00.002-04:00

With a cover like this, I strapped myself in for what I knew to be another Christian self-help book. Granted, I was a bit taken aback by the talk of "energies," as I thought the author was going all new-age on me. However, as the book progressed, I saw Biblical attitudes and perspectives with quotations and saw that the author truly did have good intentions and kept the stress / focus on God's way. While I can get addled by books that promise blessings and happiness from God, I remember that God promises us life everlasting for free. Each "lie" has a story from women, followed by Bible verses and the author's advice. The topics are typical and discuss perfection, envy, limitations, emotions, and the like. While step-by-step instructions on how to be a happy woman of God are good for the spiritually young, I think women and men alike need to just stare at the Savior until all problems fade into the background. Read Psalm 63. :)

"The Upside" by Bradley Wright

2011-08-01T11:11:00.002-04:00

Wright is known for his surveys and analytical statistics. His last book on Christians and their--get this--altruistic tendencies was a big hit (I also reviewed his "Christians are Hate-Filled Hypocrites and Other Lies You've Been Told"). Anyway, like his other book, this is more of a helpful reference for when you want to look something up. Relationships, the environment, finances, you name it. While the writing is well, and the comments are fun (there is a section in each chapter where Wright documents good things that Christians are doing to make the world a better place), this does not read like a novel unless you are a history buff that is infatuated with numbers and charts.

"Surprised by Oxford" by Carolyn Weber

2011-07-31T10:40:00.002-04:00

As anyone can find from a simple Google search, this book is about a woman's journey of finding God at Oxford. Now, as a young person in a collegiate setting, this got my attention, and I eagerly suggested the book. The book came in the male like a brick. Don't let the paperback cover fool you. This 400+ book packs a whollop. When I read the "author info" printed, I saw Weber was a student of literature. After getting through the first chapter, I was not blown away. Thus, I thought this was the work of a well-meaning woman who was simply trying too hard to be brilliant. So, I confess, I skimmed the second chapter. However, after skimming it, key words and phrases popped out at me and made me re-read the second chapter. I was hooked and actually began to like her style of writing. The rest of the book flew by. As a professional book reviewer, I must say I do speed read when time gets the best of me, but rarely am I compelled to re-read what I thought was skimmable. This is saying something. Anyway, for the plot, it is real. After all, this is a memoir of sorts. What I enjoyed was Weber's candid honesty--even if she confessed to changing some characters' names for privacy issues. What was also interesting was how she viewed men both before and after her conversion. This book is a splendid tale of love that knows no bounds. Read it.

"Connecting in Communities" by Eddie Mosley

2011-07-27T16:39:00.002-04:00

From the snazzy cover to the concise title, you guess it--this is a book on small groups...or so it would seem. The foreword got my attention as I was promised great insights with impeccable writing. Now, don't get me wrong, Mosley is a great author who both writes well and knows what he's talking about. However, the more I looked at this book, the more I felt it relating less and less to me. Granted, there are tips for small group leaders and helpers, as well as advice any Christian could use for discipling others. Still, the book felt like it was geared towards pastors who are training other leaders and how to effectively grow a church (the author's church was mentioned several times as if parts of the book were from some sort of church leadership manual). All in all, this book is real insightful and flows well, but it is more of a reference book than a concrete book on how to lead small groups of all ages (this one focuses primarily on working adults).

"Perfectly Invisible" by Kristin Billerbeck

2011-07-27T13:42:00.002-04:00

When I realized this book is a sequel to "Perfectly Dateless"--which I also reviewed--I was pleasantly surprised. I greatly enjoyed Billerbeck's previous book, and this one did not let me down. The details from the first book are interspersed throughout this book so that the reader does not feel out of the loop (so to speak) if they didn't read the first book or simply forget details [as in my case]. In this book, the protagonist Daisy feels underappreciated and--you guessed it--invisible. Her boyfriend ignores her, and there is trouble with her so-called best friend. I know that this review makes the book sound like some teeny drama, but that's exactly what it is. However, the author manages to keep the flow so the pages keep turning. The plot is very modern, and with the exception of certain phrases that the average teen would not consider cool, Billerbeck does a good job of infiltrating teen culture to get them to listen to her story. Many important lessons are meshed into this book, like humility, gratitude, trust, and what to do in dangerous situations. While there is some romance, none of it is graphic, and I'd go as far to say that pre-teens could read this book. The ending is a bit out of the ordinary, but the book is anything but predictable and will leave readers smiling.

Available July 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

"An Expose on Teen Sex and Dating" by Andy Braner

2011-07-26T17:56:00.002-04:00

With a headline as shocking as this one, readers are expecting a tongue-in-cheek read. However, Braner provides a sound set of arguments and observations on teenage relationships without too much information. While he is brutally honest about what is doing on, he does not provide explicit diagrams of explanations. The emphasis in this book is that, while purity rallies are well intentioned, they do not work. Braner suggests talking to kids about sex and explaining how God made it to be in marriage for joy and how relationships relate to Jesus and the Church (comparing physical wholeness to spiritual wholeness). Much advice is written as if for a parental audience, but any reader can learn from this book. Adults will learn how to navigate the wishy-washy psyches of adolescents, and teens will learn that pre-marital sex is more than just whoredom. While educational and rooted in Biblical principles, I'd suggest very young readers only go through this book with adult supervision.

"Seeing the Unseen" by TW Hunt

2011-07-26T17:49:00.003-04:00

The captivating water scene captured my attention (I confess to being a fluid dynamicist at times) as did the simple yet captivating title. Who doesn't want to know more about seeing God? Anyway, I read and picked up on Hunt's theological arguments, which were both sound and not very controversial. I looked up Scripture he quoted from time to time, which was unique. Clever Christian authors will paraphrase Bible verses so that readers recall it or get the gist for some verses but be more vague for other verses to get readers to crack open their Bibles for themselves. Whether or not this was intention--well done. Also, by the time I was nearing the end of the book, I realized I had not learned anything new about seeing God in terms of steps to take or how to be more mystical / holy. Then, I realized that I instead came to learn how to draw closer to God and be more in tune with His Spirit. Seeing the unseen. This book is short and ingenious.

"Dressing with Dignity" by Colleen Hammond

2011-07-26T17:40:00.002-04:00

When I picked this book up, I had high hopes and expectations. Modesty isn't always written about in Christian circles, and the back cover doted information about the author that listed her as an image consultant and beauty queen. I open the book and on the dedication page, guess who the book is dedicated to? Not Jesus but Mary--who she claims is born without sin even though this is nowhere in the Bible and directly contradicts Romans 3:23. Anyway, I kept on reading. Discussions about fashion were informative but no pictures were given. What was interesting was the results of psychology tests that showed that men's eyes went right to the crotch when women wore pants. Also fascinating was how the author quoted the Freemasonry occult in having a hand in the decline of women's modesty. I did not like the suggestions of praying with saints / angels (Bible says do not communicate with God and to pray only to Him). Also, the author referenced that appearances of the Virgin Mary were always modest. Need I quote 2 Cor 11:14-15? If the real Mary came for a visit, I highly doubt she would instill prayer beads (pagan origin) with repetitious prayer that the Lord does not prefer (Matthew 6:7). For readers that want a book on Christian modesty, I recommend "Fashioned by Faith" that I reviewed in the past.

"Earthen Vessels" by Matthew Lee Anderson

2011-07-26T17:32:00.003-04:00

This book is very well written and highly intellectual. It dives deep into the theology of the body, quoting both from Scripture and theologians. It discusses the mortality of the body, why homosexuality is not meant to be, why caring for the body is important, and the importance of how Jesus came to earth in a body like ours. With all of this, my only criticism is that the book can read like a textbook at times with highly philosophical language that does not flow very easily to the modern reader. I have no doubt in my mind that the author is very smart (grammar is impeccable), but suffice to say, this book is not a page-turner.

"Don't Check Your Brains at the Door" by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler

2011-07-20T09:22:00.003-04:00

Although this book is aimed at children, it seems like an excellent resource for all ages. It is essentially a simplified apologetics book that juxtaposes quick humor with deep insight. The chapters are tremendously short and to the point. This makes it easy for young readers to stay connected and for older readers for make time to read it. Various "myths" are dispelled about Jesus, the Bible, the resurrection, life, and more. Books written by two authors sometimes seem choppy, but this book flows very nicely with creative ideas. At the end of each chapter, there is an exercise section that involves questions, prompts, and puzzle-like activities that directly correlate to the Bible, oftentimes having the reader look up very specific verses. Bible verses are also quoted in the actual chapters, although those tend to be written out and not just cited. Overall, this book may not be a treatise on apologetics, but it will give Christians quick answers to those pesky questions both from the world and their doubting minds. The notes section includes great resources, including books on archaeology of the Bible that the authors cleverly yet succinctly summarize.

