Review for "Raising Boys By Design" by Gregory L. Jantz and Michael Gurian

"Raising Boys By Design" by Gregory L. Jantz and Micheal Gurian. For parents who want to raise their boys in a Christlike, sensitive, intelligent way, this book provides a wealth of knowledge! Boys differ from girls in some specific and scientific ways and being aware of these differences can improve the way we relate to our boys. Unfortunately, society and our educational system do not always understand these differences, and try to squeeze boys into a mold they were not made to fit. Jantz and Gurian explore the science and then spend several chapters suggesting practical ways to apply the knowledge. The authors use the acronym HERO to highlight four necessary values for a boy's development: Honor, Enterprise, Responsibility,and Originality. Some of the topics addressed include character, emotions, sexuality, technology and media, and school skills. As a mom, I especially enjoyed the chapters explaining the different emotional and developmental learning that a boy gets from his mom versus his dad. I appreciated hearing how my son is wired differently for processing emotions than I am, and learned some strategies for effectively communicating with him - including letting him be quiet, talking while he is active, and not expecting him to use as many words as I would. The book is an accessible read although I would not say "easy." The suggestions are practical but would take a great deal of time to implement, including journaling and notetaking on behavior for weeks. Still, I found the discussion helpful and took away several nuggets that my husband and I can use in raising our son more intelligently. 3.5 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Waterbook Multnomah Publishers for purposes of review, and am not required to give a positive review.

Review for "Living the Quaker Way" by Philip Gulley

As a Christian reader, "Living the Quaker Way" by Philip Gulley was a disappointment. It seems that being Quaker has little to do with religion or a belief in Christ. It is more of a mindset that embraces traditional Quaker hallmarks: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality. These are admirable qualities that I believe enhance the intentional life. However, separated from real faith they are little more than new-age, humanistic, feel-good mantras. According to Gulley, one can embrace any faith, or even no faith, and still live the "Quaker" way. I can't help but think his Quaker forefathers would be disappointed. Nevertheless, the discussion of the Quaker hallmarks poses some interesting questions and spurs deeper thought about one's way of life. I give the book 2 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of this book for purposes of review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing and am not required to give a positive review.

Review for "Runaway Emotions" by Jeff Schreve

Emotions. People try to change them, ignore them, make decisions based on them, believe or disbelieve them. In "Runaway Emotions," author Jeff Schreve makes his case for the proper place of emotions in a Christian's life. Schreve likens emotions to smoke alarms in our life. They alert us that some basic need in our life is "on fire," in other words, threatened. If we pay attention to the underlying cause of our emotions then we can constructively deal with the deeper issues. Shreve dedicates a chapter to each of these emotions: embarrassment, loneliness, frustration, worry, anger, guilt, discontentment, and depression. The book is written to Christians from a biblical perspective. Not technically a "self-help" book, it actually has great potential for the reader to help themselves with emotional problems! The examples are practical and relate real life and scripture. Personal stories help the reader connect his/her own story with the principles shared. The book is well written, an easy read, and a helpful discussion on how to maturely handle emotions in a way that results in personal and spiritual growth. 4 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of the book for purposes of review from Booksneeze (Thomas Nelson Publishers), and am not required to give a positive review.

