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.

The Radical Question A Radical Idea by David Platt

Don’t judge a book by its cover or by its size.  This book is a quick read but it does contain a question all churches in America should ponder.  Are we so comfortable in our worship that we have lost the meaning of what being a Christian is?  The author describes a common church setting were we drive up in our cars, sit on padded seats, while sitting in the comfort of conditioned or heated buildings.  On the other side of the world people or sneaking into homes that are make shift gathering places for worship but it is illegal in that country.  They gather, pray and hope for salvation, not to mention survival if they are caught.  Do we need all the fancy buildings, audio video equipment and high paying speakers?  No, we don’t.  What the book does so well is bring us back to reality.  What many of the churches today miss is the ability to prepare their congregation.  The preparation the author refers to is in how to reach out to others about Jesus, about their faith and about what it is to be a Christian.  Most of us sit and listen to the sermon, most not able to recall what it was about, and then we go home.  The book does not give you clear cut answers but it does give you the basic understanding that we need to make changes.

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

Miraculous by Kevin Belmont

Based on the title of the book I assumed the examples provided would all be examples from the bible.  The first third of the book does go into the miracles within the bible and does a good job explaining the details behind each of the examples that were selected.  The author could have easily filled the whole book up in this manner but he did not.  Instead, the author pulled examples of people from all walks of life to show the miracle that occurred and how that one event made a major difference in that person life.  The examples he used were people like St. Augustine, Martin Luther, Jonathan Edwards, and George Washington, just to name a few.  Each chapter is dedicated to a different person in the later part of the book.  Each one is a mini biographical snap shot of that person and the miracle that changed their life.  I found the book interesting because not only did the author select examples form the bible but the background he provided on the others crossed several different life styles and geographical locations.

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

A Sudden Glory by Sharon Jaynes

I ordered the book in hoping to use it in a couple’s bible study class.  The book was written as a women’s bible study tool but not a couple’s bible study.  Men will find it offensive at times.  A good example of this is on page 34, The Relentless Romance.  The question comes up between a couple about how a woman defines romance and how women want to be continually pursued.  The author makes the husband sound as if he is unfeeling, more or less a moron.  In the author’s point of view, the man’s option is wrong so any further discussion is moot.  Very narrow minded thinking.  The basic fact that God created men and women different does not mean one is better than the other.  On page 61, Two Becoming One, she uses the example of the unfaithful husband loving his wife for 360 days and 5 days of the year, he has a thing for blondes.  Seriously, this is the only example you could come up with.  I could see the romance novel style stories would appeal to many women and all the discussions are about women.  If this is what you are looking for this will be a good book, if not beware.

 

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

Wisdom Meets Passion by Dan Miller and Jared Angaza

I have read more books that have claimed they could motive you to new heights, locate that lost talent you never knew you had or follow the books method to success.  To my surprise, this was not one of those self-help books.  The book was balance in a way that allowed you to explore the two different generations of the authors.  You are able to relate to one or the other author for each discussion point and in many cases both.  The book is centered on basic common sense things, many that we forgotten about in our busy life.  The book brings these things back into focus and triggers renewed and/or new thoughts.  Why have I not tried that before, why did I stop doing that or I cannot think of a reason why I should not do that?  Once I got started reading the book, it contained so many inspiration and positive ideas I could not put it down.  This book is not targeting one typical audience like many of the self-help books are but can be applied to students, singles, parents, the retired, etc.  They provide example for all of us that we should still be passionate about something in our lives no matter what that is.  Rekindle you passion, read the book.

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

Rudy by Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger

If you saw the movie Rudy, you will love the book.  The story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is an inspirational story, one that most people can relate to at some point of their life.  He may not be the biggest, strongest or the smartest but with sheer determination and the mental attitude not to quit will take him further than he even imaged.  Being a trouble child in a family of fourteen created many unique issues.  What he found was his faith, his family and the positive support of friends could get him through any challenge that he ran into.  The most interesting thing about this biography is he is not special in anyway, life for him was tough and few people early on supported any of his dreams or aspirations.  Self-doubt was one of his biggest hurls but he used his faith to align his life.  The author conveys in his story no matter who you are or what you are you have the final say in making something of yourself.  It all teeters on how bad you want it and how many times you willing to fail before you get to what you want.

