BOOK REVIEWS

Close Enough to Hear God Breathe

2011-11-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

I chose this book to review for Booksneeze. The title of the book caught my attention, but I am not certain that its content was as in depth as I expected. Greg Paul’s story telling does come with some interesting presentations. There are some colorful storytelling techniques that Paul uses. I think my expectation of content was somewhat amiss. However, he does make some interesting comparisons. There are some thought provoking stories that demonstrate the intimacy God has for his people. The word pictures are great but I was disappointed with most of the book. It was difficult to make connection to my life from some of the stories. It was a slow read for me.

Refer to previuous post on "NO HE CAN't"

2011-09-12T14:44:00.000-07:00

I received a negative response to this post on the commercial website I post reviews to. This was not surprising. The leftest point of view and intolerance came through quite sharply. It was fascinating to see the individual's own review, which was excessively long and argumentative along with 64 comments including many of his own. That reviewer should be appointed Czar of Censorship of the Right. They would well fit in the current administration, maybe that would replace ACORN. Or could it be that that could be a book for them to publish?

NO HE CAN'T

2011-09-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

I chose this book to review for Booksneeze. This is not a book of my general reading genre but I was intrigued by the title and the subject, Barak H. Obama. Kevin McCullough is a conservative talk show host and his book subtitle, “How Barak Obama is Dismantling Hope and Change,” is my sentiment as well. It appears that Kevin has researched and documented his sources well. This is an expose of Obama’s leadership style and disinterest in the Godly America I have come to know in my life. It is clear from the book that the President is taking America off the map as a nation with values and morals that continuously brings hope and change. His point of view shows a dismal future for the nation unless real American values are restored. Obama’s compromise with minorities for the vote is heart sickening to say the least. I found his book pinpoints many issues of devaluing standards and conduct. Obama’s indecisiveness is truly exposed in the book. Overall the straight-forward writing will be offensive to those willing to compromise the American way of life. This book will not appeal to the vacillating voter.

Rumors of God

2011-08-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Rumors of God, Darren Whitehead & Jon Tyson

I found this book to be quite relevant to many things I’ve seen in recent Christianity and practices. The authors have captured some of the right spirit in looking at life. The church experiences of my life have caused me to look critically at what God is all about. These authors have exposed pertinent and relevant issues involving life situations. I would say they have captured life in many instances where the “rubber meets the road.” Their challenge is to see transformation within the life of a Christian. The often spoken of promises of God are well portrayed in good balance of understanding. I am sure I will find this a useful reference tool for my library.

Jesus, my Father, the CIA, and Me

2011-07-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Jesus, my Father, the CIA, and Me, by Ian Morgan Cron

I selected this book to review for Booksneeze because of optional choices. I wasn’t sure it would fit my genre of books I liked. After I began to read, these memoirs of sorts became fascinating. Ian Cron made a connection with me as a reader wanting to know more about his life and events that were going to lead him to become who he is. The picturesque language was very entertaining and I could often shut my eyes and picture the particular event. His use of metaphors and other parts of speech fit so well his story telling. As he moved through his stages of life as he remembers he created a desire to see success come his way. The alcoholism of his father was a definite source of trouble for him, but he showed that a generational curse can be averted if right connection s can be made. The honesty of the book gives an identity that humanity needs to understand. I found it to be a very good read and would recommend it to the casual reader who likes to know of life struggles of an indidual.

Put Your Dream to the Test

2011-05-31T20:50:00.001-07:00

Put Your Dream to the Test, John C. Maxwell

In this book John Maxwell uses ten questions to help you see it and seize it. This book would be a good read for the young person searching seriously for an accomplished life.

I found many good bits of information throughout the book. His approach goes from taking ownership of the dream to what benefit it will bring to others. Maxwell has produced an easy to read and follow guide for any committed individual. The book concludes with a section to assist in mapping your dream. This is a simple working text book and can bring the reader to points of decisions about their future and purpose in life.

Max on Life

2011-04-23T11:03:00.001-07:00

Max Lucado has done it again. This prolific Christian writer has provided a book as the subtitle states with, Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions. He has taken some important life issues and expounded in 172 responses to relevant questions many have about life. I highlighted many of his statements for quick reference as I read through this book. The great thing about the book is the ability to read any one of the segments without missing any point although he has divided it into the various life themes that present questions. The themes presented go from our purpose of existence through discussions of death. Any Christian would find this a great addition to their personal library.