Review for "Fearless" by Eric Blehm

Adam Brown is a modern day hero. Like many heroes, his life was humble, his story largely unknown except to those in his circle. I am so glad that Eric Blehm took the initiative to tell Adam's story! It is a heart-tugging, inspiring, motivating story. What makes this book so captivating is the man who is it's hero. Eric Blehm presents Adam Brown in full color, no blemishes removed, but also in full glory. Adam went through some very dark times - as a young person enjoying success and popularity but then feeling lost and aimless and turning to drugs. Adam's family and friends persisted for years in loving him, and eventually, strengthened by their faith in him, Adam courageously fought his drug addiction and became a selfless member of the elite Navy SEAL Team SIX. "Undaunted" is a word that keeps coming to mind as one reads Adam's story. He faced emotional and physical barriers to becoming a Navy SEAL, but refused to give up or give in. His wife, Kelley, was steadfast in her belief in Adam and likewise undaunted by the extreme challenges that life as his wife brought. It's a great story about an extraordinary man who rose above every challenge in his life until the moment he gave his life on a mission of freedom. It is also a testament to the brotherhood of the members of the SEAL Team SIX. Not having a military background myself, I enjoyed this glimpse into that elite group. It was obvious to me how much Adam's SEAL brothers thought of him, how highly his family and friends regarded him, and how unselfish his life and service to his family and country were. This is a book men and women alike would enjoy. It is a story that deserves to be told, a story that in turn is inspiring others to face their own challenges. I received this book on a complimentary basis from Waterbrook Multhomah Publishers for purposes of review, and am not required to give a positive review. 5 out of 5 stars. For more information, visit the website: www.fearlessnavyseal.com

Review for "I've Got Your Back" by James Galvin

"A leadership parable" is the subtitle for this new book by James Galvin, and that's exactly what it is. Galvin presents his leadership principles in story form. It's the story of four young adults who are having difficulty in their work situations. They seek out the advice and counsel of a retired Army Sargeant and former missionary. The leadership ideas he presents are put into play in their specific situations, with varying and sometimes surprising results! The book is in two parts: the first is the parable; followed by a smaller section concisely stating a summary of the leadership principles. Galvin indicates in the introduction that he wanted to create a book on leadership that the younger generation would actually read. I believe his choice of presenting ideas in the form of a story is clever. The book reads more like a novel but is full of leadership nuggets. As a story it is somewhat shallow and unrealistic, but taken for what it is - a fleshed-out leadership model - it rates as one of the more interesting books on leadership I have read. The premise of Galvin's leadership principle is that everyone needs to learn how to follow well before they can lead well. I appreciated this perspective. I have run into many "bosses" who were "toxic" in their leadership, and wish I knew then what Galvin presents here about following well even when the leader does not lead well. It's a humble, servant-minded perspectve. I recommend this book for anyone who is in the early stages of their career, positioned under another's leadership, or already leading. There is wisdom here to keep us all learning and growing. 4 out of 5 stars. For more information on the book, you may visit www.tenthpowerpublishing.com/ivegotyourback

Review for "Search and Rescue" by Colleen Coble and Robin Caroll

Emily O'Reilly is an eighth-grader who loves everything to do with Search-and-Rescue. Her dream is to have her own search and rescue dog, and she goes to work making jewelry to sell in order to buy a dog. Little did she know that her jewelry would get her involved with a case of jewelry theft! Emily must prove her innocence and restore her reputation. The story takes her and the Search-and-Rescue dogs on a series of adventures. This was a quick and enjoyable read. It kept my 12-year-old daughter's attention and she found it entertaining. Since her age group is the desired audience, I will give her opinion. The story was engaging and fun. Some of the characters were strange, such as the group of native Americans and their religious beliefs. She found the ending unsatisfactory since some issues were left unresolved. Still, the book integrated the Christian faith of a teenager into an interesting story. Recommended especially for girls. 4 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers (Booksneeze) for purposes of review, and am not required to give a positive review.

Review for Andy Stanley's "Next Generation Leader"

Andy Stanley, the gifted communicator and pastor of Northpoint church, has condensed much of his teaching on leadership into one great book. True to his own calling as a leader, Andy is dedicated to coaching others to become better leaders as well. "Next Generation Leader" is especially for up and coming leaders who wish to learn from the wisdom of those older and more experienced, but it is full of leadership principles that are applicable to a leader throughout his/her life. Andy addresses 5 essentials for leaders: competence, courage, clarity, coaching, and character. Leaders are encouraged to accomplish more by doing less, have the courage to take risks, manage uncertainty, recruit and learn from a coach, and safeguard their integrity. The book is a quick and easy read without being simplistic. It is full of great nuggets of wisdom, questions to ask, ideas to try, and stories illustrating the principles discussed. As is true of all Andy's books, it is down to earth, honest, and in a personal and engaging style. Questions at the end of each chapter are a great help for the individual or for group study. I believe anyone in leadership, no matter how experienced, will find several truths worth discovering and implementing from this winner of a book. I received a complimentary copy for purposes of review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing and am not required to give a favorable review. 5 out of 5 stars

