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.

The Oasis Project by Art Adkins

Superb Mystery

The Oasis Project by Art Adkins is a murder mystery set on the east coast. A young college student is not convinced when the local police and coast guard stated it was an accident that took the lives of her parents and younger brother. Determined to find the truth behind her family’s death she has asked everyone she knows to help with little to no progress. Someone suggested that she contact a relatively new resident that just moved in, he was a retired police officer. Redundantly, the retired police officer agrees to investigate and slowly unravels the real reason behind the death of her family.

The best thing about this book is having an author that knows and understands both sides of the law enforcement point of view. This makes the story, through a protagonist point of view, more realistic than most mysteries. The book has a quick moving plot that does a masterful job at holding on to the climax until the very end. The story contains elements of mystery, suspense, comic relief and yes even a little romance. I have already told others, who enjoy mysteries they need to read this one.

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

George Washington Carver by John Perry

The “Peanut Man” and More

George Washington Carver by John Perry books covers his life as a child born into slavery and the ordeals of racial injustice during this time while striving to further his education. Carver’s quite demeanor and ability to trust in God was his driving force through many trails and ordeals through his life. The book goes through his childhood, how he was sickly but able to self educate so he could read and write. Driven by his need for more education he provided with more opportunities but again because of the historical period this also brought complications because of his race.

While Carver was very gifted, we could only wonder what would have happened if he had been just a little more structured in his pursuit of documentation while conducting his experiments. His normal method was not to bother with documenting until after the results were completed. With taking the time to document his experiments, to prove the entire process involved, would have opened more job opportunities and recognition. Since documentation was not a concern for him, many companies passed on many of his discoveries.

A fascinating biography, a must read for all historical enthusiast.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through BookSneeze.com in exchange for my honest review of the book.