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

The Blessed Church by Robert Morris

I admit I was skeptical about the topic of this book.  A mega church is trying to provide instructions to other churches that are struggling or sitting stagnate.  In the beginning of the book, Robert Morris talks about how he talks to God.  I rolled my eyes but kept reading, I wanted to hear how he built his church.  Once I got past that, the rest of the book was good.  I belong to a small struggling church so everything he said I applied to my personal situation within my church.  He talks about churches wanting to grow but explains in order to grow your church has to be healthy.  I researched this again within my own church and found out our health rating would have been considered more like being on life support.  How they built, Gateway Church may not work for you but the common sense approach to the health of the church, the leadership, communication and accountability can work for any size church.  The only stipulation you need to be aware of is the pastor and leaders of the church need to be open to change or approaching things differently.  That is the key to avoiding failure in any church is going beyond their comfort zone.

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



Grieving God’s Way by Margaret Brownley

Everyone handles a loss of a loved one differently.  Through the experience of the author, you can see the mental, physical, social and spiritual roller coaster of emotions that one could encounter.  The author has created a 90 day devotional.  Each day contains a short story, a haiku and a section called healing ways.  The stories help to present the topic of that day of how to explain, explore or just survive the grieving process.   The haiku is a short poem related to that day’s devotion, truthfully after about the fifth day I skipped the haiku, it provided no value for me.  Reviewing the three key areas the healing ways section seemed to contain the most pertinent information.  This section provided helpful tools, reference points and quotes that provided down to earth basic Christian advice on how to deal with and move on from the loss of a loved one.  My suggestion is to focus on the healing ways section.  While it is a 90 devotional, it may be too short for some.  Many of the daily devotional topics in my option could take a much longer period than just a day.  Instead of a 90-day devotional, I see it more as a 90 progressive steps to countering grief.

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

Fully Alive by Ken Davis

If you listen to your local Christian radio station, you might be familiar with the name Ken Davis.  In his book, he provides inspirational and up lifting stories in his segment called Lighten Up and Live.  His book Fully Alive is an extension of his radio show and his traveling speeches.  The book is a combination self-help, diet book, physical motivator and social interaction.  He covers the four critical areas in life: mentally, physically, socially and spiritually.  He does not claim to have all the answer but he provides stories, humor and the ability to rethink how to put your life on the right path.  His focus is around people who are older, who need a change, who struggle know what to do and try to success in a vacuum.  One of my favor quotes was “Instead of retiring, I’m going to Retread.  That way I can get another hundred thousand miles out of this body.”  He covers the common sense ways of how to research find out what drives us.  Plus, what pit falls we need to address so not to fall into the same old rut.  A book for the person needing to make a change in their life but does not know where to start.

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

Jackson the Iron-Willed Commander by Paul Vickery

This is the third book from “The Generals” collection I have read.  Like the previous two, I was not disappointed.  One of the things I look for in a good biography is the childhood of the person grewing up, what events shaped their life and whom they used as role models.  It was fascinating to follow along the path that Andrew Jackson choose, was forced into and the path most of us would not take because of the negative reaction from others.  Andrew Jackson was a strong willed and extremely determined individual.  His upbringing shaped many of the qualities he is famous for later in his life.  He never quit, never let failure detour him from what he knew was the right thing to and he listened to others but always when made up his own mind.  Jackson’s emotional and physical presented motivated and inspired soldiers who were half-starved, freezing to death and exhausted from marching.  The men that followed him accomplished many things others would not have attempted or deem it impossible.  In Andrew Jackson mind, nothing was impossible.  One of the many traits of Jackson was he did not sound like the other military leaders or presidents; he spoke in a simple language everyone could understand and related to.  If you like reading about military material this would be a book and the others from “The General” collection I would highly recommend.