Review for "Gods at War" by Kyle Idleman

Every heart is a battleground for our allegiance. What keeps us from following God with our whole heart? Author Kyle Idleman asserts that while we may point to particular temptations or sins as the answer, at the root of every sin is an idol that claims our heart's worship. Kyle explores several areas of power including: food, sex, entertainment, success, money, achievement, family, romance, and self. Each chapter includes insightful questions to help the reader discern where in their own life there may be a struggle with one of these "idols." This was a great book! I found it challenging and insightful. I liked it because it was scriptural and blunt, not tiptoeing around issues but asking penetrating questions and giving practical examples. Kyle's style is fun and lighthearted to read. He includes humorous footnotes and allusions to pop culture that 30-40-somethings will identify well with. I found myself laughing one moment and then feeling the truth hit home the next. Young authors sometimes try too hard to be funny and relevant to today's culture and end up with watered-down fluff for content. Kyle does not make that mistake, this book is full of mature insights. The questions at the end of each chapter would be good for personal reflection or discussion with a study group. 5 out of 5 stars. I received this book on a complimentary basis for purposes of review from Booksneeze (Thomas Nelson Publishers) and am not required to give a favorable review.

Review for "The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant" by Terry Felber

When I saw that Dave Ramsey wrote the forward for this book, I knew it would be good - and I was not disappointed! This great little story is a quick read packed with truths about building wealth, using marketplace skills for God's kingdom, and being a businessperson of integrity. The twelve truths are couched in a believable little story about a merchant and his grandson several hundred years ago, when Venice was a center of world trade and the grandiose cathedral St. Peter's was being built at the Vatican. The engaging backdrop is the setting for the transferring of wisdom from one generation to the next. The monk represents those in the ministry vocation, and the merchant those in business. The merchant explains how he learned that his role in the marketplace is no less a calling than the full-time minister's calling. The idea that wealth is bad is refuted. Instead, those God has gifted with the ability to innovate in business and generate wealth have the privilege and responsibility of doing their best in the marketplace and in turn supporting kingdom work. The principles of the merchant and his wealth apply to everyday, middle class people too; people who want to do their best with their income and want to honor God. The study guide at the end of the book is great. I can easily see myself doing this with a small group or discussing with a friend. For anyone in business or who is interested in the topic of wealth-building and integrity, this is a great edition! 5 stars out of 5 stars. I was provided with a complimentary copy for purposes of review by BookSneeze of Thomas Nelson Publishers, and am not required to give a positive review.

Review for "Sent" by Hilary Alan

The subtitle, "How One Ordinary Family Traded the American Dream for God's Greater Purpose" sums up this book. Hilary Alan describes the journey she and her family took in following God's leading to uproot and relocate in Southeast Asia to do missionary and relief work following the tsunami. Alan speaks with honesty about the struggles she had in reaching this decision, implementing the decision, and living in a foreign country. First, what I liked about this book was the challenge of a personal story from an ordinary American family. If God could use them, then He can use me! Many times I found myself asking, "Would I be willing to do that?" and hungering for the sense of purpose that the Alan family found. The story is told with honest detail from a relational perspective. I could identify with Hilary as a mom and a wife. Some things that I thought could have been improved on in the book were the organization and the style. There were too many chapters and they were too short for me. Each one dealt with one specific aspect of the decision/journey, and I would have like to see them combined into more broad themes. Also, the style was a little casual and the sentences short. This makes the book an easy read... I however would have enjoyed a little more literary meat. All in all, it is a great story worth telling, and also worth reading. 3 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for purposes of review, and am not required to give a positive review.

