Saturday, October 22, 2011

The Book of Man

I am a big fan of William Bennett, and his writing. I think that "Book of Man" is a good book to give to a young man or even a grown man. I decided to read this just out of sheer curiousity, and love for Mr. Bennett's work. This book is a delightful compilation of stories of men of distinction from all walks of life throughout history - warriors, writers, philosophers, and leaders. Bennett selected the cream of the crop for this compilation, from the likes of Ronald Reagan to William the Conquerer. These stories cover a broad range of topics such as play and sports, war, work, prayer, and women. The book is broken up into sections for each topic, and within each topic is a broad range of stories and biographical profiles befitting of each subject. The stories are inspiration, uplifting, and motivating. The people that Bennett chooses to profile are all role models in one way or another for young men, and I think this book would make a great gift for an adolescent, or even high school or college graduate. It combines the great men throughout history, and challenges a young man to live up to a standard. I would give this book 5/5.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

Nearing Home

Nearing Home is Billy Graham's latest book, and geared toward older adults. The book's main focus is aging, and remembering the purposefulness of your life remains. The book discusses practical subjects such as wills, retirement, and finances that are pertinent, as well as retelling stories from his past. The book does a good job in reminding people that as they age, it is important to remember that God still has a purpose for you, as once your purpose is fulfilled your life is over. I think this book would make a good gift for an elderly parent or grandparent, or even for middle aged people. I think Graham did a good job of putting together a book with stories and bible references to aging as well as incorporating some of the important aspects of aging and retiring. I would recommend this book to older adults, and would give it 4/5. 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The God Pocket

"The God Pocket" is an interesting take on giving when prompted by the Spirit. I think it offers up some neat ideas, and really opens up our charitable giving to God's demand. The book proposes putting aside a certain amount of money, to be given to people when you feel the prodding of the Spirit. Putting the money aside ahead of time is a good idea, as it emotionally detaches us from thinking it's ours to spend. I think in the current economic times, it might be hard for people to be able to set extra money aside to do this, as most people are living paycheck to paycheck. But, I think that for those who can, they could really help bring someone closer to God through their finances. A small action, such as giving a struggling family a small amount of money, can show them that God cares, and is reaching out to them. I liked the whole premise of the book, and think that it was interesting. I would give this book a 3/5.

 FTC DISCLAIMER: “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Heaven is for Real for Kids

I was really impressed by the e-book of "Heaven is for Real for Kids" by Colton Burpo. I was a little concerned about how the book would convey Colton's story without it being scary for a young child. Upon reading the e-book, though, they tastefully tell Colton's story and give wonderful details of his trip to Heaven in a way that can make a child look forward to seeing it themselves, and without scaring them. The e-book is beautifully illustrated with vivid pictures. The language is child-appropriate, and it tells the story simply. Each pages tells about something that Colton saw in Heaven, accompanied by a bible verse that correlates what he saw, reaffirming Colton's descriptions. It's really very interesting, and I would recommend it to anyone with a young child. Appropriate for children 3 and up, in my opinion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

"The Voice" New Testament




I was very excited to receive a copy of "The Voice" New Testament. This is a version of the New Testament, but it is written almost as if it is a play. Each person is identified, and their names preceed what they are saying. I really liked how it was written, because I find it much easier to follow, and makes it feel like you are reading a play, going action by action through the book. The text itself follows the New Testament, and you can look up verses just as you would in a traditional Bible, which I like. The wording is easy to understand, but yet it stays true to the traditional interpretation of the Bible. The first page of each chapter offers information or a backstory about that chapter or the person who wrote that chapter. Each chapter offers several short questions or information/thoughs relevant to what happened, and it really helps you connect with the biblical messages of that chapter. I really liked this version of the New Testament, and I would highly recommend it to those who have a hard time following a traditional Bible easily. Loved it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Heroes & Villains of the Bible

