Recommended Reading

Review of Night of the Living Dead Christian by Matt Mikalatos

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Genre: Allegorical Fiction/Satire/Spiritual Growth

Highly Recommended!

I’m not sure how to describe Night of the Living Dead Christian except that it’s full-on satire, very unique, and very good. Mikalatos mixes elements of fiction and non-fiction, and even includes himself as a character within the story. The story follows lycanthropic (werewolf) Luther Ann Martin as he discovers what it means to be a Christian and how to become free of his animalistic tendencies. Vampires, mad scientists, an android and a congregation of zombies are also woven into the narrative.

Each of the monsters or monstrous conditions represent various problems or tendencies within human nature, and through this, Mikalatos demonstrates the process of salvation and reveals much about the state of the church. There is a congregation of zombies, for instance, that do not think for themselves and act just like their leader. They run around proselytizing, stuffing headphones of podcasts into their victim’s ears, and trying to eat their victim’s brains. I’ve met this sort of creature; perhaps you have too.

Sometimes it takes imagining the world in fantastic terms to understand the reality; I love how Mikalatos mixes both realms outright. There is also an excellent Discussion Guide and Self-Diagnosis Guide to Common Monstrosities in the back of the book, which would be really fun to discuss in a small group or book club.

(Also, I enjoyed the whole book, as I’ve said, but really got into it around sixty pages in; and I mention this in case some readers are tempted to stop before the good stuff starts: keep reading!!)

To get more of an idea of the author and this book check out this video:

It just so happens that Tyndale gave me a certificate for a free book to give to one lucky reader. Leave a comment below telling me you want it and I’ll decide the winner in one week. This will be my first contest, so I’m pretty excited to have a free something to give away. 🙂

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Tyndale Blog Network.

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Review of December 1941: 31 Days that Changed America and Saved the World by Craig Shirley

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Genre: History/United States/20th Century

Highly Recommended!

Lately I’ve been reading and watching historical documentaries as much as possible because I really feel that understanding history is helpful to understanding where we are and what’s to come. This account of American history was especially insightful to me.

Shirley weaves together newspaper reports, human interest stories, and other research to thoroughly portray the mindset, recreation, dress, social and spiritual beliefs, American leaders and celebrities, and day-to-day lifestyle of Americans in the month of the Pearl Harbor attack–really, there is no area he doesn’t touch on. And although the size of the book was a bit intimidating for me (535 pages plus an additional 100 or so of Notes and the Epilogue), Shirley writes in a way that is both accessible and captivating. I love how each chapter reflects one day from December 1941 (especially since it’s so dense with knowledge that readers may not want to read more than a couple days at a time). And by reading this, I really felt a grasp on this time in American history and the generations before me.

This is a great addition to any library, especially for lovers of history.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogging Program through booksneeze.com.

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Review of Invasion by Jon Lewis

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Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Science Fiction/Action & Adventure

Series: Book One of the C.H.A.O.S. Series

Recommended.

Invasion is a story of alien attacks, other universes, real-live comic book characters, super gadgets, and secret service agents, all mixed in with typical high school life. High school hero, Colt McAlister, discovers that his family has been involved in a secret military organization to defend the world against alien intrusions, and that the accident that killed his parents was no accident at all. Now it’s up to Colt and his high school friends to help the agency and save the world.

Invasion is definitely geared toward teen readers, and even has a bit of teen romance (which I personally thought was well done), but certain adult readers may also enjoy it. In fact, I actually enjoyed reading it quite a bit. The characters were fun and personable, and the plot felt realistic despite being very imaginative.

This is the first book in the C.H.A.O.S. Series*. I appreciated how it is a complete story in itself, though I can’t imagine readers not wanting to keep up with the series.

*Edit: I had mistakenly thought Invasion was the second in the series (and read the book with that mindset), but it turns out that Lewis’ book I am Number Four is not related to the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook as a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogging Program through booksneeze.com.

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Review of Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

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Genre: Christian Life/Inspirational

Recommended.