Review for "The Fantasy Fallacy" by Shannon Ethridge

I have enjoyed Shannon Ethridge's refreshing honesty and direct handling of tough topics for women in the Every Woman's Battle series, and she delivers great writing and counsel in this book as well! The Fantasy Fallacy is a response, in part, to the bestselling book "Fifty Shades of Grey." Ethridge takes this opportunity of the exposed erotica in a woman's mind to explore where these thoughts arise from and how a Christian woman can allow the Holy Spirit to guide her through them. True to her compassionate style, Ethridge is honest but never judgmental. Christian women likely have no place they feel comfortable asking questions about sexual thoughts and fantasies, so to read her sensible, God-honoring advice is even comforting. Some of the topics covered by the book are retraining our mental focus, the fascination with pornography, multiple partners, gay and lesbian desires, BDSM (bondage, domination, and sadomasochism. There is no prescription in the book as to how to behave. Rather, Ethridge encourages the reader to look deeper into the sexual desires in order to understand the root causes and needs, then allow God to meet those needs and help us along a more healthy path. I believe every woman deals at some level with sexual fantasies. Whether the reader is simply curious, knows someone dealing with sexual issues, or is herself involved some of the sexual fantasies described, this book will be informative, sensitive, and helpful. 4.5 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of the book for purposes of review from BookSneeze (Thomas Nelson Publishers) and am not required to give a positive review.

Review for "When Bad Christians Happen to Good People" by Dave Burchett

The title draws you in, doesn't it? Who hasn't been hurt by someone claiming to be a Christian? In this revised edition, Dave Burchett adds chapters that reveal God has continued to work at healing his own wounded heart. I had not read the 2002 version, and am glad I started with the 2011 version. The best chapters were the last, and the latest. The byline of the title is "Where We Have Failed Each Other and How to Reverse the Damage." I would argue that most of the book is spent on the "where we have failed each other" category. It is not hard to catalog a list of dumb, obnoxious, ignorant, and hurtful things Christians have done to each other and non-Christians. Burchett seems to vent a lot of his own pent-up steam in writing these chapters. While admitting frequently that he realizes now that he used to be one of the very people he rails against, Burchett still comes across as angry, cocky, and condescending. Still, he writes with honesty about the problems of legalism, moralism, and generally being "insider-minded" about our faith, and I am sure many readers have found catharsis in reading someone else's rantings about the things that also bother them. I had hoped the book would contain more information about "how to reverse the damage" - more about forgiveness, grace, healing for those who are hurt. The last couple of chapters detail Burchett's own journey in discovering grace, after publishing the original version of the book. The chapters are the most honest and most helpful, in my opinion. The book does contain some food for thought and good ideas for ways sincere Christians can be genuine in sharing their faith and avoid being obnoxious or even hurtful. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for purposes of review, and am not required to give a positive opinion. 3 out of 5 stars.

