Nonfiction

Review of The Power that Changes the World: Creating Eternal Impact in the Here and Now by Bill Johnson

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Genre: Christian Living/Charismatic Interest

Recommended!

9780800796860I have read and enjoyed several of Bill Johnson’s books, but this may be one of my new favorites.

Inspired by the story of Solomon, Bill teaches how godly wisdom can change the atmosphere. His encouragement that the church bring heaven to earth to influence the world is similar to his other teachings; but many of his insights regarding the nature and manifestation of wisdom in our lives are fresh and revolutionary.

I particularly loved how Bill connects wisdom to beauty, excellence, and integrity. He mentions, for instance, that when Queen Sheba visited King Solomon she proclaimed how she saw God through the seemingly mundane aspects of Solomon’s household like the attire and service of his servants, the food on his table, and the appearance of his entryway. (1 Kings 10:3-9). How interesting that she would have specifically mentioned recognizing God through these things, while also having sat at the king’s feet to receive wisdom and understanding!

I similarly enjoyed Bill’s interpretation of the passages that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He explains that salts primary purpose is not to preserve but to bring flavor; thus Christians should bring flavor to the world by exuding the Lord’s wisdom and character from within. Being the light of a city of refuge within the world is likewise essential.

This book gave me a new understanding of what wisdom looks like, and the power it has to bring influence when it is properly employed. It is a relevant and life-giving encouragement to activate the wisdom of God to “minister” through action in whatever sphere or profession that God has called us.

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

 

 

 

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Review of Mind of Her Own by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

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Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Recommended.

Mind-of-Her-Own7Louisa and Collin Copeland are struggling in their marriage. Then a kitchen accident causes Louisa to wake up in the hospital with amnesia and an alter identity. With her memory gone, Louisa no longer identifies as a trophy wife and mother of three. Instead she believes she is Jazz Sweet–a renowned romance writer from Florida. This disruption of their normal lives allows both Louisa/Jazz and Collin to re-discover who they are, independently and in marriage, and to bring healing to the past in moving forward to a more lively future.

This fun narrative explores deep pain and real issues while managing to keep the tone uplifting, inspiring, and even humorous. The mystery surrounding Louisa’s dissociative personality is a bit predictable, but also realistic and healing. I enjoyed reading about how this fictitious couple reinvented their marriage while learning to live authentically and fully as themselves.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

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Review of Ghost Boy: The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body by Martin Pistorius

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Genre: Memoir

Recommended.

_225_350_Book.1001.coverAt twelve, Martin contracted an illness that left him debilitated–unable to speak, move, or thrive on his own. His family continued to care for him, but did not realize he was aware of his surroundings. Then a care-giver changed his life by treating him like a person, believing in him, and helping him connect with an opportunity to learn to speak using technology. Now he shares his touching journey of having been very much awake and alert as a “ghost boy” within his unresponsive body. He pieces together his memories, sharing his strength in overcoming obstacles to re-enter the world by learning to communicate, gaining independence, and finding love.

This is a touching memoir, and insightful coming-to-age story, from one who has overcome so much adversity. Martin openly shares of being abused (verbally, physically, and sexually) in some of the special needs institutions that he spent time in over the years. He also shares of overhearing family members complain about the burden of caring for him, and of the many difficulties of being respected and noticed within the “real world” as a special needs adult. His positive attitude throughout it all is inspiring, as is the way he speaks of God as an ever-present companion in the years when the outside world could not recognize the life and intelligence of his active spirit.

I found parts of the narrative hard to follow as it is not always chronological and felt jumbled at times. The writing itself also varies between very engaging, and not-so-much. Overall though, it is a blessing that Martin can now share his story. He and his wife Joanna are both strong and inspiring individuals, and Martin’s perspective gives new meaning to what it means to be alive.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.

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Review of A.D. The Bible Continues: The Revolution that Changed the World by Dr. David Jeremiah

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Genre: General Christian/Biblical History

Recommended.

revolutionthatchangedtheworld This is an interesting book in that it is based on the NBC show A.D. The Bible Continues (which I have not seen). It reads like a devotional commentary on the book of Acts (prefaced by a quick introduction of the Old Testament, and two chapters on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus to set the scene). Each chapter highlights stories that capture the human element of the Christian revolution along with commentary that connects to the contemporary audience.