The Principle of the Path

2011-04-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

The Principle of the Path, by Andy Stanley
This book is an awesome read for anyone who is willing to take a look at the journey they are on through life. I liked the simplicity of storytelling to arrive at a conclusion and application. Andy Stanley attracted my attention through television ministry years ago and I find his book to be straight-forward and applicable with much of the same poignancy as his sermons I’ve heard. Several of his comments hit a note of interest including: “To get from where we don’t want to be to where we do want to be requires two things time and a change of direction.” I particularly liked his expression of the principle of the path: “Direction—not intention—determines our destination.” I recommend this book for the person who is beginning their Christian journey as well as one who has been a follower for many years. In all it was refreshing information.

PUJOLS

2011-04-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

Pujols, More Than the Game, by Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth

I selected this book to review for Booksneeze. It was a venture away from my usual genre of book reading since I am not really into any kind of sports. I found the book interesting but not really an attention grabber for me. The authors are of course trying to put a spiritual spin on the life of Albert Pujols and his baseball times. To be the remarkable player the book portrays is certainly an accomplishment for Albert. There is something to be said of his integrity through all the difficulties he faced in the world of baseball. Overall the biography was interesting. I could recommend it to those who like baseball history.

DEFIANT JOY

2011-02-01T14:43:00.001-08:00

Defiant Joy The Remarkable Life & Impact of G.K. Chesterton, by Kevin Belmonte

I chose this book to review through Book Sneeze reviews. I began reading with a bit of reluctance. It was difficult for me to connect with this biography from the first chapter. There was no link to my interest for this 19th turn of the century literary critic. I felt disconnected throughout the book. The quotes or excerpts from other sources were so frequent, and became distracting to my reading. Not being familiar with the subjects of Chesterton’s time may have affected my opinion.

Chesterton is described as an author, journalist, essayist, and admired literary critic of his era. I believe to receive more from the book one would have to be more familiar with his contemporaries The author, Kevin Belmonte, presents Chesterton as a rebel of his time, perhaps that is where part of the book title comes from. I did appreciate Chesterton’s reaction to the world he lived in. This appears to be the rebel that looked beyond the usual response and moved to a new or different point of view. This book would not have a prominent place in my collection as it doesn’t appeal to my style or interest in particular.

Devotional Book Review

2010-11-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

On This Day In Christian History by Robert J. Morgan

I am not much of a prescribed devotional reader. However, what attracted me to this particular compilation of stories for daily reading were the inspiring historical stories contained in the book. Not all of the stories had equal value, but that lends variety to the daily readings. I believe many of the stories can touch the lives of Christians under the stress or duress of our present day. Each of the devotionals have an applicable Scripture at the bottom of the page, which may be an editorial error, for I often have a tendency to overlook footnote types on a page. The book does provide a quick read for the busy person on a daily basis.

New Review Coming

2010-10-28T22:52:00.000-07:00

Book Review

2010-10-28T22:36:00.001-07:00

Beyond Opinion by Ravi Zacharias,

I found this book on apologetics to be quite appropriate for our times. This volume will be an awesome addition to my library of Christian studies. The answers that Ravi Zacharias provides for the difficult question about our faith are presented in an understandable and succinct manner. This is not a book to be read casually for entertainment, rather it is a book to be used as a tool to give rationale for the faith that you have within you. Ravi’s personal experiences lend authenticity to the apologies given. He addresses the challenges given by postmodern thought, atheism, Islam, as well as general challenges. The best way to describe the intent of the book is found in these introductory words, “… the single greatest obstacle to the impact of the gospel ha not been its in inability to provide answers, but the failure on our part live it out.”

New Reading

2010-06-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

Just ordered this book to review for Nelson Publishers. Look for my review in a few weeks.

SEARCHING FOR GOD KNOWS WHAT

2010-05-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

by Donald Miller

This is my first reading of author, Donald Miller. His approach and style is unique and interesting. I sense that he is trying to present an honest expression of heart on the subject of religion verses relationship and the life we live. As I have read through the pages I found some relevance and identity to his proposal of “formulas or relationship”. This is a well written book that opens a possibility of a new perspective to those who only fault Christianity. I found that Miller cuts to the chase and uses familiar and common terms to make his points. He does seem to use poetic license to illustrate and emphasize his message or lesson. Miller’s bluntness regarding televangelists and those declaring special messages from God is somewhat refreshing. I believe he explores our thinking as humans to a very interesting degree with suppositions and scenarios that are common. Not being a fan of Shakespeare, I got lost in the latter part of his book. One of his striking comments says, “. . . there is a certain freedom in getting our feelings of redemption from God, and not other people.” This book made me stop and think about a number of subjects like morality, redemption, and the real Jesus.

The Sacred Journey, by Charles Foster

2010-04-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

I selected this book to review for Nelson Publishers thinking it would be an allegorical story relating to a spiritual travel through life. I found it very difficult to read albeit I understood eventually some of the information he was explaining. Foster explains that this is probably a very misunderstood discipline of the Christian faith and I would agree. He also stated that we would not agree with everything he would write. That is also true.

As Foster writes about this walking experience I found it difficult to focus and reenter where I would leave off reading. Many of the disciplines are like that because they get down to the nitty gritty of where we live.

Foster proceeds through the prose of the book implying this to be an actual pilgrimage that one should walk to experience deeper spiritual insight. I am not sure I can concur on this or many of his other seeming conclusions about a journey that could be called sacred.

The book can be a challenge to read. It is not a book to read for pleasure but rather one that the reader will have his thoughts challenged. It should be read with an open mind and a willingness to see a new perspective on passing through life. It was a real challenge for me to even finish reading for this review.

Apology

2010-03-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

You may not deem it necessary for me to apologize for not posting for more than a month. However, I must do so for my own sake, because my intentions were to post at least twice a month some little thought or my much needed therapy.
In this post I would just like to say that it has been a very busy season with work issues and exciting family things that will come to light in a future post. I hope my readers will continue to check out information in the future here.
Many of the readers I have are contacts through Facebook. I find this tool amazing and informative. I remain interested in people of my past even though they may have gone different directions or could care less about me. Long relationships should be cherished if possible. But I must remind myself that it is a two way street. If they choose not to remain in contact I must accept their rejection of friendship gracefully and let God heal.
Thanks for stopping by/ Check back often. Hope to post regularly again soon.

"66 Love Letters"

2010-03-08T20:15:00.000-08:00

by Dr. Larry Crabb

In this 399 page book I found Dr. Crabb’s approach and style of writing to be unique and easy to read and follow. His approach to explaining God’s message through each book of the Bible was stimulating to my study. The conversational approach might have been limited but it still was a refreshing approach to each book of the Bible. I also found nuggets that were relevant to the current situations of mankind giving credibility to my own observations about how there is a difference in what God wants us to know and how we interpret what he says. This book will be a great asset to my study library. I have recommended “66 Love Letters” to many of my friends.

"FREE BOOK" by Brian Tome

2010-01-22T19:38:00.001-08:00

This book will make you think outside the religious box you may be living in. As I began the read I was somewhat amazed at the raw language that the author used. This tool seemed to open up my interest. Brian Tome’s style and approach intrigued me. He covers the subject of being free quite plainly and simply. The book seems to be an encyclopedia of what freedom is. The interspersing of personal experiences made for interesting reading. I am not sure I could agree 100 per cent on all his interpretation of free expressions but he does provide interesting topics on the liberty a true believer can have in Christ. It is a fitting topic for one who is fed up with traditional churchy religiosity. I agree with Brian that too many churched folks are stiff and stoic and offer no appeal to winning a soul to the Kingdom.

Review of "Look at it This Way" by Jan Silvious

2010-01-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

I found this book amongst my wife’s collection. Since it had an appealing title I decided to fit it into my reading schedule. Although Jan is primarily writing to women, I felt the content of the book could apply to men as well. Jan explores touchy areas of our lives that lead to self-destructive measures too often. Her positive approach to living life is inspiring and helpful through issues I too have faced. I believe any reader can find hope and help in the pages of “Look at it This Way.”

Obstacles Welcome

2010-01-04T18:56:00.000-08:00

Obstacles Welcome by Ralph de la Vega

I read this book thinking that it might be an interesting autobiography. I was pleasantly surprised by the content of the book. Ralph gives some of his personal history but uses it as a motivating tool to explain principles of succeeding in life in spite of obstacles. His rise in the business world is the sustaining material for the book. I believe he establishes some very appropriate steps to guide one in making choices in life. He tells people “you shouldn’t measure people by their statures; you should measure them on the power of their idea.” At first I was disappointed with the book but as I proceeded through the chapters I found a lot of informative suggestions and ideas that the business world should consider. I recommend this book to any aspiring entrepreneur.

Healing Sands

2009-12-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

Healing Sands, by Nancy Rue & Stephen Arterburn

Healing Sands is a Chrisitan novel that weaves a story together with intriguing personalities whose lives cross in unexpected drama. The plot of murder and clashing personalities transport the reader into the New Mexican setting with descriptive compositions that allows the reader to sense and picture it easily. The language is clean and done in good taste. There is depth of inner evaluations as the authors unveil the twists and turns of damaged lives in the Las Cruces community. Truthful tone is ever present as the intertwining plots unfold with surprises. There is not an overload of religious citations, but subtle Christian messages often occur as expected. . I was fascinated throughout my read and sometimes anticipated outcome correctly but not always. I would recommend the reading of this book to any mature Christian who likes intrigue and entertainment done in good taste.