Review for "The River" by Michael Neale

After reading some great reviews of this book I was eager to begin. However, I finished with disappointment. It was a nice story, but it didn't touch me. It was entertaining and easy to read but was predictable and lacked profundity. It is what it is - a novel for mass consumption with a clean and appealing story. The story relates the experiences of young Gabriel Clarke, who must overcome his fears which stem from a tragic incident as a young child. Leaving "the River," which was the scene of the incident, Gabe's life takees a 90 degree turn as he moves to Kansas and lives out his childhood struggling to gain his confidence and get past his fears. Through a summer camp kind of experience, Gabe returns to "the River," meets a girl (of course), faces his fears, and hears the call to a life of more scope and confidence. It is a story of forgiveness as well as overcoming fear. I found the characters one-dimensional, with the exception of Gabe himself. They served their purpose in the plot, that is all. They were a little "too good to be believed" - the attractive girl who picked the shy boy and brought him out of his shell, putting up with all his behavior; the older mentor who happens to also be a great cook, play Gabe's favorite game, know Gabe's family, never get angry, appears at just the right times. There were several elements of the story that I thought were never fully developed: the mysterious stranger who sold marbles, the red-tailed hawk, the marble he bought and kept losing. The most disappointing aspect of the book was that I felt the end was rushed and the most significant conflict was fully solved within the span of a few hours. After taking the whole book to describe Gabe's complex and deep issues, this ending felt unrealistic and trite. Still, all in all, it was not a bad read - just not great literature. Enjoy it for what it is. I received this book on a complimentary basis for purposes of review from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of the BookSneeze program.

Review for "Running For My Life" by Lopez Lemong

Lopez Lemong has had to endure things no human should ever have to face, let alone as an innocent child. This is his story, from his time as a Lost Boy in the civil war of Sudan to U.S. Olympic athlete. Far from the angry, bitter life one would expect of someone who faced such horrific circumstances, Lopez's life is one of gratitude, hope, and perseverance. He tells his story matter-of-factly as he remembers it, and even the retelling of it is full of Lopez's optimism and faith. As a reader, I felt myself journey with him. My heart broke for him. Sometimes I laughed with him. I felt it a profound privilege to partake in this small way in his remarkable life. I came away with a deeper appreciation for my own country, the USA, and how God has blessed my life. I also was inspired by Lopez's perseverance and desire to give back and help others. This is the kind of story that, while exposing man at his worst, also rekindles hope in man redeemed by God and at his best. I read it in two sittings, it was so captivating and an easy read. 5 out of 5 stars. I received this book on a complimentary basis from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of the BookSneeze program for purposes of review. I am not required to give a favorable rating.

Review for "Dug Down Deep" by Joshua HarrisT

Theology. Orthodoxy. Doctrine. These words conjure up images of stale, stuffy books and academic study. But Joshua Harris, in "Dug Down Deep," speaks with passion and life about these topics which lift us out of superficiality. The Christian life is a rich and deep journey, one that confronts us with the need to think intellectually about what we believe about God and His Word if we are to grow past spiritual infancy. Harris writes from his own personal testimony, the journey of moving past being a self-proclaimed "apathetic church-kid" to a passionate student of God's word. He treats lofty concepts such as salvation, justification, sanctification, incarnation, redemption, and the work of the Holy Spirit in a very readable, accessible way. Coming to understand the richness of what these words mean to a Christian is not just for a Bible scholar, but for every follower of Jesus. The more we know and understand God, the more we love Him. And the way we think about Him is of utmost importance. "Dug Down Deep" is a great read for someone who is serious about growing in their faith. 4 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy from Waterbrook Multnomah Press for purposes of review and am not required to give a favorable review.

Review of "The Grace Effect" by Larry Alex Taunton

"The Grace Effect" by Larry Alex Taunton was not what I expected, but an enjoyable read. It was more intellectual, socio-political, and apologetic than I expected. It is the story of the Taunton family's experience in adopting a young girl, Sasha, from Ukraine. The story provides the backdrop for the author's main point, that the effect of Christianity on a society and nation is one of permeating grace. Much time is spent describing the utter degradation and dehumanization of the Ukrainian government and the way their society views its poor, namely orphans. Taunton explains the withering effect that atheistic government has had on Eastern European nations and how that effect is still felt today. All in all, the contrast between how government and societal organizations are run in Ukraine versus the United States is harsh and convincing. Rather than leaving the reader discouraged, however, the redeeming thread of Sasha's adoption and overwhelming joy permeates the book. It is the love of God, the grace of Christianity, that saves Sasha through the Taunton family, and that keeps a nation in large scale. Any reader interested in foreign adoption, apologetics, or how Christianity has affected nations in history and currently would enjoy this book. I was provided a copy of this book free of charge by BookSneeze, Thomas Nelson Publishers for purposes of review, and am not required to give a positive review.