"It Couldn't JUST Happen" by Lawrence O. Richards

2011-07-13T10:25:00.002-04:00

This spectacular book is a gem for children of all ages. It dives deep into science (earth science, physics, biology, chemistry, and more) to showcase to readers that there is indeed evidence for a Creator. The book starts off talking about galaxies and Earth, transitions into living creatures, highlights humans, and wraps up with how we know the Bible / Christianity is both true and historically accurate. At the end of each chapter are "just for fun" sections that both kids and adults will enjoy. They are not so much the fill-in-the-blank or journaling type but are more of just initiated prompts for the reader to learn more. Bible is quoted at times, which is nice. The pages are nice and glossy with excellent pictures. My only criticism is that I'd like for the book to be hardcover!

"The Little Red Book of Wisdom" by Mark DeMoss

2011-06-30T10:47:00.002-04:00

As the title implies, this is a small book of advice for readers. Divided into two categories, DeMoss tackles both professional and personal issues. While the early chapters of this book are not overtly religious, this book published by Thomas Nelson starts to introduce some spirituality towards the end. Not surprisingly, the book of Proverbs is often cited. Given his PR (public relations) success, DeMoss mentions his highs and lows without the expected air of arrogance. Even if one is not in the professional sector, they can use the professional tips in any aspect of leadership. Some tips given have to do with integrity, listening, relationships, alcohol, career paths, and more. I won't spoil all of the advice, but I will say this is a nice little book.

John Crowder Review

2011-06-23T14:48:00.003-04:00

Let's start with "Mystical Union." First off, I know one should not judge books by their covers, but a red flag came up for me when I saw a picture of "Jesus" on the cover. From Deuteronomy 4, I know God does not like us to make images of Him. Anyway, I started going through the book to see how it was. From the get-go, Crowder proclaims to the reader that their theology will be flipped upside-down with his revolutionary new teaching--who's never read that before from preachers? Anyway, Crowder promotes the notion that Christians are sinless and that they mystically died with Christ on the Cross. Several verses are quoted, I'll give Him that, but when he tries to address notions of Matt 26:41 or Romans 7:15, he says those arguments are demonic and heretical. What better way to get Christians to stop thinking for themselves than to say their arguments belong in hell? Also, something he did, which I personally can not stand, is that he said some verses are only in specific contexts and that they were written to specific Jews and not the reader. With this nonsensical logic, people could say they don't have to obey the Ten Commandments because they weren't there at Mt. Sinai being addressed by Moses. On page 183, he also says "you are not saved by your love for God. you are saved by His love for you." What about Matt 23:37 and connecting Matt 7:21-23 with 1 Cor 8:3? Also, at points, this book feels like it preaches the "health and wealth" gospel. At one point, Crowder says his wife encountered an angel called Sovereignty. Who is sovereign besides God?! My goodness!

Given all of this, when I picked up "Seven Spirits Burning," I was a bit skeptical. After all, if Crowder was off on some things in his first book, will he be off in the second one? I tread very carefully when I read this one. In general, this book was more Scripturally sound than the first one. There were some insights into how the seven Spirits of God can relate to the seven wicks on the menorah and how Yahweh has seven marks in the Hebrew way of writing it out. Those were interesting facts. However, considering deep prophesy and Revelation, I didn't take Crowder as seriously. He spoke of angels frequently and even mentioned some apocrypha. He tries to make various connections to churches and people as Temples, which aren't horrendously blasphemous at all. However, given his first book, I was careful not to take any of his "prophetic" knowledge and insight too seriously. At points in the book, he writes of miraculous healing and being called a prophet and being willing to suffer for Christ, which I suppose is good to some degree. Overall, from Crowder's writing, I gather the main message is that the work on the Cross was fantastic and that God has big plans for us. That's great, but I think a simpler lesson is that our God wants our love like in Phil 1:14. These two books are semi-thick, and, if one has time to read, they should pick up their Bible and think things through for themselves.

"Surviving Your Serengeti" by Stephan Swanepoel

2011-06-20T16:47:00.002-04:00

A first glance at this book may make readers think they are holding a creative self-help book that uses animal comparisons. Well, that's true, but only up to a certain degree. While there are many life tips and business strategies implemented on the pages, this book does not read like a work of non-fiction. Rather, there is a story. At the end of certain chapters, there are short synopses of "tips" for the reader. However, besides those, the reader is immersed into the Serengeti as they follow travelers in Africa being led by a charismatic and sagacious leader who not only shows them exotic animals but what traits the animals possess that help make them successful. While the setting is in Africa, Swanepoel is careful not to point out any races, which is nice. The animal descriptions are not incredibly detailed, but they do the job. As for the literary style, the writing flows very well and is suitable for its genre; if the "tips" were omitted and the spacing were worked out, this could be more of a novella or longer short story. Even though this is published by Thomas Nelson, it is not overtly religious at all, which is a bit sad. Anyway, at the end of the book, Swanepoel provides a link to his website where one can take a quiz to see which animal they are most like. I am apparently a graceful giraffe.

"Double Take" by Melody Carlson

2011-06-20T09:11:00.004-04:00

Just when I thought Carlson couldn't think of any more original book ideas, out comes this book. It's about a high school senior girl--no surprises there--that has an out of the ordinary situation. She is stressed out--again, not too unlikely--and meets a girl that looks almost exactly like her. Same hair color, same height, same complexion...different life. The city girl has worries about college, family life, boys, and other it-girl troubles. The Amish girl is bored to tears from her domestic life of homemaking. This double-take book will really hold young readers' attention as most do not know the in's and out's of Amish life. The grammar is excellent and graceful while not being too hard to understand. There are funny moments and serious ones. The actions are facetious without being too cliched. I won't spoil the ending, but I will say it is well worth the read. Enjoy!

iShine NLT Bible

2011-05-05T17:20:00.004-04:00

While these Bibles are marketed towards tweens (that is, pre-teenage youngsters), I daresay anyone will enjoy them, regardless of age. Having read the New Living Translation of the Bible earlier this year, I know how well the thoughts of God are conveyed to the reader. Meaning is not lost, but there are none of the complexities of old English to mess people up. These soft leather-bound Bibles have excellent detail on the cover. The front in the picture is actually just a paper case. The left one has a mark of a boy rocking out to guitar with sparks flying. The right one has stars and flowers with three girls holding hands. Even though these Bibles are small (about 6in x 4in x 1in), they still include all the books of the Bible with footnotes, inserts, and fun concordances in the back. I'm really excited that I got these to review. Usually, I underline my Bible and read it from start to finish. Once I'm done, I just peruse whatever I feel like. With two new and unmarked Bibles, I'll have incentive to read my Bible start to finish in order two more times. Bravo. God is great (Rev 19:13).

"Revise Us Again" by Frank Viola

2011-05-01T21:20:00.002-04:00

In this Biblically sound short book, Viola puts his foot down on many Christian practices. He urges readers to come back to the main attraction that is Christ Jesus and to actually walk the walk they talk. Some topics gone over are lax Christians versus judgemental Christians, claiming to have revelation from God, saying one will pray about something, adhering only to one denomination's set rules about Jesus, and more. Sometimes the Bible verses are quoted, and other times they are just referenced. With an uncanny voice for the truth, Viola will make readers really take a good hard look at themselves in the mirror and see if they actually see Christ.

"Fashioned by Faith" by Rachel Lee Carter

2011-04-22T11:17:00.002-04:00

Written by an actual Christian model, this book is a must-have for women. Carter's modeling experience with her highlights and regrets are spilled onto the pages. While there is some fashion advice given, this is not a book on how to restructure your entire closet or what "looks" are modest. Rather, Carter gets at the issue of the heart. After all, fashion tips won't do a girl any good if, at the end of the day, she does not care about modesty. Bible verses and questions (with space provided to write) are included. At the end, there is even a 45-day Bible study. What's also great is that each chapter starts off with a photot of a teenage guy, a little bio, and what he thinks of modesty. Also included is a color collection of some of Carter's modeling. I'm glad I snagged this book from Thomas Nelson publishing!