I think this could be a helpful and interesting source for new/young believers to visualize the historical context of scripture (or anyone who is unfamiliar). There is basic theology included here and there, which I felt was well balanced for a multi-denominational Protestant audience. And the devotional feel and personal insight into the disciples’ stories presents a very relatable and readable perspective. I also like the scattering of side-notes, which address interesting topics.

Overall, this is a pretty good overview of select moments from Acts, and I recommend it to those new to biblical history–especially teenage believers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

 

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Review of The Ancient Path: Old Lessons from the Chruch Fathers for a New Life Today by John Michael Talbot

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Genre: Christian Living/Catholic

Not Recommended.

61pWSbMbvHL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_I am slightly biased against this book in that I am not Catholic, and do not always love the church fathers (due to the anti-Semitism and theologies of some of them). But I was excited to read this none-the-less since I actually do love church history (even in some of its ugliness), and was hoping to develop a stronger knowledge of the church fathers, and greater appreciation for the Catholic portion of the Body of Messiah and their traditions.

The Ancient Path was not as I expected as it is more of a personal memoir that weaves in the theologies and teachings of the church fathers and contemporary mentors of the author, rather than disclosing pure history. I did learn some things, although I would not recommend this as a resource to gain knowledge of the church fathers or history. The sub-title is misleading on this point. It is actually not about the church fathers or church history at all, but rather a poetic and emotional journey to connect to God through the Catholic experience (based on a loose foundation of the Catholic fathers).

It is beautifully written, yet it was hard for me to connect with the writing–probably due to my very different spiritual perspective, and also in that it was so unlike my expectations that I had trouble knowing where the story was going or what to get out of it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Blogging for Books from Image Books.

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Review of Bible Dominoes

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Genre: Children’s Games

Recommended.

unnamed (1)Bible Dominoes is similar to “regular” dominoes except that it uses thick cardboard cards, which have colors, patterns, numbers, and Bible story characters/animals drawn on each card half. There is consistency between the images. For instance, purple with a circle pattern could be zero, 0, or a blank; orange with a tear drop pattern is one, 1, or a single Bible story image; violet/blue with a wave pattern is two, 2, or two Bible images, and so forth. One at a time the players place down a new domino to match the ends of the images together.

There is also a little booklet that came with the game of quick summaries of some of the Bible stories. Our family was not too excited by this. The kids were already familiar with the stories, and just wanted to play the game. But the pictures on the cards do match the pamphlet, so it is helpful to read it to tell apart the different renditions of the characters. This also creates the connection between pictorial dominoes and Bible-specific dominoes. That is, how much the game reflects the Bible is in the parenting/teaching style of involvement. There could be more depth to this, but I like the open-endedness of being able to share the Bible stories in my own way with this as a prop.

FullSizeRender (2)My kids do like playing with the dominoes. My five year old (who was four when we received the game a few months ago) said, “Mom, I think this game is a little easy for me.” But he asks to play it nevertheless, and has a good time helping his younger brother, as well as asking many questions about the various characters and pictures.

My two and a half year old enjoys playing this even more. He is at the perfect age to find the game both fun and challenging. He is great at matching by color, but sometimes confused with recognizing the matching numbers as well, which provides a great learning opportunity. The cards are also big enough and sturdy enough not to be easily bent or broken by toddlers.

I received a complimentary copy of this game from Kregel Publications.

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Review of The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

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Genre: Futuristic/Dystopian

Series: A Seer Novel, Book 1

Recommended.

The Choosing is set in a futuristic, dystopian society where a perverse version of legalistic “Christianity” dictates the land, and each member has a life-long role and function in the community. For young women, like heroine Carrington Hale, the highest goal is to be “Chosen” in marriage; and to fail to catch the attention and be chosen by a mate points to the utmost personal failure and a lifetime serving as a “Lint” (social outcast and blue collar laborer). Carrington’s failure is especially surprising, and leads her into a journey of personal discovery as she encounters rebels to the state faith, then finds herself in one unexpected position after another.

I love this genre, and the faith and identity issues that the characters and narrative address. The theme of finding God’s love is at the heart of the story, and I cannot think of any subject more important or more difficult to express.