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

Greater by Steven Furtick

If you have never taken the time to read the Bible or have the desire to do so but still want to learn a one of the basis lessons then this book if for you.The book is written in such a manner that you do not have to worry about being a professor in theology to understand the topics. The book brings together the stories in the bible with modern day examples.The book is well written and should appeal to people at several different levels.The only disclaimer is if you read the Bible on a regular or semi-regular basis, you will already know many of the stories and messages that the author is telling. For the ones who are familiar with the Bible this will cover no real new ground. The author does take a common sense approach to looking into oneself and exploring the idea of why I am here and what did God intend for me to do.While some people the message is loud and clear, for most of us the message is difficult to find and rarely understood.His book concept and subject manner applies itself more as a tool for a religious discussion or a Bible study class.

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

The Searchers by Joseph Loconte

The entire book is based on small portion of the Bible, specifically Luke 24:13-35.  Twenty-two lines of scripture that tell the story of two men walking back home after the tragic of Jesus being crucified.   How a stranger appeared while they were walking interested in what they had to say.  Later after they invited this stranger into their home they find out it is Jesus.  The author breaks down the story into logical sections and explains what is going and how it relates to situation we have seen, read and lived through.  While the subject matter does have high interest for me the bombardment of quotes from books from Tolkien, Lewis, Rowling and many other gifted writers caused the subject matter to be lost.  Frequently the message that the author saw as being relevant to the scripture took a around about way to deliver his point.  The author attempts several times, in each chapter, to relate the scripture to how we see this same situation from the human condition today.  The subject matter truly is interesting but it gets lost in the delivery.

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

    

Coming Apart by Charles Murray

The author takes five decades of data and research to track and trend a new pattern, mainly focusing within white Americans. The primary focus in this book is on the new upper classes and the new lower classes. Looking into the new classes and how they came about, regarding their core behaviors and values. These behaviors and values are barely recognizable from behaviors and values let us say that would have been seen within the 1950 or prior. My first knee jerk reaction was this was this was caused by the financial differences but it was not. You will have to read the book to find the true reasons why these classes formed. Part of the book compares the cultural differences between the top and bottom of white American. The author goes into detail about how the upper class now lives in an isolated pocket. This pocket surrounds them with their own kind. This creates a lack of understanding about the mainstream America and the lower classes suffering from deteriorating family structures and community life. The book contains a great deal of data to support the findings of the author. If you are interested in what is happening in America today, this book will give you a view you may not have thought of before.

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

What You Need to Know About Bible Prophecy by Max Anders

While the title of the book is rather intimidating, once you get into the book it’s surprisingly well laid out and informative.  The author in the beginning of the book states the book is easy to read, topics are easy to teach, it thoroughly biblical, it respectfully presents different evangelical positions and allows you to follow up with your own convictions and distinctions on a given issue.  At first I thought that was a lot to expect but the author comes through on everything he promises.  The material is well written and the best part is you can identify your position within each topic.  From a teaching standpoint, the author has provide research and shares other key points of views and why they believe as they do.  The amount of material presented in this book can provide for many weeks if not months of teaching materials.  If you have an adult bible study group or some form of religious discussion group this book has many topics that will provide hours of discussion points.

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

Mondays with my Old Pastor by Jose Luis Navajo

Inspirational, Insightful and Informative

When people reach their mid-life, some realize they may have taken the wrong career.  That can be quite a shock to most of us but it is a traumatic situation when you have been a pastor for several years.  The author tells his story of being at the crossroads, thinking about trying another vocation.  Through a suggestion from his wife, he goes to see a retired pastor, the one he replaced.  Through a series of Monday meetings, the author is able to re-evaluate his life, correct what has been wronged and redirect his life with more of a purpose toward Jesus.  Patterned much like the Bible the book is full of parables that help the reader to understand and better relate to the situation.  The best part of the book, without spoiling it, is at the end the Old Pastor gives a very special gift to the author.  This gift is intended to be passed on and shared with others.  I will put this book in a special place in my library.

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

Fearless by Eric Blehm

Perfect Memorial Day Read

Timing was perfect; I received my copy of Fearless by Eric Blehm the Friday before Memorial Day.  The book is a biography about Adam Brown.  The author does an excellent job of not sugar coating the remarkable story of this courageous man.  The author first drills down into Adam’s childhood to find how he was raised and what made him tick.  You could tell that at an early age he is destine to do something great.  Then you find out he is human and made a critical mistake that would haunt him the rest of his life, he got addicted to drugs.  At that time, his girl friend and future wife tried repeatedly to get him to quit.  Renewing his faith he digs deep to see that he should do to straighten out his messed up life.  He is introduced to the Navy Seal's and is driven to secede as a Special Forces member.  Even after he loses the sight in one eye, has four of his finger cut off, and replaced he still had the drive, determination and skill to make it into the elite of all Special Forces.  Adam Brown reminds us just how proud we should be for all the men and women who serve out great country.  His unselfish dedicated that eventually took his life should be a story told for generations to come. 

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

All Pro Dad by Mark Merrill

With the growing number of children being raised without father’s these days many of the young men are clueless when it comes to raising their own children.  The author takes a down to earth approach on how to be a father but does not use the clinical terms or fancy explanations.  He conveys his message through stories most men will be able to relate.  The author goes through a seven part break down of what a man needs to do as a solid father.  These questions are asked to drive the seven essential steps: Who am I?  What’s my purpose?  Why do I do what I do?  How can I better love my family?  What should I model to my children?  What do I need to share with others?  And who or what am I living for?  All of these questions are addressed so men learn, apply and take a proactive approach to their families, something that is lacking in many households in America.  The book is written in such a way that it will keep you interest, many of these types of books don’t and your interest is lost before half way through the book.

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

The Jesus We Missed by Parick Henry Reardon

The Jesus We Missed by Patrick Henry Reardon immediately caught my attention. The topic about searching for more details behind Jesus and his mission is one that has many historical gaps. While the author has a strong understanding of the bible, some of his findings and assumptions seem to elude support for his hypotheses based on lack of evidence.  He does bring up interesting insights to some of the bible’s scriptures, mainly focusing on the New Testament. While the book lacks in data to support some of the assumptions it can be used as a good bible group topic of discussion. The book brings up many stories that would trigger group discussions about Jesus and how he would react or say in certain situations. There are also the topics regarding what was his true message or mission in certain scriptures. I found myself several time having to stop reading to ponder the implications the author was trying to bring across. I did not agree with all of them but it does make you think.   While the book did not have all the factual data I was hoping for I did find it very useful in triggering excellent discussion points within a bible study group. Keep an open mind; this can be a useful book. 

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

Father Hunger by Douglas Wilson covers a very critical need that today’s society continue to see spiral out of control…fatherless families. .The author covers a lot of ground about how men should be accountable to themselves, to their wives and to their children.  This topic has been written about a great deal lately.  The author covers make sure he covers all the major areas that can help.  I have read about 25 books relating to a fatherless society.  The author does cover the topic well if you have not read about this problem before.  If you have read a few books about our fatherless society then you will see nothing new in this book.  He covers the same scripture quotations and facts as the other books.  He has research the issue well and covers it in detail but where he fails slightly is the goal of arming the men with tools, ideas and suggestions as to how to change this trend. He does go over this at a never high level but does not provide enough for most men.  I run a Christian men’s groups and while is interesting reading we have to rely on other books and materials for further training.  For the first time ready about a fatherless society, it will be a good read.  If you have read about this subject before you will not see anything new.

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

Tender Warrier by Stu Weber

 If you are not familiar with the author first book, “Four Pillars of a Man’s Heart”, do not worry it is brought up a few times in the Tender Warrior. The author’s first book focused four pillars in a man’s life King, Warrior, Mentor and Friend.  I read both but I have to admit that the “Tender Warrior” from a Christian man’s point of view carried a greater weight then his first book.  The author went into detail within a man’s world looking at the whole picture.  The first part of the book drills down into a man’s life the perceptions, misconceptions and vision.  From this part of the book, it goes into the typical masculine strengths followed by our weaker points to balance things out.  The best part of the book was the two chapters dedicated to the man in fathering his children and the two chapters about a man’s wife.  As you progress through the book, the author explores the area of a man’s friend, meaning of a true friend, not just someone to have a few drinks with but one that will be there when you need him the most.  The last chapter goes into the relationship of a man to his church, Jesus and God.  If you only have, time to read only one of Stu Weber’s books about men let it be “Tender Warrior”. 

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

A Shot of Faith to the Head by MItch Stokes

Are you tired of listening to the know-it-all atheist who drones on and on about religion but you’re not quite sure how to retaliate? Well, now you have the ammunition to fight back. The author invests a great detail of time looking at the argument from the atheist point of view so we understand both sides of the debate. Then he provides a method of realistic verbal self –defense. I have a few people I know that when we meet they go straight to beating down my religion. When we meet for lunch I wanted until they brought up the subject. Everything they brought I countered with exactly how the book described and explained. Within several minutes, they were speechless and wanted to change the topic.

If you only read, one religious based book this year let it be “A Shot of Faith to the Head. It not only helps you to understand religion from a Christian point of view but also from others who are not Christians. Most important it will help on those times when you know your right but don’t know how to defend your faith.

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

The Gospel of Yes by Mike Glenn

The “Gospel of Yes” by Mike Glenn, very rarely have I had to say this regarding a book review but I really struggled reading this book. The author is also a pastor, which brings to mind a certain morality and ethic that we hope to see in all clergy. Early on in the book, the author tells an experience he had while sitting at a lake screaming and threatening God. I understand a pastor is human but basic Christian teaching covered in the Apocrypha, “Do not try to bind the purposes of the Lord our God; for God is not like man, to be threatened” Judith 8:16. After the author had a lengthy sit down, threatening God that he was not going to get up from his chair until something happened. He claims God talked to him and said more or less why don’t you let the church and you be who I made you to be? I don’t know about you but sitting in a chair by the lake and not moving for a long period of time would make me tried and delusional. While the message is basic and simple, it also a message that is commonly shared “Just be yourself”.

The remaining part of the book repeatedly the Yes and No of what author interprets what God says. May of the passages I was familiar with and ended up looking them up again. I found a familiar pattern; many of the passages reference a certain person, time and point not a common message to all. In most examples, it does not apply but is taken as a fragmented part of scripture to fit a certain key topic or point the author was trying to convince reader about.

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

The Ministry of Christ 1000 Days by Jonathan Falwell

The Ministry of Christ 1000 days by Jonathan Falwell, based on the title I was hoping it would be an in depth study of the short period of time that Jesus was doing his ministry. If you attend, church on a semi-regular bases and/or have read or studies the bible you will find nothing new here. However, if you are someone looking for a solid understanding about the bases of Christianity or Jesus Christ then this book should help greatly. For the person exploring the meaning or history behind Christianity the author takes the short time period, approximately three and a half years, of time that Christ walked the earth providing his ministry to others.

The book reviews many of Jesus’ undertakings that occur throughout the bible. The author also take a great deal of time explaining the how the English translation from Greek occurred and the relationship between the words. I found this interesting in a few of the events in Jesus’ life but this occurred with great frequency. This is good information for someone looking to understand some of the basics of Christianity.

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

The Founders' Key by Larry P. Arnn

The Founders’ Key by Larry P. Arnn is totally dedicated to explaining the divine and natural connection between the declaration and the constitution and what we risk by losing it. While the author is a president of a college and I have no doubt he is an expert in this field. The book is rather repetitive and rather hard to follow his thought patterns. While the subject matter did peak my interest, it was quickly lost in the written presentation.

This historical portion of the book is very interesting but that was quickly lost in long drawn out explanations that were most likely missed the mark with the majority of his readers. If this is your field of study in school, the book might keep your interested longer than it did me. I did finish the book but I found that I could only read a few pages maybe a chapter a night.
I believe the subject matter could be very interesting and would even raise a few eyebrows. The author’s style of writing made it a struggle to understand and comprehend. What
the message he was really trying to deliver is unclear.

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

The Scroll, by Grant R. Jeffry and Alton L. Gansky

The Scroll, by Grant R. Jeffry and Alton L. Gansky was an intriguing book. The primary character is a biblical archaeologist that many years ago and experience that has a direct negative reaction to his faith. Because of this experience, he has made the decision to abandon his faith. A cherished friend and mentor historian is able to contact him again. With a great deal of persuasion is old mentor is able to talk him in to one more dig, the dig of a lifetime. The dig is his specialty, digging in tunnels underneath ancient Jerusalem. As the story progresses Chambers runs into mental and spiritual dilemmas that bring to the surface his failures in his faith, academic discipline and his previous personal relationships. He is driven, right or wrong, with the possibility of finding treasures far more precious than gold or money, to be able to prove the truth of the scriptures in the bible.

Though there was part of the book that seemed to drag on, as a whole the book was entertaining. If you are a biblical scholar, you may see the flaw in some of the interpretation but it is a fictional story so let us not get too carried away.

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

The Jesus We Missed by Patrick Henry Reardon

The Jesus We Missed by Patrick Henry Reardon immediately caught my attention. The topic about searching for more details behind Jesus and his mission is one that has many historical gaps. While the author has a strong understanding of the bible, some of his findings and assumptions seem to elude support for his hypotheses based on lack of evidence. He does bring up interesting insights to some of the bible’s scriptures, mainly focusing on the New Testament.

While the book lacks in data to support some of the assumptions it can be used as a good bible group topic of discussion. The book brings up many stories that would trigger group discussions about Jesus and how he would react or say in certain situations. There are also the topics regarding what was his true message or mission in certain scriptures. I found myself several time having to stop reading to ponder the implications the author was trying to bring across. I did not agree with all of them but it does make you think.

While the book did not have all the factual data I was hoping for I did find it very useful in triggering excellent discussion points within a bible study group. Keep an open mind; this can be a useful book.

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

To Be Perfectly Honest by Phil Callaway

The book “To Be Perfectly Honest” by Phil Callaway was an intriguing idea. The concept of only telling the truth for a full year seems simple enough but as the author finds out it is much harder than it looks. Will our comments offend or create negative results? Will we be surprised at how people react? I commend the author for sticking it out for an entire year. I know most people would have been done within a few days or no one would be speaking to them

In many parts of his journal /book, he did have funny or enlightening stories. For the most part the book contained random ramblings, disjointed thoughts…well things you would find in a real journal. The manner of how the books was written did make it seem like you were really reading his journal but it did not always make for interesting reading. Several sections of the journal seemed to lose focus or the purpose of why he was doing this in the first place, maybe that was intentional. If you looking for a book you can read a little bit here or there this book would be great. If you are looking for a book to sit down for several hours in the evening to read, you might want to grab a back up book just in case.

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

The Coming of Revolution by Dr. Richard G. Lee

The book “The Coming of Revolution, Signs from America’s Past That Signal Our Nations Future” raises many good observations and facts regarding our nation. Dr. Richard G. Lee goes into details regarding religion and how it changed, formed and directed the future of the USA. Many of these details are no longer taught in today’s schools because they are concerned about offending people. The basic facts that many of the reasons this nation was formed was based on religion. Dr. Lee brings back the truth behind what happened historically to form this country and what has lead us to why things are like they are today.

This is an informative book regarding the history and religion in the USA. If you are not a history buff then this book would not be for you. Most of the book is historical data used to drive the final message of his last chapter “What Can We Do?” The data being provided throughout this book is that the author indicates we are destine to repeat history if we do not take time to look back and learn by our mistakes.

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

Man Alive by Parick Morley

I had to admit the when I received the book “Man Alive” I was not excited but then after reading the first few pages I could not put it down. Patrick Morley was able to put in words what many Christian men today still struggle with, their ability to identify and understanding what their true purpose in life is. Many men in our society have their purpose and priorities backwards. Morley’s observation regarding men needing a higher purpose in life was a bull’s eye for me. After I started a non-profit charity and a men’s church group the feeling as Morley describes as a higher meaning or purpose full life is true. Your life begins to realign, your purpose in life is changed and your relationships turn for the better.

Morley’s reviews the seven primal needs into a powerful spiritual life in his book. He explores the internal feeling most men have but do not share with others. Then he moves with related stories where most men can easily relate to similar situations. He proceeds to provide examples of how to break this cycle of men feeling worthless. The last part of the book…well let us say the main focus is how you can leave the world a little better for having been there.

I would highly suggest this book for any man who is a church pew warmer and not a church doer.

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

Surviving Your Serengeti By Stefan Swanepoel

I was looking forward to reading the book but the publisher indicated the book was on back order. That was 6 months ago and I have never received the book. I can't say there is anything wrong with the book since I never received it. Poor communication on the publishers part.