Max on Life
by Max Lucado
Let me first say that I really generally enjoy anything that Max writes, but this is not the type of book I would typically purchase for myself, nor is it a book I would purchase as a gift for someone.
It is a compilation of life questions regarding topics such as hope, hurt, help, him/her, home, haves/have-nots, and the hereafter. The questions are based on letters, emails, calls, questions etc from people like you and me. I think this would be a good read for an airplane flight or a road trip in the car - as it has short little question and answer chapters. Easy to pick up and put down. Although there is definite substance in the answers, I personally prefer the short stories used in Mr. Lucado's other books like No Wonder They Call Him the Savior.
Max's understanding of God's grace shines through his often unexpected, honest answers to some of the questions. I'm sure that these are the stand-out questions that Max has received repeatedly through his years of servanthood, and that weighed the most on his heart. I'm just not sure that it was worth writing an entire book for these questions. Perhaps they would have just as easily been answered on a blog or as an addendum to another book related to the topics.... just my opinion.
Disclaimer: I received this book form free from Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Jolt! Get the Jump on a World That's Constantly Changing by Phil Cooke
It's taken a lot of change in my life to force me to make time to read and review the books on my shelf. This one is written by Phil Cooke and is entitled Jolt! Get the Jump on a World That's Constantly Changing. It turned out to be just what I needed when I needed it.
This turns out to be a handbook for personal growth, change, decision making, and taking your dreams "off the shelf." Mr. Cooke helps you to weigh your options and think logically before making decisions. The premise of the book lies in the 25 Jolts he presents and the changes each one leads to. I enjoyed the unusual layout of the book, it added a bit more interest. There is nothing earth-shattering or ground-breaking here in this book, maybe it was that I read it when I NEEDED to read it - and that made it more productive for me in the midst of change that was forced upon me.
I love to use quotes and read quotes on a daily basis. This book is chock full of them. Sometimes I can glean more out of a quote than a whole chapter in a book. Mr. Cooke gives you a new perspective on change and how to deal with the consequences of the choices you make. He stresses the power of focusing on what you want to achieve, tossing habit out the window and being creative, and not mistaking loyalty for competence when you are relying on others.
I will be going back to re-read this book with a highlighter this week, and will be taking notes into my journal. There are ideas here I can stand on to carry me through this period of change in my life.
Disclaimer: I did receive this book free for review (good or bad) from Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.
This turns out to be a handbook for personal growth, change, decision making, and taking your dreams "off the shelf." Mr. Cooke helps you to weigh your options and think logically before making decisions. The premise of the book lies in the 25 Jolts he presents and the changes each one leads to. I enjoyed the unusual layout of the book, it added a bit more interest. There is nothing earth-shattering or ground-breaking here in this book, maybe it was that I read it when I NEEDED to read it - and that made it more productive for me in the midst of change that was forced upon me.
I love to use quotes and read quotes on a daily basis. This book is chock full of them. Sometimes I can glean more out of a quote than a whole chapter in a book. Mr. Cooke gives you a new perspective on change and how to deal with the consequences of the choices you make. He stresses the power of focusing on what you want to achieve, tossing habit out the window and being creative, and not mistaking loyalty for competence when you are relying on others.
I will be going back to re-read this book with a highlighter this week, and will be taking notes into my journal. There are ideas here I can stand on to carry me through this period of change in my life.
Disclaimer: I did receive this book free for review (good or bad) from Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.
Friday, September 16, 2011
The Final Summit by Andy Andrews
Okay, as a whole, The Final Summit by Andy Andrews was a fairly entertaining, quick read that held my attention decently enough. However, I am not sure that it lives up to the hype that he is the next C.S. Lewis, and I find his worldview to be questionable.
The "solution" to save the world (summed up in 2 words - which I won't divulge as a spoiler) ironically includes no mention of the true 'savior' Jesus Christ. I thought this a bit strange coming from a Christian publishing house. Perhaps this book is better viewed as an encouragement to persist, work hard, and be an honest person, as opposed to being a religious study or guide. It was interesting to see how Andrews used the gathering of historical characters in the summit to find the solution to saving the world.