This a really sweet story of an almost four year old’s near death experience: seeing heaven, meeting a grandfather he never knew and meeting the sister his mother miscarried whom he was also never told about. He didn’t tell his parents about the experience all at once, and so his dad wrote the book in real time, describing the events that were taking place in their lives, and how young Colton shared his adventure with them piece by piece. This style of storytelling made it much more genuine, but I did find the timeline of Colton’s experience a bit confusing since it was broken into short moments. I would be curious if Colton could (now that he’s older) share his story fluidly, telling the order of events of what happened.

There are a lot of things Colton describes that the Bible doesn’t specifically talk about. I found myself wondering about some of these things even after I had finished reading the account; a couple things I’m still thinking about. There is nothing, however, that blatantly contradicts scripture, and so I personally find the account more or less believable.

Regardless of whether people believe the story or not, it is an encouraging story of God’s love for us, an interesting experience to read, and a great way to get ourselves thinking, reading the Bible, and asking ourselves about heaven and the things to come.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogging Program through booksneeze.com.

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Review of The Tehran Initiative by Joel C. Rosenberg

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Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction/Action & Adventure

Series: Book Two of the Twelfth Imam Series

Recommended.

I love eschatology and the Middle East, so this fictitious rendition of end time events was especially fun for me to read. The Tehran Initiative is the second in a series of three (I recommend reading them in order as The Twelfth Imam really sets up the story and characters).

The story begins as the Twelfth Imam (the Islamic Messiah) is coming into power and setting up his caliphate, and each nation must decide how to respond. Meanwhile, CIA agent David Shirazi, is working undercover in Iran to find Iran’s nuclear warheads so they can be destroyed before the next Holocaust begins.

The Tehran Initiative has more Christianity, more romance, and an even stronger emphasis on world politics than the first book. It keeps the momentum from The Twelfth Imam, but feels slower because it focuses on character development and introspection more than physical action and suspense (but don’t worry: it is still plenty suspenseful!). Although I enjoyed reading it just as much or more than the first book, it may not be as enticing to non-Christians or those expecting intense action plots. There is also a lot of supernatural action and emphasis, which I personally love (and experience) but which may also be a turn off for some readers.

For those who enjoy thinking about the end times, the political conflicts in the Middle East, or how Christian and Muslim eschatology fit together, I’d highly recommend this series. I love how Rosenberg realistically develops and captures one possible end time scenario, while staying true to scripture, and giving his audience so much (politically, spiritually, introspectively) to consider. I was personally encouraged and strengthened in my faith to go on this adventure with the characters. I look forward to the final book in the series: The Damascus Countdown, to be released in fall of 2012.

For more on this book and the author, check out Joel Rosenberg’s blog and the Joshua Fund, which was founded by him and his wife to “mobilize Christians and bless Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus”. I’d also encourage you to watch this short video of the author introducing the book:

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Tyndale Blog Network.

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Review of Waiting for Dawn by Susan May Warren

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This is a guest review by my grandma, Beda Stewart.

Genre: Romance/Action/Novella

Recommended.

Department of Defense heroine, Lacey Galloway, spices up her predictable life by trekking overseas to rescue her MIA, secret crush, Sergeant First Class Jim Micah. Micah’s best friend and Lacey’s ex-boyfriend, Lieutenant John Montgomery, aids in the rescue, which stirs up Lacey’s heart and divides her feelings between the two men.

I enjoyed Waiting for Dawn, but was surprised it was so short. The story was fast paced and held my attention. I especially felt it was nice to be reading a fiction book that wove scripture into the plot; it was great to see references to God and his love interspersed between the story lines! Also, the characters obviously knew each other and had been in other books together. I enjoyed their chemistry and would enjoy reading more about their adventures together!

I also found it rather interesting to learn about the tribes and some of culture of Afghanistan since it is so much in the news today!  Warren’s descriptions really gave me an idea of what the land was like.

Furthermore, I appreciated that the romantic moments were real but not so in depth as in some of the secular romance novels. It’s nice to read a book with a Christian touch!! I’m excited to read some of her other books!

I received a complimentary digital ARC from the Tyndale Blog Network through NetGalley.

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Review of The Crossing by Serita Jakes

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Genre: Contemporary Fiction; Mystery/Crime

Recommended.