Considering that this is Rachelle Dekker’s debut novel, I think it came together very well. I did find the plot a bit predictable, and would have liked more development of the characters. The “seer” aspect of the book was also very subtly introduced, but intrigues me. Since this is the name of series, I look forward to seeing how that unfolds in the coming novel(s).

My final criticism is that the alternative “rebellious” spiritual movement seems a little “New Agey” to me–riding the line between truth and the possibility of being misinterpreted as the characters emphasized the truth within themselves without a strong focus on God’s part in the redemptive process. Nevertheless I was caught up in the writing, and enjoyed the unfolding of Carrington’s self-reflection in recognizing who she is, and that her identity is not tied to what she does, rather who she is according to her Father God. This is a message we all need; and, I think, would be especially powerful for teens.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

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Review of Finding Me by Kathryn Cushman

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Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Recommended.

22504485When Kelli Huddleston’s father and step mother are killed in a car accident, she discovers amongst her father’s things that nothing is as she thought. He had been hiding newspaper clippings and other evidence of a man and his one year old daughter who had been missing after a boating accident and declared dead, and she realizes he had faked their deaths, and that–contrary to the story he had told her of her past–her mother and siblings may still be alive. Set on finding the truth about who she is, Kelli travels from her California home to the South to unobtrusively check out her family as a stranger, and to discover herself all over again.

This is an introspective novel, with a captivating storyline and characters. The suspense is in watching the known elements of the narrative unfold, while reflecting on issues of identity, life, and how to respond appropriately within interesting circumstances. I appreciated the emotional depth of the writing, and found myself learning more about myself through the reading experience.

I also thought the spiritual aspects of the story were particularly strong–touching but not overdone. There is also a bit of light romance, although this was not a major theme.

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

 

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Review of Facing the Blitz: Three Strategies for Turning Trials into Triumphs by Jeff Kemp

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Genre: Christian Living/Inspirational

Highly Recommended.

517cDPZI7BL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_Retired NFL quarterback, Jeff Kemp, shares wisdom and encouragement about facing life’s trials using metaphors and wisdom from his football career and experience. He focuses especially on the biblical principle of gaining a right mindset, which will then influence our thoughts, actions, interactions, and choices. And I also greatly appreciated his wisdom on investing in others and choosing to be team oriented rather than focusing on oneself by consuming.

As Kemp details each of his tips for success in life, he shares personal stories full of wisdom, followed by very practical self reflection and application. This book is truly motivational, without the “fluff” that some inspirational books have, and I felt that the activities and reflective questions were helpful and right on point.

As I have been battling through my own (health) blitzes, I have been hearing God prompting me toward many of the same things Kemp highlighted. For instance, recognizing that I can trust God and can choose to change my perspective to His perspective by accepting where I am now, and letting Him take me forward into the new things He would have for me, rather than focusing in grief on the past things and dead dreams, which are out of my control. I found so much of this book personally encouraging and life-giving, even if some of it I had heard before (whether through my own athletic experience, or through spiritual teachings). There truly is something healing about being able to focus on the solution (Jesus, and what He is doing), rather than the problems and needs at hand.

I also loved Kemp’s application of recognizing the family unit as a team, whereas each spouse chooses to invest in each other and their children. He expresses these truths simply, boldly and practically; and I think any football fan or athlete would relate well to his analogies.

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

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Review of Too Many to Jail: The Story of Iran’s New Christians by Mark Bradley

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Genre: History/Politics/Church Growth/Christian Life

Recommended.

Too-Many-to-Jail-196x300This book details the rapid rise of Christianity in Iran, particularly showing the spiritual hunger and growth of the house church movement with identity-protected stories of courageous converts from Islam, persecution, and other aspects of the Iranian house church experience. There is also a great deal of history of Iran’s Islamic political and religious atmosphere, and how this environment has ironically influenced many to look toward Christianity.

This book is well researched and extremely informative, while also being easy and enjoyable to read. The author writes from a balanced perspective that is consistent with the other Middle Eastern Christian voices that I have heard over the years. He reveals how the citizens of Iran have responded to the actions of their country, and why they have the spiritual desire and courage to risk everything to leave the religion of their heritage and join the dangerous movement of house-church Christianity. How is it that the church grows the most under some of the severest persecution?

I was encouraged to read of the amazing things going on among Iran’s new Christians, and hope this book will inspire many in the western world to pursue radical faith as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications.

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