Sunday, October 16, 2011

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson

*The following review is my own and not that of any other. I received a complimentary copy for this review*

This was a fabulous read as I started it on Friday night and finished it Saturday morning. Not only was I anxious to keep reading but the content was well written.

The premise of the book is what does a person do when faced with an opportunity: fight or flee? Does he/she face the lion in a pit or does he/she run? Mr. Batterson challenges the reader to fight the lion, whatever the "lion" may be.

Why look back over your life with regret because of lost opportunity? Instead, accept that God has placed circumstances in your life to strengthen, instruct, mold, and challenge you. Fight your lions and see what miracles God can do through you. That is the intent of this book and it was presented well.

I highly recommend this book for those that need encouragement to continue in a difficult time and for those that are fearful of unforeseen outcomes. A very good read.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

We Shall See God by Randy Alcorn

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. My review is my own and has not been influenced by anyone*

I must first say that this book is great for a devotional. The page count for each chapter is just right and allows for time to think, meditate, and apply was has been presented.

That being said, this book is a great read. I cannot express how many times I had to put the book down and think about what I just read. The words of Charles Spurgeon married with the commentary of Randy Alcorn worked so well in tandem that it was as if Spurgeon and Alcorn met and discussed what was to be written.

Reading the words of Spurgeon on Heaven, God, and the Divine, really caused me to think about what it would be like. It also corrected some of the misconceptions that I had about Heaven, God, and what it may be like.

Another great attribute of this book is that it is simple. This is not two theologians giving some input. Rather it is two men, giving simple answers and thoughts. By doing so, it really engages a broad audience; an audience that can greatly benefit from this read.

I really hope that Alcorn does this with other speakers/authors as his input is very insightful and helpful.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Max on Life by Max Lucado

**I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksneeze.com in exchange for this review. The views and opinions are my own.**

The first thing that made me fall in love with this book was the simplicity. I would read each page and say to myself, "That's so simple but so powerful." I could related to what was being discussed, empathize with certain situations, and laugh at the humorous points. Such an amazing book.

A little about the book. What Mr. Lucado has done is take questions from readers, answer them, and then publish those results. Questions about the afterlife, parenting, marriage, church, finances, and a myriad of other topics are entertained in this wonderful book.

Yet there is no professional answer; no platitudes. It is Mr. Lucado answering each question as a man; a human being. He does not attempt to go into some deep theological argument on certain subjects. No, he seeks only to make the person asking the question understand the dilemma in which he/she is engaged. For those that have read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, I would consider this an Evangelical-Christian Alternative to that book. I only hope that this book outsells that book because Mr. Lucado has the truth in his book; Jesus Christ.

Again, a great, but simple book, and a must read especially as a daily devotional.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Beyond Talent by John Maxwell

**I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for this review.**

This is another amazing book by John Maxwell. Not only does he give great advice on how to go beyond talent, he does it in such a way to make you want to go beyond talent.

One main takeaway is that talent is not, and never should be, a substitute for character. Developing one's character should be a lifelong pursuit and supersedes talent. Such wisdom is sadly lacking these days. This is why this book should be read by as many people as possible.

Friday, April 29, 2011

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

I must first start by saying this; never read this book at night. You'll have a difficult time sleeping as your anticipation grows. This book did such a great job of capturing my attention that I wished I didn't have to work the next day so I could stay up all night reading it. What a marvelous book.

First, you are not reading a story; you are reading a journey. Each page, each word is captivating as you enter the world of David Ponder. What is equally amazing is that your mind and soul are being challenged and exercised and you don't even know it.

It is for this reason that I recommend every student graduating this year must make reading this book a priority. The lessons learned will take them far and propel them to new heights.

However, this book is not for students alone. I would dare say that message, which has been forgotten by many, needs to be retrieved and done so soon. It cannot be avoided anymore. Mr. Andrews is calling many to action: will they answer the call? Only time will tell.

**I received a complimentary copy from Booksneeze.com in exchange for this review**

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Soulprint by Mark Batterson

Having just completed this book, I must say this: READ THIS BOOK. The challenges, insights, and honest approach of this book really get to the heart of its message: what has God created you to do?

Throughout the book Mr. Batterson weaves a masterful work using King David as his prime example. Batterson shows that David was created for a certain purpose and this was brought out throughout this life. It was his destiny; his soulprint.

To live your soulprint brings purpose to your life. This is why I was created; why you were created. Batterson makes this point and makes it well. Thus this book is a must read by those searching, those needing refreshing, and those who may have lost their way.

**I received this complimentary copy for my review**

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Dot.com Dating by Les & Leslie Parrot

"Online dating is for those who can't get a date the old-fashioned way." Phrases likes these, and other myths about online dating, are what Drs. Parrot & Parrot try to dispel in this book.

The Parrots show that, when used properly, online dating can be a very useful and effective tool for finding that "special someone." It is not to be looked upon as solely for the social misfits. Gone are the stereotypes of online daters being the Quasimodos of the world. Online dating sites are being used by managers, students, blue collars, white collars, university-educated, and high school dropouts.

It is for this reason that this book was written. It gives helpful tips on how to use online dating sites, some pitfalls to avoid, and if online dating is even right for the reader.

However, what I enjoyed from the book was its simplicity. Drs. Parrot and Parrot do not give all the answers but merely good, sound advice on how what online dating can do and what it cannot.

**I received this courtesy copy from Tyndale in exchange for this review.**

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Time With God for Fathers by Jack Countryman

**I received this complimentary copy from Booksneeze.com. The opinions and views are my own.**

This little book is a great book for those that would like some thoughts to meditate upon throughout the day. There is no poignant sayings or witty anecdotes. Rather the book is just some simple, but powerfully introspective-causing, thoughts about being a father. I would recommend that a father read this every morning with their personal devotions.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Scars of a Chef by Rick Tramonto

**Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC**

I found this book to be a great read. It was very engaging and the reader was easily drawn into the life of Mr. Tramonto. What is also apparent is the passion that being a chef produces in Rick Tramonto. The reader can imagine himself/herself in the kitchen seeing the food being prepared, hearing the sous chef barking out commands, knives cutting, blades chopping, fires simmering soups. Mr. Tramonto does a magnificent job of giving a firsthand account of how hard being a chef really is.

Yet through all this, Mr. Tramonto makes it evident that passion and drive never truly satisfy; Christ does. Through the pages of this book, Tramonto details his rise to fame, his realization that it did not bring what he thought it would, his finding Christ, and now how satisfaction comes from being a child of God.

The raw nature of this book, the passion Tramonto evidences, and the conclusion that God gives true satisfaction, make this book a great read. Cooks, and consumers alike, should have no difficulty devouring this book.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

The Walk by Shaun Alexander

This is an amazing book. The power that it is packed in the simplicity of this book is immense. I found myself reading a few sections and then putting the book down to meditate on what I read. I also found that as I did so each section was exactly what I needed to read at that exact time.

As to the book itself, the chapters flow beautifully and the subject matter is very well written. Each section builds on the other and Mr. Alexander has a very teachable style of writing that draws the read and maintains attention very well.

I really enjoyed how Mr. Alexander used personal testimony from his life to show how his walk has brought about a God-blessed life.

I highly recommend this book.

*I received this book as a complimentary copy via Waterbrook Multnomah. The opinions expressed are my own.*

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

First Things First by Kurt & Brenda Warner

I found this book to be a great read. There was good humor, great advice, but is also had a personal touch which was quite evident. I really appreciate the openness of the Warners as they shared some suggestions, struggles, and even some personal moments.

While Mr. Warner is a football player, football wasn't the main focus; family was. It was a great comfort to know that there are some athletes who realize that there are more important things to life than sports.

I highly recommend this book as it was a great read.

*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.*