The Fold by Peter Clines

The Fold is in the classic style of the science fiction novels of the 50s and 60s.  I was pleased to see the author did not fall back on the same old time or space travel theme.  The story is set in modern times making it easier for the reader relate to but also brings back a little of the past as a reference.  While the main character maintains multiple layer of complexity, the author is able to bring out the more personal side rather than letting the characters strengths over power the story.  The supporting character were also well rounded, each adding they own spin on the plot.  The unknown behind the new technology helps to drive why this is such a mystery and why is it guarded so well.  I liked the author’s ability to bring reality into his story, there were issues, problems and glitches those are what fuel the story and motivate the reader to read on.  As a warning if you are looking for a book for a child, here are a few sex scenes and a fair amount of swearing.  While it did not hamper the story, it really didn’t add much to it either. 

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

Legend by Eric Blehm

We read, watch movies and pretend to be super heroes, but we are looking for heroes in the wrong place.  Legend is a novel about a real person, fact based story and the moral and ethics we all hope our children learn.  I have read several of the author’s books and I am pleased to see he did a masterful job at capturing the real Roy Benavidez story.  The book provides Roy’s childhood, losing both parents and being raised by other family members.  A t a very early age he learns about helping others and the family values that would guide him the rest of his life.   While his career in the military had, many difficulties he would always strive to fulfill his dream about being in the Special Forces.  After a serious injury that would have left most people mentally and physically disabled Roy kept going.  He overcame many physically limitations and is accepted as a Green Beret.   After being station in Vietnam he finds out a mission has gone bad and they need help extracting the men. Roy volunteers to help.  His efforts are inspiring and altruistic.  This proves we have real heroes around us.  We need to read more about this type of hero and less about a guy in a cape wearing leotards.   If you enjoy history, this book will captivate you.

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

Better and Faster by Jeremy Gutsche

 While the overall concept of the book is interesting, the reality is few of us are in the position to

make these kinds of business decisions. Many of us might work for a big brands or large corporations but the bottom line is if you are not at a senior management level, no one cares what your ideas are. On the other side if you own your own business or are looking to do a startup company then this book has a lot to offer. While the book is full of stories of success and failure, I lost interest quickly and skimmed the book to find out that at the back of each chapter contains the majority of what you might be looking for. The author covers business topics like convergence, divergence, cyclicality, redirections, reduction and acceleration. Toward the end of the book, the author does an overview of several industries like fashion, technology, retail, broadcast and media, food, etc. The overall theme is change is inevitable, unless you embrace change, your success in business will be limited or nonexistent.

 

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

                                                                                                                                                              

Performing Under Pressure by Hendrie Weisinger and J.P. Pawliw-Fry

If you peruse the local bookstore in the self-help section, you will find hundreds of books on how to handle stress, pressure and anxiety in your home life and at work.  I have to admit I have read a large number of these books, mainly out of curiosity and if I stumble on something that works great.  Most of these books are based on someone’s personal experience and their results.  What I find frustrating is most of the books the examples do not apply to me but this book is different.  This book is based on scientific research, covering a large cross section of people and with many testing scenarios.  The authors understood one method does not work for everyone so they have provided the reader 22 different methods you can use separately or combined.   Before you get to the part about how to resolve your stress or pressure, the authors provide you, in detail, what triggers these situations.  Knowing the root cause helps greatly in selecting which method will work the best for you.  As the book states on page 95, “…free yourself from pressure traps by letting your own values, interests and goals motivate you; value yourself, and focus on what you can control – your own efforts.  Your days will be filled with fewer pressure feelings, less pressure anxiety.”  Who could ask for anything more.        

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



The Power of a Half Hour by Tommy Barnett

There are tons of self-help books on time management, goals, relationships, etc.  They all seem to focus on one system that everyone is suppose to fit into but this book is different.  The author has an in-depth understanding and firsthand experience with all kinds of people.  He knows a set method or process does not meet everyone’s needs.  The focal point of the author’s book is to provide the reader not one method but thirty different ideas on how to refocus and recover time you thought you did not have.  While other books force on one method the author provides examples around purpose and values, personal goals, faith, character and attitude, career, relationships, marriage and family, church involvement and may others.  It is up to the reader to pick what is his or her key area of interest and run with it.  Once you have completed the first 30 minutes, you will be motivate to try more ideas.

The book is set up any generation.  It is a quick read and the chapters are short and to the point but the effort involved is always 30 minutes.  That is about the same amount of time it takes at the local, overpriced, coffee bar to order and drink a latte.  If you are looking for something more and not exactly sure what it is, start with this book.        

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

POSSIBLE a Blueprint for Changing How We Chnage the World.

I have been involved in many church and nonprofit adventures.  I was looking forward to what the author, with all of his vast knowledge and experience, had to say.  I was hoping for something I could really sink my teeth into but it didn’t deliver what I hoped it would.  I patiently read story after story of the author’s and many others experiences. While this is helpful to understand and frame up the beginning of the book, I lost interest half way through.  I do agree with his passion, wisdom, vision and the fellowship of others approach.  That method helped me launch a non-profit many years ago so I know that works well.  If you are looking for a tool, guideline or a better method to change something then skip to the appendix.  For me that that was the key message: A tool for discovering and designing change and a tool for mobilizing, implementing and multiplying changes.  I wish the author had focused more on how to implement and execute changes.  You cannot make change without getting your hands dirty.     

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

Martyr's Fire by Sigmund Brouwer

Will this quest lead the Orphan King to an ancient secret or to total destruction?  The Orphan King disguised as a beggar escapes Magnus after fifteen men that refer to themselves as the Priest of the Holy Grail take control of the cast.  With the help of his long time friend the Orphan King begins a journey the sends him to the Holy Land.  His beliefs are tested with a power others have been searching for.  You are sent into a world of Merlin’s Immortals.  Evil conspiracies and secrets open up hidden discoveries and hidden knowledge.

The book follows the same form and pattern as the first two books.  It provides and interesting plot and a quick read for an adult.  We are presented with many plot twists and lots of exciting adventure to keep the reader interested throughout the book.  The character structure is memorable and well thought through.     

 I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah.