Quiet The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking Susan Cain

Always wanted to understand why the outspoken person got the recognition, the promotion or the acknowledgement from others even though you did a better job.  This book is designed to help the introverts understand and manage around extroverts.  The author has taken into account years of research, studies and test cases where they introduced introverts, in all ages, into certain situations to see how they react and why.  With the background and studies, which the author has provided she indicates our society focuses and rewards the extroverts.  She also provided examples of great introverts and how they have changed the world.  They did not have brain storming session or group meetings but in many cases, they went off alone to work in quiet.  If you struggle as an introvert then this is necessary read.  Not only will you understand why you are an introvert and how to function better but also you will have a better understand the extroverts around you.        

I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing in exchange for my honest review of the book.

The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant by Terry Felber

Some people question their religious commitments and/or believes based on the fact they are not a member of the clergy.  This book covers both side of the equation through an easy to understand story about a relationship between a monk and a merchant.  They both started in the same way but in a critical point in their lives, they needed to make a choice, what they were better skilled.  For every church, there is a peoples, groups, merchants, etc. ready and willing to help and build, support and maintain a house of God.  The author does a good job in helping the reader understand everyone has a job and no matter which side you are on one side is just as important as the other is.  Since the majority of us are on the merchant side, the author has built in twelve key on how to live successfully.   The last part of the book is a study guide for groups or individuals.  The discussions are broken down into the twelve key for a successful life.  It is a quick ready but well worth the time for church study groups.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Deadline by Randy Alcorn

Deadline is one of the most thought provoking works of Christian fiction I have read in a long time. The author’s vision of afterlife in Heaven and Hell are based on Biblical readings but brought to the reader in a manner that is easy to visualize. The author paints a mental picture to help the reader to see why anyone would want to go to heaven.  The subject of eternity is done in a manner that is sensitive and most important believable.  I am a first time reader of this author and would recommend this book and look forward to more of his novels. People who wonder about Heaven should read this book to help them visualize the possibilities of our spiritual afterlife and not only how it impacts us but the ones we love and the other that have a impact in our lives.

I received a free copy of this book from Multbrook in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Live Second 365 Ways to Make Jesus First by Doug Bender

Overall, the book is segmented into 12 sessions, each session containing material for 4 to 5 weeks.  Each week focuses on a different topic.  For example session 1: Discover God focuses on the topics of perfect ruin, Abraham, coming hero, firstborn and death and life.  Each page contains something most people will enjoy and learn something new but also the overall book is great for Bible studies that can be done years round.

The best part of this book is it provides the reader a practical method to live out what is being taught.  The book is not designed to be followed on a specific day but can be picked up time.  If you miss a day, no big deal you can pick up where you left off.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review of the book.

When Your Parent Becomes Your Child

A must book for everyone with aging parents.  I hope that his journey and description of the dementia will trigger signs that can be detected early.  Having a parent with dementia is a physical, mental and spiritual challenge.  Every ounce of you wants to deny that this is happening to their loved ones.  Many of the situations the author describes are not unique or uncommon.  I saw the same signs with my parent but at slightly different stages.  Luckily, the author had a supporting and faith based family.  What the author did not cover is dementia will drive a spike straight through your family.  Some members see the early signs and want to take every advantage they can with support, medication if possible and placing them in a safe environment.  Part of the family will deny the issue no matter what and fight any change others make.  The remaining family members will simply avoid or ignore the entire situation.  The stress of a parent with dementia is high but the dysfunction of a family exasperates the whole situation.  Use the example the author has provided, make sure before the dementia takes your parent mentally and physically that you have family fully understands, cooperates and communicates.  Without the positive support of your family, the journey will drain you physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.  Most important never, never stop praying!      

I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Unstoppable by Nick Vujicic

Some whine on and on about life that it is just not fair. You would think Nick Vujicic would fall into this pattern, having no arms or legs but when you read his book, you will be inspired how a young man never accepted the excuse that he could not do something. No matter what the goal, task or challenge he kept trying. In some cases, it took him many times or years to accomplish what he wanted but the end goal was to keep a positive upbeat attitude and drive forward no matter what.  Much like his previous book “Life without Limits” this book also discusses what we perceive as limitations, accepting who we are, the importance of attitude and not accepting what others tell you cannot do. Nick goes into the next stage of his life were it was ended in the last book.  Through his inspirational book and personal speeches he is able to reach out developing trust with others, provide practical advice for a life of fulfillment, building stronger connections within our relationships and the understanding none of us are perfect but everyone has a gift you just need to look within to find out what yours is.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Press in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Jesus A Theography by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola

Finally, a book that incorporates the theology and biography of Jesus into one book.  The authors state how the whole Bible refers to Jesus.  This includes both New and Old Testament.  The authors go into great detail to cover the pre-existence and many key aspects of Jesus’s life.  They even go into an area not cover well in other books, Jesus childhood before the age of twelve.  This was an area of great interest since the research and information is limited at best.  There are many connections in several sections and verses of the Bible; you might not have made the connection before.  The book covers Christ before time, Christ in Creation, his birth and boyhood, his preparation for ministry, baptism, how he chooses his disciples, his mission statement, being a healer and miracle worker, teacher and preacher, the human Jesus, trial and crucifixion, plus many more key topics related to Jesus.  If you are looking for better understand, answers that have escaped you in the past and book that will make a good reference tool about Jesus, then this is a must read book.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review of the book.