The Language of Love & Respect

2009-12-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

The Language of Love & Respect, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

This is the first book I read of Dr. Eggerichs. He seems to have dealt seriously with the subject of communication in marriage throughout the book. I did find his referrals to his previous book all too frequent. There are chapters in the book that held my attention and some I found to “beat a dead horse.” Dr. Eggerichs’ approach using the three cycles does clarify times that couples go through. He also uses several acronyms to enable the ready to connect and practice his theory of improved communication. I find no fault in his use of such strategy but with so much information on each of them I will more than likely forget their significance. Overall I would say the book is a textual piece of literature on communication for married people. Dr. Eggerichs establishes the well known differences in men and women, i.e., thinking “pink” and “blue”. The book would be an excellent reference for any marriage counselor and should be in the pastor’s library.

Book Review for "Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World"

2009-10-31T17:38:00.000-07:00

Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World, by Dr. David Jeremiah

Dr. Jeremiah does a relevant job of discussing the signs of our times in light of Scripture. The information is current and up to date. I found the book to be a fairly easy read. He readily refers to appropriate Scripture for the issues he discusses. The chaos in our current world is addressed with sound advice to calm our fears as believers.

I believe the summary of the book is in the following quote: “In times such as these we have to look somewhere for answers. The psychologist tells us we should look within. The opportunist tells us we should look around. The optimist says we should look ahead, and the pessimist says we should look out. But God says we should look up---even when we feel down.”.

I found challenging information with solid direction to live life in God’s fullness. Dr. Jeremiah has presented information with a different perspective but with positive helpful information. The reader of the book should find good information to life a life of calmness in this chaotic world.

Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World

2009-10-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

Just started reading for book review of Dr. David Jeremiah's recent book now in process. Check back for my review notes in a few weeks.

Book Review for "Called To Worship"

2009-10-07T21:40:00.001-07:00

Called To Worship
By Vernon M. Whaley

This book is well written and informative on the subject of worship. Whaley presents the facts of worship through the books of the Bible in a systematic manner. I believe it is a great resource for the minister or layperson. The author moves through history and the books of the Bible and the rituals and methods of true worship for each dispensational age. For a book of its size the content is most helpful and easy to understand. This book would be a great asset to any Christian’s library. It most certainly could be used as a textbook for a Bible class. Whaley addresses many issues of misguided worship and explains the errors with great finesse and sufficient Scripture. As I read through this book I kept reflecting on what my inner man had been thinking about worship and how much the church has strayed from true worship. It also clarified my right thinking about worship being continuous through daily living and loving and not just a planned service. I enjoyed the conclusion that grasped the concepts of future worship in heaven. This book should be a must read for all Bible scholars.

The Bible

2009-09-08T20:11:00.000-07:00

This book of the ages remains a timeless master piece. It is authored by God the Almighty and penned by chosen men. Although the content is ancient by our standards, the message remains relevant. This message has remained virtually unchanged throughout time as authorized versions have been published. It is definitely THE BEST SELLER of all times.

I have studied and read several different versions through and find that each time I discover those special words that help me for the moment I am in. I listen to it on CD’s, I hear it spoken by preachers and quoted by almost everyone.

To me, the Bible is God’s message to live by. It has been a standard for the laws of nations. It will take interpretations, but still remain God’s message to humanity. That message is a message of hope for a hopeless humanity.

You’ve got to read this book!

Toddler Bible

2009-08-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

Read and Share Toddler Bible (Stories retold by Gwen Ellis, Illustrations by Steve Smallman.
This Bible is a great design for the toddler.

As an adult I found the stories enabled the toddler to connect with a life application. The language is age-appropriate. The CD makes a great companion for the book. The illustrations are beautifully done. A favorite part of the book for me is the inserts for parents to reinforce the lesson to be learned from each story. I would recommend parents of toddlers to purchase the book and make it a part of their daily life to instill Christian values to the child.

Book Review

2009-07-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

Rick & Bubba’s Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage
By Rick Burgess & Bill “Bubba” Bussey

This is my first review for Nelson Book Publishers. I found the book written in simple terms and interspersed with adequate humor. The book’s perspective is from the man’s point of view about marriage. I found it uncovers some of the female agenda quite interestingly. It is a light hearted approach to a very serious subject and a good read.

I am not sure that every situation written about in the book covers the subject sufficiently. I had some difficulty focusing with the parenthetical entries of whose opinions were being expressed, i.e., (Rick) or (Bubba). Prior to receiving the book I had never heard of Rick or Bubba.

As a husband I did find some of the information very intriguing and enlightening at times. I have come to realize through the reading that I am right about some things and maybe wrong about other things. The Book of Blame is exaggerated but still interesting as are many of the insertions throughout the book.