"Love Written in Stone" by Philip Carlson, MD

2011-04-14T19:10:00.003-04:00

This book takes a deep look at what God tells us to do from a medical perspective. I'm not just talking about the Ten Commandments or old school Levitical rules but commandments of God in general. Some examples have to do with love, joy, happiness, not worrying, etc. Even though the author is a medical doctor, he does not complicate things too much or put big medical words in his writing. Things are easy to understand, and various Bible references are made with some actually quoted on the page (something I personally like). If you're looking for a scientific dissertation on Leviticus, this book isn't for you. However, if you'd like to know how following God will made you a little better, have fun reading this.

"Heart of Ice" by Lis Wiehl

2011-04-06T08:53:00.002-04:00

This heart-pumping thriller will have you turning the pages until your eyes begin to droop. Wiehl weaves a clever web of characters whose lives intersect (but not immediately so as to seem forced). You have a pyromaniac with a scarred inner and outer facade, three crime fighting women (not superheroes but those whose jobs are actually to handle crime), and a psychopath who just so happens to exude perfection. All the while, there is a story going on about a killer whose story resembles the "Craig's List" killer story from real life (although those terms are not used here). Best of all, Wiehl gets deep into the mind of the disturbed.

"Heaven Revealed" by Paul Enns + FREE GIVEAWAY

2011-04-03T19:37:00.003-04:00

This book has lots of good intentions but bothers me on some levels. Sure, the fact that Enns writes on heaven is fine. However, he starts off the book with how he misses his deceased wife. The rest of the book seems to convey the notion that heaven will be a fantastic place where one can be reunited with loved ones and lead the best life possible. While Jesus is mentioned--we can't get to heaven without Him, anyway--there is not an emphasis on it. For instance, what I look forward to most about heaven will not just be reunions or fantasticness but the notion that I will finally be able to love God as I should (will all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind) and that I won't be able to ever sin or fall from Him again (if this were possible, there'd need to be a New New Heaven and a New New Earth. Also, for lots of verses, Enns just assumes they mean what he wants them to mean and does not cross-reference. Take Genesis 25:8. Enns says this means Abraham was taken to heaven. Other translations add "in death" after "Abraham joined his ancestors." Also, in 1 Corinthians 15:52 (in addition to various other parts of the Bible like Revelation 20:11-15), it is said that the dead will be raised to be judged and be with the Lord at the Second Coming. Before then, the Bible refers to a deep sleep (John 11:13 amongst other places). Sure, God made exceptions (like Elijah and Enoch), but for the rest of us, one can't say without a shadow of a doubt that we'll instantly be in heaven. I do believe God controls time and that our rest will feel very short (like a person doesn't feel the number of hours they sleep). All in all, Enns' intentions don't seem all that bad. However, if you want to know what heaven will really be like, please just crack open your own Bible and see for yourself. God wants to see you face to face there (2 John 1:12).

*The publisher gave me an extra copy to give away. If you want it, leave a comment with your email and say what you look forward to most with regards to heaven.

"Thriving at College" by Alex Chediak

2011-03-28T12:24:00.002-04:00

There are many college books out there to advise students out there. What makes this book different is that it has a focus on Christian students and is written by a college professor--who teaches engineering at a Christian institution. Depending on one's level in life, some of the lessons in this book may be redundant. However, when used as a reference book for when students have particular questions, this does a superb job. Bible verses are quoted often, and pertinent advice is given. I don't agree with everything the author says, but the overall intention is good. For instance, I think it's good for students to take a Sabbath (or whole weekend) to do no homework. However, I do like how he said that female students ought not to dumb themselves down.

"Love Amid the Ashes" by Mesu Andrews

2011-03-25T11:37:00.003-04:00

Most readers--Christian or otherwise--are familiar with the Book of Job from the Bible or at least the premise of the story. This faithful guy loses his possessions when God allows satan to wreak havoc on his life. In the end, Job prays for those who are mocking him and is blessed with more than what he had lost. Andrews takes this story and weaves it into fiction. Of course, she had to add some stuff here and there to make it a novel. However, for the most part, the accuracy is there. What's interesting is the emotions and dialog between Job and his family and friends--especially the women in his life. Want a real dramatic novel that's based on the Bible? Pick up this book.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

What do you like about the book of Job?

I like that it shows a godly man doubting himself and God. I think even the most spiritually mature believers can become discouraged and doubt. Job’s recorded suffering and questioning of his faith gives us all a measure of hope that we’re never too far gone to come back. We can be completely honest with God about our anger, bitterness, doubts, discouragement; and our merciful God may chastise us but will always love us back into His embrace. And to be completely honest, I’m thankful that Job’s situation is so completely awful—beyond anything I’ve ever heard of anyone else suffering. Even the most tragic of lives can still look at Job and say, “Well, at least my situation isn’t THAT bad!”

What do you say to "Christians" who think Job is just a story but didn't really happen?

I simply smile and say nothing. After growing up in a household of plaid Protestants (Charismatics, Quakers, Wesleyans, Nazarenes, etc.), I’ve had all the arguing I care to endure. I’m not a scholar, so I don’t know all the historical data to support my view that God’s Word is what it appears to be. I can only say that after a year of research, I found nothing to discourage my belief that Job was a real person and actually endured an extended illness with profound blessing at the end of it.

What is your view on suffering?

I don’t like it!!! Ha! I believe it can have several origins. It may be, like Job’s, an attack by our eternal enemy. Or it could be discipline from a loving Heavenly Father, an amended concept to Job’s friends’ accusations. I also believe it can simply be the natural consequences of living in a sin-sick world, an expected byproduct of the Fall. The truth is, I don’t think it’s as important to concentrate on WHY we’re suffering as HOW to deal with it, and more specifically, WHO to turn to in the midst of it.

How do you think Job's suffering story would be different if Job were a woman?

Great question! Job-ette wouldn’t have been allowed to lounge around on an ash pile for a year! All kidding aside, I’m not sure the story would have been preserved if the suffering had been a woman’s. I believe that’s part of the power of Job’s testimony. He was the wealthiest, the most blessed, the greatest man in the East. This description infers the epitome of strength and honor, leading to the lowest depths of human suffering at the threshold of death’s door. In the ancient mind, a woman would not have provided the extreme height to accentuate the plummeting depth. Because men traditionally recorded and preserved history, I’m thankful the Lord used a man to record and preserve Job’s lesson.

Why do you think Job was finally blessed when he prayed for his friends that yelled at him?

I think Job, like many of us, became too self-focused during his suffering. He couldn’t see others, nor could he see and worship God. When the Lord finally revealed Himself in an undeniable way, He pressed Job to continue his outward focus—to see his friends’ needs. I was startled to realize that Scripture does not specifically say Job was ever healed. Obviously, we assume God’s blessing includes healing, but how much of Job’s physical healing came as he focused on others? And how much was immediate and miraculous? Because Love Amid the Ashes is biblical FICTION, I can create that answer. Because I live with a tendency to be me-focused, I must live-out that answer.

Read the first chapter of "Love Amid the Ashes" at www.MesuAndrews.com. You can also download free Bible study and discussion questions and sign up for free weekly e-devotionals.

"The Chasm" by Randy Alcorn

2011-03-24T11:44:00.003-04:00

Wowza, is there a lot of symbolism in this book! The protagonist Nick is in some sort of land that relates to Earth. There is a big chasm separating him from Charis. Charis is this great city of light and laughter that seems to represent Heaven. Throughout his journeys, Nick meets several different people. The reader has a fun time discerning who is really a friend and who is really a foe. Spiritual warfare is heavy in this book, and the illustrations are not for the faint of heart. When it comes to Jesus and the Crucifixion, there is also a plot event that correlates to it. It is not exactly the same in the sense that the story is in AD30 Middle East. However, Alcorn paints a vivid picture that makes the Passion easy to understand, especially for those that are not exactly Bible scholars. Also, at the end of the book, there are discussion questions and even a short list of Bible verses to guide the reader. I knew Alcorn was an apologetic theologian, but I had no idea how well he could write Christian fiction that impacts readers. Plus, at just over 100 pages, this book is short and easy to read.

