The Purpose Driven Life

I had read a book summary of The Purpose Driven Life several years ago, so when I saw that this book was being released as an anniversary edition, I was interested. The summary was powerful and motivating, and I was excited to read the book in full. I have to say that much of it certainly is motivating, moving and helpful. There’s a good reason why this book has been a chart-topper for so many years now. I believe that – if applied – the principles presented in this book can definitely be life-changing. On the other hand… I feel that what was once a simple, powerful message has been diluted by marketing and commercialization. From the trademarked title to the numerous references to offshoot products, this book read like a miniature catalog. It can be pretty frustrating to study and think concepts over while being constantly smacked in the face with product promotions. Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Cruel Harvest: A Memoir

This book wasn't an easy read, yet I flew through it. It was painful and beautiful all at once - and it is an amazing story of triumph over deep tragedy. I honestly passed up this book more than once. I was intrigued, but repelled by the horrors of abuse experienced (and described) by the author. In any case, I knew what I was getting into when I finally took the plunge. Honestly, a book like this could go either way: it could be a tale of triumph or it could be deeply painful and depressing. Fortunately, though Fran Grubb describes (in detail) the horrors that she was subjected to as a child, she does so in a spirit of faith and forgiveness. Nowhere in the book does she excuse or condone her father's actions; yet neither does she speak from a perspective of bitterness or anger. No one would fault the author for being permanently scarred and angry, but she has turned the tragedies of her life into absolute triumph. She uses the pain for good and has been able to help many others through her story. Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

High Performance MySQL - by Baron Schwartz, Peter Zaitsev and Vadim Tkachenko

I've worked a lot with MySQL, over the past few years. I'm completely self-taught, however, and obviously, I've had gaps to deal with. While Google is dandy in a pinch, a book like this really fills in the blanks and provides a far more comprehensive understanding. Granted, if you're just starting out with MySQL, this is probably not the best book for you. Just looking at it from a learner's perspective, you'd better have at least a basic grasp under your belt or this book is going to be a tough one to tackle. If you've got a good background in it though, and are looking to be a real expert in the field, I'd definitely recommend this book. Even if you've already read the second edition, this third edition is definitely worth the purchase as the information is updated and the authors really expand previously presented topics. My overall take: It's well written, well organized and easy to reference when needed.

Simply Grilling

This book is a little off my normal reviewing course, but as a grilling newbie, I thought I'd better check this one out. We bought our first grill at Home Depot, put it all together, and fired it up. I'll just say our results were mixed. Obviously I needed help, and this book came at just the right time. Jennifer Chandler takes the "science" out of grilling, and explains things in a simple, clear way. She lays out each recipe, giving you the full range of keys for a successful barbecue. With each recipe, she provides all the needed information - from the ideal grill temperature, to where to place the meats, veggies, etc. to outstanding sauces, rubs and marinades. But this book goes beyond classic grilling fare as well. You'll find everything from a grilled pizza to grilled fruit and veggies. This is definitely the book for anyone who's not a natural grill master. Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

The Charlatan's Boy: A Novel

This has got to be one of the quirkiest books I've read in a while - and that's not a bad thing. The narrative was absolutely charming, and the author writes in such a natural, flowing way. The dialogue felt natural and was a pleasure to read, and the author did a wonderful job of character development. The story wasn't particularly edgy, and it didn't have any unpredictable twists; however that didn't stop me from wanting to turn the page. While I can't say that this book has reached my top ten list, I give it major kudos for being so absolutely unique. My final observation: This book is touted as "faith fiction". I can't say that I found much that was faith-related. Apparently some found a number of interesting parallels, but if those were the intention of the author, I failed to catch on. Overall, a fun little read, and I'd look for more from this author in the future. Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Called To Controversy

I had, of course, heard of Moishe Rosen and Jews for Jesus throughout my childhood, though never in depth or detail. I knew of him by reputation, but not much more. Naturally, I was intrigued when I saw this book.
I quite enjoyed the intimate look into not only Moishe Rosen’s ministry, but the life, background and experiences that formed him. It is a fascinating look into the Jewish heart and mind, and is filled with beautiful life lessons throughout.
Though the author obviously has a deep respect and love for this great man and leader, she manages to clearly portray his very human side as well – faults and foibles, warts and all. The book lifts up Rosen’s strengths, lessons and wonderful examples, while honestly showing his mistakes and shortcomings.
I love a good biography, and Ruth Rosen did a beautiful job with this one. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a challenging, uplifting read.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

I Am Second

I've watched most of the "I am Second" videos, and found them to be very personal, deep accounts. Each one was touching and profound in its own way. It seems that an attempt was made to capture those same feelings in this book, however it just seemed to be lacking somehow.

