Wednesday, July 30, 2014

The Fight by Luke Wordley

A trouble teen, Sam Pennington has a past that haunts him. He try to find his solution in sports but to no avail. While en route to home he is attacked and rescued by a boxer in training.

Sam is introduced to the boxer's trainer and the story unfolds from there. With some twists and turns, Sam and his trainer realize that they are not fighting their opponents but themselves and their past. In the end, they realize what truly matters and cease the fighting.

I must admit that I do not normally read much fiction but was really impressed with this book. The writing was excellent and the character development was well done. I found myself engaged and waiting to see what would happen. Overall, a well written book.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Knowing God by Name by David Wilkerson

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Chosen Books

This book is a great devotional using the names of God and how God revealed himself to people of the Bible. From "God will provide", "God is forgiveness", and more, Wilkerson shows that God is more than just a Creator. He wants to be known by man and has made Himself known by His various names.

What I really enjoyed was the simplicity that the book has that brought much depth. Do we really appreciate all that is when God says, "I am mercy"? Wilkerson bring this, and more to his book.

Knowing God by Name is an excellent read for those who need hope, encouragement, or simply want to draw closer to God.

Monday, July 21, 2014

C.S. Lewis & Mere Christianity by Paul McCusker

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers via their Tyndale Blog Network. The review is my honest review.

This book is a look into how C.S. Lewis became the popular author that he is today. It gives account of how Lewis was asked to give radio broadcasts during World War II and how that paved the way for several of his popular books.

What the book also does is give some personal insight into who C. S. Lewis was, his home life and upbringing, his service in World War I, and ultimately how he came to be a Christian.

This allows for historical context of how the books that many Christians have come to enjoy were developed. Too often the works of an author are judged without knowing the history behind each book. McCusker has help bridge the gap between the C. S. Lewis the man and C. S. Lewis the author.

I really enjoyed seeing the struggles that Lewis had to go through even in giving his broadcasts. There were time constraints, taboo subject matter, and even schedule conflicts that could have easily diminished the potency of Lewis' talks.

Yet, Lewis pressed forward and the world was better because of it. McCusker has done a wonderful job of peeling back the life of a somewhat private man and showing the world a little more of who C. S. Lewis was.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Game On by Emmitt Smith

 I recall seeing Emmitt Smith breaking the all time rushing record for the National Football League(NFL). At the time I really did not understand the impact of what has just transpired. After reading this book, I have a much better understanding of all that Mr. Smith went through to get there.

In Game On, Mr. Smith gives account of what prompted him to set out on his dream of being the best running back in the NFL, what goals he set to get there, and what he learned along the way.

He then uses his personal experiences to challenge the readers to seek out their dreams and develop a strategy of getting there. Through it all Smith gives valuable insight on goal setting, persevering, seeking advice, and standing up for what is right.

Game On is an ideal book for those who are starting off in life, trying to find their passion, or for those whose passions may have been lost by life circumstances. With the encouraging undertones, this book will be a great resources to have.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The Journey Bible (NIV)

*I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from Zondervan through the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for my honest review.

The Journey Bible is a Bible for those who are trying to figure exactly what God wants for them. It is not a study Bible per se, though it does have great study notes, but rather it acts more as a guide. It's intent is to guide the Christian into the foundation tenants and truths of who God is, what He wants, and how a person fits into God's overall plan.

First thing is the Bible is rather thick but not very dense. This allows for a good reading typeface and great placement of notes but does not sacrifice content for a little Bible.

The second thing is the paper has the look of a newspaper (for you millennials, a newspaper is a collection of papers put together that tells the news. It is not an app and does not contain video). I really like this feature as it allowed me to think of what I was reading as news: the Good News.

Yet one downside of this newspaper-like feature is the notes are in black and white. This sometimes made it difficult to follow the text and read a note inside of Scripture. I would suggest that anyone purchasing this Bible hold off and see if a leather bound edition will put notes into color. A needed improvement in my opinion.

All in all, a good Bible that needs a few tweeks to make it an excellent resource.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Fast Facts Bible (New International Version)

*I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from the publisher via BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

I will make this review a relatively simple one:

The Pros:
-Great book introductions and interesting trivia at the end
-Great typeface and easy to read print
-Medium weight

The Cons
-The 1,000 facts are at the beginning and end of each book. Nothing in the middle to aid the reader
-Very basic facts; not ideal for a study Bible

I enjoy reviewing Bibles in hopes to aid my blog followers in purchasing the right one. Sadly, this Bible is not one that I can recommend to a particular group. A very basic Bible with a few bonuses. If that is what you like, this is the Bible for you. I, however, prefer those with a bit more substance. This Bible lacks in that department.


Uncommon Marriage by Tony & Lauren Dungy

The Dungys have done something that many married couples do not do: they opened up their lives to their readers. From successes and struggles, to disagreements and understandings, the Dungys book will give insight into the journey of their marriage.

It started with Tony, as a football player, being introduced to Lauren, who felt football players were ego-driven athletes, and from there realizing that there is more to people than our perceptions.

They found the differences in each other became a balancing of sorts in areas where each was not gifted. Those differences would be needed as several moves, possible job opportunities not coming through, and adoption of children (one with special needs) would push, strain, and test the their relationship and marriage.

However, through it all, the Dungys held firm to this foundational truth: God is in control of our lives. When all seemed to unravel they would pray. When things did not make sense: prayer. When guidance was needed the asked God for direction.

Their story is one of triumph, not because they had continuous victory but because they sought God and kept going through His strength. This book will be a great encouragement to those married couples in whatever area of life they may be. I highly recommend this book (preview 1st chapter here)


Thursday, July 3, 2014

Appointments with Heaven by Dr. Reggie Anderson

Dr. Reggie Anderson feels something when a Christian passes on and enters heaven. As an doctor, he has seen many enter eternity and felt that same feeling each time a Christian meets Jesus.

In his book, Appointments with Heaven, Dr. Anderson gives the story of his life all the way to his practice as an ER doctor and physician.

He begins with his childhood and an event that would change his life, his beliefs, and ultimately his faith. While upset at this event, blaming God the entire time, Dr. Anderson came to see God for who He is, not how Dr. Anderson perceived Him.

From there, the book goes into his medical practice, how God used him in various means, and the little glimpses of heaven as the faithful Christians left this life for the life to come.

A fascinating book about struggle, doubt, hurts, and ultimately; healing.