"The Nature of Love: A Theology" by Thomas Oord

2011-03-18T10:09:00.002-04:00

From the onset, this book is all right. The author talks heavily about the theology of love--big surprise, right? Anyway, at the first and last chapter, a plethora of Bible verses are quoted. However, in the middle chunk of the book, the Scripture quotes dies down as theologians are quoted more. Oord goes into the philosophies and lingual sciences as he makes his points. To the average reader, things seem fine. However, to the aged Christian, some little warning flags come up. A sentence here and there is disturbing, but--again--the average reader will either not pick up on it or just gloss over it. At one point. Oord says traditions and habits help make on a virtuous Christian. This is tiptoeing awfully close to works. At another point, Oord says that God only loves those who keep His commandments and takes a verse out of line. God loves everybody and never stops. For those that don't keep His commandments, He'll deal with them appropriately, but, at the end of the day, God loves everybody. When God removes His hand of protection or allows some calamity to strike a people, it is for the sole purpose of having the people return to Him. Even if people are just being tested, the purpose is still for the people to turn back to Him. God loves the sinners but hates the sins. When people end up in hell, it's not because God doesn't love them. God loves people so much to give them free will and woo rather than coerce them into His love. When people are in hell, it's their own choice and their own fault.

"Bathsheba" by Jill Eileen Smith

2011-03-17T12:59:00.002-04:00

This is the third book is the King David series, but readers won't really be missing out if they haven't read the first two. While many Christians are familiar with the basic story of David and Bathsheba, even those that don't will know what is going on. Smith uses some Bible verses at the beginning of each of her three parts of the book. However, I think she should have included all of what the Bible says about the story and then less of her own story-crafting. Granted, what Smith writes about is fairly accurate, she obviously puts in her own style and fabricates details about characters to make the story come to life. Regarding the romance, it is not graphic in the least, but at times can get a tad racy. Overall, this book is a good read, but readers will get a richer--and quicker--tale if they just go straight to the Bible.

Available March 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

"Money and Marriage" by Matt Bell

2011-03-14T16:59:00.002-04:00

I'm sure it's no surprise to people that most marriages end due to fiscal altercations. Bell's book aims to give couples (engaged or married) the tools to live happily together and not fight about money. Bible verses and principles are quoted when necessary, and the book is clearly organized. Surveys and charts are given, and economic terms are defined. There are even prompted questions meant for couples to go through together. My only criticism is that in the section that covers giving, Bell discusses being blessed for giving. While God does say He will bless us when we give generously, people should not give away money / possessions just because they think they'll get a reward; also, the reward may not come in this life. Besides that, the book is a good reference for couples to use. There is even personal advice from the author and other personal accounts that readers can relate to.

"The Grad's Guide to Surviving Stressful Times" from TH1NK

2011-03-05T17:58:00.003-05:00

When I chose to review this book, I figured it'd be another self-help book for Christian teens ready to make their transition from high school to college. My mind was tumbled and turned upside down when I finally began reading the book. Does it discuss how to cope with stress and college like the title suggests? Yes. However, what's unique is that the book focuses on the Book of Daniel from the Bible. Verses are dissected, and readers learn how this prophet was not too different from them. Readers learn about Daniel's childhood and adolescence, how he was taken from home, how he had a close-knit group of friends, how he got his first job, how he relied on God, and how he never once stood by or succumbed to peer pressure that would involve denying his God--even in the face of death. This book will make readers really relate to the Daniel of the Bible and learn that stories from the Bible can definitely be related to their own lives. Superb.

"If God, Why Evil?" by Norman Geisler

2011-03-05T13:29:00.002-05:00

In this highly intellectual book, Geisler knocks down many claims that atheists make about God not existing in an evil world. He uses bullet points and organized lists to clearly lay out each argument he makes. Bible verses are heavily used, with the majority of them being only referenced and not actually quoted on the page. What's more, Geisler does not just talk about pain and evil in an objective sense. No; he shares some deep and personal pain from his own life. While I do not agree with every single argument made in the book, the author does make some good points and points to how God is real and why evil is in the world. This would be a great gift to an atheist friend who likes solid arguments over "faith" talks.

"A Conversation with God for Women" by Marcia Ford

2011-03-05T10:27:00.002-05:00

Like the title suggests, this book is full of dialog between women and God. Various topics like prayer, the Bible, God, Jesus, relationships, and life come up. Essentially, the way the book is laid out, a question is laid out to God, and God answers. While Ford uses Bible verses and Biblical insight, she often writes a narrative as if God is actually speaking to the women and leaves the Bible verses for the end of the book. They are footnoted in the chapters and included in the notes section at the back. Also, sometimes, Ford utilizes other Bible characters to voice responses. The book has good intentions, but not everyone may like this style. On the plus side, the pages are very glossy.

"What Are You Waiting For?" by Dannah Gresh

2011-02-28T22:59:00.002-05:00

This book on--ahem--sexuality is written with a Christian perspective. The author quotes Scripture every now and then and goes over hot-button topics that most people would blush at. The cover boasts that there is something no one tells you about sex. I hate to be a spoiler, but you guys would have discovered this early in the book anyway. The author goes back to Hebrew translations of the Bible where to have intercourse with someone was called "yada" and meant to know. This is for a one-to-one relationship between a man and a wife. In the Bible, there is another term for sex outside of marriage (often with harlots) that is translated to literally just being an exchange of bodily fluids. The author also uses statistics and simple neuroscience to get her points across. The main thing that this book focuses on is that sex outside of marriage will never be the deep and intimate "yada"; it will just be an exchange of fluids that leaves you broken and sad. While the book is geared towards females, males can read it, too.

"TrueFaced" by Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol, & John S Lynch

2011-02-23T21:51:00.003-05:00

I've read a lot of theology books as a Christian reviewer, and this one is good. It revolves around grace and talks a lot about how people--Christian or otherwise--tend to put up masks that hide their real identity. People like to appear independent and polished on the outside when they are really rotting on the inside. Two rooms are used in this book. One is the Room of Good Intentions, and the other is the Room of Grace. The former involves works and trying to make God love us; the latter is where God's forgiveness transforms you and you come to grow into a deeper relationship with the Only One who loves you with unrelenting love that can never be diminished. My only criticism on this book is that it does not address trying to combat sin. The angle is that one should rest in grace. Granted, when one is fully in grace, they should want to obey God and be better about not sinning. Still, the book does a good job in showing readers to reveal their true selves and be TrueFaced in every sense of the word. The way I see it, if you never take off your mask, you may be preventing others from seeing God shine through you. Love Christ; He deserves it.

"Hollywood Nobody" by Lisa Samson

2011-02-21T10:46:00.002-05:00

In terms of plot, this book is pretty engaging. There is a teenage girl as he protagonist with her own Hollywood blog. With her family being in the acting business, she is around the actual Hollywood scene quite a lot. Drama ensues when love triangles form and the girl learns about a mystery man and what her real family roots are. My only criticism would have to be the writing style. Thoughts seem to be convoluted and in a state of disarray. Whether or not this is meant to represent the thought process of the protagonist, it many annoy readers. Also, I hate to say this, but I'll just come out and say it. Most teenage books are written by authors who are past the teen age. Some of these books are well suited for teens and fit in with their culture and whatnot. However, some just seem like they are written by older authors trying to sound younger and put their foot in the door of young pop culture. Sadly, this book is the latter.

"Angel Sister" by Ann H. Gabhart

2011-02-20T06:10:00.000-05:00

Oftentimes, people pass by the story of Moses. We know he was left in a basket and sent down a river only to be found by Egyptians who took care of him. But how did he feel, and how was he impacted? While this book is not about Moses, it has similar themes of abandonment and redemption. A small girl is left in front of a church. She is all alone and wants someone to rescue her--an angel specifically. She is taken into a home and learns what it's like to have a real family. Dramatic family tension is clear in the pages. Even though the little girls gets a family, she does not get a perfect family. Also, with the simplicity of the twentieth century, readers will have a paradigm shift. The plot is engaging, but the evoked emotions are what will really get to you. Sympathy will defy logic and turn to empathy as readers put themselves in the place of that little girl. The most important thing to take away from this book is that whenever we accept someone--regardless of their age--not only will we seem like good angels, but we shall reflect Christ. This is a more between-the-lines message but still a good one at that.

"Then he said to them, 'Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest'” (Luke 9:48).

Available February 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

"Life, In Spite of Me" by Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer

2011-02-18T18:16:00.003-05:00

Although the ending of this book revolves around joy, the beginning has some tough points. Depression and its various mistresses are discussed in great detail. This book is great for people that need to put their life into perspective. If you've ever thought you'd had a bad day, books like this will show you it's not really all that bad. Or, if your life situation is the same as or worse than what is initially described in this book, you shall find hope. If the authors can overcome tough times, then so can you. This book isn't some theological treatise on how to feel well. Rather, it is just women spilling their hearts out onto pages of paper. With all the complexity of religion, these women put that aside and dwell on the simple notion of Christ's Cross and Love. Since there are some serious moments in this book, I would not recommend it for young readers who may not be mature enough to internalize this message.

