Book Review

I haven't done a book review in awhile, but this one needs to be reviewed.

This book...The Girl With No Name...is a must read.  They say, "life is better than fiction" and "you can't make this stuff up", well both of those truly fit here.  This is a story of a little girl growing up in Columbia, getting kidnapped, living with monkeys for years, coming into contact with humans, a brothel, and on and on.  Seriously, a page turner.  The fact that she made it out of one situation after another is a testiment of her whit, ability to adapt and intelligence.  She makes jungle living among a troop of monkeys desirable.  Her view of humans is rightly jaded and yet her heart stays trusting.

If you are looking for a great read, check The Girl With No Name out.

Books vs. eBooks

I love to read.
The majority of my reading I do in bed before I sleep.  It helps me go to sleep.
I am not an avid reader, but the librarians do know my name.

Here's what I am reading right now.

I was given a Kindle for my birthday.
This was not something I even asked for, or honestly, wanted.
I was just given a new Kindle
But I gave it a try.
I like it, but I still LOVE books.

What I like about the Kindle:
*All of the free books you can get.  (and that is ALL I have gotten.)
*You can conveniently take it anywhere with you.
*It is light to hold in bed.
*You can surf the store right there, though it is easier on an actual pc.
*You can take notes, bookmark, see the definition right there.
*All of your books are stored right there.

Cons:
*For cookbooks you need to real deal.
*I really like the feel of books.
*I can check out most of the books I want at our library for free.
*I like the stack of books on my bedside dresser.
*I like the sound of turning a paper page.
*The pages/chapters are much more clearly defined in a real book.
*It is easier to go back to a page with a real book.

I am thankful for getting the Kindle and will continue to use it, but old school books still get my vote.

love and respect

remember i told you that our pastor gave these out at our valentine's dinner?
well, i want to give you an update.

i am going to be totally honest here.
reading another marriage book was a mixed bag for me.
i have read and read marriage books, with and without the desired results.
but i want the best for our marriage and what our pastor said was interesting.

the first couple of chapters where a struggle.
for me the concept of respect (biblical respect) is new to me.
while i thought i act pretty respectful, it was clear that i had my work cut our for me.

let me be clear that my hubby well deserves me respect, so anything i say does not diminish that.
for me, the type of respect that was being laid out for me in the book triggered thoughts/fears of being a doormat (covered in the book).
i did not/do not want to totally lay who i am down and be, how can i put this?, well, a doormat is just going to have to do.
the examples of people did these things were, almost too good to be true.  like i'm thinking, not with me/him/our marriage.

the first chapters were frustrating me, so i jumped ahead in the book to the c-h-a-i-r-s chapters for the wives.
i figured if respecting your husbands is in the bible then i better learn what it is and how to do it.
*side note-there was much prayer being dome on my part for a heart to "get it".*
these chapters were more of a help.
God softened my heart as well.
i was still not too sure how to put this new respect thing into play, but i was willing to try.

then about a month later (i am still not done with the book yet) hubby starts reading it.  (if it doesn't have a deer, elk, or food on the cover he is probably not going to read it.)  after a few days we go out to "talk".
long story short, i can see a difference.
i am also SO glad that he is willing to work on our marriage too.

while i still have MUCH to learn and change my thinking/reacting on, i am encouraged.

From Blah to Awe

While this book was written for teenage girls, I found it to be inspiring and convicting.  In a nutshell, From Blah to Awe by Jenna Lucado Bishop is about why we as christian (mainly girls) are/get bored with God and our relationship with Him and how to waken up that joy and excitement.  I have to admit that I have been guilty of being bored, more often then I'd like to admit,  myself.  Guilty of letting sin, my own desires get in the way of having the relationship with God He intended.

Jenna, like her father, honestly covers the topics that many teen girls (more for church girls) struggle with.  Using real life stories, humor, personal hang ups and situations,  Jenna pulls the readers into her book with every chapter.  Her "sitting down to coffee" way of writing makes you feel like you know her and can trust her. 

Some of her examples where, to me, a little "cheesy", but then again I am not who her main audience is.  That being said, other then my pet peeve (not using mostly KJV when quoting the Bible), Jenna's book is a wonderful read.  It is encouraging to know that other people, other churches feel. preach, teach some of the same things that we do.  Encouraging that teen girls are challenged and encouraged to step it up, step out of their comfort zone, to really fall in love with Jesus.