The stories are good - don't get me wrong. Each one just lacks the power or personality that the videos have.

I think what made me feel this way was the way the book is written. Rather than each person telling their own story, there's a strange back-and-forth between the subjects and the narrator. It doesn't really flow, and often I found myself having to go back and read over a paragraph to make sure I was reading it from the right perspective (either the narrator's or the subject's).

All in all, it's not a bad book. It's a nice addition to the videos, and some folks will likely enjoy it. I just think it would have been better to hear each person tell their own story without the extra "dressing up."

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Raised Right

This is a tough book to review - partially because I'm still working out my views on some of the topics addressed. It was, however, timely.

While I can't agree completely with the author's stance on some points, I admire the way she has fought to untangle her faith from her political viewpoints. I believe that too many people use their faith to back up their politics, when really, faith has nothing to do with a political party.

It doesn't seem that the author has fully untangled her faith from politics - though, granted, I think faith tends to become entwined in nearly every aspect of a Christian's life. Her thought processes are interesting though, and she does a wonderful job of putting her sentiments down on paper. Understanding her way of thinking has helped, somewhat, to clarify my own. For this reason, I think it's worth reading.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

December 1941

This book should be on the list of any WWII history buff. It is a well-researched, fascinating look at the days immediately surrounding the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
It's a good long book, but the author manages to keep it pretty lively as he follows the events leading up to and following the attack. It's an interesting look into the general psyche of that day.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

To Be Perfectly Honest

This book was quite fantastic. I really enjoyed Phil Callaway's account of one year of living truthfully. The book is written like a journal, so I read a few entries each day when I had spare moments. His account is so human, so very honest, and so very relatable.

It's surprising how dishonest we are - even in trying to live truthfully. Little "white lies" so often work their way into our lives, without us even noticing. This book will really get you thinking about how truthful you really are.

I loved how Phil also really had to use tact in telling the truth. He didn't blast people with exactly what he felt, but he thought his feelings through in order to present the truth in a way that would be accepted (when at all possible).

This book was certainly a challenge. I'll possibly leave you a little bit uncomfortable. However, it's worth the read - and the ensuing food for thought might just do wonders for your integrity and character.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

The Encounter

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. To be honest, I really didn't expect much. It sounded mildly interesting, and the message of the book was worth a read, so I went ahead and got it.

It turned out to be well-written and really quite engaging. I read the whole book in a day (it's fairly short), and truly enjoyed it.

It's not an epic tale or anything groundbreaking; however, the message of forgiveness and reconciliation is beautifully presented in story form, and the author has done a wonderful job weaving his personal experience into the book.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

The Scroll

For starters, the cover really doesn't sell this book. I had the option of reviewing it, and kept passing it up, just because the cover is so unappealing.

Still, I love a good Indiana Jones-esque treasure hunt, so I figured I'd give this book a try. I kept picking it up, hoping it would get interesting, but I'd end up putting it down after a few pages.

After a while, the story picks up, but even then, the characters are "stock," the plot twists are pretty predictable, the bad guys are all Islamic or secular, and the good guys are all Christians/Jews.

Overall, it's not awful, but neither was it especially good. This is why I give it three stars.

Pershing - From The Generals series

Thomas Nelson's series "The Generals" chronicles the lives of great American generals, and it's a very well-done set of books, in my opinion. The content is well-written, well-researched, and the physical quality of the books is just fantastic.

This book was a short, yet fascinating look into the life of John J. Pershing, who led the American forces in WWI.

It was an interesting look at both sides of his personality - on the one hand, an inflexible, demanding military leader, and on the other, a warm, caring man who cared deeply about family and friends.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Ascent From Darkness

This book by Michael Leehan is a rather eye-opening look at one man's descent to Satanism. What I found fascinating was that he almost rationally chose to turn his back on God, and to turn instead to Satan. Because he felt that God had dealt poorly with him, he made the decision to turn to what he saw as God's "alter-ego."