"The Chase" by Jerry Bridges with Jay and Jen Howver

2011-02-14T17:45:00.003-05:00

This is a contemporary adaptation of "The Pursuit of Holiness," which is also from Navpress publishers. Things like definitions, examples, advice, habits, and duties may seem like simple things to cover, but that isn't exactly the case when something as sensitive as holiness comes up. Some people think they've got it; others think they'll never achieve it. This book dives deep into what holiness is and how to get closer to it. The contemporary language in describing the Scripture and giving advice is very nice and flows well. However, newer translations of certain Bible verses may not evoke the same feelings from readers that are used to other translations. Still, I've reviewed the regular "The Pursuit of Holiness" and see this as less academic (for Bible scholars) and more laid-back, while still delivering the punches of theological teaching.

"Learning to Hear God" by Jan Johnson

2011-02-14T17:40:00.002-05:00

As another reference for retreats, this book is a bit better than some of Johnson's other retreat books. While there is the same introduction on what a retreat is and how to go about it, something is different. Sure, the same structure of repeated Bible verses and prompts / questions are provided, but the explanation and depth of verses are very well researched and lined up together. Many Old Testament verses are included that show how people listened to and interacted with God before they had a concrete "Bible" to hold in their hands. Since this is something many Christians tend to gloss over when reading the Old Testament stories, Johnson's emphasis on the simple fact really hits home. Readers put themselves in the characters' shoes and try to understand what it was like to listen to God directly. In the process, hopefully readers learn how to get more out of their Bibles and really connect.

"Living in the Companionship of God" by Jan Johnson

2011-02-14T17:34:00.002-05:00

This book is geared towards a retreat audience, but anyone can use it. After all, as the book points out, anyone (alone or in a group) can take time aside to focus on God anywhere and for however long they wish. The book first defines the notion of retreat and then starts going into how to analyze Scripture and grow closer to God. Verses and sections of chapters are wholly repeated three or four times. Questions and prompts are given with space in the book for readers to respond. From having confidence in God to pouring out your heart to Him, this book is helpful. Some famous quotations and prayers from (thank goodness not "to") saints are included. This short book can be completed in a day and so should not be the sole resource one uses on a retreat.

"The Promises She Keeps" by Erin Healy

2011-02-07T18:52:00.002-05:00

Wowza; this book is good. The narration jumps between characters and intertwines their lives. Promise is a young singer with a terminal disease. Chase is an autistic artist who prophesizes and is a Christian. Chelsea is Chase's sister who takes care of him with the help of hired Wes. Porta is an old witch (literally) who is seeking to find immortality. Zack is Porta's son who is infatuated with Promise but has drug problems that try to mask his strained relationship wit his mother. Anyway, through a series of near death collisions, Porta thinks Promise has eternal life. She manipulates her and involves her in pagan rituals. Chase loves Promise and tries to warn her about Porta's evil. Chase also prophesizes and predicts a few deaths. Anyway, through a whole hodgepodge of co-connected events, the climax rises. Several religious themes are embedded. To get into the plot would take too long, but I assure you I took my time with this book and enjoyed it very much so. There are no romantic scenes, so younger readers may enjoy this book. There is also a discussion guide at the end with questions.

"Stars Collide" by Janice Thompson

2011-01-30T06:59:00.002-05:00

Interesting to say the least, this book is about an on-stage couple that becomes an item off-stage. The protagonist Kat plays Angie that is in love with Jack, who is Scott in real life. In an effort to boost ratings and increase publicity, the producers want Kat and Scott to pretend to be a couple so the paparazzi will cook up some stories. Craziness ensues. The drama escalates as Kat's grandmother is stuck in the past and suffering from memory loss and confusion. Family secrets come out, and love blooms. Several characters pray and refer to the LORD. However, the only time the name of Jesus is mentioned is when a pastor performs marital vows. This story is engaging, but around the 150ish page mark, things slow down. However, around the late 200s, the pace picks back up again.

Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

"Live like you Mean It" by T.J. Addingotn

2011-01-29T13:46:00.002-05:00

As captivating and facetious as the title may be, this book poses some serious questions for readers to ponder. Issues like why you are here, what god wants for you, how you respond to God, and more are covered. With each, there are Bible verses included, although the book isn't stock full of them. The author tends to relate a lot of lessons to his own life and circumstances with those he has encountered. He even dives deep into the personal issues of heart failure and how he recovered. For new believers, many of these chapters will possibly ignite a fire in them to be proactive for Christ. For those that are a little more well versed, some of the concepts can seem redundant. However, for those Christians, this book serves best as a reference book to look up a particular question when the time arises as opposed to chugging straight through the book.

"Always True" by James MacDonald + FREE Giveaway

2011-01-29T13:31:00.007-05:00

This book covers five telltale promises of the Lord. They focus on fear, despair, failure, doubt, and faltering. With each promise, there are two chapters. One is stock full of Bible verses in bold that explain how God has been true in the history of the world. The other is a bit more theologically deep and makes sure readers really "get" what they were supposed to learn. What's nice is that there is a Bible verse to memorize for each promise. Some personal stories and eyewitness accounts are included that will engage the reader. At first I was skeptical about whether or not this book would be just about prosperity gospels. However, I feel there is enough evidence in the writing to point readers towards God and His everlasting peace more than just answers to prayers. The writing is not the most riveting at times, but the promises highlighted in the book make it an excellent resource whenever one falls into a trap of lies and needs a quick reminder that God cares for them and will never leave them nor forsake them (see Hebrews 13:5).

Want this book for FREE? Leave a comment with your email. Cite how God has kept His promises in your own life.

"Never Been Kissed" by Melody Carlson

2011-01-23T07:40:00.002-05:00

As is expected, this book of Carlson's is jam packed with drama. The protagonist Elise is about to turn sixteen and--as the cover implies--has never been kissed. The book is not about some plan to get kissed. Rather, the plot follows Elise, her friends, and the people she interacts with at her new school. When she gets the attention of a "taken" guy, things get complicated when he starts to email her. Later, stakes rise when the notion of sending raunchy photos arises. Sure, Elise only goes so far as to send a swimsuit picture (still bad), but she is humiliated when everyone in school is forwarded an pic of her naked. The pictures is not of her but looks like her. People turn on Elise as many believe she has sent this picture that everyone believes is her. While the drama can be over the top and the ending is somewhat predictable (I was still surprised with twists, but I figured out half of the mystery of who was really framing Elise), important themes arise. They are that teens should know that not everyone is who they seem online. They also learn how sending or even suggesting sending others raunchy photos can come back to bite them. What I think is missing is more of a notion that even sending the swimsuit photo was bad; sure, it's implied, but not enough. Also, while Elise eventually gets her name cleared (surprise, surprise), in real life, this does not always happen. When girls start to go down bad paths, there isn't always a way out, even if they are innocent of what they are being accused of. Still, the book will keep young readers engaged and educate them in serious matters while still keeping a bit of a focus on God, forgiveness, and redemption. There's even a contrast between boys and what true love really means. There is a bit of an epiphany / monologue from Elise at the end.

Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

"Fatal Judgment" by Irene Hannon

2011-01-23T07:07:00.001-05:00

Sadly, after the first few chapters, I asked myself, "Why am I reading this?" The book is about a man from the military that is set to protect a woman who works in American law. She needs protection because her sister was shot and detectives worry that she may be the killer's next target. I realized that, through the course of 300+ pages, I would not be surprised as the man and woman fell in love, solved the big murder mystery, and got married. And, well, that's kind of what happened. Also, while published by Revell, this book is not very spiritual, in my opinion. There are some short prayers when characters are at the end of their ropes and the mention of church, but, besides that, the book is a tiredly predictable action romance novel. Plus, the romance between the two characters seems at times a bit more based on lust (especially when readers get to hear the man's thoughts in his own parts of narration). Plus, at times, the woman appears to be the cliched weak woman in need of a strong man. This just made me roll my eyes and go, "Come on!"

Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

"The Real Skinny On Losing It" by Michelle McKinney Hammond

2011-01-19T18:33:00.002-05:00

While this book's title may be reminiscent of another book by a diet mogul, the author's voice is unique. Hammond spends the first half of the book sharing her experience with body image. Her successes and failures are juxtaposed for all readers to see. The concept of yo-yo dieting is dissected, and the author gives her two cents on why she thinks they are unsuccessful. After the reader has come to like the author with her full share of phrases (girlfriend, you know, etc), they take her a bit more serious when she dives into the how of weight loss. Hammond speaks of many popular diets that she used--what she did and did not like. Taking a bit from each one, she tries to encourage readers to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Spiritual fitness is incorporated into the book, as well. Some Bible verses are quoted, and some are only alluded to with footnotes. Also, at the end, there is a short list of recipes from the author herself.

"The Search" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2011-01-16T07:34:00.001-05:00

This is the 3rd book is Fisher's Lancaster County Secrets series. I read the 1st one a while ago and don't remember all the details. Still, with this book, I did not fee like I was missing anything. I get the impression that the series has a consistency is its location and Amish culture; each book is a new story and not a continuation of other books like sequels.

In this book, two stories are paralleled. One is of fifteen-year-old Bess that comes to a PA rose farm from Ohio to visit her grandmother (both towns are Amish). There, she meets Billy, a handsome Amish boy. Back home, another boy named Levi is said to have chased after Bess. Anyway, in PA, Bess is smitten with Billy and goes on a roller coaster of emotions as she realizes she is Billy's second choice. Will she keep returning to Billy when his other beau keeps dumping him? While this sounds very juicy, not much of this story is told. Most of the book focuses on the other female protagonist, Lainey. She is a twenty-five-year-old girl who is not Amish. Lainey bakes for a living and finds her way back to the PA rose farm. She meets an Amish man Jonah that catches her attention. Lainey faces inner turmoil as she faces what to do with her life and whether or not to switch over to living Amish.

More drama arises in the book as secrets about family are revealed. Also, the book is written in multiple perspectives that frequently change back and forth. A little bit of Dutch is included and translated when utilized. This book may not be what readers expect from the back cover, but they will certainly enjoy reading about the Amish lifestyle.

Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

"Small Space Organizing" by Kathryn Bechen

2011-01-15T00:09:00.000-05:00

This tiny book is a great reference for anyone who lives or will be soon living in a small living space. There are several chapters covering different living areas, themes, and more. The chapters are broken up with short paragraphs and bold topics above each for reference that is both quick and easy. The central points that Bechen drives into readers is that they must minimize their possessions, go green, and maximize what little space they have. There is even a section for those with children. Websites are included for those that need help finding what to get (lists of what to get are included, too). What I really like is a small set of interviews at the end of the book. They are discussions with those that live in various types of small living quarters. Although this book is published by Revell, I did not find this book to overtly religious or spiritual at all. This is a great book, and I think I'll give it to my mother.

Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

"Chasing Francis" by Ian Morgan Cron

2011-01-14T12:44:00.002-05:00

This is one of the first genuinely good books I've read in a long time that adequately meshes good storytelling with sincere Christianity. The protagonist is a pastor of an evangelical mega-church; his name is Chase. One day, when faced with an already deteriorating faith that is given the big kick with the death of a beloved child, Chase tells his entire congregation that his faith is no more. When confronted by his church elders, he is told to take some time off. Emotionally spent, Chase travels to Italy to visit his uncle Kenny who is a Franciscan priest. Through a long pilgrimage that continues even after Chase leaves, Chase comes to know what St. Francis was really like, what he did, and what he taught. Kenny and his other Catholic priests / monks take Chase around to view places of historical importance in the church and even allowed Chase to see poverty firsthand and let him help. Chase even learns what it means to be a true follower of Christ, not just a so-called Christian. Of course, at the end, Chase regains his faith. However predictable this ending may be, the passage to get there is heartfelt and real. The pages keep turning as readers see themselves in various parts of the story. As a Catholic, I like how bits of Catholicism from the liturgy to cathedral to transubstantiation are introduced in a positive way without being overbearing. Chase doesn't convert to Catholicism in the end, but he does grow closer to God through various Catholic venues. He even prays to St. Francis after a while. At the end of the book, there is a lengthily study that includes excerpts followed by questions with space to fill in answers. Christians of all types can learn more about God, worship, and themselves with this book. Best of all, due to the construction of the book, they will most likely want to live out what they learned.

"Posers, Fakers, and Wannabees" by Brennan Manning and Jim Hancock

2011-01-13T15:17:00.004-05:00

I've got to say that this book has the funniest title I've yet to lay eyes upon. Nevertheless, it goes deep into many spiritual matters that make it anything but comical. The Poser is written of as someone that is in each and every one of us. The Poser constantly has us put up a facade and prevents us from examining who we really are. He or she is like the Pharisees of Jesus' time who claim to be pious but are anything but. Through anecdotes, stories, and quotes from theological writings, the authors make their points. The Bible verses and stories that are quoted seem to be from a more modern translation. Readers can think of that what they may. While packed full of insight, my main criticism of this book is that it is not exactly a page-turner all the time. I can liken it to a physics textbook. You know what's in the book is important and that you should know it; however, sometimes you have to really make yourself read it.

"Becoming a Woman of Influence" by Carol Kent

2011-01-12T11:25:00.003-05:00

This book has good intentions but did not exactly "wow" me. It discusses how women can and should mentor other women. Many examples from the New Testament with what Jesus did are given. Real life stories from women are included, as well. However, the book doesn't focus on women influencing men or young children. It just deals with women mentoring other women. A big thing that caught my attention was the translation of the Bible verses included. I am not exactly sure which it is, but it is definitely not KJV, NKJV, or NLT. The words seem more modern. A lot of that modern speech may help some readers understand Kent's points more. However, for me, I prefer the other translations. That's just my personal bias, though. A nine-week Bible study is included, which is nice. It shows how Kent wants mentors to not just have good intentions but actually know what they are talking about when they talk about God.

"This Is Your Brain In Love" by Dr. Earl Henslin

2011-01-11T19:02:00.003-05:00

This book primarily deals with love in marriage, so it is not recommended for younger readers. The science included in it ranges from nutrition to neuroscience and is not too complicated--just a bit of extra vocabulary. Couples and marriages in broken down into categories that are interesting to say the least. The way the book is arranged, it is half story and half self-help. I believe the author wants married couples to be more happy and in love. There is some spirituality in the book, but it is by no meas a treatise on theology. Brain imbalances are covered a bit and are presented in an unbiased fashion that do not cast shame. Extra sections that deal with hormonal women and addicted men may be offensively pigeonholing to some or helpful to some. I wouldn't take every bit of advice to my heart when married, but it is an intriguing book that will make people perk up their eyebrows and go "Huh?"

http://brb.thomasnelson.com/reviews/blogger/2503

Precious Moments Storybook Bible

2011-01-05T11:30:00.002-05:00

This cute little book is best suited very younger children. It is very large when it comes to the size of the written letters. There are pages in the front that talk about God and allow the small child to write down family heritage and facts about him- or herself. The only downside to this is that it is not a complete children's Bible. Rather, specific stories are included side-by-side vibrant illustrations in the Precious Moments cartoon style. This book should get youngsters interested in the Bible until they are big enough to read the entire Book on their own at a later age. It may be best for this to be read to children piece by piece. For adults, it's a nice respite in their day that is quick. Plus, unlike regular doctrine, many people forget the minute facts of particular Bible stories. Let this book refresh your memory. After all, God's stories are the best around. :)

http://brb.thomasnelson.com/reviews/blogger/2503

"Hope, Help & Healing for Eating Disorders" by Gregory Lanz PhD with Ann McMurray

2010-12-31T20:38:00.003-05:00

I thought I've seen it all from Christian self-help books. There were the fitness ones, the relationship ones, the emotional ones, and more. However, this is the first book focusing on eating disorders that has Christian undertones. Well, judging from the cover--and even the back cover--readers don't really know this. Only those familiar with the WaterBrook name will have an inkling. Still, the bulk of the book has to deal with clinical advice from professionals. Only small parts at the end of chapters involve the Bible, Jesus, and prayer. The book doesn't shove religion in one's face, but readers may come to know God as He is integrate into their healing process. There is a "whole person" approach that incorporates the physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, and other aspects of one's persona into recovery. There are some stories that readers may relate to. There are also questions and prompts designed for a superfluous journal not included with this book. Much focus is on diving deep into one's own person and realizing how one was hurt as a child. Forgiveness is discussed. Men are mentioned, too, so this is not just a book for women. Some of the writing may seem a bit "shrinky," but, in the introduction, the authors warn the readers that the book may not be easy but it will help. My only criticism is when the authors mention learning to love one's body and open up again to physical intimacy. I can only hope they mean confined to marriage, but this was equivocal.