On a closing note, I offered the book to my teenage daughter.  She declined, so I am going to offer it to another girl in our church who's face kept popping up as I read the book. 

Healing is a Choice

Healing Is a Choice 10 Decisions That Will Transform Your Life and 10 Lies That Can Prevent You From Making Them

By Steve Arterburn
Published by Thomas Nelson

Have you ever heard the saying, "Eat the meat and spit out the bones"?  This applies to this book.  Fortunately, there was more meat than bones.  I was pleasantly delighted and helped reading Healing is a Choice.  While I skipped through some of the "bones", many of the chapters had down to earth and sound spiritual guidance.

Here's what I liked about the book: the completeness of it.  By that I mean, it comes with a worksheet, prayer, review, etc. at the end of each chapter.  It can be used by ones self or in a group setting.  It was well written and easy to understand.  It had plenty of scripture.  It just really made sense and was basic enough to follow through.

What I didn't like: I really wished more of the scriptures were New King James Version.  Call me old school, but to me, that is almost always the best version.  While I do understand the need, to me, there were too many "suggestions" to seek professional help.  The Blood of Jesus was never mentioned as a source of healing.  If it was I missed it. 

This is a wonderful book for those seeking healing, emotionally, spiritually, physically or for those who want to be reminded of God's grace, and some of the basic principals of Christianity.

Fresh Brewed Life-Review

Man oh, man...am I late on reviewing this book.  Coffee, it tastes good, smells good and makes you feel good, right.  Just walking into a coffee shop can make your day better.  Books can do the same, make you feel good, take you to other places, awaken your senses.  So, when I agreed to review this book I hoped it would be like drinking a fresh cup of sweet cream flavored coffee while reading a good book, but as another reviewer put it, "it was a little like drinking that lukewarm cup of coffee you seem to never finish because of kids and chores." (partial quote from Angela Cook) 

For me a good cup of coffee is freshly brewed, iced, most days, some autumn harvest or caramel flavoring added and sweetened with a bit of splenda.  I like to drink it slow and savor the flavor, make the moment last.  A good book makes you think, makes you want to drink that late night coffee to stay up and read it.  Unfortunately Fresh Brewed Life was too much fluff and not enough coffee, or in this case spiritual depth.  Nicole Johnson had too many coffee analogies for my taste.  When I read spiritual books I want to be convicted, be encouraged to press on, to grow and get closer to God.  Unfortunately Fresh Brewed Life was more like ordering a Caramel Macchiato Frappe without whipped cream and paying for coffee on ice.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Billy Graham in Quotes

By Franklin Graham
Published by Thomas Nelson

Billy Graham in quotes you say?  I will read almost anything by/about Billy Graham or his wife.  To have him in quotes is very handy.  The book is formatted in a very organized fashion.  These quotes are nicely put under categories for easy reference.  You could look up a number of topics to read what Mr. Graham thought.  Gleaning from his knowledge of the Bible, his life experience and heart for people was inspiring, convicting and good reminders. 

This was a book I would read a bit here and there, letting his words sink in.  It is a perfect coffee table book or bedside table for quick reference.  The cover is handsomely done as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker

Money Secrets of the Amish

Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving
By Lorilee Craker
Published by Thomas Nelson

Honestly, I am still reading this book.  (I couldn't wait to write the review.)  Though I will probably finish it tonight, for sure by the time this post is out.  Anyway, I loved this book.  I liked everything about it, from the cover photo to the funny humor that made a usually sensitive, boring topic, money, enjoyable.  This will be the easiest review to write thus far.

I got this book to review because, hey, I, we could always learn a few more money tips.  Also, because the Amish people intrigue me.  Let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed.  The author, Lorilee Craker writes in such a fashion that you feel like living thrifty is completely do-able, fun and hip at the same time.  I would consider myself a thrifty person already.  So some of the Amish ways went right along with mine.  Some ideas confirmed my beliefs and others made the light come on.