Entertaining, yes. Great character building advice, maybe. Recommended for a quick read, but don't take it too seriously. Just my .02.
The "solution" to save the world (summed up in 2 words - which I won't divulge as a spoiler) ironically includes no mention of the true 'savior' Jesus Christ. I thought this a bit strange coming from a Christian publishing house. Perhaps this book is better viewed as an encouragement to persist, work hard, and be an honest person, as opposed to being a religious study or guide. It was interesting to see how Andrews used the gathering of historical characters in the summit to find the solution to saving the world.
Entertaining, yes. Great character building advice, maybe. Recommended for a quick read, but don't take it too seriously. Just my .02.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Review of The Velveteen Bible
I have mixed emotions about this sweet little Bible. If you are looking for a nice gift to present a new mom for their baby, something unique, then this might be a good choice for a keepsake gift. It comes in a gift box that exactly matches the front of the Bible, and it is also accented with velvet. The quality of the box is okay, but the spine of the box came unglued on the inside the first time I opened it... not a huge problem, just needs to be re-glued.
It is the New King James Version.... which is good and bad in my humble opinion. I think with the cover being so oriented towards a very young child, that it might have been an adapted Bible inside, but it's not. My 6 year old son does love this book, so perhaps not all is lost. There are some beautiful pieces of artwork in here too. If you could take them out, they might be worth framing. (Of course, this would destroy the book.)
So, don't expect this to be the "perfect" Bible for any child, but there is something here for multiple ages. I think it is most appropriate for a new baby gift, as it is decent quality and would make a very unique present. It would be cute displayed in a child's room too.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the Booksneeze bloggers review program in exchange for my honest opinion.
It is the New King James Version.... which is good and bad in my humble opinion. I think with the cover being so oriented towards a very young child, that it might have been an adapted Bible inside, but it's not. My 6 year old son does love this book, so perhaps not all is lost. There are some beautiful pieces of artwork in here too. If you could take them out, they might be worth framing. (Of course, this would destroy the book.)
So, don't expect this to be the "perfect" Bible for any child, but there is something here for multiple ages. I think it is most appropriate for a new baby gift, as it is decent quality and would make a very unique present. It would be cute displayed in a child's room too.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the Booksneeze bloggers review program in exchange for my honest opinion.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Review Of The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh
The Shelter of God's Promises is a fresh treatise on the promises of God and how He shelters you through them. It was a pleasure to be introduced to Sheila Walsh, as she is an invigorating, gifted writer. She covers topics such as provision, peace, confidence, love, and grace by utilizing stories from the Bible and relates them to you and your life today. She has a unique gift for seeing the reasons that the stories like the woman at the well and the unnamed, unclean woman at Capernaum are so relevant, and why they mattered at the time they happened. This book is full of substance.
Perhaps my favorite passage is this: "God keeps us not only to give us a future, but also to reflect his glory. He keeps His promises to us because He cannot help Himself." This is something so simple, yet profound - God keeps his promises to us because that is the NATURE of God. He can't break a promise. It isn't possible. Her knowledge of Greek and Hebrew make her interpretation of the Word clear. If you are struggling in your daily life with issues of faith, you should pick up this book. It will give you hope again in the sustaining promises of God.
(I recently received a complimentary copy of The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh from the publisher through BookSneeze in exchange for reviewing it.)
Perhaps my favorite passage is this: "God keeps us not only to give us a future, but also to reflect his glory. He keeps His promises to us because He cannot help Himself." This is something so simple, yet profound - God keeps his promises to us because that is the NATURE of God. He can't break a promise. It isn't possible. Her knowledge of Greek and Hebrew make her interpretation of the Word clear. If you are struggling in your daily life with issues of faith, you should pick up this book. It will give you hope again in the sustaining promises of God.
(I recently received a complimentary copy of The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh from the publisher through BookSneeze in exchange for reviewing it.)
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