"The Snowglobe" by Sheila Roberts

2010-12-20T23:02:00.003-05:00

This is a nice little book for the holiday season. Its main downfall, though, is all the rave reviews that are included on the first few pages. People say how fantastic this book is, and I get my hopes up. Granted, there were identifiable characters that readers can relate to and the story is well crafted, I wouldn't call this book fantastic or the best Christmas book. The first few chapters are a bit slow, and just when readers get attached to one character, a new character's story shoves its foot in the door of the novel. All in all, the main part of the story is that a snow globe predicts the future differently for each person who shakes it. There is an undertone assumed that characters celebrate Christmas and are by default Christian. However, this book is not really religious. There are a few swear words and one implication of pre-marital relations (no details or scene but unmarried characters saying a line or two of dialog that implies the notion).

"Bridges on the Journey" by Busa, Fobes, Miller & Sanders

2010-12-16T16:09:00.003-05:00

Some people are fans of devotionals that are as thick as the Bibles they cite. However, for those with less spacious schedules, smaller ones are sought. This book is split into 6 sections that deal with growing closer to God. Concise Bible quotations and leading questions condense loads of lessons into a small book. Diagrams and charts are alongside page art that makes the book seem fun. Also, its spiral binding and smooth clay-like cover make it seem like more of a personal journal than just a devotional. In the back, there are a few Bible verse note cards that can be detached for memorization; I like this. What's also great is that many parts of the book make the reader think of and relate to their friends. What do I like best about this book? It makes the devotionals personal without watering down the Gospel.

"Flight of Shadows" by Sigmund Brouwer

2010-12-14T18:53:00.002-05:00

As a book reviewer, I tend to get books for free. Very rarely do I read a book that I like so much that I am actually tempted to buy other books by the author. This is one of those cases. Set in the future, this is a story of a genetically-engineered young woman fleeing for her life. Narrations change as readers are taken in the shoes of the hunters and the hunted. Enough thoughts are conveyed for readers to grasp characters, but not enough is given to make any of them predictable or unlikely to make drastic changes like betrayal or redemption. Angels and demons are conveyed metaphorically as a good versus evil plot goes on. With skill, Brouwer gets this across without merely spelling it out for the reader. This book is actually a sequel to another book, but readers can still read this and get the gist of what is going on. After becoming engrossed in the story and characters, readers will simply want to read the prequel. There are some religious undertones, which are thought-provoking. This book is not suitable for young readers because it has blood, violence, murder, and suggestive scenes (when evil character tries to attack a woman, it backfires on him). Also, each little chapter was never more than a few pages long, which makes this book great since it can be interrupted often with people's busy lives. Stellar.

"Double Shot" by Erynn Mangum

2010-12-09T15:10:00.002-05:00

This book is unusual in many senses of the word. From the cover, readers can be right in assuming the book is all about marriage. The protagonist Maya experiences weddings and births from friends and families. The book starts of with Maya being already engaged. Most of the book follows her relationships with friends and family, some interactions with her fiance, and planning her own wedding. The book is not graphic and ends right at the wedding of Maya and her groom. The only risque part is when it is mentioned how Maya's girlfriends buy her lingerie; I just think that's weird. Maya tries to discern God's will when it comes to moving. In the end, her decision is expected but not necessarily backed up fully. I wasn't too fond of the overly stereotypical woman who gets married and has to many hormones, but, the pages flew by. Also, there are some positive Christian undertones. I didn't even know this book was a third in a series until I finished and looked back at the first few inner pages.

"Churched" by Matthew Paul Turner

2010-12-02T17:41:00.003-05:00

I requested this book because I had read Turner's work before and was entertained. He writes with a sincere style that shows his childhood innocence. Nothing is held back. The book deals with Turner being brought up in the fundamentalist baptist church and being exposed to various rules and fire-and-brimstone preachers. He doesn't come right out and say that he felt his church rules more than Jesus' love, but Turner has a way of conveying ideas without always just putting them down plainly. The writing is humorous. At times, he does poke fun at other denominations, but he does not seem hateful. He talks of Catholics as not knowing Jesus and worthy of hell (obviously ingrained into him as a child) but later says he almost converted to Catholicism as an adult (except he didn't care for the sitting, standing, kneeling, and cross-gesturing). I'd recommend this book, as well as his "Hear No Evil," which I have reviewed before.

"On This Day in Christian History" by Robert J. Morgan

2010-12-01T11:46:00.003-05:00

While this book is set up like a devotional, it is unique. Instead of just a Bible verse for each day of the year with an explanation, there is a historical moment captured on the page. Yes, there are Bible verses for each day at the end of the page, but they complement the stories more than just teach readers. Each reading is a page or less and is designated for a day of the year. It starts from January first and ends on the last day of December. What's really cool is that each historical reading actually took place on the day that is prescribed for the reader. To read history of Christians is one thing, but to have a significant date to read it is awesome.

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God Loves Single Moms by Teresa Whitehurst

2010-11-28T10:42:00.000-05:00

This book was surprisingly good. Not being a [single] mother, there was much I learned. Whitehurst uses quizzes, psychological advice, self-esteem building, stories, and more to convey her various points. Bible verses and prayers are included, as well. There is much emphasis on the single mother bettering herself not only for her own well-being but also for the well-being of her child. Quotations from advocates are boxed, and Whitehurst even cross-references some help from her book that deals with how Jesus would raise / handle children. Relationships with others--including the child's father--are expounded upon, too. For single mothers or anyone with a heart, this book should be read.

Available November 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

"Granular Patterns" by Igor S. Aranson and Lev S. Tsimring

2010-11-24T17:30:00.002-05:00

This book starts of with--surprise, surprise--defining and explaining what granular patterns are. However, the authors get straight to the point and introduce proper vocabulary and theories. The reader is treated as competent enough to follow along, but they never feel as if the book is too slow; the pace is proper. The authors use easy-to-visualize examples to explain concepts. One such is the Brazilian nut effect that the authors explain with--you guessed it--a picture of nuts in a jar alongside glass beads in a jar.

Many applications are discussed. Some are avalanche, bacteria patterns, cell movement under certain conditions, extraterrestrial craters, sand dunes / piles, and more. After the interest is piqued, the math is introduced. It seems as though many of the equations are meant to be fed into a computer, but the authors still introduce what the equations mean for general understanding.

Some other topics discussed include different types of materials for substrates. Periodicity and frequency comes into play, too. Gravity-driven flow is inserted, and the authors admit where there is a theory that is still not quite understood by the scientific granular community. Boundary layers, complex interactions, and movement is touched upon, as well. Some statistics come into play with probability, but readers need not have a background in in to follow along. Experimental and simulated results are compared side-by-side when appropriate.

The appearance of this book is rather nice. The hardcover is not too heavy, being under 500 pages. Also, the green and tan cover with an example of granular patterns conveys precocity without an air of literary arrogance. The pages have a nice glossy feel to them, and the content is black-and-white. Pictures are plentiful, and all diagrams / charts / graphs are explained with proper paragraphs and captions.

The audience for this book struck me as for readers at the research level. This could be undergraduate research programs, graduate school projects, or just research professors are working on. The information given is presented in such a manner that any technical reader will enjoy it for a leisurely read. However, there is enough technical data in this book to be used as a primary source is research. While notations and symbols are explained, not all of the math is. Readers are expected to have a good grasp of vector calculus, differential calculus, and multivariable equations.

While this book can be considered a classical textbook, I feel it is better than that. While it is meant to teach readers about granular patterns, it has a one-up on other textbooks because it is so well presented. Pages fly by and are actually fun--a term not many working scientists and engineers see in texts. Additionally, there is a CD-rom included in the back of the book. It has a plethora (not using the word lightly) of movies. Some are molecular dynamics simulations, whilst others are from experimentalists physically setting up scenarios (evidence is from the black-and-white hands entering the foreground every now and then).

Overall, I have nothing but positive things to say about this book. I've always considered granular patterns to be simply under the scope of materials science. However, I've learned that this topic is very interdisciplinary. It covers computer science, mathematics, environmental science, physics, and--my favorite as an aeronautical engineer--fluid dynamics.