This is a true story, and as the author says, it's not embellished or exaggerated to make for more exciting reading. Not that any embellishment would be necessary in this story. While Michael Leehan doesn't seem to be a natural writer (his style is not always easy to read, and much of the dialogue is stilted and odd-sounding), he tells his story candidly and powerfully. He drags out the good, the bad, and the really ugly in order to get his message across - and it's the message that comes through loud and clear in the end.

His message: "Remember, no matter how badly you think you’ve sinned or what kind of mess you may have made of your life, it probably pales in comparison to mine. Never give up, never lose hope. Jesus Christ specializes in fixing broken messes just like us.”

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Wrapped in Rain

This was a gorgeous story, beautifully written. It's a story of redemption and forgiveness; of getting past immense pain to a place of mercy.

Tucker and his brother grew up under the thumb of an abusive, alcoholic father, but wrapped in the love and care of Miss Ella - their hired help. Miss Ella instills a deep faith and love in both boys despite all that their father throws at them.

After Miss Ella passes away, Tuck still hears her voice. As he listens, she is able to guide him through the pain to place of forgiveness.

Set in the deep south, the author paints a beautiful picture that's almost visible as you read. I could hardly put this book down. Not only is it a beautiful, well-written story, but the message of forgiveness comes across loud and clear.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door

I just finished reading "Don't Check Your Brains at the Door" by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler. It was quite a fantastic little book, filled with common-sense answers and perspectives on various aspects of the Christian faith.

Each section is short and to the point, yet written in an enjoyable, teen-oriented way. The authors freely sprinkle in pop-culture references to illustrate their message, which makes the book (I believe) more appealing and relevant to modern youth.

I'd recommend this both for teens themselves and for youth pastors/counselors/parents as a resource for teaching - and just for answering the myriad questions that teens have about their faith.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book

It Couldn't Just Happen

I recently received this book by Lawrence Richards, and I have to say, I was a little disappointed. I expected a book that would engage kids and explain the Creationist viewpoint in a simple, understandable way.

This book seems to be more like a textbook - not something that kids would just pick up and read, but something that parents/teachers would need to work through with them. If you're looking for something that your kids will read on their own, this isn't it.

I think this could be a useful resource for teaching kids about creation, however, I highly doubt that this book is going to appeal to kids on an individual level. It's a beautiful book, well made, and good quality for the money, but I just don't see it appealing to its target audience - eight-year-old kids.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book

The Blessing

I just finished reading "The Blessing" by John Trent and Gary Smalley. It's a beautiful book with a beautiful message. If I could, I'd put this on the "must read" list of every potential parent. Come to think of it, I'd put in on everyone's "must read" list.

This concept of giving "The Blessing" is a simple one, but it's sadly absent in today's society. So common in ancient culture, the gift of the blessing has been lost to cultural change and social expectations.

I have seen so many kids who are practically begging for a blessing - for affirmation and a confirmation of a parent's love - yet the parents are unable or unaware of how to fill this need.

"The Blessing" details in simple steps how to provide these things to a child - or even to a parent, spouse or friend.

I highly recommend this book.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Money Secrets of the Amish

Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving

This book was a surprisingly enjoyable read. Most "money books" are a dry and tough read. Lorilee Craker manages to take a rather dusty topic and give it spark.

While the information wasn't anything new - at least it shouldn't be - it's wisdom that seems to be sadly lacking in many homes today. I do recommend this book, as I believe in this economy folks can use all the help they can get.

You don't need a lot of money to have a good life; you just need to manage it well. This book has good advice on how to do that.

A Reluctant Queen

Review by my wife:

I absolutely enjoyed this book. The author does take some creative license with the story, as she provides background and reasons for the actions and attitudes of the various characters; she creatively fills in historical gaps, rounding out the story and giving it greater depth.

The story of Esther is a beautiful one, and Joan Wolf did a wonderful job in telling it. While this book is a novel, and can't possibly accurately reflect the true story (seeing as the Bible recording only provides so much information), the message of the story comes across loud and clear - and that is what I found so appealing.

As the author says in the end, "Where the Bible story and the novel come together is in the underlying premise. God has a plan for the world, and He works His plan through the actions of humans. The big question is, will we allow God to work through us? God wants us to be His partners, but we have the free will to accept or refuse His challenge. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, all of God’s people must listen to His voice and open their hearts for Him to use us for His purposes."

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.