I really enjoyed reading The Crossing. The story immediately caught my attention and kept my interest. But it’s not traditional light-hearted Christian fiction. The characters deal with real issues (Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anger issues, drunkenness, high spending, adultery, etc., etc.) and are honestly portrayed. It’s probably not the story for the reader who wants neat happy endings, but the depth and honesty of the characters and events is what makes the story so compelling.

A ten year old murder case is reopened in a small rural Texan community: a masked gunman had targeted and killed the cheerleading coach after a high school football game while the bus was stopped at the railroad tracks. ADA Victor Campbell is eager to find the killer and bring his wife (a witness and close friend of the victim) the closure she needs. Football player, Casio Hightower, now a police officer and assistant in the investigation, was also shot that day, and has a personal stake in finding the killer. As they investigate the murder that happened at the railroad crossing long ago, each of the characters are also at crossings of their own. Will any of them find THE cross and reconcile with the Lord, Jesus Christ?

I loved the style of the writing and the depth of the story. As the characters contemplate their lives and work through their issues there is lots of room for personal introspection. I look forward to reading more from Serita Jakes!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah.

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Review of The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins

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Genre: Mystery/Crime Fiction

Recommended.

This is a lighthearted, easy read and would be appropriate for teen readers as well as adults. Detective Boone Drake of the Chicago Police Department is celebrated as a hero after leading a sting that will take down the leaders of some massive street gangs. But a couple days before the case goes to trial, their star informant and witness is nearly gunned down (Boone playing the hero again by taking the bullet). It seems there must be a leak within the Police Department and Boone is determined to find the mole even though the culprit is likely amongst those he most respects. In the midst of his investigation, recovery, and personal life, Boone must decide who he can trust.

This book has just the right amount of suspense, mystery, and innocent romance. The characters are personable, and the story line is believable. My only criticism is that the story begins after the sting and readers are given only a short prologue to the history of the case at hand. I would have liked more development of the crime scene and the gang characters–especially of the prime witness, Pascual Candelario. The story moves smoothly once it is underway, but I did have some questions in the beginning. I later discovered that this is the second book of a trilogy, so perhaps it would have been helpful to read The Brotherhood first. But, even on its own, I found The Betrayal relaxing and enjoyable; it’s great reading for a rainy day, or any other time!

I received a complimentary copy of this ARC as a part of the Tyndale Blog Network.

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Review of Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory

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Genre: Biography & Autobiography

Recommended.

Thunder Dog is the true account of a blind man and his guide dog as they escape the 78th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Inspired by the calm and collectiveness of his dog, Michael was able to keep his focus and emotions in tact as they make the long descend to freedom.

This isn’t just a story of September 11. Intermixed within the main story, the author shares his experience growing up blind. It’s also the story of the bond and trust between him and his guide dog, Roselle. Their story of teamwork and trust is an inspiring glimpse of the spiritual bond Christian’s have (or should have) with God.

Reading this account helped me emotionally connect to the events of 9/11 in a way I previously hadn’t. I’m typically pretty rational, and tend to focus on the big picture. Michael brings us inside his story to feel with him and others as they braved this huge tragedy. Most touching to me was how Michael describes meeting the courageous firefighters as they ran up the stairs toward impending destruction. This is a touching and encouraging story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogging Program through booksneeze.com.

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Review of J.R.R. Tolkien by Mark Horne

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Genre: Biography

Recommended.

This biography of Tolkien’s life, writing, and faith is certainly interesting, though not as impressive as I had expected. Tolkien had a hard life. He experienced the loss of both parents and many friends, and had to work very hard to earn himself an education and to make enough to support his family. This biography was successful in capturing the essence of his life and character, but did not go above and beyond that mark.

It is a well-researched snapshot into Tolkien’s life. There could have been more regarding his Christian faith (especially considering this is part of the Christian Encounters Series). I am not convinced by this work that his faith was actually a driving force to his life and writing, though the book does describe him as having strong convictions regarding the Roman Catholic Church. Nevertheless it was certainly an appealing and worthwhile read, especially for its short length, and I feel I learned a bit about Tolkien’s life and its reflection in his writing. I recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the basics of Tolkien’s life, and although many details of his literary works are discussed, I think it would be easy to follow without being familiar with his writing.

I received a complimentary ebook as a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogging Program through booksneeze.com.

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