I recently downloaded "Heroes & Villains of the Bible" in ebook format. I have a young daughter, and was interested to see if it would be something that I could read with her. Obviously, I would much rather she look up to heroes of the Bible than some of the "role models" that are out there today. I liked the book, but think that it would be better for an older age group than my daughter. I would suggest 7 or 8 years old and up. While the cover of the book suggests it is a "boy book", it actually follows more than just men of the Bible. I liked that they included some female characters, such as Ruth and Delilah. The book reads as a Bible, albeit the children's version, so it isn't like a traditional bible story book. Each chapter offers a thought or discussion to help your child connect with the reading. It also offers up a short moral of the reading. I liked that it helps the child get involved in the story. The readings are taken from a small percentage of the Bible, from the books of: Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 1 Kings, Esther, Daniel, Jonah, Luke, Matthew, John, Mark, and Acts. Not such a great read for smaller children, but definitely great for boys or girls who are a little bit older.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

Just In Case You Ever Wonder



"Just In Case You Ever Wonder" by Max Lucado is an adorable children's book! As a parent, I think it is super important to let my child know that I am always there, no matter what life throws at them. Max Lucado puts that reassurance into words in this book - it is a super cute reminder to children that we love them, and will always be here for them, just in case they ever wonder. The book also touches on how much God loves them, and what a wonderful place Heaven is. I think that this book was well written, and Lucado was very aware of the audience he was writing for. The book does a great job of talking about Heaven without really getting into the topic of death, which can be really scary to a young child. I have a three year old, and think this book was written so it was easy for her to understand, and follow. I would recommend this book for children ages 2-7. The illustrations are cute, and simplistic. Great book for young children!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

Sunday, October 2, 2011

When God Whispers Your Name



"When God Whispers Your Name" by Max Lucado is a fantastic book. I was really looking forward to receiving this book because of Lucado's impressive reputation. I had never picked up any of his books before, so was really intrigued to finally read his work. "When God Whispers Your Name" is a fantastic book in which Lucado incorporates biblical truths into the everyday lives of people like you and I. Tying modern day people and stories to occurrences from biblical times like an absolute master, Lucado incorporates stories of the likes of Moses and Abraham and shows how those stories are still relevant today, and how God is still working through us today. Lucado inspires his audience like no other writer I've read from. "When God Whispers Your Name" makes you really feel like no matter what is going on in your life, it is for God's purpose. He draws fantastic parallels between famous biblical men and modern day man in an exceptional effort to show us that fundamentally, God hasn't changed, and that no matter what we are experiencing in our own lives, there is a purpose. Even when we don't understand the situation we are in, just as Moses probably didn't understand his own situation, in the end, there is a purpose and it is one that is of the Creator. I loved this book, and would recommend it to anyone who might need a little encouragement (and really, who doesn't?)!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

Bible Stories for Preschoolers



Bible Stories for Preschoolers is a super cute children's book of bible stories. I have a three year old daughter, and was really excited for this book to come so we could read it together. The stories aren't too long - a few pages per story, which makes it easy to read her a few before bed each night. I really appreciated that the stories use simple, easy to understand language, and the stories were all appropriate for young children. The illustrations in the book are vibrant and beautiful. Another nice feature of this book is the "Family Time" sections that appear occassionally throughout the book. There are three prompts, called "Talk", "Do", and "Remember". The "Talk" section offers up questions to ask your child about the stories they are reading. The "Do" section offers up an easy to do activity that is relevant to the story, as well. The "Remember" section offers a bible verse for the child to commit to memory. I really liked this part of the book, as it really helps you to discuss and get your child involved in the stories, and the bible verses are all short and easy to remember, and are easily understood by a young child. Overall I would give this book a 5/5. If there is a young child in your family, I would highly recommend buying this book - it would make for a great Christmas or birthday gift, as well. Loved it!

 FTC DISCLAIMER: “I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishing for this review”.