Review for "Surprised By Laughter" by Terry Lindvall, Ph.D

This book was indeed a surprise to me. From the title, I expected a light and comic work, something easy to read that would make me laugh. This was anything but. The 454 pages of text were more of a scholarly treatise, well thought-out and well written but ponderous at times. Somehow, dissecting the humor in C.S. Lewis' works in 32 chapters seemed to produce the opposite effect, rendering what was light, joyful, playful, happy into something heavy.
The book is organized according to different types of humor or topics of joy found in Lewis' works, such as "Joy and Suffering," "Food and Drink," "The Fun in Nature," or "Wit and Wordplay." I did enjoy the thorough research of the author and the plentiful quotes from not only Lewis but several of his contemporaries (Chesterton, Tolkien, for example). There are many nuggets to ponder, memorable quotes, life lessons shared - but it is not light or funny reading. I am not put off by a meaty read, but this was a bit much. Appreciate it as a wonderful reference and scholarly commentary on C.S. Lewis. Two stars out of five, mainly for the misleading title and synopsis.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSneeze for purposes of review, and am not required to give a positive opinion.

Review for "Love and War" by John and Stasi Eldredge

Marriage is fabulously hard - states John and Stasi Eldredge as the beginning point for their book, "Love and War." The book is a window into the struggles they have experienced in their own marriage, and the lessons they've learned as well as the triumphs they've enjoyed. Each participates in writing and shares from their experiences, providing a balance between male and female perspectives that is unique from many marriage books.

As one would expect from John Eldredge, he drops the small story of a man and woman into the grander Love Story of God. When problems and struggles are looked at from this viewpoint, the couple has a better chance of seeing that they are on the same team and that their struggles are not with each other, but of a spiritual dimension against a spiritual Enemy. It is this shift in viewpoint that I found most intriguing and helpful about the book. There are also many practical suggestions and stories from the Eldredges' own lives. Topics covered include learning to understand underlying spiritual and emotional motivations for behaviors, companionship, how to handle disagreements, sex, living life as an adventure together.

A very good book for understanding the spiritual side of the marriage relationship and how to delve deeper in our relationship with each other and God. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I have received this book on a complimentary basis from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for purposes of review, and am not required to give a favorable opinion.

Review for "The Love and Respect Experience" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

"The Love and Respect Experience" is a devotional that is billed as husband-friendly. There are 52 short chapters of 2-3 pages each, designed to be read daily or weekly. Topics are based on principles from Dr. Eggerichs' book "Love and Respect" and supporting scripture verses are included. Each chapter also concludes with a brief prayer and action step. Discussion questions are given at the end of the book to provide more in-depth processing of each chapter.

Attempts were made to make this book user-friendly for men as well as their wives. The devotionals are an easy read and not long. The book comes in a handsome leather cover. Especially helpful is the introduction, which includes ideas for how to use the book as a couple and make it a worthwhile experience for both husband and wife. I am not convinced that the objective of making this book more appealing to husbands than other devotionals has been reached. The whole book is about relationships, not necessarily the most man-friendly. Also, I found the action steps and discussion questions tended toward the feminine or even silly side. For example, one suggestion is "When disagreements or bumps come along, say, 'One of us is Pink, the other is Blue. How can we stay together in this and blend it into Purple?'" I cannot imagine my husband ever saying this, let alone during a disagreement!

On the positive side, for the couple who is willing to try a devotional time together, or wanting to work on their marriage relationship, this would be a good book. The concepts of Love and Respect, as well as scripture, lend themselves toward many helpful insights. The readings will spur healthy communication between spouses about their relationship with each other and with God.

3 out of 5 stars. I received this book on a complimentary basis from BookSneeze (Thomas Nelson Publishers) and am not required to give a positive review.