Nonfiction

Review of The Delusion: We All Have Our Demons by Laura Gallier

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Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Fantasy/YA

Series: The Delusion, Book 1

Highly Recommended!

This novel is a powerful illustration of spiritual warfare, with a simultaneously engaging story.

Suicide has become an epidemic at Masonville High School. High school senior, Owen Edmonds has a strange encounter that allows him to see creepy creatures preying on his friends and family–binding them with shackles and chains, and manipulating their thoughts. Warning people about the unseen evil he sees makes things worse. Owen also encounters a girl who is different. While everyone else is in bondage, she is glowing. What does she have that the others are missing? And why aren’t the angelic beings that Owen also sees not always able to intervene? Owen searches for truth, while also becoming more engaged in the mystery and physical obstacles that surround him, and the impending threat which darkness is planning for his high school.

This is one of the best YA novels I’ve read. It addresses relevant struggles, while illuminating the very real spiritual battle behind the physical experience of depression and other negative thought patterns. There is freedom in knowing what we are fighting against, and receiving the truth in Jesus that brings life.

The writing is aimed at middle and high school students, and are books I would like my own kids to read. My only critique is that the end comes pretty abruptly, with much more to be addressed. I look forward to the other books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale.

 

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Review of Egypt’s Sister by Angela Hunt

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: The Silent Years

Highly Recommended!

In Alexandria, Egypt, Chava is a Jewish girl with a close relationship with the young Cleopatra, as her father is the royal tutor for the Ptolemy household. Believing God has destined her to be a blessing to Cleopatra when she becomes queen, Chava chooses not to marry, and seeks to serve Cleopatra at every possibility. However, this choice is more challenging than Chava could have anticipated, as Chava must choose between her faith and her position.

Angela Hunt is one of my favorite writers for Christian historical fiction. The historical details are smartly woven into the narrative, providing vivid insight into the worlds of Egypt and Rome, alongside an adventurous and heart-felt story of friendship, loyalty, godliness, and forgiveness.

This is not so much a story of Cleopatra, as it is of Chava’s sacrificial love for her friend. I love the depth of Chava’s character, and her determination to choose the difficult path of following God, rather than the comfort of marriage. While Chava’s life unravels very differently than she anticipates, God’s promises to her are met in surprising ways. The honesty of the story is encouraging, and well worth the read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Review of The Character Builder’s Bible: 60 Character-Building Stories from the Bible by Agnes and Salem de Bezenac

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Genre: Children’s Story Bible

Recommended.

Our family has several favorite children’s Bibles that we rotate through, and this is the one my kids are currently most excited about. The illustrations are perfect for young children, and the stories are simple enough that my seven-year-old can easily read them, and the perfect length to keep my five-year old’s attention.

Each Bible story is connected to a positive attribute (diligence, honesty, service, praise) or theme (peer pressure, salvation, Easter, Holy Spirit). The first two-page spread of each story includes a full-page illustration and concise biblical narrative, and the following two-pages provide the definition of the character trait or theme and a comic-style layout showing how the theme is relevant to children in daily life.

For instance, the story of Samuel hearing God’s voice is connected with “attentiveness,” with the everyday life illustration showing how to set aside quiet devotional time to hear God. The story of the friends carrying the paralyzed man to receive healing from Jesus emphasizes “friendship,” with the real life illustration portraying four examples of healthy friendship. And the story of Zacchaeus demonstrates an example of repentance: feeling sorry, asking for forgiveness, attempting to make it right, not repeating the wrong.

Some of the stories could be better connected with their theme, but have nevertheless provided opportunities for family discussion. Also, the emphasis of this book is on character-building through Bible stories, so this is probably not the best “Bible” for readers desiring a cohesive narrative of Scripture. Although there is a strong evangelical focus, with the basic details of the Gospel message presented in impressive directness and simplicity.

I most love the discussions that have come out of this book, especially of the various character traits. I also appreciate how it introduces new vocabulary, and enjoy that 43% of the stories (26 out of 60) come from the New Testament, as our family tends to spend more time in the Hebrew Bible.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Kids.

 

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Review of Keeping Faith in an Age of Reason by Jason Lisle

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Genre: Apologetics/Bible Resource

Recommended.

This is an excellent resource for addressing areas of confusion or criticism within the Bible.

Lisle begins by introducing common fallacies, then works through 420 alleged contradictions to show where Bible critics have faltered in their logic, and how the Scriptures in question actually fit together.