"A Rush of Wings" by Kristen Heitzmann

2010-11-23T18:10:00.002-05:00

The back cover's brief synopsis does not do this book justice. There is so much in the plot and characters that readers are immediately sucked into Heitzmann's world. The book starts off with a rich girl running away with a dream of a hawk that haunts her copiously. The narration moves between characters, and readers wonder why the protagonist fled. As she arrives at her new destination, new characters emerge as Noelle catches the admiration of two brothers. Country life is juxtaposed with city life, and horses enter the story, along with painting. Both seek her love and are vastly different. Noelle's ex-fiance also purses her in an effort to find her and get her back. As mysteries unfold with the book's progression, Noelle interacts with the brothers. There is some romance, but nothing is graphic. Female readers are a bit annoyed with Noelle's venerability as a female character, but, after they learn her story, they see her persona fits into the story and is not overtly saying otherwise. Also, albeit a bit cheesy at moments, the twists are unexpected, and there is never a dull or predictable moment. Even if readers skip to the end of the book to read the last line, they'll have the ending wrong if they guessed it. Faith is tied into the book in such a profound way that I will not spoil it. My favorite quote from the book? "She had feared the sky, but it was the ground that broke her" (Heitzmann 174).

Christmas at Harrington’s by Melody Carlson

2010-11-14T11:06:00.001-05:00

This book did not dazzle me with its cover, as many Christmas books I have come by me tend to be tiredly predictable and dramatic. However, seeing Carlson's name, I figured I'd give the book a try since I've known some of her better works. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the book. The protagonist is actually an ex-con, and the reader is pulled into the mystery and intrigue of her sentence. The reader also ponders the whole "wolf in sheep's clothing" reference. The woman is out of prison when the book starts, and readers follow her on her journey of starting a new life. She ends up working as a Mrs. Santa and makes some new friends. I don't want to spoil more, but I will say this book is a nice Christmas gift that flows well and isn't too long to read.

Available November 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

"More Glimpses of Heaven" by Trudy Harris, RN

2010-11-14T09:43:00.003-05:00

When I picked up this book, I expected to be blown away by an array of near-death-experiences and literal "glimpses-of-heaven." That's not exactly what I got. After reading the introduction, I realized the author was speaking of heaven as the kingdom of God and the Holy Spirit here on Earth. So, there were more stories of kindness, love, forgiveness, and compassion than all out NDEs. There are a few stories about little children seeing / hearing Jesus and people seeing angels, but most others are just about people dying contently knowing that God loves them. Readers may not like or agree with everything in the book, but the author probably had good intentions. My main criticism is for when the author puts the first story in her book. It is about a dying young wife. Her husband wants her to feel beautiful one last time, so he gives her a bath (cleaned up version I am writing here). The author goes on to say that that is how Jesus loves us. While I know she probably meant that God loves us and wants us to feel beautiful even when we feel ugly, I do not think the analogy was the best. Love is love, but the love of God is not romantic. Again, I am sure she did not mean for it to come out that way, but it just did.

Available November 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

"Angry" by Larua L. Smith

2010-11-09T22:06:00.004-05:00

Smith has done it again. I have reviewed one of her other books before and greatly enjoyed it; this one is no different. There is a teenage girl with a crisis that is not too extreme that no one has heard of it. The girl's parents get divorced. Even if readers do not have divorced parents, chances are they know friends that do. The protagonist faces much animosity towards her parents and towards God in her situation. She also dives into her school play to be someone else and escape for a while. I won't ruin the book, but I will say the girl comes to God at the end. Really, what else can be expected from "TH1NK" publishing, anyway? Not everything in the book is Christian, but non-Chrisitan girls reading he book will slowly ease into the character and not feel like she is judged. The cover did not strike me at first, but the book was easy and enjoyable to read.

"The Discipline of Grace" by Jerry Bridges

2010-11-09T18:03:00.005-05:00

As an avid lover sheep and book awards, this book immediately caught my eye. Going through it, I was pleasantly surprised. The Bible verses included were very inspirational and pertinent to the point the author was trying to make. Many overarching themes are in the book that growing Christians will find amazing and mature Christians will be reviewing. Either way, they are great for thinking of and encourage thought in all types of Christians. Many quotes are from Protestants, but the author never seems to put down more conservative Catholics. Most of the content of the book is accurate with the Bible and well-versed (no pun intended). Readers may not agree with everything said in context, but the overall theme of the book and tone has a very good set of intentions. Want to read about how grace works, how you can flee temptation, and what becoming holy means? Like books with sheep and book medals on the cover? Pick this book up.

"Real-life Discipleship" by Jim Putnam

2010-11-08T18:35:00.003-05:00

I'm not going to lie--when I first saw this book, I figured I'd gotten myself a pretty cover with some fluff and more of reading what I already knew. Boy was I wrong! This book was very enjoyable and taught me much. Instead of other books that focus on the "stages" that people go through to become Christian (essentially arduous evangelism handbooks), this book focuses on something different. It puts people into groups. There are the spiritually dead and then Christans. Within the Christan group, there are infants, children, young adults, and then parents / adults. The book focuses on how to help each level so they can reach the parent / adult level and disciple others. While other books on evangelism are great, this does not focus on recruiting, because--well--that doesn't always work. Putnam acknowledges the fact that Christians can not control others or sway opinions. As I like to put it, only Jesus can lead others to Jesus. For the nonbelievers, we can lead by example / love and be ready with graceful answers and invitations. If we are asked something we don't know, we should just admit it and promise to get back to the person in a week. For those that already believe but are naive, self-centered, ill-informed, or otherwise lacking, there are ways we can help; this book outlines them. Instead of throwing pamphlets in atheists' faces and shouting turn-or-burn phrases, we should be building up what Christians there are more Christians that really strive to live like Jesus and grow the Church. I could go on and on, but, please, just read this book.

"Don't Waste the Pain" by David Lyons and Linda Lyons Richardson

2010-11-08T18:29:00.001-05:00

Like the cover implies, this is a book on suffering. It has a Christian twist, though. In all of the sufferings and hardships written about by the brother and sister, God is intertwined. The Word of God is quoted quite often and in very relevant fashions. Even though the passages are great and the overarching theme has to do with growing through suffering, this book is definitely not for the faint of heart. Cancer, depression, death, and other tragedies are described. Since they relate to family and friends that are real and not made up, the stories hit closer to home. Also, there are pictures included of both good times and bad that can pull at readers' heartstrings. Overall, this book has some great messages but definitely is not a book to read on a summer beach.

"Amy Inspired" by Bethany Pierce

2010-11-07T20:50:00.002-05:00

When I started reading this book, I was immediately sucked in. The characters are real and the tone is purposeful. Essentially, readers are taken into the mind of a thirty-year-old English professor (minus the tenure). She lives with quite a character that is her roommate in an apartment. Love is tied into the story but not in a graphic fashion. There is tension over relationships, but the book is not cheesy because it does not dwell on that. Whether this is a metaphor for how women should not dwell on men is another story. Regardless, the men in the book are always there but do not take up the whole story. Also, Pierce is careful to keep the book real while not making it shameful. In a sense, nothing is sugarcoated, but, at the same time, readers do not feel like the book should be on a Christian d0-not-read-list. Christianity is woven into the story in an honest way through the characters' eyes. There is grief in the story but not in a cliched manner. Women may like this book more than men, but, for the male readers, it will give them a glimpse into the female psyche that is surprisingly accurate. What's great about this book is that the story starts and ends after a while, but you realize that not many physical events happened; yet, you kept turning the pages. This is not easy for all writers to pull off, but Pierce does it. Also, there is a set of discussion questions at the end. As a book reviewer, I could have sped-read this book and still have gotten the gist of what happened. But I didn't and did not want to.

"Then Sings My Soul" by Robert Morgan

2010-11-05T14:30:00.003-04:00

This special edition book has 150 hymns in it. They are mostly Christmas and Easter songs, with some Thanksgiving and miscellaneous ones thrown in. The actual music is on the left page, and the description and history of the song is one the right page. This includes a Bible verse, which is nice for reflection. While the songs are not necessarily alphabetical, there is an organization to the book and many ways to look up songs both from the front and back of the book. Seeing as how the book is paperback and isn't huge, one needs extra books or some sort of clip to hold the pages down. The music is by no means a drawn out solo, but there is enough to hear the song. Notes for the left and right hand of piano are given. Lyrics are included, too. To test out this book, I went to a piano and played. The songs sound nice. Depending on one's denomination, some readers may only recognize a good portion of the Christmas songs and a few others. Still, the other songs have nice melodies and sincere words. Overall, I recommend this book to musicians--especially pianists--and hope Thomas Nelson offers more music books for review.

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