Thrifting, yard saleing, repurposing is something that I find fun, like going on a treasure hunt.  Just today I found a Liz & Co. handbag (yellow) virtually new for a fraction of the store bought price at my favorite thrift store along with some other clothes for our daughter.  I couldn't help but smile, knowing that Lorilee, Bishop and the rest of the Amish would be proud.  I also found myself telling my hubby, who is waiting for me to finish the book so he can read it, "You just saved yourself such and such amount of money.  Right into your pocket baby."  Something like that.
Think living on a budget, shopping at resale stores is the pits, read this book and you may just think spending all of that unnecessary money is the pits.  I am going to be keeping this one on our bookshelf for sure and probably loaning it out as well.

Disclosure: This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing through BookSneeze.com. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Max on Life by Max Lucado

Max On Life

Answers and Inspiration for Today's Questions
By Max Lucado
Published by Thomas Nelson

I have to admit I have never read any of Max Lucado's books before, and he sure has a lot.  So, it was out of curiousity that I agreed to review his newest book Max on Life.  It was a very fast read.  I can  see why people love his books so much.  His book covers a great deal of questions and topics.  The subjects are conveniently broken into chapters.  Max also approaches each question as if he were talking the to person directly.

Having said that, I have to be honest.  While the book wasn't all that bad,  it just didn't "do" much for me.  I can see how it is helpful to new believers or non-believers, and those who may not get thorough preaching in their church.  While Max was gracious in his answers, I felt he could have been a bit more direct in some of them.  I honestly was hoping for more depth to the answers.  I also felt there were some theology that was a bit off.  If you are looking for a book that will truly guide and direct you to a deeper walk with God, then this is really not the book.  If you are looking for a coffee table book or conversation starter, then go and grab yourself one.

Coming up with two hundred words to use in this review is a bit hard.  Like I said it wasn't a "bad" book, just wish it had more depth.  Max on Life didn't dampen my curiosity about Max Lucado and his other books.  I may check more out one of these days.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

In Front of God and Everyone by K.D. McCrite

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 10, 2011)
Language: English
Retail Price: $9.99

"Boy, oh boy", this book was a fun, light-hearted read. 
While this story about April Grace and the life around her started off on the wrong foot with me, it wound up to be a good, feel-good book.  What I didn't like was the back and forth bickering between April and her older sister Myra.  As a mom of a teen and a tween I can completely relate to April and her view on life.  Also, as a christian, I felt some of the christian beliefs a bit stretched.

I found the characters to be very full of personality.  The author did a fantastic job of bringing them to life.  April has an honest eye for good and bad in people.  If this were a melodrama you can hear the boos and hisses when the bad guys comes out and the claps and cheers for the good folks. 

This book breaks down stereotypes and pride.  Though this wasn't a very deeply moral book, you do get the just of the book.  Which is to treat everyone kind, and to watch out for old men who smell of "Old Spice".  (Do get it?  Read the book.)  Would I let my kids read this, probably.  Would I encourage them to, no.  Am I interested in reading the sequel?  I think I would.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Pujols, More Than the Game

Pujols

More Than the Game
By Scott Lamb, Tim Ellsworth
Published by Thomas Nelson


I have to admit up front, I was so excited to receive my first book to review.  After opening the package what was the first thing I did?  Look for photos.  I am nosey and love to "see" people.  However, I didn't let the lack of photos hinder me.  I dove right into the book.  The forward grabbed me.  The descriptive writing helped me to forgot that there were no photos.  You could feel, hear and see the crack of the baseball on the bat and the sights and sounds that surround baseball.  Which as a baseball fan I love.  I did get a bit lost, and ended up skipping a lot of the numbers and stats.  Albert Pujols is a great ball player, one of the best, point well stated.  However, I did feel the number of examples was a bit much.

What I wanted to know was who Pujols is as a person.  I had heard that he is a Christian and was drawn to this fact alone.  There, for the most part, the book did not disappoint.  I loved knowing that there still are people, couples who can live right, in that type of atmosphere.   I have also recently gained new insight into the life of having a down syndrome child.  Albert's tenderness for children with the extra magical  chromosome is very catchy and tender.  By that fact alone I can see why he has endured himself to a countless number of children and people. 

Overall, the book wasn't bad.  I really wish I could give it a better review.  To sum it up: if you are into all of the numbers and stats that make up baseball, you'll love this book.  If you are into good stories of good people, making a stand in the world where there aren't many, then you should read this book.  If you like to read about Christians walking the walk and talking the talk, then read this book.

Now I am off letting a friend of mine (who is a BIG Pujols fan) read the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”