The biblical “contradictions” are arranged in thematic sections: Quantitative Differences, Names, Places, and Genealogies, Timing of Events, Cause and Effect, Differences in Details, and Yes or No Questions. It is also easy to search for specific chapters of the Bible, using the Scripture Index in the back.

A wide range of passages and concerns are addressed, ranging from details one might not consider (e.g. #49: For how much did David buy the threshing floor?, or #186: To whom were the cities of Exhtaol and Zoreah given?), to larger theological concerns (e.g. #185: Is circumcision required?, or #329: Is God the creator of evil?). Although many of the contradictions could be addressed more thoroughly (and to include theological variances within the Christian perspective), I really appreciate the succinctness and clarity of each point, and the focus on thinking through the logic of each criticism. The practice of critical thinking–both within and outside of one’s own perspective–is essential to having a strong foundation of faith; and this text allows readers to practice this skill.

Teens and adults who want to have a stronger grasp of apologetics will find this a helpful guide in affirming and defending their faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Master Books.

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Review of the 10 Minute Bible Journey by Dale Mason

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Genre: Family Devotional Bible

Highly Recommended!

I’ve been asked several times recently whether I have a favorite Bible devotional for homeschooling, and can tell that this is going to be our new favorite. It goes through the Bible from Creation to “Forever” in 52 stories of the biblical accounts, plus an additional 8 bonus sections on select topics, and a 2.5 foot fold-out timeline.

Each devotional can be realistically completed within 10 minutes (I timed myself reading a few of them, with an average of about 6 minutes each in my “mom” voice). They also include enough depth and detail to draw out into an extended conversation if preferred.

I most love: 1) the fantastic illustrations, 2) the Creationist/apologetics perspective, which even includes commentary on related issues such as the Ice Age, 3) the narrations and details within each story line (date ranges based on Ussher’s calculations, ages of characters at the times of each event, etc.) bring the accounts to life, 4) the historical chronology is thoroughly presented, even including the division of the Kingdom of Israel, 400 years of silence, and other stories that are often omitted from children’s Bibles like Isaiah’s ministry in the nude, King Josiah’s reign, and the stoning of Stephen, 5) controversial areas of theology such as the charismatic gifts, and eschatological perspectives are neutrally presented–everything follows the Bible pretty closely without adding to the story, and 6) reading the Bible itself is encouraged with a plan of daily Scripture reading, as well as footnotes for further study, and suggestions for using this devotional within a small group environment (including discussion questions).

I do have minor constructive feedback from a Messianic Jewish perspective: I do not love the word “convert” as used in the account of “The Conversion of Saul,” considering that his spiritual revelation opened him up to a born again experience, but not a new religion. He was more in line with the intentions of Judaism after recognizing Jesus as Messiah than beforehand in his legalism. Similarly, there is a negative widespread implication regarding the Pharisees. However, Paul considers himself a “Pharisee” even after becoming a Christian (Acts 23:6, Phil. 3:5), so the Pharisees are not “bad” in and of themselves, rather it was their hypocrisy and legalism that were problematic, leading them away from recognizing the Lord, rather than toward Him.

Overall, I’m very excited about this resource! You can find it at Master Books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from New Leaf Publishing.

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Review of Deep Under Cover by Jack Barsky

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Genre: Memoir

Recommended!

deep under coverDeep Under Cover is a very engaging memoir of an East German KGB agent who infiltrates the United States during the Cold War. The author details his early life in East Germany, his recruitment into the KGB, his complex personal relationships, his transformation into espionage and rebirth into the identity of American Jack Barsky, and eventually of the love that changed his world, drawing him toward a new physical and spiritual identity.

Jack’s story is both fascinating and touching. His perspective of each “side” during the Cold War is valuable. And it is clear throughout that the Lord continuously intervened on Jack’s behalf. He ends with focusing very directly on the mindset shift, which lead him into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His encounter with the FBI is also particularly interesting.

It’s amazing Jack was able to share his story so openly, regardless of what details may be missing as per each mission. Definitely worth reading!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Momentum.

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The Healing Breakthrough: Creating an Atmosphere of Faith for Healing by Randy Clark

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Genre: Charismatic/Healing

Recommended.

9780800797836

This is a great book on healing, especially for church leadership and healing within the local church setting. Randy Clark has a very relatable and accessible writing style, and describes some of the theology and challenges behind healing ministry, mixed with plenty of personal stories.

The first section details theological, social, and practical obstacles to healing, including Paul’s “thorn in the flesh,” hype and emotionalism, Cessationism, personal expectations, the “Word of Faith” movement, and other similar theological misbeliefs and perceptions. Each chapter is short and concise, which makes for a quick read of the most essential points on each topic.

The second section focuses on the practical ministry of healing, including the importance of the testimony, words of knowledge, the ways of God, the theology of faith, and, of course, many personal stories from ministry experience. I especially enjoyed reading the pieces about Randy’s doctoral research, and breakthroughs within his personal ministry.

I recommend this book as a practical, and beneficial, introduction to healing ministry in the local church and evangelistic setting. For healing theology, I would recommend instead some of the “classics” such as F.F. Bosworth’s Christ the Healer, which has had a huge impact on my own theology. But, Randy does an excellent job of summarizing some of the main issues that other theologians have addressed with more depth, in order to make these challenges accessible to the contemporary minister, church leader, and “lay” minister.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Chosen.

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Review of Distinctly You: Trading Comparison and Competition for Freedom and Fulfillment by Cheryl Martin

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Genre: Christian Living/Women’s Issues/Motivational

Recommended.

9780764215865This easy-to-read devotional style book encourages women to recognize and value the distinct calling God has placed on their lives, and to be grounded in the Lord, rather than pursuing comparison, jealousy, competition, and weighty personal expectations. The author shares candidly, in succinct chapters, from her own experiences in the areas of relationships (dating, marriage, and divorce), college and career pursuits, failures, and trusting God through every season.

This would be perfect reading material for young women undergoing a life transition (like high school or college graduation), for someone delayed in a desired transition (like the pursuit of marriage, or job), or for someone looking to build self esteem while connecting with God.

The content was engaging and Christ-focused throughout, although I did find myself loosing interest toward the end, partly because I am not currently in the situation of needing inspiration in these areas.

I enjoyed the way that Scripture was integrated alongside personal stories, and found the length of each devotional chapter ideal for quick, reflective reading, while the devotional questions were thoughtful and introspective.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Review of Colors of Goodbye: A Memoir of Holding On, Letting Go, and Reclaiming Joy in the Wake of Loss by September Vaudrey

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Genre: Memoir/Grief

Recommended!

goodbyeSeptember Vaudrey writes a beautiful memoir of the vibrant life of her daughter, Katie, who joined Jesus unexpectedly at age 19. She gracefully and honestly captures the depths and intersections of grief, joy, death, life, pain and love. There were also unexpected moments of suspense in seeing how God may have been working behind the scenes of this tragedy–His showing up in the most unconventional ways.

Katie was an artist, and some of her paintings/artwork are scattered throughout the book (including the front cover design, which is a rough draft of her newest work, shortly before her death). The book sections are also appropriately titled by meaningful paint colors, carrying on the depth of Katie’s artistic passion. The art and family pictures brought an added sense of connectedness to the Vaudrey family, and the treasure of Katie’s life.

This is a touching memoir. I love how September shows her grieving process within the perspective of the community, including how each family member needed to grieve differently, and how their extended family, church family, and community surrounded them in a manner that soothed them within their pain. This book is inspiring, hopeful, and life-giving.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Momentum.

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Review of Counted With the Stars by Connilyn Cossette

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Genre: Biblical Fiction/History/Romance

Series: Out of Egypt, Book 1

counted-with-the-stars-by-connilyn-cossette-1441229418Recommended.

Kiya was a wealthy Egyptian, engaged to be married, when her father lost everything–selling her into slavery where she was no longer a good match for her fiancé. In slavery she becomes friends with a Hebrew girl, and experiences the plagues and Exodus from Egypt from the unique worldview of an outsider.

The historical foundation of this fictionalized account is very good; and the perspective is very interesting. The portion of the story when the Hebrews cross the sea, and their time in the wilderness is particularly well done. I was less impressed with the plagues, and found much of the narrative (especially the beginning and very end) to move too slowly, even though the content is solid.

I also could have done without the romance, which felt a bit cliché–although maybe this is what people want? The story could have been stronger by focusing more on the friendship, identity issues, and religious experience of the women without the distraction of finding Kiya a suitable mate.

I loved the fresh perspective of the Exodus, which brought the biblical story to life.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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